THE PRACTICALITIES

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time of year to visit is from November-April. More specifically, December-February. During this time, the weather is dry, the skies are blue, and the temperature is perfect! After April, the weather will start to get wetter and hotter! There will be less tourism but summiting a volcano when it’s wet and hot doesn’t sound too appealing to me.

GETTING THERE

Getting to Volcan de Fuego & Acatenango, you must first fly into Guatemala, La Aurora International Airport. Next, I would suggest getting a private shuttle to Antigua. It will take about 2 hours depending on traffic. It’s very important that you give yourself a few days in Guatemala (no matter where that is) to adjust to the altitude. I would recommend at least 2 days before beginning your hike. After booking your hiking tour through a reputable company, they will make arrangements for you to get to the volcanoes to begin your trek.

BOOKING A TOUR COMPANY

There are many tour companies to choose from when booking your hiking expedition, but I would HIGHLY recommend OX Expeditions. We have nothing but good things to say about them!

Within in OX Expeditions, there are a few hiking tours to choose from:

• ACATENANGO DAY TRIP
  • $69/person
  • 12-hour tour
  • Leave around 5am
  • Summit Acatenango & back
• ACATENANGO OVERNIGHT HIKE
  • $119/person
  • Day and a half tour
  • Sleep at base camp in either cabin or tent
  • Summit Acatenango for sunrise (wake up at 3am)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast included
  • Back in Antigua by 12pm
• DOUBLE WHAMMY TOUR
  • $149/person
  • Day and a half tour
  • Sleep at base camp in either cabin or tent
  • Hike to Fuego Ridge for sunset and nighttime views of lava explosions
  • Summit Acatenango for sunrise (wake up at 3am)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast included
  • Back in Antigua by 12pm

VOLCAN DE FUEGO & ACATENANGO TRAIL OVERVIEW

The hike to Volcan de Fuego & Acatenango is no easy feat. However, if you’re capable and willing, I truly think you’ll look back and think that was the coolest thing you’ve done! The trail starts and ends in La Soledad. And for the next day and a half you will be doing a lot of hiking with little to no sleep and 40% less oxygen. You’ll traverse through the rainforest, the alpine forest, and then encounter a knife’s edge at Fuego Ridge, and 360 views at the summit of Acatenango. If you’re completing the Double Whammy, like us, then you will hike 12.4 miles with an elevation gain of 7,000ft. Phew! But I believe in you!

2 DAY HIKING ITINERARY

OVERNIGHT HIKE PACKING LIST

• >40 L Backpack, Backpack cover
• >4 L Water
  • OX requires each person to carry an additional .5 L for group meals
• Boots with good tread
• Extra set of hiking clothes
• Base layers (leggings, long sleeve)
• Camp shoes
• Long sleeve sun shirt
• Fleece
• Rain Jacket, Poncho
• Puffer Jacket
• Hat, Gloves, Buff
• Headlamp
• Sunscreen, Chapstick
• Toilet Paper, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste
• Snacks, Electrolytes
• Emergency blanket, Blister patches, First aid kit, Medicine
  • Can purchase Diamox (altitude sickness meds) over the counter in Antigua
• Ankle/Knee braces, KT tape
• Sleep sack, Pillowcase, Eye mask, Ear plugs
• Portable charger, charging cords
• Cash
  • There are two entrance fees of GTQ50/person at each location (total of GTQ100/person)
  • Tip for guides/porters
  • Snacks & drinks at lunch
• Trekking Poles
  • You can rent these from OX for $5
• Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
  • Given to you by OX to carry in your bag

SHOULD YOU HIRE A PORTER

Hiring porters is a personal choice. We went back and forth a few times deciding if it was the right thing to do, if it was the wrong thing to do, if we felt we needed someone to carry our bags, what if we needed something in our bags, is it rude to pay someone else to carry it for us? Because of this, there was a lot to think about. In the end, Paige hired a porter for the way up. That cost her GTQ200 CASH (roughly $30). Afterwards, she carried her large park (with her small pack inside) on the way back down. In contrast, I opted to carry my 44L pack myself the entire way. I felt confident in my ability to lug it up to base camp.

REASONS TO HIRE A PORTER

• Hiring a porter took a huge load off ascending to base camp. Which in turn, helped Paige complete the Double Whammy Tour. Paige carried 2 liters of water, snacks, and some essentials like sunscreen and Kleenex in her 14L pack. Her porter carried the rest.
• Porters stay with the group at all times. Which means, if you need in your large pack at any moment, you will have access to it.
• Hiring porters does not mean you are weak.
• In fact, GTQ200 is almost double the DAILY wage of the average Guatemalan worker.
• Most porters you will see carrying two-four bags on the way up. It’s quite impressive. Ultimately, this is them choosing to earn more money.
• Moreover, you are helping contribute to the local community by hiring a porter.

FINAL ADVICE

• Slow and steady wins the race! Luckily, the guides do a great job at keeping a steady pace. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, focus on your breathing, and you’ll get to the top!
• Be sure to give yourself a few days in advance to adjust to the altitude!
• Prepare for the hike! Depending on where you live it can be hard to train in high altitudes but making sure you are going on long hikes with elevation gain, walking on an inclined treadmill, and feeding your body nourishing food will help you.
• Bring a buff! You can purchase one for $10 at OX, but the trail is extremely dusty, and we were so thankful to have ours!
• Pack an extra trash bag to collect not only your trash, but trash that was left behind.
• Don’t forget your TP!
• There is no water on the volcanoes, so if you feel 4 L is not enough, bring more, or drink sparingly.
• The mountain dogs are sweet as can be! Kindly, pack a few dog treats for them to enjoy.
• Bring extra snacks if you are hiring a porter. They do receive lunch but would also appreciate snacks if you have some to spare! They are carrying your bag after all.
• In addition, don’t forget to tip your guides and porters! They do phenomenal work.
• Obviously, the main goal of this expedition is to see lava and summit Acatenango, but weather and eruptions can be unpredictable. Make sure you have other reasons for working hard and summiting volcanoes. Otherwise, this will not be enjoyable. Enjoy the hikes, enjoy your group, prove to yourself that you are capable of doing hard things and overall, try and have fun!

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post VOLCAN DE FUEGO & ACATENANGO: A GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE OVERNIGHT HIKE appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

People from all over come to witness the glorious, majestic, breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast. From the stunning sea cliffs, the waterfalls, pristine beaches, and lush valleys, the Na Pali Coast is truly something spectacular. I knew that in my precious time on Kauai I had to witness this myself. That’s why I decided to book an epic adventure through Kauai Sea Tours!

THE PRACTICALITIES

WHEN TO VISIT

The best to time of year to visit the Na Pali Coast would be May-September. The water is calmer, which means your chance of actually visiting the Na Pali Coast, entering sea caves, and snorkeling in the coves are much higher! You are more likely to have sunny days, clear blue skies, and warm water!

If you visit from October-April (we went in January) there is a higher chance of rainstorms, bigger swells, cancellations, reroutes to somewhere other than the Na Pali Coast, and a bumpy ride. We may not have entered the sea caves or had a great snorkeling experience, BUT winter season means whale season! So, we did have an epic boat ride while chasing whales.

GETTING THERE

To get to the Na Pali Coast, you’ll first fly into Lihue Airport. From here you can rent a car, take the bus (long wait times), or grab an uber (few and far between). Getting around Kauai is a little challenging, so your best bet is too rent a car! We booked a jeep with a rooftop camper from Kauai Rooftop Campers. You will have to hop on the bus from the airport to get to rental pickup spot. Roughly an hour and a half. After you’ve secured your rental car, the real fun begins!

BOOKING YOUR ADVENTURE

When I’m booking an excursion for my vacation I always look on Viator first! They’re my go-to when it comes to finding the best tours and activities around the area! I’ve booked countless trips through them and have never been disappointed!

Viator has everything from relax and chill to adventurous and thrilling! Me and Paige were looking for excitement! For heart-racing, adrenaline pumping adventure! And that’s when we came across the half day raft and snorkel adventure with Kauai Sea Tours on Viator.

