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Location : North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville, CA. Parking : Park at trailhead Parking Fee: No parking fee, but there is a Land Use fee of $5.40 per person Trail type : Lollipop Loop Trail Length : 7.1 miles rt (8 miles if you go to the back of Phantom Falls) Elevation Gain : 1775 ft (Al Trails elevation is incorrect) Difficulty : Moderate if you are only going to see Phantom Falls from the top and back. Strenuous if doing the entire loop or attempting to see the falls from behind. Dog Friendly? Yes. Trails traversed : Phantom Falls Loop AllTrails Link : https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/phantom-falls-loop Pro Tip : Download AllTrails trail map beforehand, as there is no wifi in the area. Wear ankle high hiking boots as the trail is rocky end to end. It will also be muddy with multiple stream crossings after the rains. The iconic view of Phantom Falls on the left and Lower Phantom Falls on the right Phantom Falls, located in the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Oroville, California, a 3 hours drive from the Bay Area, is a hidden gem that attracts nature enthusiasts from all over. This stunning waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike, a scenic picnic spot, or a stunning photo opportunity, Phantom Falls has something for everyone. With its clear and refreshing water, breathtaking views, and rich history, this waterfall is a must-visit for anyone in the Oroville area in the winter months, after a good rainfall. The history of the falls dates back to the 1800s when gold was discovered in the area. The falls were used as a source of water for the nearby mines and became a popular spot for local miners to rest and relax. Over the years, the waterfall and surrounding area have been used for various purposes, including logging, agriculture, and recreation. The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. During the winter months it is popular for the numerous waterfalls and in the springtime, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildflowers, including lupines and wild iris. >> Got a question about this hike that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Parking : NOTE : Google Maps will take you elsewhere for Phantom Falls Loop Trailhead. Add this address in Google Maps for the parking lot : 2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville, CA. Parking lot is located at the trailhead. Ample parking is available at the parking lot, any time of the day. There are also two restrooms at the trailhead. View of the Parking lot and restroom Fee: Each person on the trail needs to be in possession of a land use pass. The pass can be obtained online here. There is no cellphone signal at the trailhead. So I highly advise signing up for the pass before arriving. The Trail: At the time of this writing (1/29/2023), the entire trail was fully washed out due to the numerous storms in the prior weeks. We had downloaded the trail map from AllTrails prior to starting the hike, which helped us to stay on the invisible track. The route is almost flat for the first mile, with the trail meandering through large expanse of evergreen cow pastures and across a few streams. The path is rocky in parts and muddy as well. The start of the trail The trail is rocky from start to finish. At about 1.2 miles, you will encounter the first waterfall on the trail, Ravine Falls. This stunning 76ft falls cascades down a sheer rock face and is fed by the nearby Table Mountain, which is one of the most prominent features of the ecological reserve. Ravine Falls The top of Ravine Falls The next quarter mile or so is a steep uphill climb to the top of the Table Mountain to view what everyone is here for - the magnificent Phantom Falls cascading down 166ft. This seasonal falls is fed by snowmelt and rainwater and is surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. Steep climb up to the top of Table Mountain First view of Phantom Falls Wildflowers were just beginning to pop Side view of Phantom Falls Take your time to view the falls from the distance at different vantage points along the cliffs edge. Notice the cave behind the falls. It is accessible, via a steep ravine next to the cave. I highly recommend checking it out, but only if you are in good shape and up for some adventure. Access to the cave will add another mile to your overall hike. If you think you are up for the physical challenge, you need to get off-route from AllTrails, and head to the right and cross over the stream. Here you can also view the falls from the side and top. If you go a little further right, there is a short but extremely steep ravine that leads to the cave. The way down is extremely slippery and rocky. Halfway down the slope, a kind soul has installed a rope to help hikers repel down the steepest portion of the ravine. After you repel your way down to the bottom of the ravine, head left to the cave to view the falls from behind. A rocky path starts at the cave and leads to the bottom of the falls. This is a great spot to stop for a picnic lunch and gather your strength before repelling your way up again. Behind Phantom Falls Once you are back on the main trail, continue to follow AllTrails to the next view point, which is the iconic and breathtaking view of Phantom Falls, where you can capture Phantom Falls and Little Phantom Falls all in one shot. Phantom Falls on the left and Little Phantom Falls on the right. Notice the rainbow? From here on, I found the rest of the hike to be extremely rocky and boring. At this point, I would suggest retracing your steps back and return to the parking lot. But if you are hiking for the stepcount and miles, then continue on. The path goes along a stream for the rest of the way, and is pretty unimpressive. The trail takes you to Lower Ravine Falls next, where you can view the falls from the top and side. It was nothing spectacular. View of Lower Ravine Falls After trodding through a muddy path in a flat cows pasture, the next viewpoint is Beatson Falls. We tried hard, but couldnt see the falls from the viewpoint! After another 3 miles of the same scenery and rocky path, the trail finally takes you back to the parking lot. >> Got a question about this hike that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. In summary, this hike is great until the Little Phantom Falls viewpoint, and is unremarkable for the rest of the loop. Check it out in the winter to see the falls or in the spring to see the wildflowers. This blog is sponsored by Born Tough

