Tiffany YoungExplorer
Chick from the coast that found love in the mountains.
Activity 10 Saves 4 Stories 46 Adventures 439 Photos 48 Reviews
Hike McCullough Gulch to Upper Blue Reservoir
Pretty but strange
Go early. It's amazing the number of people that rock up for the hike between 12-1. I was one of the first cars to show up at around 10 am on a Wednesday but by the time I left, there were about 20 more. A good climb and easy to get to from 9. If you're there early, there's a small carpark, otherwise, you park from the fork, back. Walk on an easy and clear service road, though at this time in October it's icy. Basically stick left. This trail was kinda weird because there were clear trails, but at the same time, not. At that the first trailhead, there's a sign that says waterfall 1 mile and lower blue lake in 1.4 miles. I stuck to the left up the trail, came across an old mining cabin, and kept climbing. Then there was a trail that took a turn down. I wasn't sure if that was too the lower lake, but I kept climbing through the treeline and eventually getting to the base of the waterfall. I read the waterfall is an additional mile that reconnects to the main trail. At the waterfall, I saw a "trail" sign that pointed to the base and walked towards another sign that just had me do a quick loop around. I looked around to find a third "trail" sign going up and continued on. There were some clear indicators of the main trail like footbridges and more signs, but as you climbed around rocks and looking for trails, they kind of threw you around everywhere. Eventually at the top of the waterfall, it'll fork off again. Left going to the end of the lake and the right taking you over the lake. The trail on right will continue on past upper blue lake, but the wind was so strong I decided to turn around and head back down. It was a nice walk, but can't say I'd do it again. I rather give this walk a 3.5 rating.
Climb to Mueller Hut
...in complete awe
I remember this day pretty well because I had spent the night before outside the Aoraki NP and when I looked across Pukaki the next morning, I didn't think it seemed too nice. However, I played along and waited for a potential change of weather and evaluated when I got to the village... sure enough, the weather pushed back for later in the evening. Once I was at the trailhead, I was devoted for a reward of climbing to the hut. It track starts off chill, but when it splits left towards Sealy Tarns, the climb begins at the base of the Mueller Range and then it's a steady steep climb when you reach the stairs. I worked with the "slow and steady" mentality for this hike balance energy as needed because this will be a climb! The Sealy Tarns is a gorgous mountain lake and good spot to take a break. Evaluate your time from here because you're only about half way at the tarns and the terrian changes to a less maintained track following orange markers (every 200m) and you will climb through rock fields, tussocks, scree, etc. Stay aware when you climb here, especially around others. Once at the scree, you're getting close to the ridge. When I hiked it in November, there was a fair amount of small. I followed the already made footsteps and a traverse across to the ridge. And at the ridge I had the most wondering and rewarding time chatting with other travlers, snacking, and witnessing an avalanche happen off of Mount Sefton, in complete awe. After my break, I went south and continued following the track to the hut and looped around the same way. Then back down I went, but I treated my knees with a little bum slide down the snowy face - a solid 1 minute ride and the rest was history. Check out NZ Mountain Safety Council's video on Mueller Hut for an awesome informative video!
Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point
Excellent morning stroll
I camped out at the White Horse Hill Campsite for a night and the next morning I took this easy walk to Kea Point before heading to the next place. From the campsite, it was easy to walk to a trailhead NW. This trail connects to the Mueller Hut track and a track to the village. Kea Point had a slight gain in elevation, but nothing to sweat about. Clear path and really peaceful. You'll get to a small viewing deck of the amazing area (the Footstool, the glacial wall, Mount Sefton, and of course, Aoraki.)
Chillin at Fort Mason
Grass is awesome
I interned at the NHP and it was always a great place to soak up the sun, views, and people watch. Don't miss the farmer's market and the food truck Friday! Bring it up to the grass and ease down the day (or start it, or wherever you are in life)
Sunset Hike Mount Eden
One of Auckland's most popular
When you're in a city, free things to do is a win. It's without a doubt gathers the crowds, but it's worth it for the history and view. Mount Eden isn't far from the city and accessible by car, bus, and foot. I've walked all the way there from the CBD while I was in the city for a week. It was about an hour. When you finally reach the edge of the crater, it puts you in awe of this natural creation in the middle of a large city.
