Cara Holmes

Explorer

03/18/26

A beautiful view point in Santa Fe that is just outside of the main plaza! Its a short ways up to the cross but you are at 7k ft elevation in Santa Fe, so its ok to take breaks! Theres lots of plaques along the switchbacks telling you of Santa Fe’s history, so take your time!

A short hike by Red Rocks Ampitheater in Morrison, CO. The Trading Post Trail starts from the Trading Post Visitor Center but it crosses the road a few times so you can start it at thise locations as well. Its a great little loop to immerse yourself in the red rock terrain just miles from Denver. Its an easy hike in terms of distance and elevation gain but it is uneven terrain. Great views and make sure to bring water and wear sunscreen! *There are deer in this area so make sure to leash your dog.

Explorer

12/17/25

This one is a real workout! The trailhead starts from town and is essentially switchbacks all the way up. We did this as part of a larger hike (Hardergrat), so we did it in the dark in the wee hours of the morning. It had rained the day before and the trail was damp. Not much mud created from the rain when we went, but the trail has lots of rocks and roots so watch your footing.

A different kind of beautiful in the winter! Snodgrass Trail is a popular one in Crested Butte and for good reason: its not that difficult (though it is an incline at elevation!), you can make it a lollipop loop (and a few trails to do so), and it has amazing views! We enjoyed Snodgrass via hiking but there were plenty of people ski touring, and we saw snowshoe tracks as well. There is a portapotty at the trailhead/parking lot.

The hike up to Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes also passes by a beaver pond, Mayflower Lake, and a few waterfalls, so there is a lot to see on the way up! For the most part the hike is gradual. The real incline will be from Mayflower lake to Lower Mohawk Lake, but it is so worth it. If you hike past Upper Mohawk Lake, you'll come across 4 more smaller lakes and you'll have stunning views of the gulch. You can backpack up here and we saw fish in the lakes, and someone actively fishing. It's a loaded hike and one of my favorites in Summit County!

Explorer

08/31/25

Explorer

07/26/25

An amazing trail through a steep meadow of wildflowers, up to a lookout to an alpine lake and then a fire tower! Took us just over 2 hours to get to the summit and we stayed a while to enjoy the view (we had amazing weather). *Garmin watch tracked closer to 8 miles

Wheeww this is a long one! 16 miles out and back via Little Browns Creek Trail. The terrain is pretty gradual though and youre along the creek so plenty of opportunities to filter H20 if need be. Amaazing views when you get up into the alpine. You will join the jeep road for a few switchbacks before the ridge crossing to head up to the summit. Highly recommend Little Browns Creek Trail over hiking up the West Slopes (jeep road) for the whole thing because it will feel more like a hike. You may also find some aquamarine stones near the summit!

Explorer

07/08/25

White Sands is otherworldly, and Alkali Flat Trailhead lets you explore the expansive dunes without fear of getting lost (theres lots of markers!). It is just under five miles and best done in the early morning or towards the end of the day so you avoid strong sun, as there is no shade. Make sure to bring lots of water and wear sunscreen!

Explorer

07/03/25

Manoa Falls is a very touristed trail on Oahu and the hike is easy on a well marked path through the forest. There is a small cafe in the building with restrooms by the parking lot, and a hose upstairs to wash your shoes off (it can get muddy). Busy, but a nice walk.

What a leg workout! I went early in the morning and it was overcast so didnt have to worry about the sun, but there is no shade on this trail so take that into account when you go. The view at the summit was stunning and you can get a good sunrise there! Worth the early wakeup call.

Explorer

04/15/25

The Bakers Tank trail is just outside of downtown Breckenridge. There are two places to cut out of the forest- 1 before Bakers Tank and 1 at Bakers Tank, so you can have a shorter or longer hike. The hike starts in the woods and on your way back youll be on Boreas Pass Road which has a great view of the 10 mile range and Breckenridge Ski Resort. The road is closed to cars in the winter until about Memorial Day weekend.

