Adam Franklin

The Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll either want to hike in the second half, or have a capable four wheel drive rig with a little more t...

The San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also be done, by those less inclined to ride uphill, as a shuttle starting at Blue Jay Campground. You wi...

The Firehole River Swimming Hole is on the southern portion of Firehole Canyon Rd inside the park, near the West Entrance to Yellowstone. The road is a one way loop from north to south. There are restrooms at the parking area, which can become quite crowded on a warm day. Parking is immediately above the swimming hole. The main pool is large and mostly shallow. The water is quite warm, in the ...

Parking for this hike is about 35 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. It should take less than an hour to get there from any of the hotels. There is easy, fee-free parking on the north side of Hwy 93. No permits are required, but a map is extremely helpful. Maps were available at a trail sign after you pass under the highway to start the hike and they are online here. This hike can be EXTREMELY ho...

This hike starts from the Lodgepole area of Sequoia National Park. Parking is easy at the easternmost end of the paved road prior to entering the campground. From the south side, the trail starts off by crossing the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the north side. It then loosely follows the river and gradually climbs to Tokopah Falls. There is plenty of coverage from the sun and ample oppor...