Kyle FrostExplorer

Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Creek trail up Lyons Creek, until you reach Lake Sylvia (about 4.6 miles). Over this distance, you've...

The goal for our weekend was to do some winter camping in the Yosemite backcountry; we decided on Sentinel Dome as our destination. The trail is a cakewalk during the summer, but winter turns it into a 10 mile uphill grind from the car. Most people opt to head for the ski hut at Glacier Point, but Sentinel Dome is less crowded, and in my opinion, more rewarding. The trailhead begins at the Bad...

Whitewater is a short 20 minute drive from downtown Nelson. There are only 3 lifts here, but a surprising amount of terrain — most of which will satisfy even the strongest of skiers. Our favorite runs were the Trash Glades, accessed via a short traverse off the backside of the Motherlode Chair (and the boot-pack above the traverse that’ll get you a few more creamy turns).  This isn’t a resort t...

Starting at Coffeen Park, head south on the Solitude Trail. This trail will wind through the woods for several miles, passing Lake Geneva, and then Solitude Lake. After a glimpse of Solitude (it's a bit off the trail to the west), you'll start the climb up to Geneva Pass. After Geneva Lake, the elevation comes quickly, and in a relatively short distance. Push through it and you'll be at the pas...

Antisana is the 4th highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi. However, due to it's access restrictions and remote location, it is climbed far less than the others. East of Quito, surrounded by an ecological preserve, you won't find a cushy refugio here to start your hike. However, I'm of the opinion that this is one of the most beautiful mountains I've ever climbed.You'l...

I don't know what you think of when you think of the Galapagos, but giant volcanoes isn't one of the things that was in my head. This day tour (around $40-$60) will take you to the second largest caldera in the world, and then explore the lava fields of Sierra Negra.You'll be picked up at your hostel/hotel in town in the morning, and the drive to the island's interior to start your hike. After ...

The highlight tour on Cristobal, and possibly the Galapagos, is Kicker Rock (aka Leon Dormido aka The Sleeping Lio). This rock formation rises out of the ocean a 45min boat ride from the main town. It features two giant splits in the rock that have created channels you can snorkel through. There are two types of Kicker Rock tours, an “around this island” tour, that circles San Cristobal with a ...

This is one of the most popular day tours from Puerto Aroyo on Santa Cruz Island. You'll get picked up from your hostel (or meet at your tour agency) around 6:30 or 7 in the morning, and then drive across to the north part of Santa Cruz. There you'll board your boat for a cruise over to Bartolome Island. Depending on the speed of your boat, this will be 2 or 3 hours. At Bartolome, you'll have t...

Just minutes from downtown Tofino, Chesterman Beach is a great spot to catch the sunset, go for a run, or just walk down the beach towards Frank Island. The parking lot is just seconds from the beach.Head to the right and scramble on the rocks to find a spot near the point, or walk to the left down the beach and catch views of offshore islands and kitesurfers (if the conditions are right!).Be s...

At nearly 14,000 ft, a trip up Toubkal is no joke, and much more than most people expect to find in Morocco. You'll find a landscape that reminded us of Colorado, and some great hiking (and even some snow).Getting thereAll hikes to Toubkal start in the small mountain town of Imlil. You can arrange your own transportation here, or arrange a hiking trip that picks you up in Marrakech and takes yo...

There’s something delightfully old-school about RED. Show up, park where there’s room and get going from the pretty basic base area. Don’t stop skiing until your legs do. Highlights for us included Powderfields, Ledges, Captn Jacks, and Beer Belly — as well as the “Poochies Trees” off the Red Mountain chair. It’s easy to see why the locals here can rip. Wherever you are on the mountain, you’ll ...

Most people visiting Togariro National park do the 1 day Alpine Crossing. I opted to do the full circuit, a 27 mile hike that takes you all the way around the prominent summit of Mt. Ngaroe.I traveled the trail clockwise, leaving from Whakapapa Village and heading to Waihohonu Hut on the first day. This part of the trail is fairly flat and winds 14.3 km around the south side of Ngaroe.Day 2 bro...

The most popular attraction near Guatape, you can pay $18,000 COP to climb the 740 steps up to the top of the rock. Your effort will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and lake, which stretches to the horizon. After that exercise, you'll be able to chill out with some food or a beer at the top as well, there are several shops near the summit.

Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Continue up past Lake Isabell, following the trail and cairns along the way. You'll reach an unnamed ta...

Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest building in Saigon, and the Skydeck provides stunning views in every direction.It'll cost you $10 USD to go to the top, but the perspective on this sprawling city is worth it.

The Young Lakes trail starts from the Lembert Dome parking area and then winds up around 6 miles into the high country past alpine meadows and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Lower and Middle Young Lakes are beautiful, but you're going to want to push on to Upper Young Lake, where you'll find the best views of the lot. One of my favorite campsites can be found here, but you'll ha...

Start your day at the Bear Lake parking lot, and head out on the short 2-mile approach that winds uphill past Nymph and Dream Lake. After arriving at Emerald Lake, skirt around the shore on the left side to reach the bottom of the couloir, clearly visibile on the far side of the lake.The 1500 ft climb starts gradually and increases in steepness as the couloir narrows towards the top, reaching s...

While most people opt to hike this route as a 2 or 3 day trip, camping at Aster and Three Isle Lakes, this description is for a 1 day loop. This is NOT an easy hike to do in 1 day, however, and the ridge is no pushover for any length trip. Exercise caution and don't be afraid to backtrack if weather proves an issue. Hike safe! To get an early start on the day, spend the night near the trailhead...

This relatively short hike up Ham Rong starts from the city center. You'll have to pay about 70,000 VND ($3.25) for access to the mountain park, but it's worth doing it once while you're in Sapa. The path winds past many shops and park-like areas. It feels a bit manufactured, almost like Disneyland, but that detracts little from the beauty of the area.Take some time to explore around the park ...

Located at an altitude of 2,792 m (9,160 ft) above sea level, Ollantaytambo was once the home of Emperor Pachacuti.  Built in the late 15th century, it has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. The beautiful cobbled streets, irrigation channels, and stone foundations have been here since the time of the Inca. It's quite easy to wander the historic streets and marv...

This demanding, but scenic route ascends from St Anton to St Christoph. Begin in town, following the trail under the Galzigbahn to the Sennhütte. From here, the trail is a bit more gradual as it traverses the valley. Eventually, you'll take a sharp right turn and climb sharply up many switchbacks to Lake Maien. From here, you can stroll down to St Christoph for refreshments (and to catch the bu...

The 4.5 mile trail climbs around 2500ft from the Longs Peak trailhead, and starts by winding through dense forest. In the morning darkness, trudging through thick trees isn’t the most exciting, but when you finally climb out above treeline, the massive profile of Longs and the slowly growing light on the horizon is a welcome sight. Make sure you know your hiking speed and leave early enough to...

Mala Osojnica Viewpoint is accessed from the far end of the lake. This short hike provides one of the best views of Lake Bled. You climb quickly from the path surrounding the lake, switchbacking through the forest past a few intermediary views. There is a steep set of stairs, but otherwise it's a short and straightforward (if tiring) hike. The view from the top is a sweeping panorama of Lake Bl...

Start your trip at the North Elbert Creek trailhead, reached by taking Colorado 300 just south of Leadville, and then a left on County road 11 and a right on Halfmoon Creek road. The dirt road to the trailhead is well traveled. The trail begins from the parking lot and winds upwards past 2 clearly marked junctions, first left, then right. After the short downhill just before the second junctio...