In the approach to hibernation, bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, when they begin eating the massive amount of calories that they'll feed on for the winter. This drives bears across mountains down into lower elevations as fruits and nuts ripen. In Yosemite this means bears coming into the valley to feast on acorns. Near …
I know you can drive to Glacier Point, and if you have mobility challenges you should absolutely drive and experience the incredible views of Half Dome. But if you can, you should definitely hike up from the valley. There's the obvious, the added value of a view when you've actually put in the physical work …
Having been here in the summer it was interesting to see the same hike in October. While the pine trees don't change colors, it seemed like the granite had more of an autumn hue as the waterfalls dwindled and narrowed. It also of course got dark much earlier, and while a sunset at the top …
Redwood can be an overwhelming and confusing park with state parks mixed in with different national park districts. I've been to a couple different areas and thus far Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is my favorite. First highlight was the camping. One of the things that sets Redwood apart from the other big tree parks …
On the drive from Yellowstone to Crater Lake, before you hit the onion country of eastern Oregon, is a little visited National Monument and Preserve called Craters of the Moon. It's almost as startling as driving up on the Grand Canyon, you're just cruising through Idaho and all of a sudden you're surrounded by lava …
There isn't really any hiking at Mammoth Hot Springs, just a boardwalk stroll, but it's definitely worth a stop. Like most of the high profile spots in Yellowstone the parking lot gets pretty packed so stopping in the evening on the way back from Lamar Valley gives you great parking and great light. The boardwalk …
We did two Yellowstone River hikes, and made a lot of choices based on how crowded the park was. During the day we did the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Trail and then waited until sunset to head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Trail The Yellowstone River Picnic …
By the time you've spent a day or two in Yellowstone you've seen so many bison you might be getting a little jaded, a little uninspired by the wildlife. That's when it's time to head to Lamar Valley for a day full of wildlife, especially the reintroduced and stunning gray wolf. Wherever you're camping, get …
Continue reading Lamar Valley Wildlife Spotting, Yellowstone
It feels like this year in particular there's been a lot of attention on how unhealthy thru hikers can be despite the incredible physical accomplishments and Trojan muscles at the end of the hike. Trojan as in that mascot statue that is impossibly flexing every single muscle in his body at the same time, one …
On Saturday I'll be starting my thruhike of the Pacific Crest Trail. I make no apologies for being MIA here this past month or so because A) I do that all the time, and B) it has been CRAZY here. If you've been following the PCT permitting during COVID drama you know that permits weren't …
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