Encouraging women to try adventurous travel
Hiking as a vacation activity is rising in popularity. People want to use their valuable vacation hours on meaningful outdoor experiences, not just cruising and shopping. Millennials must be partially responsible for this trend, because it gives them a chance to unplug. With two millennial creators, Rebecca and Hanna post about moderately active vacation activities. Not too extreme, but moderate outdoor activities. The hikey climby category includes our physical dallies while traveling – hiking, skiing, biking, boating, and etc.
In 2014, the Moderately Adventurous blog began with a trip to Costa Rica, where we climbed a volcano to stick our feet in a green lagoon. We went to hot springs, whitewater rafting, and kayaking to a private island. Our schedule was jam-packed, but we loved every moment. Each country we visit has different landscapes and weather patterns creating incredible activities specific to the region and time of year. We love to get outside and hope our information will inspire or help you get there too!
“Oh, hello, Mars!” said another snowshoe participant, “I don’t know the last time I saw Mars in the sky.” Come to think of it, I don’t remember the last time I looked either. But seeing the stars through the snow-covered trees while standing on Mt. …
While scrolling Instagram, I accidentally became inspired by a vintage photo of a woman rock climbing in Yosemite. She had on a cream-colored turtleneck, loose brown shorts, absolutely no sunglasses, and a blissed-out smile while she looked up at the granite face above. Iconic. I …
Let’s talk about hiking shorts!! Before summer 2021, I exclusively wore long tights for hiking, no matter the conditions. I acclimated to wearing leggings even in hot weather while training to day-hike Mt. Whitney because I loved not having to think about my legs – …
Okay, this hike was kind of ridiculous. My partner even called the trail dumb for how relentlessly steep it was without switchbacks. However, all the frustration and anger melted away when we got above the treeline and started to enjoy the spectacular views and lack …
I’ve been to Lake Tahoe a handful of times in the last decade but had not yet embarked on the Eagle Lake Hike for fear of crowds. The trailhead is right on the curve around Emerald Bay – one of the busiest and most popular …
I’m not sure that Silver Falls State Park is considered a hidden gem, but it is a GEM nonetheless. I seriously have not seen this many waterfalls in one location since maybe Iceland… but that was across the entire country. Instead, this little state park …
The Stout Grove features a groundcover of ferns contrasted with absolutely massive redwood trees without an understory. The contrast is unbelievably scenic, especially when the light filters the treetops. I can see why they chose to film Star Wars in this location because it feels …
If you’re passing through Redwoods National and State Parks with little time, you can still see a few incredible trees by taking the scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway and making a quick stop by Big Tree. Yep, that’s the name of a particular tree that …
If you’re feeling a bit of big tree fatigued while visiting Redwood National and State Parks, boy do I have the experience for you! As you might expect, Fern Canyon is full of ferns. But as you might NOT expect, the ferns cover the walls …
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove has a fun name and trail that loops through old-growth Redwood Forest and features a couple different environments. The loop trail is only about 1.5 miles and is surprising even for being on the top of a ridge in Redwoods …
In the summer of 2021, I made a vow to head out to get out to the Channel Islands more often, if not yearly. I thought to myself, “late-winter and early spring would be a great time to visit when the grass is green.” Luckily, …
The Gaviota Coast is a largely undeveloped rugged coastline that features exposed rock and cliffs into the ocean. It’s gorgeous. A section of the mountains dips down, which the highway goes through. Since it is a low point on this mountain range, wind squeezes through …
“Disneyland rock formations with a bananas view” is exactly how my partner describes the Lizard’s Mouth hike in Santa Barbara. I have trouble even calling it a hike because it is such a short walk, but there is a trail to follow with uneven steps, …
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with a view over San Luis Obispo, look no further than the Bishop Peak hike. Bishop Peak is not only one of the “Nine Sisters” (or Morros) in SLO county, and it is also the tallest. But my …
One could say that his hike is bananas… and they would be correct for various reasons. First, the views from the rock structures are bonkers because it is essentially an uninterrupted scene of the entire Lake Tahoe. And second, the hike’s destination features a rock …
If you want to feel small amongst some big trees in California, the Muir Woods is a great place to see the massive California Redwoods. It seems crazy that the Muir Woods is so close to San Francisco, yet it feels like an entirely different …
San Diego, the world of sun! If you’re not outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather… then you must have a good reason. Haha, I don’t want to shame any vacation or travel. However, if you’re looking for somewhat casual outdoorsy things to do in San Diego, …
There is nature to discover on the this loop trail in Torrey Pines Nature Reserve, a rugged segment of land on the California coast near San Diego. Surrounded by urban life, the nature reserve is a lovely area to explore the natural landscape, including high …
When my friend suggested a sunrise hike in Rainier National Park, I knew it had the potential to be spectacular. And it truly was. We hiked with headlamps with Mount Rainier looming in the dark, snow reflecting light from the moon. However, we were not …
By 10:00 am, we had our tents and gear completely set up for our weekend to explore Mount Rainier with the day wide open. It was cloudy and chilly, but we decided to hike the Summerland Trail to wear ourselves out. We needed to get …
When I was a tried and true day hiker, I always thought it would be impossibly difficult to plan a backpacking trip, especially in another state. Yes, it’s a multi-step process, but it is absolutely possible. Over the last couple of years, I began to …
There’s no doubt that Grand Teton National Park is gorgeous, but heading straight into the backcountry to explore multiple mini climate zones was mind-blowing. Also, the alpine peaks were striking, the views were dizzying, the marmots were chunky and happy, and the wildflowers were voluminous. …
After experiencing the magic of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness during my hike to the Enchantments, my close friend and I were looking to explore more of the area on a short weekend backpacking trip. Initially, we were going to try to camp at Snow Lake …