We immediately booked the excursion because it was exactly what we had been looking for! For 6 hours we would be on a motorized raft speeding through the open ocean, chasing whales, snorkeling in coves, checking out the sea caves, and of course admiring the Na Pali Coast. The cost per person was roughly $218. For the experience we had, it was worth every penny!

Book your Kauai Sea Tours Adventure HERE!

If this excursion is a little too intense for you, check out some of Viator’s other options! There are all kinds of tours to choose from!

TRIP OVERVIEW

On the day of your excursion, you’ll meet at Kauai Sea Tours. Here, you will make sure all waivers are signed, you’ll go over safety instructions, and the day’s route. You will also have some time to use the restroom, and I would highly suggest you do so. It’s a long day with no pit stops, if you know what I mean…

WHAT TO PACK

For a trip like this, you don’t need much! Most things are provided for you! And when you’re booking through a reputable company, who does this multiple times per day, year-round, they have everything you could possibly need!

Kauai Sea Tours will provide you with a life jacket, snacks, lunch, water, drinks, all snorkeling gear, and a dry bag if you didn’t bring one. Here are a few things I would recommend bringing.

• SUNSCREEN
• SUN SHIRT
• RAIN JACKET
• HAT (THAT CAN’T BE BLOWN OFF!)
• TOWEL
• PHONE/WATERPROOF CASE/LANYARD
• SUNGLASSES
• DRY BAG

That’s it! Not too much to worry about. Just don’t forget to bring you adventurous spirit and fun attitude!

EXPECTATIONS OF THE NA PALI COAST TOUR

Don’t skip over this section! It is very important to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. This isn’t a fun, little snorkeling adventure for the whole family to enjoy. You will not be sailing off into the sunrise while whales and dolphins swim around you. In fact, you may not even see the Na Pali Coast at all…

THE UNPREDICTABLE OCEAN

Here’s what you need to understand. The ocean is unpredictable. The weather can be unpredictable. Any time you are booking an outdoor excursion there will be factors out of your control.

We did our Na Pali Coast tour during January. The weather and the waves were a huge factor as to whether or not we would see the cliffs or not. Luckily the morning of, our guide told us we would try to make it to the coast, but there was a good chance that on the way back the waves would start to get pretty gnarly. He wasn’t lying. But what that meant for our tour specifically was that snorkeling was a maybe, going into the sea caves was a definite no, and we might have to skip seeing the Na Pali coast if the waves got too intense.

So, for your trip, be prepared for a few things.

One, if the weather is bad the trip could get cancelled altogether. You will be reimbursed if Kauai Sea Tours cancels the tour. Two, you may not get to see the Na Pali Coast. If the waves are too large making it unsafe to visit that side of the island, then your tour guide will reroute you to a safer destination. Three, depending on wave size, you may or may not enter the sea caves. Our waves were 15ft, which meant entering sea caves were deemed unsafe. Four, depending on the season of your tour, whales may or may not be migrating in the area. The best time to see whales in Kauai are November-May. And five, snorkeling may or may not happen. If your excursion is during the summertime I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say your snorkeling experience will be better than ours!

THE INTENSITY OF THE TOUR

The last thing I want to make sure you are fully prepared for is that this tour is a workout! The motorized raft in which you are in is what the Navy Seals use. This raft is fast, bumpy, and makes quick, sharp turns that could easily throw you off the boat if you are not holding on. After 6 hours of this absolutely epic tour, we were wiped! Our entire body was sore from the neck down. You are holding on for dear life the entire time. And while we were loving every second of it, and crying because we were laughing so hard, others were not enjoying it as much…

Before you set foot on the boot, your guide will make sure you are fully aware of everything I am telling you. But it’s important that you listen. If you do not think you are capable of holding on for 6 hours, speeding through the open ocean, and bouncing up and down until your insides feel like scrambled eggs, then this might not be the excursion for you.

If you love scrambled eggs, then I promise you will have the trip of a lifetime!!

THE ADVENTURE TO THE NA PALI COAST

Now that you booked your experience, have everything you need, and are fully prepared for the adventure you’re about to have, let me tell you about ours!

**It’s important to note our tour was in January. The best time to visit would be May-September. That experience will most likely be completely different than ours. Either way, fun as hell!

TO THE NA PALI COAST WE GO

We set out to sea as the sun was starting to make an appearance. The water was calm, the sky was colorful, and the Na Pali Coast was calling our name. The ride to the coast takes about an hour, and what a magical hour it was. Our tour guide, Paul, was having fun in the waves, showing off his boating skills. We took a morning dip in the ocean. And then continued our ride while hundreds of little pink spinner dolphins showed us the way.

As we began inching closer to the majestic sea cliffs, Paul told stories of the Hawaiian culture and what the Na Pali Coast signified to the community. He showed us caves, and beaches, and ancient burial sites.

For the next hour we traveled up the coast in awe and amazement. What a sight to behold! The Na Pali Coast was truly majestic! Paul found a nice spot for us to take a break and enjoy the views. We all excitedly jumped out of the boat and swam beneath the cliffs. This moment for us was one we will cherish forever!

LUNCH AND A SHOW

After the best morning of our lives, we had a spectacular afternoon! Kauai Sea Tours provided us with a delicious lunch, sandwich, chips, and a drink. And because it was migrating season for whales, our eyes were peeled for a spout! We spotted one off in the distance, and off Paul zoomed. To our surprise, there were three males fighting over a female! What a show we got with our meal!

We continued our journey back home and like Paul said, the waves were starting to get gnarly! Paige and I were in the front of the raft laughing so hard with every crash and bounce that the waves brought, but the members of our group in the back of the boat were not having as much fun. They were getting absolutely soaked. So, Pro Tip: sit in the front!

OUR SNORKELING ADVENTURE

The tour is called a half day raft and snorkel adventure. So, I guess I was expecting something a little more exciting. Granted, our excursion was in the middle of January and that’s typically not the best time to snorkel.

We pulled over into a little cove where a few other tour groups were snorkeling as well. We geared up and jumped in. The water was freezing, the cove was pretty murky, and the waves were still going strong. We have lived on Oahu for 8 months at this point, so snorkeling for us wasn’t as big of deal because we could walk across the street and snorkel whenever. But for those that book the adventure solely for the purpose of snorkeling on the Na Pali Coast, then I would highly recommend booking during the summertime! The waves will be calmer, the water will warmer, and the snorkeling location will be different.

Our snorkeling adventure wasn’t all bad though! In the 15 minutes that we swam we did follow a sea turtle and that’s always cool! Once everyone was nice and cold, we hopped back in the boat and headed for home.

FINAL ADVICE

• Don’t forget to tip your guides! They’re incredible!
• Choose an adventure fit for your lifestyle. During the winter, this one is pretty gnarly. Are you up for it?
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Nose and ears people.
• The morning water and sunrise is a magical experience, but the Na Pali Coast is better lit in the afternoons. This may affect what time you want to book your excursion.
• If whale watching is a priority for you, book in the winter.
• If snorkeling is a priority for you, book in the summer.
• Most importantly, stay safe and have fun!

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post THE BEAUTIFUL NA PALI COAST: AN ADVENTURE GUIDE appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

If you’re looking for something a little more strenuous or adventurous check out my other Hawai’i hiking blog posts and find a trail that fits your speed!

HAWAI’I HIKES

Before getting into my favorite Hawai’i hikes there’s some things you should know.

• PARKING
  • Parking can be very difficult! Sometimes it would be worth it to Uber because most of these trails start just off a neighborhood, which are already lined with cars. You can be circling for a while trying to find an open spot or may have to walk further than expected.
• SMASH AND GRABS
  • Unfortunately, smash and grabs are pretty common on Oahu. It is very important to make sure that you leave nothing valuable in your vehicle. Some will tell you to leave your car unlocked to avoid a broken window. That choice is yours. We may or may not have done that and allowed someone to steal a cooler, work scale, and home health equipment like gloves and masks, etc…
• HIKING WITH ALOHA
  • Now using this phrase on every hike! Be sure to hike with Aloha. Meaning, be respectful, be courteous, be self-aware. Make sure to leave no trace and no trash. Listen to nature instead of music. All land should be respected but go the other extra mile on these Hawai’i hikes and hike with Aloha.

