Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer State Park is a true gem that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to experience its pristine beauty. With its expansive landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating attractions, camping in Custer State Park at their provided campsite locations promises an unforgettable journey into the wilderness. In this blog post, we will delve into the wonders of camping at the various campgrounds offered within the park, each offering a unique experience to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Custer State Park provides nine well-maintained campgrounds, each catering to different preferences and camping styles. When planning your camping adventure, consider the following campgrounds and their offerings:

Another great option is Blue Bell campground. It is located more south than the other campsites, and is a great place to camp! 

To book your stay at any of these campgrounds click here!

No matter which campsite you choose, Custer State Park offers an array of outdoor activities to keep you engaged throughout your camping trip. From the tranquil waters of the lakes, perfect for fishing and kayaking, to the vast trail systems that wind through the hills, there is no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered.

Hiking: Custer State Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. Whether you're looking for a short family-friendly hike or an exhilarating trek to the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, the park has it all.

Wildlife Viewing: The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife population. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and even wild burros as you explore the park's scenic drives and hiking trails. Remember to observe from a safe distance and respect the animals' natural behaviors.

Scenic Drives: The Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway offer some of the most stunning scenic drives in the region. The Needles Highway, with its narrow tunnels and granite spires, will leave you in awe of nature's architectural wonders.

Campfire Stories and Stargazing

As night falls, camping in Custer State Park takes on a whole new charm. Gather around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. The crackling flames and a starry sky above create an atmosphere of togetherness and wonder, perfect for creating cherished memories.

Custer State Park is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Lay back on a blanket, far from the city lights, and witness a celestial spectacle that will leave you in awe of the vast universe above.

To ensure your camping adventure in Custer State Park is enjoyable and unforgettable, here are some tips:

Reservations: The park's popularity means that campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

Pack Accordingly: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the Black Hills are known for their unpredictable weather. Pack layers and be ready for rain or shine.

Leave No Trace: Respect the beauty of the park by leaving no trace of your visit. Dispose of trash properly and follow park guidelines for a sustainable camping experience.

Wildlife Safety: Admire wildlife from a safe distance and avoid feeding them. Remember that these are wild animals, and approaching them can be dangerous for both you and the animals.

Camping in Custer State Park at their provided campsite locations offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Black Hills. Whether you seek modern amenities or prefer to embrace the wilderness in a primitive setting, the park's diverse campgrounds cater to all camping styles. With breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, Custer State Park promises a memorable camping experience that will rejuvenate your spirit and deepen your connection with nature. So, pack your camping gear, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, and let the beauty of Custer State Park unfold before your eyes.

Welcome to the beautiful Black Hills and Custer State Park! On your first day, settle into your accommodations and get ready for a scenic hike to kickstart your adventure.

After a hearty breakfast, head to Sylvan Lake, a stunning spot nestled in the heart of Custer State Park. Begin your hike on the Sunday Gulch Trail, a 4.6-mile loop that offers a variety of terrain and breathtaking views. The trail takes you through towering granite walls, dense forests, and across wooden bridges. Be prepared for some rocky sections and elevation changes along the way, as this trail offers a moderate level of difficulty.

Afternoon: 

After completing the Sunday Gulch Trail, take some time to relax and have a picnic lunch near Sylvan Lake. Enjoy the serene surroundings and the chance to spot wildlife. If you're up for more adventure, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Sylvan Lake's crystal-clear waters.

Evening: 

As the day comes to an end, take a leisurely stroll around the Sylvan Lake area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If you're interested in wildlife, keep an eye out for bison, deer, and other animals that frequent the area. Head back to your accommodations and rest up for the next day's adventure.

Rise early and prepare for an exhilarating hike to the summit of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota at 7,242 feet. This trail offers incredible panoramic views of the Black Hills and beyond. The hike is 7 miles round trip and is considered moderately difficult. Make sure to pack enough water, snacks, and sunscreen for the journey.

Afternoon: 

Once you reach the summit, take some time to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas. You'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and take plenty of photos to capture the memory.

Evening: 

Descend from Harney Peak and return to your accommodations. Take a relaxing evening to rest and recharge for the next day's adventure.

