Hiking (2 Viewers)

[parasaurolophus]

Heading to Denver tomorrow morning for a conference. I have some time between when my flight gets in (9:30a) and when I have to be at the first event (6p cocktail reception) so I wanted to get a couple hours of hiking in if possible. The place I am staying is between the airport and Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Preserve but was thinking about getting a car and head towards Boulder.  Do I have enough time to do that and still get a 3-hour hike in?

Had almost the same time window once and went here. There are better hikes to be had, but found this one convenient to get to, it was a really solid workout, and if you are prone to altitude sickness, this should not have any effect on you at all since you top out at about 6800 ft and it is the day you arrive. 

ETA: Just remembered tomorrow is sunday so it could be very crowded at that time, especially since you will be getting there later. Still think it is no problem with time window, but if you are looking for a walden woods alone with your thoughts moment, this is not the trail. There will be lots of people. Not line to top of everest people, but people. There will be young college girls wearing mesh trucker hats, if that is appealing to you. 

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Had almost the same time window once and went here. There are better hikes to be had, but found this one convenient to get to, it was a really solid workout, and if you are prone to altitude sickness, this should not have any effect on you at all since you top out at about 6800 ft and it is the day you arrive. 

Looks like one worth checking out. Was there any cover or was it pretty open?

 

[Osaurus]

Heading to Sloan Conservation Area just south of Vegas in a few weeks to check out some trails with petroglyphs. Ran out of time last time I was in Vegas so looking forward to it.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Looks like one worth checking out. Was there any cover or was it pretty open?

It has been a bit, trying to find the photos, but iirc it started off in mostly woods and then got a lot more open as we got near the top. I have some vivid memories of trees that had been decimated by pine beetles. 

ETA: Haha. Yep, my wife just found some photos on facebook and there were three photos of dead trees mixed in. Definitely woods at the beginning that thin out. 

 

[Sand]

Anyone ever hike the awa'awapuhi trail? Holy eff. No thanks.

Funny enough I did this trail - there are some images in that link.  We didn't go much past the fence (got to about this point - the toe curling stuff is just a bit further down).  The price for failure was a bit much and it's earth, not stone, with an 80 degree dropoff - could have done it but my wife gave me the look. But, yes, the dropoffs are that steep.  We were actually faster on the way back up than the way down - no getting around mud and slick walking on that island.  Absolutely incredible place and an incredible walk.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Funny enough I did this trail - there are some images in that link.  We didn't go much past the fence (got to about this point - the toe curling stuff is just a bit further down).  The price for failure was a bit much and it's earth, not stone, with an 80 degree dropoff - could have done it but my wife gave me the look. But, yes, the dropoffs are that steep.  We were actually faster on the way back up than the way down - no getting around mud and slick walking on that island.  Absolutely incredible place and an incredible walk.

There're a lot of trails like that throughout Hawaii, especially Kauai and Oahu. Lava rock and dirt erode to form deeply fluted cliffs with ridges a couple feet or less in width and several hundred-thousand feet drops on either side. It's amazing how your mind makes you fearful of falling when it's objectively not difficult to stay on a path that narrow. It doesn't help that the wind is typically gusting and the trails are often muddy.

 

[bigbottom]

Has anyone hiked in Sedona?  We’re planning a trip later this year. There are so many hiking trails it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Probably looking for a couple half day hikes. Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated. 

 

[Sand]

There're a lot of trails like that throughout Hawaii, especially Kauai and Oahu. Lava rock and dirt erode to form deeply fluted cliffs with ridges a couple feet or less in width and several hundred-thousand feet drops on either side. It's amazing how your mind makes you fearful of falling when it's objectively not difficult to stay on a path that narrow. It doesn't help that the wind is typically gusting and the trails are often muddy.

That particular one was a 2500ft. drop.  Not sure if that's unique, but it's dramatic and rare.  The NW side of the island is amazing that way (and world famous).  Sadly the Kalalau trail along the Napali coast was wiped out when we were there thanks to a rainfall that hit 53 inches in a day, so could access that one.

ETA:  Seriously considering putting my name in the hat to hike the High Sierra Trail.  Anyone done it?

 

[The Iguana]

Has anyone hiked in Sedona?  We’re planning a trip later this year. There are so many hiking trails it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Probably looking for a couple half day hikes. Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated. 

