Derek Mathewson

...If you're ever in the Alabama Hills area, this arch is a "must see"!   Although Alabama Hills has so many other amazing attractions worth exploring, this arch I barely found out about a year or so ago. When I tried looking for the arch the first time, I couldn't find it. But to be fair, I was a little less prepared...lol. This time around I had the tools I needed to properly get there.  Th...

...Who doesn't enjoy short hikes to beautiful landscapes?! I know I do when I'm pressed for time! This 0.6 out and back hike will lead you to an arch that doesn't get as much recognition due to it being directly across the street from Monument Valley Road taking you into the park. The hike starts at the Gouldings Campground and is well marked. When you pull into the campground parking, you'll ...

...The hike to Ptarmigan Falls begins next to the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. There’s enough parking for about 10-16 vehicles in the lot next to the trailhead. This is a heavily trafficked area, so extra parking is available in front of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. This is where I parked, so this will add another two-tenths of a mile to your hiking to reach the trailhead. The trail...

...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the park having two waterfalls, (Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Canyon Falls), La Jolla Canyon Falls is somet...

Who doesn't love an easy trail, that takes you to an epic arch?...I know I do! With this trail being right off the road, and probably a quarter mile from Elephant Arch, it's super convenient and well worth the 5-10 minute walk/hike. The trail is marked as Arrowhead Trail Historic Marker, so that's where you will park. The hike is only 0.1 miles with a slight 30 ft. gain.  For some reason, eve...

Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock hopping and a great opportunities for awesome photographs. ...Deep in the heart of the Malibu canyon...

When people ask me how do I afford to travel, my standard response is, "how do you afford to do anything?...you just set your priorities." My recent trip to South Korea was definitely no different. Just a little more planning and a longer plane ride!The hike takes place in the Eastern end of Korea, at Seoraksan National Park. Not only was the park lush and green, but due to a recent rainstorm, ...

Who doesn’t enjoy a little slot canyon fun?!…Not far from Hanksville, Utah is this 1-mile round trip hike to one of Utah’s less visited slot canyons. Although Blarney Canyon is generally known for its canyoneering route, you can follow either the West or East Fork wash to get to the slots. You’ll only be able to hike up to a certain point, so once you take the short hike to the slot canyons, an...

Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the vegetated downhill trail about .2 miles until you get to an unmarked junction. Take the trail to the...

...As a frequent traveler, what's always motivated my travels were locations that have either been on my bucket list, or are places that are photogenic and a little off the beaten path. During my recent 3 week road trip through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, I had the opportunity to visit a spot that had been on my bucket list for quite sometime. It's so far off the beaten path that you ne...

...Just off Highway 40 in-between Flagstaff and Winslow Arizona, sits an abandoned ghost town called "Two Guns". I can't tell you how many times I've driven on the 40 (East or West) and had no idea this was here. This time around I made it a priority to stop and check this place out. For anyone that may not know, the cave gets its name "Apache Death Cave" due to a rumor that still stands today....

...Living in California, I know all about waterfalls! For me personally though, no matter the shape or size of the waterfall, it has my interest. Now when it comes to Nevada, I honestly can't think of too many waterfalls off the top of my head, but when you're passing through a town that you're unfamiliar with and a local tells you about a locals favorite waterfall that's worth checking out, yo...

...It's not often that you come across 100 ft waterfalls. This moderate to easy hike to Rose Valley Falls leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest. The hike begins at Rose Valley Campground. If you're not staying at a campsite, park outside the entrance of the campground and follow the signs to the trail. The lower tier of the falls from the start of the tra...

...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead, which is .4 miles up the road. I've started from both trails in the past, but I find Sandstone Peak...

Who doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fitting about 8-12 vehicles, so try to start your hike earlier than later to avoid the crowds. To get to t...

...Deep in the central Oregon Forest is a cave that is surrounded by Juniper Trees, Ponderosa Pines and the landscape of a secret volcanic underground world! This short hike is located roughly 12 miles East of Bend, and makes for an epic adventure for all to enjoy. A little history on the cave...it was created by a basalt lava flow roughly 80,000-90,000 years ago. It was originally called "Cro...

…Not sure about everyone else, but who doesn’t enjoy a less visited natural arch?!This natural arch sits in Chinle's small town, just west of Canyon De Chelly National Monument. Hope Arch is definitely a gem that the locals know about, and the tourists do not, so if you plan to explore this arch, you’ll most likely have it to yourself. Before arriving, I had read that the arch sat on Navajo Nat...

Who doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the famous Bronson Bat Caves was one not to disappoint. Once arriving and parking at Griffith Park (parki...

Caves and epic views...need I say more?! That's what you'll encounter on this short 2.5 mile out and back hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves in the San Ynez Mountains, West of Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. One good thing about this hike is it's right off the 101 freeway...and cost free! The bad thing about this hike is that yo...

...Anyone that loves caves, should definitely make a visit to this one. This had been on my radar for a while, so I was stoked to finally make the hike here! Getting here can be a little tricky, but it's not too bad if you know where you're going. If you're coming from the town of Gooding, head North on the 46, then make a left on E 1400 S. Take that road all the way to the end until it makes ...

This hike starts at the main parking lot about a mile away from the falls. The falls are accessed via a very easy, well graded trail developed and maintained by the Oregon BLM.The hike through the forest and pine trees make it for a fantastic and fairy tale-like hike. When you arrive at Susan Creek Falls, picnic tables are provided for a nice morning/afternoon/evening destination for a family o...

…Who doesn’t enjoy a little slot canyon fun, especially when it’s just off the highway. This (spooky) canyon is a fascinating slot canyon, consisting of conglomerate rock in the Lake Mead area in Arizona, not far southeast from the Hoover Dam. Most people don’t know even know this slot is here, so there's a good chance there'll be minimal or no people here. The dirt parking lot to the right of ...