Our first adventure was trekking to the Salto de Limon (Limon Waterfall). This was our view!

The waterfall! The cool pool of water was welcome on a hot day!

We had a traditional Dominican meal when we got back from the falls.

The next day we visit Los Haitises National Park by boat and rode through the mangroves.

This is one of the caves we explored.

Day 3 was our favorite activity - waterfall cascading! We climbed up to the 12 waterfall and then and then slid and...

...jumped our way back down!

The next morning we got up bright & early to get on the teleferico (cable car) to the top!

At the top of Mount St. Isabel

The last day was my first snorkeling experience!

More snorkeling. So glad I had a waterproof camera!

Look for a full length feature on why the North Coast is the new destination for adventure travelers in the debut issue of Adventure Insider mag in a few weeks! Make sure you subscribe to Adventure Insider Magazine

Looking Back

I headed off to Montana with the plan of backpacking the Coal/Nyack Creek Loop in the southern region of Glacier National Park.  I had seen from the online trail reports that there had been some avalanches in the area resulting in quite a few trees down and waist high river crossing about a week before my visit.  What I failed to realize from the report was the sheer numbers of trees that would have to be negotiated in order to complete the loop.  The rangers at the permit office put the number at somewhere in the ‘many hundreds’.  With that bit of information, we changed our plans.  The ranger then helped set up a trip that he was sure would be worth the effort. Worth the trip it was!

Let me start by saying I, as a general rule, try to avoid trips that require a lottery, are over-populated, and even require a permit if possible.  That said, the trip to Glacier was absolutely worth the hassle of the permitting process.  It was a fortunate set of circumstances that we happened to be at the west end of the park and started our backcountry  the following day on the east end of the park.  This required us to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road that traverses the park east-west and is more than likely the best 50 miles you will ever drive.  Mountain goats, waterfalls, glacial valleys, and wild berries are just a few of the wonderful things you will experience on this trip.  It is worth the trip even if happens to take you out of the way.

Day 0

Small Waterfall

After dropping our car at the Chief Mountain Trailhead (our terminus) we took the shuttle to Many Glacier and acquired a hiker/biker campsite.  Although these are communal campsites it is best to inquire about them before dropping you car, cost: $5/person.  Pizza and a couple beers that evening at the Many Glacier General Store hit the spot and the next morning we hit the trail.  Now, before I divulge our itinerary I want to point out that there are so many remarkable places in Glacier that almost any combination of campsites is worth the trip.  Also keep in mind the big passes that can be downright intimidating are some of the most magnificent places to see.

Day 1

Over Ptarmigan pass and through Ptarmigan Tunnel (yes, it’s an actual tunnel).  Upon exiting the tunnel you will see Elizabeth lake far below you.  Continuing down the trail will bring Helen Lake into view along with many peaks sporting glaciers and huge waterfalls.  Further down the trail we merged with the Continental Divide Trail and eventually arrived at Elizabeth Lake (Foot) Campground.  From there it was a magnificent hike to Elizabeth Lake (Head) Campground for the night.  Here there is a little sandbar

Dawn Mist Falls

that you can ford out to for a little relaxation sitting in a glacial valley surrounded by numerous peaks and ridges.  In  hindsight I think continuing another couple miles to Helen Lake Campground would be worth the little extra effort.

Day 2

Heading back towards the foot of Elizabeth Lake and continuing to Cosley Lake Campground.  On the route we passed Dawn Mist Falls and were pleased to see a small spur that leads to the bottom of the falls.  This spur is only about a tenth of mile long is pretty much flat, making the side trip for lunch and a refreshing dip a no-brainer.  The trail is pretty flat and wandering until we reached a river fording about a half mile from the campground.  After the ford and re-installing our feet in our shoes we proceeded the last half mile where we saw a black bear scavenging berries and decided to help ourselves as well, after we were well clear of the bear.  Cosely Lake sits at the base of a cliff and is fed by the run off from Stoney Indian Pass.  A fishing pole here may serve as one of the better items to bring.  Here, each campsite is along the water with a thin stand of brush and trees and a personal trail leading to the water.  Deer are very prominent in this area and tend to crave the salt we bring along.  I caught a doe licking the handles of my trekking poles numerous times even as I approached her.

Day 3

Morning Fog in Glacier N.P.