Never been to that area, but I have found this site helpful for other places:  https://www.alltrails.com/us/arizona/sedona

 

[bigbottom]

Never been to that area, but I have found this site helpful for other places:  https://www.alltrails.com/us/arizona/sedona

Wow, this is extremely helpful.  Thanks!

 

[Brony]

Has anyone hiked in Sedona?  We’re planning a trip later this year. There are so many hiking trails it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Probably looking for a couple half day hikes. Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated. 

I've done a couple of trips there for hiking.  Great location.  I recall that there are a lot of sites out there that describe many of the trails.  Most important advice is to plan to arrive early - not enough parking for the number of hikers.  Also note that it's a long drive between trailheads too.  I think the key thing to figure out is if you are looking for climbing-type hikes, photography spots, or just long walks.  I seem to recall that Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock were excellent climbing type. Boynton Canyon trail was really good long hike. 

 

[bigbottom]

I've done a couple of trips there for hiking.  Great location.  I recall that there are a lot of sites out there that describe many of the trails.  Most important advice is to plan to arrive early - not enough parking for the number of hikers.  Also note that it's a long drive between trailheads too.  I think the key thing to figure out is if you are looking for climbing-type hikes, photography spots, or just long walks.  I seem to recall that Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock were excellent climbing type. Boynton Canyon trail was really good long hike. 

Thanks for the suggestions, and the advice.  Elevation gain is fine, but we're not technical climbers so long walks, stairsteps and switchbacks are more in our wheelhouse.  Will definitely keep that in mind.

 

[Brony]

Thanks for the suggestions, and the advice.  Elevation gain is fine, but we're not technical climbers so long walks, stairsteps and switchbacks are more in our wheelhouse.  Will definitely keep that in mind.

My 8 year old daughter who doesn't hike did Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock - it's playground climbing, not Cliffhanger. 

 

[Jaysus]

Never been to that area, but I have found this site helpful for other places:  https://www.alltrails.com/us/arizona/sedona

I am a big fan of All Trails... not enough to pay for it, but still. 

 

[Jaysus]

It's funny you mention Pinnacle. I've been reading a lot about it and want to do it. I see it says the round trip is like 9.5 miles. I think I can do that, but I've never tried. Have you done it? How was it?

I do that loop a few times a year, but I have never read this thread before.  Did you wind up doing it?

 

[Jaysus]

This past weekend we hiked 5 miles of the Appalachian Trail. We drove out just north of Harrisburg and did a trek up a mountain. It was a tough hike. A lot sketchier than I would have thought with skinny paths along mountain edges. The whole loop took about 2 1/2 hours, but it felt amazing to know we walked up to the top of the mountain. The views were pretty awesome, too. Trees blocked a lot of the better views, but still got to see both sides overlooking the Susquehanna River. Trailhead parking was across the river from Duncannon.

I am hippling now... but you should have went to Hawk Rock on the other side of the river

 

[TheIronSheik]

I do that loop a few times a year, but I have never read this thread before.  Did you wind up doing it?

I have not.  Every year we say we're going to do it, then something comes up.  Either too busy, or health issues, or whatever.  But it's still on my list.  Maybe 2020 is the year.

 

[Sand]

My 8 year old daughter who doesn't hike did Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock - it's playground climbing, not Cliffhanger. 

Speaking of that this is a video of Alex Honnold discussing movie climbing.  Pretty entertaining and funny.

If you don't know who Alex Honnold is go now and rent Free Solo.  Yes, now.  Utterly enjoyable movie and easily the most nerve racking film I've ever sat through.

 

[cashman88]

Has anyone hiked in Sedona?  We’re planning a trip later this year. There are so many hiking trails it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Probably looking for a couple half day hikes. Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated. 

I've been many times.  A nice easy hike with a good payoff is Devil's Bridge.  I also like West Fork Trail because it's in the canyon and you get to cross Oak Creek several times.  If you're going when it's warm outside, swimming in Oak Creek is fun to do.  And if you haven't been to Slide Rock, it's extremely crowded, but definitely worth visiting.

 

[AAABatteries]

I am a big fan of All Trails... not enough to pay for it, but still. 

Another fan here and I do pay for it (or think I do). It allows you to download routes and build custom ones on the site.  I don’t think that’s part of the free version but I could be wrong.  The best feature in mobile is just looking for nearby trails if you are traveling.  I’ve found a couple of decent trails that way.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Another fan here and I do pay for it (or think I do). It allows you to download routes and build custom ones on the site.  I don’t think that’s part of the free version but I could be wrong.  The best feature in mobile is just looking for nearby trails if you are traveling.  I’ve found a couple of decent trails that way.