Location : Mt.Diablo State Park, Clayton, CA Parking : At Mitchell Canyon Visitors Center Parking Lot ($6) Trail type : Lollipop loop Trail Length : 8 miles Elevation Gain : 1788 ft Difficulty : Moderate - Strenuous Trails traversed : Mitchell Canyon Road > Oak Road > Coulter Pines Trails > Bruce Lee Road > Back Creek Trail > Meridian Ridge Road > Middle Trail > Falls Trail > Donner Canyon Road > Tickwood Trail > Back Creek Trail > Bruce Lee Road > Coulter Pines Trails > Oak Road > Mitchell Canyon Road AllTrails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/waterfalls-of-mount-diablo-loop-trail Pro Tip: Wear ankle length hiking boots and carry hiking poles. Winter is a great time to visit Mt.Diablo, especially after the Bay Area has been drenched by a series of heavy rainfall. During this time, the park wows its visitors with a number of stunning waterfalls and gorgeous vivid green scenery. The waterfall loop in the park is made up of a series of trails as listed above. Due to a huge network of trails within the state park, folks are sure to lose their way if they dont use AllTrails or a similar app for navigation. Even with AllTrails, we missed a few turns and had to retrace our steps a couple of times. Another tip is to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and carry hiking poles, as the trails are very muddy and slippery after the rains and there are a number of streams to cross along the way. Muddy trails demand sturdy, waterproof hiking boots! And hiking poles! >> Got a question about this hike that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Parking: You need to self register for parking with $6 fee (bring exact change) at the park entrance gate. There is also an option to pay by phone using a QR Code. Clean restrooms are available at the trailhead and parking is plenty. The Trail : The trailhead starts at Mitchell Canyon Visitors Center. It starts off very steep, then flattens out. The first 1.2 miles of the hike takes you over rolling hills, through open, green meadows with views of Ygnacio valley in the distance. Jaw dropping views! The red trail stood in stark contrast to the green meadows The trail follows a creek on the left and the sound of the water flowing next to you is music to the ears. At the1.2 mile mark, you reach the first of 6 waterfalls. The first waterfall is small and is more like a gurgling brook. But dont lose heart. There are bigger and better things to come! Waterfall #1 The trail soon becomes narrow as it starts climbing upwards. As you continue trudging forward, you hear the waterfalls in the distance, at time very loud. At 3.6 mile mark, you come across the second waterfalls, which is multi-tiered over Donner Creek, with different view points along the trail. Use your hiking poles to balance over the rocks to click some wow-generating pictures of the falls. At this point, if you are lucky, you may also see clusters of ladybugs on rocks and branches. Waterfall #2 Falls 3, 4, 5, 6 come in quick succession of each other, within half a mile of Falls 2, and require crossing streams at multiple points by climbing over rocks and stones. The trail gets steep and slippery as you navigate your way across and around these falls. Waterfall #3 Waterfall #4 Waterfall #6 After mile 4, the route finally starts going downhill. Falls Trail soon becomes Donner Canyon Road. At around 5.5 miles, there is an outcrop of rock as the trail bends slightly. You will not miss this spot. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy a quick lunch as you gaze at the jaw dropping view of the East Bay valley on one side and Waterfall #5 on the other. Waterfall #5 Continue down on Donner Canyon Road until it intersects with Tickwood Trail. Tickwood Trail was my most favorite part of the hike. It meanders through a lush green forest, so quiet that you can hear the twigs crack under your feet. The lush green forest along Tickwood Trail Taking a breather! This Trail connects back to Back Creek Trail from which you can backtrack your way, past Waterfall #1, past the green, open meadows, all the way back to the parking lot. >> Got a question about this hike that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. In summary, this hike was a great workout with views prettier than any the other East Bay trails have to offer. The beauty of this trail is short lived, so go check it out before the water dries out and the green turns into the infamous California brown! This blog is sponsored by Viking Bags

Location : Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill, CA. Parking : $6 reservation needs to be made prior to visiting the park at https://gooutsideandplay.org/reservations/Product.asp?CategoryID=1081134 Parking fee will be refunded a week or two after you complete your visit. Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 5.6 miles Elevation Gain : 1600 ft Difficulty : Moderate Trails traversed : Waterfall Loop > Contour Trail > Alec Canyon Trail > Swanson Creek Trail Post-hike pit stop suggestion : Mr.Mojito JF Bar & Grill, Almaden Expressway, San Jose. Uvas Canyon county park is popular throughout the year for various reasons. During summer, it is sought after by local families and scout troops for its campsites nestled amongst the towering redwoods. In the winter months, especially during a wet season, the park features numerous waterfalls of varying sizes. Obviously, it is best to visit this park immediately after a couple of rains. However, due to Covid, park authorities have been trying to curtail the foot traffic within the park by enforcing parking reservations. These reservations get booked weeks in advance, especially for weekend timeslots. So plan your trip early. And with any luck it would have poured prior to your visit. The waterfall loop starts right next to the parking lot. The trail climbs uphill and very soon you start passing one waterfall after another, the first of which is Granuja Falls, which can be viewed from a foot bridge. If you are feeling adventurous climb the boulders to get close to the falls. Granuja Falls A quarter mile up the trail, take a side trip to see the tallest falls in the park, Black Rock Falls. Careful getting close to the falls, as the rocks can be slippery. Black Rock Falls Get back on Waterfall loop and hike uphill for your next falls, the picturesque Upper Falls. Upper Falls Across from Upper Falls is a mini falls, aptly named Little Falls. Little Falls Continue on Waterfall Loop until you see signs to Basin Falls. This is basically Swanson Creek flowing into a pool of water. Basin Falls This is the last of the falls on Waterfall Loop. At this point, you can turn back and walk downhill towards the parking lot. If you would like to add more miles, continue on Waterfall Loop trail until it intersects Contour Trail after crossing Swanson Creek. Contour Trail climbs further uphill and takes you through a thick forest. Turn left on Alec Canyon Trail which will bring you back to the parking lot. Before returning to your car, take a quick deviation along Swanson Creek Trail, which, after a quarter mile, ends at the best falls in the park - Lower Falls. Many an enthusiastic hiker will miss this wonderful falls in a tropical setting, due to its out of the way location. Lower Falls Retrace your steps back on Swanson Creek Trail until you reach the parking lot.

