Arthur’s Pass
Location: New Zealand, Canterbury, Arthur’s Pass area
Popular route for crossing between the east and west coasts of New Zealand’s South Island with beautiful views and various short stops.
Horsethief Canyon
Location: California, San Diego area, Cleveland National Forest
Short, family friendly hike to a great seasonal swimming hole.
⊗ Wilson Creek Canyon ♦
Location: New Zealand, Otago, Haast Pass area
Awesome swiftwater canyon with beautiful rappels, great jumps and slides, and pure New Zealand splendor!
⊗ Robinson Creek Canyon
Location: New Zealand, Otago, Haast Pass area
Nice short swiftwater canyon filled with beautiful waterfalls, great jumps, and some really lovely rappels.
⊗ Cross Creek Canyon
Location: New Zealand, Otago, Haast Pass area
If you like jumping (and sliding and beautiful scenery), you’ll love this canyon!
Castle Hill
Location: New Zealand, Canterbury, Castle Hill Basin area
Fascinating area with interesting rock formations with numerous climbing sites; filming location for Narnia.
Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
Location: New Zealand, Canterbury, Arthur’s Pass area
The most well-known waterfall in Arthur’s Pass; accessed via a short 1km trail.
Oasis Spring
Location: California, San Diego area, Cleveland National Forest
Quick hike to a largely forgotten spring and pump house.
Garnet Peak
Location: California, San Diego area, Cleveland National Forest
Short hike to a peak with a beautiful 360 degree panorama of desert and mountain scenery.
Indian Creek-PCT Loop
Location: California, San Diego area, Cleveland National Forest
Nice loop hike utilizing multiple trails in the Mount Laguna area for a wide cross section of scenery and views.
Cougar Canyon (Bottom Up)
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Canyon in a remote portion of the park with waterfalls and lush vegetation, ending at the iconic Psychedelic Eye graffiti site.
Indian Canyon
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Remote area of Anza Borrego with nice wildflowers and a palm grove.
Mt. Lukens via Stone Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Nice, less-frequented hike offering beautiful views and sufficient elevation gain for good conditioning.
⊗ Silver on the Side Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Canyoning through a historic area with multiple waterfalls and a few ruins
⊗ Turtle Tears Canyon
Location: Nevada, Stateline Hills
Cram a lot of canyon into a half day – sweeping views on the approach, lots of downclimbs, and 5-6 rappels.
⊗ Desperado Canyon
Location: Nevada, Stateline Hills
Nice example of a desert canyon, with a good approach, interesting rock formations, and some nice sculpted rock walls for downclimbs and rappels.
McGee Pass Trail (Day Hike)
Location: Northern California, Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes Area
Popular day hike through a valley with beautiful mountain views, excellent fall colors in autumn, and nice wildflowers displays in the summer.
Lake Crowley Columns
Location: Northern California, Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes Area
Cliffs filled with fascinating natural rock columns and caves at the edge of a lake.
Convict Lake
Location: Northern California, Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes Area
Easy loop hike around a popular lake with blue waters, scenic mountains, trout fishing, and nice fall foliage.
Upper Owens River
Location: Northern California, Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes Area
Popular, scenic, and easily accessible spot for trout fishing.
Lundy Canyon
Location: Northern California, Eastern Sierras, Lee Vining Area
One of the finest hikes in the Eastern Sierras, the route features waterfalls, aspen groves, beaver ponds, and beautiful scenery.
Parker Lake
Location: Lee Vining Area, Northern California, Eastern Sierras
Nice scenic hike to an alpine lake perfect for trout fishing.
Aspendell
Location: California, Eastern Sierras, West of Bishop
Cute community in the Eastern Sierras with beautiful fall foliage.
⊗ Freeman Creek
Location: California, Easter Sierras
Fun technical route with waterfall rappels, slides, and nice scenery.
Montezuma Hot Springs
Location: New Mexico, East of Santa Fe, Montezuma
Historic hot springs in a natural setting.
⊗ Catstair Canyon (Complete)
Location: Utah, Kanab area
Short and easy technical canyon with a neat stacked car feature (yes cars! flattened and stacked!), some nice sculpted rock, and a rock art panel.
Upper Catstair Canyon
Location: Utah, Kanab area
Short non-technical canyon hike with interesting stacked cars and some pretty sculpted rock sections.
Johnson Canyon Movie Set
Location: Utah, Kanab area
Former film set used for Westerns made in the 1930s to the 1960s.
Paria River Valley
Location: Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Southern
Toadstool Hoodoos
Location: Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Southern
Easy hike to some cool hoodoos.
Sculpture Garden
Location: Minnesota, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Sculpture garden with numerous modern art sculptures, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.