How much is it?  I don't remember but I think I thought about doing it but then was surprised by the price.  Seemed like it was just a little too much for my needs, anyway.

 

[The Iguana]

How much is it?  I don't remember but I think I thought about doing it but then was surprised by the price.  Seemed like it was just a little too much for my needs, anyway.

I've just used the free site but pro is $30 for 1 year. 60 for 3 years. 

 

[bigbottom]

I've been many times.  A nice easy hike with a good payoff is Devil's Bridge.  I also like West Fork Trail because it's in the canyon and you get to cross Oak Creek several times.  If you're going when it's warm outside, swimming in Oak Creek is fun to do.  And if you haven't been to Slide Rock, it's extremely crowded, but definitely worth visiting.

Many thanks!  I’m starting to build a list. We’ll be there in early October, so probably ideal hiking temps (hopefully).

 

[AAABatteries]

How much is it?  I don't remember but I think I thought about doing it but then was surprised by the price.  Seemed like it was just a little too much for my needs, anyway.

Iguana answered and you are right, for most folks the free version is just fine.  I threw some dollars their way because I like the site and find it valuable so hope they stick around.

 

[Terminalxylem]

That particular one was a 2500ft. drop.  Not sure if that's unique, but it's dramatic and rare.  The NW side of the island is amazing that way (and world famous).  Sadly the Kalalau trail along the Napali coast was wiped out when we were there thanks to a rainfall that hit 53 inches in a day, so could access that one.

ETA:  Seriously considering putting my name in the hat to hike the High Sierra Trail.  Anyone done it?

Yeah, I’m not sure if I’ve been on that particular trail, but I’ve hiked around the rim of Kalalau, and the valley trail itself. The latter was scarier, as you skirt along an ocean side cliff on a unlevel path covered in talus. While the angle of the drop isn’t as dramatic, if you started sliding you’d likely not stop until you ended up in the ocean crashing on the rocks below.

But few people have slipped off that heavily trafficked trail (and I bet the same can be said for the awaawapuhi trail). Many more have been swept out to sea fording the streams which cross the path. I was carried down one a ways before I made it to safety, with only 20 yards or so before I may have drowned.

 

[Sand]

But few people have slipped off that heavily trafficked trail (and I bet the same can be said for the awaawapuhi trail). Many more have been swept out to sea fording the streams which cross the path. I was carried down one a ways before I made it to safety, with only 20 yards or so before I may have drowned.

Moving water is no joke.  If I ever get to do it I'm packing rope now that you say that.  Hope the views we're worth it.  I've heard nothing but "spectacular".

 

[prosopis]

Many thanks!  I’m starting to build a list. We’ll be there in early October, so probably ideal hiking temps (hopefully).

I am south of there in Marana. October should be good hiking time for you. I have done some hiking in Sedona and I don't recall anything to tough. I would love to give you advice but I am not familiar enough with the area and trails. Oddly enough it is one of the areas I was thinking of hitting pretty hard in the fall if I can.  If you venture south let me know and I will give you a guided hike in the Saguaro National monument. That area I do know and would be more than happy to show it to you.

I am also a fan of Alltrails. I do not pay for it yet but I would not be against it.

Seriously give me a shout out if you venture towards Tucson area at all. 

 

[Terminalxylem]

Moving water is no joke.  If I ever get to do it I'm packing rope now that you say that.  Hope the views we're worth it.  I've heard nothing but "spectacular".

Well, FWIW I’ve hiked it several times, and nearly drowned only once. Just don’t hike it after/during heavy rains, which occur frequently in winter.

 

[bigbottom]

I am south of there in Marana. October should be good hiking time for you. I have done some hiking in Sedona and I don't recall anything to tough. I would love to give you advice but I am not familiar enough with the area and trails. Oddly enough it is one of the areas I was thinking of hitting pretty hard in the fall if I can.  If you venture south let me know and I will give you a guided hike in the Saguaro National monument. That area I do know and would be more than happy to show it to you.

I am also a fan of Alltrails. I do not pay for it yet but I would not be against it.

Seriously give me a shout out if you venture towards Tucson area at all. 

Thank you so much for the kind offer. My wife and I are renting a place in Sedona for our joint 50th celebration. We have limited time, so we’ll be sticking around that area, but your offer of a guided hike is really cool. Perhaps we’ll love the area so much that we’ll be back!