Location : Silver Falls State Park, OR Parking : $5 Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 8 miles Elevation Gain : 1300ft Difficulty : Moderate Trails traversed : Rim Trail > Canyon Trail Pet Friendly? No If you are short on time and you can do only one hike in Oregon, then this is it! Like the name says, this trail encompasses all what Oregon is about for a nature lover - falls, falls and more falls! The Trail Of The Ten Falls is located in the expansive Silver Falls State Park, about an hours drive south from Portland. The Park itself is the largest State Park in Oregon, and extremely well maintained, with well marked trails, a gift store, clean restrooms, restaurant, lodge and ample paid parking. I nicknamed it the Disneyland of Waterfalls! The trail to see all 10 waterfalls is a loop and can be completed in about 4 hours. You can start the hike at the North Falls parking lot, or at the bigger South Falls lot. We started with the South Falls and traversed the trail in the clockwise direction. As soon as you park the car, you hear the roar of the waterfalls nearby and know that there is a massive falls waiting for you just around the corner. Follow the throngs of people past the rest rooms, the nature store, the restaurant, down some stone stairs to witness the mighty South Falls. As you walk in front and under it, you realize this is a treat for all your senses. South Falls is the biggest fall in the park. After enjoying the misty spray from this ginormous falls continue on Rim Trail to see the remaining 9 falls. Each is spectacular in its own way. There are no restrooms along the trail and the foot traffic thins out after the second or third falls. This hike was the highlight of our Oregon trip and walking behind waterfalls soon became one of our favorite things to do, thanks to many of the falls in Silver Falls State Park. Below are pictures of all 10 falls from this park. South Falls 2. Lower South Falls 3. Lower North Falls 4. Drake Falls 5. Double Falls (see the falls at the top?) 6. Twin Falls 7. Middle North Falls 8. North Falls 9. Winter Falls 10. Frenchie Falls (the smallest one of them all)

Location : Multnomah Falls Scenic Area, OR. Parking : Free Trail type : Out and Back Trail Length : 2.4 miles rt Elevation Gain : 870ft Difficulty : Moderate Trails traversed : Multnomah Falls Trail Pets Allowed ? Yes Multnomah Falls is the tallest falls in Oregon and the most visited site in the Pacific NorthWest. No visit to the Falls is complete without doing this short but steep hike which starts from the Multnomah Falls Lodge, over the Benson Bridge and takes you all the way to the top of the falls. The initial part of the trail is a paved path that slopes gently towards Benson Bridge where you get a close-up misty view of the two tiers of the falls. As you walk past the chained fence, the trail starts to climb steeply upwards. You will begin to feel the climb as you traverse from one switchback after another, with the stunning views of the Columbia River and the parking lot below being the only saving grace. At the third switchback, a bench offers another view of the Falls. There are 11 switchbacks in total after which the trail comes to a crest and drops slightly to a signed junction where you'll go right for the Multnomah Falls Viewpoint. From here you get a birds eye view of the entire falls and the Lodge below. This view is a perfect reward for the strenuous climb up. On returning to the main trail, turn upcreek and cross a rock faced bridge over Multnomah Creek. Enjoy this picturesque setting before heading back to the main trail to return to Multnomah Falls Lodge.

Location : Central Columbia River Gorge Area, OR. Parking : Free Trail type : Out and Back Trail Length : 2.4 miles rt Elevation Gain : 320ft Difficulty : Easy This is another one of the many hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge area in Oregon, that ends at a cascading waterfall, Wachlella Falls. It is a relatively easy, 2.4 mile out-and-back day hike through a slot canyon. There is limited parking at the trailhead. If you dont want to wait until someone pulls out their car, plan to start this hike early in the day. Porter-potties are available in the parking lot and there is a $5 day use/parking fee per vehicle. The trail starts off on a flat paved road alongside Tanner Creek. The road leads to a narrow canyon and then to a short bridge with a striking small waterfall next to it, the Munra Falls. This waterfall is so close to the touch that you can get wet from its spray as you cross the bridge. Munra Falls Once past the bridge, the trail starts climbing uphill over a couple of switchback and a flight of stairs after which it slopes down to a second bridge over Tanner Creek. Continue on the bridge to the east side of the creek, where the trail starts to get rocky with loose stones and gravel. By now you start hearing the roar of the falls and you know it is pretty close. A third bridge takes you back to the west side of the creek, and then you come within full view of the Falls. The most obvious portion of Wachlella Falls is the lower drop, where the water pours 65 feet from a hidden, narrow gorge into a large open amphitheater. Above the lower falls is a semi-hidden upper falls in the main stream. There are many fallen logs in the creek over which you can walk, if you are feeling adventurous and want to get closer to the falls. View of upper and lower Wachlella Falls Once you have admired the falls to your hearts content, you can trace your way back along the same trail, to your car, or follow the trail to a higher elevation, which eventually loops back to the main trail.

