Author: jmaurizi

Hike the Northgate Peaks Trail

This trail starts at 7000 feet above sea level and follow a flat route through pines and grasslands to lava view point of the Northgate Peaks.

The only access to the Northgate Peaks Trail is by the Wildcat Canyon Trail, which has a trailhead just off Kolob Terrace Road. From the start of the trail you have a good view of Pine Valley Peak on your right. The trail passes on the left into an open green and lush area. After hiking a little over one mile on the Wildcat Canyon Trail, you will reach a trail junction with the Northgate Peaks Trail. The trail is relatively flat and a very enjoyable hike. The trail is about 1.5 miles and ends at an overlook point composed of volcanic rock. The overlook and has great views of Northgate Peak East and West.

To extend your adventure a little more, look for a social trail that leads downhill toward Northgate Peak East. The trail is on the left and will provide an opportunity to ascend Northgate Peak East.

The beautiful pines and cooler temperatures makes this a very good late spring or summer hike. The trail is easy and the spacing of the pines was unique and beautiful. Overall, this is a 5 mile outand back hike. The high grasslands and Ponderosa pines scattered along the trail makes this area of Zion one of my favorites.

Author: jmaurizi

Hike the Rubicon Trail

A pleasant hike along the shore of Lake Tahoe connected two very nice state parks.

The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. You can start at either point. I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle. Also, there is more available parking at Bliss. Park your car as far down as you can to the lake as you can.

The hike follows a well maintained trail along Lake Tahoe with great views of the clear water. The trail ends at Emerald Bay State Park and Vikingsholm Castle. Walk up hill following the access road to Emerald Bay Road where you can catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle to the entrance of D.L. Bliss. It is about a 2 mile walk back to your car but it is now all down hill and there are many trails cutting the switchbacking road.

Of course, another option is to walk back the way you came for a nice, easy 9 mile hike. Which, if I were to hike this again, is the way I would do it.

Without a car you can take the Nifty Fifty shuttle to D.L. Bliss and walk the road at the beginning then after hiking the trail take the shuttle from the Vikingsholm/Eagle Falls area back to South Lake Tahoe.

Author: jmaurizi

Heart O’ The Forest Trail

This was the first hike I did in Olympic National Park. It is a well maintained trail through a temperate rain forest. The many shades of green is amazing. The trail ends after an easy two miles. There is a social trail that drops down to a branch of the Ennis Creek. Not really worth the scramble down but the hike along the Heart O’ The Forest trail is enjoyable and a good introduction to what a temperate rain forest is. It is also convenient if you are camping at Heart o’ the Hills or just visiting the visitor center in Port Angeles.

Equipment: Light hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. It does rain here a lot but don’t let that stop you. Pack a light rain coat.

Author: jmaurizi

Bantaey Srei

Explore a 1000 year old temple with intricate carvings and few other visitors.

Bantaey Srei was built in 967 A.D. primarily of sandstone. Bantaey Srei is the name the locals call the site now. Translated this means “City of Women” or Citadel of Women. It is called this because of the intricate carvings throughout the complex that are said could only be carved by the delicate hands of women. The temple was originally called Isvarapura and was dedicated to Shiva.

From the parking area, walk the dirt path to the first Gopura which is an outer entrance building. Here at Bantaey Srei, the Gopura precedes a long causeway that connects to the third outer most rectangular wall that enclosing the temple. This gate has a beautifully carved head stone over the main entrance. There is several windows on either side in various states of disrepair.

After the Gopura, there is a 67 meters long causeway that connects the Gopura with the Third Enclosure. On either side of the causeway is remnants of corridors leading from the enclosure. This causeway has been nicely restored and makes for a beautiful setting.

Most of the area within the third enclosure is occupied by a moat. There is a causeway to the second enclosure but I recommend taking time to walk along a path that is between the wall of the third enclosure and the moat. The trail is narrow but far enough away to get a full picture of the temple and wonderful reflections in the moat.

The Sanctuary at the center is entered from the east and is backed by three large towers. To gain access to the towers and libraries, you must go through a pavilion. At each entrance are guardians along side the steps. These structures are the most detailed carvings I’ve seen in Angkor. The structures are rather close together so getting a full picture at once is difficult.

Although this is not within Angkor Archaeological Park proper, you do need the park pass to enter the complex. This is a great side trip for a half day about 45 minutes north of Angkor. It is best to negotiate this with your Tuk Tuk driver at the start of your day and should be an all inclusive price, typically about $15-$20 for the entire day.

Author: jmaurizi

Hike to the summit of Trapper’s Peak

Trapper’s Peak is part of the Thornton Lakes area and the summit offers great views of the Pickets Range, Mt. Despair and Mt. Triumph. Also on the hike up you have great views of Thornton Lake.

The only way to access the Trapper’s Peak Trail is by hiking up the Thornton Lakes Trail 4.5 miles. At that point there is a trail split marked by a wood post. Follow the trail up to a sub-alpine setting. The trail is steep and you may need your hands occasionally to ascend. There is a few false summits and you will follow a beautiful ridge line to the actual summit.

Be alert to changes in the weather. This is not a place to be in any kind of storm. This trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers! The summit tops out at 5966 feet for a gain of over 3000 feet from the trail head.

Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles. Watch for the weather forecast and have appropriate clothing for the conditions you may face.