This Sedona Cave Hike Takes You To A Ruin And A Hideout, But It's Hard To Find

While preparing for a two-week trip to Sedona, AZ, cave hiking was at the top of our list. But, Sedona has so many caves to explore, which ones should you visit? As we built out our list, Robber's Roost landed towards the top, behind Subway Cave and the cave just past Seven Sacred Pools.

Six days into our Sedona trip, the time had come to explore Robber's Roost. Known for its large, main cave facing east--perfect for watching the sunrise and enjoying the sunset glow--with a smaller opening, that you can sit in, facing southeast, this cave has been home to natives, outlaws, moonshiners, and vagabonds. Acting as a safe haven for many, this hike is rightfully way out of town.

The key to success, an off-road vehicle. Since Kristin and I live in a 2WD van, accessing this hike, unless we felt like hoofing it down a dirt road for four miles, was going to be a slog. The fun-filled solution, rent a Polaris RZR. To make a full day out of the hike and renting a RZR, we wanted to see as much of Sedona's inaccessible parts as possible.

Floating over rocks, shelfs, and attempting to jump the RZR, one could say we took our time getting to Robber's Roost. In reality, we attempted to drain the gas tank while exploring every side trail we could, as fast as we could. While we didn't manage to drain the gas tank or jump the RZR, we did cover miles of extra trail in some heart pumping riding.

Parking at the top of the hill, we began the incredibly short hike, a third of a mile, to Robber's Roost. Initially, I felt lazy for how we got here, but the smile on my face told another story. Hiking out to Robber's Roost without 4WD would not have been as much fun and I was zinging with excitement.

The cave is on the backside of the mound, so do not mistake the west facing opening as Robber's Roost, some do! From the parking area, typically filled with off-road vehicles, hike down the hill to a dry creek bed, then immediately up and around the north side of the mound. As you get closer to Robber's Roost, you might here some people, but maybe not. This area is thin, with a large drop to your left, so keep an eye on where you are walking and don't worry about the people who might be in the cave.

Kristin and I arrived at the cave through the main opening, it's massive! The "small" hole to the south is large enough for two people to stand in. That is totally okay and you should do it. On the flip-side, please do not stand on the wall that was built by the indigenous people, it would be sad to have it fall down. 

When you are here, take you time looking around, there is a ton to see! Try to imagine living in this cave. How would you set up your house? Think of all the sunrises you could watch. Enjoy the sunset glow on the red cliffs in the distance. Do you think this would have been the ideal roost for outlaws? I think so!

This Photographer Swam In Yosemite's Freezing Cold Merced River Just To Get A Photograph

After striking out the first night in Yosemite Valley, hoping to see and photograph Yosemite Valley's Firefall, I decided to make the most of the five-day personal-assignment in Yosemite National Park. My thought was simple, Firefall is roughly 30-40 minutes at the end of the day, which leaves 23.5 hours to photograph other places around Yosemite. Why not maximize that time? 

Waking up before the sun, the headlights of the van led me through the dark to more iconic locations in Yosemite Valley. Most notably, Hanging Valley View.

Getting to Hanging Valley View requires you to drive almost the complete circle around Valley Loop Drive and has a gorgeous view looking back at Bridalveil Fall and El Cap. Located at a bend in the Merced River, creating an eddy of calm water, Hanging Valley View sometimes has a reflection. My dream was a solar flare reflected in the calm water with sunrise.

Hopping out of the van, I had the whole place to myself. Snapping images left and right during blue hour, something quickly became obvious. I wasn't going to be able to snap a "unique" image here from land. Thankfully, I had my water-housing for my camera in the van. The only thing, it was 22F outside. That is cold. Am I crazy enough to hop in the water at that temp? Maybe.

Debating with myself for a little while, I kept snapping frames along the river bank, hoping something would come out. Nothing. I knew what I had to do.

Taking a deep breath and accepting what I had to do, my feet led me back to the van and I began setting up my camera. Changing the settings, locking the latches, swapping to the Tamron 17-28mm lens set at 17mm, double checking the seal, and spitting on the lens, it was time. Mentally preparing to plunge into the frigid winter water with board shorts on, wielding my camera in its water-housing, took more than I want to admit, but I went in, one foot after the other.

Waist-deep in the water, I wandered around, trying to get the autofocus to lock onto Bridalveil Fall. Nothing. My settings were off and the exposure was too dark. The underwater section just looked black. Why am I doing this? I asked myself. 

People started to show up along the bank and they took video of me. I was feeling awkward. I just wanted to create something new, not become a meme. But, I had come this far, so I might as well finish.

Splashing my way back to shore, I grabbed my towel to dry the water housing, open it up, and brighten the exposure. Another deep breath and avoiding a few people on the bank who wanted to talk with me, I plunged back into the water. 

