At Adventure Insider, we really look for adventures that are (to use a cliché) off the beaten path. We don’t want to cover the same trips that every other publication and website cover, and we really like our solitude.
This past summer, this desire led us to the Raggeds Wilderness, near Crested Butte, Colorado. There are literally hundreds of great places in Colorado for a multi-day backpacking trip, but what intrigued us about the Raggeds is that there is not much written about the area. In fact, we had a little difficulty finding which trails would meet our collective skill level (intermediate), and provide the great escape we really love. Both of those requests were answered with the route we chose. Starting from just outside the Erickson Springs  campground (38.954157°,-107.270606°), we headed up the Dark Canyon Trail (#830). Our plan was to try to make our base camp near the beginning of Oh Be Joyful Pass trail on Silver Basin Trail (#836). Unfortunately there had been quite a bit of rain (and a few good showers that first day), so our first 6 miles were pretty slow going. By the time we got to our first big ascent “Devlis Stairway” (38.949329°,-107.192316°) the ground was muddy, sloppy, and almost impassible. Once we got up this ascent the sun was already starting to fade, so we decided to call it a night.
The next morning was much drier, so before long we were at the intersection of the Dark Canyon trail & the Silver Basin Trail. We were planning to head up silver basin trail to our base camp at the bottom of Oh Be Joyful Pass (OBJ) trail. Fortunately we picked up the Trails Illustrated map (Kebler Pass/Paonia Reservoir #133) that pointed out the fact that our original base camp was no where near water, so we decided to continue up Oh Be Joyful Pass trail to find a good spot. ~|~[caption id="attachment_741" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Heading up the trail"]
Not far along the OBJ trail is a good size ridge with a great overlook to the valley below. We decided this would make a great stopping point (Base Camp: 38.937108°,-107.142046°) for the night since we needed to get some video & photos for reviews on several products (see MH Helion Tent Review & Therm-A-Rest Neo Air Review).  Although we didn’t make it, if you have the time I highly recommend you summit Oh Be Joyful pass (38.939714°,-107.115604°).
The downhill part of our trip went pretty quickly, but there were plenty of great views on the way down. The last 3-4 miles are very popular for those with horses, so watch your step. After getting back to the car, it was a short 20 minute ride to retrieve the FJ at the north parking area, and then back through Crested Butte to Gunnison for steaks and beer.

How to get there

To hike this trip from North to South (as we did) take CR-12 north from Crested Butte (you can also get to CR-12 from the north off of CO-133). You can also hike from south to north, which is less steep than our route.

Permits/Regulations

No permits are required to hike in the Raggeds Wilderness. Review all wilderness regulations for restrictions.

Outfitters

Gunnison is the closest town with several backpacking / outdoors shops. You’ll be able to find anything forgotten or missing there. Expect to pay a small premium for goods purchased in a mountain town.

Summary

This is a great trip to get away from the loads of people in many of Colorado’s back country areas during peak season.  You’ll experience several types of terrain that can be challenging at times. We’re looking forward to exploring this area again in the future.

Quick Info

Location: Raggeds Wilderness, Colorado, USA (Info) Permits: None required. Distance: 18mi (But several trails offer shorter/longer routes) Difficulty (1-10): Our route was intermediate (5-6) Maps: Kebler Pass/Paonia Reservoir Trails Illustrated #133. (Buy) Download Google Earth KML [geo_mashup_map]

Recently Pete Athans led a National Geographic team on a first ascent in Nepal.  What is unique about this is they were climbing to an ancient set of ruins to recover ancient manuscripts.  At one point setting three foot deep anchors only to watch them crumble.  (Via National Geographic Adventure) http://ngadventure.typepad.com/blog/2009/11/relics-recovered-a-pair-of-worldclass-climbers-goes-where-archaeologists-cant.html

While in New Mexico on business I had a chance to to get away for a couple hours to do some climbing at La Palomas Peak outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. I'll spare you the details as the can be found in the fairly comprehensive guide located at http://www.cs.unm.edu/~moret/crag.html. I will, however share some things that may not be obvious...at least not to me. First, the trail. I immediately set of on a faint trail behind the barriers when I should have walked south (up) on the road about 50 feet to an obvious trail. Second, you may be able to pick this up from the guide but the routes are very short. Just as you start to get warmed up you top out. All in all this is a great site to do some climbing if you are in the area, especially if you are looking to do a little teaching. With routes ranging from 5.4 to 5.13 there is a great variety to choose from. [geo_mashup_map]

