Though it requires a guide, Manaslu is a fantastic hike. It has less than 10% of the hikers of nearby Annapurna Circuit.
Sadly the experience is being degraded due to road construction. The Chinese are pushing through the Himalayas via Tsum valley.
climbing Ha Ling, Canmore, Alberta
Mattson and Anderson have problems getting to the top of the most popular peak east of Banff.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Snowman Trek, Bhutan – Fastest Known Time attempt
Wow. This looks epic.
A team of Ultra-marathon runners (Benjamin Clark, Timothy Olson, Anna Frost, & Matt Trappe) journey to Bhutan to set a speed record on the world’s hardest trek.
But Bhutan’s Himalayan landscape isn’t welcoming to athletes unused to the conditions, and it’s inhabitants must be persuaded to let the runners pursue their dream.
The result is a shared accomplishment and an adventure that constantly teeters on the edge of total failure.
It’s going to be launched in select U.S. theatres May 17, 2018.
Click PLAY or watch a trailer on YouTube.
Everest Three Passes Trek
Click PLAY or watch Ryan Van Duzer on YouTube. (2016)
Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood, Oregon
… This 40-mile loop is a fantastic way to experience the immense size and beauty of Mt. Hood.
On the Timberline you’ll encounter lush old-growth forests, pristine alpine waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, towering craggy glaciers, rough volcanic landscapes, and some of the finest cascade views around.
The hiking certainly won’t be easy …
HIGHLIGHTS
- Majestic Mt. Hood Views
- Cascade Range Vistas
- Massive Waterfalls
- Wildflower Meadows
- Immense Glaciers
- Easily Accessible
- Mostly Well Marked & Maintained
We’ve added Timberline to our list of best hikes in North America.
scrambling Grizzly Peak, Kananaskis, Alberta
first time hiking Norway
I’m brainstorming a trip for summer 2018.
I could rent a car and do this loop. Vehicle and fuel would be expensive, but I’d camp most nights.
That gets me to Skjeggedal, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Rondane National Park, Hardangervidda National Park … as well as the scenic Atlantic Road driving tour.
Leave a comment if you have advice.
Cam Honan – Arthur Range Traverse, Tasmania
Cam Honan has hiked everything. Everywhere. But for me his most impressive trips have been his extreme Tasmania epics.
Floating rivers on his NeoAir mattress, for example.
For us mere mortals, he summarized his advice on a route called Arthur Range Traverse.
It’s only 48 miles (77km) but will take you 10-14 days, on average. With no resupply. You carry all that food on your back.
If not already decided there’s no way that sounds like fun, click through to …
Arthur Range Traverse Planning Guide
Lake O’Hara in the Canadian Rockies
The most beautiful place in a beautiful place. Nearest international airport is Calgary, Alberta.
So popular that it’s difficult to get a reservation to camp.
MB Guiding has everything you need to know to make it happen.
Lake O’Hara – Yoho National Park
Hielo Azul circuit, El Bolsón, Argentina
trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
Click PLAY or get a glimpse of my 3 day circuit on YouTube.
Getting to the trailhead at Camping Hue Nan is the most challenging navigation challenge.
You can road walk from El Bolsón as I did — 3 boring, dusty hours — or ask for bus directions to Camping Hue Nan. That trailhead may be changing. Check before you go. It was open to me February 2018.
Look for the Acceso Refugio Hielo Azul sign.
I used the free Maps.me app and it worked perfectly for the entire circuit. On the other hand, I wished I’d hired a taxi or found the bus rather than done 3 hours of road walking.
Alternatively, there’s a way to start and finish a circuit by bus at Warton. The most popular trailhead.
You could reverse my route too, of course.
El Bolsón, population 19,000 plus tourists is an excellent hiking town. It’s only 2 hours by bus from Bariloche, the bigger hiking destination in Argentina. Many hike both towns on the same trip.
Free registration is required. You don’t need to stick to your planned itinerary.
There are gear shops with camping fuel and fairly large grocery stores in town.
At the Mountain Information Office I bought a $4 amateur hiking guide partially translated to English. It’s not enough to navigate, but did provide some background information.
I was shocked to see some of the bridges here.
They are slowly being replaced by modern metal alternatives.
It was at least 1000m ascent and 4 hours up to Hielo Azul Refugio. My favourite alpine hut by far.
I was so happy to get there — and felt so warmly welcomed by the woman who greeted me — that I signed up for an 8pm $20 stew meal. My most expensive dinner in Argentina. (I brought my own wine.)
It really is paradise up here just below the glacier.
I paid $5 to tent.
Next morning I first registered at the mountain hut then scrambled the steep, 90 minute route up to the glacier. Beautiful.
I had some lunch on my return. Then set off on the clearly marked trail to Refugio Lago Natacion. An easy add-on.
From Natacion down to the Azul Canyon, however, was surprisingly steep and overgrown. Not many people do the circuit, I suspect, because this one section is quite challenging.
The canyon is impressive once you finally get there.
At one point you can straddle the gap, a long way above the crystal clear water!
I was reminded of Tiger Leaping Gorge. A tiger could easily leap this gorge, but not the one in China.
Tired, I decided to illegally wild camp by the river rather than walk the extra hour down to my designated refugio campground.
The trail out to Warton is a road accessible to motor vehicles. Swimming this river is the attraction, not the trail itself.
If my directions sound too sketchy, consider buying a map for about $10.
Aoneker 1:50,000 El Bolson
(covers the following refuges: Co.Lindo, Hielo Azul, Natacion, Atillio & El Reramal)
Aoneker 1:120,000 Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42°
(covers all the refuges in the El Bolson region)
