United States

Formerly a Washington State Park, Kamiak Butte County Park is a hidden treasure on the eastern border of the state. An "ecological island" rising more than 800 ft from the surrounding hills of Palouse, the butte is home to a high country desert on its southern side and a lush forest on its shaded no...

The trail starts at the parking lot with bathrooms, bike rack and picnic table at the trailhead. Trailhead coordinates (43°25'40.5"N 113°32'55.3"W) It winds its way along a pretty flat and straight path through desert pine forest along the edge of a lava floe. It passes a small crater which is surro...

The Enchantments is one of the most beautiful spots in Washington, but rarely visited outside the summer months, when access is merely difficult. But for those brave souls with the knowledge and determination to ski these hallowed slopes, the experience is surreal. The approach up Aasgard Pass is mo...

The trail starts at the parking lot which has some nice bathrooms and a nice small picnic area that is open year-round. From the trailhead, you will follow the signs that will lead you to a short mostly flat, 7-mile hike to the first arch. Once you get to the first arch there is a small area with so...

This is one of my favorite options for a quick weekend backpacking trip near Louisville. The trail forms a figure eight around 2 lakes - Indian Lake and and Lake Celina. Hiking the full outer loop around both lakes is about 16 miles, but if that's too much distance or you are short on time, you can ...

Drive through Calico Basin near Red Rock Canyon Conservatory Area, and park at the end of the road. (The parking lot is pinpointed above) Once you're out of your car, you'll see the Cube. It's a 25 foot boulder, with both easy and extremely difficult climbs on it. Head toward the Cube (toward the hi...

Nestled right along the Little Missouri River, Cottonwood Campground offers 76 camp sites (including pull-through, back-in, and walk-in sites). Walk-in sites sit right along the river where buffalo and wild horses are frequently spotted at dusk and dawn. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ri...

Moraine Park Campground is the only year-round campground at Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer there are 244 reservable campsites and 77 first come first serve during the winter. Large numbers of elk gather in Moraine Park during the rut (September-October) and it's a popular wildlife ...

Access the trailhead for Big Fall Creek Falls via Trail Creek Road. From Sun Valley the road is typically passable for sedans but is prone to producing flat tires. The parking area doubles as dispersed, free camping. Start the hike by crossing the creek on the log bridge. With the creek on your righ...

Beth Lake is part of the "Lady Chain" of lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's secluded, serene and worth the trip, especially if you're up for an afternoon of cliff jumping. You can reach Beth Lake in half of a day, assuming you set out in the morning and are efficient with your time. But f...

This trip is for the lover of solitude and the appreciator of the unscathed backcountry. Wetterhorn Basin is in the heart of the beautiful San Juan Mountain range in Southwestern Colorado. With a 4WD high clearance vehicle start at the West Cimarron Trailhead at 10,750 feet (38.1117N -107.5533W), wi...

If you're not already camping there, park at Oh Be Joyful Campground, about 5 miles up County Road 734 from downtown Crested Butte. There's parking on either side of the river crossing, but you're going to have to get your feet wet anyway, so might as well park in the first parking lot and walk acro...

The first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurers s...

Get a permit . Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center. Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister! Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4. Eagle Peak uti...

Medium-sized campground across the road from Sylvan Lake. Run by Custer State Park - reservations can be made online. Several individual sites are available for walk-in camping, which makes for a backcountry experience. Make you campsite reservation here: https://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks...

Located in the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Chinns Lake is a high-elevation alpine destination known for its peaceful mountain setting, dispersed camping, fishing, and stunning lake views. Accessible via a rugged 4WD road, this hidden gem offers a true Colorado backcountry experience ...