We continued west a short distance to Mokowanis Junction Campground.  Due to the short day we decided to take a day hike after lunch and a nap.  Mokowanis Lake is reported by one guide we met, to be a great spot for a swim.  Stoney Indian Pass offers glacier pools coupled with waterfalls and steep climbing.  We chose the pass, and we not at all disappointed.  Huge waterfalls and a dip in a 58° glacial pond was what the doctor ordered.  This was by far the pinnacle of the trip and is what has me wanting to return again.

Day 4

Backtracking day.  Heading east now past Cosley Lake a few miles into Gable Creek Campground.  Hiking the vistas of the park and picking wild berries to munch on made the day memorable.

Day 5

The end of the road.  Heading out to Chief Mountain was the slowest going on the entire trip.  Made extremely muddy by the recent rains the trail was tough to negotiate and at times almost frustrating.  A steep incline followed by some wandering finishes at the Chief Mountain Trailhead.

Planning

How to get there

Bears

Both Missoula (164 mi.) and Great Falls (203 mi.) are served by major airlines with car rental services available.  Destinations closer to the park may be served by smaller airlines or connectors.  The drive to park is straight forward although there is some construction on US-93 north of Missoula as of this writing.  Another notable is the utterly delicious Montana Wheat located at the junction of US-93 and Hwy 35.  There is also a grocery store there for last minute items.  Make sure you stop for some Flathead Cherries that are grown in orchards right along your drive and sold at the numerous stands dotting the road.

Permits

Due to the popularity of the park, permits can be hard to come by for Glacier.  Advanced reservation lotteries are in effect but a certain percentage of each campground is held for walk in reservation available to day before you wish to start.  Due to the high possibility of changes, check the Glacier National Park Backcountry Camping page for up to date information.

Outfitters

Many outfitter near glacier are more than happy to help you find that item you forgot at home.  If you need a place to get a new tent, get a new sleeping bag, or get that new Therm-a-Rest Neo Air you can stop by REI in Missoula.

Summary

Waterfalls on Stoney Indian Pass

If Glacier isn’t on your list, it should be.  If it is, it should be higher.  Glacier National park is truly an amazing place to visit, it’s just a shame it’s so popular as it makes it tough to keep to the ‘insiders’.

Quick Info

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Permits: Required.  By lottery or walk-in (see above)
Distance: Varies
Difficulty (1-10): Varies
Beta: Glacier N.P. Trails Illustrated.  Available for the whole park and in larger scale for sections of the park. (Buy)

http://www.nps.gov/glac

White Mesa Bike Trails

When it’s mountain biking season and you find yourself near central New Mexico, White Mesa is the place to head.  With a trail to meet everyone’s ability, White Mesa makes the perfect day trip for some great riding.  The area consists of over 15 miles of trail, ranging from beginner to advanced. The White Mesa area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is well marked and mapped.  Although primarily used for biking, hiking is allowed on the entire trail system and equestrian use is permitted on a portion of the trails.

Primitive camping is allowed in the monument without a fee or permit.

Located over a half mile to the south of Buttermilk Falls, Silver Spray Falls yields views that are just as stunning (if not better), but without the crowds.  However, little seems to be known about these falls, including the from the locals.  A stop at the local deli will get you directions to Silver Spray Farm, but mention  the falls and you may be told nothing of the sort exists.  Many people don’t realize that many of our greatest treasures lie where few people have ventured.  Park at the abandoned Farm and head North on Mountain Road about 500ft.  Once past the house head east and make your way back towards the creek.  Stay next to the creek and enjoy one of the sights in solitude.  You may want to pack a lunch as it will surely take you longer then expected, after all, there are so many pictures to be taken.

Quick Info:

Location: Deleware Water Gap NRA,  NJ, USA
Permits: None
Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Varies from 2-5

http://www.nps.gov/dewa/

Getting There

The tent rocks are located approx. 45 miles southwest of Santa Fe. From I-25 take Exit 259 (Santa Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area). Follow NM-22 to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument to a water tower painted like a drum (Tribal Route 92). After paying the five dollar private vehicles entrance fee proceed up the gravel road to the parking area.