After breakfast, head to the Cathedral Spires Trail, a 3-mile round trip that showcases the unique rock formations of the Black Hills. This trail takes you through dense forests and offers stunning views of towering spires and granite cliffs. The trail is moderately difficult with some steep sections, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a moderate level of exertion.

Afternoon: 

As you hike along the Cathedral Spires Trail, take your time to appreciate the intricate details of the rock formations and the peacefulness of the surroundings. Find a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and soak in the beauty of nature.

Evening: 

After completing the hike, consider exploring the nearby Needles Highway, famous for its stunning rock formations and narrow tunnels. Take a leisurely drive to marvel at the natural wonders and capture some memorable photos. Return to your accommodations for a relaxing evening.

Today's adventure takes you to the Little Devil's Tower Trail, a 5.5-mile round trip that offers breathtaking views of the Black Hills and Custer State Park. This trail is considered moderately difficult due to some steep sections and rocky terrain, but the rewarding vistas make it worth the effort.

Afternoon: 

As you ascend Little Devil's Tower, keep an eye out for wildlife such as mountain goats, deer, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit while taking in the expansive views of the surrounding landscapes. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas.

Evening:

As the day comes to a close, descend from Little Devil's Tower and return to your accommodations. Take the evening to relax and reflect on the incredible views and experiences you've had during your hike.

On your final day, embark on the Lover's Leap Trail, a 6-mile round trip that offers stunning views of the Black Hills and the unique spires of the area. This moderately difficult trail takes you through a diverse landscape, including forests and open meadows, as you make your way to the overlook point.

Afternoon: 

As you hike along the Lover's Leap Trail, take in the natural beauty of the Black Hills and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Once you reach the overlook, find a comfortable spot to have a picnic lunch and savor the panoramic views that stretch out before you.

Evening: 

After completing the hike, spend your evening exploring the charming town of Custer. Visit local shops and galleries, indulge in a delicious meal at one of the town's eateries, or simply relax and unwind before your departure.

This 5-day hiking itinerary in the Black Hills and Custer State Park offers a variety of scenic trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area. From the Sylvan Lake and Sunday Gulch Trail to the summit of Harney Peak, the Cathedral Spires Trail, Little Devil's Tower Trail, and Lover's Leap Trail, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the Black Hills. Enjoy your hiking adventure!

The Constitution Trail in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois is a 45-mile multi-use recreational trail that winds through the heart of the twin cities. The trail was named after the United States Constitution in honor of the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1987. Since then, the trail has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a beautiful and serene place to explore and get some exercise.

One of the unique features of the Constitution Trail is the art that is scattered along the way. The trail features sculptures, murals, and other art installations that add to the beauty and character of the trail. Some of the most notable art pieces along the trail include the "Wind Chimes" sculpture, which was designed by local artist John Mishler and features eight large chimes, and the "Family Tree" sculpture, which was created by artist Mike Baur and depicts a tree with roots that represent the different generations of a family.

In addition to the art, the trail also features several parks and recreational areas. The north section of the trail runs through Normal and includes several beautiful parks, such as Maxwell Park, which features a large pond, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

The southern section of the trail runs through rural areas and includes farmland, wetlands, and wildlife areas. This section of the trail is a great place to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The southern section also includes several parks, such as Comlara Park, which features a large lake for fishing and boating, as well as camping areas and hiking trails.

The Constitution Trail is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone on this beautiful trail. The trail is a testament to the commitment of the Bloomington-Normal community to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, and it is a great example of how parks and recreational areas can bring people together and improve quality of life.

Here are some of the different trails that you can explore on the Constitution Trail:

North Section Trail: The North Section Trail runs for approximately 10 miles through the city of Normal, Illinois. It is home to several beautiful parks and recreational areas, including Fairview Park, Tipton Park, and Maxwell Park. This section of the trail is also home to the Children's Discovery Museum, which is a great spot for families with young children.

South Section Trail: The South Section Trail runs for approximately 27 miles through rural areas and includes farmland, wetlands, and wildlife areas. This section of the trail is a great place to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. It also includes several parks, such as Comlara Park, which features a large lake for fishing and boating, as well as camping areas and hiking trails.

