Ice Walk in Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park
Explore The Outdoors / International Travel

Ice Walk in Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park

Would you hike into a snowy and icy canyon when the temperature dips to -21°C (-5.8°F)? If the answer is yes, then this adventure is for you. While in Banff, Canada, I took a break from skiing to go on a 3-mile ice walk with Discover Banff Tours. The drive along the Bow Valley Parkway … Continue reading

Hike to Ice Caves Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Hike to Ice Caves Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is home to the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world. It’s a wonderful ski and soak destination since Wolf Creek Ski Area is just 30 minutes away. It’s also a great hike and soak destination with amazing trails nearby including one that takes you to ice caves. My longtime dear friend … Continue reading

Hike to Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Hike to Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRH2bHuW/ This is a hike with a history lesson. It’s an ultra-family friendly hike to a historic homestead. Four generations of Swedish-Americans lived at the Tallman Ranch in Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Take a picnic and fishing poles. There’s a pond stocked with trout. It’s a wonderful fall hike and easy … Continue reading

Leaf Peeping in Breckenridge and on Loveland Pass
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Leaf Peeping in Breckenridge and on Loveland Pass

The aspens are starting to show off their colors from golden to tangerine to light garnet in Colorado. Based on what I saw Sunday, September 19th, they should be on their fall glory September 25-26 weekend through October 1st along I-70 and north. Early October is looking prime time for southern Colorado. I drove up … Continue reading

Four Wheeling to Animas Forks Ghost Town and Two Mountain Passes on Part of Colorado’s Alpine Loop
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Four Wheeling to Animas Forks Ghost Town and Two Mountain Passes on Part of Colorado’s Alpine Loop

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and experience Colorado’s stunning backcountry, add Colorado’s Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway. The 65-mile scenic drive is usually snow free June through September or early October. It’s filled with streams, treeless tundra, mountain passes and an incredibly preserved ghost town. You can access the loop … Continue reading

Hiking Warner Point Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks / U.S. National Parks

Hiking Warner Point Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

You don’t have to worry about crowds at this national park home to a magnificent wilderness of jagged canyon walls and a river rushing by far below.  Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the least visited national park in Colorado.  It’s also one of the least visited in the country.  It should be … Continue reading

Hike to the Petrified Forest in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks / U.S. National Parks

Hike to the Petrified Forest in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota has the third highest concentration of petrified wood in the United States. A friend who lived in Medora for awhile suggested my cousin, Susan, and I do this hike while we were there exploring the national park. Getting There:  The trailhead is on the western side of the … Continue reading

Cathedral Lake Hike Near Aspen, Colorado
Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Cathedral Lake Hike Near Aspen, Colorado

Cathedral Lake is an iconic wildflower hike in Colorado. But, be warned – it’s not easy. Forest Service rates it difficult and I agree, mainly because of a brutal switchback section. The effort is worth it to see wildflowers, waterfalls, stunning views of the Elk Mountain Range and a beautiful alpine lake. Cathedral Lake sits … Continue reading