St. Anthony Falls
Location: Minnesota, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Originally the only major waterfall on the Upper Mississippi, the site was converted to a concrete spillway along with a lock and dam as part of stabilization efforts at the turn of the 20th century.
Rabbit Peak
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Intense hike with sweeping desert views to a beautiful, semi-isolated mesa.
Rútshellir
Location: Iceland, Southern, Skógar/Vík area
Fascinating old cave which was expanded and used for storing hay and as a smithy
Fjallsárlón
Location: Iceland, Southern, Vatnajökull area
Lesser-known (but still very nice) glacier lagoon next to the famous Jökulsárlón
Gígjökull
Location: Iceland, Southern Iceland, Thórsmörk
Outlet glacier of Eyjafjallajökull whose surrounding landscape was radically transformed in the 2010 eruption.
Hrunalaug
Location: Iceland, Southwest, Golden Circle
Adorable little hot spring that’s suffering from overuse and irresponsible tourists
Faxi
Location: Iceland, Southwest, Golden Circle
Nice, rarely visited waterfall that can be viewed from multiple angles and includes a neat fish ladder.
Reykjanes Nature Preserve
Location: Iceland, Southwest, Reykjanes Peninsula
Large, infrequently visited nature preserve offering numerous opportunities for hikes and sightseeing
Reykjanes Lighthouse
Location: Iceland, Southwest, Reykjanes Peninsula
Picturesque lighthouse in a beautiful area
Valahnúkamöl
Location: Iceland, Southwest, Reykjanes Peninsula
Rugged coastal area with cliffs and scenic rock pillars
Deildartunguhver
Location: Iceland, West, Borgarfjörður district, Reykholt
Prolific hot spring with the highest flow in Europe
Fry-Koegel Trail
Location: California, San Diego, Poway
Scenic and less used option for hiking up Mt. Woodson and reaching Potato Chip Rock.
Potato Chip Rock
Location: California, San Diego, Poway
Hike to an iconic San Diego natural landmark for a classic photo op.
Pappy’s Point Sea Caves ♦
Location: California, San Diego area
Explore the “secret” caves at Pappy’s Point including the famous “Rum Runner’s Cave”.
Old Highway 80
Location: California, San Diego area
Travel the once-thriving Route 80 to see historic road side attractions, abandoned buildings, railcars, and modern day ghost towns
Sunset Cliffs Sea Caves ♦
Location: California, San Diego
Excellent set of sea caves on the San Diego coast
Sandtrap Canyon
Location: California, San Diego area, La Jolla
Short, non-technical sandstone canyon on the coast with year-round water and a waterfall
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Location: California, San Diego, Solana Beach
Large wetland preserve – home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals and contains over 7 miles of trails
Annie’s Canyon
Location: California, San Diego area, Solana Beach
Fun little coastal sandstone canyon on the banks of a scenic lagoon
Maquoketa Caves State Park ♦
Location: Iowa, Eastern
State park with 13 non-technical caves that can easily be explored.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
Location: Iowa, Central
Preserve featuring lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and prairie with hiking trails, boating, and fishing options
Blue Mosque ♦
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Breathtaking Classical Period mosque, particularly notable for its stained glass windows and decorative tiles
Grand Bazaar ♦
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
One of the oldest bazaars in the world and featuring over 4,000 shops – a wonderful combination of history, culture, and modern wares.
Gülhane Park
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Former palace garden turned into a lovely public park with various historic features
Pacbitun
Location: Belize, Western, Cayo District
Site of largely unexcavated (and possibly significant) Maya ruins
Ink Pots
Location: Canada, Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff area
Lovely green and blue pools of water in a mountain meadow which can be accessed via two different, but equally pretty, routes; nice hike year-round
Bow Falls
Location: Canada, Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff area
Quick and easy stop for views of a waterfall and a picturesque valley
Johnston Canyon
Location: Canada, Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff area
Classic hike through a beautiful non-technical canyon in any season; in winter the waterfalls freeze and offer ice climbing opportunities
Poway Crags
Location: California, San Diego, Poway
Nice, low traffic climbing area in a scenic location that’s home to a popular hike
Mission Gorge
Location: California, San Diego, Santee
Popular climbing area with easy access and a large number of climbs
Love Valley
Location: California, San Diego, Palomar Mountain
Easy hike through pretty rolling hills with seasonal ponds and picturesque old barn
Miramar Air Show
Location: California, San Diego, Miramar
Great air show featuring historic planes, explosions, and the Blue Angels
La Jolla Sea Caves
Location: California, San Diego, La Jolla
Sea caves along the scenic La Jolla coast with land and sea access options
Kitchen Creek
Location: California, San Diego area, Cleveland National Forest
Canyon with seasonal water flow that offers both technical and non-technical descent options
Lake Poway
Location: California, San Diego, Poway
Scenic multi-use trail around a lake with wildflowers in the spring
Gliderport
Location: California, San Diego, La Jolla
Scenic spot for paragliding and hang gliding with lovely coastal views
