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All in Hike
Mount Massive, Colorado’s second-highest peak, is the often overlooked step-sibling to the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, just across the valley. However, climbing this iconic mountain comes with its challenges, and mistakes can quickly turn an enjoyable trek into a tough lesson. Based on personal experiences, here are the top mistakes to avoid when tackling Mount Massive, so you can have a safer and more rewarding adventure.
Climbing a 14er—a peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet—is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers. However, timing your ascent is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Starting too late can put you at risk of thunderstorms, heat, and other hazards that can turn an enjoyable hike into a dangerous situation. Here’s what you need to know about timing your 14er adventure.
Colorado is home to some of the most iconic 14ers in the United States, and Mount Massive and Mount of the Holy Cross are two standout peaks in the Sawatch Range. If you’re deciding which to climb first, this guide will help you compare the two peaks based on difficulty, scenery, logistics, and the best times to climb.
Waking up later than planned, I crawled out of my van with a packed bag, fueled by coffee and laced-up boots. Clicking my Coros watch to start recording my trek, I set off down the trail for a car-to-car push of Mount Massive. As Colorado's second-highest peak, I felt nervous but confident I could summit in good time. My legs were still sore from climbing Mount of the Holy Cross just a few days before, another challenging 14er in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
Reds and oranges filled the sky as the sunrise light reflected off the clouds, a welcome sign some warmth was on the way. This morning in Sedona, Arizona was cold as we hiked to find the Subway Cave, which is said to be the home of a vortex. While I am not totally sure what a vortex is, I wanted to find one. So, down the trail we went.
As passionate photography enthusiasts, we had delved into the works of modern greats who had immortalized Yosemite's breathtaking vistas. However, we aimed to add our own unique twist to this iconic location. Surveying our array of gear and props, we hatched an ambitious plan: to capture a skateboarding photograph careening down the serpentine road leading to Glacier Point. Join us on this journey as we blend the adrenaline of skateboarding with the tranquil majesty of Glacier Point's sunrise, creating a photographic masterpiece of our own.
If you're planning a road trip along Highway 395, Convict Lake is a must-see destination. Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, this picturesque lake offers a serene escape with activities that make it worth visiting for at least an afternoon or even longer. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, or simply taking in stunning mountain views, Convict Lake has something for everyone. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities makes it a destination that should not be overlooked.
When planning a trip along California's iconic Highway 395, make sure to stop at Convict Lake. Just 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, this Eastern Sierra alpine lake is at its best during the summer months. With warm weather, clear blue skies, and endless activities to enjoy, summer is the ideal season to experience all that Convict Lake has to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this destination offers something for everyone.
Bridgeport, CA is a pass-through town along Highway 395 that’s filled with adventures, if you’re willing to stop. With one overpriced gas station, two coffee shops, a sandwich shop, and a general store that is rarely open, I didn’t think much of this town at first. But over time, a few of my favorite adventures led me to the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, and I discovered it has much more to offer than meets the eye. This town is packed with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hot spring soaking, backcountry skiing, camping, stargazing, and so much more. Below are just a handful of reasons to stop in Bridgeport, CA while road-tripping Highway 395.
Hot springs on the beach sound like a dream, but in La Ventana, they’re a reality. Just north of this kite-surfing addicted city of Baja Sur lies Playa Agua Caliente, a unique beach where you can soak in natural hot springs at low tide along the Sea of Cortez. These hidden treasures bubble right out of the sand, offering an unforgettable experience for those who make the trip north. The trifecta of secluded beach, desert landscape, and floating islands makes this spot dreamy, at least that is how I felt.
When Kristin and I were on a family vacation in Cerritos Beach, surfing and swimming filled most of our days. But we craved a change of pace and decided on a sunset hike to an abandoned sugar port near Todos Santos. What started as a spur-of-the-moment decision turned into the highlight of our trip, combining stunning views, historical intrigue, and an unforgettable sunset.
When you think of spearfishing in Todos Santos, images of clear waters, abundant marine life, and the thrill of the hunt likely come to mind. Our experience was all of that and more, even if we didn’t bring home a fresh catch. It was a day filled with exploration, breathtaking views, and underwater wonders that reminded us why we love this adventurous activity.
There are those “by happen stance” occasions that just happen to work out, this is one of them. Driving back to the lower 48 from Alaska, I needed to use the bathroom. So, while in British Columbia, Kristin and I stopped in a large parking lot with bathroom. This lot seemed to be in the middle of no where, but that didn’t surprise me as there are several random lots along the drive from Alaska to the lower 48. However, very few of those lots had swarms of people. So, I asked somebody, “Why are there so many people here?”
They laughed and said they were doing the prettiest hike to in all of British Columbia, Joffre Lakes.
Embarking on an outdoor adventure is a wonderful way to disconnect from the bustling city life, reconnect with nature, and challenge yourself physically and mentally. When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, day hikes, backpacking trips, and trekking expeditions are popular choices. Each option offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences, skill levels, and time commitments.
Living in South Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac has always been my constant landmark. Its familiar silhouette serves as a compass, grounding me whenever I wander through Tahoe’s endless beauty. Whether I’m kayaking on the lake or hiking a forested trail, Tallac’s jagged profile stands as a reassuring guide. But recently, I felt the urge to shift perspectives. Instead of looking at Mount Tallac, why not look from its summit and discover the view from above?
Winter in Sedona is a magical time that combines stunning landscapes with fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're drawn by the allure of Sedona's famous red rocks or the chance to explore the town's unique cultural vibe, winter is a fantastic season to visit.
Sedona is a city I have returned to several times. I am not sure what exactly draws me back to this town of red dirt, but I find myself here at least once a year. On a recent visit, I hiked the Seven Sacred Pools just after a rain and continued my hike onward to the Soldier Pass Cave. After clinging for dear life on the side of a muddy hill, I finally made it to this cave that everyone rants and raves about on social media and Reddit threads. While I am typically not one to seek out social media spots, Soldier Pass Cave caught my eye. Its stunning formation and the challenge it offers make it a bucket-list hike for anyone visiting Sedona.
As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
