The problem with most mountain climbing in the United States is the crowds. As soon as people realize that a particular summit presents a challenge, the traffic to and from that peak is formidable. For many mountain climbers, it is the peace and seclusion as much as the challenge that draws them out of doors.
The trick, therefore, is to find mountain summits that provide privacy as well as technical difficulty. Old Mike Peak in Taos County, New Mexico, is one such destination. As part of the enchanted circle, it provides a stunning view and more than a few rough spots, but most of the traffic is headed to Wheeler Peak.

Old Mike Peak reaches 13,113 feet in elevation, and although it doesn't make the nation's shortlist of highest peaks, it is one of the most breathtaking. There are two major ascents from the base - one from the horseshoe lake trail and one from the Taos ski valley - both of which present challenges on the climb.

If you want to really get your feet wet on a U.S. climb, you should know that you can summit Old Mike Peak in the winter. Many winter sports enthusiasts climb Old Mike Peak with nothing but their snowshoes and an ice pick, trudging through deep ditches and over rocky ledges to the summit. This is not recommended, however, unless you have snowshoe experience.

Most people make Old Mike Peak a two-day hike, as there are plenty of opportunities for camping. The laws of the Wheeler Wilderness prohibit camping within 300 feet of water, but other than that there are plenty of paces to pitch a tent. One of the most beautiful is the meadow near the Horseshoe Trail opening, but there are also wide portions near the summit where camping is popular.

If you'll be climbing Old Mike Peak in the winter, make sure to bring an ice ax for the trip. The ice is thickest and most treacherous during January and February, but you should bring an ax as long as there is snow on the ground.

One place that's wonderful to visit is Big Sky, Montana. I mean, really, how can you not want to go to a place that has such a cool name? Hiking in a place like Big Sky is also amazing, with all that clear blue sky, mountains and massive amounts of land. The Big Sky area has two great places where you can hike: Gallatin National Forest and possibly the world's most famous national park, Yellowstone National Park.

Get in your head a picture of the movie, A River Runs Through It. Dramatic scenery, fresh air, pretty big mountains, rivers, streams and an incredible blue sky. This is what you'll see if you hike in Gallatin National Forest. Just a few miles away from Big Sky, Gallatin has almost 2,300 miles of hiking trails - it's truly enormous. One of the best hiking areas in the country, bar none, and some of the mountain peaks are over 11,000 feet.

To start off hiking in Gallatin National Forest, it's best to go in the summer when the weather isn't too severe. There are five different mountain ranges you can hike. On all of them you'll see incredibly diverse plants and wildlife, including the area's famous bald eagles and grizzly bears. Be very aware of your surroundings though and watch what you're doing. A fall or a grizzly bear attack on many of these trails could leave you badly injured and miles away from help. To get started, you're better visiting one of the park's offices - the main one being in Bozeman - to collect maps, information on good starting points for hikes, estimated times to complete trails and more. Also carry bear spray and wear clunky boots. Bears don't like a lot of noise, so the noisier you are, the less chance you have of accidentally stumbling upon one.

Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive from Big Sky and has 1,200 miles of hiking trails. One of the trails easily accessible from Big Sky is called Tee pee. It's about 13 miles south of Big Sky, right before you get to Yellowstone National Park. The great thing about Tee pee is it's perfect for all levels of hiker, especially kids, and it eventually enters Yellowstone National Park, where you'll find many more hiking trails to enjoy. Get more information about hiking trails from one of the many Yellowstone visitor centers.

Being prepared sometimes makes the difference between surviving and not surviving. "Saving for a rainy day," quite simply refers to being prepared for a bad situation when it occurs. Whether one is camping, biking, hiking or doing other outdoor sports, it is imperative that a survival gear kit go along with the athlete or weekend warrior.

If looking for a basic survival kit, a top recommendation is theAdventure Medical Kit with Paddlers. This is a very versatile bag, which includes basic survival items as well as some repair gear. Some of the essentials included in the Adventure Medical Kit with Paddlers include Nitrile gloves, infectious bag control, a two-person emergency blanket, wound irrigation system, storm waterproof matches, Aquaseal urethane adhesive, a guide to wilderness and travel medicine, an emergency pamphlet, wound cover strips, bandages, wound care medication, several oral medications, paddlers and more. The Adventure Medical Kit with Paddlers is a must have essential for the outdoor person including athletes adventurers. The kit of survival gear is a great buy at $54.

