Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

December 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in America. With well over 300 miles of hiking trails, the park provides hikers access to miles and miles of shear beauty. From the amazing views of its jagged mountains, to its cool pine forests and numerous streams running through the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for everybody.

In addition to the amazing scenery, you will find an abundance of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may see a moose taking a drink of water from a fresh mountain stream, or an eagle soaring high above the clouds over a pristine alpine lake. If you’re not so lucky, you may run across a mountain lion, so be on the lookout for that. Bird watching is a popular activity in RMNP because of the diverse number of ecosystems inside the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is situated in the north-central part of Colorado. There is easy access to the park via three different highways: US highways 34 and 36, and state highway 7. When you arrive, you may gain information about permit requirements and the latest hiking conditions at any of the park’s 5 visitor centers.

There are a couple things to be aware of if you choose to hike RMNP. First of all, some of the scenery that makes this park such a great attraction is located off the hiking trails. However, if you are a beginner, it is not recommended that you go off the trail. If you do want to hike off the trail, consult a park ranger ahead of time for guidance.

Second, Rocky Mountain National Park may not be for everyone. This is one of the most visited national parks in the summer time and the hiking trails can get congested. To avoid this problem, again talk to a park ranger and find out where some of the lesser traveled trails are located.

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Climb the Highest Peak in Utah

August 15, 2010 by Leave a Comment

There is something appealing about the highest point, the biggest mountain, or the longest trail that draws us to try our luck at such a destination. Perhaps it is the challenge, the possibility of saying, “I climbed the highest peak. I braved the largest mountain. I endured the longest trail.” Perhaps it is the sense of accomplishment that comes with such a feat. Not all of us however are going to be able to hike Mount Everest or scale the fearsome face of K2. For those who are searching for that sense of accomplishment, but would like to start with an easier peak, try King’s Peak, the highest point in Utah.

King’s Peak, named after Clarence King who was the first director of the United States Geological Survey, stands at an impressive 13, 528 feet. The ascent of King’s Peak is not technical, but it does entail hiking over 30 miles at a dizzying altitude. The hike, while possible to accomplish in one long day, is usually done in two or three days. It will be much easier to enjoy what the King’s Peak trail has to offer if you take it slow and are not worried about reaching the summit and getting back in the same day.

The most direct route to the summit will be about 15 miles both ways. However, if you would like to extend your trip a bit to include some of the beautiful mountain lakes in the area, there are routes that will add some mileage to your ascent, but will also add diversity and beauty. There aren’t any obstacles on the hike, so as long as you know how to navigate backcountry trails and you are in goodhiking condition, the ascent should not be too difficult. The view from the top is flooring. The peak is fairly solitary, giving you an open 360-degree view of the surrounding Uinta country. Take a moment to feel that sense of accomplishment as you gaze on the earth spread out far below you.

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Hiking Mount Rainier

August 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Kelvin Kay user:Kkmd
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Rising high over the Puget Sound and the sparkling towers of downtown Seattle is Mount Rainier. The mountain, usually lost in the clouds, is a snow-capped beacon of light for outdoor enthusiasts of any type as soon as the sun breaks through. In the summer months, Mount Rainier National Park has a plethora of spots to bike, camp, fish, and, most importantly: hike.
Situated just ninety five miles from downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier National park is home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the entire country. Whether you’re the novice hiker who prefers paved paths and plenty of bathroom breaks, or the experienced woodsman who doesn’t want to see another face for miles around, Mount Rainier National Park has you covered.
Paradise Visitor Center is perhaps the park’s busiest destination, and for good reason. Accessible through the park’s southern entrance, Paradise offers a variety of different hikes, accommodating every skill level. Stop at the Longmire Museum on your way up to learn a bit of history on the gorgeous mountain. There, hike the smooth, half-mile Trail of Shadows as a warm up. Then hop back in the car and continue on to the Paradise Visitor Center.  Park the car, stuff your packs, and head out on the 5-mile Skyline Trail. The trail is steep but rewarding, ending at Panorama Point and some simply amazing views of the mountain.
Those coming from the eastside of the mountain may prefer to visit Sunrise Visitor Center. Enter through the park’s White River entrance and end at the Sunrise visitor center. The visitor center sits right about the tree line, allowing visitors the contrasting views of lush forest and frigid mountaintop. Hike the 1.5 mile Sourdough nature trail for a cool look at the area’s plants and animals.
Paradise and Sunrise are just two of the many spots for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s crown jewel.  Just remember, always check current road and weather conditions before leaving.
Now get out and enjoy!
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The Mysterious Mount Kilimanjaro

August 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Rebmann Glacier on the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
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Are you looking for a climb that combines adventure, exotic places, a high summit, and beauty that will take your breath away? If you are, look towards Africa, that mysterious continent which has fascinated explorers and adventurers from all over the world for generations. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is one of the most popular climbs in the world, and for good reason. It has a fairly reachable summit by the easiest route so you do not have to be a professional in order to climb Kilimanjaro, although you do have to be in good shape and be very well prepared. Training for the climb is highly recommended.

Kilimanjaro has been the subject of many tales and legends. Writers like Earnest Hemingway have immortalized the distinct mountain that rises out of the African plains—a solitary watchman of the Serengeti. The surrounding country is beautiful and wild, and if you are going to climb this mountain, you will also want to take some time to go on a safari, or enjoy the surrounding country as well. Elephants, lions, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffes wander the surrounding plains.

When preparing to climb Kilimanjaro you will want to be sure to hire a reputable guide. Make sure that you don’t necessarily just go with the cheapest guides, who will sometimes lead you up harder routes, or bring gear that is not up to the strain of the hike. It is recommended that you bring your own gear and not expect a guide group to provide it for you, that way you will know that the gear is sturdy and will hold up for the duration of the hike. Be sure that you yourself are physically and mentally prepared to make the hike. You do not want to be rushed to reach camp everyday. If you feel you need to take more days than the usual amount, talk it over with your guide beforehand. You will want to do everything possible to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

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Creative Ideas for Reluctant Hikers

August 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment
in a hike
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Hiking often implies trekking up a mountain, going backpacking, or making your way through the woods. For some people, these activities do not sound fun or enticing so when they hear the word hiking they immediately recoil. The truth is, you do not have to be very athletic or love the outdoors to enjoy a good hike. You don’t have to go backpacking or climb a mountain in order to go on a fun hike. So if you don’t think of yourself as someone who enjoys hiking, or if you know someone who doesn’t enjoy it and you would like to try and make it more inviting for them, open your mind and find some creative ways to enjoy a hike.

A hike does not necessarily have to be long–in fact, you could even switch out the word hike for walk. There are plenty of fun and creative ways to make hiking palatable to even the most scepticle of people. Take a short walk through a park or on a short trail for a picnic at the end. For some reason, food always seems to taste better at a picnic. If you enjoy sketching, painting, or even doodling, take a paper and some pencil with you on a hike and keep your eye out for something to sketch. Nature as an endless array of beautiful scenes and interesting vistas. Take a hike with a purpose in mind such as watching a sunset (or if you are a morning person, a sunrise).

One great way to enjoy a hike is to take young children along. If you are going for a short hike you can help the children look for interesting rocks, spot small animals, or identify plants and flowers. Turn the hike into a game or a learning lesson for children and you will find both you and the children are enjoying the hike. Think about your other interests and get creative!

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