Now let’s get into it!

KO’OLINA BEACH PARK WALKING TRAIL

If you’re already planning to vacation in Oahu, then Ko’Olina is probably already on your list of places to visit. It’s a great tourist attraction, with hotels, restaurants, gift shops, a golf course, you name it, it’s there. Ko’ Olina Beach Park is the perfect place to be any time of day! Sunrise, mid-day, or sunset. It’s all great!

The trail itself is 2.6 miles long with an elevation gain of only 173 ft. Most likely, you won’t even walk the whole thing. You’ll find a perfect spot in the sand along one of the 4 lagoons, let your kids play in the water, grab lunch at the numerous restaurants nearby, and then find yourself at a gift shop picking up chocolate covered macadamia nuts and an Aloha t-shirt.

HOWEVER, if your goal is to go for a walk, maybe you have stroller, or kids who need to get their energy out, this is the trail for you! Beautiful views, excellent walking path, and a place to cool off after working up a sweat.

MAKAPU’U POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

If you only have time for one easy Hawai’i hike, I suggest Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. This trail is perfect for the family! Epic views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline, paved path for strollers and little legs, great potential for whale sightings, and only 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 475 ft round trip.

The hike takes about an hour to hour and a half to complete. Great for a late morning stroll! But don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and water. You’ll also want to bring binoculars in case you see whales off in the distance! During humpback whale migrating season (November-May), the whales will be very active and the chance to see them are very high!

And of course, you will see Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1909 and sits on a 600ft sea cliff. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Molokai and Lanai from here!

This is a must-do easy Hawai’i hike!

MANOA FALLS

Manoa Falls Trail is one of those easy Hawai’i hikes that must be done when visiting Oahu. It’s a popular tourist attraction, so the trail can get crowded! But if you’re wanting to see a waterfall, this is your chance. This out and back trail is 1.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 577 ft.

Before setting off on the trail, you will have to pay a fee to park. Try and arrive early to not get turned around due to lack of parking. There is a visitor center and bathrooms located in the Paradise Park Building near the parking lot. Be warned, the service is very spotty. Try downloading the trail or a map beforehand.

Manoa Falls Trail is relatively easy and can be done with children. Like most hikes in Oahu, trails will muddy. So, be sure to wear proper foot wear . The hike itself is beautiful! Bamboo lines the well-worn trail and lush tropical greenery envelope you as you make your way to the waterfall. Sadly, you cannot swim in this waterfall and there is a barricade once you reach the end. Due to the amount of people and the narrow viewpoint, you will have to wait in line until it’s your turn if you would like to take a picture in front of Manoa Falls. Please be respectful of other people’s time and space but be sure to enjoy the beauty of Manoa Falls.

PU’U MA’ELI’ELI TRAIL

Just north of Kaneohe sits Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail. This out and back is 2.4 miles long with an elevation gain of 600 ft. Getting to the trailhead is a little odd, as you will park in the McDonalds parking lot and walk along side of the highway (guardrail in between you and traffic) to reach the trailhead. It’s not a far walk at all and there is a narrow trail to the side of the highway that makes reaching the trailhead a breeze.

I would advise checking the weather to make sure there’s no rain in the forecast as this trail stays pretty muddy year-round. If there was a recent rain it could still be extremely muddy. Just proceed with caution. The trail begins pretty steep and then gradually takes you up and down as you make your way closer to the pillboxes.

Towards the end, you will come across two bunkers used in WWII that are neat to explore, with one being your final destination. You’ll get sweeping views of the coastline and paddlers and boaters making their way out to Kaneohe Sandbar.

All in all, this hike is fairly easy, albeit muddy, but your kids will love exploring the bunkers and the trail is shaded the majority of the time.

WAIMEA VALLEY TRAIL

Another must do easy Hawai’i hike on Oahu is Waimea Valley Trail. Located inside the cultural and ecological nature preserver, Waimea Valley. Upon entering the preserve, you will be required to pay an entrance fee, which varies between adults, seniors, students, children, military, and group prices. If you choose to forgo the hike, but wish to see the waterfall, you can purchase a shuttle for an additional price.

If you choose to hike the trail you won’t be disappointed. You’ll walk 1.9 miles (round-trip) through the rainforest with an elevation gain of 249 ft. The path is paved the whole way, which is great for those with a stroller. At times you will encounter an 8% grade, but nothing too difficult to manage.

The trail will pass by cultural sites, ponds, flora & fauna that are unique to Hawai’i and Hawai’i only. Walking through Waimea Valley will give you an appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their culture. The trail is not only beautiful, but it’s educational as well. With displays scattered throughout the forest with descriptions of the history, plant species, and techniques used by the local people. A perfect trail for the history buff.

And for the sightseeing buff, a waterfall at the end of the trail will leave you speechless. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a life vest and jump in! The water is cold, but swimming up to the Waimea Falls in the heart of Oahu is a once in a lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be skipped!

Oahu, Hawai’i has some of the most beautiful hikes in the world and these easy Hawai’i hikes are just a glimpse. Be sure to check out our other Hawai’i hiking posts for even more beautiful views!

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post EASY HAWAI’I HIKES ON OAHU THAT ARE FAMILY FRIENDLY appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

If you are in fact looking to spend a whole day hiking or up for a more exhilarating experience, check out my blog post HAWAI’I HIKES: 6 DIFFICULT HIKES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS. Or maybe you have children and these moderate Hawai’i hikes are a little too strenuous for you, check out my blog post EASY HAWAI’I HIKES ON OAHU THAT ARE FAMILY FRIENDLY.

HAWAI’I HIKES

Before getting into my favorite Hawai’i hikes there’s some things you should know.

• PARKING
  • Parking can be very difficult! Sometimes it would be worth it to Uber because most of these trails start just off a neighborhood, which are already lined with cars. You can be circling for a while trying to find an open spot or may have to walk further than expected.
• SMASH AND GRABS
  • Unfortunately, smash and grabs are pretty common on Oahu. It is very important to make sure that you leave nothing valuable in your vehicle. Some will tell you to leave your car unlocked to avoid a broken window. That choice is yours. We may or may not have done that and allowed someone to steal a cooler, work scale, and home health equipment like gloves and masks, etc…
• DANGEROUS RAINFALL
  • When it rains it pours on the island. For these difficult Hawai’i hikes, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND avoiding going after a heavy rainfall or if you are expecting rain later on. The mountains on Oahu are very steep and because most of the rain stays in the mountains, the trails can be extremely slippery and muddy. The difficult trails are narrow with steep drop offs. With many deaths and frequent airlift rescues reported on these trails, it is better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, just avoid these hikes under rainy circumstances.
• HIKING WITH ALOHA
  • Now using this phrase on every hike! Be sure to hike with Aloha. Meaning, be respectful, be courteous, be self-aware. Make sure to leave no trace and no trash. Listen to nature instead of music. All land should be respected but go the other extra mile on these Hawai’i hikes and hike with Aloha.

Now let’s get into it!

KA’ENA POINT TRAIL

Ka’ena Point Trail starts at the westernmost point on the island that you can go. There is only one highway to get there, Farrington Hwy. You will follow this highway all along the western coast of Oahu, passing through small towns, home to mostly locals. Once you reach the end of Farrington, you can park anywhere along Keawaula Beach. I would avoid parking at the very end, in the roundabout, due to smash and grabs.

Ka’ena Point Trail has multiple options of completion. Round trip, from the end of the Farrington on the West coast to the start of Farrington on the North shore is 10 miles with an elevation gain of 675 ft. However, you can turn around at any point. We decided to just walk to the very tip of the island which was about 6.5 miles long with an elevation gain of 515 ft. There is no shade on this hike, so hiking as early as possible would be best! Dogs are also not allowed on this hike because a majority of it is an enclosed bird sanctuary to the Laysan Albatross.

