The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.
Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.
Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.
Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.
If you are interested in planning a trip to Death Valley, here is a guide to get you started. Explore Sidewinder Canyon, Badwater Basin, Salt Flats, Devils Golf Course, Artist’s Palette, Golden Canyon, Zabriskie Point / Badlands Loop, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Harmony Borax Works, Salt Creek, Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Charcoal Kilns, and Darwin Falls.
My favorite non-North Shore MN State Park, Whitewater is in southeastern MN, and is worth a full weekend visit. There is so much to do between swimming, hiking, jumping for rock to rock in the river crossings, exploring inside of chimney rock, and climbing up and down a lot of steps. Consider park hoping to nearby Carley State Park, or for a longer excursion, head over to Niagara Cave to see a 60ft waterfall inside of a cave.
Afton is a charming park to hike with close proximity to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, but does not have the feeling of being near any city development. There are beaches to play at, bluffs to hike, streams to cross, and prairies to enjoy. At the end of the post, there is also a map of nearby Vermillion Falls.
If you are looking for a place to have a beautiful afternoon or evening stroll, I would suggest heading across the state border into Osceola, Wisconsin to walk the Cascade Falls Trail. At 0.6 miles (out and back), this is an easy walk minus some steps at the beginning and end, which passes a moderate sized waterfall, features enchanting boardwalks, and ends at the St. Croix River. Head back to the trailhead the way you came to continue an easy walk, or if you are up for a challenge, take the Eagle Bluff Trail back. This results in a 0.3 + 0.8 mile loop back to the trailhead. The Eagle Bluff Trail ascends up a short but steep hill (~200ft) along a dirt path.
If you are looking for an impressive waterfall worth hiking to near Minneapolis and St Paul MN, check out Willow Falls at Wisconsin’s Willow River State Park. Trails access the falls on both sides of the river. The Willow River trail is 1.2 miles round trip and the Burkhardt Trails is 2 miles round trip.
Here’s your guide to spending the day in Joshua Tree National Park. Included are trail reviews for Bajada Nature Trail, Cottonwood Springs / Mastodon Peak, Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock, Skull Rock / Discovery Trail, Ryan Mountain, Hall of Horrors Slot Canyon, Cap Rock, Keys Viewpoint, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Rattlesnake Canyon.
If you are looking for a less visited National Park, check out Great Basin National Park. Situated along America’s Loneliest Road, this National Park sees only 90,000 visitors annually, meaning you will have this park to yourself. Enjoy a tour in Lehman’s Cave, hike up to Wheeler Peak, and see the Bristlecone Pine Tree groves (the oldest type of living organism on our planet).
Badlands is one of my favorite National Parks. It is conveniently located off of I-90. Watch the sunrise at Big Badlands Overlook. Hike Notch Trail, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, and Saddle Pass. Stop and check out the views at White River Overlook, Panorama Point, and Yellow Mounds Overlook. Watch for Mountain Sheep near Ancient Hunters Overlook. Keep an eye out for Bison near the Pinnacles entrance. Stop at the Minute Missile Site for a humbling experience learning about our nuclear warheads. Enjoy a quick supper at Wall Drug.
Capitol Reef, the lesser visited National Park of Utah’s Mighty 5, is a quiet adventure awaiting you with less crowds but just as amazing views. Our itinerary consisted of hikes at Capitol Gorge, Cohab Canyon, Sulphur Creek, and Hickman’s Bridge. We also visited nearby Goblin Valley Sate Park, a must-do if you have children.
A 3-day itinerary to Zion National Park - A guide to trails in and around Zion National Park with recommendations for travelling with children and other ideas if you are a more experienced hiker. Day 1: Kolob Canyon, Timber Creek Overlook, Kanarra Falls, and Pa’rus Trail. Day 2: Angels Landing or Upper and Lower Emerald Pools from the Kayenta Trail, Hidden Canyon, and Riverside Walk. Day 3: Canyon Overlook Trail, Pink Coral Sand Dunes State Park, and Moqui Caverns.
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path vacation destination with beauty and adventure, spend a few days in Page, AZ. Hike to Horseshoe Bend, take a tour through Antelope Canyon and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Powell. See the Glen Canyon Dam and spend some time exploring the Glen Canyon New Wave.
