The hike to Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most challenging and most memorable hikes. On this hike you get to walk on some of Yosemite’s most popular hiking trails, view the Vernal and Nevada waterfalls, and walk through shady forests of Sequoia trees. But the best part of the trail is the final climb on the Half Dome cables …
The Half Dome Permit: How to be One of the Lucky Lottery Winners
If you have plans to hike to Half Dome, you must have a Half Dome permit. A maximum of 300 permits are awarded per day in a lottery system. In this guide, we cover why you need a permit and how to get one. Why Do You Need a Permit? Since 2010, the National Park Service has required hikers to …
Climbing the Half Dome Cables: A Journey in 18 Photos
Have you ever wondered what it is like to climb the Half Dome cables? Did you even know that hiking Half Dome was something you could do? I will admit it, when I saw my first photos of people clinging to the steel cables on Half Dome, climbing one of Yosemite’s most famous icons, this hike got added to our …
How to Hike the Ladder of Kotor, Montenegro (+ Map & Photos)
There are plenty of great things to do in Kotor, such as touring the Old Town, walking the medieval walls, or going on a scenic drive around the Bay of Kotor. For those looking for a little more adventure, how about hiking the Ladder of Kotor? This hike takes you high up into the mountains behind Kotor for one of …
Hidden Canyon: An Unexpected Surprise in Zion National Park
The hike to Hidden Canyon blew away our expectations. This hike is tons of fun, with trails that cling to the side of a cliff and a scenic canyon to explore. Sections of this hike are similar to Angels Landing, with vertigo-inducing trails that come with chains to help you keep your balance. This trail does not climb as high …
Hiking to Observation Point in Zion National Park
For jaw-dropping views over Zion National Park, it’s hard to beat Observation Point. The entire hike is a beauty, but it is challenging. At 8 miles long and with 2300 feet of climbing, it is a steady climb to that final viewpoint. This is a classic Zion trail and well worth your time and effort, especially if you want views out over Angels …
How to Day Hike the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park
The West Rim Trail is a long distance hike through Zion National Park. Starting at Lava Point, the trail slowly descends into the heart of Zion, the views getting better the farther you go. This is a beautiful hike, but it is long and requires some advance planning. With amazing views, very few hikers on the trail, and a chance …
Angels Landing Survival Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Angels Landing is the most popular hike in Zion National Park. This hike, along with The Narrows, draws thousands of visitors per year, most of them during the summer months. Why is Angels Landing so popular? This is a hike where it is more about the journey than the destination. Yes, the view from the top of Angels Landing is …
How to Hike Zebra Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Zebra Slot Canyon is a very short slot canyon, named for its striped canyon walls. It’s a gorgeous spot, maybe not quite as pretty as Antelope Canyon in Arizona, but since you can explore this on your own without a guide or tour group, it’s more fun. Hiking Zebra Slot Canyon can be a little tricky. Finding the entrance to …
Hiking the Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Utah
The hike along the Willis Creek Slot Canyon is so much fun! And to think that we almost skipped this hike. After a long day of hiking and exploring both Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park, we wondered if we should tack on Willis Creek to the end of our day. Would it be worth it? The answer is …
Why We Fell in Love with Brac Island, Croatia
Island hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Croatia. So, how do you decide which islands you should visit? Go to Hvar for luxury and nightlife, Mljet for nature and tranquility, and Vis for its beauty and food scene. We chose Brac for its hiking and its amazing beach, Zlatni Rat. Brac (pronounced brach) is somewhat of …
Hiking Vidova Gora on the Island of Brac, Croatia
For us, traveling somewhere new does not seem complete without doing at least one hike. So when we read about the hike to Vidova Gora, the highest point on the Adriatic Islands, we were hooked. Not only would we get to break out our hiking shoes but we’d also get to explore the island of Brac. In order to do …
One Day in Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest park. Located on the northern coastline of the South Island, Abel Tasman is home to one of New Zealand’s multi-day walking tracks, aptly named the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This is also a great place for kayaking, exploring the wide, empty beaches, and walking on trails amidst a rainforest-type landscape. We planned …
Road Trippin’ on the Garden Route of South Africa
Driving the Garden Route of South Africa is an amazing journey. Not only is the scenery gorgeous but the opportunities for action-packed activities are almost endless. Feed an African elephant, walk a cheetah, ride an ostrich, go whale watching, hike amazing Robberg Peninsula, and even go shark cage diving if you dare. South Africa is such a wild place to …
Hiking Cape Raoul on the Tasman Peninsula
There are many famous viewpoints on the Tasman Peninsula…the Tassellated Pavement, the Tasman Arch, and Remarkable Cave, but none of them compare to Cape Raoul. On the southern end of the Tasman Peninsula is a promontory called Cape Raoul. This can only be reached by hiking, as no roads go here. It is a 14 km round trip hike, most …
Adventure in Aruba: How to Visit Natural Pool
The Natural Pool, also known as “Conchi” in Papaimiento, is a small, naturally occurring pool on the rugged, rocky, volcanic coastline of Aruba. Located in Arikok National Park, getting here is half the fun and adds an element of adventure to your vacation. If you want to take a break from sipping tropical drinks in the shade of a palm …
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Takstang, is one of Bhutan’s most recognized spots. Even people on the quickest of tours through Bhutan find the time to make it here. Why? Because this place is extraordinary. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a small collection of buildings precariously perched on a cliff, 900 meters off of the ground. It …
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: Step-By-Step Trail Guide (Stats, Map & Photos)
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is one of the Dolomites’ iconic hikes. Three massive rocky prominences rise up from the rolling scenery of the Dolomites, surrounded by amazing views and, during the summer months, wildflowers. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo. About Our Experience We have done the Tre …
How to Hike Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park
Old Rag is the toughest but the most rewarding hike in Shenandoah National Park. Some people say it’s the best hike in the mid-Atlantic region. The Old Rag hike is strenuous, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains. It’s a fun, challenging hike …
Hiking McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail
McAfee Knob is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. It’s also the most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail. For hikers, this is a great one to add your list. This hike has always been popular with hikers, but it has recently become even more famous. In 2015, McAfee Knob was featured in the movie “A Walk in the …