Mountain View
Fat Man Little Trail
Park Avenue Trail
The Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park is one of the first trails upon entering the park. While it doesn’t have views of any of the iconic arches, it has plenty of amazing rock formations to look at. There is an observation deck and also a trail that is relatively easy but a steep staircase might keep some away from the hike.
Walk a Mile a Day, Oboz Will Plant a Tree
I get a lot of press releases sent to me but I only pass on the ones that I really think are a cool idea or new product. This one I had to pass on to all of my readers. Not only does it inspire getting outdoors but also planting trees.
Getting Started Tips: Staying Healthy
I would like to thank those of you who have followed me and supported me as I move through this journey of leaving my couch and onto the trails. Hopefully, I have even inspired a couple of you! If not no big deal. If you procrastinate it is probably a good thing because I’m going to continue my short series on how you can learn from my mistakes! This week we are going to talk about staying healthy when you start exercising.
Getting Started TIps: Exercises to Start Hiking
Photo byfatmanlittletrailExercises to Start Hiking. I know, I know, just what someone on the couch wants to hear, “Here are some exercises to do before you start exercising.” The goal is to provide you with some simple things you can do at home. That way your first time on a trail isn’t too frustrating. The best trail you go on is always your next trail! Exercises to start hiking will help even if it seems counter productive!
The Walk
The first hike of spring is a special time. The skis and snowboards are stowed for the summer and the backpacks get dusted off once more. For some it is the first time off the couch after a bit of a hibernation through the cold winter months. Spring is calling for you. The trails have waited patiently. It is time for the walk.
Relive App
When it comes to hiking, biking, or really any type of outdoor adventure, it is important to have a tracking app to keep you on the trail and safe. There are a ton out there but I have found a new one that is really cool and wanted to share my experience with you. The Relive App has some amazing features that can take any outdoor adventure from good to great! Let me tell you a bit more about the Relive App.
Introducing Osprey Extended Fit
It has always been hard for people without traditional bodies to fit into traditional gear. With the influx of all sorts of bodies to the outdoors over the last few years it was hard for the gear supply to keep up. Some people needed to wear ill fitting gear that could make them feel like they didn’t fit in. Osprey has now taken a huge step to making the outdoors inclusive to everyone. The Osprey Extended Fit line of packs are now available for the hikers who are on the bigger size.
Swany Gloves Product Review
If you like winter adventures it is important to have the right gear! One of the first things to feel the cold can be the hands especially if you don’t have the right gear to protect yourself. There are a ton of options out there when it comes to keeping your hands warm but it’s hard to tell what will be right for you. I had the chance to review a pair of gloves and mittens from Swany Gloves and wanted to share my thoughts. Here is my review of the Swany X-Calibur glove and Swany Legend mitten.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Product Review
Traction is one of the most important parts of hiking in the winter. One false step on ice or snow and you are in for a bad day. I have tried a few different styles of traction but really like spikes. They are small, easy to get on, and provide a good boost to traction. Not all spikes are made the same though. So here are my thoughts on the Kahtoola MICROspikes.
Capulin Volcano Rim and Vent Loop
The Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in north-eastern New Mexico and is part of an 8,000 square mile volcanic field called the Raton-Clayton volcanic field. The park is listed as an International Dark Sky park as well. From the top of the rim trail there is apparently a view of 4 different states. I took a chance to see the views and ended up hiking the Capulin Volcano Rim and Vent Loop.
Sierra Grande Restaurant – Des Moines, NM
After visiting the Capulin Volcano National Monument I was looking for a nice spot to eat. Luckily the ranger turned me on to the Sierra Grande Restaurant in Des Moines. The Sierra Grande Restaurant is part roadside diner and part convenient store where you can stock up on snacks and gifts but more importantly can sit down for a really nice meal.
Mystery Ranch Zoid Cubes Product Review
The convenient Mystery Ranch Zoid Cube to help stay organized on an Adventure. I am not a very organized person which really shows up with the amount of gear I usually have with me on a trip. I was looking for some smaller bags that would help me stay on top of my clutter and make finding things a bit easier. The Mystery Ranch Zoid Cubes were the solution. I was sent a full set of three and ran them through their paces and here is my review.
Long’s Canyon Trail – Trinidad Lake State Park
Hiking Long’s Canyon Trail at Trinidad Lake State Park. Long’s Canyon Trail at Trinidad Lake State Park is an enjoyable nature trail with the chance to see wildlife. There are even blinds set up to help observe the wildlife. Long’s Canyon is a shorter trail that should be good for most skill levels.
Tony’s Diner – Trinidad
For those of you who are longtime readers of this website you know there are three words that I can’t resist on a sign. Diner, Cafe, and Grandma’s. You can not find better food on a road trip than if you see one of those signs. Plus, you find some of the best local people to talk to if you find a good diner! Tony’s Diner in Trinidad, Colorado had me like a moth to a flame. It was a traditional, low key diner serving all of the favorites. Plus, there was a really fun and energetic staff and it was good time all around.
Zapata Falls Hike (Winter)
Zapata Falls is located about halfway down CO-150 on your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. The hike to the falls is short but a little steep but extremely rewarding especially in winter when the creek freezes over and Zapata Falls freeze to walls of a small cavern and form a natural ice sculpture that is stunning.
All Gon Restaurant and Pizzeria – Fort Garland
The All Gon Restaurant and Pizzeria in Fort Garland is located right off of US 160. It is conveniently located for those who are travelling to or from Walsenburg and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The menu has a big assortment and there is plenty of room to eat at the restaurant or take orders to go.
High Dune at Great Sand Dunes (Finished)
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most visually stunning national parks I have seen. A wall of mountains surround a giant complex of sand dunes. High Dune is one of the most popular hikes through the dunes and takes you to the top of the tallest dune you see from the parking lot. It is not the tallest in dune field overall. That distinction goes to Star Dune. Hiking to High Dune will give amazing views of the park and will challenge all levels of hikers.
Fat Man Little Trail
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I am an outdoor enthusiast and outdoor blogger who has written over 500 posts reviewing trails, products, locally owned restaurants, and documenting my experiences on the trail as a hefty hiker. I have also been featured by prominent outdoor brands.
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