From Vienna it’s a two and half hour to the transfer at Attnang-Puchheim where your train will take you south to the Salzkammergut area of Austria.  Although this area is not home to the grand Alps that we often associate with the Austrian Alps, the cliffs rising directly out of glacial lakes makes this area an adventure seekers dream.  The draw of this region attracts events like the Red Bull X-Alps competition.  This competition is held every year and requires participants to travel 850KM from Krippenstein to Monaco.  Even if you don’t have the time for a trek across half of Europe there is still plenty to do.  Each summer the Salzkammergut Mountain Bike Trophy race is held starting and finishing in Bad Goisern.  If you can’t make it for the race or just want a little more space you, can ride each course. They range from 14.7 mi to 129.7 mi. so make sure you’re biking legs are in shape.  Each course is included in the map on this site, but individual Google Earth and GPS files are available from http://www.salzkammergut-trophy.at/show_page.php?pid=284.  If you would like to explore more biking tours, you can download them from http://bike-gps.idrz.de/.

Although mountain biking may seem like the permier activity, in reality there is much more to do.  SCUBA diving oppertunities are all around, including the gorgeous Hallstatt lake.  On the the shore of Hallstatt lake is the town of Hallstatt.  Although it has become rather touristy lately, this town is worth the trip as the view of the town situated on both the shore of the lake and the base of a cliff is simply stunning.  From here you can charter a guide to take you onto the lake for a great day of diving (http://www.hallstatt.net/publisher/articleview/action/view/frmArticleID/121/?lang=en-iso-8859-15).  If you would rather a view from above there are numerous options for that as well.  For those not willing to go over the edge there are cable cars that offer some ‘life list’ views, while those craving a loftier feeling can take a para-gliding ride with a licensed instructor (http://www.aufwind.at/aufwind/content/TxtB_1664/view).  Other great adventures include ice caves, innumerable hiking & biking trails, and plenty of kayaking or conoeing trips.  Regardless of how you plan your travel, there is plenty of sights to see.

San Lorenzo Canyon - New Mexico

Located about an hour south of Albuquerque on BLM land, San Lorenzo Canyon offers a short & easy trip for those looking to backpack with someone inexperienced, children, or anyone just looking for a simple trip.  There is only about a mile and a half of canyon before the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (which is off limits without permission), so the canyon offers the possibility of a Friday night hike in allowing almost two full days of day hiking.  Campsites with a nice view can be found with an eye upward and the willingness to do a little light scrambling.  Water is tough to find so plan accordingly during the drier seasons.

Directions:

Sunrise over San Lorenzo Canyon - New Mexico

Take exit 156 off I-25 for Lemitar and head to the west to the service station to stock up on beef jerky and water.  When your finished shopping take the service road North that runs parallel to I-25, on the West side approx. 5 miles.  When the road makes a sharp turn to the East take the left on a maintained dirt road.  In approx. 2 miles you will see a sign on the right to San Lorenzo Canyon. If you are in a four wheel drive take this road as far as you see fit (if you are so inclined you can drive all the way up the canyon).  If you are in a two wheel drive back up to one of the dirt roads and head up a little ways until you find suitable parking.  Wherever you park, just head West in the wash to the mouth of the canyon.

Quick Info

Location: Aevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA
Permits: None
Distance: 1.5 miles one-way
Difficulty (1-10): 2
Beta: http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/SanLorenzo/

http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/socorro/san_lorenzo_canyon.html

Jemez River - New Mexico

If barren desert is what comes to mind when you think of New Mexico, think again.  In the Jemez mountains about 45 minutes from Santa Fe (in the National Forest of the same name) runs the Jemez River.  With tons of trails in the area, the hiking and backpacking opportunities are almost endless.  Add to that the Jemez Falls and the McCauley Hot Springs and the Jemez river makes for great weekend outings with the kids.  Keep in mind the area is quite popular and thus solitude can be a little tricky.

Jemez River Crossing - New Mexico

If nothing else you can find a secluded campsite by being a little adventuresome and heading off trail.  There are also some sport climbing routes in the area  along the river if that’s your sport. The scenery while driving on US 4  will leave you speechless as well,  particularly to the west. After a nice weekend head to Cafe Pasquals in Santa Fe for an absolutely divine brunch.

Quick Info

Location: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, USA
Permits: None
Distance: Many variations
Difficulty (1-10): 3

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/index.html