Feel far away within a mile of Interstate 5 in California. Looking like a set out of one of the Star Wars films, Annie's Canyon is only a short hike away from the neighborhoods in Solana Beach, in Southern California in north San Diego County. One trail entrance is located just a few blocks from the interstate freeway exit, so getting there is a cinch. Slot canyons are formed by water eroding away rock, often sandstone since it is softer. You can almost imagine the water rush

The best part of my (mostly) daily walks is getting outside. When I go out for a walk I am outside of my small office, which sometimes feels confining, and into a much larger, open expanse. Clouds, a breeze, trees, and sidewalks often feel more welcoming than my desk! Without walls and a roof, my walks themselves become the containers for my experience, finite in time and infinite in possibility. I imagine them like the Mason jars my mom and gramma used to make jam...they get

Before you set out on your longer backpacking adventure, find a place to try out all your gear before you are too far out in the backcountry to change anything! Recently, I went on an overnight with a friend new to backpacking to test out her gear and see what adjustments she might want to make before she heads out with her daughter in the High Sierra. Afterwards, we enjoyed the view from the Shake Shack! On a gear test hike you are gauging a few things, but most especially h

Get started with a weekend get-away.

The Silver Lake stairs are known for their brightly painted steps! Step back in time as you explore the staircases that were created when streetcars took people to and from work. The stairs in Silver Lake were built to help commuters navigate the hilly neighborhood in this area northeast of the Los Angeles city center as they made their way to catch the streetcars to downtown. Many of the stairs are open to the public and are regularly maintained by neighbors, keeping their b