West Section Trail: The West Section Trail runs for approximately 4 miles and connects the North and Central Sections of the trail. This section of the trail is primarily urban and passes through several residential areas.

North Bridge Trail: The North Bridge Trail is a short trail that connects the North Section of the Constitution Trail to the Illinois State University campus. This trail passes over a bridge that spans over a busy roadway, offering a safe and convenient way for pedestrians and cyclists to access the university.

Underpass Trail: The Underpass Trail is a short trail that runs under a busy roadway, connecting the North and Central Sections of the trail. This trail features a colorful mural that was painted by local artists.

Overall, the Constitution Trail offers a wide variety of trails that cater to different interests and abilities. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk through a park or a more challenging bike ride through rural areas, there's something for everyone on the Constitution Trail.

Custer State Park in South Dakota offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Here's a 3-day itinerary for hiking in Custer State Park:

The trailhead for Cathedral Spires Trail is located near Sylvan Lake Lodge, and the trail is well-marked with signs and trail markers. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain. It typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the views.

Along the trail, you'll see the Cathedral Spires up close, as well as other interesting rock formations and scenic vistas. The trail is surrounded by forest, and you may see wildlife such as deer or elk.

Link to AllTrails: click here

The trail is considered moderately difficult, with some steep inclines, rocky terrain, and narrow paths that require careful footing. It typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the views.

Link to AllTrails: click here

The Sunday Gulch Trail is considered a moderate to difficult hike due to its steep and rocky terrain. The trail is typically open from May through October, but hikers should check with the Black Hills National Forest website for current trail conditions and closures.

Link to AllTrails: click here

The trail is considered a moderate hike with some steep and rocky sections. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and a good sense of balance. The trail is typically open from May through October, but hikers should check with the Black Hills National Forest website for current trail conditions and closures.

The summit of Black Elk Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Needles, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. At the summit, hikers can also find a stone fire tower, which offers an even higher vantage point for taking in the views.

Link to AllTrails: click here

The trail takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including rocky sections and wooded areas. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the scenic views of Sylvan Lake, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.

The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is typically open from May through October, but hikers should check with the Custer State Park website for current trail conditions and closures.

Link to AllTrails: click here

As hikers make their way up the trail, they will pass through wooded areas and rocky terrain. The final section of the trail leads hikers up a set of stone steps to the top of Lover's Leap. From the top, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.

The Lover's Leap Trail is typically open from May through October, but hikers should check with the Custer State Park website for current trail conditions and closures.

Link to AllTrails: click here

Link to Custer State Park Website: click here

Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonderland and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs. 

Old Faithful Geyser loop trail click here .7 miles 

Upper Geyser Basin & old faithful observation point loop 4.9 miles click here! 

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is 1.7 miles 

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Trail is 1.5 miles long click here

Mammoth Hot Springs click here from National Park Service 

There is a trail option though, Lamar Valley Trail is 7.1 miles long. Click here for more information on the trail from AllTrails! 

Norris Geyser Basin Complete Loop Trail is 2.9 miles. Click here for AllTrails!

The second trail option, Norris Geyser Basin Trail is a little shorter at 1.8 miles long. Click here for the AllTrails link! 

Hayden Valley is a beautiful valley located in the center of Yellowstone National Park. It is a popular spot for wildlife watching and is home to bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears.

Tower Falls Trail is only .9 miles long! Click here for AllTrails! 

Click here for more information from the National Park Service! 

Click here for more information on the highway from Montana's State website! 

Yellowstone National Park is a stunning destination with endless natural wonders to explore. From geysers and hot springs to wildlife watching and scenic drives, there is something for everyone in this magnificent park. These top 10 areas are just a few of the many must-see attractions in Yellowstone National Park.

Are you looking for an exciting hiking adventure in South Dakota? Look no further than Cathedral Spires! This stunning natural area offers a variety of hiking trails that will take you through breathtaking rock formations, scenic vistas, and rugged terrain.

This trail is 1.6 miles long, here is a link to AllTrails to learn more about the trail click here!

This trail is 3.8 miles long, link to AllTrails click here. 

This trail is 3.9 miles long, to get more info on the trail click here!

This trail is 7.1 miles long, click here for more info from AllTrails! 

