There is no place in the US that is quite like Chiricahua National Monument. Rocky spires shoot straight up out of the hillsides in fantastic formations and an awesome display of uniqueness. Because of this, I’d like to spend a…
Serene Lakes, Wind-swept Cliffs: Medicine Bow Peak Loop
Occasionally, I’ll see a picture and instantly think, “If that’s in the US, I’ve got to go there.” Medicine Bow Peak, in southern Wyoming, was one of those pictures. After a single glimpse of the area, I knew I’d be…
Linkins Lake: Beauty near Independence Pass
Independence Pass in Colorado is a beautiful area. Many 13ers and 14ers stand straight and massive around it, and alpine meadows and lakes set off the mountains’ craggy slopes. So, when we had a few hours to kill while traveling…
Flat Tops to Himes Peak: Adventurous, but Beautiful
After ascending Amphitheatre Peak, we decided we didn’t really want to descend the way we’d come along the Wall Lake Trail (#1818). I’m sure some of our group would have been just as happy to do this, but others of…
Amphitheatre Peak: Beautiful Flat Tops!
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but to me, Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area is stunning. In fact, hiking on the Flat Tops around the lake is beautiful, as we found when we hiked…
Fishermen, Short Hike, & Views: Lake Agnes
In August, we “just happened” to be driving through Colorado on Colorado Day, when the state parks in the state offer free admission. I’d always wanted to check out State Forest State Park (who wouldn’t, with a memorable name like…
Highest Peak in Colorado: The South Mount Elbert Trail
While we’re on the topic of State High Points, let’s go for one more: and this one has some real claims to fame! At 14,440 feet (4,401m) above sea level, Mt. Elbert holds the record for the highest peak in…
Visiting High Point State Park, NJ, for Free
After hiking to the highest point in Oklahoma in May, we all decided that the highest point in the state of New Jersey was “high” on our must-do list when we visited that state in July. High Point State Park…
Views at Logan Pass of Hidden Lake
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is probably one of the best known parts of Glacier National Park, and the favorite hike at the top of Logan Pass is almost certainly the Hidden Lake. At only 3 miles (4.8 km) RT, it’s short…
Top-of-the-World Views along the Beartooth Highway
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say again here: there’s nothing quite like top-of-the-world views. There’s something so inspiring about being way high up, looking down over everything. So, when planning a recent trip to Beartooth Pass in Wyoming, I…