Imagine looking at an enormous layer cake--300 miles long--alternately bathed in white icing and stunning carrot orange. That's what it's like to visit Arizona's Grand Canyon in winter after a snowfall. It's an experience that everyone should h

The dense, old-growth forests in the Enchanted Valley are just that- enchanting. The abundance of ferns makes the area feel almost prehistoric. Though the hike typically takes 3 days, several people comment how much longer they could spend admiring the countless beautiful sights along the

This is one of the most difficult hikes in all of the park but it rewards hikers with eye-watering panoramic views at the top. The full length of the trail is a 17-mile long loop. But if one would rather there is also a 2.7-mile trail leading directly to the summit of Mount Sterling. This is one of the only 4,000 foot climbs on the eastern seaboard and is also one of the most popular day hiking and overnight trips in the eastern half to the national p

Hike a portion of the popular Pacific Crest Trail to get a feel for what it's like to make the wilderness your home. The Oregon Skyline Trail has an elevation gain of over 60,000 feet, taking hikers across the crest of the Cascade Mountains and through Crater Lake National Park. Several PCT hikers take the opportunity to resupply at the park, just as AT-thru-hikers stop every few days for the same reason. It is a great hike to get used to the unique demands of hiking extremely long distan

Other costs, like rental cars, food, and park admission remain the same throughout the year. Winter visitors may even find that they have fewer options since some restaurants and shops open only seasona

There are other reasons as well to plan a winter trip to this awe-inspiring crevice carved by the Colorado River. For one, hotels are cheaper in down season in Grand Canyon Village and tourists will enjoy cool temperatures (instead of scorching sun). Read on to find out more about visiting the Grand Canyon during the "secret seas

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get to the Grand Canyon is flying into Las Vegas and renting a car. Although this requires a four-and-a-half-hour drive, the city's airport is large and offers great deals on flights. In addition, according to Sky Scanner , the cheapest time to fly to Las Vegas is in the winter months: January, February, and March. That means that travelers will save on their flights and accommodat

In the winter, the deciduous leaves have long since disappeared, and while the forest itself may be less appealing, the new vistas opened up are incredibly rewarding. The Spring is a time of rejuvenation and one can take in a parade of wildflowers and flowering trees decorating the p

The hike is not an easy one but it is worthy of the effort and time one would put in as a thru-hiker. The range of terrains can vary anywhere from desert settings to snow-capped mountains, meaning hikers must be well-prepared to encounter a number of conditions. In total, the trail spans roughly 2,650 miles through the most scenic and beautiful of western U.S. sta

As for the months of November and December, they may bring icy roads, snow, and low temperatures, but it’s also when the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express train comes alive with Santa Claus, reindeer, presents, themed stories, and delicious hot chocolate, from $61.99 per ad

For example, some might be fearful of the wildlife that exists in this vast wilderness but, in reality, it's rare to see so much as a mountain lion and unlikely that a hiker would run into a bear. Hikers should consider more the event of a sudden thunderstorm during which lightning is a concern, as well bees that might defend their territory. Rattlesnake sightings are more common, which means hikers should always be alert and aw

The Florida Trail is less about the elevation gains and more about the stamina it takes to travel on foot for months at a time. It usually takes a thru-hiker between 5 and 7 months to complete the Appalachian Trail, so a couple of month stint on the Florida Trail will help prepare for a life dominated by seemingly endless walking. Starting from the south, the hardest part of the trail happens right off the bat through Big Cypress National Preserve, an incredibly wet swamp with dense and wild vegetation (more training for boot r

Occasionally, hikers will encounter full, unused jugs of water that are left along the trail by people called 'trail angels,' but it's not something to rely upon heavily. Being aware of the forthcoming stretches of trail and having at least two liters of water in your pack is the best way to combat this is

Camp Muir Snowfield Trail requires ample preparation, including how to choose a nature hiking game equipment|https://naturetrailinsight.com/ pack . With its rapidly changing weather and challenging vertical climb, this trail is very dangerous. With an elevation of 2,800 vertical feet, hikers should pay attention to warnings and cautions along the way. Anyone who plans to visit this trail should prepare food, water, and equipment for an ice t