Hiking in Banff was a long-time bucket list trip for me and my husband, so we were super excited to finally get a chance to visit in the summer of 2023. Home to incredible vistas, turquoise alpine lakes, tons of wildlife, icy glaciers, and some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world, we couldn’t wait to discover this outdoor paradise. On our agenda for our visit, was to explore the best hikes in Banff National Park from the popular (but very scenic) routes around Lake Louise to the otherworldly trails along the Icefields Parkway and more. In this blog post, we share our top picks for ..read more

The Canadian Rockies are home to Canada’s prime mountain wilderness, so it’s not surprising that this mountain range attracts hikers from all around the world. I was lucky enough to live next to Banff National Park for about three years. During this time, I explored many of the best and most scenic hikes in the area. That being said, you could spend a lifetime here and never run out of trails to hike! The Canadian Rockies are home to multiple national parks – Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay. On top of that, the Icefields Parkway drive between Banff and Jasper is one of the most scenic routes ..read more

I don’t know an outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t hate mosquitos. If you don’t repel mosquitos while hiking, they can turn an otherwise perfect adventure into a nightmare. A couple of years back, I was on a multi-day canoe trip through Labyrinth Canyon in Utah. The mosquitos were so bad that anytime we weren’t in the canoe, we had to be covered from head to toe – a tall order when it was 95 degrees out. The biggest lesson was to never go canoeing during mosquito season ever again! I’ve also been on backpacking trips where I was so damn thankful I brought my nerdy head net. Without it, I would hav ..read more

Los Angeles may be known for the Hollywood Sign hike, but the City of Angels also has a fair share of hikes that offer picturesque views of waterfalls that look straight out of a storybook. After living in the LA area for over 20 years, I’ve realized that there’s something delightful about having a waterfall as a hiking destination. The base of a cascade not only provides a wonderful spot to eat a granola bar and admire the view, but it’s also such a breath of fresh air in a busy city with incessant traffic noise. Listening to the rushing water and trickling creeks is a magical way to experien ..read more

Sedona has become a hot spot for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. The stunning red rock landscape and endless miles of trails make it one of the top destinations in the West for hiking and exploring. I’ve spent a lot of time in Sedona. As a mountain biker, it’s my favorite place to ride but I’ve also hiked many of the trails. I can confidently say that hiking in Sedona will not disappoint! Almost every trail that you choose will reward you with amazing views, unique rock formations, and a little bit of Sedona magic. But if you’re looking for the cream of the crop, here I’ve rounded up the ..read more

If you’ve spent any time researching hikes or backpacking trips, you’ve probably come across lingo or acronyms that are unfamiliar. Even as an avid hiker who writes about the outdoors for a career, I still stumble upon hiking terms I have to look up every once in a while. I recently learned “Middle Blues,” (definition below), which describes a feeling I’ve never been able to put into words. While learning hiking lingo is by no means a prerequisite to getting out in nature, it can make you feel a little more confident and “in the know”. It’s helpful to understand what certain terms mean and why ..read more

As a hiker who previously lived in Colorado for six years and currently travels full-time in my van to explore trails around the US, I’ve tried my fair share of hiking boots and shoes. The newly released Oboz Cottonwood is my first pair of Oboz, and my biggest regret is not trying this brand sooner, as they have quickly become my go-to shoes for daily wear on and off the trail. As Oboz’s most sustainable hiking shoe to date, the Cottonwood features elements made of 100% recycled materials and the waterproof finish is free of PFAS (otherwise known as forever chemicals). They are also lightweigh ..read more

The American Southwest is one of the top destinations for hikers and backpackers with vast landscapes, unique geological features, and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. A desert day hike or backpacking trip can be a wonderful way to explore the trails in this region even when snow blankets most mountainous backpacking destinations. From my years of hiking and backpacking in the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California, I’ve learned that preparation is key. Hiking in the desert is a completely different experience than hiking in the mountains. Knowing how to deal with heat, sun exposure, desert wi ..read more

I became an REI member 18 years ago right when I finished college and decided I wanted to get more into camping. I remember being in the Seattle store buying my first Gregory pack while the guy in the green vest helped me stuff the pack full of sandbags. Then I walked around the store for a bit before I decided to take the plunge. Two weeks later, I returned home from my first backpacking trip and, as it turns out, I didn’t like the pack all that much. Luckily I bought it at REI and they have the best no-questions-asked return policy, so I was able to exchange it for something I found to be mo ..read more

Over the past decade-plus, I’ve spent a lot of time hiking in the desert. I’ve backpacked throughout Southern Utah and explored many beautiful desert destinations in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon.  I’ve learned that what you wear on your feet sets the tone for your entire hike or overnight trip. It’s hard to enjoy any adventure anywhere when your feet aren’t comfortable. This is especially true when hiking in the desert. It’s crucial to make sure your shoes are comfortable and durable enough to withstand temperature extremes and uneven terrain as well as lightweight and breathable s ..read more