Hiking in the United States
Vivid write-ups, detailed guides, and scenic photography from some of my most memorable hiking and backpacking trips in the United States.
🇺🇸 Helpful Resources for Hiking in the USA 🇺🇸
Day Hiking Checklist
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
How to Meal Plan for Backpacking
Complete Hiking & Backpacking Resources Guide
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
Best US Cities for Hikers: Visit (or Live) Here for Primo HikingÂ
I had two must-haves when putting together this list of the best US cities for hikers: 1) larger, vibrant cities; and 2) close proximity to natural wonders. That’s my dream — to commune with nature by day, then wash off the trail dust in a big city spa before exploring the nightlife. I looked for … Read more
17 Best Hikes Near Portland (Mount Hood, Tillamook & More)
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
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 20 Tips from an AT Thru-Hiker
Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be the experience of a lifetime, a muddy slog, or something in between. So whether you’re looking to section hike, day hike, or are aiming to thru-hike all 2,200 miles, it’s crucial to be prepared. I completed a northbound thru-hike in 2021 and am a proud member of the “experience … 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