Location : Auburn, CA. Parking : Roadside, $10 fee Trail type : Out and Back Trail Length : 4.5 miles rt Elevation Gain : 698 ft Difficulty : Easy, trending towards moderate Trails traversed : Clementine Trail Dogs Allowed ? Yes, along the trail, but not in the river. Post Hike Grub Stop : Moonraker Brewery, CA. AllTrails Link : https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/clementine-trail-to-clarks-pool Lake Clementine and North Fork Dam Located about 40 minutes north of Sacramento, Lake Clementine is a reservoir of the North Fork American River. An arch dam, called the North Fork Dam, was built in 1939, to contain gold-mining debris which were washing downhill. The Lake Clementine trail, runs along the North Fork of the American River and ends at the cascading falls of the dam. >> Got a question about Lake Clementine Trail that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Parking : The entire trail is within Auburn State Recreational Area. A parking fee of $10 is required for all cars entering the recreational area, even if parked on the roadside. Self-registration kiosks are found at regular intervals along the road, and if you are out of cash, checks are accepted as well. There were plenty of roadside parking spots when we arrived on a Saturday at 9.30am, especially close to the trailhead. Dont be intimidated by the long line of cars parked near the river. There is sufficient parking further up the hill along Old Foresthill Road/Hwy 49. However, when we returned to our car at 2pm, there were no empty spots visible. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. The Trail : The trailhead starts diagonally across from the restrooms, on the other side of Hwy 49/Old Foresthill Road. An iron gate and a sign marks the start of the trail. The first two miles are almost flat, with a few gradual inclines. Through its entirety, the route runs along the North Fork American River, and you can hear the river gurgling below you as you make your way toward the dam. The North Fork river runs parallel to the trail About a quarter mile into the hike, the tallest bridge in California, and the 5th tallest in the country, the Foresthill Bridge comes into view. Continue to walk towards and under it as you admire the magnality of the bridge. Foresthill Bridge As you continue on the trail, you pass by a few swimming holes, make a mental note on which one you want to visit on your return. When we went in early July, wild, sweet blackberries were growing in abundance all along the trail. Delicious, wild blackberries About a mile past the bridge, the rocky trail ends at a gate and turns into a paved road for vehicles to drive down for the boat launch ramp at Lake Clementine. Turn left at the gate and continue down the steep paved road until the cascading falls and Lake Clementine come into full view at the very end of the road. Rainbow and the cascading falls This is a great place to have a picnic while enjoying the mist from the falls. The adventurous can venture down a rocky and steep incline to get closer to the falls for some unforgettable pictures. Once you have your hearts fill of the falls, trace your way back where you came from. The first quarter mile of the trail on the paved road is steep, until you hit Clementine Trail and the iron gate where you make a right and start going downhill. Make your way back along the trail to explore and cool off at the one of the swimming holes you saw along the way. The cold water with the view of the bridge in the background make it an idyllic location to spend a hot summer afternoon. One of many swimming spots along the river Please note that the river water is known to contain a toxin harmful to dogs. So it is not advisable for dogs to swim in the North Fork of the American River. When you return to your car after a day of Vitamin D, head to Moonraker Brewery in Auburn for a cold one before you hit the road for the long drive home.

Location : Zion Nation Park, UT Parking : Park at Visitor Center, take shuttle to trailhead Trail type : Out and Back Trail Length : 2.5 miles Elevation Gain : 620 ft Difficulty : Easy to reach the lower pool, moderate to reach the middle pool and strenuous to reach the upper pool. Trails traversed : AllTrails Link : https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/emerald-pools-trail Pro Tip : Wear ankle support hiking boots as there are a number of steep steps to climb. The Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. Along with having spectacular views of the mountains and cliffs of Zion on the route, part of the trail - up to the Lower Pool - is easy to access by folks of all ages and is paved for wheelchair and stroller access. View of the cliffs from the trail >> Got a question about the Emerald Pools Trail that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Parking: From March to November, the Zion Shuttle service is operational throughout the park. During this period, visitors are expected to park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or in the town of Springdale, and access the various points in the park via the shuttle. The Zion Lodge stop is where you would need to get off to access the trail to the Emerald Pools. Flush toilets and water stations are available at the shuttle stop which is directly across from the trailhead. The Trail: The trailhead is well marked and starts across the road from the Zion Cafe. The first third of the trail, all the way to the Lower Pool is fully paved and with very little elevation gain. The Lower Trail runs along the bottom of the canyon to Lower Emerald Pool, which is located at the base of a cliff. Two small streams trickle down the face of the cliff, into the pools. The trail runs behind the falling water and continues upwards towards the Middle Pools. When we went in mid September of 2022, the falling water was just a trickle. Lower Trail waterfall The Middle Trail starts from the falling stream and steeply climbs upwards through a set of steep steps to the Middle Pool. The Middle Pool was small and almost dried up when we went in September. Steep steps! From the Middle Pools, the Upper Trail ascends steeply upwards with more steps for more than half a mile, until you reach the Upper Pool. During spring or after a heavy rainfall, a tall waterfall falls into the Upper Pool from a towering cliff. The Upper Trail is the steepest portion of the entire trail and is quite a workout to reach the top. Upper Pool and the sliver of a waterfall Once you reach the Upper Pool, trace your way back down the same trail, past the Middle Pool and Lower Pool, until you reach the Lodge and the shuttle stop. In summary, the Emerald Pool trail is worth the hike during spring or after a heavy rainfall. At other times of the year, the pools and the waterfalls are dry and may not be worth the strenuous hike. >> Got a question about the Emerald Pools Trail that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending.