If you’re a bird guy like me, then making it to the sanctuary is a must! Watching the Albatross in their element was the highlight of the hike for me. And this trail had some pretty epic views too!

PU’U O HULU TRAIL (PINK PILLBOX)

One of the most popular moderate Hawai’i hikes we heard of was the Pu’u O Hulu Trail aka Pink Pillbox Trail. This out and back trail is only 1.3 miles long with an elevation gain of 613 feet. It is a steep climb to the top considering how short of a hike it is. But the views are worth it! The Pink Pillbox hike would be a great hike for those who are looking for something quick and efficient, but one that doesn’t lack epic views!

You’ll begin this hike by parking on Kaukama Rd. From there following the trail is quite easy. It is also a highly trafficked trail, so getting lost shouldn’t be an issue. Once you reach the top you’ll encounter multiple pillboxes, including the famous Pink Pillbox. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the coastline, Waianae and Nanakuli, and on a clear day, Mount Ka’ala (the tallest mountain on Oahu).

The ridge does get quite narrow and rocky, so if you are hiking with littles (which is doable) just keep an eye on them. I would recommend hiking early in the morning or later in the evening (before sunset). The west side of the island is much drier and hotter, and this trail offers little to no shade. Even though this trail is a heavily trafficked trail, it is a great one and I would highly recommend adding it your list of moderate Hawai’i hikes!

WAIMANO FALLS TRAIL

You can’t go to Hawaii and not hike to a waterfall. It is a must do. There are waterfalls everywhere, but not all waterfall hikes are swimmable. Waimano Falls Trail is one of those great moderate Hawai’i hikes that doesn’t take long to complete, gives you a great workout, and allows you to play in the refreshingly cold water!

This out and back trail is only 2.9 miles long with an elevation gain of 800 ft. It’s technically classified as a hard hike, due to the fact that the majority of the elevation gain happens all within half a mile. However, the trail is short and aside from one steep section, the rest is a breeze.

Before starting the trail, you’ll have to find parking along Komo Mai Dr. It can be challenging because this is a residential area, and cars are already lining the streets. Uber would be a great option as it would drop you off right at the trailhead.

Once you begin the hike, the first mile is pretty laid back. The trail is well marked, plenty wide, and has great viewpoints along the way. You’ll eventually come to a fork in the trail and will want to continue RIGHT to begin your descent to the swimming hole. Here is where the hike starts to get a little more difficult. You’ll encounter that steep descent, some rope sections, and muddy/slippery rocks and roots. But before you know it, you’ve reached Waimano Falls!

THE SWIMMING HOLE

Waimano Falls isn’t a ginormous waterfall by any means, but it’s a beautiful waterfall to spend an hour or so playing in. There are two sections, the top section and the bottom section. The top section where the main waterfall flows into has a large, but shallow swimming hole. You are able to walk right up to the base of the waterfall and get about waist deep. I would recommend bringing sandals/water shoes because it is very rocky.

The bottom section has a much deeper, but smaller swimming hole. And there is a rope swing! We spent about two hours at the falls jumping from the rope swing, swimming, and watching others work up the nerve to jump. It was quite entertaining! The jump is small, but so is the swimming hole. We had a lot of fun here and I would highly suggest taking the plunge before beginning your trek back.

LANIKAI PILLBOX

When researching what moderate Hawai’i hikes were best on the island, the hike that was mentioned the most was Lanikai Pillbox. Everyone raved about how this was the perfect hike to watch the sunrise and get great 360 degrees views of Oahu. It took us 9 months to finally get around to completing this trail, but the reason for that was because most of the “most popular” hikes are usually WAY over-crowded, parking is a nightmare, you may have to make reservations, or even pay a small fee to complete the hike. We tend to stay away from these sorts of hikes. Crowds and parking usually make the hike not worth it. HOWEVER, please don’t let the negatives stop you from completing this hike, because Lanikai Pillbox is totally worth it, and I can’t believe it took us 9 months to understand that!

PARKING

Parking for Lanikai Pillbox is a little difficult. Recently, street parking was no longer allowed, and the best option would be to park in the Kailua Beach Boat Ramp Parking Lot. Or down the street even further at Kailua Beach Park. From Kailua to the trailhead is about a half a mile walk. So, if you are wanting to make it to the top to enjoy the sunrise be sure to give yourself extra time for parking and walking.

THE CLIMB

Once arriving at the trailhead, the ascent begins immediately. Lanikai Pillbox is an out and back hike with a short distance of 0.7 miles. Because there are two pillboxes on the trail you could extend your hike to the second, which would make your hike 1.6 miles total and with an elevation gain of 623 ft. The hike itself will take less than an hour, but the climb is decently steep and can be challenging for kids or for those who don’t hike often.

360 VIEWS

I would highly suggest making the climb before sunrise. Just be sure to pack a headlamp or flashlight! If you get there early, you may be lucky enough to claim a seat on one of the two pillboxes. But if not, there are plenty of areas along the trail that are just as perfect to watch a new day begin. The views are unreal! Not only of the sunrise, but of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding towns. Watching the early morning rowers, whales off in the distance, the soft glow of the sunrise, and the mountains turn green is the perfect way to start your morning!

Moderate Hawai’i hikes can be over-crowded, but I promise Lanikai is worth it!

KOKO CRATER TRAMWAY

Another “most popular” hike in O’ahu is the Koko Crater Tramway to Koko Head Lookout. This hike is 1.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 912 ft. Hiking to the lookout consists of over 1,000 railroad tie steps that run straight up the side of the crater, which was previously used by the military in WWII for transporting supplies to the lookout. Now, people from all over the world come to Oahu to make the trek up this crater and I would suggest you give it a go as well!

Most of the time we like hiking for the adventure, the views, the conversations, the nature, but sometimes we like hiking purely for the workout itself. And this was one of those times. We arrived at the Koko Head parking lot and were in awe at the stairs that stretched straight up the side of the crater. We started early because there is no shade, and the sun would soon be beating down on us. Within 30 minutes we made it to the top. The hike doesn’t take long, but that doesn’t mean it was easy! Our legs were shaky, our backs were sweaty, but we accomplished Koko Crater, and the views were worth it!

The hardest part may have been the descent. With your legs already tired, the steep grade and gravity forcing you down, it took a lot of control to not go tumbling down the mountain. Accidents and evacuations happen all the time on this hike, so please be careful, know your limitations, and trust your instincts.

HONORABLE MENTION: MOKOLI’I ISLAND TRAIL

Last but not least, Mokoli’i Island Trail is a must do moderate Hawai’i hike! The hike itself is an out and back that is only 0.2 miles, and 206 ft of elevation gain. Incredibly easy right? Wrong. What makes this hike moderate, but not hard is getting there. This trail is located on Mokoli’i Island aka Chinaman’s Hat.

To get there, first park at Kualoa Regional Park at Kualoa Point. Grab your kayak, paddleboard, canoe, what have you, and head towards to the ocean. I would advise going on calmer days for safety purposes. Once you’ve reached the island, about a 15-minute paddle, find a good place to tie up your vessel. Then begin your 206 ft ascent to the top of the island. In all honesty, it was quite harder than I imagined.

Our feet were wet, we were wearing sandals, the gravel and dirt was loose, there were no ropes, we had to rock climb some sections and navigate this “trail” to the top. It didn’t take too long, but it was a little more challenging than the stats make it out to be. However, we would do it again in a heartbeat for views like this! 360-degree views, stunning mountains, and perfectly blue water made Mokoli’i Island Trail one of our favorites yet!

Oahu Hawai’i has some of the most beautiful terrain to hike in with the most epic views! These moderate Hawai’i hikes gave us memories that will last forever and views that will play on repeat in our minds until the end of time. I highly recommend completing as many as you can and experiencing the awe that is Hawai’i.