If you are looking for a smaller kit which contains survival gear an excellent choice is the Adventure Medical Kit with Ultralite Paddlers. This unique kit weighs only 10 ounces and is loaded with great survival gear including: Ibuprofen, Moleskin dressing, Antihistamine, Nitrile gloves, first aid and life threatening emergency instructions, a guide to the wilderness, bandages, gauze, adhesive fabric bandage butterfly clips, antibiotic ointment, Tincture of Benzoin Topical Solution, swabs, safety pins, survival gear for repairing things and much more. This is the ideal survival gear for a weekend getaway, a hike or to even keep in the trunk of a car in case of emergencies. The bag measures approximately 8.5" x 5.25" x 3.5" and weighs approximately 10 pounds. The Adventure Medical Kit with Ultralite Paddlers survival gear retails for approximately $38.

Owning survival gear is a part of being prepared in case of emergencies and increasing one's confidence by influencing coping skills as a benefit of preparedness.

The last adjective you would normally use to describe caves and caverns is "fragile," but that is exactly how you would characterize the Cave of the Bells in Arizona. One of the most tightly controlled tourism destinations in the United States, the Cave of the Bells requires a special key for entrance, which is available only at the local Forestry Service.

My wife and I have visited the Cave of the Bells several times, usually when we've been traveling through the area to another destination. However, the visitor's pass you obtain with the key is good for three days, and you could easily fill those 72 hours with new explorations in the Cave of the Bells.

This is different from most of the other caves in the world that you might have explored, because it isn't necessarily set up for tourism. There are no gently winding paths lined with lanterns or plaques denoting specific formations and how they were formed. The Cave of the Bells is far more primitive, and you'll find that much of your exploration will be spent squeezing down vertical shoots rather than hiking horizontal paths.

When visiting the Cave of the Bells, make sure you bring along a solid helmet to protect your head, as well as at least one light source per person. You can bring your camerainside the Cave of the Bells, and you'll definitely want to snap a few pictures of the beautiful formations inside.

I also recommend hiring a tour guide if this is your first visit to the Cave of the Bells. He or she can plan your trip more logically, taking you to the most unique and exciting pathways and showing you the most interesting formations. This will also prevent you from getting lost inside the cave, which happened to my wife and me during our first excursion.

You'll want to make sure you have time to explore the Lake Tunnel, which leads to a gorgeous underground lake that is actually warmer than the surrounding air. Explorers don't yet know what heats the lake, but you'll have fun trying to figure it out.

If shooting a trophy animal is what you have in mind, head to Oregon where the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a cougar management plan back in 1996. Because they are skillful hunters, cougars have been responsible for killing livestock and affecting the population of other game animals, including bighorn sheep.

Controlled cougar hunts are allowed in Oregon, with a split season (Jan. 1 through May 31, August 1 through Dec. 31). The entire state is open to hunters until the Oregon DFW determines that quotas have been met in certain areas. No matter what, however, cougar hunting with a dog, though highly effective, currently is prohibited by Oregon law.

Everyone in your hunting party will need a license plus a General Cougar Tag and/or a Blue Mountain Additional Cougar Tag (the bag limit is one per tag). For the colder weather, you may encounter in the Pacific Northwest, you should pack a good jacket, such as the Carhartt J97. With a blanket layer inside to keep warm, the J97 allows good freedom of movement when you are hunting for the perfect trophy.

Oregon's management plan aims to keep the cougar population at around 3,000. There are some opponents to this plan, however, who believe that controlled hunts actually can cause more problems because they eliminate the older cougar population (younger cougars tend to do more damage to humans and livestock).

If you prefer to hunt with a hound, nearby Washington State does allow you to use a dog while going after a cougar in certain counties. In either case, the Pacific Northwest is one of your best bets when looking for this type of trophy.

