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!
As my very first foray into Olympic National Park, I did an overnight in the Royal Basin, where the subalpine beauty shocked me. Complete with glacial streams, a deep blue lake, wildflower meadows, and exposed mountain peaks, this hike has a little taste of everything …
Although a little frightening in name, the Rattlesnake Ledge Hike leads you to a rocky outcropping with fantastic views of the surrounding ridges and lake far below. As a solo hiker, I found the easy-to-follow trail to be delightful, with mossy boulders, lush greenery, and …
The San Pedro volcano sunrise hike was ANOTHER spectacular volcano hike in Guatemala. We ended up shoving three volcano hikes in 6 days while in the country (see Roasting Marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano and the Acatenango Overnight Hike), but hiking up San Pedro in the …
As far as hikes from Tuolumne Meadows go, the Cathedral Lakes hike is my favorite. When we visit Mammoth in the summertime, we’ve been known to make a special trip Yosemite via the Tiago Road to do this hike. It is a bit of a …
There are three ways to get around the Lake Atitlan towns. Water taxis (known as lanchas) are the quickest and easiest way for people to get from town to town on Lake Atitlan. Then you can also reach some of the towns by car on …
The Acatenango Volcano Hike in Guatemala has got to be one of the most well-known volcano hikes in the country and for good reason. During this overnight hike, you will be able to watch the Fuego Volcano erupt at a relatively close range while having …
While in Guatemala, I got to experience what every one has seen, but little see in real life: Lava! Yes, you can hike your way up a volcano to see flowing lava. The idea of it almost sounds as crazy as the fact that there …
So you want to camp at Havasupai and you’re researching what to do during your days at Havasupai, but you only keep finding information about the hike. You’re not alone. Before I did the trek, I found it confusing to plan out a Havasupai itinerary. …
This hike is one of my favorites in Yosemite National Park because you get serious bang for your buck. Within this 5.5 mile loop, you will visit a heart-pounding 2,000ft drop off above the Yosemite Valley while looking across at Yosemite Falls. Then, over at …
Although I do not fully known the history behind calling California the “Golden State”, one reason is definitely that the entire state dries up to be a golden yellow most of the year. There is, however, a short time in spring when everything is green …
The Narrows Hike in Zion National Park is probably one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever been on. You’ve definitely seen pictures, but to recount, it is a hike in Zion along the Virgin River between canyon walls that are over a thousand feet …
We went to Zion in hopes of hiking Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. However, with the closure of Angel’s Landing (check conditions before you go), we decided to try out the Hidden Canyon Trail and LOVED IT! This trail has surprises, so it is aptly …
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is absolutely enormous. It is the size of Delaware and sits in Southern Utah next to Bryce Canyon National Park. I will refer to it in this post as Escalante National Monument. The Bureau of Land Management maintains the monument, making …
Kodachrome Basin is a sweet little state park that sees much less traffic than nearby national parks and has a mysterious past. We decided to dip into Kodachrome Basin while driving back from Escalante National Monument to our campground in Bryce Canyon National Park. To …
In comparison to nearby national parks and monuments, Bryce Canyon National Park is petite, yet packs in unique geological formations and views. Being at a higher elevation, camping in Bryce Canyon is comfortable and cool – even cold at night! It also tends to be …
If you’ve done any research for a trip to the American Southwest, then you’ve seen a picture of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. Located just south of Page and Lake Powell area of Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. By walking/hiking …
Mesa Verde National Park is the home of enormous and well-preserved cliff dwellings. They are incredible to view from afar and even more exciting to go on a ranger-led tour through the cliff dwellings themselves. We opted for the Balcony House Ranger-led tour, but I …
Lower Antelope Canyon is just as beautiful in person as in all the pictures. Walking through the canyon, you experience the natural shapes of the canyon walls reflect light to create golden, orange, red, and violet hues. Looking toward the sky, the high canyon walls …
Valles Caldera is a National Preserve in Northwest New Mexico, known for its expansive meadows and wildlife. It is one of the newer national preserves and truly embraces preservation, which means you can expect to experience nature nearly alone and see the abundant wildlife. We visited …
Tuolumne Meadows of Yosemite is a breath of fresh air when visiting this increasingly popular National Park. This area of the park sits at a higher elevation than the Yosemite Valley and covered in snow from October to May. But from June to September, you …
Is it just me, or is there an “Inspiration Point” at more than one national park or city? There is an inspiration point in Santa Barbara (where I am based), Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and more. I suppose an expansive landscape view is indeed inspirational! But …
