Common Mistakes to Avoid When Climbing Mount Massive

January 17, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Colorado, Hike, Mountaineering, North America, Peak Bagging, United States

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.

What You Need to Know About Timing Your 14er Ascent

January 16, 2025 in Adventure Travel, California, Camping, Colorado, Grand Adventure, Hike, Micro Adventure, Mountaineering, North America, Peak Bagging, Rock Climbing, United States

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.

Which 14er Should You Tackle First; Mount Massive vs. Mount of the Holy Cross

January 15, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Colorado, Hike, Micro Adventure, Mountaineering, North America, Peak Bagging, Rock Climbing, United States

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.

Mount Massive’s False Summit Is Heartbreaking

January 14, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Colorado, Grand Adventure, Hike, Micro Adventure, North America, Peak Bagging, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Road Trip, United States, Van Life

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.

We Found A Vortex While Hiking, It Made Us Late For The Best Brunch Spot Sedona, AZ Has To Offer

January 11, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Arizona, Couple Travel, Hike, North America, United States

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.

Sunrise or Sunset at Glacier Point in Yosemite, I Prefer Sunrise

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Destinations, California, National Park, North America, United States

Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park is a photographer's paradise, offering breathtaking vistas that beckon camera enthusiasts from around the world. However, the eternal debate among photographers remains: sunrise or sunset at Glacier Point?

Both options have their unique charm, and the choice depends on your photography goals and style. In this blog, we'll explore the merits of both sunrise and sunset photography at Glacier Point to help you make an informed decision.

The Complete Photography Guide to Yosemite's Glacier Point

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Photography, Hike, Photograhy, Adventure Destinations, United States, North America, National Park, California, Grand Adventure

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.

Convict Lake Is Worth Stopping For At Least An Afternoon

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Travel, California, Camping, Hike, Kayak, North America, Photograhy, Solo Travel, United States, Van Life

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.

Summer Is the Best Time to Visit Convict Lake Along Highway 395

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Adventure Destinations, California, Fish, Kayak, Hike, North America, Road Trip, Photograhy, United States

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.

Kayaking Convict Lake, Make Sure To Go For Sunrise

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Travel, Adventure Destinations, California, North America, Kayak, United States

If you’re wondering, “Can you kayak at Convict Lake?” the answer is an enthusiastic yes! Nestled along the iconic Highway 395, Convict Lake offers an unforgettable sunrise kayaking experience that combines serenity, breathtaking views, and the perfect start to any outdoor adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, this lake offers something magical for everyone.

How to Kayak at Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra

January 09, 2025 in Adventure Destinations, Adventure Travel, California, Couple Travel, Kayak, North America, Road Trip, United States, Van Life

Just ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks waiting to be kayaked on. This glacially carved gem in Inyo National Forest is a favorite for outdoorsy people, offering year-round kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop as you glide across the calm waters.

7 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Bridgeport, CA

January 08, 2025 in Adventure Travel, California, Camping, Grand Adventure, Fish, Hike, Micro Adventure, North America, Peak Bagging, Road Trip, Rock Climbing, United States

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.

I Hiked Mount Tallac to Watch the Stars – You Should Too

January 01, 2025 in Adventure Travel, California, Camping, Hike, Micro Adventure, North America, Peak Bagging, Solo Travel, United States

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?

What to Expect When Visiting Sedona In Winter

December 31, 2024 in Adventure Travel, Adventure Destinations, Hike, Arizona, Camping, Road Trip, United States

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.

It’s Weird, I Know, But I Love Joshua Tree’s Backcountry

December 30, 2024 in Adventure Destinations, California, Camping, North America, National Park, Micro Adventure, Solo Travel, United States

Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.

California's Mammoth Lakes Are Home To The Best Hot Springs

December 27, 2024 in Adventure Travel, Adventure Destinations, California, Camping, Couple Travel, Grand Adventure, Micro Adventure, North America, Road Trip, Rock Climbing, Overlanding, Peak Bagging, Solo Travel, United States, Van Life

Mammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.

15 Things to Know About Tunnel View Sunrise

December 27, 2024 in California, National Park, North America, United States

Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the United States. At sunrise, this stunning vista offers photographers and nature lovers a magical experience as the first light of day illuminates the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. If you're planning a visit to catch the sunrise at Tunnel View, here are 15 things you should know to make the most of your experience.

Your Year Round Guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring In Mammoth Lakes, CA

December 27, 2024 in Adventure Destinations, Adventure Travel, California, Camping, Micro Adventure, North America, Overlanding, Road Trip, United States, Van Life

Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.