Hiking The Santa Teresa County Park Loop

Located essentially within the city of San Jose, Santa Teresa County Park is a prominent feature in the South Bay.  The park’s rolling hills rising above houses and yards make it easily identifiable, and while it is easily noticed, I had never actually hiked there!   With California’s winter rain turning the hills into a bright green, it seemed as good a time as any to finally give it a try!  Rather than trying out a short trail to start, we...

Hiking The Lexington Reservoir Trail Loop

Located just a few miles outside San Jose, Lexington Reservoir is a notable feature along highway 17 heading towards Santa Cruz that I had driven past it numerous times.  While I knew there were quite a few hiking trails around the reservoir, I had never actually hiked there.  I finally decided to actually hike one: the Lexington Reservoir Trail Loop! The Lexington Reservoir Loop starts just above the reservoir’s surface and climbs over a thousand feet towards a beautiful ridgeline...

A Brutal Day On The Icicle Ridge Trail

On a smoky and brutally hot day in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, I took on what I thought would be a moderate hike.  The Icicle Ridge Trail, climbing to the top of Icicle Ridge, is a steep climb, but compared to what I had been doing all summer, I thought it would go by quickly and be a nice, chill day on the trail!  What I didn’t factor in was the unforgiving conditions! Feeling lazy, I didn’t start...

Hiking The Icicle Gorge Trail Outside Leavenworth Washington

Upon arrival in Washington State last summer and meeting up with family, we started on a series of easy hikes in the stunning Cascade Mountains.  The Icicle Gorge Trail, the first hike we completed, was located just outside our home base for the week, the resort town of Leavenworth! Located at the base of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Icicle Gorge is not a super wild destination, but the beauty doesn’t disappoint!  While exceptionally fit adventurers may tackle the Enchantments (a...