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 🇺🇸
Best Hiking & Backpacking Gear of 2025
Day Hiking Checklist
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
How to Meal Plan for Backpacking
Complete Hiking & Backpacking Resources Guide
Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park (Hiking Guide)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon? Read on for our top-to-bottom guide with photos, maps, tips, highlights, and more. It’s ridiculous that I waited over a year after moving to Oregon to hike the Trail of Ten Falls, but I finally made … Read more
20 Hiking Trails & Backpacking Trips in & Near Los Angeles
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Featuring sunset views, dense forests, and ocean breezes, the best hiking in and near Los Angeles will challenge everything you think you know about the city. Let’s face it — the Walk of Fame is far from the best walk L.A. has to offer. When I moved to the Los … Read more
Hiking Mount Bierstadt (One of Colorado’s Finest 14ers)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 I started hiking more seriously this year and decided to climb my first 14er. But I had two requirements: It had to have easy to access and I didn’t want the mountain to destroy me. I decided on Mount Bierstadt. The problem was the weather didn’t cooperate. July and August … Read more
14 Best Hiking Trails & Backpacking Trips Near San Diego
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
Best US Cities for Hikers to Visit (or Live) for Primo Hiking
Last Updated: August 15, 2025 I had two must-haves when putting together this list of the best US cities for hikers: Larger, vibrant cities; and 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. … Read more
14 Best Hikes Near Portland, OR (+ 3 Backpacking Trips)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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, the following trails need to be on your list whenever pass … Read more
20 Tips for Hiking the Appalachian Trail from an AT Thru-Hiker
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
How to Hike the Columbine Lake Trail Near Silverton, Colorado
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
Herman Gulch Trail Hike (CDT Day Hiking Near Denver)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
Hiking Booth Falls Trail to Booth Lake: A Primo Vail Day Hike
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
Hiking the Chicago Lakes Trail in Mt. Blue Sky Wilderness
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Heads up: The Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area (formerly Mount Evans Wilderness) is closed until 2026 due to road construction in the area. Hikers cannot access the Chicago Lakes Trailhead until the 2026 season. The Chicago Lakes Trail exemplifies everything I love in a Colorado day hike, even if its … Read more
4th of July Trail: Hiking Nederland’s Unreal Scenery
Last Updated: August 21, 2025 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 turn. Nestled in the heart of … Read more