At 2,517 feet, Mission Peak towers over the southern arm of the San Franciso Bay. It offers a 360-degree panorama that extends from San Jose to Mount Tamalpais. On a clear day, you can even see the Sierra Nevada range to the east. In History of Washington Township, published in 1904, Mission Peak was described as […]
Backpacking the North/South Lake Loop: Upper Dusy Basin to South Lake
DAY SIX on the North Lake/South Lake Loop We would celebrate completing the North Lake South Lake Loop today with another short day – up and over Bishop Pass and then down to the trailhead. We woke up to another COLD morning with ice on the rain fly – and we would take our time […]
Backpacking the North/South Lake Loop: Little Pete Meadow to Upper Dusy Basin
DAY FIVE on the North Lake/South Lake Loop For our fifth day on the trail we had a very short hiking day up to Upper Dusy Basin. We also knew it would be a pretty good 2,500 foot ascent over a pretty short distance. We didn’t know a lot about Dusy Basin or what it […]
Hiking Black Crater
Black Crater is a “broken” cinder cone with a glacier-carved valley and quite possible the best views of the Three Sisters. The 7,251′ summit was once home to a fire lookout, and when you hike to the summit, you’ll understand why. You can see for miles up and down the Cascade Range. This trail is […]
Hiking Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is considered one of the most accessible 14ers in Colorado, nearby Denver and well maintained, but that doesn’t mean it’s a stroll in the park. You’ll climb over 2,700′ over the course of just over three miles, including a boulder scramble up the final stretch to the peak. The trail from Guanella Pass […]
Hiking Horseshoe Mountain
Horseshoe Mountain scrapes the clouds at 13,898′ – just shy of being a 14er. Even so, the glacier carved cirque remains one of Colorado’s 100 tallest mountains, and the views are coveted by peak baggers. Just west of Fairplay, Horseshoe Mountain straddles Park and Lake County and is dotted with abandoned mines. Epic views, fascinating geology, […]
Hiking Rocky Mountain via the Manitou Incline
Yes, Rocky Mountain is an actual mountain. Located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, this 9,250′ peak is often overshadowed by the trail that climbs it: the famous Manitou Incline. This route forms a loop that ascends the incline, but then continues climbing to the little-traveled summit of Rocky Mountain before descending via the gentler grade of the […]
Hiking the Devil’s Garden Loop in Arches National Park
Arches National Park in Utah attracts over one million visitors a year with it’s namesake geologic wonders. Most visitors head to the easily reached roadside arches and viewpoints. In contrast, the Devil’s Garden Loop is considered the only “hiker’s hike” in the park. Hiking the Devil’s Garden Loop is a great way to escape the throngs […]