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Location: California, San Diego, Poway
Hike along a shaded creek with live oaks before climbing to the top of a reservoir
Descanso
Location: California, San Diego area, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Less frequented climbing area with a quick approach and around 30 climbs
Daley Ranch
Location: California, San Diego area, Escondido
3,000 acre reserve of historic ranch land featuring numerous hiking trails and historic barns and buildings
Doane Valley
Location: California, San Diego area, Palomar Mountain
Hike through pretty scenery including a pond, creek, rolling hills, and the ruins of a 1920’s dam and gauging station
Millard Canyon/Dawn Mine Loop ♦
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Hike to a great abandoned mine at the end of a non-technical canyon which includes a nice waterfall
Mt. Lowe Railway
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Hike the route of the historic Mt. Lowe railway, exploring the ruins of the two major stops along the route
⊗ Rubio Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Canyoning through a historic area with multiple waterfalls and a few ruins
⊗ Bailey Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Technical canyon with a straightforward approach and multiple rappels
⊗ Little Santa Anita Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Nice beginner canyon with a straightforward approach, lots of rappels, and an occasional keeper pothole; optional extension on the approach through a historic area with a few ruins
⊗ Eaton Canyon (Technical) ♦
Location: California, Los Angeles, San Gabriels
One of the best technical canyons in the area – like a descent of a technical waterpark with numerous slides and jumps and fun raps
Eaton Canyon (Hike)
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Heavily trafficked hike with multiple small river crossings to a nice waterfall
⊗ Allison Mine Loop
Location: California, Los Angeles area, San Gabriels
Hike to a great set of abandoned mines and descend via a canyon; overnight option allows additional rappels and more time to explore the mines
Echo Cliffs
Location: California, Los Angeles area, Santa Monica Mountains
Relatively quick approach to some excellent climbing, with climbs appropriate for all levels (beginner to expert)
Hueco Wall
Location: California area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains
Nice approach hike to a less frequented climbing area with intermediate to advanced climbs
Paradise Falls
Location: California, Los Angeles area, Thousand Oaks
Nice hike with three distinct destinations: a peak, a waterfall, and a small cave
Wayfarers Chapel
Location: California, Los Angeles area, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Lovely chapel designed by Lloyd Wright in a picturesque setting
The Grotto
Location: California, Los Angeles area, Santa Monica Mountains
Quick hike to an interesting talus cave with a small waterfall
Walker Canyon
Location: California, Los Angeles area, Lake Elsinore
Attractive canyon that’s absolutely covered with California poppies in the spring
⊗ Seven Teacups ♦
Location: California, Easter Sierras
Super fun Class C technical canyon with numerous jumps and slides
Zzyzx ♦
Location: California, South Central Desert, Northeast of Los Angeles
Abandoned buildings and infrastructure of a 1940’s era Health Resort on the edge of the Mojave Desert
Salton City
Location: California, South Central Desert, Southeast of Los Angeles
Failed resort community that currently houses a fraction of the intended population; fascinating as a sort of modern day ghost town
Indio
Location: California, South Central Desert, East of Los Angeles
Winter escape famous with polo fields, canyons, spring wildflowers, and the Coachella Valley
Wagon Caves
Location: California, East of Big Sur
Rarely visited lovely area in the Los Padres National Forest with cool rock formations and climbing options
⊗ Cougar Canyon
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Nice desert canyon with lots of rappels, some of which are very pretty, and flowing water in the spring
Villager Peak
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Hike to the summit of a peak offering sweeping views of the surrounding desert and nice wildflowers in the spring
Borrego Palm Canyon
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Popular hike along a watercourse to a palm grove; also features great wildflowers and a nice waterfall in the spring
Hellhole Canyon
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Hike over open desert and up a canyon along a watercourse to a hidden waterfall; features nice wildflowers in the spring
Lower Coyote Canyon
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Nice off-road drive providing access to some more remote areas of the park with nice hiking options and spring wildflowers
Galleta Meadows Sculptures
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Excellent art installation sprinkled around the Anza Borrego area, featuring large steel welded sculptures
Culp Valley
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Nice bouldering area right off the main road into Borrego Springs
Reynisfjara
Location: Iceland, Southern, Skógar/Vík area
Black beach with an amazing geometric basalt cliff and an imposing pair of off shore islands with sheer cliffs
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash
Location: Iceland, Southern, Skógar/Vík area
Wreckage of a US Navy plane that crashed here in 1973
Seljavallalaug
Location: Iceland, Southern, Skógar/Vík area
Outdoor pool originally constructed in 1923 filled with geothermally heated water