Denver | Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater | Garden Of The Gods | Pikes Peak | Great Dunes National Park | Crested Butte | Continental Divide | Aspen | Rocky Mountain National Park | Fort Collins Colorado - the state that evokes visions of snow capped mountains and pristine lakes and valleys, has been on my to-do list for a while. My husband, who went to school in Fort Collins, has always been a proponent of the state and its beauty. So when Covid happened, and many international borders closed or added restrictions, domestic travel destinations took higher priority on my travel bucket list. Top things to do in Colorado 1. Denver The capital city is an up and coming metropolis with an Old West charm. The best way to see this town is through a walking tour. Many such tours are available, but the one we tried and loved is Denver Walking Tour, in which local guides work only for tips and tell you some amazing stories that make this mile-high city so unique. The tours usually start at the State Capitol and take you to many interesting sites like the Denver Mint, the historic Larimer Square, the ultramodern Denver Art Museum and finally ending at LoDo (Lower Denver) along the 16th Street Mall. Colorado State Capitol with its gold dome. The sprawling and impressive Denver City Hall. There are a number of interesting eateries in downtown Denver, especially around Larimer Square. If you are looking to wet your whistle with some local hops, Wynkoop Brewing Company is a good place, with large indoor space as well as flower lined outdoor seating for some great people watching. Hubby dearest enjoying a LoDo IPA at Wynkoop 2. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater Just a few miles southwest of Denver is the stunning Red Rocks Park. Part amphitheater, part tourist attraction, the place gets its name from the red sandstone structures which also provide impeccable acoustics to the amphitheater. This draws many famous music artists and their fans to congregate for some memorable music concerts during the summer. The park also offers many trails that take you around these giant structures and provide a geology lesson of the area. Get your heart pumping by climbing the steps all the way to the top or master your downward facing dog with a morning yoga on the same stairs. 3. Garden Of The Gods When you google for things to do in Colorado one of the top hits will be Garden Of The Gods in Colorado Springs. It is also rated as one of the top tourist attractions in the country! I was not personally impressed by this "park" and felt it was more of a tourist trap. There are some towering sandstone structures all grouped together and there is a trail that takes you around the formations. If you had previously visited Red Rock Park, then Garden Of The Gods will pale in comparison. My personal recommendation is to give this place a miss, if you are short on time. The colors in the sky were more impressive than the ones on the ground. 4. Pikes Peak Standing at 14,115 feet about sea level, Pikes Peak is the most visited summit in North America. It is also known as "America's Mountain", as the views from the top inspired the words to the song "America The Beautiful". Situated just a few miles outside Colorado Springs, it is a modern day marvel as this is one of the very few peaks in the world which can be accessed by car all the way to the top. There are two ways to reach the top - via a combination of a car and shuttle, and via a cogs train. The Manitou Cogs Railway starts at the train depot in Manitou Springs and takes you on a 9-mile ride up to the Visitors Center at the peak and back. You can buy a round trip ticket or a one-way ride. But book early, as it gets sold out weeks in advance during the summer months. The Manitou Cogs train unboarding its passengers at the Visitors Center. If you prefer driving at your convenience, the Pikes Peak highway is a scenic although hair-raising road to experience, with awe-inspiring scenery at every bend. Breathtaking views at every turn. A lone biker makes his way slowly on Pikes Peak highway, above the cloud cover. Cars are not allowed on the last 3 mile stretch to the peak, at which point, you would need to park your vehicle at a designated parking lot and ride a shuttle to the Visitors Center at the top. As of summer of 2021, there was a $12 fee to access the peak, which got sold out early in the day for weekend tickets. The impressive and recently built Visitors Center at the peak is a great spot to catch your breath at the high altitude and also grab some food and souvenirs while at the same time read up on the history and geology of the peak. The view from the various viewing points is incredible. On the clearest days, you can see five states (Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Kansas) and even the curvature of the earth fading into the distance. View of San Cristobal mountains from Pikes Peak Visitors Center. 5. The Great Sand Dunes National Park Southwest of the state lies the Great Sand Dunes NP - a truly unforgettable place that you will be talking about for many years. This National Park is also the home of the tallest sand dunes in America, standing at a height of 755 ft. These dunes create an interesting desert-like landscape shadowed by 14,000 ft snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains to the west. There are a number of activities to do in the park during summer, including sandboarding and sandsledding. There are also organized jeep rides starting at the Visitors Center, taking you through a designated trail amongst the dunes. You can also try hiking to the tallest dune, but that can be quite challenging, especially if you start out later in the day. There is a seasonal creek that is created in the early summer months from the melting of the snow from the nearby mountains. The stream is shallow in places which allows easy passage to the dunes on the other side. We went just before sunset, and the light for our photos was just right. However, the evening sun also brought along with it a swarm of mosquitoes which infested the creek area. I found it easier to hike the dunes bare feet than with ankle length hiking boots as I saw some others doing. The sand had cooled to the touch by evening. The colors of the setting sun against the white sand on one side and green mountains on the other was a sight to behold. Sunset over the dunes 6. Crested Butte Crested Butte is a town on the western side of the Rockies (and the state), known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. The town gets its name from the 12,168ft peak in the Elk Mountain range. The downtown area is really cute and bustling with boutique stores, breweries and creameries. During winter, the area turns into a ski resort and in the summer it offers a myrid of activities, such as hiking and biking the numerous trails and meadows filled with colorful wildflowers. There are quite a few summertime hiking trails to view the wildflowers like lupines and Aspen sunflowers enveloping entire hillsides: Brush creek trail, Easy, 4.3 miles round trip, 300ft elevation Lupine trail, Moderate, 7 miles round trip, 800ft elevation Judd Falls, Easy, 1 mile, 166ft elevation Teddys Trail, Easy, 1.8 miles round trip, 292 elevation But bear in mind that you will be hiking at over 9000 ft elevation. Although the trails seem easy in black and white, they can leave you gasping for breath within minutes. So take it slow and easy and take breaks often. Beautiful blue lupines along Brush Creek Trail Hillside covered with pretty yellow Aspen sunflowers. 