Trailhead
Your Adventures Start Here! Get away into Nature’s finest with my latest destination posts. Stay tuned as I add great stuff to various locations. Maps are included when possible (reference only) and narrative reflects the amazingness last time I hiked these trails.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, CO
This quick-hit loop near the visitors center whets your appetite for all that’s great about this sprawling Front Range park loaded with an enticing mix of boulder knobs, meadows, and waterfall-y streams.
Ft Collins CO
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Arthur’s Rock Trail
Lory State Park boasts nearly 30 miles of sinuous trail in the rolling foothills west of Ft. Collins. This challenging hike takes in the park’s marquee high point, with calendar shot views of the city and eastern plains.
Two Harbors MN
Gooseberry Falls State Park
One of Minnesota’s most popular state parks, Gooseberry does visitors proud with a five-pack of beauteous waterfalls. Don’t miss Upper Falls, radiant as a new bride, and uncrowded Fifth Falls for an unforgettable day in the woods.
Holy Cross Wilderness CO
Credit: outdoorproject.com
Fancy Pass Trail
This trail lives up to its name, with a concert of rugged mountains, high alpine lakes, cascading streams, and immense glacial valleys in the southern reaches of the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Brule WI
Stony Hill Nature Trail
Score a choice campsite and top it off with this short hike through quintessential North Country forest to the summit of Stony Hill and linger-worthy view of the Brule River Valley.
Ouray CO
Credit: ouraytrails.org
Portland Trail
The quintessential mountain town of Ouray boasts some of Colorado’s most dramatic topography and a rich history under ground. This mellow hike visits verdant forest and a grand stone amphitheater.
Schroeder MN
Temperance River State Park
Put this one on your North Shore bucket list. The Temperance River gorge and surrounding trails is like walking through Middle Earth. Bring the kids and pretend they’re hobbits in this magical lakeside park.