Fourth of July Lake via Carson Pass Trailhead, CA

Frog Lake

Lake Winnemucca

View from Fourth of July Lake

Swimming Fourth of July Lake

We originally wanted to hike in and camp at a lake closer to the trail head, but you 'need' an over night pass for this area with only a limited amount of spots per site/lake. As a  result, we ended up going a little further to Fourth of July Lake. The total hike was about 10 miles (5 miles each way). Most of the terrain is easy with a nice wide path for the first 2.5 miles with limited elevation incline/decline. After Winnemucca Lake, you have a 1000ft. incline for the next 1.5 miles. The final section is the most difficult, mainly because you are tired by this point and the 9000ft-ish elevation doesn't really help the lungs. Fortunately, the last mile is downhill to the lake (don't let the lake fool you, expect a little extra time with never ending long switchbacks). Very secluded, limited day hikers and only about 8 camping spots per lake. The water was warm enough to swim in, good fresh water sources, and 'no' bears or cougars spotted. They do not allow campfires (boo), but do allow dogs (yay!). This is about 20 miles past Kirkwood just off the road. Bring $5 per night for parking. We went during a meteor shower... amazing! Clear skies and high elevation created for some great entertainment. Our own natural fireworks show at Fourth of July Lake! Aug. 2012.

Lost Coast- Shelter Cove, CA

 We headed to the Lost Coast area of Northern California. Apparently, the hills in the area were too difficult to construct Highway 1 through so they just skipped an entire section leaving a a huge area of untouched land along the Pacific Coast. We went in March. This was definitely the wrong time to visit if you don't like rain. It basically rained the entire time which made fire starting rather difficult. We parked at a free parking site on the water just above the trail head on the north side of town. The hike can be as long as you would like as you can hike North up to the next town about 10-12 miles away. Don't be fooled, hiking on a beach is very different exhausting your body much quicker. You also have to cross small streams throughout your hike. Be ready to take your shoes off. Time your crossing right because you could be hit by an incoming wave. If you do plan to hike through, make sure you know the tides. A section in the middle of the hike is not crossable during high tide. People have been swept out to sea and even died on this part of the hike. About two miles in, you will find a nice little camp site where logs are piled up for shelter from the wind. Since we didn't come prepared for the tides, we decided to stop here for the night. Even in the summer, you can get rained on so come prepared and come with a lot of rain gear and fire starting material if you plan to camp.

Bryce Canyon- Figure 8 including Peekaboo and Navajo Trails- Utah

Bryce Canyon is around 8000 ft. so be prepared to be out of breath. The figure 8 loop combines multiple mini hikes into one longer 8.5ish hike. You can do the views and picture taking from a drive that allows you to see down into the canyon from many different perspectives. There are a bunch of hikes you can put together into a figure eight pattern down in the canyon that will let you see much of the cool hoodoo’s, red dirt, and more red dirt. The path is well marked and wide. Watch out for the horse crap that covers half the trail. Someone needs to invent a pooper scooper for horses because it was everywhere. Very unique environment, beautiful colors (make sure to stay and watch the sunset with golden colors bouncing of the distant rocks). There are many opportunities to cut your hike short or just keep going for more hoodoo’s, views, and red dirt. Like Zion, more people speaking foreign languages around you, but not as packed as some hikes. Definitely worth it if you around this area. We stayed in a nearby campsite that was literally 10-20 yards from the edge of the canyon. Showers and food within walking distance.

Zion- East Plateau Trail- Utah

The North East section of Zion that you can drive to near the other entrance is much less traveled. We did not run into one person on this hike. We got the creepies a few times feeling like a Cougar was going to jump out. On our way up we did see a few big horned Ram of some sort. Felt like the trail could go on for miles. The parking lot is just before you exit Zion on the left. There is a dirt parking lot you can drive and park at. Easy trail with sand and dirt. You are up out of the Canyon and have slightly different views around you consisting of unique rock formations, pines, and small brush. Not much water here at least in the summer. All the creeks were dry so make sure to pack in your water!

Zion- The Narrows- Utah

The Narrows requires a little more planning. Be aware time of season as flash floods are common and certain times. Many people rent a bunch of intense gear, but you don't need it! Just wear a good pair of running shoes, shorts, and a quick dry shirt. We were worried we would get cold but hiking through the water exerts enough energy to keep you warm. The canyon walls go high on both sides of you and there is no getting out except the way you came in (if you are starting at the bottom). Most of the hike (like 98%) is hiking through the river. The depths vary from just at your ankles to chest level (and even swimming depending on how far you want to go). Make sure your pack is either waterproof or at least you pack stuff you don't mind getting wet. Beautiful landscape. You walk as fish swim along your side, even saw a couple gold trout. The further you go, the fewer the people, but the more difficult it gets climbing over boulders and hoping swimming holes. We took one detour through the Orville Canyon, even tighter but you quickly get to a point where some ropes would be helpful to keep going. Make sure you bring hiking poles as this will help with balance. Don't forget the camera! This was my favorite hike in Zion.