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post 5 MODERATE HAWAI’I HIKES THAT ARE WORTH YOUR TIME appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

THE PRACTICALITIES

HOW TO GET THERE

To get to North Cascades National Park, you can fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, rent a car, and then drive 2.5 hours to the park. Or you could fly into the Bellingham International Airport, rent a car, and drive 2 hours. Either way, it is important to have a rental or your own vehicle to get around.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time of year to visit is going to be in the summer. By this time most trails/roads will be open. Campgrounds will be operating. And businesses will have switched from winter hours to summer hours! However, visiting in the summertime does bring the risk of forest fires.

FOREST FIRES

Forest fires can wreak havoc in places such as the North Cascades. For safety reasons, for both people and nature, fires can cause road, trail, and park closures. Therefore, trying to plan around a forest fire is nearly impossible. If this happens to you, don’t fret. Washington is home to multiple beautiful National Parks, an epic coastline, and national forests with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. So, I promise changing plans would not be the end of the world!

Just before our planned trip to the Cascade Mountains, there was a large forest fire. It closed a lot of the main roads, the popular hiking trails, and access to some of the beautiful lakes. However, there was still a lot we could do! We decided to continue on with our trip. We knew that we wouldn’t get to see everything we wanted to but were fortunate enough to see a majority of it!

HIKING IN THE NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

North Cascades National Park is separated into three sections. Theres the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Chelan Lake National Recreation Area. Because of how large an area the National Park and Recreational areas take up, there are an endless amount of epic hiking trails. But if you’re not sure where to start, I would highly suggest hiking the Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm Trail. This hike is 11.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 3,963 ft. It’s quite the trek; however, if you’re looking for a short, less intense, but very rewarding hike, you could hike just to the Cascade Pass on this trail. This makes the trail only 7 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,784 ft. 

CASCADE PASS TRAIL

Throughout the Cascade Pass Trail, you will hike switchbacks through the forest, hike on the edge of a mountain side, passing over centuries worth of rockfall and scree fields, witness incredible glacier views, and hear squeaks and squeals from the neighborhood pikas.

Once you come to Cascade Pass, a vast breathtaking opening between two mountain ridgelines, you can choose to continue on the Sahale Trail or go back down the way you came. We decided to continue on. From there it’s a rock scramble to the top of Doubtful Lake. Adam was on a mission to dive into as many Washington lakes as possible. So, he made his way down to the lake to add another one to the list. While I admired the view from the top. (Adding another ~500 ft of elevation gain wasn’t on my list for that day). 

The great thing about hiking is you can turn around at any point. Completing hikes is always satisfying and we would’ve loved to finish the Sahale Trail and make it to the summit of Sahale Glacier, but we had a long way back to our campground. We felt incredibly satisfied with the hike we had just done. And we knew that the Cascade Pass Trail would forever hold a spot in our top 5 favorite hikes of all time!

*NOTES* 

ADDITIONAL HIKING TRAILS

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hike all the trails we would’ve liked to with the forest fire closures and the amount of time we had; however, we have so many trails on our list and hopefully one day we’ll get to go back and complete them. But for now, you can hike them for us! Be sure to let us know in the comments which ones we must check out for next time!

CAMPING/OVERNIGHT STAYS

CAMPING/BACKPACKING

There are many ways to stay overnight in or near North Cascades National Park. First off, you can camp. There are a handful of campgrounds spread throughout the park. We decided to stay at Newhalem Creek Campground. The sites were incredibly spacious. Each spot was tucked in a rainforest like setting, and had the sound of the roaring Skagit Creek to soothe you to sleep. Prices can range from $24-$75 depending on group size and location of the site. This campground was in a great location! Just down the road from the Visitor Center and other popular points of interests. A lot of the campgrounds will close in the off season, so be sure to check their schedule ahead of time. If you’re still interested in camping during the winter, you can also backpack by obtaining a permit which can be purchased year-round.

AIRBNB’S

If you’re not interested in camping, there are a lot of unique Airbnbs to rent out in the area. Because my parents were meeting up with us the next day, we decided to forgo camping and book a treehouse in the woods. From the park it was about an hour drive, but it was well worth it! This rustic treehouse is nestled in the woods, has a pond with a waterfall, a bathhouse, and makes for the coziest overnight stay. I highly recommend staying here!

ROSS LAKE RESORT

If you would like to visit the North Cascades and enjoy an epic stay inside the park, you could plan ahead and try and stay at Ross Lake Resort. But fair warning, this resort books up FAST and has a waitlist. With only 15 cabins overlooking the lake with the mountains in the background, Ross Lake Resort makes for a beautiful destination getaway!

FOOD & DRINKS

Unfortunately, access to food and drinks inside the park is fairly limited with most restaurants being in the little towns outside of the park. When we visit National Parks, especially the ones that are a bit more remote like North Cascades, we expect this to typically be the case. Therefore, we normally pack our own food for at least breakfast and lunch. However, it is nice to get a filling dinner somewhere else, if possible.

RESTAURANTS

For dinner, we decided to travel back West on Hwy 20 to Marblemount. This is a little town about 20 minutes outside the Western entrance of the park that thrives mostly on tourists, as it’s the nearest place for food and gas services. The choices were few, but we decided to stop in at the Upriver Grill & Taproom.

As the gateway to the “American Alps”, this mountain-themed restaurant offers a diverse dining experience with a menu that caters to all tastes, from hearty comfort food to locally sourced PNW specialties. For those looking for a drink, you’ll find a large selection of local draft beers, craft cocktails, and an extensive whiskey collection. Dining is available both indoor, at the bar, or on the outdoor patio (we love an outdoor patio), where the furry friends are allowed (added bonus). So, whether you’re fueling up before your park adventures or celebrating after a day of exploration like we did, the Upriver Grill & Taproom is a great place to enjoy the flavors and spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

If you don’t stop in at Marblemount, you’ll have to keep traveling further West and stop along the way in Rockport or Concrete, other small towns off of Hwy 20. If you happened to be exiting/enter from the East side of the park, the closest town with restaurants will be Mazama and Winthrop, which are much further from the main areas of the park. Again, when in doubt, plan on bringing your own food. Otherwise, you may have to drive a decent way to get your belly full!

NORTH CASCADES WILDLIFE

National Parks are a great place to search for wildlife! Each park is home to hundreds of different species of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a handful of them. We were very lucky on our short trip to the North Cascades National Park! So, keep your eyes peeled and your senses alert because you never know what you might see in the North Cascades National Park. 

POINTS OF INTERESTS

North Cascades National Park has so many great sights to see! Whether you’re in the car driving, walking across a suspension bridge, or admiring a beautiful lake, the park is packed full of stop-worthy destinations.

LAKES

• BAKER LAKE
  • OUTSIDE OF THE PARK BUT DEFINETLY WORTH SEEING
• DIABLO LAKE
• ROSS LAKE

WATERFALLS

• LADDER CREEK FALLS
• GORGE CREEK FALLS

STOPPING POINTS

• GORGE POWERHOUSE
• NEWHALEM – NORTH CASCADES VISITOR CENTER
• SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO TRAIL OF THE CEDARS
• WASHINGTON PASS OBSERVATION SITE (EAST SIDE OF THE PARK)

As short as our trip to the North Cascades National Park was, we sure did have an epic adventure! We would love to go back again and hike more scenic trails, visit Ross Lake, and check out more of the park that was closed due to the fire. But for now, we will remember this park as a truly magnificent National Park not only in Washington, but in the world. Be sure to check it out yourself and let us know what your favorite part was! You can also check out our Washington Page for more fun and epic adventures in Washington! Have fun and happy hiking!

