United States

Sandbeach Lake is best known for (as you can probably guess) its wide sandy shore. At nearly 50 feet deep, it is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes. If you are looking to fish at the lake, make sure to bring barbless flies and lures. There are six official campsites (1.8 miles Hol...

Where to camp: San Luis State Park is located 15 miles west of Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis State Park features views of San Luis Lake, the Great Sand Dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground provides water and hot showers, which we enjoyed after a day of hiking the d...

Park your vehicle at the Umtanum Creek Canyon Recreation Area. Be aware that from mid-May to mid-September there is a $5.00 per vehicle, per day parking fee since the land is owned by Bureau of Land Management.Grab your gear and head for the swinging suspension bridge that will lead you over the ...

Lake Angeles is, rightfully, a popular day hike and overnight backpacking option, as its one of the larger, more accessible lakes in Olympic National Park. It can be done either as a moderate day hike with a refreshing swim and picnic lunch or a relaxing overnight with gorgeous views and reliable...

Begin at the trailhead either north or south of the river, where parking is offered, and hike down to the river. You should be able to hear the falls. A trail will follow along the river to the west, marked with yellow "River Trail" signs. Follow the river trail down until the footbridge leads ac...

Some days you don't need to tackle a grueling summit or long mileage loop, just getting outside the city is enough. Driving forest roads is always an adventure and pays its dividend in seclusion, viewpoints, and peacefulness. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie (FR56) offers a photo enthusiast numerous pi...

Sombrero Reef is a coral reef 8 miles offshore from Key Colony Beach. Launch your private boat from the free 33rd Street Public Boat Ramp or book a catamaran tour from Marathon. Tie your boat off on one of the 11 mooring buoys on the South side of the 142 foot Sombrero Key Lighthouse. Get your wa...

If there were a river in heaven it would be the Metolius. This gem located near Sisters Oregon offers year-round fly-fishing (only) to anyone who wishes to do so. The area offers multiple types of accommodations from tent camping to staying in resort-like cabins on the river. The best time to go...

Like the submarine in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Jules Verne called it "A Masterpiece Containing Masterpieces." The Nautilus, what some say is shaped like a corkscrew or a sea shell, is a white sandstone formation with multiple colors, shapes and textures. This makes it a great place ...

The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove.  Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area tak...

Is a so-called ‘secret beach’ that sits on Secret Beach Road considered secret anymore? Perhaps not, but don’t let that deter you from exploring the depths of Kauai’s renown Kauapea Beach, more widely known as Secret Beach. The 3,000-foot long north shore beach is known for it’s size, privacy, a...

Bushkill Falls offers visitors a choice of 4 different trails to explore. All trails are very well maintained, making this trip safe for the whole family. The most rewarding trail is the Red Trail. This route brings you to all 8 of Bushkill's waterfalls. Taking the trail counter-clockwise, you w...

Park at the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The fee to park here is $4. There is extra parking alongside the road if the parking lot is full. The trail begins opposite the parking area, noted by a wooden sign. The trail gains elevation here and there with several drop-offs secured by cable cord f...

Tunnel Trail is a great way to get to the top of La Cumbre Peak. You get to the trailhead by taking Tunnel Road until it dead ends at a large water tower, there you can park your car and start on foot. You take Spyglass Ridge Road up which is a paved fire road until it becomes dirt when you get o...

County Road 47 is between Lyons and Estes Park. It's an easy drive from Denver and is a great place to get away for the weekend. I have camped here in the summer, fall, and winter. I have to say that snow camping was my favorite. I didn't see anyone the whole weekend and had the entire area to ex...

Start by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance. To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this ro...