Sources:
http://capitalpress.com/main.asp?SectionID=94&SubSectionID=801&ArticleID=44515&TM=73397.52
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=oct1204b

Some climbing destinations, like Mount McKinley or Mount Washington, have names that don't truly indicate the dangers involved in making your way to the peak. With Suicide Rock, however, it's pretty obvious that, depending on where you climb, you will be pushing your abilities to their absolute limits.

Located in Idyllwild, California, Suicide Rock rises approximately 7,528 feet into the air and can be climbed during all four seasons. The name, by the way, comes from a story involving a Native American princess. When her father, the tribal chief, demanded that she stay away from her true love, the legend says that her grief made her jump off the rock to her death.

It's not clear how much of this story is fact or fiction, but the dangers of Suicide Rock are all too real. In August, the Fox News affiliate in Los Angeles reported that two climbers were seriously injured when trying to climb the rock in a rainstorm. According to the report, the lead climber fell 85 feet and hit his partner, knocking them both off Suicide Rock.

This real-life tale indicates the need to be prepared for the changing weather conditions that you may encounter on a climb. For a destination like Suicide Rock, bouldering shoes like the Boreal Ninja can help ensure that your footing is secure.

Despite the obvious dangers, there are approximately 300 routes up Suicide Rock, some of which are suitable for beginners while others require a higher level of skill. With names like "Captain Hook," "Godzilla Face" and "Right of the Escalator," someone obviously had a lot of fun naming the various walls and approaches.

SummitPost.org recommends May through October as the best months to challenge Suicide Rock. Snow and ice can become a problem in December, depending on the California weather conditions and water levels.
With the right equipment and preparation, Suicide Rock can be a fun and challenging climb, but as those climbers demonstrated back in August, it can be a long way down under the wrong conditions.

Sources:
http://www.idyllwild.com/suicide.html
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152269/suicide-rock.html
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7330304&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

A few years ago, I spent a couple of weeks in Miami with my parents. My parents like to hike so, after a couple of days on the beach, we decided Florida's stellar hiking trails were calling us, and off we set.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park
This park is on the banks of the Loxahatchee River and has some great trails, all mapped out for you by the Florida Trail Association. The trails are all looped trails, so eventually you'll end up back where you started, but meanwhile you'll see some lovely mangroves, swamp land and pine woods. You can also camp here in the designated camping areas. Some of the trails are also board walked, which makes hiking easy. You can concentrate on the beauty around you instead of worrying where you're putting your feet.

South Fork St. Lucie Hiking Trail
This trail is about two and a half miles long, but what makes this trail really cool is it's a hiking-canoe trail that can only be accessed by canoe (at least at the moment, though that's likely to change in the future, so try it out soon). You get to the hiking trail by first paddling your canoe for around three miles, then get out at the trailhead. All along the canoe trail and into the hiking trail you're likely to see turtles and alligators. Make sure you watch where you're stepping though as alligators in Florida have been known to eat people.

Corbett Hiking Trail in Palm Beach County
The Corbett Hiking Trail is a bit further out but well worth going to. It's 16 miles long, which is more than 30 miles if you do the round trip, and goes over flatlands, wetlands and into copious amounts of saw palmetto, the famous Florida fan palm. You'll see a lot of wildlife on the Corbett Hiking Trail. River otters, white-tailed deer, bobcats, woodpeckers, herons and many other species have been spotted from Corbett Trail. The trail also has a 1.2 mile boardwalk, which is a great place to stop, take a rest and check out what might be lurking in the undergrowth. The best time for the most sightings is usually either early morning or late afternoon, when the trail is quieter. Make sure you take your camera too.

Miami doesn't have to be about a flashy lifestyle or a nice tan, it can also be about getting out into nature and trying one of the Miami areas' many hiking trails.

The Amazon basin is famous for its untamed trails, unmatched terrain and incredible views of the lush rainforest and rivers. The birds, flora and fauna that live in the basin are ready to welcome you to the ancient forests and trails that are sure to take your breath away. However, Mother Nature can be less than forgiving on your rainforest hike so you'll need to turn to a safety kit that contains all the essentials to weather the storm. From waterproof clothing to first aid kits, here's what you'll need to survive on that tropical trail:

First aid kit
You'll need an effective solution for managing cuts, scrapes and bruises along the trail so you can press on like a true rainforest warrior. Make sure your first aid kit contains antibacterial gel, cotton swabs, alcohol and other basics to clean up any wounds and protect your skin in rougher conditions.

