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Top 10 Trails for the Beginner Hiker

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Beginning hikers have an abundance of trails available that are both beautifully scenic and easy to hike, as well as safe and easily accessible. Below are some of my easy favorites, not in order. Families can enjoy these hikes as well.

1. Lower Yosemite Falls- Yosemite
The walk starts at the Lower Yosemite trail head.

2. Bridal Veil Falls- Yosemite

3. Rim Trail, South Rim, Grand Canyon

4. Coffeepot Trail, Sedona, Arizona
The scenic end is at Coffeepot Rock, after beginning at the same parking as the Teacup Trail.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Easy family friendly paths off the scenic highway

6. St. Marys Falls- Glacier National Park
Round trip is less than 2 miles. Keep an eye out for bears.

7. Marymere Falls- Olympic National Park
From the Storm King Ranger Station, the falls are easy to reach with a short walk.

8. Codfish Creek Falls, Sacramento, CA
The winding North Fork American River has a 2.5 mile round trip trail

9. Dog Lake, Yosemite

10. Calaveras Big Trees- Arnold, CA
See spectacular giant sequoias on a 5.5 mile easy hike with a bit of height gain

Remember to pack your camera, as these trails provide a wealth of beauty.

10 Hiking Trails the Entire Family Will Enjoy

admin — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

1 Breakneck Ridge Trail ” In New York this is a great hike that provides many amazing lookouts in order to delight the whole family.

2 Glacier Gorge ” The most beautiful spot in all of Rocky Mountain National Park with wildlife too like you have seen before!

3 Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle ” while this trail offers many places to hike, this section in Pennsylvania is one of the most breathtaking you will be able to enjoy.

4 Mount Whitney ” While it is a more difficult hike for families it is worth it to reach the top where you will feel like you are on top of the world.

5 Conundrum Hot Springs ” a very secluded spot in Colorodo with an amazing setting.

6 Bear Mountain Loop ” Another more difficult family hike but also one that is worth it for the special attractions along the trail.

7 Furnace Mountain ” Located in one of the most beautiful parks in America, Shenandoah. This is your perfect camping destination but a hike to get to!

8 Deep Creek ” One of California-s most beautiful spots.

9 Appalachian Trail: Sunfish Pond ” another amazing spot with an amazing view of a crystal clear lake.

10 Big Creek Falls ” The list wouldn-t be complete without at least one trail in the amazingly beautiful North West.

Where Are the Most Challenging Peaks Located

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you love climbing mountains, and just are a very outgoing individual, you’ll find some of the most challenging peaks located throughout the entire world. The Godwin Austin is known as the most difficult mountain to climb. This mountain is located on the border between Pakistan and Xinjiang China. It is approximately 28,251 ft. I’s the world’s most second highest peak. Many people know it as “The Savage Mountain.” Nanga Parbat is the the ninth highest peak in the entire world. It is also known as the most dangerous when it comes to climbing. It’s known as a couple of names. Another challenging mountain is located in China, and is known as Pomiu. It is actually a knife edged rock peak. It is approximately 17,759 ft. Located in India, the Kanchenjunga stands about 28,169ft. It was not successfully climbed until the year of 1955. It was actually first attempted in the year of 1905, but the 4 people that attempted were killed in an avalanche. These mountains are known as very challenging, and one is known as the most dangerous ever. People attempting to climb them should do so at their own risk. They are yet, beautiful to look at.

Best Outdoor Shows for the Couch Potato

admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Don’t have time to get out and actually hike the great mountains of the world? Get out your Direct tv packages and turn to one of your nature channels to catch these outdoorsmen do what you only wish you had time for
Bear Grylls: Bear eats his way through the grossest natural wonders of the world and if you get stuck on a desert island you’re going to want him on your side. He’s got the personality to match so if you haven’t tuned into his show yet, you should.
Jim Shockey: He’s been in the outdoor business for decades and with writing and communication skills like his there’s no better show to watch if you’re looking to learn. Jim talks to viewers about everything from adventure to hunting and we’re entranced.
Scouting for Adventure: So this one’s a show rather than a person but what’s better than watching America’s own boy scouts doing what they do best? They’re about adventure and excitement and this one’s wholesome enough you can watch with the kids.

Hiking Gear Every Hiking Enthusiast Needs

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Hiking is something that can be enjoyed by many people. For the enthusiast, there are a number of essential items that will make this more of a rewarding outing.

The first thing that is required would be a sturdy pair of hiking boots. These should be carefully selected based on the individual, their foot type, the budget and the type of hiking that is going to be done. Along with the boot, appropriate socks should be worn. This normally includes a liner sock and then the main sock. The liner should be a silk or polypropylene sock, while the outer sock can be wool or synthetic.

Secondly, appropriate clothing is necessary while hiking. This would include several different layering options and will vary depending on the time of year. With clothing, cotton should generally be avoided as this does not wick moisture away from the body.

Finally, an appropriate backpack or fanny pack is essential. Depending on the length of the hiking trip, the size of this bag will vary. Inside this bag, one should have necessary food and first aid supplies as well as adequate water to keep hydrated.

With a few simple supplies, a hiking adventure can be greatly enjoyed.

Top Safety Tips for the Avid Hiker or Outdoorsman

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Top Safety Tips For the Avid Hiker or Outdoorsman
Hiking and other outdoor activities are a great way to spend time during the summer. But hikers and outdoorsmen should practice important safety measures to ensure their health and well-being during the summer season.
First-Aid Kit
All outdoorsmen should carry a basic first-aid kit that includes alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other basic essentials for cleaning a wound. Depending on the length and intensity of trip, this first aid kid should be expanded. For example, if the hiker plans to build a fire during his or her trip, the proper materials for treating burns should be included in case there are any accidents. This includes plenty of fresh, sterile bandages, burn cream or gel, and ibuprofen to reduce the painful swelling that might result from a burn. A cell phone or walkie-talkie are also a good idea.
Schedule and Plan
A hiker should always leave details of the route he or she plans to take with a trusted friend or family member. This way, if the hiker is late in returning, the friend can notify the proper authorities as well as show them the plan so they can begin their search in the most appropriate place.

10 Most Challenging Hiking Trails Around the World

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For the average person, a casual hike up and down a small hill is usually sufficient; they will probably brag about it for days on end too. Truth is, their biggest obstacle was probably avoiding the mosquitoes. For those of us who want a tad more of a challenge, here’s a list of the most daunting:

1) California: Cable Route, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park – Eight miles of the deadliest terrain, ending with a 400 foot vertical climb. Five hikers have previously fallen to their deaths.

2)Canada: West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island – If the wild bears and wolves don’t get you, the steep slopes and wooden ladders will.

3)China: Mount Huashan Trail – Better not blink, a single misstep here will have you falling to your death.

4)Alaska: Rover’s Run, Anchorage – It’s not the terrain here that’l get you; it’s the large population of salmon hungry brown bears.

5)New York: Devil’s Path, Catskills – With vertical inclines around every corner, you literally need cat skills. Oh yea, careful with your food or the black bears will eat you.

6)Utah: Peek-a-boo Gulch – Are you’re a claustrophobic who hates swimming? Then this is probably not for you.

7)Hawaii: Kalalau Trail in Kauai – If you ignore the 4000 foot height and risk of mudslides, then paradise awaits you after 11 miles.

8)Guatemala: Pacaya Volcano Route – An active volcano. Do you really need more?

9)Papua New Guinea: Kokoda Track – Hostile trails in a very remote location. Help more than likely will not come, so be safe.

10)Spain: El Caminito del Rey – Nicknamed the “King’s little pathway”. There is nothing little about it and it certainly isn’t a pathway.