Posts

Posted on

Great Hiking in Patagonia

January is peak season for Patagonia.

I wish I was on any of these adventures right now — rather than being stuck in Canada. 😀

That list is from Backpacker magazine. (Outdoor+ subscription required.)

El Calafate / El Chaltén Argentina is one of our top 10 hiking towns in the world.

Of that list, I’d say the Huemul Route is least well know. 

vista from ‘Windy Pass’ on the Huemul Route
Posted on

TOP 10 Hiking Towns ➙ Moab, Utah

Moab is a fantastic jumping off point for outdoor adventure, a special mecca for crack climbing.

But the “strip” can be loud, ugly, hot and aggravating. Once you get away from the highway, the town’s much prettier. They have a good library and great bike trails.

Moab … in eastern Utah … is 233 miles (374 km) southeast of Salt Lake City and 354 miles (569 km) west of Denver, Colorado …

The population was 4,779 at the 2000 census. … Moab hosts a large number of tourists every year, mostly visitors of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which are located close by. The town is also a popular base for mountain bikers who come to ride the extensive network of trails including the famed Slickrock Trail …

More interesting photos tagged Moab, Utah.

Arch in the Mountain, Utah

Our favourite hikes out of Moab are:

• Chesler Park
• Devil’s Garden
• Delicate Arch
• Syncline Loop
• Upper Salt Creek
• Murphy Basin
• Gooseberry-Dogleg Loop

There are many, many more. This is Edward Abbey country.

Chesler Park

Click through for more “best hikes” in the S.W. USA.

Hike here Spring and Fall. It’s HOT in the summer.

Posted on

Hiking in ‘Salvage Logging’ Forest

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

In the temperate rain forest of Vancouver Island you can hike almost anywhere, year round.

It’s fantastic.

One local hike I’d avoided is Roosevelt – Chinook – Channels – Clay Banks near the excellent Englishman River Provincial Park.

I’d heard it was mainly used for mountain biking.

Home made mountain biking trails tend to be rugged, muddy — and not all that hiker friendly.

Turned out that wasn’t the BIG problem.

Very close to the Provincial Park, logging companies have been Thinning.

In this area, they claim to be removing about half the trees so the other half will grow faster.

It’s a kind of salvage logging.

Not clearcut — but still ugly and muddy.

There were a few good moments — but I won’t again be hiking in any area that has been thinned.

Posted on

TOP 10 day hikes ➙ Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Why?

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

  • Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
  • infamous for wind and rainy weather
  • famed for dramatic scenery,  rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
  • about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
  • over 1500 stone steps
  • about 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required

World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

For details click over to our Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway information page.

Of course BestHike editor Rick McCharles HAD to make a hero video of himself atop the famous vista. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on

Peru ➙ Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Update for 2024.

I’ve hiked to and from Choquequirao independently. Excellent.

I’ve hiked Salcantay (or Salkantay) to Aguas Calientes independently. Then made the day hike early morning up to Machu Picchu.

BUT always wished I’d done the BIG adventure:

Trek Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, via Salcantay.

By 2024 organizing that is getting more complicated. And to do it independently, you should bring a tent.

Do your research and book Machu Picchu tickets long in advance.

Start with Meg’s trip report. 80 miles. 9 days.

On my trips I suffered biting ants in my tent on the way to Choquequirao. And terrible biting flies on Salcantay. Be warned.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek in 9 Days | A Real Expedition & Rewarding Journey

Posted on

180km Torres Del Paine, Patagonia – SOLO

Harmen Hoek captured the best video I’ve seen of the famed O-trek (including the W-trek).

It’s wonderful. And yet provides clear warning of the drastic, quickly changing weather.

Expect some of the heaviest rains and strongest winds of your life. Even if the first few days are sunny.

Getting bookings for this adventure is super challenging. Check our Paine Information page for details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (27min)

0:00 Puerto Natales
0:50 Mirador Base Las Torres (1st time)
3:40 Day 1 – Glacier and Camp Dickson
10:06 Day 2 – Glacier and Camp Los Perros
13:46 Exploring the Puma Glacier
15:45 Day 3 – Glacier Grey and Paso John Garner
21:08 Day 4 – Storm to Mirador Británico
24:35 Day 5 – Sunrise at Mirador Base Las Torres
26:38 Outro with photos

Posted on

Scotland – Isle of Skye – 10 Walks

Having grown up on the Isle of Skye, Alastair Jackson brings us his top ten walks.

  1. Ben Aslak (5km – 2.5hrs)
  2. Ord to Dun Scaith Castle (6km – 1.5hrs)
  3. Dalavil and Gillean (9km -5hrs)
  4. Glamaig (6.5km – 4.5hrs)
  5. Talisker Bay (3.5km – 1hr)
  6. Oronsay Tidal Island (5km – 2hr)
  7. Waterstein Head and optional: South Duirinish Cliff walk (5km – 2hrs )
  8. Uiginish Point (4km -2hrs)
  9. Waternish Point (13.5km – 3.5-4hrs)
  10. Quirang Car Park to Beinn Edra Summit (14.5 km – 4.5hrs)
  11. Rubha Huinish (8km -3hrs) … bonus walk !

Details on The Great Outdoors Mag:

Ten of the Best Isle of Skye Walks: Exploring Scotland’s Natural Wonders

Waterstein Head and Neist Point
Posted on

Running Stairs for Fitness

For me the best physical preparation for multi-day hiking is … hiking. 😀

On arrival at the trailhead, start with shorter, easier days. Work up to your normal pace. Progressively.

Off-season I cycle and run. 

BEST of all for me, however, is running stairs. I have done sets of 10 with a day pack in the past, as well.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

In Calgary, I often ran the stairs at nearby Glenmore Park.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.