"You must love ice baths," somebody shouted.

This made me laugh as I crouched in the water, letting half the dome get covered in the water and the other half showcasing the sky and landscape. SNAP, SNAP, SNAP.

They Tossed Us The Keys To A Polaris RZR And What We Did Next Was Unbelievable

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something flying my way. A startled turn in the direction, a pair of keys bounced off my chest and landed in my hands. We had just finished hiking Robber's Roost in Sedona, AZ, and back at the Polaris RZRs we had rented. "It's all yours, enjoy it until sundown. If you break it, you buy it. Otherwise, have fun!" 

With the stamp of approval, our unofficial tour guide had shown us the lack of limitations these side-by-sides have. Bouncing over rocks at speeds that made me grip the seat, I surely thought the RZR was going to snap in half. But, it didn't. Winding around turns, I was convinced we were going to flip. But, we never did. The only thought I had that came true; we would be dirty by the end of the day.

As we said goodbye to our impromptu teacher, Kristin and I stood, looking at each other, dumbfounded that we now had the keys to the top-of-the-line Polaris RZR and only had one deadline, sunset. 

Eyes wide open and jaws ajar, we looked at each other like kids with unlimited access to a candy shop. After a quick row-sham-bow for who got to drive, I plopped into the driver's seat.

Disengaging the parking break and letting the engine roar, we started kicking up dust as we flew down the trail. With no destination, we just looked for fun trails. Zoom down dirt roads, bouncing over boulders, avoiding trees that seem to pop out of nowhere. We were on an endorphin high. 

Kristin figured out how to sync her phone, so, we cranked up the speakers to max and blasted down the trail fueled by ODESZA and Avicii. Our hearts pumping, and nothing could stop us. Mile after mile zipped underneath the tires. Kristin tapped me on the knee.

"It's my turn to drive!" She shouted as FOMO set in.

Nodding back, I parked the RZR and we quickly re-started down the trail as though we were racing the Baja 1000 as a team. Our only limitation, sunlight.

Thrashing back and forth down a particularly rocky stretch of trail, we could see our imposing limitation was only an hour away. Energized from my time behind the wheel, I thought it would be funny to play a song, so I scrolled through the phone connected to the speakers for a John Denver song.

"...take me home, country roads..." now blasted through the speakers as our headlight pointed back to our Polaris Adventures rental shop.

This Colorado Mountain Town Does Not Have A Ski Resort, But It Has Everything Else

Ski resorts and Colorado are synonymous with each other at this point, but so are crowds. However, that doesn't have to be the case. Estes Park is an adventure capital that has everything except a ski resort. From ice-climbing to backcountry skiing to snow shoe-shoeing, Estes Park is an ideal winter destination because there are no crowds in comparison to the ski resort towns of Colorado.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is easy to learn with minimal barrier to entry. All you need are your winter clothes and some snow shoes to open up a new way to see this mountain landscape at its quietest season. Visitors can rent their own, or take guided tours, with Kirks Mountain Adventures. If you are looking for trail suggestions, Bear Lake Trailhead and Glacier Gorge Trailhead provide scenic views of the snow-capped peaks.

Splitboarding and Cross-Country Skiing

Without a ski resort, accessing the serenity of the mountains can be challenging for those just getting into the backcountry scene, however, accessing untracked snow and having a true sense of freedom by splitboarding and cross-country skiing has never been easier in Estes Park. Developed as a small ski resort that opened in the 1950s, Hidden Valley Ski Area ceased operations in 1991 but runs remain open. Now it’s entirely comprised of backcountry skiing — the runs are still cut into the mountain, and there’s incredible skiing, with no lines, and tons of fresh powder.

Ice Climbing

Known for long cold spells, Estes Park, sitting at 7,522 feet has access to some of the best ice-climbing routes in the lower 48. If you are new to the game, take a class with Colorado Mountain School, the largest mountain guiding outfit in the state. One of the best beginner places to ice climb in Estes Park is Jewel Lake, known for its moderate routes and abundance of overflow ice.

If you are looking to escape the crowds and discover a new winter destination, this cute town is ready to be your access point to Rocky Mountain National Park and snowcapped mountains. Chock full of adventures, from ice-climbing to backcountry skiing to snowshoeing, Estes Park is calling, will you answer the call?

There's Nothing Better Than Cowboy Camping With Friends

Shlepping our packs over our shoulders, we headed out for a night of cowboy camping under the Utah sky. As a group, we only had a single night together, so we wanted to make the most of our time together. For us, that meant sleeping under the stars.

Packing only the essentials, sleeping bag, ground sheet, sleeping pad, some snacks, coffee, and water, we headed for our spot while the expected barrage of silly jokes and friendly banter that comes with old friends reuniting. 