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post NORTH CASCADE NATIONAL PARK: AN EPIC ADVENTURE GUIDE IN WASHINGTON appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

THE PRACTICALITIES

HOW TO GET THERE

To get to Glenwood Springs you can fly into the Denver Airport, rent a car, and then drive about 3 hours on I70. We have done this drive so many times and it never gets old! If you’d rather not drive that long you could fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport. From here, the drive is a little over an hour away. I would suggest renting a car to get to and from the airport, as well as if you want to venture outside of Glenwood Springs. However, if you plan on staying in Glenwood Springs then there is a lot you can do within walking distance or simply grabbing an uber considering the town sits on a mountain.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT

We have visited Glenwood Springs both in the summer and the winter and have enjoyed the town both ways! The summers can get hot, but if you’re looking for adventures then white-water rafting can quickly cool you off! Winters can be snowy and cold, but if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend then the hot springs will surely warm you up. Glenwood Springs is a great weekend getaway year-round!

GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the place to be! Whether you have kids or not, there are plenty of things to do in the park to keep you entertained for hours! We loved it so much we went twice. The park is fun any time of the year, but during the holidays it’s extra special! You can enjoy live music, holiday food and drinks, thousands of Christmas lights, and even a meet and greet with Santa himself. What’s not to love?!

TICKETS

This adventure park is unique because it sits at the top of the mountain! To access the park, you first need to buy tickets. You can do this online in advance or at the ticket counter at the bottom of the mountain. Tickets can range from $30-$52/person. The difference in ticket prices depends on exactly what you want to do. The cheapest ticket, $30, only includes the gondola ride up the mountain to the park. You will have free range to walk around the park but will not have access to rides or tours. If you don’t like roller coasters or rides, I would recommend this ticket! The gondola ride up to the park is worth it for the views!

The next cheapest ticket is $46. This ticket will give you access to the gondola ride up to the park, and access to both cave tours. The most expensive ticket is $52 (during the winter it’s called the Winter Funday ticket). This ticket will give you access to the gondola ride, cave tours, and a limited selection of thrill rides.

If you attend the adventure park regularly, I recommend their annual pass! The ticket is $160 and gives you unlimited access to everything already mentioned, plus discounts on food, drinks, and souvenirs. You’ll also have the added benefits of parking and jumping the line on the rides! Sounds like a steal to me.

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

Our favorite part about Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park had to be the rides! We both love roller coasters, so we had an absolute blast! If you purchase the Winter Funday ticket it comes with access to the Mountain Coaster, 4D Motion Coaster, and Laser Tag. We didn’t play laser tag, but we did the other two multiple times! The 4D Motion Coaster is great for those who don’t like roller coasters but can still enjoy a thrill! You’ll enter a movie theater-like setting, put on your 4D glasses, and a short video will play on the big screen. Your seat will then jostle you around, the wind will blow at your feet, and things will seemingly fly at your face. It’s great.

The Mountain coaster, however, is the main attraction! This is the main reason we headed to the adventure park, If you’ve never been on a mountain coaster, essentially, you’re the driver. You control how fast or slow you are going down the mountain. You do this by placing your hands on the handlebars at your side, pulling up to brake, and pushing down to go full speed. The coaster will guide you down the mountain through twists, turns, and ups and downs. At the end of the ride, the coaster will automatically take you back up the mountain where you exit. The Mountain Coaster seats one adult and one small child (if any). If you didn’t purchase the Winter Funday ticket you can still purchase individual tickets for this ride specifically.

The other rides not included (during the winter) are the Defiance Coaster, Giant Canyon Swing, Cliffhanger Rollercoaster, Zip Ride, Canyon Flyer, Wild West Express, and Giddy Up. These are seasonal rides only and cannot operate under cold weather.

CAVE TOURS

The cave tours are open year-round and I highly suggest you visit them! There are two different cave tours, the Fairy Cave Tour and the Kings Row Cave Tour. We did both tours and preferred the Kings Row Cave Tour. Both tours last approximately 40 minutes and welcome most all fitness levels (there are many stairs). If you are afraid of tight spaces, I would recommend staying away from Fairy Cave as it has more narrow walkways. Kings Row Cave Tour is pretty spacious at all times.

Kings Row Cave is Colorado’s most decorated cave tour. It was beautiful! You’ll see incredibly long stalagmites and stalactites, passageways that the first explores took, and a magnificent room set up for a light show. This tour was one for the books and great for any time of the year considering it’s a cave and stays at a consistent 52 degrees year-round.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing getaway I have just what you need, a nice long hot soak at the hot spring pools nearby. Hot springs are the perfect way to fully embrace R&R, especially during the winter! However, they are open year-round. If you’ve never been in or even near a hot spring, you might be a little taken aback by the smell. To put it bluntly, it smells like rotten eggs. But have no fear, it’s completely natural! You can read more about why hot springs have such a distinguished smell here.

There are two great options for soaking in hot springs in Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and/or Glenwood Hot Springs. You can’t go wrong with either one, but I would recommend Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS

The reason Iron Mountain Hot Springs is preferred over Glenwood Hot Springs is that it’s more like a resort instead of a public swimming pool. There are 31 pools total with a few of them being 21+, which for us is always a plus. The only thing that would make this facility better is if it had overnight rooms available. However, there are a few hotels and Airbnb’s available for rent nearby if needed.

There are a few different booking options you could go with. The first is General Access to 18 pools with a 3-hour time limit which costs between $40-$52. The next is the WorldSprings Access (21+) which costs between $55-67. The difference between this one and General Access is you will have access to all 31 pools, 10 being mineral pools, for a 3-hour time limit. You will also have access to a cold plunge, which is a great benefit when soaking in a hot tub for hours. The last booking option is the All Day Soak (21+). This costs between $100-$150. The only difference with this booking is you can come and go as you please between the operating hours of 9 A.M -10 P.M. This is a great option if you want to squeeze a few other activities in your day but start and end your day with a hot soak and cold plunge.

GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS

Although I would recommend Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Hot Springs is still a great option! Instead of multiple pools, there’s one giant pool, which costs $43/person. There are also cabanas available for rent by the half or full day. And unlike Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Hot Springs does have rooms available on-site.

Either hot springs location would be a great option for those who want a relaxing vacation, once you get passed the sulfury smell of course.

HIKING TO HANGING LAKE

No matter what kind of vacation we go on, we always try and squeeze in a hike. Typically vacations are filled with lots of food, drinks, and not much movement. Therefore, being able to move our body in any way possible, especially if it means hiking to an alpine lake, is a number one priority for us.

Hanging Lake trail is a highly coveted hike for many people visiting or living in Colorado. This hike is an out-and-back trail that is only 3.1 miles long but has a quick elevation gain of 1,187 ft. The trail leads you from the bottom of Glenwood Canyon up through the canyon walls to a hidden oasis featuring a waterfall and a crystal-clear alpine lake hanging at the edge of the canyon walls. It is truly a unique and breathtaking view and one you’ll never forget.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

Because this hike is so popular and parking is limited, reservations are required. So, PLAN AHEAD and book your online reservations ahead of time!! Do not expect to get a reservation on the day of your hike. Click here to book your reservation.

Permits from May 1- October 31 are $12 per hiker and November 1-February 29 are $10 per hiker. Year-round your permit will include self-parking at the trailhead. There are no shuttle services available from Glenwood to the trailhead parking lot as this would contribute to the overcrowding of this popular trail that they are trying to avoid.

HOW TO GET THERE

To get to Hanging Lake from Glenwood Springs, you will head East on I-70, toward Glenwood Canyon. You will drive through Glenwood Canyon, which is worth it even if you don’t want to hike. The drive is absolutely beautiful but could be a little scary for those who fear heights and narrow passes. The trailhead for Hanging Lake is at a rest stop just off I-70 in the White River National Forest. The trailhead is located right next to the Colorado River with great views of the river and canyon. However, before you can access the trailhead you will go through a security gate which proves you have a reservation. So, book your reservation today and get hiking, I promise it’s worth it!

