Category: photos

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Lava Flow Trail, Sunset Crater Volcano, Arizona

report by besthike editor Rick McCharles

I was a bit disappointed that you cannot hike to the “crater” of Sunset Crater near Flagstaff. It’s been off limits for decades due to erosion. The 1mi easy loop takes you only to the base.

Signage is interesting, though.

Sunset Crater Volcano was born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100. Powerful explosions profoundly affected the lives of local people and forever changed the landscape and ecology of the area. Lava flows and cinders still look as fresh and rugged as the day they formed. But among dramatic geologic features, you’ll find trees, wildflowers, and signs of wildlife – life returns.

NPS – Lava Flow Trail

I was first visitor early morning, keen to test my new camera / camcorder (Canon FS300). In sunlight and shade.

wildflowers at Sunset Crater, Colorado

Sunset Crater, Colorado

OK. … But not superb focus. … It’s still on all default settings.

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trekking the Tour de Mont Blanc

Another great Photodiary of a Nomad trip report from June 2010:

… A 170 km circumnavigation of the highest mountain in the European Alps, it is truly one of the classic treks, not only for its splendid scenery and demanding geography, but for its history.

For thousands of years, people have been passing through this region for trade or conquest, Celts, Romans and others. The common historic and franco-provencal linguistic origins of the region and its people are implanted in the valleys of Savoie, Valdôtain and Valais, coloured by their relatively recent associations with France, Italy and Switzerland, respectively – three countries, but one overarching culture. …

There’s a LOT of snow this early in the summer. The photos look very dramatic, the trail much less crowded than it will be later in the season.

But, of course, it was wildflower season:

read it all – Tour de Mont Blanc

And check our besthike information page on the TMB

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climbing Longs Peak, Colorado

People get hit by lightning here all the time. Brendan Baker was struck Aug. 4th.

13.6mi (21.9km) – Longs Peak ranger station trailhead

Longs Peak is the most climbed 14,000er in the Rockies. … I’m surprised to hear that. The ascent of almost 5000ft (1500m) is tougher than expected.

Recommended is a 4AM start with headlamp. The goal is to flee the summit by Noon, as afternoon lightning storms are frequent. … I did not start until after 6AM. …

It took me 5hrs to get to the top moving as quickly as I could. Weather was perfect.

Here’s the first view of the summit from the trail:

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

There are a few backcountry campgrounds en route, but they’re heavily booked. Most people do it as a long day hike, as I did.

If you’ve a weak bladder, know that there are many pit toilets en route. Here’s the Goblin’s campsite toilet throne:

And modern solar composting toilets higher up:

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

Many hikers turn back at the Keyhole.

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

They vist the Agnes Vaille Memorial Hut there.

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

After you climb through the Keyhole it gets tough. Here’s the view into Glacier Gorge, still cold as the sun has not yet reached the trail.

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

It gets hairy, quickly. Exposure. Potential rockfall. … Many have been killed on this mountain.

I slipped badly on black ice here, the rock still frozen.

The Narrows. The Homestretch. All challenging.

I never did find the register book. This photo is all the evidence I have that I was there.

Rick on summit, Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

I left a Summit Stone in this cairn.

climbing Longs Peak, Rocky Mtn National Park

Climbing Longs Peak is only recommended for hardy adventurers, agile with no fear of heights.

see all my photos from this scramble

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Happy 125th birthday Banff National Park

My nation’s first National Park officially turns 125 on Nov. 25th, 2010, … but the party will be celebrated on Saturday, July 17th, Canada’s Parks Day.

… The park is now part of the Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site, and draws 3.3 million visitors a year — more than any other Canadian park. Tourists take over the town of Banff every summer and fan out to explore the park’s 1,500 kilometres of hiking trails. Then they bring home their stories of classic peaks and the beautiful Bow Valley below to friends and families around the planet. …

Calgary Herald

more interesting photos tagged “Banff National Park”

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hiking Tombstone, Yukon

One of our besthike photos was chosen as an example of “Natural Beauty” in Canada.

That was taken on our heli-hiking adventure (PHOTOS) to the Tombstone mountains in Yukon.

See the rest of the Provinces on Matador – Photo Essay: Canadian Natural Beauty Across the Country