Feeling like daredevils, which we really are not, we tossed on harnesses, roped up, and blasted to the top of a remote arch in the Utah desert. Clipping a handful of bolts along the way, we simul-climbed the 5.2 terrain towards the summit. Our approach shoes served us well, as we stood on top of the arch within the hour of leaving our cars.

Soaking in the 360 views, we tossed down the ground sheets, emptied our breath time and time again to fill up our sleeping pads, played some practical jokes on each other, and watched the sunset from our sleeping bags.

A Handful of Cowboy Camping Tips:

• Check the weather before you head out
• Always bring a ground tarp that is waterproof, this can act as an impromptu tent if the weather changes on you
• Learn about the stars, this will give you something to do as you lay awake, looking toward the cosmos
• Don't forget your stove if you plan on cooking a meal
• Without a tent, you can get colder, so bring a warmer sleeping bag
• If you get cold, slide inside your backpack, this acts like a bivvy sack

As the sun rose, we woke up. Most of us were groggy and had a runny nose, a common occurrence while sleeping without a tent, but the coffee was almost ready. 

Holding a warm cup of joe in our hands, we cheered the warmth of the sun and started packing up our gear. One double-rope rappel and we were ready for a thrilling rope swing before saying, "Until next time, besties."

Campfire By Night, Breakfast Skillet By Morning This Portable Fire Pit Does It All

The evening chill was creeping in and night was soon to fall. We were almost done setting up the van for a stay in Sedona's dispersed camping area, but there was one thing left. Our Ranger 2.0 Solo Stove. Pulling this portable fire pit from the back of the van and our pre-chopped wood, we were able to sit by the warmth of the fire before night fell.

Camping in the dispersed sites of Sedona, AZ enjoying a winter camp fire. Photo by Dalton Johnson

A couple of weeks prior to the trip, I was worried. There is a fire ban in Sedona's dispersed camping lands. But, the wording of the fire ban confused me, so, I called the Coconino Forest Service to ask about their ban. A ranger quickly picked up my call and responded to my inquiry as such, "If you have a Solo Stove or similar portable fire structures, you can have a fire. The fire ban is for those looking to build a non-sustainable fire ring and scare the desert landscape." Worries faded away and the stoke was real!

As our first night under the Sedona stars burnt on, we stayed warm. To my surprise, the Solo Stove did not use up much wood. As we roasted marshmallows and attempted to find the big dipper, then the little dipper, and onto Gemini, we only burned one bundle of wood.

After hours of chatting and only one bundle of wood burnt, I guess we are going to need to have more fires, I thought to myself considering we bought four bundles for this trip.

As yawns overtook conversation, we let the fire burn out and headed to bed. While sleeping, an idea came to me on how we can get rid of more wood. Cook over the Solo Stove instead of the van's stove top.

Cooking a breakfast over the fire with a Solo Stove. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Getting my morning fitness in, I chopped some wood to restart the Solo Stove for breakfast. In no time, the flame was burning and I tossed the kettle on top of the skillet. Coffee always comes first. Then came the good stuff. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, all cook perfectly on the skillet. Giving the food an added smoky flavor, I was in heaven as I sat in my chair and watched the sun rise overhead.

Sedona Has Created Some Of The Best Dispersed Camping In The United States

From on top of the van, I watch the golden light creep over the red cliffs, awaken the sleeping landscape, and fill the Sedona desert with warmth. Parked in the dispersed camping areas of Sedona, you can see, in the distance, hot air balloons filling and some floating high in the sky almost every morning. Out here, you can breath, reconnect with nature while camping, and take a slow day without that guilty feeling. Not all dispersed camping feels like this. 

While some cities and towns have struggled to create a space for transient adventure travelers, Sedona has done it well. Carving out a variety of sites throughout the desert, equipped with portable toilets, Sedona's dispersed camping is one of the best in the country, and here's why.

Sedona's Dispersed Camping Is Free, For Now

A few years back, Sedona was overrun by adventure travelers sleeping at trailheads in their vans and the locals were having a tough time accessing the place they loved. Hearing this pain, Sedona acted quickly and established several dispersed camping areas on the outskirts of town.

These areas are free to stay for 14 days, after that you'll need to move to another spot. The convenient part of the dispersed camping zones is their location and access to adventures.

Quick Access To Trails

Tucked away from town, the dispersed camping is located close to the multi-use trails. Within five minutes of driving, from the dispersed camping areas to the west of Sedona, you can be hiking, mountain biking, or zooming down trails in your side-by-side.

Toilets And Spaces

For dispersed camping, the Sedona sites come equipped with amenities that you don't find elsewhere. From clean portapotties to cleared out, semi-flat spaces to park, the Sedona dispersed camping is a pleasure to stay. 

