One of the most beautiful (and adventurous!) hikes we took in the Maze District in Canyonlands was the scramble up Observation Rock. No trail leads to the summit; there’s not even a cairned route to its base. But the views…
Wildhorse Window & Lower Wildhorse Canyon
There’s no trail to Wildhorse Window in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. But it’s also not that difficult to find. If you follow the social trail/cairns/logic up to the arch, you’ll be treated to an alcove with a large hole in…
In Search of Kirk Arch
Last week, I wrote about hiking Upper Salt Creek Canyon to Kirk Cabin in Canyonlands National Park. I had read of the possibility of scrambling overland to Kirk Arch, across the canyon from the cabin of the same name. It…
Coyote Rocks Loop
Searching for hikes to take near Ricketts Glen State Park last fall, I ran across a trail report for Coyote Rocks. But instead of just doing the out and back up to the views over the valleys and hills of…
Exploring Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge
Sandstone Falls is one of the premier attractions in New River Gorge National Park. However, it’s not near most of the rest of the main attractions in the park: I drove a good hour (it felt like more) from the…
Scrambling Up through Wilson Arch
Who hasn’t seen Wilson Arch while driving US-191 south of Moab? You go through a slickrock canyon and then, bam! There’s the arch high up on the cliffs right beside the highway. To be honest, I’ve driven by it any…
Exploring to Clover Canyon
Hike off-trail through Salt Creek to Clover Canyon in Arches National Park, Utah
Exploring Baptist Draw & Upper Chute Canyon
I’d read that Baptist Draw and Upper Chute Canyon were two of the best slot canyons in the San Rafael Swell of Utah. While I haven’t extensively explored the Swell, I can enthusiastically say that my trek to Baptist Draw…
Alabama Hills Ramble – Again!
Quite a while ago, I posted about rambling through the rocks in the Alabama Hills of southern California. I discovered fantastic views, cool arches, and lots of fun rock formations. Well, a few days later, I did it again –…
Monument Basin Overlook via the Gooseberry Trail
Last week, I posted about hiking the Gooseberry Trail, better known as the fastest route between the rim of Island in the Sky to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park. This week, I’d like to take you along…