day-hikes Archives - Page 4 of 11

July 8, 2023July 31, 2023

North Table Mountain and Lichen Peak

April 2, 2023

Almost summer on the high plains

April arguably ranks as Colorado’s most versatile month. Folks in Denver or Grand Junction could be enjoying 70F+ temperatures and endless sunshine while other snowsport-diehards are simultaneously skiing powdery slopes in the high Rockies. Of course, sometimes you’ll find spring corn in the Rockies and stormy weather on the plains. But regardless, the span of climates within just 100 or so miles is truly astonishing.

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023

Ventana Canyon and the Maiden Pools

March 19, 2023

Private Property

I left my hotel around sunrise for a quick hike up Ventana Canyon. Conveniently enough, the trailhead to the Maiden Pools was in the employee parking lot of the hotel. The trailhead still hosts a good number of spots reserved for hikers. But this awkward setup provides one reason why this trail does not see heavy foot traffic.

June 8, 2023June 8, 2023

Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail (Saguaro NP)

March 18, 2023

Desert Museum

The morning sun poked its head above the hills as I zipped along the winding roadway over Gates Pass. The desert grew brighter, revealing an undulating, dusty landscape of endless saguaros. I was definitely in Tucson.

April 9, 2023April 10, 2023

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

October 8, 2022

Departure from Ketatahi

I arrived around sunrise at an empty Ketatahi Park and Ride. Several other hikers pulled in as I waited for our 7 am shuttle to Mangatepopo trailhead. But the massive car park would remain largely empty throughout the day. Early October was hardly “high season” for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. And shuttle service was still fairly limited.

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023

Pūtangirua Pinnacles (The Paths of the Dead)

October 7, 2022

A Haunting Landscape

Reluctantly, I left my cozy hotel in Martinborough, speeding off down country roads toward the coast. I drove through rolling, lush farmland, dotted with trees and fluffy white sheep. New Zealand’s North Island had reached full-blown spring. The route grew windy (as in winding), as I dropped towards the coast. It also grew windy (as in blustery).

January 22, 2023January 22, 2023

Sealy Tarns Track

October 3, 2022

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

I woke up bright and early for a sunrise (ish) hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. By now, I had spent the better part of a week soaking in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. I flew into Queenstown and worked my way north, including a sunset hike near Mount Cook the evening prior. But these tall, rugged, glacier-clad peaks continued to feel nothing short of stunning.

October 20, 2022October 20, 2022

Isthmus Peak Track

October 2, 2022

Geography 101

I was a long way from home. 7,879 miles, to be exact. Strange stars covered the sky as I drove along the darkened lake shores. Before too long, I arrived at a small dirt parking area for the Isthmus Peak Track.

October 11, 2022October 13, 2022

Olomana Ridge

September 24, 2022

Arrival

Nothing about Olomana Ridge seems smart, straightforward, or comfortable. This even starts with parking. After arriving at the alleged “trailhead” I drove back out towards a nearby bus stop where I found some parked cars along the side of the road. I decided this looked legal enough and headed back towards the “trail”.

October 6, 2022June 22, 2023

Mount Massive via the East Slopes

September 18, 2022

Arrival

Around 5 am I drove up past the Elbert Creek campground towards the trailhead for Mount Massive. Across the street, I saw a veritable rave of flashing headlamps and brake lights at one of several Mt Elbert trailheads. But I pulled into the Massive lot to find only a couple of other cars and no bustle.

October 4, 2022October 13, 2022

Mount of the Holy Cross via Halo Ridge

September 10, 2022

Arrival

Around 3:15 am I drove through Minturn, past empty streets and darkened windows. Then, I began the long winding dirt road up towards the Halfmoon Campground. The sun wouldn’t make an appearance for another three hours at least. But even still, I arrived at a bustling trailhead filled with headlamp beams and dimly lit truckbeds.