Also, having the spaces zoned out and portable toilets builds into the dispersed camping atmosphere a sense of cleanliness. So, you don't find trash all over the place or feces scattered under rocks like most other dispersed camping areas throughout the US.

As Sedona continues to develop the dispersed camping scene, I am not sure if the stays will remain free, but if they do, come and hang out. Enjoy the access and amenities. Keep the area clean and enjoy the sunrise from your campsite.

These Four Adventures In Belize Will Blow Your Mind

You may know Belize for its clear ocean waters and colorful beak toucans, but the rich history of Belize can only be appreciated when squishing your toes in the limestone bedrock of an atoll or feeling the humid heat on a stagnant day in the Jungle. How do you access those experiences? Adventure. Traveling to Belize for an adventurous outing will give you access to what this country has to offer and connect to locals who want to share it with you. Here are four adventurous activities to do while in Belize.

Fly Fish for Permit and Bonefish

Do yourself a favor, book a fly fishing guide, and head out to the atoll flats of Belize in search of bonefish and the elusive permit. If you are a first-timer with a fly rod or a salty veteran, walking the flats with a guide will open your eyes to unlocking this landscape. At first, you’ll be stomping around the flats, tripping over the conch shells, scaring away the fish you are hoping to catch and release. But, after a few hours, you will get the hang of spotting “nervous water” marking the presence of bonefish, or quickly identify the splashing tale of a permit, and sneak up on the fish so you can drop a fly in the perfect spot to land your desired target.

Eat A Royal Rat

Queen Elizabeth only visited Belize once and on that visit, she was fed a local delicacy, Gibnut. Which made it in the tabloids back in England dawning the name Royal Rat. From then on, Belizeans proudly display the tabloid with the Queen at the table, eating the Royal Rat. So, embrace a little bit of history and seek out some Gibnut with rice for yourself while traveling in Belize.

Visit The Blue Hole

Is it a tourist trap or is it the Blue Hole? Maybe a little bit of both, but that shouldn’t hold you back from going. When you see photographs of the blue hole from the sky, just know it doesn’t look the same from the water level. The hole is so large, you won’t even know you are overtop of it until your boat captain says, “We’re here.” For some, this might not be ideal, but once you dive under the surface you’ll be amazed. So, two takeaways here:

• If you want to see the blue hole like the beautiful images, take a flightseeing tour
• If you want to experience the blue hole first hand, go snorkeling or SCUBA diving

Take A Tour Through A Mayan Ruin

History buff, or not, visiting a Mayan ruin while in Belize should be on your list. Why? You’ll start to understand just how advanced Central America was before Western populations arrived. Setting foot on the Mayan ruins you gain a perspective of how grand the buildings were they built. Additionally, if you take a tour, you’ll learn about the Mayan use of symmetry and acoustics to amplify the connection between rulers and the gods. 

This Might Be Sedona's Most Photogenic River Spot

The afternoon air in Sedona, AZ had a lingering chill as wound down the scenic Red Rock Loop Road. In the distance, the Sedona cliffs had already started to change colors and if we hadn't dreamed of snapping a photograph from the river bank at Crescent Moon State Park, I would have pulled over here to enjoy the view. Instead, we pushed on. 

My camera bag was already packed, so as soon as we parked, I shouldered my pack and started hiking to "the spot". Crescent Moon State Park is one of the most popular photo locations in Sedona, but the landscape is always changing. The river has highs and lows. The tree colors are often changing, or dropping leaves. Sometimes there are clouds and other days blue skies. So, photographing Crescent Moon State Park is always a unique outing.

Arriving at the initial spot I visualized being good, but it wasn't. The branches had sagged in the recent rains, blocking Cathedral Rocks in the distance. The goal was to capture Cathedral rocks bathing in a golden sunset light showcasing the movement of the river with a long exposure. So, I needed to move on.

Taking off my shoes and swapping to my favorite camera lens, the Tamron 17-28mm, I waded into the water, fearful that I would slip and fall, soaking my camera gear. With each timid step on the slimy riverbed, I cautiously made my way to an outcropping near the swimming area. Typically, this area is swarming with people, but for some reason, it wasn't today.

Stretching the legs of my tripod out, I centered the flowing water to run under the camera. Creating a leading line from the center of the frame directly to Cathedral Rocks. Perfect timing!

The sunlight slowly passed me and illuminated the towering rocks in an orange glow. Slowing down my shutter speed to 1/4 of a second, the water became smooth. I released the shutter, SNAP...