Water Purifier
Staying well hydrated in the humid climate is essential for survival; don't give yourself a chance to become dehydrated as you venture into balmy territory. A water purifier and water pack will help you stay well stocked with fresh water and may even deliver the boost of energy you need to finish your trail.

Emergency Snacks
If you get stuck in the middle of a hurricane or tropical storm, you'll need some food to make it through the day. Pack some basic snacks that won't melt or dissolve in the high heat. Trail mix, cereal bars, instant oatmeal and canned meals are a few must-have foods for your Amazon adventure.

Lighting Gear
When the sun disappears from the Amazon rainforest, you'll need a way to navigate the tropical terrain. Your instincts will serve as your guide for most of the trail, but you'll need the help of a lantern or flashlight to make it through the trail. Make sure you're well equipped with batteries and a backup light source if you're planning a multi-night camp or hike through the rainforest.

Waterproof Clothing
A light parka or waterproof jacket will protect you from intermittent rain showers and keep you dry and comfortable for the long night ahead. Make sure you have an emergency blanket or parka wrapped up tight in your pack as an extra safety measure.

Just a few years ago, Forks, Washington, of the Olympic Peninsula, was just your average tiny American town, a hub for fishing and logging but otherwise unnoticed by the rest of the world. Then, in 2005, a writer named Stephenie Meyer published the first of four books in the Twilight series, each of which takes place in Forks.

Suddenly, little Forks, Washington, became the object of much scrutiny and fascination. Although it is still a small town with a relatively tiny population, the tourism in this city has grown exponentially, along with the outdoorsy activities offered to visitors.

Fishing, for example, is no longer simply a commercial pursuit. Thousands of fishermen travel to Forks every year to try their hand at catching as many steelhead trout and king salmon as possible. Guided fishing expeditions are available for the Quillayute river system, which encompasses four major rivers.

There are also activities for Twilight fans who want to see the Forks depicted in Meyer's quadrilogy. You might want to visit La Push, where Bella Swan meets her Quillayute friend Jacob Black, or the Forks hospital, where a parking space is reserved for Dr. Cullen, Edward's "father" in the series.

Also on the Twilight tour are stand-ins for Edward's and Bella's homes, restaurants, the Forks High School and other notable institutions in the quadrilogy.

Of course, the outdoorsy vacation isn't complete without some fun in the sun, which is why many people visit La Push. Here, swimming, water-skiing, surfing and other oceanic activities are all part-and-parcel of the Forks experience.

If you're going to visit Forks, you should know that rainfall is more common here than in any other area of the United States. Make sure to bring an umbrella and a trusty waterproof jacket.

Even with the rain, however, Forks can be a fun outdoorsy adventure, particularly if you enjoy the weather in the Olympic Peninsula and are a fan of the Twilight series.

Every mountain climber loves a challenge, but the real payoff is when you reach the summit of a mountain and are rewarded with a gorgeous view. Although Wheeler Peak in New Mexico is not the most challenging mountain to climb, the view from the summit is well worth your day of climbing.

Part of the Sangre de Cristo Range, Wheeler Peak is the highest mountain in New Mexico and is climbed every day by excited visitors. This peak is particularly unique because the tree line extends above 12,500 feet, which is a rarity even in the southern United States.

Wheeler Peak is also one of the highest mountains in the U.S. to constitute a day hike. Most climbers reach the summit in fewer than five hours and make it down well before nightfall. This means that you can take a vacation to New Mexico and fit several climbs in during your trip rather than having to come back to try a new route or peak.

The dangerous part of climbing Wheeler Peak is the almost universal chance for rainfall. Many climbers get halfway up the mountain only to see thunderheads forming above, necessitating a descent before reaching the summit. Others climb regardless of the rain, but this is never a good idea if thunder or lightening is detected.

Since Wheeler Peak isn't a technical climb, it is possible to make a light trek to the summit. A small backpack is necessary to carry things like food, water and rope, but you won't need to haul any heavy gear.