An easier hike in Bryce Canyon with amazing views of the hoodoos everywhere you look. In early April there was still some snow on the ground. Yak-traks not necessary but could be helpful. It was cloudy when I went so cant speak to the shade levels, but dress in layers and bring some water for when it is warmer out. You can combine this loop with the Navajo Loop as well to make it a bit longer.

Explorer

04/15/25

What an incredible hike! Got the early lottery slot which was nice because that meant it wasnt busy hiking up to the ranger check-in. Alot of switchbacks to get up to the base at Scout Landing but if youre in decent shape its not as hard as it looks. Angels Lqnding itsekf was such a neat experience! Not the hardest hike and the handrails are helpful. Awesome views from up top!

Caught a late afternoon ski tour at Chalk Creek. At tbis time of the day there was ample parking and we did not see anyone else skiing. Snow conditions werent great when we chose to go but it can be incredible. Note that there can be snowmobiles in the area as well. Views were incredible!

Explorer

01/04/25

Shackleton is probably one of the most well known (and coolest) explorers, and Grytviken Cemetary is his resting place. The cemetary is on one end of the old Grytviken whaling station so you can see and learn about the station’s history with the remaining buildings and museum. There is also wildlife such as fur seals, elephant seals, and penguins here- depending on the season.

Mayflower Gulch is my go-to hike when I have visitors in town. Its an easy hike with minimal incline so totally doable for those coming from a lower elevation. The hike is along a jeep road and in the summer vehicles on the road are very minimal as lost people park in the lot, and in the winter youll see people ski touring on the trail. Big bang for your buck with incredible, rocky mountain views and remnants of buildings from the Boston Mine.

Explorer

01/04/25

Estancia Túnel is such a hidden gem that is visited by locals more than tourists. It's an old barrel factory on the shores of the Beagle Channel, and the hike is rather easy- just some light rolling hills, rocks, and tree roots. You start the hike in a forest and it'll open up to a big field. Take a right to go down to the ocean and there are two small coves. On a sunny day, this is a great spot to picnic in the grass and take a dip in the ocean. We rented bicycles and biked here. We only had 4 hours of the bicycle rental but I wish we had more because I could have stayed here all day, it was so beautiful. It is a must-do on a sunny day in Ushuaia.

An easy-moderate hike outside of Ushuaia that brings you to a beautiful green-blue lake! The trail is well marked and maintained, and it can be busy on a nice day. You hike by a beaver pond and over some boardwalks before reaching the lake, and the elevation gain is gradual. Can take 3-5 hours depending on your speed!

Explorer

11/08/24

The Norris Geyser Basin is BEAUTIFUL. I recommend going in the early morning when the steam is really prominent with the morning light. You will also probably avoid crowds this way- we were the only ones there when we stopped!

Explorer

11/08/24

Minnie Mine Loop is a short and easy hike in Breckenridge- close to downtown but outside of it. The parking lot is small but there are not usually too many cars. People also mountain bike here so keep your eyes and ears out. There are a few mining ruins with informational signs and there is a reslly grest virw of Breckenridge Ski Resort. Great hike if youre looking to move your legs, get in some nature, but not work hard or for very long.

Explorer

11/01/24

One of the “easier” 14ers in Colorado but you should still be prepared with the 10 essentials! Paid reservation parking in the summer, or take a shuttle from the Breck Gondola lot. Really great views of the 10 mile range and surrounding gulches. Lots of pikas running around and it is a common hike to see mountain goats on as well!

A hike up but it is on a jeep 4x4 road, so you could drive to the lake if you wanted/had a capable vehicle. Really beautiful views when you reach the open basin. It was cold and windy when I went so didnt spend much time there but there was a man fishing. We also saw 3 bull moose from a distance! It is very willowy so perfect habitat for them.

One of the prettiest hikes in Vail and equally popular. The trail is well marked though I’ve only gone to the falls and not the lake. No parking at the trailhead but there are restrooms- you have to take the bus from Vail Village. Beautiful to hike even in the rain, but drfinitely get out there when the wildflowers are showing off!