7. Continental Divide A large section of the continental divide runs through Colorado and they provide some of the best scenic views in the state. You can experience the divide via multi-day backpacking trips, small hikes or via scenic road trips. One way is to drive the scenic road along Cottonwood Pass, which runs through south-central Colorado, and intersects the Continental Divide at 12,119ft. This pass is open only accessible during the summer months and is the highest paved crossing of the divide. The views of alpine lakes and high mountain ranges are spectacular. Left : Large hairpin bend on the road leading up to the Cottonwood Pass Continental Divide. Right: A pristine alpine lake at the Divide junction. The sign says it all! Independence Pass is yet another high-elevation (12,095ft) paved road that intersects the Continental Divide, near Aspen. Closed during winter, this road also offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys that make the Rocky Mountains range. Jaw-dropping scenery on the way to Independence Pass Here is a list of other mountain passes over the Continental Divide in Colorado : Buffalo Pass – Walden to Steamboat Springs Milner Pass – along Trail Ridge Road in RMNP from Estes Park to Grand Lake Rabbit Ears Pass – west of Kremmling to Steamboat Springs Loveland Pass – Loveland Ski Area to Keystone Webster Pass – near Dillon (4×4 only) Boreas Pass – Como to Breckenridge (4×4 recommended) Hoosier Pass – Alma to Breckenridge Independence Pass – Twin Lakes near Buena Vista to Aspen Cottonwood Pass – Buena Vista to Almont (near Crested Butte) Tincup Pass – St Elmo near Buena Vista to Tincup (near Gunnison) Monarch Pass – Monarch Mountain by Salida to an hour east of Gunnison Wolf Creek Pass – South Fork to Pagosa Springs 8. Aspen Aspen is usually on every skier's must-ski bucket list. But did you know that this resort town is equally charming in summer? Most famous amongst Aspen summer activities is a visit and hike around the iconic Maroon Bells. The place gets its name from 3 large mountains in the shape of bells, in shades of red, towering over a pristine alpine lake. Between June and October, reservations are required to access the area using your own vehicle, or via the RFTA shuttle. The shuttle bus leaves every 15 minutes from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells bus terminal, a 30 mins scenic ride of 9 miles. Being a popular Colorado destinations, reservations get booked up weeks in advance. So plan early! There are a number of trails in the Maroon Bells area, the most popular being a 2 mile scenic loop trail which starts from the bus terminal, loops around the lake and back. If time permits, also do the 3.5 mile Crate Lake loop which takes you through a beautiful aspen forest and a great hike to see the aspen yellows during fall. Maroon Bells 9. Rocky Mountain National Park The name whips up images of tall, snow capped mountains with crystal clear lakes and expanse of green meadows. RMNP is truly all that, and more! At the time of this writing (October, 2021), a timed entry permit is required between the months of May and October to enter the National Park, along with an entry fee. There are two kinds of permit - one that is for the entire park, including the Bear Lake Road, and the other which is for the entire park, excluding the Bear Lake Road. If you have the option, do choose the one which includes Bear Lake Road, as some of the gorgeous vistas and lakes of the park lie in this area. The best way to see the park is to traverse from the west entrance at Grand Lakes to the east entrance at Estes Park, or vice versa, along the Trail Ridge Road and check out the many trails and lakes along the way. Here are some quick and easy hikes in the park : 1. Lily Lake Loop 2. Sprague Lake Loop 3. Alpine Ridge Trail 4. Bear Lake Loop 5. Alberta Falls 10. Fort Collins There are a number of small towns all over Colorado, like Boulder, Estes Park, Colorado and Manitou Springs, Glenwood Springs, etc., but my favorite was a charming little town called Fort Collins, in north Colorado. I was also partial to this town because hubby dearest went to grad school there. So it was an especially nostalgic visit for him, exactly 30 years after he graduated. It is a small university town with a delightful little downtown. We spent an afternoon here, visiting hubby's alma matar and ending our trip at yet another brewery. Left: In front of the Administration Building at CSU, Fort Collins. Right : Beer flight at Odell Brewing Company

Holidays are a time for near and dear ones to come together and celebrate love, friendship and the warmth of the festive season. Holidays also signify another important aspect in our lives - food. And lots of it! So whether you are a healthy eater, a cheese lover, a sweet tooth aficionado or a weekend boozer, here are a few unique holiday recipes which are sure to make your guests asking for more! Frosty The Snowman Cheese & Crackers INGREDIENTS 2 8 oz blocks of cream cheese at room temperature 1 oz package ranch seasoning mix (optional) 1 1/2 cups finely shredded white cheddar or mozzarella 1 baby carrot A stalk of green onion whole peppercorns or cloves 3-4 raisins 2 pretzel sticks DIRECTIONS Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix. Ranch dressing gives flavor to the dip. You can skip it, if needed. Make 2 balls out of the cheese mixture - a large one for the body, and a smaller one for the head. Transfer cheese mixtures to two separate sheets of plastic wrap and cover them up. