Michael Johnston

The trail is 4.4 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun. When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed by a breathtaking look at the hike once you reach it. The trail is very empty on weeknights and ma...

Little Deer Creek Canyon can be accessed from the Emerald Lake Highway (150) in the Uinta National Forest east of Kamas, Utah. Turn right onto Murdoch Basin Road (Forest Service Road 137) until it splits off to the road to Cataract Gorge (Forest Service Road 027). It is recommended you park here and hike down the Forest Service Road about a quarter mile until you turn right into the gorge. P...

Cecret Lake is reached by driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin above Alta Ski Resort. The hike is just under 1 mile to the lake and should take about 30 minutes. The hike goes through fields full of wildflowers and wildlife is abundant. Moose, deer, and various wildlife can be seen from the trail. The parking area can be busier on the weekends, so it is suggested you arrive e...

The trail to Bloods and Lackawaxen Lakes in Utah is just outside of Big Cottonwood Canyon which forbids both dogs and swimming due to the Salt Lake watershed. As a result, dogs and swimming are more than welcome. Blood Lake and Lackawaxen Lake Trailhead can be reached by driving up Big Cottonwood approximately 15 miles until the turnoff to Park City and Guardsman Pass. Turn left onto this ro...

Hector Lake is one of the larger lakes in Banff National Park. It is surrounded by the Waputik Range to the west, and offers pristine views of the mountains. Hector Lake is idyllic and peaceful. Most tourists drive past the trailhead on the parkway, which means the hike is not at all busy. An excellent campsite is at the end of the trail, with several canoes hidden in the trees available fo...

The Grinnel Glacier Hike begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead just past the Many Glacier Lodge. A fee of $25 is required to enter Glacier National Park for a seven-day pass. The Many Glacier region is entered from the east side of the park from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Grinnell Glacier Hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world with beautiful views of the glacier, ...

The trailhead for The Quiraing starts at the summit of the road between Staffin and Uig.  Descend towards the Quiraing and loop around through the sheep's gate along the ridge back to your car.  There is minor elevation gain on the way back, but you are rewarded with amazing views of the isle.  It's recommended to take some good boots to make the entire loop. Feel free to bring a frisbee and t...

Boom Lake offers amazing views of Boom Mountain and the ridge separating Alberta and British Columbia. It is not as popular as many other hikes in the area, which means exclusion for anyone willing to explore the lake. The abundant wildlife in the area includes wolves, bears, mountain goats, deer, and moose. The view at the lake is absolutely astonishing.The Boom Lake trailhead is reached by...