Explore Chapman Falls in Devil's Hopyard SP
Easy access, gorgeous space, beautiful sounds, be respectful
I grew up in these areas and it's a space for all kinds of people. You'll find families, nature, graffiti, and litter in the picnic areas. Keep places beautiful by leaving it better than you found it. You can park above Chapman Falls or below it where the river runs through the picnic area, where you'll find another parking area. Chapman is only the start of your adventure. Below the falls, over the bridge from the picnic area is the start of trails that will take you through the Devil's Hopyard trails. I often go to the vista point in a loop heading up the hill then coming back down following the river. Try to find the Devil's Oven. This forest is really lovely and I personally like for photography because of the deep forest lighting.
Hike to Queenstown Hill
From town to mountains
I enjoy Queenstown for what it is, but I love it for everything around the town. The campgrounds, hikes, and Lake Wakatipu. Easily accessible from town by walking into the neighborhood hills before you enter the "Queenstown Hills Time Walk" for the history and future of the area. A steep, but steady climb up through dense pine forest with bulletins along the way to talks about the history of the area. Take your time with these public museums to appreciate the space you are using. When the forest opens up, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu will shine with the "Basket of Dreams" sculptures. Don't do it just for the gram, but sit it and take a pure minute of silence to be where you are. A plaque reads, "inward, to reflect, to draw inspiration from the mountains, lake, and from those who are with you, outward, to dream, for the future. It's a piece made of 20mm steel bars created by artist, Carolina Robinson. After the basket, continue the steep climb up to the top for a grander view.
Hike to the Heublein Tower on Talcott Mountain
Talcott is a very simple walk (though not flat) and as others have said, classic CT views. I went to uni nearby and it was a common place for a Sunday morning adventure. It's a popular place to be, so per usual, earlier the better. And great place year round, but the fall foliage is like no other!
Hike the Pineapple Track
I tell everyone about this tramp
Dunedin is one of those spots people have to make time for in their travels and I think that's part of what's so special about the areas here. A bit off the typical travel itinerary, awesome uni town, and the most epic nature. This was one of the first tramps I did when I was going to school at Otago and we started with a dirt path going through the nearby neighborhoods, a shaded forest, and all the sudden a steep climb that opens up to the Taieri Plains and city views. We did this for sunset in July and the top had snow. First time in my life, I had experienced snow in July. The views around you and the surrounding golden tussock was a magical moment at sunset!
Hike Overlook Mountain
Switchback Heaven
If switchbacks aren't your vibe, this is still worth doing anyway because of the fantastic view as described in the description! Good morning workout or to catch the sunset. The trail is straight forward as you follow the gravel road up, knee brace probably a good move for the hike down for those who need it. The climb up doesn't offer many views, but a peak every now and then. The fire tower is also a great climb for the adrenaline junkies!
Run the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Post-Work-Chill
I got out of work, picked up a heavy sandwich, and climbed up the 16th Avenues Tiled Steps to the top for a hellva sunset and well-earned meal. The tiles were beautiful though, it's a good thing they're stairs cause I caught myself staring a lot! Also, what Erin said below!
Hike to Mayflower Gulch
Excellent Short Hike (not terrible on the knees!)
Getting to the trailhead is extremely. After driving pass Copper Mountain and up the hill towards Vail, there's a parking lot to the trailhead to the left. Lots of space! We got there around 9AM on a Thursday and there were about 3 other cars. In total the hike was about 9km (6 miles) including doing both forks, right, exploring the ridge and left, going to the base of the face. Lots of different views and mostly a gradual climb with loose rocks so just watch your footing on the way down. Per usual of Colorado! By the time we were heading out around 11 there were a far amount of hikers. Great way to start the day.
Hike to Huka Falls
Easy Access & Unreal Colors
Tourist destinations are tourist destinations for a reason! This stroll is easy to get to with a free spa for a treat, even if you're walking from town!
Explore Bridal Veil Falls
Popular, but wonderful
When I went when Mt Karioi was closed so we decided to this nearby Bridal Veil Falls and it was a great way to start off the morning! As always, the earlier the better because this place got busy when we were leaving. The falls follow down with mostly stairs and offers 4 amazing viewing platforms for 4 different angles while you are in the trees. It is very well covered by trees and make sure to take in the smell of the surrounding, it's beautiful! The climb down is great, but don't forget you'll have to climb back up. Even though there are well made stairs, shoes with a grip is best as the area can get wet.