If you squint your eyes at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, it is easy to believe you are in the Sahara Desert. Yet, in ever direction, you can see the mountains in the distance that make up the edges of the Death Valley. To be …
After driving the 4+ hours to get to Death Valley, you might want to get out and stretch your legs. For this I recommend the Golden Canyon Hike. The Golden Canyon Hike is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure where you can decide how long you …
We visited Death Valley National Park and Badwater Basin for the first time this winter. The days were short, but with only a few people in the park, we got to explore so many areas in a single weekend. The temperature was chilly, especially when …
To say the view from Mt. Hoffmann is spectacular is an understatement, because it’s not often that you look down onto Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome in a 6-mile hike. At the geographical center of the National Park, you also get 360-degree views with Yosemite …
Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous US and stands at 14,505 feet. With that elevation, it is also one of the coveted 14ers in California. There are two camps on the mountain, but we decided to do the hike in one day. …
Training for the Mt. Whitney Day Hike Training for the Mt. Whitney day hike is no joke. The trail to Mt. Whitney is a 22-mile out-and-back incline to reach the highest peak in the continental US. It is a stunning and challenging hike. Most people …
Lone Pine Lake Hike When doing the Lone Pine Lake Hike, you climb the same trail to Mt. Whitney. But the Whitney trail passes above the lake, so unless you wanted to add more distance to the 22-mile hike, I recommend you do Lone Pine …
Canyonlands is the lesser visited sister to Arches National Park. Both are located in Utah, north of Moab and show the dynamic range of results that erosion has on the desert environment. I’ll be honest and say that if I only had one day in …
Aptly named, Arches National Park has an array of surprising and stunning natural formations to view. As you leave Delicate Arch after sunrise, head to the other incredible Arches in Arches National Park when the crowds are focused on heading straight for Delicate Arch. We …
Delicate Arch is a stunning piece of art in its own right. Delicate Arch at sunrise will actually knock your socks off. Yes, it’s still dark when you wake up. Yes, the trailhead is deep into Arches National Park. And yes, it’s a mile or …
If you’ve been to Yosemite before and you’re looking for something a little different and less trafficked, then I would suggest the Illilouette Falls hike from Glacier Point. Because you start off at Glacier Point, you will have expansive views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, …
Nothing I write about Machu Picchu could do it justice. No matter when you visit, I am sure that Machu Picchu will knock your socks off. My very humble recommendation is be at the site when it first opens and see Machu Picchu at sunrise. …
Originally the main entrance to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate lies on the original Inca Trail. Those who hike the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu from this location. For everyone else, this hike is an alternative way to connect with the Inca trail and …
Machu Picchu sits deep in the Peruvian mountains. Instead of making a beeline to the site, consider alternative methods to round out your experience. The Inca Trail is a famous route that will allow you to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. There are …
As part of our 5 day, 4 night Salkantay Trek, the first day included the Humantay Lake Hike. This was a conditioning hike that served several purposes. First, it allowed us to take a few hours to get accustomed to the high elevation. Second, explored a …
If you are in Waitomo, consider taking a caving tour. There are quite a few glowworm and caving tour companies, but I’m happy we chose Spellbound! We almost went for the blackwater rafting, but ultimately decided to do the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. First tours …
It was a gorgeous clear day, we thought would be perfect for flightseeing. But without the clouds, the wind picked up and made it impossible to flightsee. I was bummed, but we regrouped and ended up back at Adventure 60 North for recommendations. Adventure 60 …
The Tonsina Point Hike, just south of Seward is a delightful little hike to uninhabited points of Alaska. The hike leads to a secluded black sand beach. Beyond the Tonsina Point Hike, you can reach Caines Head State Recreation Area. Highly recommend this hike on …
For me, the Alyeska Ski Area was a challenging, but phenomenal part of our trip to Alaska. If you are like me and are only able to ski 1 – 2 times a year or less, this might be a challenging ski area. If you …
Costa Rica – Rio Celeste Hike When I saw images of Rio Celeste online, while researching Costa Rica, I was blown away by the color. Yes, it was a bit out of the way, but look at it!! It was on the “maybe” list for …
Rebecca and I were both a little nervous about the Cerro Chato hike. We did extensive research and found mixed reviews on the difficulty, which is how we decided to allow ourselves 3 hours each way and no rushing whatsoever. The morning of the hike, …
While in Costa Rica, I convinced Rebecca to do whitewater rafting in La Fortuna, with the condition that we do the slightly easier, Class II & III Rio Balsa Tour with Wave Expedition. Having gone whitewater rafting a couple times growing up, I knew we …