 

[prosopis]

Thank you so much for the kind offer. My wife and I are renting a place in Sedona for our joint 50th celebration. We have limited time, so we’ll be sticking around that area, but your offer of a guided hike is really cool. Perhaps we’ll love the area so much that we’ll be back!

Sounds good, I suspect you will be back. I came here from the east coast in 1989 and I never left.

 

[Klimtology]

"Here the works of man dwindle,in the heart of the southern Catskills."

-John Burroughs

 

[beer 30]

Has anyone hiked in Sedona?  We’re planning a trip later this year. There are so many hiking trails it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Probably looking for a couple half day hikes. Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated. 

Was there for 3 days last year after spending some time in Flagstaff & the surrounding area. Had no plan when we arrived other than to take in what we could. I'm game for hiking whatever but my wife is a couch potato so we really didn't hike but The Hike House is a local spot dedicated to nothing but. They have a very well developed trail rating system for the entire area that allows you to dial in what you want and where to go. I highly recommend it. Loved the area, hated the wife

https://thehikehouse.com/sedona-hiking-trails-ratings-and-reviews

Write up I did on my trip in another thread https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/761414-nationalstate-parks-worth-seeing/?do=findComment&comment=22162614

I also used Trip Advisor a lot to help with restaurants and places to see, worked very well.

 

[Brony]

Was there for 3 days last year after spending some time in Flagstaff & the surrounding area. Had no plan when we arrived other than to take in what we could. I'm game for hiking whatever but my wife is a coach potato so we really didn't hike but The Hike House is a local spot dedicated to nothing but. They have a very well developed trail rating system for the entire area that allows you to dial in what you want and where to go. I highly recommend it. Loved the area, hated the wife

https://thehikehouse.com/sedona-hiking-trails-ratings-and-reviews

Write up I did on my trip in another thread https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/761414-nationalstate-parks-worth-seeing/?do=findComment&comment=22162614

I also used Trip Advisor a lot to help with restaurants and places to see, worked very well.

The giant cinnamon roll at Red Rock Cafe is no joke. 

 

[Sand]

Well, FWIW I’ve hiked it several times, and nearly drowned only once. Just don’t hike it after/during heavy rains, which occur frequently in winter.

Quoting averages with things like lightning strikes and drownings when you're part of the sample makes me think it's a good subject for a Far Side cartoon.  

I definitely need to get back there.  I missed out on the swamp trail and really want to do the Kalalau.  I've also heard good things about kayaking the Napali coast - that sounds pretty awesome, as well.

"Here the works of man dwindle,in the heart of the southern Catskills."

-John Burroughs

Might just be the prettiest part of the country (and that's saying something).

 

[Terminalxylem]

Quoting averages with things like lightning strikes and drownings when you're part of the sample makes me think it's a good subject for a Far Side cartoon.  

I definitely need to get back there.  I missed out on the swamp trail and really want to do the Kalalau.  I've also heard good things about kayaking the Napali coast - that sounds pretty awesome, as well.

Might just be the prettiest part of the country (and that's saying something).

Unless you’re into botany, the swamp trail isn’t the greatest. Visibility is poor, as you’re shrouded in mist the whole time. But the overlook at the end is cool. Never kayaked Kalalau but have heard it’s spectacular, in a different way from the hike.

My cousin was hit by lightning 3 times over his lifetime, so maybe my family is just unlucky?

 

[bigbottom]

Was there for 3 days last year after spending some time in Flagstaff & the surrounding area. Had no plan when we arrived other than to take in what we could. I'm game for hiking whatever but my wife is a couch potato so we really didn't hike but The Hike House is a local spot dedicated to nothing but. They have a very well developed trail rating system for the entire area that allows you to dial in what you want and where to go. I highly recommend it. Loved the area, hated the wife

https://thehikehouse.com/sedona-hiking-trails-ratings-and-reviews

Write up I did on my trip in another thread https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/761414-nationalstate-parks-worth-seeing/?do=findComment&comment=22162614

I also used Trip Advisor a lot to help with restaurants and places to see, worked very well.

Thanks for the post!  I've been perusing The Hike House and it is a great site.  Bear Mountain Trail looks like it might fit the bill, though I'm a little concerned that the trail might not be marked as well as I would like.