Remember that it might be quite warm in the valley before you climb Wheeler Peak, but the temperature will likely drop several degrees by the time you reach the summit. A parka in your backpack, such as the Spiewak Yeager Jacket, will make the cold more tolerable.

And if you are looking for the most demanding route up Wheeler Peak, try the path that goes through Williams Lake. This isn't quite as beautiful as other routes, but will require more technical skill for advanced climbers.

In the middle of Iowa, near Des Moines, you'll find The Great Western Trail. It's 'great' because it's long, almost 17 miles, and also because it's beautiful. You can hike and bike on it and, in the winter, can even cross country ski. In the winter though, be warned, the trail can sometimes be treacherous. At the moment, the trail is actually closed due to the horrendous floods that hit Iowa recently. It's expected to re-open after the floods subside and renovations are completed. In nicer weather, though, it's one of the prettiest spots in Iowa - a perfect blend of urban and rural, with lovely hills, wildflowers (many endangered species of flower) woods and wetlands.

The trailheads for the Great Western Trail are in Des Moines on Valley Drive and in Martensdale on Inwood Street. The trail is full of history (especially that of the railway that used to run through this part of the country), so a hike on the Great Western Trail will be an awesome experience for history buffs. You can even see some of the old railway markers that tell you the distance from one place to another.

Walking the Great Western Trail is also fabulous for nature enthusiasts. It's just so pretty. One really cool thing about the trail is that it's paved, so it's a great place for bike riding and even for taking the kids, because you can tow them in a carrier behind your bike. This also makes it a very easy hike for beginning hikers, although not much of a challenge for the more serious hiker (except for the distance, of course).

The Great Western Trail is lovely in every season. In the summer, you get the trees in full bloom, wildflowers everywhere and birds singing. In the fall, you'll experience the fall colors and a more open trail as the leaves fall from the trees. Then, in the winter, if you're brave enough, you can hike (or use snow shoes) in the snow or, if there's too much snow, cross country skiing is an option. Whichever you choose, the Great Western Trail is almost 17 miles of pure loveliness and a great way to get away from the stresses of normal life.

Ontario is one of the world's top snowshoeing destinations, a great place to explore the local wilderness and catch a glimpse of wild animals along your trek. While snowshoeing is a hobby sport for some, it's a survival necessity for others; if you're setting out on an Ontario camping adventure, the only way to get from Point A to Point B is by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and navigating your way through the wilderness. In addition to a quality pair of snowshoes, you'll need some extra gear to survive the slippery slopes. Make sure you're well-prepared for the weather and the activities of the day with:

Plenty of Layers
From down parkas to thermal shirts and pants, you'll need to layer up with at least 2-3 pieces of clothing to trap in the heat. Be prepared for a random snowstorm or a few hours trapped in a snow bank with the some insulated clothing and protect yourself from frostbite and brutal temperatures after sundown. Look for lightweight materials that trap in the heat so you're not weighed down during a snowshoeing trek.

Stowaway Cooking Pot
If you're planning an overnight stay by pitching a tent in snowy quarters, look forward to a hot meal with the help of a versatile cooking pot. These pots heat up quickly and seal in the heat for a late-night snack if you need it. They're large enough to carry food for two and will easily slip into your backpack when you're on the go.

Hydration Pack
It's very easy to get dehydrated without realizing it on those cold-weather trails, so a backpack that's hydration-compatible can help you stock up on the H20 without it turning to ice. The Cyberpack from Columbia is a versatile, lightweight pack designed with an extra water bottle pocket and foam padding for extra comfort. It's large enough to hold the essentials for any snowshoeing adventure and protect your gear from harsh weather.

Snowshoeing in Ontario or other regions around Canada is an exhilarating experience; pack the right gear to make the most of your adventure on the slippery slopes.

When you think about visiting a place called Hot Springs, images of sunbathing with a never-ending stream of Mai Tais probably enter your head. But in Hot Springs, South Dakota, you're more likely to find the fossilized bones of a woolly mammoth than a tiny cocktail umbrella.

