Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking at Sylvan Lake

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.

Hiking at Sylvan Lake
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Oberg Mountain

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.

Hiking Oberg Mountain
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Caribou Falls

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.

Hiking Caribou Falls
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

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.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Inspiration
Kimberly Clark
Why I Hike

Plan your next hike, reduce some stress, and fall in love with Nature

Why I Hike

Adventure

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse is the second MN State Park as you head north on Hwy 61 from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This state park includes Pebble Beach, a fantastic beach full of small, flat, smooth rocks, absolutely perfect for skipping. There is a hike up to the lighthouse, or you can drive to a second parking lot right next to the lighthouse.

The best long hike in the park is Split Rock River, which takes off from a small unmarked parking lot 2.5 miles south of the main park entrance. This trail goes past the namesake “split rock” and several small waterfalls which occur in the Split Rock River. The trail ends with views high in the bluffs of the park overlooking the valleys and Lake Superior.

Hiking at Gooseberry State Park

Hiking at Gooseberry State Park

A complete overview of hiking at Gooseberry State Park, the first of several MN parks along the Hwy 61 North Shore of Lake Superior. Gooseberry includes trails to four waterfalls including Upper, Middle, Lower, and Fifth Falls. The River View Trail heads out to Agate Beach and Lake Superior. And the Gitchi Gummi Trail includes views of Lake Superior from the cliffs along the shoreline.

Go Waterfalling Along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Go Waterfalling Along the Historic Columbia River Highway

The Historic Columbia River Highway is probably the best place in the United States to go waterfalling. It includes Multnomah Falls, the second highest waterfall in the country, as well as Horsetail Falls, Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, Ecola Falls, Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Coopey Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, and Latourell Falls. There are flexible options for both the non-hiker and the avid hiker looking for a moderately strenuous trails. If you choose to hit a couple of different trailheads, the best part is, it’s less than 9 miles that you need to drive in order to hit all of them. And this stretch of highway is located less than an hour from Portland, OR, which makes it a very convenient destination for a fun day to spend outside.

Exploring Crater Lake National Park

Exploring Crater Lake National Park

Explore Crater Lake National Park with a one-day itinerary to the best viewpoints and trails. Hike down Cleetwood Cove, and bring a swimsuit if you are brave enough to jump in the cold water of our country’s deepest lake. If you are even bolder, try cliff jumping into it. For the best view of Crater Lake, hike up to the Watchman Overlook Tower. The best roadside pullouts are at Vidae Falls and Phantom Ship Overlook. To see more of Crater Lake’s volcanic history, explore the Pinnacles Trail. This is a very family friendly park.

Exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument

Exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument is a strange, largely barren landscape set within a lava field. The best part of the park involves exploring lava tube caves. Before heading into a cave though, make sure you are not wearing any clothes you have previously worn underground (including jackets, shoes, or boots), and check in at the Visitor Center to obtain a free permit. When planning your trip, consider also adding an excursion to Black Magic Slot Canyon, the Shoshone Ice Cave, or tour the Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-1)

Hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park

If you are planning a hiking trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, this post can help you determine which trails are best for you based on trail length, elevation, and trailhead location. Our favorite trails were Chasm Lake (hard), Gem (moderate) Lake, Forest Canyon Overlook (easy), Tundra Communities (easy), Coyote Valley (easy), Lake Haiyaha (moderate), and Sky Pond (hard).

Hiking Snow Canyon Sate Park - Utah

Hiking Snow Canyon Sate Park - Utah

Snow Canyon is a very accessible State Park just outside of St. George, UT, where you can explore unique lava tube caves. Make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp as the light on your phone won’t be enough. If you have more time, then head to Jenny’s Canyon (a short slot canyon), and enjoy a more urban hike out to Scout Cave.

Hiking Cathedral Gorge State Park

Hiking Cathedral Gorge State Park

If you are looking for a breath of solitude off the beaten path in Nevada, check out the amazing rock formations within Cathedral Gorge State Park. You can see the canyon from trails at the top and bottom of the canyon, as well as explore within the walls themselves which are cut into a maze of slot canyons.

Exploring Monument Valley

Exploring Monument Valley

Your complete guide to a trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - Plan your trip for a 1/2 day with a night at Goulding’s Lodge or the View to enjoy a sunset and a sunrise at the park. Hike Wildcat Trail, and enjoy the 17-mile driving loop on your own if you have a vehicle with higher clearance or book a tour guide. Mile Marker 13 on US-163 marks the spot where Forrest Gump stopped running, which you can take a selfie at on your way out of the park. I’ve also included ideas other nearby hiking destinations to include on your road trip to Monument Valley.

Hiking Canyonlands National Park

Hiking Canyonlands National Park

Traveling to Moab? Here’s your complete guide to Canyonlands National Park, including viewpoints and trails in both Island in the Sky and the Needles districts. Find the best places to see the sun rise and set in Canyonlands, check out the best hikes, and see my links to other nearby places to hike while you stay in Moab, UT.

Visiting the Groom Lake Entrance for Area 51

Visiting the Groom Lake Entrance for Area 51

If your kids like hunting aliens, or you love Joshua Trees, visit the Area 51 Groom Lake border. Do not pass the Warning Sign - There is a white truck watching you, and if you look to your right, you will see a tower, where you’ve likely been watched since you turned at the black mailbox.

Hiking Red Rock Canyon

Hiking Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is just a little over 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and has several short and long trail hiking options amongst multi-colored rock walls, canyons, and mountains. Check out my itinerary from March 2021 when I travelled here with my 8 and 12 year sons: Calico Tanks, High Point Overlook ,Petroglyph Wall, Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail, and Ice Box Canyon.

Hiking Valley of Fire State Park

Hiking Valley of Fire State Park

To see the majority of Valley of Fire State Park, plan for 4 hikes starting with Seven Wonders (and combining it with White Domes Loop). On your way back down the road, stop at both parking lots for Rainbow Vista and Mouse’s Tank. Lastly, head towards the East Entrance to Elephant Rock.

Hot Springs Near the Hoover Dam

Hot Springs Near the Hoover Dam

Hiding just below the Hoover Dam are two hot springs accessible by day hikes. On the Nevada side of the Colorado River, the hot springs are referred to as the Gold Strike Hot Springs. On the Arizona side, they are referred to as both the Arizona Hot Springs and the Ringbolt Hot Springs. The trail may also be referred to as White Rock Canyon. Gold Strike is a crazy fun challenging hike involving boulder scrambles and ropes to navigate the largest boulders. The Gold Strike Hot Springs is near the Colorado River so you can play between hot and cold water. On the other hand, the AZ Hot Springs are incredibly warm and deep and are my favorite hot springs that I’ve found so far. Please read my post for more information on both trails.

Hiking Caribou Falls

Hiking Caribou Falls

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.

Hiking at Tettegouche State Park

Hiking at Tettegouche State Park

Written to be a complete overview of hiking trails at Tettegouche State Park, this post includes the must see views at Shovel Point, High Falls, and Palisade Head, as well as the lesser known secrets including the Cascades, Mt. Trudee, Mt. Baldy, Crystal Bay, Sea Caves, and some tips for winter hiking. Read through to the end of the post to learn about the 7 mile loop of Bear and Bean Lakes along the Superior Hiking Trail.

Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Looking for a place to stroll, sit quietly and enjoy the sound of nature without any crowds? Or maybe you are looking for a challenging place to climb up and down bluffs and ignore the traces of civilization? Both are options at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in MN, where you will lose cell phone coverage and be able to walk away from some of the stress in your life. Read more for recommendations on the best hikes in the park.