No matter which trail you choose at Cathedral Spires, you're sure to be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of the area. So grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in South Dakota!

 Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is a vast and diverse natural wonderland that offers visitors numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Spanning over 280,000 acres, the forest is home to stunning rock formations, rolling hills, and dense forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Here's a closer look at every recreation center in the Shawnee National Forest.

Garden of the Gods The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is undoubtedly one of the most popular recreation centers in the Shawnee National Forest. The area is known for its stunning rock formations that have been carved by wind and water over thousands of years. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking in this picturesque location.

Giant City State Park is a must-visit recreation center in the Shawnee National Forest. It's known for its massive rock formations and stunning natural beauty. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and rock climbing. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, there are also picnic areas and a lodge with a restaurant.

Lake Glendale Recreation Area is a popular spot for water activities in the Shawnee National Forest. The area features a 50-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as campsites and picnic areas.

Little Grassy Lake Recreation Area is another great spot for outdoor recreation in the Shawnee National Forest. The area features a 1,000-acre lake perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and campsites for overnight stays.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area is a hidden gem in the Shawnee National Forest. The area features a picturesque lake and is surrounded by dense forest. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the area. The nearby Johnson Creek Trail is a popular hiking spot that takes visitors through some of the most scenic areas in the forest.

Oak Point Oak Point Recreation Area is located on the shores of Lake Kinkaid and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, as well as hiking and biking on the nearby trails. There are also picnic areas and campsites for overnight stays.

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is a popular destination for swimming and picnicking in the Shawnee National Forest. The area features a crystal-clear lake surrounded by lush forest, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment.

Ferne Clyffe State Park is located on the eastern edge of the Shawnee National Forest and offers visitors stunning natural beauty. The park features a 2-mile-long trail that takes hikers through some of the most scenic areas of the forest. Visitors can also enjoy camping and picnicking in the park.

Dixon Springs State Park is another popular recreation center in the Shawnee National Forest. The park features several natural springs and offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park also has a swimming pool and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

Overall, Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, or water activities, there's a recreation center in the forest that will suit your needs. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and head to the Shawnee National Forest for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Black Elk Peak, formally known as Harney Peak, is 6.4 miles long out and back to hike. 

The climb to the top is tiring, but the views make the trip totally worth it. It is very important, just like every hike, to take a lot of water and a couple of snacks to fuel yourself to the top. 

At the top, there is a tower that you can explore and the summit offers lots of different views to take in of Custer State Park. There is also a park ranger at the tower, so if you have any questions they are there to help! 

Here is a link to the trail map: AllTrails Black Elk Peak

Little Devil's Tower is a 3.8 mile trail there and back total. 

At the top you will see amazing bird eye view views and be able to see Devil's Tower! 

In the beginning of the trail, there is an area that has a little cave in it too! It is super cool (and a little scary) to look at so keep your eyes open for the spot! It is on your left when going up the trail! 

When you get close to the top there are a few places you have to scramble, but they are very safe scrambles and easy to do. It is a great place to start for your first ever scramble as well if you are a beginner!! 

Here is the link to the trail map: AllTrails Little Devil's Tower

This trail is 1.6 miles out and back. It allows you to get close to the spires and get an amazing view of them all. 

This trail is a little bit shorter, but it is a must see in Custer State Park. 

Here is the link to the trail map: AllTrails Cathedral Spires

I decided to create a literary for visiting Glacier National Park in Montana. This itinerary will be for a total for 5 days of activity in the park and surrounding area. In the winter and early spring, it is still very cold and snowy in Montana, and because of this there won’t be as many travelers visiting which could make the trip a lot more magical! Also, there are a lot of super fun activities to do in Montana/ Glacier National Park in the wintertime.

This itinerary includes 3 days focused on Glacier National Park and many of the amazing views that it has to offer. It will also include 2 days of activities that are not in Glacier National Park, but on the west side of Glacier, if you plan to stay in a different area, I am sure you can do the same things but not at the locations provided. The locations of the activities are very close to Hungry Horse, which is where I would stay, and other small towns near Hungry Horse.

