Joseph GuliziaExplorer

Situated on the border of Arizona and New Mexico is an ancient throat of a volcano. You can see Shiprock for miles, as you approach the quiet New Mexico town. It's jagged edges and large spine, that extends to the South, cut straight out of vast flat landscape that surrounds it. You cannot miss it, you won't mistake it.  The closer you get to the 4 corners region, the more distinct it becomes. ...

5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. Once you get to the base of the ...

At your hotel or hostel book a tour with one of the many ballooning companies. They will pick you up for sunrise, for one of the most memorable views of your life. The whole process is easy. You hop on an old school bus to where they are launching the hot air balloons that morning. Your captain will go through a short safety demonstration. Then you are off. Make sure your camera battery is cha...

The cabin at Elfin Lakes is a beautiful well maintained shelter in the heart of the Garibaldi Provincial Park. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks.  The cabin itself is fully stocked with 8 gas burners, tables, a fireplace, and large pots for boiling water. It fits 33 people, and can get rowdy on weekends. We ended up d...

This is a 100 foot 5.8 trad climb. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. Following the path, it will drop you down into a field of boulders. Scramble up and over these bould...

5.8, 80ft trad climb at the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout.  To get there, take the 89A North from Sedona, or South from Flagstaff. Then you will see signs for the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout. Take the turn off and park in the lot. If you think you will stay beyond closing, park across the street so you don't get locked in. When the lookout is open, there are bathrooms and water fountains available.  Yo...

5.8+, 80ft trad climb at the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout.  To get there, take the 89A North from Sedona, or South from Flagstaff. Then you will see signs for the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout. Take the turn off and park in the lot. If you think you will stay beyond closing, park across the street so you don't get locked in. When the lookout is open, there are bathrooms and water fountains available. Th...

The trail to Crooked Falls starts at the Sigurd Creek Trail. The coordinates are: N49.910556, W-123.322817. It is a scenic dive just past the Squamish city center and the Squamish River.  Once at the trail head you'll walk across a bridge over Sigurd Creek and follow the logging road for a couple hundred feet. Follow signs for the Sigurd Creek Trail. About half way up there is an epic view poin...

If you are looking for the perfect snowshoe adventure you've found the right place. St. Marks is located on Cypress Mountain. It is more difficult than the nearby Hollyburn, and sometimes inaccessible due to heavy snow. For those two reasons makes it the most secluded hike just minutes from downtown Vancouver. Head to Cypress Mountain, park as if you were going to ski at the resort. Make sure t...

Just a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway is one of my favorite hikes near Vancouver. There are two options; the hike to first peak or the hike to second and third peak. Second Peak brings you to an epic view over Sqawmish, the first peak of the Chief, the Sea to Sky Highway, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a perfect hike for those looking to do a quick day hike, and is far enough out of the ci...

Head out to Mackenzie beach in Tofino. The easiest way to access it is through the Makenzie Beach Resort or surrounding campgrounds.  It is roughly a mile long beach depending upon the tide. Sometimes live music is played on the beach, usually in the evenings and on the weekend. It is dog friendly, and as long as you dig a pit beach fires are allowed.  

Head over to Bowen Island, via a ferry from the Horseshoe Bay Departure Terminal. A short drive up Miller Road will lead you to Nectar Yoga BnB. They offer two classes a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. The times vary, but are usually around 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. They are for all skill levels, as the teachers there are highly knowledgeable of the practice and philosophies of yoga....

5.6 Sport climb, up an 80 foot face, 9 bolts to the top.  This was the first outdoor climb for myself. It opened the doors to getting out of the gym and becoming a part of the local climbing community. I highly recommend it, as it is not too difficult, and can be done with a group of people.  The Approach and Climb Head to the Echo Canyon side of Camelback. Hike up the trail until you get to th...

5.9+ 3 bolt slab. About 65ft. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. Once you get to the base of the climbing area, you will see...

This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. Following the path, it will drop you down into a field of boulders. Scramble...

V-easy. 20 feet. Start on the Tom's Thumb Trail about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area. You will see the hand crack just to the right of the trail, a few dozen yards from the actual clim...

Head out to Horseshoe Bay, and catch the ferry out to Bowen Island (Snug Cove). As you get off the ferry you will see a parking lot immediately to your left. If there is no parking there, there is some further up the road just before the local grocery store. Make your way back to the harbor, and you will find a place to launch a kayak or sup. If you do not own own, don't fret there is a wonderf...

Just off Highway 1 in Kananaskis Country is a beautiful pond that makes for a wonderful spot to enjoy the first light on the Canadian Rockies. Bring warm clothes as this place can be especially cold. Don't forget a camera and a blanket. I recommend going for sunrise as this is when the lighting is the best. You will also have a better chance at having no wind for the optimal reflection. Wedge P...

Cliff jump for any level, ranging from 15 feet to 60 feet.  Head into the main entrance of the castle walls of Dubrovnik. Head for the Buza Bar. This is your best landmark for the cliff jump. You will walk through a hole in the wall to get to the bar, but instead of entering the bar to your left, you can follow the path down towards the water. There are smaller jumps along the path, or even a s...

Just a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway is one of my favorite hikes near Vancouver. There are two options; the hike to first peak, or the hike to second and third peak. First Peak brings you to an epic view over Sqawmish, the Sea to Sky, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a perfect hike for those looking to do a quick day hike, and is far enough out of the city that it doesn’t get too busy. Be a...