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Right before serving, remove the plastic wrap and roll the balls over a plate of shredded cheese. Place smaller cheese ball onto larger cheese ball on a serving platter. Slice the tip off of a baby carrot and press into cheese ball to make a nose. Use whole peppercorns or cloves for mouth and eyes. Use raisins for buttons. Secure a stalk of green onion around the neck with a clove, to form a scarf. Stick in two pretzel sticks for arms. Serve with crackers. Pita Bread Christmas Trees INGREDIENTS 2-4 Pita or naan bread rounds Pomegranate seeds or finely chopped red pepper Your favorite guacamole recipe 16-20 pretzel sticks (Optional) yellow pepper DIRECTIONS Cut pita or naan bread into large triangles. Poke a hole in the rounded side and insert a pretzel stick as the stem. Spread guacamole on each pita triangle. Layer red pepper pieces or pomegranate seeds in a zig zag line onto guacamole. (Optional) Cut small stars from yellow pepper and place them on top of each tree Persimmon Bundt Cake I especially love this time of the year, as my favorite fruit, persimmon, is in abundance. Shoutout to my friend, Neelu Y, for this delicious reicipe. INGREDIENTS 2 tsp baking soda 3 cups finely chopped Fuyu persimmons 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 2/3 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg 1 cup chopped walnut 3/4 cup raisins Red and Green frosting Powdered sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan Blend baking soda into chopped persimmons and set aside. Beat butter with sugar. Add eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and beat till fluffy. Stir in persimmons. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir into the persimmon mixture until fully blended Add walnuts and raisins. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 mins, until a toothpick inserted into the pan comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 mins and then turn onto a rack. Dust powdered sugar over the cake and drizzle red and green frosting to give it a festive look. Christmas Tree Pinwheels INGREDIENTS 2 packages 8oz each cream cheese at room temperature (Optional) 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature 1/2 packet or about 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing and seasoning mix 5-8 green tortillas 8 inch Slice of sharp cheddar cheese for the star Fillings for pinwheel - shredded carrot, dried cranberries, walnuts, finely chopped red, yellow and green bell pepper etc. DIRECTIONS Using a hand or stand mixer beat the cream cheese and sour cream (Optional) together. Add powdered ranch mix and blend until smooth. Add in the fillings and mix until combined. Lay spinach tortilla on a flat surface. Spread cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the tortilla. Roll tortilla tightly. To seal the tortilla closed, use a small amount of the cream cheese mixture. Slice into even sections, about 1-1 1/2 inch pieces Arrange as a Christmas tree on a flat board. Cut a star out of a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and place it at the top of the tree. Enjoy Christmas Tree Veggie Dip INGREDIENTS Baby Carrots broccoli florets 4-5 pretzel sticks Cherry tomatoes Cauliflower florets Your favorite veggie dip Red or yellow bell pepper for the star DIRECTIONS Arrange all the veggies to form a Christmas tree using the cherry tomatoes as decorations, as shown in the picture. Line the pretzel sticks to form the trunk of the tree. Cut a star from the red or yellow bell pepper and place it at the top of the tree. Serve the veggies with your favorite dip. Christmas Grinch fruit skewers INGREDIENTS small bag of mini marshmallows Strawberries Banana Green Grapes Toothpicks DIRECTIONS Cut off the bottom of the strawberry and discard. Slice the banana into thin rounds. Using a toothpick, assemble the Grinch with the grape for the body, then banana slice, then strawberry and the mini marshmallow on top. If the toothpick is not long enough to stick out from the grape bottom, insert the second toothpick into the bottom of the grape. Red & Green Curry Leaf (Kari patta) Martini INGREDIENTS Vodka - 60ml Sugar syrup – 1 tbsp Lemon juice – 1 tsp Curry leaves – 5-6 Ginger – 1/2 inch piece Ice Few sprigs of curry leaves for garnish Red chilli powder+salt+sugar for rim DIRECTIONS Grind a handful of curry leaves with a little ginger with a little water. This makes enough paste to last a few rounds. Mix the above concoction of vodka, lemon juice, a table spoon of ground curry leaves, sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. For a holiday green/red touch, serve in a chilled martini glass rimmed with chilli powder, salt and sugar. Garnish with a stalk of curry leaves. To make the classic martini, you can replace the vodka with gin and vermouth. Puff Pastry pull-apart Christmas Tree INGREDIENTS 2 sheets of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry Pesto Sauce or Marinara sauce slice of cheddar cheese for the star Cherry tomatoes 1 egg DIRECTIONS Roll out the first sheet of puff pastry onto a piece of parchment paper. THEN gently lift the parchment paper and place it on to a baking sheet. Spread the pesto sauce or marinara sauce on the sheet of puff pastry that's on the baking sheet. Then add the second sheet of puff pastry on top to make a sandwich. Make a template out of another sheet of parchment paper in the shape of a triangle. Cut the Christmas tree shape out of the parchment paper. Lay the template on top of the puff pastry. Use a Pizza Wheel Cutter or a sharp knife and cut out the Christmas tree shape in the puff pastry making sure you cut a tree trunk at the bottom. Lay the extra sections of puff pastry aside. You'll need to cut the star for the top of the tree with this extra puff pastry. Make the branches of the tree by slicing into the puff pastry, starting half an inch from the center and cutting till the end. Do this from the top to the bottom of the triangular tree, on either side, with an inch of uncut portion running in the middle from top to bottom. Make sure each branch is about an inch thick. Then start twisting. Press the edges of the twisted branches down into the puff pastry so they don't pop up. Brush the entire tree with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated 375° F oven for 15 minutes or until the entire pastry is puffed and golden brown. Cut a star out of a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and place it at the top of the tree. Decorate the tree with the cherry tomatoes as ornaments. Serve with your favorite dip. New Years Fruit Skewer Almost everyone's New Year Resolution is to eat healthy. So what better way to start off your resolution than with this fruit platter for a New Years Eve party. INGREDIENTS Strawberries Blueberries Block of sharp cheddar cheese Kiwi Pineapple slices Black olives Wooden skewers DIRECTIONS Cut off the bottom of the strawberries. Slice the black olives in half. Cut pineapples, kiwi and the block of cheese into small cubes. Thread all the ingredients onto the skewers as shown in the picture.