9am: Time for a long hike! *If you do not want this long of a hike, I have an alternative of hike to it below this*

Grinnell Glacier Trail, total distance: 11.2 miles! This amazing trail will lead you to a breathtaking view that will be totally worth the long hike! This hike should take around 7 hours including breaks and stopping to take in the views along the way.

*A beautiful trail that is not as long but is still at Grinnell Lake is the Grinnell Lake Trail which is 7.1 miles and not any rough terrain. This hike would take about 2 hours. If you do this hike, then you will have more time to explore the area around Grinnell Lake!

5pm: Done with hiking and sightseeing at the park for the day. Have dinner at one of the visitor centers if you are so inclined to, find somewhere in the town you’re staying, or find a new town to stop at on the way back to home base!

9pm: Star gaze!! It is possible to see the northern lights from western Montana, so this is a great opportunity to get all your star gazing in and possibly see the northern lights if you have the right viewpoint!

Here is a link to their website: Ski Resort Link

9:30am: Be all ready to ski and start!

12:30pm:Take a break to grab some lunch in the middle of you ski trip at the resort!

4pm: be done skiing around 4 (very flexible day) and then get dinner in town/ shop around the town you have dinner at.

7:30pm: done with dinner head back to hotel/place you are staying and get rest of the next day!

9pm: Don’t forget to star gaze a little before bedtime!

8am: wake up, have breakfast, get into car ready to go. Head to the West entrance of Glacier National Park.

9am: Arrive in Glacier National Park and head to Hidden Lake Overlook which is 43 miles east from Hungry Horse. (Past McDonald Lake just keep following the road until you see a sign for the pull off/parking out)

9:45am: Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook! It is 2.9 miles long and will have some beautiful views to take in! This hike should take about 2 hours including breaks and taking in all the view. After you do this hike just pick two or three pull offs that are just overlooks to stop at. This should take about an hour.

1pm: Take a break for lunch. I would recommend bringing some food into the park and having a picnic at a cool spot! (Just remember to clean up after yourself!). Or you can stop by one of the visitor centers for some lunch.

2pm: Use the rest of the day to just drive through the park and see if there are any new places you want to take a quick stop at or visit one of your favorite views!

5pm: have dinner at a fun, cool, new place.

9pm: Star gaze!

Day 4

8:30am: wake up, have breakfast, get into car ready to go. Head to Action Rentals for a day of snowmobiling the rental facility is 20 minutes away from Hungry Horse. Start times for this rental place are either 10am or 12:30pm and there are either 4- or 6-hour trips, I would do the 6 hour trip, and rates start at $200.

Here is a link to their website: Rental Website

9:45am: Arrive at rental place early to get everything set up and ready to go!

10am: Start snowmobiling.  

4:30pm: Done snowmobiling, return all equipment to rental facility and then head back to town for dinner or another town for dinner.

6pm: the day is done! Relax for the rest of the trip!

9pm: Star gaze!

Day 5

9am: Arrive at Glacier National Park and head to Avalanche Lake via the trail of the Cedars. The trail head is a couple miles past McDonald Lake, so once you pass the lake keep an eye out for the trail head. This hike is 5.9 miles, and it should take about 4 hours to complete with breaks and taking in all the views.

1pm: After your hike replenish yourself for your last day in Glacier National Park!

2pm: Use the rest of the day to just drive through the park and see if there are any new places you want to take a quick stop at or visit one of your favorite views!

5pm: Have dinner and walk around the town and gift shops for a souvenir.

9pm: Star Gaze for your last night!

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, is a type of eatable seaweed or algae. It is grown year-round in inlets and tidepools and grows in many colors such as yellow, shades of green, purple, red, brown, and black the most common being red. 

Sea moss can be eaten raw, or used to make an ingestible gel, tea, juice, or soup. 

Sea moss nutrient make up is one of the most impressive aspects of this seaweed, it contains 92/102 essential minerals that our bodies need to thrive and with this tremendous amount of minerals comes a boat load of health benefits! 

All of the health benefits of sea moss include a better immune system, skin health, nutrient compound, helps build strong & lean muscles, increase the production of testosterone, potential treatment for Osteoporosis, anti-cancer properties to aid cancer treatment, reduce stress anger and improve mood, reduction in blood pressure, and anti-ulcer properties. 

