The variety of ecosystems and adventures in the United States is truly remarkable. Whether you're looking to hit the beach, the mountains, the desert, or jump in the car and road-trip it all, the USA has adventure for everyone.
Newfound Gap is a mountain pass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newfound Gap is accessible via U.S. Route 441 from Gatlinburg, TN or Cherokee, NC. You can watch the sunrise from the parking lot at Newfound Gap or the viewing platform adjacent to the parking lot. At sunrise, layers of pink an...
This adventure is a little harder to pinpoint on a map because the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone encompasses a large area of the park. Also, the premier wildlife photography can be found on either end of what is officially "Lamar Valley" so you want to pay attention for a good part of the drive. You c...
The Pawnee Buttes are a major geological feature within Pawnee National Grasslands in the far northeastern part of Colorado. There are two sandstone buttes that each rise over 300ft from the surrounding areas. There are also several other mesas nearby that are worth exploring. The trail is very stra...
There are over 35 miles of hiking trails in the park. The twelve trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park are named after an animal and marked with the animal’s footprint. For a 2.6 round trip hike, start at the Burro Trailhead in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. You’ll immediately cross over a little ...
Shell Creek starts high up in the Bighorn Mountains, and flows through the Bighorn National Forest until it reaches the Bighorn River, near the small western town of Greybull. Shell Canyon has been carved out over millions of years, creating deep limestone and granite cliffs. Make sure to stop at th...
The easiest way to access this loop hike is by parking at the Palisades State Park Headquarters. This is just off exit 2 from the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Parking here is free and it is a short walk down a road to the Closter Dock Trail. The Closter Dock Trail is more of a wide fire road but it...
This 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one. 1) West T...
The trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin you...
The Ke'ana Point Trail winds along the shore of O'ahu from Waianae on the West to Mokuleia on the North. You'll have the chance to see monk seals and multiple species of protected birds. To access this hike from Honolulu drive West on the H1 towards Waianae. Eventually the H1 will become Farrington ...
Cardiff Fork and Donut Falls share the same parking lot, so depending on what time of week you go exploring here, it may be the most packed parking in all of the Wasatch. Head up on a weekday for less crowds. The Cardiff Fork trailhead is follows the rocky jeep road around the parking lot to the wes...
These directions are similar to those marked in the Red River Gorge Climbing Guide. Be sure to pick one up at Miguel's Pizza or elsewhere to get a good idea of where all of the crags and climbing routes are. This adventure is to the Volunteer Wall and The Gallery crags. The parking lot is marked on ...
I personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. Enjoy...
Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will ke...
The Quinault Valley receives an average of 12 feet of rain per year which maintains the temperate rain forest ecosystem. The Quinault Rain Forest is located within the Olympic National Park and is located on the N. Shore Road about 6 miles off of HWY 101. Once you arrive to the ranger station you'll...
The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest taki...
You don't have to rent a bike but it's the "Austin" thing to do. With plenty of pick up and drop off locations all throughout the city you can start the trip and end it whenever you feel like it! It's recommended to start the trip on South Congress at the bike rental located near Doc's Motorworks, o...