The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota, is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor vacationers who are interested in paleontology. You don't have to hold a master's degree in archaeology to appreciate the magnitude of history, however, just make sure you bring your camera and plenty of enthusiasm for the lost ages.

There are several ways to vacation at The Mammoth Site. Those who live in South Dakota often plan one-day excursions to the museum and dig site, but you can also come from anywhere in the United States and stay a whole week. There is plenty to do, and there are even educational programs for kids.

Black Hills Vacations is the local travel agency that books tours and trips for people from all over the U.S. Packages include meals, accommodations, tours of The Mammoth Site and a host of other activities. If you'd rather plan your vacation as you go, you can simply show up to The Mammoth Site to explore the dig, and then go site-seeing around the rest of Hot Springs and Black Hills.

It is important to remember that The Mammoth Site is a working paleontology dig, with real researchers and real discoveries. They are open seven days a week to the public, however, and this is one of the only archaeological digs in the world where visitors get hands-on experience with paleontology.

When you visit The Mammoth Site, make sure to bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes, such as the New Balance WW977s for women or the MW966s for men. You'll be walking quite a bit through the dig and the museum, so prepare in advance!

You'll also want to bring several bottles of water to The Mammoth Site as well as your favorite camera.

Though they may resemble Arnold, the television-loving pig from the classic sitcom Green Acres, the collared peccary of Arizona is anything but domesticated. Also known as the "Javelina," because of its razor-sharp tusks, this bad-tempered creature does make a great trophy animal for hunters with skill, cunning and patience.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the collared peccary is a relatively new addition to their state. This animal evolved in South America before coming north to hang out in the United States.

As the name indicates, the collared peccary has a ring of white fur around its neck, distinguishing it from pigs and hogs. They travel in families or groups, living on a diet that consists of roots, beans and nuts. One of their main sources of nutrition, however, is the prickly pear, which might explain their somewhat nasty disposition.

If you are planning a trip to Arizona to collar a peccary, keep in mind that this game animal likes to hang out near permanent sources of water. DesertUsa.com also reminds peccary hunters that these critters have poor eyesight but really good hearing, so it pays to be patient and quiet during the hunt.

Like a sleeping dog laying the sun, the collared peccary isn't terribly vicious unless it feels threatened by humans or other animals. Since they do hang out in packs if you aren't careful, you could find yourself on the run from an angry group of peccaries (those tusks can leave you with a permanent reminder of your trip).

In Arizona, hunting season for the collared peccary takes place in January and February, starting with archery, and then followed by handgun, muzzleloader and rifle. While going for a trophy, you may want to slip on a pair of Bogs Roper boots. This all-purpose piece of footwear can keep your feet warm and dry in the areas that peccaries prefer.

Arizona does offer ample opportunities to bring home a collared peccary trophy, provided of course, that you don't make a pig of yourself.

Resources:
http://www.osaaventura.com/articles/peccary.htm
http://www.desertusa.com/magnov97/nov_pap/du_collpecc.html
http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_javelina.shtml

When asked to come up with a Canadian-themed sketch for the comedy series "Second City TV," cast members Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas created Bob and Doug McKenzie, two backwoods brothers with a taste for beer and jelly doughnuts. Wearing toques on their heads and heavy winter coats, Bob and Doug would feel right at home on Mount Temple, one of the more challenging climbing destinations in the Great White North.

Located near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Mount Temple reaches a height of 11,624 feet, which means that the dangers of dehydration, altitude sickness and frostbite are very, very real. Before heading to the summit, you might want to have a hearty breakfast of Canadian-style back bacon, but leave the beer back at base camp for the celebration after the climb.

Summitpost.org also advises climbers to watch the weather conditions carefully on Mount Temple because they can change quite quickly. If you expect the route to become cold and slick, make sure to lace up a pair of Kayland Super Ice boots before starting your climb. This sturdy footwear can help you with some of the difficult parts of the climb as well as navigating the icy areas.

Just as Mount Temple attracts climbers of different skill levels, the accommodations in and around Banff National park and Lake Louise vary greatly. If you are looking to really get away from it all, bring along your tent and sleeping bags for an outdoor adventure. After heading down from the summit, however, you may want to relax at one of the mid-level or five-star resorts in the area.

