Get outside. Move. Thrive.

Take the train to Washington Park and hike through Hoyt Arboretum. This will bypass a few miles of Wildwood Trail, but you won't miss much. In the arboretum, the trail twists and turns through the trees, will smaller trails jutting off to the sides, through other groups of trees (each trail is aptly named for the type of respective tree). Continue on Wildwood and eventually, you will cross Bur...

Hiking the narrows in Zion National Park is one of my favorite hikes and something I return for almost every year, I can still remember my first visit as a kid. There's no other place like it in the National Park system and the stunning beauty of its towering walls and vibrant river make it a top destination for visitors to the park.  Depending on the water level most of this hike is partially...

This trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option.  There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route has the best views of the city and the sign on your way up. The trailhead is at the end of Beachwoo...

This is one of my favorite quick "getaway" loops in the Pisgah Ranger District. Turn onto Black Balsam Knob Road (Mile Marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) go until you reach a dead end and park at the parking lot. You'll see the Sam Knob trail to the right of the public bathrooms. From there, it's 1.8 miles to the summit of the 6050 foot Sam Knob. I love setting up camp in the middle or clos...

Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, and the best times to attempt this trip are in the Spring and Fall when the California sun isn't so ...

When you hike out to Diamond Fork aka Fifth Water hot springs, get ready for an amazing experience! The lower fall is visible from the main pool. If you want to continue to go further up the creek, you will run into the second fall, which is the most photogenic of them all. There are also two pools en route to the second fall. If you choose to continue a bit further, you’ll run into the last wa...

Fall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfalls, campsites, cabins, and more than 34 miles of hiking trails. You can park right at the Fall Cree...

The Garden of Eden swimming hole is located just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods and is a local gem. It features a long, wide beach that provides enough room even on the busier days and clear, refreshing water to cool off in.  Park on the side of the road (arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot) and hike down the quick, steep trail to the water. The "Garden of Eden" swimming hole i...

Located right underneath the St Johns Bridge, Cathedral Park is hard to miss. It was given its name due to the Gothic looking arches that sit above the park.This is one of my personal favorite places to photograph especially if you enjoy photographing bridges. This park can be crowded or have events so just be aware of others when you are there.

Pittock Mansion offers a one of kind view of downtown Portland. This is a historic site that allows public access throughout the day and night. Parking is available at Pittock until 9pm but if you wish to visit the grounds after hours you can park at the bottom of the driveway, walk around the gate, and walk for about 1000ft to the top. If you do go at night make sure to bring a flashlight, as ...

Starting from you parking spot on the street you will see it right away. Then look to the right in the small bay--to the right of it you'll see a small place to climb down. There is no rope so be careful when scaling it. Walk south until you hit the reef wall and walk along it until you get around the corner. You will see the cave opening and depending on the tide you can either walk in or rock...

Joseph Wood Hill Park is another under-the-radar gem right in the heart of the city. It’s located on Rocky Butte, an extinct volcanic cylinder cone, and provides a sweeping panoramic view of Portland and beyond. Accessing the park is easy – you can drive directly there and parking is plentiful. Plan to arrive about an hour before sunrise, and give yourself plenty of time to set up your camera ...

As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here. Laguna Beach Caves are beautiful caves with blue, clear water. This place is free to visit, but please exercise caution and adhere to local updates, rules, and closures! Explore some beautiful caves right on the beach in Laguna. The stairs l...

This scenic hike is a 2 mile out-and-back trail located near Sausalito, CA. From the trail and beach, you'll get scenic of the Golden Gate, San Francisco's skyline, and glimpses of the East Bay. The best news, there's rarely any crowd. Consider packing a blanket and a small picnic. With panoramic views of the Golden Gate, it's hard to find a better spot to relax and take it all in. Things to...

A recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving epic, vast views up and down the California coast and of Golden Gate Park, the Marin Headlands, Golde...

Keyhole Canyon is an experience for the adventurous, thrill seeking explorer. Hidden between the jagged mountains of Zion National Park, this canyon sits roadside, just two miles from the east entrance.  Before we continue, please note that Canyoneering is a dangerous sport. This canyon is not for the inexperienced. It is imperative that you have or obtain the appropriate skills to navigate a ...