You'll Regret Missing This River Spot In Sedona

From picnic benches to river dips, seemingly endless hiking trails to iconic landscape photo locations, Sedona's Crescent Moon State Park is a must-visit spot while traveling to Sedona, AZ. Why? You can do every outdoor activity here while  visually feasting on Cathedral Rocks. If you don't believe me, keep reading and you'll understand.

Photography, Sunset Is Best

If you are a photographer or just love snapping iPhone photos in pretty places to show your friends later, make sure to visit Crescent Moon State Park around sunset. If you have an evening with minimal cloud coverage, from the river located in the middle of the park, you can watch the nightly light show on Cathedral Rocks. This natural display of light changes the rock from red to a glowing orange, sometimes pink with the right conditions. 

Hiking

Few know that Crescent Moon State Park has great hiking because most come for the river and rarely explore beyond the riverbank. However, this trailhead is a great place to start several hikes, all with stellar views of Cathedral Rocks. The most popular hike is a 2-mile out-and-back called Crescent Moon Ranch. You can bring your dog on this trail and it is also a perfect beginner trail running route as it only gains 50 vertical feet.

Riverside Picnic

Crescent Moon State Park is most known for being the perfect picnic spot in Sedona. Why? If you want to spend all day in a kid-friendly location, this is your spot. With picnic benches and large grass areas, you can let the kids run free while keeping a close eye on them. If the temperatures are hot, you walk as a group to the water and take a dip. Looking to stay riverside all day? Not a problem, there are tons of places where you can set out chairs and blankets for a full day at the river.

Swimming In The River On Hot Days

Sedona can get hot, especially on summer days. So, it's paramount that you know where to cool down. If you didn't already know, Crescent Moon State Park is your answer to that. While you do need to pay, between $5-15 to access the park, you can enjoy this swimming hole on hot days. Since Sedona is a desert, there are few places you can access water, so Crescent Moon State Park will be your best spot.

What You Need To Know About Traveling To Belize Before You Step Off The Plane

Stepping off the plane onto Belize soil, you wouldn't think it is much different than other Central American countries. Everything is kind of the same; arrive at an airport, go through customs, and find a ride to your hotel. But, during my first 24 hours traveling in Belize, I quickly realized Belize is different than most other Central American countries. There was very little resistance when traveling. What does that mean? Keep reading to find out.

The Exchange Rate

Belize's economy has maintained a 2-to-1 exchange rate since 1978 in comparison to the USD, so $2 BZD = $1 USD. So, when you are traveling throughout Belize, you can quickly do the math of swapping currency. Also, USD is widely accepted, so you do not need to exchange your USD for BZD if you do not want to. However, I suggest making the exchange just to see what BZD looks like, they are a much prettier currency than USD. 

Doesn't Feel Like Other Central America Countries

In many ways, traveling to Belize feels like you are in America, not a Central American country. When navigating Belize City, you'll constantly see construction, the buildings are newer, and there is a hustle that reflects American culture. On the flip side, once you leave the city, the people slow down and so does industrialization. Similar to the US. 

Now, don't let the comment above keep you from going to Belize to escape the American hustle, Belize is still an up-and-coming country with a lot of hope, but also a great escape for ex-patriots.

A Few Differences I Immediately Noticed:

• Belizeans play more baseball than soccer
• Belizeans drive bigger cars than other Central American countries
• Tourism leads the country, but most advertisements are for local industry
• Schools are everywhere
• The roads are well-made, but don't have a speed limit

People Speak English

Yup, that is right. Belize is an English-speaking country, so the barrier to entry is low if you are fluent in English. While some of the local accents can be difficult to understand, Creole is a popular language for Belizeans to speak at home, everyone can speak English.

The Atolls Are Out Of This World

If you have the opportunity to leave the land, I highly suggest making a boat trip to experience one of the many atolls of Belize. These limestone "islands" are inhabited by many, but several are also uninhabited land with pristine white beaches. While visiting the atolls, bring a fly fishing rod or a snorkel with fins, as there are endless opportunities to explore the waters in Belize.

Four Things You'll Want To Know Before Flying In A Hot Air Balloon

Riding in a hot air balloon has been a bucket list adventure I have been chasing for the past two years. Some have said, "You have the worst luck out of anyone I have known." But, the good news is, after five attempts, I finally floated across the sky during sunrise over the Scottsdale desert. If you are craving the  experience of floating away in a balloon, here are four things I wish I had known before taking my first hot air balloon ride.

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Your Flight Could Be Rescheduled 

If the winds are not favorable, aka pushing you in a direction that is not safe for landing, you could get a phone call, or text message, saying your flight is delayed or rescheduled. This happens occasionally, so allow yourself to be flexible when booking a hot air balloon ride.

How To Dress

During your hot air balloon flight, you will be exposed to the elements, so bring a few layers as it might be cold, especially if you are doing a sunrise hot air balloon ride. However, when I was flying, I noticed the fire used to keep the hot air balloon filled was very warm, so I had to shed a layer.