I headed off to Montana with the plan of backpacking the Coal/Nyack Creek Loop in the southern region of Glacier National Park.  I had seen from the online trail reportsthat there had been some avalanches in the area resulting in quite a few trees down and waist high river crossing about a week before my visit.  What I failed to realize from the report was the sheer numbers of trees that would have to be negotiated in order to complete the loop.  The rangers at the permit office put the number at somewhere in the 'many hundreds'.  With that bit of information, we changed our plans.  The ranger then helped set up a trip that he was sure would be worth the effort. Worth the trip it was! Let me start by saying I, as a general rule, try to avoid trips that require a lottery, are over-populated, and even require a permit if possible.  That said, the trip to Glacier was absolutely worth the hassle of the permitting process.  It was a fortunate set of circumstances that we happened to be at the west end of the park and started our backcountry  the following day on the east end of the park.  This required us to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road that traverses the park east-west and is more than likely the best 50 miles you will ever drive.  Mountain goats, waterfalls, glacial valleys, and wild berries are just a few of the wonderful things you will experience on this trip.  It is worth the trip even if happens to take you out of the way.

Day 0

After dropping our car at the Chief Mountain Trailhead (our terminus) we took the shuttle to Many Glacier and acquired a hiker/biker campsite.  Although these are communal campsites it is best to inquire about them before dropping you car, cost: $5/person.  Pizza and a couple beers that evening at the Many Glacier General Store hit the spot and the next morning we hit the trail.  Now, before I divulge our itinerary I want to point out that there are so many remarkable places in Glacier that almost any combination of campsites is worth the trip.  Also keep in mind the big passes that can be downright intimidating are some of the most magnificent places to see.

Day 1

Over Ptarmigan pass and through Ptarmigan Tunnel (yes, it's an actual tunnel).  Upon exiting the tunnel you will see Elizabeth lake far below you.  Continuing down the trail will bring Helen Lake into view along with many peaks sporting glaciers and huge waterfalls.  Further down the trail we merged with the Continental Divide Trail and eventually arrived at Elizabeth Lake (Foot) Campground.  From there it was a magnificent hike to Elizabeth Lake (Head) Campground for the night.  Here there is a little sandbar that you can ford out to for a little relaxation sitting in a glacial valley surrounded by numerous peaks and ridges.  In  hindsight I think continuing another couple miles to Helen Lake Campground would be worth the little extra effort.

Day 2

Heading back towards the foot of Elizabeth Lake and continuing to Cosley Lake Campground.  On the route we passed Dawn Mist Falls and were pleased to see a small spur that leads to the bottom of the falls.  This spur is only about a tenth of mile long is pretty much flat, making the side trip for lunch and a refreshing dip a no-brainer.  The trail is pretty flat and wandering until we reached a river fording about a half mile from the campground.  After the ford and re-installing our feet in our shoes we proceeded the last half mile where we saw a black bear scavenging berries and decided to help ourselves as well, after we were well clear of the bear.  Cosely Lake sits at the base of a cliff and is fed by the run off from Stoney Indian Pass.  A fishing pole here may serve as one of the better items to bring.  Here, each campsite is along the water with a thin stand of brush and trees and a personal trail leading to the water.  Deer are very prominent in this area and tend to crave the salt we bring along.  I caught a doe licking the handles of my trekking poles numerous times even as I approached her.

Day 3

We continued west a short distance to Mokowanis Junction Campground.  Due to the short day we decided to take a day hike after lunch and a nap.  Mokowanis Lake is reported by one guide we met, to be a great spot for a swim.  Stoney Indian Pass offers glacier pools coupled with waterfalls and steep climbing.  We chose the pass, and we not at all disappointed.  Huge waterfalls and a dip in a 58° glacial pond was what the doctor ordered.  This was by far the pinnacle of the trip and is what has me wanting to return again.

Day 4

Backtracking day.  Heading east now past Cosley Lake a few miles into Gable Creek Campground.  Hiking the vistas of the park and picking wild berries to munch on made the day memorable.

Day 5

The end of the road.  Heading out to Chief Mountain was the slowest going on the entire trip.  Made extremely muddy by the recent rains the trail was tough to negotiate and at times almost frustrating.  A steep incline followed by some wandering finishes at the Chief Mountain Trailhead.