 

[beer 30]

Thanks for the post!  I've been perusing The Hike House and it is a great site.  Bear Mountain Trail looks like it might fit the bill, though I'm a little concerned that the trail might not be marked as well as I would like.

One of the things that I recall about most of the trails we took were they were well marked. We drove around in that area and while it's expansive, it's also very open and the trails are well maintained.

I think this is from that general area and pretty typical of what you will find. Or maybe this one, I can't remember, it all kinda looks the same when you are looking at pics. This last one is a typical trailhead. Usually a little paved parking area and well defined signs telling you what to do.

 

[Jaysus]

I have not.  Every year we say we're going to do it, then something comes up.  Either too busy, or health issues, or whatever.  But it's still on my list.  Maybe 2020 is the year.

Dear TheIronSheik, 

I ate lunch on El Pináculo yesterday.  It was cold. 

YIC, 

Jaysus (from the internet)

 

[TheIronSheik]

Dear TheIronSheik, 

I ate lunch on El Pináculo yesterday.  It was cold. 

YIC, 

Jaysus (from the internet)

How tough of a hike is it?  I've heard people say you need to be an experienced hiker to do it, then I hear about kids and families doing it.  So not sure what to expect.  

But I know my wife is worried about doing this hike without first getting in some other trails to get ready for it.

 

[Jaysus]

How tough of a hike is it?  I've heard people say you need to be an experienced hiker to do it, then I hear about kids and families doing it.  So not sure what to expect.  

But I know my wife is worried about doing this hike without first getting in some other trails to get ready for it.

The full loop is a bit of a challenge if you go to the Pinnacle by way of Pulpit rock on the AT.  But there are easy ways to get to both if you want to do them separately.  Pulpit rock has an observatory with a road leading to it; you can walk that road. If you go the other way from the parking lot to the Pinnacle the trail is wide open and easy., turn around and go pack the same way would make for a fairly nice walk. 

For what it is worth, I usually have my kids with me, and only go to one or the other with them.  My little guy did it for the first time when he was 5 - he's not ready for the walk we did yesterday. 

 

[TheIronSheik]

The full loop is a bit of a challenge if you go to the Pinnacle by way of Pulpit rock on the AT.  But there are easy ways to get to both if you want to do them separately.  Pulpit rock has an observatory with a road leading to it; you can walk that road. If you go the other way from the parking lot to the Pinnacle the trail is wide open and easy., turn around and go pack the same way would make for a fairly nice walk. 

For what it is worth, I usually have my kids with me, and only go to one or the other with them.  My little guy did it for the first time when he was 5 - he's not ready for the walk we did yesterday. 

I didn't know this.  I thought you had to do the 9 mile loop.  

Where do you park if you want to go check out Pinnacle?  I can't seem to find any information on that.

 

[Jaysus]

I didn't know this.  I thought you had to do the 9 mile loop.  

Where do you park if you want to go check out Pinnacle?  I can't seem to find any information on that.

Park here, it's the green dot in this picture.  We hiked counter clockwise; purple circle is Pulpit Rock, green circle is The Pinnacle. If you go clockwise from the green dot, it is a fairly wide open trail the whole time, and the non-AT part of it is along a creek and is just a pretty walk.  You can also see a dotted line that takes you to Pulpit rock, they are usually trails on that map, but I am pretty sure that one is the access road to the observatory. 

 

[prosopis]

Thanks for the post!  I've been perusing The Hike House and it is a great site.  Bear Mountain Trail looks like it might fit the bill, though I'm a little concerned that the trail might not be marked as well as I would like.

I got lost a lot when I first started hiking out here. They dont do the colored pain on trees or rocks like I was used to back east. Many trails are fairly easy to follow but not all. I have found that Alltrails does a fairly good job at warning you about hard to follow trails. As I hiked Arizona more I got used to their system and I do not get lost as much. I did get a little lost last week but found my way fairly easily by bushwacking. Some trails are marked with cairns and that has helped me in the past.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Park here, it's the green dot in this picture.  We hiked counter clockwise; purple circle is Pulpit Rock, green circle is The Pinnacle. If you go clockwise from the green dot, it is a fairly wide open trail the whole time, and the non-AT part of it is along a creek and is just a pretty walk.  You can also see a dotted line that takes you to Pulpit rock, they are usually trails on that map, but I am pretty sure that one is the access road to the observatory. 

Interesting.  That's where I was going to park.  I didn't realize the west trail was an easy hike.  We were going to park there and walk the east trail on that map that would hit Pulpit Rock first.  You're saying go the other way for an easier hike?

