besthike.com - the blog

Truly one of the best hikes in the world. Of many possible options, the best way to hike the cliff edge of the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai is on this loop.

larger original
Distance: 12.2mi (9.8 without walking the road)
Elevation gain: 3,000ft (914m)
You could start with breakfast at Kokee Lodge in Koke’e State Park. The trailhead is […]

The hiking blog I most admire in terms of it’s layout and special features is trailspotting.
And I’ve been reading it closely during the last 3wks. Studying their many posts on Kauai, Hawaii, researching my own hikes.

Here’s a recap of our most viewed hikes during March 2008:
1. Big Sur - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State […]

Often included on lists of “best hikes in the world” — deservedly — is the Kalalau Trail on Kauai. It’s widely considered the best hike in Hawaii.
Many non-hiking tourists get a taste of the Kalalau by doing the challenging first 2mi (3.2km) from the trailhead at Ke’e Beach through to gorgeous Hanakapiai Beach.

Ke’e […]

Their choices are a bit of a random hodge podge but include some good calls:
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Mocqui Canyon via Lake Powell
San Francisco: Bear Lake/Emigrant Wilderness
Appalachian Trail: Flume Visitor Center to US 302
Moab: Morning Glory Arch
Canyonlands National Park: Horseshoe Canyon

I particularly like their QUICK START page:
Trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other […]

Another GREAT Kauai hike with an unappealing name. (Like the Swamp Trail.)
… follows a 13 mile electric transmission line maintenance route and ends near the Keahua Forestry Arboretum in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve. This is a dry-weather, all day hike. …
Steep, eroded, slippery at saddle. …
Hawaii Trails
If you have only one vehicle, do […]

Timex is sponsoring a contest where you and I can share our stories about why we love the outdoors.
I like the concept: Return to the Outdoors. It flies in the face of statistics I keep hearing about decreasing numbers in the outdoors.
A couple of celebrities inspire:
Conrad Anker is a world renowned mountaineer, big […]

Ron Strickland has a site dedicated to long distance trails and the National Trails System in the USA.
He’s authored a number of books including:
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL GUIDE
SHANK’S MARE: A COMPENDIUM OF REMARKABLE WALKS
I’ve been writing about hiking since around 1999. Ron’s done more. And for somewhat longer than that.

Ron Strickland began to create the […]

I like the route Lonely Planet Hiking Hawaii recommends for Alakai Swamp:
Kalalau Lookout trailhead > Phea Lookout > Kilohana Lookout. And back.
That’s maximum bang / mile, I think.
It’s a brilliant hike, too, by the way. Don’t be deterred by the name “Swamp”.

OK, it’s a swamp. But it’s so weird and unexpected after […]

Recall that great blog of the Aussie couple walking the Great Wall of China. One of the best hiking travelogues in recent years.
Well … Emma is going back. And this time bringing some friends:
From April 7-29 I will be joining Olivia Newton-John, Sir Cliff Richard, Dannii Minogue, singer James Reyne, actress Sigrid Thornton, dancer […]

I’m giving a mixed review to my new $55 day pack:
Weighing only 10 ounces, the ultra-lightweight Mountain Hardwear Scrambler is the perfect approach bag to stash in your pack. Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps and a removable EVA back panel make the Scrambler comfortable for peak ascents and long day hikes.
Details
* Removable […]