Planning

How to get there

Both Missoula (164 mi.) and Great Falls (203 mi.) are served by major airlines with car rental services available.  Destinations closer to the park may be served by smaller airlines or connectors.  The drive to park is straight forward although there is some construction on US-93 north of Missoula as of this writing.  Another notable is the utterly delicious Montana Wheat located at the junction of US-93 and Hwy 35.  There is also a grocery store there for last minute items.  Make sure you stop for some Flathead Cherries that are grown in orchards right along your drive and sold at the numerous stands dotting the road.

Permits

Due to the popularity of the park, permits can be hard to come by for Glacier.  Advanced reservation lotteries are in effect but a certain percentage of each campground is held for walk in reservation available to day before you wish to start.  Due to the high possibility of changes, check the Glacier National Park Backcountry Campingpage for up to date information.

Outfitters

Many outfitter near glacier are more than happy to help you find that item you forgot at home.  If you need a place to get a new tent, get a new sleeping bag, or get that new Therm-a-Rest Neo Air you can stop by REI in Missoula.

Summary

If Glacier isn't on your list, it should be.  If it is, it should be higher.  Glacier National park is truly an amazing place to visit, it's just a shame it's so popular as it makes it tough to keep to the 'insiders'.

Quick Info

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA Permits: Required.  By lottery or walk-in (see above) Distance: Varies Difficulty (1-10): Varies Beta: Glacier N.P. Trails Illustrated.  Available for the whole park and in larger scale for sections of the park. (Buy) http://www.nps.gov/glac [geo_mashup_map]

With summer here it's a great time to brush up on your canoeing and kayaking skills.  A prime place to do that is in the Pine Barrens region of Southern New Jersey on the Wading River.  Pick up some sandwiches for lunch and rent a canoe or kayak (single or double) from Micks Canoe and Kayak Rental (http://www.mickscanoerental.com/) and pick your poison.  Mick's offers put-in and take-out points that will yield trip lengths of between 4.1 and 15.7 miles.  Camping is also an option along the river.  One great option for a nice day includes a put-in at Hawkin Bridge for a three hour, 5.8 mile cruise.  Extending the trip a bit down to Beaver Branch will take about five hours to travel the 9.8 miles.  Any route you choose will not leave you bored.  The winding river is full of downed (but passable) trees, and a few small tributaries will keep you on your toes.  This is also a great opportunity to get your favorite four-legged explorer out for some action with the family.  Mick's will transport dogs in the bus to and from the river.  So grab the dog, pick up some sandwiches and get on the river. Our thanks to our friend Rabecca Shaw for allowing us to use her pictures. [geo_mashup_map]

] When it's mountain biking season and you find yourself near central New Mexico, White Mesa is the place to head.  With a trail to meet everyone's ability, White Mesa makes the perfect day trip for some great riding.  The area consists of over 15 miles of trail, ranging from beginner to advanced. The White Mesa area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is well marked and mapped.  Although primarily used for biking, hiking is allowed on the entire trail system and equestrian use is permitted on a portion of the trails.

For those interested in off road and 4-wheel driving, the ‘must see’ destination is Moab, UT. Moab is known around the world as the center of the 4x4 universe, mainly due to it’s fair weather and ‘slickrock’ trails. For our first ever trip to Moab, we made the 7 hour journey from Colorado for the annual Cruise Moab event. Cruise Moab is a Toyota-only event sponsored by the Rising Sun 4 Wheel Drive club out of Denver, CO. They’re part of the Toyota-Land Cruiser Association (TLCA), a nationwide Toyota 4x4 club. This years’ event featured over 100 Toyota 4x4 trucks, nearly 400 people, and plenty of vendors selling everything from roof racks to suspension lifts. We managed to run two trails with the Cruise Moab group, and then set out for one on our own the last day. While there are dozens of off road trails in the Moab area, we opted to go with two of the most scenic trails for our group runs.