The Wind Has The Final Say 

You are not in an airplane that has wings and a motor, you are floating in the sky by a big balloon. The pilots are truly pilots, yup they have to get a license to fly you, but they are at the mercy of the wind. If the wind wants to take you south, you're going south. If the wind wants you to go east, you're headed east. Your pilot with change their altitude accordingly to find a favorable wind direction, but just remember, the wind has the final say.

Things Happen Fast! 

In many ways, hot air balloon rides are a hurry-up-to-wait experience. One second you are looking at the balloon getting filled, the next you’re in the air floating through the sky. You're looking around, getting lost in the landscape. The new perspective of being up high opens your eyes to what's around, then you're told to brace for landing. It's not that a hot air balloon ride is short, it's that you will be engaged and lose track of time.

Is Yosemite’s Firefall Worth Trying To See in 2025

In late January, the news cycle starts getting everyone excited about the potential of watching the lava-like waterfall flowing off the eastern cliff of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. A spectacle that lasts between 5 and 30 minutes at sunset, between February 10th and March 1st, depending on a wide variety of factors; clouds, snowfall, outside temperature, snow accumulation, and permits, just to name a few. 

Travelers come from wide and far hoping to see Firefall in all its glory, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. Some years, Firefall pours lava-like water as though it is an erupting volcano. In other years, Firefall doesn’t drip. Then, there are years that are somewhere in the middle. These variable conditions make planning a trip to watch Firefall in Yosemite can be quite challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be. Here are three filters you can look through to decide if making the trip to Yosemite Valley to see Firefall is worthwhile.

Do You Have to See Firefall On The Trip?

Of course, we all want to see Firefall in all of its glory, flowing a deep red, plummeting thousands of feet towards the valley floor, but would you be okay if you didn’t see this? The experience of watching Firefall lasts 30 minutes max, just before sunset, so you still have the entire day to explore Yosemite Valley in the winter.

Would a trip to Yosemite be worth it if you saw the sights like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Tunnel View with a blanket of snow, or, went on other adventures like hiking, photography, rock climbing, starting a snowball fight with strangers? Would you be willing to plan your trip to be more than just watching Firefall, and transform your trip focus into a visiting Yosemite during the winter kind of trip instead? If you answered yes to this, you should go, regardless of conditions, and let Firefall be your sprinkles on top.

If You Have to Plan Weeks, or Months In Advance, How Much Time Do You Have?

The variable conditions of Firefall make seeing this annual event difficult if you only have a single day. So, if you have several days, your likelihood of seeing Firefall increases. But, how long is long enough? Three days would be short because weather systems can linger, whereas a week would provide enough time for conditions to improve or get worse. With that said, you can show up for a week and still not see Firefall. From friends, I’ve heard of people showing up for an entire season and only seeing Firefall flow once, or twice. So, what’s the solution, other than crossing your finger and saying good thoughts? Understanding what “perfect conditions” are for Firefall and showing up at the perfect time. It’s actually not that hard!

Can You Be Flexible And Seek Out The “Perfect” Conditions for Firefall?

Firefall does have a recipe for success, but, for everything to align, you will need to be flexible. So, here’s how you break the secret with the cheat code to seeing Firefall:

• There needs to be a blanket of snow on top of El Capitan’s eastern slope

• You need two days, in a row, above freezing to create a great flow, then the day of view needs to stay above 35F

• Partially cloudy skies look the best, but no clouds are better for a greater flow

• This all needs to align during the third week of February to have the longest viewing opportunity

That is what you need to have the greatest opportunity to see Firefall in Yosemite National Park

There are three lenses to look through for you to decide if heading to Yosemite Valley during the winter is worth it for you. From personal experience, I can tell you every time have gone to see Firefall, regardless if I see the lava-like waterfall, I have returned home a happier human. But, you are not me, so take these lenses and look through them, they will help you decide if the trip will be worth it for you.

Do Yourself A Favor And Book A Small Ship Cruise To Norway ASAP

The land of Vikings, northern lights, silence, and the reindeer herding Sami people are calling your name, right now, to go on a cruise along the coastline of Norway. At least, they were calling mine when I got an invite to cruise with Havila Voyages for a few nights to see the Northern Lights. With ancestry tracing back to Norway, I couldn't resist the to opportunity visit the land I had heard so much about. I'll admit, now that I have been to Norway, I understand the hype and already want to return to this stunning country. Why, you ask? Here are three reasons I would return to Norway for another cruise this winter (or any winter in the future):

The Northern Lights 

For years, I have dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights for myself. Anytime friends would share stories of their experiences watching the dancing light in the sky, I was envious. While onboard, I was eagerly checking my apps and always listening for an announcement. 

