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Middle Head Trail- Cape Bretton NP
Just past Keltic Lodge's historic cottages, a short 2 mile trail traverses the spectacularly scenic Middle Head Peninsula. Running the length of the rocky promontory, the trail ends at a peaceful clifftop clearing with views of Cape Smokey, Ingonish Island and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Ventana Canyon Maiden Pools Hike- Tucson, AZ
Desert mountain hikes can be brutal: desolate, dry and devoid of shade. But they also reward the intrepid with solitude and outstanding valley views. Tucson's 6.4 mile Maiden Pool hike is a perfect example- challenging, but satisfying. Crossing over several streams on the valley floor, you slowly scramble your way up the mountain, past silent saguaros, until the valley suddenly appears below.
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Moraine Lake & Larch Valley- Banff NP, AB
Moraine Lake is impossibly beautiful. It is exactly what you would imagine when picturing an idyllic alpine lake; brilliantly blue-green from glacial rock flower, surrounded on all sides by towering snow capped mountains. It is so impressive, it has been featured twice on the Canadian twenty dollar bill. It is also one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, which means you will be sharing the experience with a crowd of others. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to escape the crush. Much like Lake Louise, the parking lot at Moraine Lake fills up early; when it is filled, the road is closed. So, either show up before dawn, or…
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Lake Louise & Lake Agnes- Banff NP, AB
Lake Louise, with its grand hotel, towering snow capped mountains peaks, and impossibly emerald water is perhaps the most popular destination in the Canadian Rockies. Or maybe it just feels that way, due to the crazy crowds. Arriving early is key here, if you are not staying at the Chateau. Just after dawn the parking lots are full, and by mid-morning, the area trails are packed. That said, it is worth any inconvenience to visit this spectacular glacial lake. The sad, but fortunate truth is that many Lake Louise visitors just snap a quick picture before heading off to their next destination; this means it isn’t as crowded as it…
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Bow Valley Parkway & Johnston Canyon- Banff NP, AB
Although there are faster ways to get from Banff to Lake Louise than the Bow Valley Parkway, its not always about the destination. This short scenic drive offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, views of the surrounding mountains, and access to the Johnston Canyon trailhead, one of the most popular hikes in the park. In fact, you may never even make it to Lake Louise. Although there are several stops along the parkway, the 8000 year old Johnston Canyon is perhaps the most popular. Here, a cantilevered trail winds through a lush limestone canyon, past several stunning waterfalls. An extension of the trail ascends to a serene alpine meadow studded with…