RESTAURANTS AND BREWERIES

My favorite part about a vacation is the food. And Glenwood Springs has AMAZING food! Because we only visited twice, we didn’t even make a dent in the delicious restaurants nearby, but the ones we did try were “Chef’s Kiss”. The best place to find food & drinks is under the Grand Avenue Bridge. This is a prime location for people looking to have a good time. Whether you’re waiting on a table, looking for a drink, or wanting to listen to live music, I suggest going under the bridge. There are obviously other great restaurants spread out across town, but this is a great area to walk around and see what looks interesting to you.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS RESTAURANTS

We received a lot of great recommendations for the best restaurants in town from the locals, but there are too many to list! Ones that we didn’t try but heard great things about are The Italian Underground Restaurant, Zheng Asian Bistro, Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse, and Hugo’s.

Now for what we did try. One of our favorites had to have been Slope & Hatch. This TINY New American Restaurant is the perfect place if you’re looking for tacos! Although the restaurant is small, the flavors these tacos have are BIG! You won’t be disappointed. Our next favorite is just next door, Grind. Grind has also taken something original but elevated it in a way that will leave you speechless. Grind specializes in gourmet burgers. You can order 1/3 lb or 2/3 lb beef, chicken, pork, buffalo, lamb, falafel, or black bean burgers. What a variety! We opted for the All-American burger and Loaded Sweet Potato Fries. Delicious!!

Just next door to Grind sits Smoke Modern BBQ restaurant. I’m telling you, under the bridge is a prime location for great restaurants! You can’t walk by this BBQ joint and not want to go in. It fills the streets with yummy smells and tastes just as delicious! We ordered Burnt End Mac & Cheese (killer), and the Smokin’ Q Combo with Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Slaw, and Beans. Everything was delicious and for a great price!

GLENWOOD SPRINGS BREWERIES/DISTILLERIES

If you’re looking to kill time before a reservation or simply just want to grab a drink before your next destination there are many great spots in Glenwood Springs for that. I would recommend Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Stoneyard Distillery Tasting Room, and Casey Brewing Taproom. Each of these has a variety of drink options that not only taste delicious but provide a fun atmosphere to hang out, play games, and enjoy the day.

WHITE WATER RAFTING GLENWOOD CANYON

Are you a go-big or go-home type of vacationer? If so, whitewater rafting in Glenwood Canyon is the perfect activity for you! My wife and I have been whitewater rafting in a few different locations now, but this one is up there for scenic views!

TICKETS

There are a few different companies in the area that you could book through, such as Glenwood Canyon Rafting, Glenwood Adventure Company, and Defiance Rafting. We booked through Whitewater Rafting, LLC, and what a blast we had! When booking your trip there are a few different routes you could take depending on your experience level, age, and how much time you have. We opted for the Half Day Rafting Trip.

This trip is approximately three hours long and will see class III-IV rapids. Depending on rapids that day you could be as young as 5 years old for class III rapids or 13 years old for class IV. Ticket pricing is $62 for 12 and younger and $69 for 13 and above. Tickets will include a life jacket, helmet, and a shuttle to and from the drop-off location. Whitewater Rafting LLC does have booties, wet suits, splash jackets, and more available to rent if needed.

THE RIDE

Once you’ve booked your trip and the day has come to paddle, you’ll want to arrive 45 minutes early at the Whitewater Rafting LLC facility to check in, get your gear, rent booties, etc, if needed, and sign your waiver if you haven’t already. From there you will be prompted to sit outside on the steps with the rest of the groups before being advised on weather conditions, rules, and techniques. You will also be paired with your guide and other members depending on how big your group is. We were a group of four, my in-laws, Adam, and myself. Because of that, we were then paired with another group of two. We all boarded the bus and took a short ride through Glenwood Canyon where we unloaded the oars and rafts and met our guide, who was nicknamed “Guppy“.

After figuring out where everyone would be best seated on the raft, Guppy gave us more instructions on how to paddle as a team, what kind of obstacles lay ahead, and just reminded us to have fun! We were fortunate to have Guppy as our guide because he was energetic, kind, informative, and overall, just very good at his job. Having a great guide can make your experience that much more enjoyable and it seemed that every guide at Whitewater Rafting LLC was perfect for the job.

As soon as we left the shore, we were immediately in class IV rapids. We paddled as hard as we could and overcame the challenging obstacles that we faced. We got drenched with ice-cold water, spun around from giant boulders in the middle of the river, and had a blast through it all! The rough rapids only lasted the first 30 minutes of the trip. For the next hour, we floated through the canyon, took a few dips into the river, and admired the views. Then came the rain.

PERSPECTIVE

The last hour of the trip it rained, and it poured. It was cold, sharp, and a little miserable. We were all wearing shorts and tank tops, which didn’t provide a lot of warmth. My family being from Missouri is quite used to rain; however, the other couple in our group were from California, where the rain is much less frequent. It was easy for us to wish the rain away and let the rain ruin the last leg of the trip, but thankfully the Californian man spoke up and said, “California would kill for some of this rain right now.” We then all took a moment to shift our mindset on getting some precipitation in Mid-Summer. And to add to it, Glenwood Canyon was scattered with wildfire damage from the previous year. Having all that perspective opened our eyes and made the last hour of the trip quite enjoyable, albeit cold, but enjoyable. So, thank you California guy for giving us a little perspective!

Therefore, as you’re paddling down Glenwood Canyon and see the devasting fire damage that once occurred, take a moment to be thankful for the firefighters and rain.

Book your Glenwood Springs White Water Rafting Tour HERE.

Glenwood Springs is full of fun activities for just about everyone! If you’re looking for even more things to do check out Rifle Falls State Park, Harvey Gap, and Aspen. These are all within driving distance and definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Leave a comment below telling us what your favorite thing about Glenwood Springs is. We’d love to hear from you.

Hi! We’re Paige & Adam

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re passionate explorers who are dedicated to keeping our bodies moving until we’re old and grey. Through our travel guides and expert travel physical therapy advice, we empower future travelers with the tools and inspiration to embrace adventure every step of the way. Your support means everything. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!

The post GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO: A GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY appeared first on Trails of a Travel PT.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

For Paige’s 26th birthday, we decided to go big, as in 8 purebred Siberian Huskies big! We traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado, roughly 3 hours from where we were living at the time, which is not bad by our standards. However, we did have to be there 30 minutes before our 10:00 reservation. We were so excited that I am not even kidding when I say we were awake by 3 A.M.! It felt like Christmas morning. We hit the road and arrived at the parking lot about 3 hours too early. Unfortunately, they don’t have service back on their long, winding, icy, and extremely bumpy roads. So no phones, no computers, just pure anticipation with nothing to distract us. 

The clock struck 9 A.M. and Good Time Adventures was finally open and people were rolling in. We decided to try and check in early, but unfortunately couldn’t because of occupancy restrictions due to COVID. As we were heading back out to the car to await another long 30 minutes….we heard them. The joy of hearing 100 huskies simultaneously barking brought us a moment we will never forget. We rushed outside and around the building to see them all getting lined up, jumping, howling, yelping, and ready to go. We were giddy with excitement! 30 more minutes and those furry bundles of joy were all ours!

Finally! We were all checked in and getting ready to meet our handsome boys and sweet girls who were going to be taking us on an adventure of a lifetime. And here they come, whipping around the first corner as fast as can be, nearly throwing the well-trained guide off their sled. They came to a halt at the start of the trailhead where our guide then split all 10 o’clock reservations into groups of 6. Myself, my wife, and a group of 4. She led us over to the dogs, introduced each of them one at a time, and described their responsibilities.

MEET THE DOG SLED TEAM

For this excursion, the pack consists of 8 total dogs, grouped side-by-side in partners of 2. At the front of the pack were the lead dogs: Lance, a sweet 5-year-old boy with one floppy ear, and Farmer, the cool, calm, and collected 8-year-old veteran of the pack. The lead dogs have to be very smart, and attentive to the task at hand and must know their Gee’s (right) and Haw’s (left).

Second in line were the point dogs: Flint, the 7-year-old boy with an insatiable need for belly rubs, and Valkyrie, a sweet, energetic 2-year-old girl and Farmer’s proud protégé. The point dogs are there to help the team take turns nice and wide and are “leads in training” or backup leaders if something were to happen to the lead dogs.

