Scenes from a Hiking Trail

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inRepostTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you looking for an inexpensive family adventure this summer? Exploring a new hiking trail can be loads of fun while inspiring a sense of awe without breaking the bank.  From prior posts, you know that I love hiking, and I thought it’d be fun to share a few of my favorite trail scenes.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, Utah, is one of the first parks I visited in the American Southwest.  I’ve heard it called the Little Grand Canyon, and at the time of my visit, it was one of the least-visited National Parks.  From various trails, I saw unforgettable colored canyons, interesting rock formations, various wildflowers, and trees with roots growing up to a foot above the ground.  There was even a big, bushy flowered plant that smelled like chocolate cake!  (If ever I learn its name, you can bet I’ll be planting a few around my house!)

Mt. Rainier from behind the pines

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. ~John Muir

Mt. Rainier, Washington’s tallest peak, topping out at 14,411 feet, is about 60 miles south of Seattle.  The region around the mountain is thick with evergreen trees and wildflower meadows, and has several rivers running through it.  Weather in the area can oftentimes be rainy, but during my visit, I was fortunate to catch a couple days of sun and royal blue skies.

Sand dunes behind the vegetation, with the Rocky Mountains in the background

In southern Colorado, much to my surprise, I saw sand, and lots of it.  Great Sand Dunes National Park encompasses 30 square miles of sand dunes, including the tallest ones on the continent, reaching heights of 750 feet.  The area also has its share of 13,000 foot mountains, as well as creeks, cedars, spruce trees, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife.

Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert

Southern California’s Mojave Desert is host to the Joshua Tree (see more about that & other uncommon trees here.)  This tree always makes me smile, due to its formation: sometimes stick straight, but most of the time, twisted with branches going willy-nilly. The surrounding shrubs, sparse multi-colored wildflowers and heaps of small boulders are a perfect backdrop.  If you appreciate deserts, this one is a beauty, but be sure to take lots of water!

Grazing Bison along the Snake River, Wyoming

Ansel Adams, the American landscape artist and environmentalist, captured an amazing photograph of the Grand Tetons overlooking the head waters of the Snake River in Wyoming.  This breathtaking area is home to loads of impressive wildlife.  During my hikes there, I saw wolves, moose, bison, elk, and deer.

Devil’s Bridge, Sedona, Arizona

The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, boast some of my favorite winter hiking spots.  High temperatures there are usually in the 30’s or 40’s, but at 4000 feet in elevation, the bright sun and low humidity make it feel much warmer.  The area showcases various rock formations with names like Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Chimney Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil’s Bridge.  The red earth is dotted with vivid green in the form of oak shrubs, sugar bush, junipers and cypress trees.  Nature’s striking contrast of colors could be a reason this spot is so popular with tourists.

Alongside a trail in northern Nevada

Hiking can be a thrilling experience offering magnificent beauty and an opportunity to feel closer to Nature. The scenes I’ve witnessed on hiking trails have awed me, and serve as reminders of just how incredible our planet is.  At a time when many of us are reining in our spending, exploring a new hiking trail may be the perfect family adventure.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir

Blessings on the Trail,

Lisa

The original version of this post was shared in September of 2021. Thanks for reading!

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

36 thoughts on “Scenes from a Hiking Trail”

  3. I would love to explore all of these parks, and especially see the wonderful Mount Rainier as it is such a beautiful and iconic landmark – I have always wanted to hike to one of the four remaining fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park, see the colourful wildflowers along the way and enjoy the views. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  4. Thanks for this delightful tour. I have visited all of those places. My favorite among those is beautiful Sedona with Bell Rock being a great energy vortex for me as I circled the rock. Thanks for the memories.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  10. Beautiful post and pictures Lisa, and great reminders of the beauty of our natural world. If you ever find out the name of that bush that smells like a chocolate cake, please let us know!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  15. I so enjoy a good hike surrounded by beautiful nature (well, second to running trails surrounded by beautiful nature ha). I am going to add your locations to our vacation lists – Sedona is already on there as we thoroughly enjoyed our first time there earlier this year – we took the Sugar Loaf trail(s) and excited about trying other opportunities there – and, of course, taking our Jeep back out on their offroad trails!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

Leave a comment