14 Best Hikes Near San Diego (Eagle Rock, Oak Canyon & More)

San Diego is one of the most popular U.S. travel destinations for several reasons. For some, it’s a good base for visits to that world-famous zoo. For others, it’s the perfect beach escape. And, if you’re into outdoor adventure, the best hikes near San Diego won’t disappoint. San Diego’s hiking scene offers trails with diverse … Read more

Hiking Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu [2023 Guide]

“Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!” That’s Rudyard Kipling talking about exploration in general, but for me, it’s a specific command to explore Peru’s Sacred Valley and its crown jewel, the lost city of Machu Picchu. I’ve hiked Peru’s Inca Trail region seven times and can’t wait to do it … Read more

17 Best Hikes Near Portland (Mount Hood, Tillamook & More)

Mountain hiking trail near Portland with Mount Hood in the distance

Flanked by volcanic peaks, deep gorges, and old-growth forests, Portland, Oregon is home to many of the best hikes near any major American city. Whether visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time or exploring as a long-time resident, these trails need to be on your list whenever pass through The Rose City. Searching for … Read more

Columbine Lake Trail: Superb Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado

I arrived at Silverton’s Columbine Lake Trailhead on an ominously overcast afternoon with dull thunder rumbling overhead and cold rain sprinkling down. I started the high-elevation hike against my better judgment, unsure of what the weather would bring. But the dark clouds above never cracked as I traversed through some of Southwestern Colorado’s finest backcountry. … Read more

Herman Gulch Trail: Incredible CDT Day Hiking Near Denver

The Herman Gulch Trail is undoubtedly one of the best day hikes near Denver. With its trailhead situated just an hour’s drive from the heart of Colorado’s bustling capital, this Arapaho National Forest hiking gem is as beautiful as it is easy to reach. Over its 6.4 idyllic miles, this out-and-back gem captures nearly everything … Read more

Booth Falls Trail to Booth Lake: Vail Day Hiking at its Finest

I’d been eyeing Vail’s Booth Falls Trail to Booth Lake day hike for a couple of years, and on a perfect Colorado July day, I finally pulled the trigger. The ensuing adventure was a breathtaking and ass-kicking journey through the Gore Mountain Range’s more rugged and raw terrain. It was well worth the trip. Tucked … Read more

Chicago Lakes Trail: Colorado’s Stunning Mt. Evans Wilderness

The Chicago Lakes Trail exemplifies everything I love in a Colorado day hike, even if its high-elevation ascents had me pouring sweat and gasping for air. I guess it’s hard to complain about such challenges when the trail I was hiking lead to a crystal clear glacial lake at the base of a towering 14,000-foot … Read more

4th of July Trail: Nederland’s Gem (Arapaho Pass + Lake Dorothy)

The 4th of July Trail is just a short drive from my hometown, yet I’d never experienced its staggering beauty until my recent hike exploring its wide-open spaces. Hiking the trail’s breathtaking Arapaho Pass to the pristine Lake Dorothy blew my mind at every single turn. It was worth the 32-year-long wait. Nestled in the … Read more