On the second night of our Havila voyage, while I was in the gym, the announcement binged, "Hello guest, if you would like to see the Northern Lights, they are currently visible on the bow of the ship. We recommend you visit the ninth floor and see them for yourself." Sweating from a workout, I grabbed my camera (I came "prepared") and headed out into the windy, 22-degree night, dripping sweat, in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. From the front of the boat, I snapped the above image. What an evening!

The Views

In addition to the Northern Lights, when you cruise Havila Voyages, the small vessel is capable of exploring the Fjords and passages, bringing you 50 to 100 feet of the shoreline, in some places. "We are so close, I could reach out and touch the rock," one passenger said. While I don't think that is true, we did get incredibly close to the steep walls that gleamed with white snow. Additionally, the sunrises will take your breath away! The colors of yellow and orange reflecting on the snow-capped mountains left me in awe.

The People

I do not know if I have met a friendlier grouping of people than the Norwegians.  Eager to swap stories and always helpful, the Norwegian people look out for everyone, most likely a product of living in a harsh environment. Additionally, they know several languages, typically English, German, and Norwegian, so navigating the streets is easy if you are willing to ask somebody for directions.

If winter doesn't sound like your jam, come for the polar sun in the summer months! Either way, summer or winter, setting sail with Havila Voyages in Norway will provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience as you explore Norway.

Dear TSA, I Have Sinned For My Last 8 Flights With These Red Wing Boots, Here’s My Confession

To the overlords of TSA and those standing in long lines at the airport, for my last 8 flights, I have been traveling in a pair of Red Wing Heritage boots. There are seven, yes seven, eyelets that lace these boots up, and, to take them off, I must undue four of them. Each boot takes at least 20 to 30 seconds to unlace, so I am writing here today to confess that I have backed up the security line with these boots and I don’t know if I will stop.

My sins are self-centered, but ever since I was sent these leather, moc-toe boots to test, I haven’t taken them off. They look great with jeans of any color. They are comfortable for all-day use and when my feet swell, there is plenty of room. The best part, I’ve been complimented more than once on the boots, often leading to deeper conversations. 

Once I am off the plane, these Red Wing Heritage boots have performed well in snowy/icy conditions. Keeping me from embarrassment and my rear end from being nasty bruising. To my surprise, they didn’t overheat my feet while living the beach life in Belize.

The only downside side, boots and shorts don’t really go together, can I get a solution for this before summer comes?

So, for anyone behind me in the security line, or the TSA agent rolling their eyes after looking at my Red Wing Heritage boots, I am sorry. I know that I have broken an unspoken rule of travel engagement, but I don’t see myself changing up anytime soon.

Belize’s Turneffe Island Resort Will Help You Recalibrate And Destress From Day One Of Your Trip In Central America

Rocking across the blue-green waters to the atoll, we soak in the sun radiating down on us from the captain’s deck. He points towards the horizon, we can see a spec in the distance if you squint, “Turneffe, your new home.” I would be staying at Turneffe Island Resort for the next few days to snorkel, fly fish, and settle into the slower pace of island life.

Each day at Turneffe Island Resort was designed with simplicity:

• Wake up and enjoy coffee delivered to the room
• Have breakfast
• Activity one
• Lunch
• Activity two
• Relax and unwind next to the ocean
• Happy hour
• Dinner
• Sleep
• If you didn’t feel like doing something, you could always hang back and read a book, looking out at the ocean.

For the lack of a better word, the structure of the days at Turneffe Island Resort allows for the mind to rejuvenate but keeps the body in motion. A recipe for returning home well-rested mentally and feeling stronger physically.

The staff greeted us as we arrived at the dock and we were shown to our rooms. I was staying in the newly renovated honeymoon villa, so there was ample room to spread out and feel at home. The massive, screened porch had a soaking tub, lounge chairs, room to do yoga, and a table that was perfect for journaling while enjoying my morning coffee—which by the way was some of the best I have ever had at a resort. Inside, the simple yet elegant design continued. A king-size bed, couch, desk, walk-in closet, a shower that could fit ten comfortably, all encased in mahogany ceiling to floor. That isn’t even the best part.

The best part is how the outdoor space was used. Out the backdoor, an outside shower. Off the front porch, I had access to hammocks, swinging beds, and docks that jutted out into the water. Palm trees reached for the skies and the ground was groomed daily, so my tender feet courageously explored the grounds barefooted with ease.

If the entire property wasn’t already an oasis to shed the woes from back home, tucked away on the far side of the atoll, opposite the marina where you arrive, there is a hammock stretched between two palm trees where you swing and soak in the final rays of orange-yellow sunlight as our star dips below the horizon line.