Sometimes I forget that there is a National Park right off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura. Although not easy to get to, Channel Islands National Park is a remote paradise. Various hiking trails and limited boat seating make it a great getaway, even …
“I like that, oh I really like that.” My new friend Tammie and I laid back on the motorboat, our feet propped up on the side of the boat, a snack in one hand, and watching the canyon walls pass by far above. It was …
There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi’o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Unfortunately, rain washed …
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a lovely surprise. Yes, I expected to see a volcano, but I didn’t expect to get such an in-depth education on how the Hawaiian Islands came to be, including the flora and fauna we see today. I stayed overnight in …
It’s not every day that you can walk across a cooled lava lake and explore the unique volcanic rock. However, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can walk across a volcanic crater on the Kīlauea Iki Trail. Not only do you get to experience the …
Mammoth Mountain. Having grown up in California, this place has loomed large in my mind for years. Finally skiing it, I found it to be approachable with a glorious amount of intermediate runs. I skied for one day in February 2021 and already found my …
After exploring Joshua Tree for a day and a half, I confessed to my friend, “I worried that you wouldn’t enjoy the desert scenery when I asked to meet up here. What do you think?” My friend was living in the Pheonix area for the …
The Wonderland of Rocks Wash hike in Joshua Tree National Park is a trail that I wouldn’t usually recommend. I don’t recommend it for everyone because the National Park does not maintain it. It is relatively well-traveled but does not always have a clear path …
The Hurricane Ridge section of Olympic National Park is a high alpine area with snow-covered mountains, pine trees, and if you’re lucky, a cloud inversion. The drive itself is stunning with serious elevation gain from the coast region. After visiting the rainforests of Quinault and …
I’ve always wondered what it is like to camp on the beach. Would I get annoyed with the sand or would I love it? After my experience at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach on the Olympic Peninsula, I can say I am leaning toward loving it. It was …
Would you like to guess how much rain the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State receives annually? Well, Seattle gets about 3ft of rain each year, so you might have guessed 6 ft or maybe 10 ft… But the Hoh Rainforest gets …
When deciding what to explore on a multi-day road trip on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, I was pleasantly surprised at all the fun things to do at Lake Quinault. We included the Quinault area as our first stop in a clockwise loop around …
Each morning, I watched the steep granite peaks light up bright orange with a reflection in the lake below. I am becoming deeply enamored with the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington, and the Enchantments hike and lakes only furthered that admiration. I backpacked into the …
The Enchantments is an alpine wonderland with lakes, granite peaks, and a sprinkle of magic. Located in Washington, you can backpack into this basin, where you can discover crystal clear lake after crystal clear lake. Due to its beauty, the Enchantments exploded in popularity in …
When you’re driving along the east side of Lake Tahoe, you’ll inevitably reach a tunnel that burrows through a massive volcanic rock. It’s great fun to drive through the tunnel, but you’ll get a spectacular view if you climb to the top. This is Cave …
After hearing about the Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe for years, I finally did this phenomenal point-to-point hike in the summer of 2020. This hike offers views of the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe in Emerald Bay and the hidden coves along the lakeshore …
Maggie’s Peak Hike offers rewarding views of Lake Tahoe and a peak in the back-country if you are willing to take on the challenging elevation gain. For only being 2 miles to the top, you will gain 1,600 ft of elevation. And that means there …
Honestly, what can’t you do in Queenstown??! It’s an outdoorsy mecca with multiples of any offering – adrenalin activities from bungee jumping to paragliding, hiking in town and access to the Great Walks, scenic drives and views, and relaxing options like the onsen pools. Queenston …
The Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook is one of those hikes that did not disappoint. As the name suggests, the trail leads you up a valley carved by glaciers to a lake at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Yes, Hooker Lake is scenic, with …
There’s a good reason Roy’s Peak Lookout is famous. It draws people from across the globe to haul themselves 4-miles uphill on switchbacks through near-vertical agricultural fields for one reason – the view. And the view is spectacular. At the Roy’s Peak lookout, a ridge-top …
You can’t go to the town of Mt. Maunganui without hiking to the top of Mt. Maunganui, also known as Mauao. Well, at the very least you cannot go to the town of Mt. Maunganui without seeing Mt. Maunganui. But I highly recommend hiking it. …
There is something so satisfying about making the effort to see a sunrise in a foreign country. That satisfaction is only sweetened when the sunrise is over a dramatic landscape, special to that destination. Though it was not included on our tour, I am so …
Water cascading down a lush green cliff into a dark blue pool, a good bit of exercise, nature, and coffee to finish the hike – what could be a better way to experience Cuban nature? The Trinidad waterfall trek to Vargas Grande begins at a …
Breckenfridge. I was warming myself at the Overlook on-mountain ski lodge on Peak 9, when I met John. John, an official Breckenridge volunteer, was also taking a break from snow flurry conditions. He gave this California skier the lay of the land for the following …
e vibrant blue waterfalls of Havasupai are shockingly blue. After driving for hours in the desert and then hiking another 10 miles, it doesn’t seem possible to have something NOT be a dusty brown color. Yet, at Havasupai, the crisp, clear water is bluer than …
You know that quote that goes something like, “The journey is the destination”? This is not the case for Havasupai hike. Although the hike is a beautiful red-rock canyon in Arizona, Havasupai is an absolute oasis of turquoise water, lush plants, and waterfalls. To experience …
Camping should be a peaceful respite from nature, right? Well, that is not necessarily the case at Havasupai. When you camp at Havasupai, you’ll discover how popular this destination truly is. You’ll also discover the Havasupai campground is unique and gorgeous. Situated in and around …