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All in Adventure Destinations
Hiking Byron Glacier during the summer is a treat. From the trailhead, the cool breeze from the glacier and the rushing river sounds draw you into a mystical mindset as you approach the ice cave. After hiking for a 1.5 miles, you reach the entrance to the cave. Looking dark and daunting, as you enter, your eyes quickly adjust and reveal the magic that is the Byron Glacier Ice Cave hike.
When you arrive in Yosemite Valley, one thing you will immediately notice are the waterfalls. In every direction, you will find waterfalls that can, and will, take your breath away as you stare at their beauty. Many of them have names and one of my favorites is Ribbon Fall near El Capitan. This waterfall is often “hidden” in plain sight as Ribbon Fall is often in the shadow of El Capitan. However, once you start to spend some time in Yosemite National Park, you will realize this delicate waterfall dances with the wind and shimmers in the sunset light, unlike any other waterfall in Yosemite.
With Lake Tahoe being such a huge lake, surely you are asking yourself, “Where the best spots to kayak and paddle-board around Lake Tahoe?” Well, look no further because Zephyr Cove is one of the best places to kayak and SUP in all of Lake Tahoe, giving you access to those giant boulders everyone is posting about on social media.
Red dirt, a history of cowboys, landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, and sandstone towers reaching towards the sky are all iconic concepts of the American West. However, there are few cities that demand the respect of adventurers alike more than Moab, Utah. It is here, in this desert oasis, where you will find an adult playground that will blow your mind when you visit for the first, or the 10,000th, time.
What better thing to do during the weekend than go surfing. Austin Smith Ford and I did just that. Heading north four miles out of Santa Cruz to surf a fun, local wave. We avoided the crowds, we had an epic surf session during the sunset even though the waves were small.
As you plan your visit to Yosemite Valley, make sure to add in some time to just sit and relax. Soaking up the scenery and embrace the opportunity you have to be in Yosemite Valley. Try not to run around from dusk till dawn, so you can hang with friends and appreciate the gorgeous views Yosemite Valley has to offer.
Rainbow Lakes are a hidden gem between Kenai Lake and Cooper Lake. This chain of lakes is not very large, but Rainbow Lakes offers wonderful views—especially at sunset— and short hikes accessible to all. The trails are maintained and many of the lakes have a bench you can sit at to enjoy the view. Additionally, there is camping and fishing at all of these lakes, so bring a tent and stay for the weekend.
If you only have time for one hike while in Yosemite look no further - the Mist Trail is the hike for you. During this hike you will get up close and personal with two breathtaking waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls. You will know Vernal Fall is getting close as you feel a cool breeze of mist get stronger as you power up the steep incline. You may get wet from the mist, so make sure to bring a rain jacket.
Covering more than 665,000 square miles, Alaska is massive. Earning the number one spot for being the largest state in the United States, Alaska’s landscape is still untouched and remote, accounting for two-thirds of the country’s national parklands, roughly 80% of wildlife refuges and houses the two largest national forests. For most, these numbers are incomprehensible, so, to put it simply, Alaska offers more outdoor adventures than any other state. Making Alaska one of the most diverse places to hike in the United States. But, which hikes should you start with?
Emerald Bay is an iconic location on Lake Tahoe. Located on the southwest shore within California, this California State Park, offers one of the most diverse grouping activities. One of the most popular activities at Emerald Bay is kayaking. The waters are flat and protected from the wind, so many outdoor enthusiasts come to Emerald Bay to kayak. Also, there is an island in the middle of the lake, called Fannette Island, that has a tea house on it.
Vernal Fall is an awe inspiring waterfall to watch upclose, or from afar. If you would like to get intimate with Vernal Fall, I suggest hiking the Mist Trail to get up close and personal with this misty falls. If you would like to see Vernal Fall from afar and understand how it is woven into the landscape, I suggest checking Vernal Fall out from Glacier Point or the John Muir Trail.
Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls are two of the most famous Yosemite waterfalls, but there are several others you’ll want to check out when you visit Yosemite National Park. Plunging hundreds of feet into rivers and creeks below, the waterfalls at Yosemite National Park thunder past a smooth granite backdrop.
Driving in Baja Mexico became accessible to all drivers with the completion of Mexico Federal Highway 1, also called, Trans-Peninsula Highway. While the old highway was more of a dirt path with steep cliffs and boulder filled arroyos, Mexico Highway 1 is a two lane asphalt road that bounces from coast to coast and town to town. For those of us who love to explore the Baja Peninsula, driving the Trans-Peninsula Highway no longer requires nerves of steel.
Embarking on a journey to Yosemite National Park is a dream for adventure travelers seeking the ultimate hiking experience. Yosemite, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, offers an array of exhilarating day hikes that cater to every adventurer's desire. Whether you find yourself in the iconic Yosemite Valley or the serene Tuolumne Meadows, this guide is tailored for those asking, "Which hikes should I do in Yosemite?" Let's lace up our boots and explore the best hikes this national treasure has to offer.
Now that you have discover where these flat water locations are, what makes them special, and additional activities in the area, it is time for you to explore the best flat water kayaking in Northern California for yourself.
Hiking Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe is special because the sunrise view is extraordinary when the waterfall is flowing. A golden glow, few people, the grandiose blue waters of Lake Tahoe, and the brisk air make a splendid combination for all hikers visiting Eagle Falls. Also, as you walk around Eagle Falls, you will notice a few spots that make the falls look as though the cascading water pours directly into Emerald Bay… mind blowing!
Cerritos Beach is one of the premier surf spots in Baja Mexico. Known locally as Playa Los Cerritos, this quaint and off the grid beach has boomed into a surf oasis with an ever growing population of surfers. The good news, the vibe in the line-up is retaining its friendly and welcoming demeanor. This kindness in the line-up while surfing at Cerritos Beach makes for a fun time as well as a welcoming spot to beginner surfers.
If you want to hike the entirety of Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Valley Loop is your ideal trail. Fully paved, the Valley Loop Trail was created to allow visitors a path to explore the entire valley by foot, or bike. While on this hike, you will find hidden gems along the Merced River, wildlife, and be able to soak in the gorgeous granite views Yosemite offers.
