With the holidays peeking over the horizon, it’s that cozy time of year when we swap trail boots for slippers and gather ’round to give and receive. Now, if you’re anything like us, you know that life on the trail doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate a slice of luxury. So, here’s a little insider scoop […] The post The Hiker’s Guide to Gifting: Luxe Finds from Vincero Collective for Under the Tree appeared first on Back o' Beyond.| Back o' Beyond
In a world dominated by technology and urbanization, the allure of the untouched wilderness has a magnetic pull. For fishing enthusiasts, the backcountry offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature’s serenity while pursuing the coveted big trout. Remote wilderness settings provide not only the chance to reel […] The post Backcountry Fishing: A Guide to Catching Big Trout in Remote Wilderness appeared first on Back o' Beyond.| Back o' Beyond
Trip Data Dates: Thu, Oct 21, 2021 to Sun, Oct 24, 2021 Route: Lipan Point > Grandview Point Weather: Sunny, with partly cloudy afternoons. Highs in the 60s and 70s, lows in the 30s and 40s. Distance Hiked: 33 miles Time: 4 days Map Background In June of 2021, Max attained permits for an October descent into the Grand […] The post Trip Report: The Escalante Route of the Grand Canyon appeared first on Back o' Beyond.| Back o' Beyond
This summer, Funwater sent us one of their best selling paddle boards to review. Use code FORMAX15 to receive a 15% discount at checkout: funwaterboard.com Between all of the hiking, rock climbing, and RV'ing we've done over the past few months, we haven't gotten out on the paddle board as much as I'd like. That being said, the few times we've taken it out have been dreamy. Back in June, we camped at Bear Lake for three nights and took the paddle board out every day. The unboxing experience w...| Back o' Beyond
Overview In anticipation of our arrival to the Western Slope this summer, I started doing research on climbs and hikes in the area. Monument Canyon got onto my radar when I found out about Independence Monument, a desert tower that was first ascended by John Otto in 1911. He did it in cowboy boots! The tower is located at the meeting place of two canyons, Monument and Wedding. When I first got to town, I hit up Randy Langstraat, a Grand Junction local who happens to write one of my favorite d...| Back o' Beyond
A few months ago, Isobaa gave me a pair of their Merino Blend Trainers to review. I know what you're thinking - 'But Max, isn't Back o' Beyond a hiking blog? These shoes don't look like hiking shoes.' Well, you're right. Contrary to what you might assume based off my posts, I don't spend 100% of my time hiking. Sometimes my wife makes me do other things, like go to nice restaurants, bar hops, and wineries. Kim and I are longtime fans of wearing merino wool, but I can't say that I've ever owne...| Back o' Beyond
https://youtu.be/9zzxVFX-AaY Trip Data Dates: Wed, Jul 21, 2021 to Sun, Jul 25, 2021 Route: West to East. Uinta Highline Trailhead > Hacking Lake Trailhead Weather: Partly cloudy mornings, afternoon t-storms. Torrential downpour on Night 2. Hail and lightning on Day 5. Distance Hiked: 81 miles Time: 5 days Passes: Rocky Sea, Dead Horse, Red Knob, Porcupine, Tungsten, Anderson, North Pole, Gabbro Map Background Earlier this year, our group applied and did not receive permits for the John ...| Back o' Beyond
Overview I have never been able to get a straight answer on where Lake 22 got its name. It is a strange and mysteriously indistinct title for such a unique alpine lake. All the same, the hike to this lake is one of my favorites in the state of Washington. The lake sits at the bottom of a cirque on the northern side of Mount Pilchuck and is accessed from the scenic Mountain Loop Highway. Awe-inspiring cliffs rise precipitously from the lakeshore and are filled with waterfalls fed by snowmelt. ...| Back o' Beyond
Overview The Park Butte Trail takes you to a historic fire lookout built in 1932, on top of a knoll with 360° panoramic views. From the lookout, Mount Baker (aka Koma Kulshan) steals the show, but the surrounding ridge lines are also worth staring at open-mouthed. Hiking to Park Butte Lookout takes you through a mushroom and wildflower-filled mountain wonderland dotted with gushing waterfalls. It is 3.5 miles one-way to the lookout, with 2100 feet elevation gain, but the excursion flies by b...| Back o' Beyond
Overview Blanca Lake is one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in Washington. Its waters are often described as 'teal', 'turquoise', or 'vibrant blue,' giving it a striking beauty. Like many worthwhile hikes in Washington's Cascade Range, this hike is steep and strenuous. Anyone that puts in the hard work of booting up to Blanca Lake will have their efforts rewarded handsomely. I find myself recommending Blanca Lake over and over to family, friends, and acquaintances looking for incredible ...| Back o' Beyond
