Category: Winter Adventures

  • Peyto Lake Viewpoint (Bow Summit) & Icefields Parkway in the Winter [Photo Diary]

    Peyto Lake Viewpoint (Bow Summit) & Icefields Parkway in the Winter [Photo Diary]

    This was my favorite part of my birthday trip in the winter wonderland that is Banff! The views are some of the best I’ve ever seen— and we’ve even been to Switzerland. 🙂 This viewpoint is off the Icefields Parkway which is a must-do item in itself, and during the winter the upper lot closes […]

  • Tunnel Mountain Hike [Banff, Alberta, Canada]

    Tunnel Mountain Hike [Banff, Alberta, Canada]

    After a quick lunch, we wanted to squeeze in another hike before heading to Calgary for the night. Tunnel Mountain is a great and quick option near downtown Banff that offers a lot of “bang for its buck” with views of Bow Valley and Mt. Rundle. Trail Stats Time: 2-3 hours Distance: 2.7 miles, round-trip 
Level of […]

  • Johnston Canyon [Banff, Alberta, Canada]

    Johnston Canyon [Banff, Alberta, Canada]

    Visiting Johnston Canyon is a must for any visit to Banff. It’s accessible year-round, and the frozen hanging icicles, stopping time in their tracks is a worthy winter destination. Another bonus about visiting this destination is that it’s an easy to moderate hike with multiple features— Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Ink-pots, and the Secret Cave. […]

  • Artist Point Snowshoe [Hike 5/52]

    Artist Point Snowshoe [Hike 5/52]

    This one was on my bucket list to complete (since December when we came to house hunt), and it was worth waiting for! It’s been called a competitor for one of the “best views” in Washington, and I would say that is accurate! The area is just gorgeous everywhere you look! Distance: 4 miles, RT […]

  • Crystal Mountain Snowshoe [Hike 3/52]

    Crystal Mountain Snowshoe [Hike 3/52]

    In an effort to meet new friends and get out to explore new places, I joined a group, the Pacific Northwest Outdoor Women (PNWOW) and signed up to go to one of their snowshoe meet ups at Crystal Mountain Resort. I am counting this as Hike 3/52 since snowshoeing is essentially hiking with more equipment. […]

  • Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Region [Hike 2/52]

    Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Region [Hike 2/52]

    Distance: 7 miles, RT (2 miles, RT during non-winter months) Elevation Gain: 400 ft Dogs: Allowed, on leash Pass: Northwest Forest Pass After seeing so many posts on Facebook about Franklin Falls, I decided it seemed like a good, easier hike for Brighton and I to visit on our 52 Hike Challenge. Even if it’s […]

  • Snowshoeing at Solitude Resort

    Snowshoeing at Solitude Resort

    In the winter, the outdoors can be a little less inviting at below freezing temperatures, and like most Utahns, I tend to curl up at home with some hot tea and a blanket. The winter is for hibernation, right? I like to try not to be a homebody, and when I am being active and […]

  • Diamond Fork Hot Springs

    Diamond Fork Hot Springs

    Imagine yourself walking through a mix of red rock canyons and forest, on a path covered in white snow with a river winding its way along the side of the path. The destination is unreal blue and turquoise colored steaming hot pools to relax in. Does that sound appealing to you as we approach springtime? It […]

  • Winter Hike in Salt Lake City: Mill D North Fork

    Winter Hike in Salt Lake City: Mill D North Fork

    Mil D North Fork Getting to the Trailhead This hike is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah. To get there, you’ll need to get onto I-215 S (if coming from the downtown SLC area). Take exit 6 for 6200 South. At the exit, stay left and follow signs for “East” (Brighton/Solitude/Alta/Snowbird Ski Resort […]

  • Cross Country Skiing for Beginners [Utah Adventures]

    Cross Country Skiing for Beginners [Utah Adventures]

    This past weekend, I decided to give cross country skiing another try. It snowed on Saturday, and I was just dying to get out there and enjoy it. Plus, I hate feeling cooped up in the house all weekend. The winter seems to do that to me. I had heard there were some spots to […]