Though Bob and Doug McKenzie may never climb much higher than the counter at the nearest doughnut shop, you can enjoy Canada's natural wonders and the climbing challenges that Mount Temple has to offer. With the right attitude and equipment, you can almost be certain of having a G'day on the way to the summit.

Sources:
http://matadortrips.com/8-massive-mountains-that-mortals-can-summit/print/
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150408/mount-temple.html
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_E.asp
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

The Kitsap Peninsula has some very pretty hiking trails. Now, if, like most folks, you've never heard of the Kitsap Peninsula, you need to know it's an incredibly beautiful peninsula slap back in the middle of Puget Sound in Washington State. It's surrounded by more than 250 miles of water with some of the loveliest hiking trails imaginable and spectacular views.

Kitsap Peninsula has nine large state parks, most of which have great hiking trails. Three of them, I think, have fabulous hiking trails, so these are the three I would recommend.

Kitsap Forest, on Kitsap Peninsula, is a massive forested area that became a nature preserve about 15 years ago. There are some wonderful hiking trails here, and if you are quiet, you might also see some of the amazing wildlife in the forest - deer, bear, rabbits, skunks, snakes, weasels and more - they're all here. The trails are suitable for all levels of hiker, but may be a little tame for those wanting a hard workout.

Kitsap Memorial State Park is 60 beautiful acres of lovely parkland perfect for hiking. There are two miles of hiking trails around the park with gorgeous views and otters, squirrels and bears popping up here and there. Start in the main parking lot and follow the signs. Gentle gradients are the norm here, and because the trails are short, they're a nice little walk for those just wanting a pleasant stroll in the countryside.

Green Mountain State Forest contains 11 miles of marked hiking trails in Green Mountain State Park. The most popular trails are Wildcat Trailhead and Gold Creek Trailhead. They're both lovely trails that are quite easy to walk, making them suitable for all levels of hiker. The only caution on these trails is to make sure you watch out for cyclists. They also use the trails, and a nasty accident could occur if you're not aware they might be around.

Kitsap Peninsula is easy to get to. You can drive from Tacoma or take a ferry from Seattle (less than an hour away). Even if you're a more experienced hiker, these three hiking trail areas are still a must-see because it's rare to see scenery this incredibly lovely.

A few years ago, I went to Las Vegas with my then-fiancé. We were both into hiking, so after a couple of nights of gambling and fun, we decided it might be a good idea to head out of the city and get some fresh air. Now, before I talk about hiking in Las Vegas, I will warn you about one thing - the heat. We were there in November, so it was pretty perfect for hiking. If you're in Vegas in the middle of July though, I'd give hiking a pass. You're likely to get heat stroke or worse. Save the hiking until the winter months. In the winter though, Red Rock Canyon, just outside Vegas, offers amazing hiking trails with incredible scenery and picture-perfect photographic opportunities.

Red Rock Canyon is about a 15 mile drive outside Vegas. Once you get there, you'll find at least 20 trails you can choose from. Before you decide on a trail though, make sure you go to the visitor center. We found its employees to be very helpful, and we also got some handy maps, saw interesting exhibits and bought a couple of books at the bookstore.

When we finally got to hiking, we decided to start out with the First Creek Canyon Trail. The lady at the visitor center said it was quite easy, and for a first trail, that's what we wanted. We took Charleston Boulevard, followed the signs and were soon on the trail. We were thrilled to find it easy going, but with a bit of minor rock climbing and even a couple of small waterfalls in the canyon. The whole trail was only around three miles round trip. After completing this one and emptying the backpack of our packed lunch, we went for something a bit more difficult.

Turtlehead Peak, north of the visitor center, turned out to be five miles roundtrip, had some fairly tough rock climbing sections, and because of a lot of loose rocks on the ground, it required more concentration than other hiking trails. Turtlehead Peak Trail runs along an old river bed then heads up to the peak of Turtlehead (as the trail name suggests). Make sure you hike all the way to the peak, because the view of Vegas from up here is phenomenal and well worth the climb, even if it is a bit strenuous.

Next time you're thinking about Las Vegas, enjoy the gambling but don't forget there are some pretty cool, nearby hiking trails too.