Sea moss is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to help the body fight off inflammation and daily wear of our bodies, it can also help to fight off the common cold by reducing excess mucus. It is said to provide anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral benefits. 

Sea moss contains Sulphur which is a exfoliating agent and it assists the body in producing collagen. Sea moss gel can also be used as a overnight face mask. 

Every 100 gms of sea moss contains 6 mg of protein. Sea moss also contains an amino acid called taurine which can aid in burning body fat and building muscles. 

The nutrients in sea moss are, but not limited to, calcium, folate, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, iodine, boron, soluble potash, magnesium, manganese, phosphoric acid, potassium, selenium, sulphur, carbohydrates; alginic acid, mannitol, nitrogen, and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, & K. 

If you are going the route of taking sea moss gel, which is what I do, then you should take 1-2 tablespoons of it daily. Take a smaller amount on your first dose to see how your body responds to it. 

To see and feel the benefits of sea moss you need to take it regularly and consistently, it is not a one and done or a once in awhile type of thing. 

Triple Divide Peak straddles the Continental Divide where water hitting one of it’s aspects can go not only west to the Pacific Ocean or east into the Atlantic Ocean (via the Gulf of Mexico), but also north into the Arctic Ocean via the Hudson Bay. Just below that summit sits Triple Divide Pass which is […]

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The beautiful Poia Lake sits in the Kennedy Creek drainage just north of the main Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park. With a little bit of effort going over Swiftcurrent Ridge, you can enjoy this beautiful lake in a quieter area of the park. We’ve been doing quite a bit of citizen science work […]

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While not the most notable summit in Glacier National Park, Mount Helen sits just above Dawson Pass in the Two Medicine area and is a wonderful addition to your day, that is, if you have any gas left in your tank after climbing to the pass. On paper, our plan was to take the boat […]

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When I first got interested in hiking and backpacking after moving back to Montana, I opened up Backpacker Magazine and started creating a list of items I needed to purchase to explore the great outdoors. Unfortunately, I ended up with boots that gave me blisters and hurt my feet, a tent that was too heavy, […]

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The lower trails of Glacier National Park are drying out quickly with this recent stint of warmer weather. Since many of the roads are closed, the list of hikes without snow is pretty small. We settled on the Lake McDonald Trail on its western shore, hiked a bit, had lunch and turned around on a […]

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View of Margaret Lake as we continued along the trail.

Wide angle view of Mount Margaret and Lake Margaret.

Another view of Mt Rainier as we returned to hiking down the south side of the ridge.

No matter how many trips I guide in Yosemite National Park, I’m always on a mission to pack the best possible gear for the job. In my three seasons of ... Read more

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The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is a Versatile, Do-It-All Pack for the Ultralight-Curious Up mountain passes, down talus fields, and over snowfields, I move through the remote reaches of the ... Read more

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Hiking is well known for its physical health benefits; I mean, they built stairmasters for a reason! However, hiking can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional ... Read more

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Water makes up approximately 60% of the human body and every biological system depends on it. Maintaining this fluid balance is essential to your cognitive and physical functioning. Even light ... Read more

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A top priority in 2023 is to find the best trail running shoes for hikes and trail running. My focus is on durability, foot protection, breathability, traction, cushioning that lasts, ... Read more

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Early Morning Sun on the Bike Trails
It was Saturday so we headed up to the Buckskin Cliff Shadows (Equestrian, Bike and Hiking) Park found within the boundaries of Red Rock Canyon NCA on the northwest side of Las Vegas. It was a perfect morning to hike with cloud cover and cooler air. Our hike took us past the large cave at the base of Summerlin Peak, to the bottom of Hidden Canyon and up through the main wash. At this point, the wash is a good scramble with humongous boulders to conquer! Actually, we found the way around most of them but it was a good puzzle to solve. After the scramble, we climbed up to our right to an out-of-this-world overlook of the canyon and city beyond. Next, we dropped down to Blazing Saddle and connected with the Bighorn Spur Trail. This trail took us back toward the cars connecting with the Toque Trail running along the base of Cheyenne Peak. It was a good hike with a speedy pace!

Stats: 5.8 miles; 1000' gain; 3.25 hours