Our wipers thump to the beat of the steady stream of rain as we make the hour drive to Wanaka and our meeting with the Wild Wire tour group
Read MoreCoronet Peak - New Zealand
We had visited Coronet Peak ten years ago on our first visit to New Zealand, and I was anything but impressed. It looked like a bunny hill of rolling peaks. Now that we start our hike, I realize how wrong I was.
Read MoreAngels Landing - Zion National Park
Angels Landing is not unlike other popular adventure hikes. Deaths have occurred over the years and the trail is listed on almost every "Top Ten" list you can find on the internet. This has resulted in - quite literally - hordes of people coming to climb Angels Landing. During peak summer months it is not unusual to see a line of humanity along the entire ridge line to the summit. Today thankfully, I nod at the occasional hiker as we pass on the trail.
Read MorePeak 3022 - Mountain Sheep Springs - AZ, quad
This is stunning country. The hike up the wash ended near a high saddle splitting the water flow north and south. A dark rocky outcropping which can be seen from the campground is a rocky ridgeline containing a beautiful arch.
Read MoreDestination Point - Springdale East - UT quad
September is one of my favorite times of the year in Zion, summer crowds start to thin and the monsoon rainy season comes to a close. These desert parks are always desperate for rain, but Zion backcountry is not generally conducive to safe travel during a heavy rainstorm.
Read MoreLower Calf Creek Falls - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Like all waterfalls, you can hear it before you see it, and I catch my first glimpse above the trees. Memories flood back as I walk through the trees into a small wooded grove surrounding the plunge pool.
Read MoreWest Rim Trail - Zion National Park
I finally arrive at Telephone Canyon Springs and I am greeted by another thirsty hiker. The mule deer isn’t shy, and I’m grateful to refill my water supply. I’m out of water and have been for the past hour. The spring is flowing, but it is nothing more than a trickle.
Read MoreRock Hounding and the Capitol Reef Loop
We have driven 349 miles. Seen 2 National Parks (Capital Reef and Bryce) 1 National Monument (Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument) and been through 2 national forests (Fishlake and Dixie National Forests) ate good food in Koosharem, found rocks, and generally stayed out way past our bedtime. Road Trip!
Read MoreHickman Bridge - Capitol Reef National Park
The trail starts out hiking along the river at the base of sandstone cliffs carved by the river over time. The path is angling up a rugged break in the cliff face to arrive on top.
Read MoreBuckhorn Trail / Golden Wall Trail - Castro Canyon, UT quad
I arrive at the juncture of the Buckhorn Trail and the Golden Wall Trail and immediately know my plans are going to change.
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