About 90 minutes south of Moab is Canyonlands National Park, and Elephant Hill trail. If you’re looking for a moderate trail with amazing views – this is the one to try. It will take a slightly modified vehicle (a lift and larger tires are helpful) in some sections, and a fair bit of driver skill is necessary. If you’re not new to off road driving, you should have no problem navigating the obstacles on this 17 mile trail. There is one section that requires you to back down (and then back up on the way out), so make sure you have a good spotter and take your time. Toward the end of the loop you’ll have an opportunity to hike out to an area that overlooks the Colorado River. You’ll want to plan to be on the trail for the entire day, so bring plenty of food and extra water. One other important note: while pets are allowed in the park, due to the sensitive soil they are not permitted on back country and 4x4 roads, so leave them at home for this trip. Perhaps the most famous trail in Moab is Fins N’ Things. This easy to moderate trail gets its name due to the large rock fins that you spend most of your time driving on. This is the classic ‘slickrock’ that Moab is famous for, and Fins N’ Things has plenty of it. There are two different legs of the trail, totaling about 10 miles of trail driving. While this trail is fairly easy for experienced off road drivers, you’ll still want to make sure you have a good spotter for some of the sections. A rear differential locker is needed for some of the obstacles, but there is usually a bypass. When you’re not on a trail in Moab, there’s still plenty to do.

There are several micro-breweries in town, and many of the restaurants are top-notch. We really enjoyed the burgers and brew at the Moab Brewery, on South Main St. They feature eight types of beer, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. For breakfast, our favorite place was the Jailhouse Café. It’s so named because it’s actually housed in the original Moab jail house. The food is excellent, but the prices are a little on the steep side. There are literally dozens of places to stay in Moab. If you’re ready for a regular room after a day on the trail, you have a choice of nearly every hotel chain somewhere along main street. For campers, there are a couple of really great campgrounds to choose from. The main Cruise Moab event was held at the Slickrock Campground, which is very large has plenty of trees. We opted to stay at the Moab Rim Campark, just south of downtown Moab. We were able to get a cabin that included 1 queen bed, 2 bunkbeds, a kitchenette, and a small bathroom. The best part was that Moab Rim allows pets, so our two medium sized dogs felt right at home. If you’re in to off road driving and haven’t been, you’ll want to make plans to get out to Moab. The trails and scenery are world class, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep the entire family entertained. If you like the group feel, check out Cruise Moab, Easter Jeep Safari, or any of the other events held annually. Of course you can always just gather your friends for a self-guided tour of slickrock country. Either way, you’re sure to have an amazing time in Moab.

Primitive camping is allowed in the monument without a fee or permit.

The Delaware Water Gap in northern New Jersey holds a couple of waterfalls that will never cease to amaze.  Located just outside the little town of Walpack, Buttermilk Falls, the more popular of the two, is the highest waterfall in New Jersey.  Following the trail 1.9mi will allow you enjoy a hike on a portion of the classic Appalachian Trail (http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/hikes-at-sunfish-nj.htm).  The requisite climb of the stairs to the top of the falls is a must.  When you have had you fill of the well traveled path and all the crowds it attracts, head down the road to Silver Spray Falls to explore on your own. Located over a half mile to the south of Buttermilk Falls, Silver Spray Falls yields views that are just as stunning (if not better), but without the crowds.  However, little seems to be known about these falls, including the from the locals.  A stop at the local deli will get you directions to Silver Spray Farm, but mention  the falls and you may be told nothing of the sort exists.  Many people don't realize that many of our greatest treasures lie where few people have ventured.  Park at the abandoned Farm and head North on Mountain Road about 500ft.  Once past the house head east and make your way back towards the creek.  Stay next to the creek and enjoy one of the sights in solitude.  You may want to pack a lunch as it will surely take you longer then expected, after all, there are so many pictures to be taken.

Quick Info:

Location: Deleware Water Gap NRA,  NJ, USA Permits: None Distance: Varies Difficulty: Varies from 2-5 http://www.nps.gov/dewa/

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Created millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the tent rocks are a wonder of unique geological formations. Today this land can be explored by way of two short and relatively easy trails. Cave Loop is the easier of the two, and is a 1.2 mile loop that take you near these natural marvels as well as a cave used by the Pueblo Indians. The other trail, Canyon Trail, winds it's way through slot canyons to the top of the plateau overlooking the tent rocks. It's about 1.5 miles long with moderate grades and exposure. From the top you can enjoy stunning views of not only the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jamez mountains, the Rio Grande Valley as well as the tent rocks. No overnight trips are allowed at the monument but the tent rocks make a nice day trip.

Getting There

The tent rocks are located approx. 45 miles southwest of Santa Fe. From I-25 take Exit 259 (Santa Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area). Follow NM-22 to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument to a water tower painted like a drum (Tribal Route 92). After paying the five dollar private vehicles entrance fee proceed up the gravel road to the parking area.

