Kristi Teplitz

I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail is a super fun single track that will wind you back down to the Visitor Center. I came in the sprin...

Known as one of the most serene climbing areas in Montana, as well as some of the best sport climbing in the state, if you're a climber, Hellgate Gulch is worth the visit. Within 30 miles of Helena, you'll be climbing on limestone's funky pockets. There are plenty of climbing options, and most of them are sport climbs (which means they're bolted). Bring trad gear if you have it though as some c...

New Zealand's incredible Routeburn Track is popular for a reason, and to this day it is still one of the most beautiful hikes I've done. Usually backpacked in 3-4 days, this 20 mile hike is possible to do in one!  During Great Walks season (October through April), huts and campsites along the track are booked through the local DOC site. These book up very quickly and if you're planning a last-m...

Big Spring Creek is home to big brown trout as well as rainbow trout. While most trout are about 12-18" in length, there are some larger ones waiting for you!  The creek runs for about 30 miles with gorgeous views all along the way. Almost the entirety of the creek is accessible to the public, making it a popular spot for anglers looking to catch some trout. It's close proximity to Lewistown ma...

Looking for a place to fish trout that's far less populated than other common fishing spots in the area?The Sun River is over 100 miles long, and about 70 miles of that is available for trout fishing. A good portion of the river is challenging to fish due to accessibility and because of irrigation of the stream can affect the flows. Be sure to check with local fishing shops for beta around the ...

An easy day trip from Helena, Great Falls, and Bozeman, Showdown Resort is a great place to bring the family for a fun day crushing turns on the mountain. With 1400 vertical feet to ski down, this mountain may be small compared to other well-known resorts like Big Sky Resort, but there is plenty of terrain for experts to play in the trees, secluded areas for beginner skiers, and lots of fun blu...

Ride across high plains, over rolling hills, or even through mountain passes, all depending on how long you want to ride for.  A popular day ride goes from Highwood, MT to Belt, MT and back. This 40-50 mile ride, whether you chose to make it a loop by riding back on a main road, or make it an out-and-back ride on the inner roads has nice roads and great views. Choose a day when the winds are lo...

Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and out to the ocean on a clear day.  Pro Tip - If you end up parking at the community center, take the p...

Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be the only one. Lots of locals and tourists alike park their cars, bring out their camp chairs, and e...

Ear Mountain's trailhead is located about 125 miles north of Helena. Besides being a hefty hike, Ear Mountain's unique shape draws attention to it every year. It has a flat top while also having sheer cliffs on either side. It sticks out from the main walls on the Rocky Mountain Front, and if you look at the mountain from above, it looks like it's an ear laying on its side.  There are two main ...

You can't go wrong with cycling around the Santa Maria Valley area. There is an abundance of interesting roads to ride along with scenic hills meandering through wineries.  I started my ride at the Los Flores Ranch Park parking lot and headed east along Dominion. Take a right on Palmer and follow it down to the 101. Ride south along the 101 for about a mile until you reach Cat Canyon Road. (The...