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.

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.

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/

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.

If you’re anxious to get out onto the lake this winter to embrace ice fishing season, make sure you’re braving the icy tundra with the right gear. One of the most important safety measures for any ice fishing adventure is to take along a companion fishing enthusiast; if one of you does slip under the ice, you’ll have help nearby. You’ll also need to wear special clothing and layer up with a down jacket (or two) so you can settle in for a full day on the ice and make the most of your ice fishing experience. Here’s what you’ll need to survive the brutal weather and slick surroundings:

Layer up with a Down Parka
Pack yourself into a Patagonia Down Parka to trap in as much heat as possible while you sit on the icy banks of your favorite lake. You’ll want to layer up underneath with a flannel shirt, thermal underwear and a sweater for extra warmth and comfort. Any down jacket will help you trap in heat and keep you warm and toasty all day long.

Insulated Boots
Pick up a pair of rugged, industrial-strength boots so you don’t have to worry about frostbite nipping at your toes. A pair of boots made with extra grip and down insulation will protect your feet during those long treks across the lake; the North Face Nuptse boots are designed with all of these features and are also ergonomically designed for optimal comfort.

Self-heating Thermos
If you’re spending more than a few hours out on the ice, you’ll need to make time for a hot meal. Soup and other canned goods are the best match for your outdoor adventure, and you can enjoy a hot meal with a heated thermos. Just light up the burner base and heat up your favorite soup or drink for a nourishing meal in the middle of your trip.

When you’re hitting the ice for a day or weekend of ice fishing events, make sure you’re well prepared to battle the snow and ice with the right gear. Down jackets and boots, along with insulated accessories will help you survive the tundra as you patiently wait for your next catch.

Hunting. Fishing. Nature walks. Horseback riding. If these all sound like activities you enjoy, it’s time to pack up and head to Kansas.

Surrounded by the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills, the Box Lazy A Ranch is the perfect destination for families and individuals who enjoy the comforts of nature. This is a true working ranch, with more than 3,000 acres of beautiful rural land and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Although you are not confined to the ranch during your stay at the Box Lazy A, there is also no reason you would have to leave. Perfect for the outdoorsman, this beautiful retreat offers more than enough to do. Go hunting in the woods, fish at Spring Creek, ride horses along winding trails and sit on the porch of your cabin while you watch the sun set in the evening.

Not only is this the quintessential vacation for the outdoorsy type, but it is also an educational experience. If you’re from the big city, or if you’ve never been exposed to outdoor recreation, now is the best time to learn. The guides at the Box Lazy A can show you how to hunt, fish and ride while you enjoy all the benefits of the ranch.

During horseback riding lessons, for example, you can learn how to handle your horse on the trail or even learn how to barrel race. Instructors are kind, proficient and available to answer all your questions. This might also be the perfect opportunity to bag your first deer or catch your first trout.

The Box Lazy A Ranch offers lodging, as well, in the form of remote private cabins that look like they’ve been pulled directly from a painting. Meals are provided, and each of the cabins is fully furnished.

If you’re going to take a vacation at the Box Lazy A Ranch, make sure you bring along a pair of comfortable mules for lounging around the cabin and sitting out on your front porch. The Yellow Box Brooke, for example, are perfect regardless of your evening activities and can be worn both inside and around the ranch.

Like other pastimes, t*he love of hunting typically is passed down from parents to their children and so on.* In this era of home computers and video games, however, it’s sometimes easier to get a young person to fire a simulated gun than to teach them how to safely shoot a real rifle.

To promote hunting in their state, the folks at the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) have started a program that they call “Pass It On.” Intended to introduce new hunters to the sport, this program also aims to keep experienced shooters coming back to Kansas with a series of “special hunts” each year.

One of the most frustrating parts about going after trophies in some spots is too many hunters and too few big game animals. “Pass It On” takes care of this problem by offering access to areas of Kansas that normally are closed to hunters. For the novice, these special trips are a great introduction to the sport while more experienced hunters should relish the chance to stalk big game in a less crowded environment.

Beginning hunters may get discouraged by the long, cold hours it can take to find a good trophy animal, which makes the North Face Men’s Novelty Nuptse Vest a good investment for the novice. With insulation made of goose down, the Nuptse Vest can keep you warm and dry while you learn the fine art of tracking and stalking.

The KDWP sponsors special hunts for deer, duck, geese and upland birds such as pheasant and quail. Some of the hunts are designed for young people and hunters with special needs, so make sure to visit the KDWP web site before applying for a hunt. The deadline for applications for the next set of Kansas special hunts is July 15, 2009.

Hunting is a tradition that has been around for countless generations, and the KDWP wants to ensure that the sport continues to thrive. Their efforts already have made big game hunting even more special.

Source:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/layout/set/print/Hunting/Special-Hunts