Third in line are the team dogs: Chisel, the 6-yr-old boy who was born to run and whose persistent whining to get moving will surely let you hear about it, and Ratchet, the patient 5 yr old girl who is there to keep her partner, Chisel, under control. The team dogs have truly no responsibility whatsoever! They are there to have a good time, run nice and hard, and add a little extra dog power.

And lastly, at the back of the pack are the wheel dogs: Jaguar, a 2.5-year-old boy who inherited his father’s (Flint) love of belly rubs, and Jabba, the 5-year-old epitome of a “good boy”. The wheel dogs are there to be the muscle of the group. They pull the most weight of the dog sled to get it moving and are the anchors around the turns. After a thorough introduction to the dogs and how to operate the dog sled, our guide, Haley, then gave us about 15 minutes to get acquainted and give the dogs as much love as we could before officially dog sledding.

**DISCLAIMER: If you don’t like licks, cuddles, and dog hair, then this may not be the best excursion for you.**

AND WE’RE OFF!

With the rise of Haley’s hand and a stern “MUSH!” I let my foot off the sled brakes and OFF WE WENT! Speeding through the aspen trees in the snowy mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado. What a unique experience and one we will never forget.

EXPECTATION VS REALITY

As you can tell, I’m really talking dog sledding up because it truly was such a magical experience for us, but I’m also here to tell you everything about our experience and be completely honest with any negative aspects of it as well. We didn’t read much about how this guided tour was run, which is 100% our fault because it is clearly written on their website. 

Our expectations going into this were that we would have our own sled (my wife and I) and a guide leading the way. We also thought that for the entire 2 hours, we would get to dog sled through the mountains with just a few breaks to give the dogs a rest and to switch positions. We were a little disappointed in realizing that was not the case. Rather, the groups consisted of 6 people and 1 guide. Two people were on the sled, 1 person stood on the back of the sled and got to steer and manage the brakes while another person sat in the sled. The other 4 people in the group were pulled in a larger sled being drawn by a snowmobile the guide was driving.

We took rather frequent stops about every 4-5 minutes to let the dogs cool down (it was 32 degrees, but they like it about -45 degrees). After about 5-10 minutes of loving on the dogs and providing them with well-deserved encouragement, we would all switch places. So, in reality, everyone got to steer the sled twice and sit in the sled with the dogs twice (about 20 minutes of actual dog sledding). Since our expectations were not completely accurate through no one’s fault but our own, we were caught off guard in the actual amount of time spent on the dog sled. However, being in the larger sled in front of the dogs gave us a unique perspective as well. We got to see the tongues flopping, the smiles on their faces, and really take in the beauty of our surroundings.

LET’S GO AGAIN!

Despite our misaligned expectations, in the end, we’ve never been happier. We got in so many cuddles that day that I still am picking dog hair out of my winter coat. Dog sledding was an unforgettable experience that we would absolutely do again in the future. It cost $140 per person, so we wouldn’t go on just an average Saturday morning, but potentially for a special occasion we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Be sure to contact us if you have any further questions about dog sledding! 

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WHAT IS SEA KAYAKING?

A sea kayak is a small boat with the ability to paddle on a lake, ocean, or sea. They are very long and very narrow. This helps the kayak take on the roughest waves, but with the expense of stability on flat water. Sea kayaks come in single, tandem, and even triple seaters, depending on how many people you have in your group.

WHERE DO YOU GO AND WHO DO YOU BOOK THROUGH?

The Apostle Islands cover a large area so when choosing exactly where to sea kayak was tough! And then on top of that sorting through the dozens of companies that offer sea kayaking. There are all kinds of places to visit, as well as, companies to book through. We wanted to make sure we were spending our money on a reliable company that was going to make this adventure worth it. Luckily, we were not disappointed when booking through Lost Creek Adventures. 

We decided to book the half-day sea tour of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves. Lost Creek Adventures offers half-day, full-day, sunset, overnight camping tours, and so much more! If you are looking for a fun, new, and exciting expenditure near Duluth, Minnesota, I highly recommend looking into Lost Creek Adventures!

DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE?

One of my favorite summer activities is kayaking on a lake or river, listening to music, and enjoying all the nature around me. However, sea kayaking is a little bit different. Depending on the weather, or the time of day, the water could potentially be pretty rough! Because sea kayaks are more unstable than regular kayaks it was definitely an adjustment when my wife and I were pushed out onto the open waters of Lake Superior.

Every group has a very well-trained guide that walks you through everything you need to know before even entering the water. Prior to carrying our sea kayaks down to the beach, our guide walked us through step by step with EVERYTHING we’d need to know when out on the water. From exactly how to paddle in certain scenarios, to self-rescue methods if an accident were to happen, and much more. 

Thus, yes, it may be easier for those who have some experience, but even if you don’t the chances of something going wrong are very slim! First, the guides will not take the group out onto the water if it does not look safe. Second, the guides are CPR certified, in addition to much more training while on open water. And lastly, when out on the water, it is your call on how close you want to get to the actual sea caves themselves, meaning it is up to you on how “dangerous” you want to get in your experience. Therefore, do you need prior experience? No, you are in very good hands!

PROS OF SEA KAYAKING

Sea kayaking is a very rewarding experience! There are many benefits if you decide to make this your next excursion.

The main pro for me is the scenery! Being on Lake Superior, in the deep sapphire blue water, next to the beautiful sea caves that were formed purely by powerful waves and wind crashing against them over thousands of years, it was absolutely astonishing. The colors, the shapes, and the textures were something I will never forget.

The second pro is that I was able to do it with my wife in the same kayak as me. We were able to enjoy and take in everything together!

The third pro (probably the most important) is that you are with an expert guide. I never felt unsafe or unsure. The guides let you know which caves you can enter, which directions to go, and are there with you every step of the way. Additionally, they are so fun! Guides can make or break any guided experience, unfortunately. However, with this experience we were lucky! We were with Kurt Shilka, a man who absolutely made our sea kayaking trip a blast!

CONS OF SEA KAYAKING

With pros come cons. The biggest con is not knowing if the cost is going to be worth it. Fortunately, it was very worth it, but that’s not always the case. Some “half-day” excursions may only last an hour or two, but sea kayaking was at least 3! Therefore, we felt that the money we spent paid off in the end. 

Although this second con wasn’t an issue for us, I feel like it could be for others. Lost Creek Adventures only offers tandem and triple kayaks. So if you are an individual looking to do this yourself, I’m not quite sure what the protocol is for that. Now, the reason they don’t offer singles is because of how unstable the kayaks are. Maybe they will make an exception if you’re more experienced?

The third con is that the weather is unpredictable. When you’re booking tickets it is usually going to be weeks or even months in advance, so how will you know what the weather will be like? You just hope and pray the sun is shining! Now when we went, we traveled five hours from home. We decided to go for the weekend and actually had to drive through a few tornado warnings to make it. But luckily, the sun was shining the next day and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, well maybe a few. However, if the guides decided that the weather was not fit for sea kayaking then they would cancel your trip with a full refund.  

OTHER FEATURES OF LOST CREEK ADVENTURES

With living the nomadic lifestyle as I do, I love camping! But as the day was approaching for our sea kayaking tour and due to COVID, a lot of campgrounds were either booked or not open at all. So, my next (frugal) preference for overnight housing is to sleep in my car (Chevy Equinox). When I am by myself, it’s no big deal, but when you try and fit myself (6’1”) and my wife (5’10”) in the backseat of a car to sleep it’s not the most comfortable, to say the least. However, that is exactly what we did! Had we known that Lost Creek Adventures actually offers bunking options we most likely would have stayed there, instead of in our car just outside the building. Cornucopia, WI, is a VERY small town (population= 106) with not a whole lot around. But, Lost Creek Adventures has a very good informational page about places to stay nearby if you are looking. 

Sea kayaking was an experience we will never forget! And I highly recommend it to anyone who has a love for being on the open water.  Check out our gallery page for more pictures of our sea kayaking trip!

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