 

[Jaysus]

Interesting.  That's where I was going to park.  I didn't realize the west trail was an easy hike.  We were going to park there and walk the east trail on that map that would hit Pulpit Rock first.  You're saying go the other way for an easier hike?

It is easier if you are only going to one or the other as the trail between the two can be a #### at times (some scrambling, and all sorts of ankle twisting rocks).   I took this pic in November, it is at the trail head in the parking lot. I would suggest following one of the blue trails north then turning east on the AT to the Pinnacle, then turning around and taking the other blue trail back to the parking lot.  The Blue trail along the creek is gorgeous. If the family is not feeling up for a longer walk, I'd consider taking the yellow "road" to Pulpit Rock then going back the same way with a slight detour to check out the reservoir at the end of the creek before heading back to the car. For a medium effort hike, take the AT to pulpit Rock, then take the road back down . 

 

[TheIronSheik]

It is easier if you are only going to one or the other as the trail between the two can be a #### at times (some scrambling, and all sorts of ankle twisting rocks).   I took this pic in November, it is at the trail head in the parking lot. I would suggest following one of the blue trails north then turning east on the AT to the Pinnacle, then turning around and taking the other blue trail back to the parking lot.  The Blue trail along the creek is gorgeous. If the family is not feeling up for a longer walk, I'd consider taking the yellow "road" to Pulpit Rock then going back the same way with a slight detour to check out the reservoir at the end of the creek before heading back to the car. For a medium effort hike, take the AT to pulpit Rock, then take the road back down . 

I just tried using the MapMyWalk site to see how far of a hike that is and it won't let me select the eastern blue trail.  But the western one looks like it's still a good 6-8 mile hike.  Is that correct?  I mean, that's totally doable, but probably not for our first one of the spring.

 

[Jaysus]

I just tried using the MapMyWalk site to see how far of a hike that is and it won't let me select the eastern blue trail.  But the western one looks like it's still a good 6-8 mile hike.  Is that correct?  I mean, that's totally doable, but probably not for our first one of the spring.

That sounds about right, the Pinnacle is pretty far out there. The shortcut to the Pulpit may be a nice way to start the year

 

[E-Z Glider]

Or if anyone is in the PA area, any places you might go hiking.

Wife and I hiked in World's End State Park this past weekend. These were the best trails Ive ever hiked in my life. Can't recommend it highly enough. Huge elevation changes, lots of scenic vistas, awesome waterfalls, and giant rock formations. Canyon Vista Trail to Cold Run trail is a 3-4 mile loop that takes about 2 hours. It has it all. You start out going straight up the face of a mountain on switchbacks. After summiting a gorgeous vista, you drop right back down into the valley along a trail with 5-6 different waterfalls. You finish with another climb out of the valley through a maze of giant rock formations. Incredible scenery at every turn. 

Obligatory waterfall pic

 

[TheIronSheik]

Wife and I hiked in World's End State Park this past weekend. These were the best trails Ive ever hiked in my life. Can't recommend it highly enough. Huge elevation changes, lots of scenic vistas, awesome waterfalls, and giant rock formations. Canyon Vista Trail to Cold Run trail is a 3-4 mile loop that takes about 2 hours. It has it all. You start out going straight up the face of a mountain on switchbacks. After summiting a gorgeous vista, you drop right back down into the valley along a trail with 5-6 different waterfalls. You finish with another climb out of the valley through a maze of giant rock formations. Incredible scenery at every turn. 

Obligatory waterfall pic

This is on our list.  It's a moderately far trip, but I've only heard great things about it.  May have to see if this is the year we drive up there. 

 

[E-Z Glider]

This is on our list.  It's a moderately far trip, but I've only heard great things about it.  May have to see if this is the year we drive up there. 

Make it a weekend trip. It would be hard to see it all in one day. We stayed in Eagles Mere. Its is a very historic, cool little town that's only 10 minutes away. EM was built in the early 1900's. People thought it would be the next HUGE vacation destination for the aristocrats of Philly and they even built a small, light gauge train system to take people up to the top of the mountain. But then the depression happened, and people got cars, and then they could fly to more exotic destinations, and it all kinda crumbled. The town is still a popular summer vacation spot, but nothing like they originally dreamed.  Anyway, cool place and WESP is amazing. 

You ever been @Jaysus? If not, definitely put it on your list.