canyon

Fern Canyon — Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA

Fern Canyon — Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA

Fern Canyon is one of my favorite hikes along the NorCal coast. This short, easy hike takes you up a canyon covered with 8 different types of ferns.

Rainbow Bridge - Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT

Rainbow Bridge - Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT

Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest arches accessible by foot or boat. It stands almost 300 feet wide and tall! Getting there by boat makes it a short and easy 1.3 mile hike to see the arch, and I love the 50 mile boat ride up the gorgeous Lake Powell.

Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

Anza-Borrego is the largest CA state park and has tons of its own unique features. Mainly for 4WD, offroading, and dirt biking enthusiasts, we still had a lot of fun on foot and with just 2WD. Fish Creek Is just a tiny portion of the park, but the wind caves are truly unique and offer an amazing view for sunset. Hint - if you camp at Fish Creek Primitive Campground nearby, it's free and there are fire rings and a very clean toilet. 

Hiking and Canyoneering The Subway — Zion National Park, UT

Hiking and Canyoneering The Subway — Zion National Park, UT

If you can snag permits, the Subway in Zion is my favorite semi-technical canyoneering route. This day hike covers the most unique and iconic features of Zion

Backpacking West Fork Oak Creek — Sedona, AZ

Backpacking West Fork Oak Creek — Sedona, AZ

Oak Creek has some of the best fall foliage in the area, and what better way to experience the vivid hues than to camp among the colorful trees?

Hidden Canyon - Zion NP, UT

Hidden Canyon - Zion NP, UT

Hidden Canyon is a strenuous hike up the side of the canyon wall, but it has great views of a hanging canyon, waterfall, and even a natural small arch! Warning: lots of switchbacks! Not recommended for people who are scared of heights, since there is a section of slickrock and a chain to guide you.

Mesa Arch & Elephant Hill at Island in the Sky - Canyonlands NP, UT

Mesa Arch & Elephant Hill at Island in the Sky - Canyonlands NP, UT

Island in the Sky was our favorite district within Canyonlands. Although it was definitely more crowded, you can drive between all of the attractions, and the hikes are all short and easy with just as rewarding payoffs. If you only have the time or energy for one, definitely do Grand View Overlook (at sunset for an extra bonus), because the view of the white rim is stunning.

Grand View Point at Island in the Sky - Canyonlands NP, UT

Grand View Point at Island in the Sky - Canyonlands NP, UT

The Grand View Overlook parking lot is easy to reach by car, and there were plenty of other hikers at this very popular overlook. It's a very easy but scenic trail - Clark and I actually hiked it all in flip flops. If you only have time for one short hike at Island in the Sky, I would recommend this one!

Navajo Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Queens Garden - Bryce Canyon NP, UT

Navajo Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Queens Garden - Bryce Canyon NP, UT

Bryce canyon is a relatively small National Park, but if you are in Utah you should definitely make a small side trip to see this unique canyon. There aren't too many trails to choose from, but if you have a couple hours to spare, this easy dayhike is the perfect way to see all the best parts of the canyon up close. The trail is well-maintained with not much elevation change, the only downside is that it is quite exposed, dusty, and can get pretty hot in Utah sun. No matter how long you expect to hike, be sure to bring extra water.

Backpacking the Grand Canyon to Ribbon Falls, AZ

Backpacking the Grand Canyon to Ribbon Falls, AZ

The Grand Canyon is a must do backpacking trip for any hiker. Bright Angel is a gorgeous campground, and our hike to Ribbon Falls is was the perfect day hike