It’s here that I let out a massive exhale, realizing just how much tension I had been holding in my body before arriving. I closed my eyes and took another breath, repeating to myself, “And, this is just the start of day one.”

Cerritos Beach Is Baja's Next Surf Escape

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Tucked away an hour up the coastline from, the party capital of the world, Cabo San Lucas, is the growing surf destination of Cerritos Beach. Some may call this cove with a point break and beach break hidden, but others have known about it for years. I started surfing it back in 2001 when there was only an open beach and the big yellow hotel on the point. Now, Cerritos Beach is on the radar, Surfline has a cam and the development is booming. But, that doesn't mean the line-up is getting worse, surprisingly.

If you stack your surfboards on top of your car and take the toll road from the San Jose del Cabo Airport, you'll turn off the highway and be bumping down the road to Cerritos Beach in about 90 minutes. Sadly, you can't sleep on the beach anymore, but there are plenty of vacation rentals to pick from (this one has been my favorite because you can see the breaks from the rooftop deck and it's a 5-minute walk) and a growing infrastructure to support RV and van life rigs. Making Cerritos Beach a perfect place to post up if you are road-tripping the Baja Peninsula. 

Enough about driving and places to stay, let's talk surf.

What Are Cerritos Waves Like?

Cerritos Beach in Baja has two waves; a point and a beach break. The point break is friendly until low tide or big swell. The beach break is where most intermediate surfers will head in search of barrels.

The Point

For most of the year, this is a long-boarding surf spot. The waves are friendly rollers with an easy takeoff. Most of the time you can stand up and hit the nose, but an inside rock that is occasionally pocking through on low tide can make the wave mushy on high tides. A quick note, this rock is easily avoidable, don't worry about it!

If you are looking for surf lessons in Cerritos reach out to CRT Surf School for lessons, they are the best on the beach and act as lifeguards, giving back to the community. When booking a surf lesson, you will learn to surf on the inside of this point.

During the winter months, however, the point is the takeoff zone for the 20-foot bombs that come through the area. I am not lying to you. If Mavericks breaks up in Half Moon Bay, three to four days later, Cerritos Beach will be pumping. I've seen and surfed several days with stand-up barrels off the point.

The Beach Break

The beach break is a fun, and sometimes tricky, spot to surf depending on the sand. Also, the lineup is mixed with locals and tourists. The locals are friendly, but the occasional OC surfer, with a chip on their shoulder, will probably start yelling at some point. Don't mind them. Just find the sandbar and decide if you want to go right, or left, and try to tuck into the barrel.

On big days, this beach break is your obstacle to push through when paddling out to the point. Be safe and fight hard, it's similar to a big day at Ocean Beach. 

My Phone Was A Better Camera For The Northern Lights Than My $6K Camera

The Northern Light season for Norway runs from October to March, and I went to capture photographs. Dreaming of capturing the glowing skies dancing overhead, I packed my bag with lenses, camera bodies, and a tripod. Only to find out, that the camera on my phone, an iPhone 15 pro, was better than my $6k, low-light specialized camera I would set up on a tripod and snap long exposures. How is that possible?

Easy To Use

I am a professional photographer and have been since 2016, so I know my way around a camera. I'm a master with the buttons and changing settings. Manual focus and manual settings are second nature for me. I say this not to brag, but to make a point. When I set up my camera, the process takes time and experimentation. 

My process for snapping images of the Northern Lights is trial and error. So, for the long exposure, I would stabilize my camera with a tripod, frame the shot with the settings I think will work, and snap. Look at the back of the camera to review, make some tweaks, and snap. Repeat two, or three, more times, until I am happy. Then, I would have a RAW image of the Northern Lights. With that RAW image, I would need to import it to my computer, then edit the image, then export it. Now, I could share.

On the contrary, with my phone under the Norwegian sky, my process was much quicker and simpler. My phone is always in my pocket, so I reached my hand down and pulled it out of my pocket, held it up to the dark sky, and pressed the button, three seconds later I had a great image (if I held the phone steady). Easy!

The Down Sides

There aren't any downsides... not true. I wish it was that simple. While phone photographs of the Northern Lights are more than enough for consumers who want to share photographs of the Northern Lights with their friends, on social media, or to record memories for later in their life, phone photographs are not good enough, yet. I would venture to say, 90-95% of camera users would thrive with a phone and nothing else, however, a phone photograph has some long-term issues:

• Low resolution, so printing and commercial reselling will not work as well
• Can't change the settings to have more control if a longer exposure is needed
• The images have a digital/video-game look

Unless those three downsides matter to you, take the easy road. Leave your bulky camera at home and pull out your phone to snap images of the Northern Lights, it is quick, clean, and easy.