Although it's true that a trip to Austria is not complete without spending a day or two in the capitol city of Vienna, any self-respecting adventure traveler will want to shed themselves of the city and get to the magnificent Austrian Alps in the West and South of the country.  Flights can also be taken to Salzburg to the west, however there are a few places in Vienna that you may like to stop and see.  Two such spots are Cafe Demel and Cafe Sacher (in the Hotel Sacher).  The Cafe Demel is a great spot if you need to stock up on maps for you trip. Directly the street is the famous mapmakers Freytag & Berndt's bookstore.  There you can find many maps that cover different areas and different scales.  Keep in mind though that the process of choosing a map can be a little tricky unless your German is up to speed.  The staff will help you find what you are looking for. You should stock up on beta and reading material before you get there though, since there are few English books at Freytag & Berndt's.  There are a few good places for lunch if you have a little more time.  1516 Brewery at Krugerstraße 18 serves up a decent list of house brewed beers, including some by guest brewers that may be recognized by a micro brew connoisseur.  Across the street Grappino serves up great Italian food in a quieter environment. If pizza is your game, try Al Cavallino at Dorotheergasse 19.  Of course there is plenty more to do in Vienna but there have been countless guidebooks written on the subject, so there's not need to re-hash it all in this article.  Two such resources are the Rough Guide to Austria (Buy) and Loney Planet Guide to Austria (Buy).  Although a Vienna specific book is published by both publishers, the Austria books include most of the content and covers much more.  Whether you have had your fill of Vienna or decided to skip it entirely, when you are ready to head to the Alps go to the the Westbahnhof train station.  OBB runs a very efficient operation that can get you to any town of a reasonable size from there, this is your ticket to the real adventure. From Vienna it's a two and half hour to the transfer at Attnang-Puchheim where your train will take you south to the Salzkammergut area of Austria.  Although this area is not home to the grand Alps that we often associate with the Austrian Alps, the cliffs rising directly out of glacial lakes makes this area an adventure seekers dream.  The draw of this region attracts events like the Red Bull X-Alps competition.  This competition is held every year and requires participants to travel 850KM from Krippenstein to Monaco.  Even if you don't have the time for a trek across half of Europe there is still plenty to do.  Each summer the Salzkammergut Mountain Bike Trophy race is held starting and finishing in Bad Goisern.  If you can't make it for the race or just want a little more space you, can ride each course. They range from 14.7 mi to 129.7 mi. so make sure you're biking legs are in shape.  Each course is included in the map on this site, but individual Google Earth and GPS files are available from http://www.salzkammergut-trophy.at/show_page.php?pid=284.  If you would like to explore more biking tours, you can download them from http://bike-gps.idrz.de/. Although mountain biking may seem like the permier activity, in reality there is much more to do.  SCUBA diving oppertunities are all around, including the gorgeous Hallstatt lake.  On the the shore of Hallstatt lake is the town of Hallstatt.  Although it has become rather touristy lately, this town is worth the trip as the view of the town situated on both the shore of the lake and the base of a cliff is simply stunning.  From here you can charter a guide to take you onto the lake for a great day of diving (http://www.hallstatt.net/publisher/articleview/action/view/frmArticleID/121/?lang=en-iso-8859-15).  If you would rather a view from above there are numerous options for that as well.  For those not willing to go over the edge there are cable cars that offer some 'life list' views, while those craving a loftier feeling can take a para-gliding ride with a licensed instructor (http://www.aufwind.at/aufwind/content/TxtB_1664/view).  Other great adventures include ice caves, innumerable hiking & biking trails, and plenty of kayaking or conoeing trips.  Regardless of how you plan your travel, there is plenty of sights to see.

The best time to head to eastern Long Island is in April.  Not only do you not run into the huge crowds that gather during the summer, but you will have to opportunity to do some barrel tastings.  Offered at many wineries on Saturdays during the month you can head to the barrel room and taste the wines as they age in the barrels, before bottling takes place.  Many of these tastings are done with the owner or senior wine maker and allow you not only to see and taste the wine in it's most naked form but to ask questions about the wine and the
wine making process of those most knowledgeable.  So, for less expensive trips with considerably smaller crowds head to the east end of Long Island for some spring wine tasting.