Hike the Zirkel Circle (Gilpin Lake Loop)
Most Excellent
Day tripped from Summit County and got to the parking lot a little before 11 AM on a September, Wednesday. Encountered a total of about 10 people and a wonderful dog, which is not bad for such an epic hike that's a reasonable distance from Steamboat Springs. Beautiful clear and clean trails. The climb is definitely a good moderate-difficult and seeing that clear switchback coming from Trail 1161 was wild and will def get your heart going.
Hike to Sapphire Point Overlook
Chill cruise
Easy and convenient lookout that you can get to via Swan Mountain or the bike path. Though very popular and can be crowded. The lookout has a few tables set up, but I came off the bike path to hang my hammock in the trees for some reading before sunset.
Climb Mount Royal
Up up & uuuuuUP
Easy to get to and easy parking. Many options from parking in town, overnight kayak parking, or the lot to the right directly off the highway. Fairly full parking lot when I got there a bit before 10 on a September Thursday, but saw no more than maybe 20 people on the hike up and then down. Typical CO, this is pretty much a solid climb up, especially once you get to the last turn before the intersection between Mt Victoria and Mt Royal. Did the climb in Chacos. Up was fine, but be sure to watch your footing on the way down as it's a ton of lose rocks, roots, and in general rocky terrian. Unfortunately, very few are considerate of the current mask regulations. From the top of Royal you see highway 70 and the surrounding pass. On the other side you got views of Swan Mountain and Keystone. Overall, solid hike to get the heart pumping and will do it again at some point to get to Mt Victoria and/or Peak 1
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Fyffe
$5 hut FTW
Following the service road all the way up is a little bit brutal on a hot day with no breeze. Though it's totally worth the struggle of this backcountry access so close to town! Hut had everything you needed for a cozy night and the very the next morning is worth taking your time to get down the mountain.
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Isobel
Do it for the 360
This is a really fun trail in Hanmer Springs! The trek goes up and around mountains while behind surrounded by tons of beautiful golden tussock. The 360 view from the top is so open and vast. I did this with a group of friends from work, what an adventure!
Hike Peak Hill
Totally epic surroundings, totally fun trek
If you have had the privilege of flying into Chch from the north on a clear day, you've seen the Rakaia River from above right before you land. It's a view worth taking in and this tramp offers it a totally different angle and so so much more! The climb is definitely steep and to be honest, I thought the first hill was it, but it kept going. And so glad it did because per usual, the view only got better. The tramp is pretty straight forward and a lot of fun around every bend!
Hike to Lily Pad Lake
Frozen lake and stunning views
After being in higher elevation for a week, this hike was still a good challenge. If it wasn't for the higher traffic of hikers compacting down the snow to make a visible trail, it's a bit harder to follow in the snow. The most difficult part is the first ascend and after that, the trails moved up and down, but not as steep as the first hill. After the view of Lake Dillon you'll still get peeps of the surrounding mountains in several clearings and beautiful forest light. I had three group of returning hikers tell me about the moose ahead, so keep an eye for the wildlife! In this time in early November, the lake has frozen over, but the view from the next lake was still incredible with Buffalo Mountain shining! I absolutely loved this hike!
Hike to Old Dillon Reservoir
Awesome Welcome to Summit County
An incredible little hike that's accessible for those without a car. Summit County runs a free shuttle and you can get off right by Lake Dillon, walk the west side of it (whether you're coming from Dillon or Frisco, this adds about another 4 miles there and back, but it's an easy stroll.) and get to the trailhead to the Old Dillon Reservoir. The walk slowly ascends up to the reservoir, making it a great beginner hike for those who is still getting use to the elevation gain. Even though it's right between roads, it gives unbelievable views.
Hike to Hooker Lake
Easy, stunna', whoa.
Every minute of the walk is beautiful and totally interesting. There is just so much going on and you'll understand why this walk is the most popular in Aoraki National Park. The views of Mount Sefton and Mount Cook will take your breath away. Especially when the clouds finally roll away from the peak of Cook!
Explore Ohau Waterfall
You have no reason to not do this walk
If you're on highway 1 heading to Chch or Picton, Kaikoura is the perfect spot for a pitstop! This seriously short walk is right off of the highway and well worth the time to either observe the ocean or check out the waterfall and the seal pups just chillin'! As said, these are wild animals, so don't try to feed or touch them!