Happy Hiking: Dam Mountain Trail

Much to my dismay, aside from hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Vancouver, trekking this summer eluded me.  Fortunately, however, on my way to Maryland for a horse show, I stopped to stretch my legs with my dog Annie on the Dam Mountain Trail in Lake Catherine State Park.

Lake Catherine State Park is located outside of the popular resort City of Hot Springs in the forest-clad Ouchita Mountains. The 2,240 acre park offers many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, water sports, hiking and horseback riding. 

With the majority of the campsites on the lake shore, camping and water activities including fishing, party barges, canoeing, kayaking, water biking and pedal boating are the biggest draw.

HAPPY HIKING!

Historic Blakeley State Park

Continuing my road trip home from Ocala, Florida, I stayed the night in Historic Blakeley State Park on the way to visit some horse friends in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located in Spanish Fort, Alabama encompasses more the 2,000 acres and affords visitors many things to do.  Along with RV camping, primitive camping, improved tent camping and cabin rentals, the park features 30 miles of trails, boat cruises, a Civil War Battlefield, the Townsite of Blakeley, and remnants of American Indian habitation.

EXPLORE!
sunrise at guadalupe mountains national park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Three Day Itinerary

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas’ Chihuahuan Desert with Carlsbad, New Mexico being 55 miles to the north and Del City, Texas being 44 miles to the south.  Fill up with gas in one of these two cities, as the area is remote.

During my drive through the West Texas desert plains dotted with oil wells, I wondered to myself, why is Guadalupe Mountains a National Park?  I mean, yes, there are some high desert mountains featuring southwestern terrain and lovely fall foliage, but what makes it special?

While the park doesn’t display jaw-dropping scenery like Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, or the Grand Tetons, it is pretty and home to the highest point in Texas.  But the main reason for the 135 square miles being designated a national park is for it being the largest exposed reef in the world!

I had no idea I’d be hiking through the Chihuahuan Desert loaded with marine fossils while exploring historic ranches, admiring cool rock formations, and hiking to the top of Texas.   Guadalupe Mountains National Park pleasantly surprised me.

For those who enjoy hiking and visiting historic sites, plan to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park for three days and spend at least one day at nearby Carlsbad Caverns. 

EXPLORE!
reflecting pool on hikers staircase

Happy Hiking: Devil’s Hall Trail

Devil’s Hall Trail is in Guadalupe Mountains National Park located in West Texas.  The hardest part of this trail is getting there.  Not because of dirt roads, but because the park is in a desolate area and 50 miles from the closest gas station.  Fortunately, there are many signs that warn drivers to fill up!

Getting To Devil’s Hall Trail

You can fill up in Carlsbad, New Mexico 50 miles north of the trailhead or 63 miles south of the trailhead parking in Van Horn, Texas.  In a jam, you can get gas in Whites City which is at the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  But being the only gas station along with an RV park, motel, and small store for grocery provisions, the price is much higher. If you are flying in, El Paso is the closest airport, 110 miles away. If you are driving from Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, Fort Stockton is a good resting point.

Once in the general area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park go to the Pine Springs entrance.  This entrance includes a Visitors Center, a basic campground, bathrooms, and a small parking area for Devil’s Hall Trail.

This parking lot also serves Guadalupe Mountain, the highest peak in Texas, as well as other hiking paths, so it is best to arrive early to get a spot.  Not to mention, you will beat the heat if you are hiking in late spring, summer, or fall.

HAPPY HIKING!
view on pole creek trail

Hiking Pole Creek Trail

Pole Creek Trail is located in the Bridger Wilderness near Pinedale, Wyoming.  It is the main starting point for popular backpacking loops in the wilderness.  As a result, there is a huge parking area, pit toilets, and a basic campground at the trailhead.

After two days of consistent rain, I wondered if hiking the Pole Creek Trail to Elklund Lake was worth it with the collection of people in the trailhead.  It might have been the most people I had seen preparing to hike during the entire month I have spent in Wyoming. That said, it is not like a Colorado 14er or any other popular hikes near Denver when you can’t even find a parking space after 7am.

Additionally, I got a later start than usual and I hiked on the weekend…two things I avoid to enjoy the solitude of nature. Anyway, most people in the parking area were loaded down with heavy packs and were definitely prepping for a backpacking trip.  Donning just a day pack for a long day hike to Elklund Lake, I was able to stay ahead of the traffic.

HAPPY HIKING!