We have always loved camping, but over the years its become more and more tedious to load up the car with all our supplies, drive a few hours away, and set up our campsite only to take it down 24-48 hours later. So when we saw an Airbnb "unique stay" of glamping in the Soquel mountains, we had to try it out. Sundance Meadows is a family-owned and operated glamping experience in the Santa Cruz mountains, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Soquel. You can book a night's stay on Airbnb; they have 3 different tent options. Two of the tents have a queen bed inside and one of the tents has a queen bed + a twin bed. Since they only have 3 tents, they sell out pretty fast so make sure to book your night well in advance. >> Got a question about Natural Sundance Meadows Glamping that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Since there were 3 of us, we decided to reserve the largest tent. The inside of the tent was quite spacious and both beds were very comfortable to sleep on. The tent was well insulated and they provided multiple blankets and pillows. Outside of the tent, there was a deck with a picnic table, bbq grill, and a gas fire pit with a couple of lovely Adirondack chairs. We used the grill to make pizza one night and to toast our bagels in the morning. The hammock and the rustic wooden swing invited us to be lazy and just relax during our stay. There was a flushing camp toilet inside a small shed, and there was a sink outside with running water, but no shower. There was also a generator that supplied enough energy for us to charge our devices, but the hosts had strict hours on when we could run the generator. There was limited cell phone service at the campsite, so we could only contact the hosts when we ventured into town. Being disconnected from the digital world enhanced the charm of this place. At night, the string lights gave a magical touch to this glamping experience in the woods. We went to sleep listening to crickets chirping and woke up to the song of the birds. In mid July, the temperature was just perfect, and didnt get cold or chilly in the tent. Being close to Santa Cruz, there were many activities close by. We tried our hand at Hydrobiking in the Elk Horn Slough in Moss Beach, watched the surfers at Pleasure Point, caught the sunset at Santa Cruz Lighthouse, browsed the boutiques in Capitola downtown, and enjoyed amusement park food at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Sunset at Santa Cruz Lighthouse Overall, we loved our experience here! The location made it easy to explore the beaches and towns of Santa Cruz and Capitola during the day and provided the peace and quiet of the mountains at night. Definitely a unique experience for a weekend getaway.

New York City is a melting pot of various cultures from many generations, all nestled in historic districts scattered throughout the city. Through these cultures, New York food scene has evolved into this quintessential food capital that it has become today. One such area is the charming, iconic and extremely delicious neighborhood of Greenwich Village that you can eat your way through. The tour I have listed below will unlock the secret food haven of this historic district while strolling through its quaint streets. Since there are a number of vendors to visit, I highly recommend ordering only one item and sharing between yourselves, so you have room in your stomach to try all. This Greenwich Village Food Tour starts at the heart of the village which is Washington Square Park. The closest Subway Station is at W 4th Street. >> Got a question about this Greenwich Food Tour that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. NY Dosa - This famous New York Dosa food truck can be found within Washington Park from Thursdays - Sundays, starting at 11am. Having heard so much about this food truck on the internet, it took us 3 tries before we could locate him. Although Google says that the food truck opens at 11am, there was already a line of about 10 people when we arrived on a Saturday at 10:15am. By noon, expect a 1-2 hour long wait in a line that snakes around the park. The Dosa Man runs out of batter and stops taking orders by 1pm each day. His staples are Mysore Masala Dosa, Uttapam, Pondicherry Dosa and samosas. As you start this food tour, try the Uttapam, which is a thick savory crepe with vegetables mixed in it, with chutney and sambar on the side. We did not think the food stood up to the hype, but YMMV. Pro Tip : Before going, check NYDosas on Instagram, where he announces each day if he is open or not. Mamoun's Falafel : Mamoun’s falafel opened here on MacDougal Street in 1971. It was New York City’s first falafel restaurant, and one of the first places to serve Middle Eastern food in the United States. Pretty obviously, from the name, they are best known for their falafel. If you are looking to keep it sample sized, you can order just a side a falafel (3 little falafel balls). It will come with two options for a sauce. The tahini sauce is very mild and perfectly complements the falafel. Their dark red house chili sauce is not for the timid. We tried their falafel sandwich with hummus - it was so delicious that we wished we had not shared it between us. Artichoke Pizza : This pizza chain can be found throughout New York. This one on MacDougal Street opened in 2010. While they have several great slices available here, the star of the show is the artichoke pizza. Nothing about it is traditional New York pizza, from the thick crust to the artichoke cream sauce, but it is delicious. This sauce is a family recipe, and the ingredients are a closely guarded secret. According to the owners, there are about 25 ingredients and each batch takes about 8 hours to make. It is all worth it though when you try the pizza. It is pretty rich, so this is a great thing to bring along a friend or two for, to share. Cafe Wha ? : This unassuming venue on MacDougal Street, is a legend in the music world. It was originally opened as a coffeehouse by Manny Roth, uncle of Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth. Café Wha was a place for new talents to hone their skills. Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor performed here early in their careers. A basket was passed around, and many of these now legendary performers received no more than tips. Mary Travers of Peter, Paul, and Mary started here as a waitress. Bob Dylan's first performance in NYC was at this Cafe. Now this has become a local hangout for live entertainment and are open Wednesday through Sunday and offer the usual pub fare on their menu. Faicco's Italian Specialties : Faicco's on Bleekers Street, has been around since 1940s, and is a specialty shop that caters to home chefs making any Italian dishes. They also have a take away counter in the back, making specialty sandwiches and other treats. My recommendation for a quick bite is their rice balls or arancini. Arancini, from the Italian word for little orange, is said to have originated in Sicily in the 10th century and is now made all over Italy. It is a ball of risotto, cheese, and spices coated with fine breadcrumbs. Faiccos offers these with meat or without, so order whatever sounds best to you. It is a great shop to look around for a while - I found it to be a miniature version of Eataly! Bleecker Street Pizza : This corner spot at Bleeker and 7th Street, is home to one of the best slices in the city. Bleecker street pizza opened 11 years ago and quickly made a name for itself with their Nonna Maria Pizza. In Italian, Nonna means grandmother, and that is where this recipe originated. The Nonna Maria slice at Bleecker is a faithful representation of her recipe. It starts in the morning with San Marzano tomatoes that go into a fresh batch of house-made sauce. Each pie has plenty of fresh basil and is finished with Parmigiana Reggiano cheese, imported from Italy. This cheese costs over 1000$ a wheel and is on every pie in Bleecker Street. The bumps on the bottom of the crust are a mix of freshly made bread crumbs, Romano cheese, and spices, another original part of Grandma's recipe. Grab any slice that looks good to you, but the Nonna Maria is a must-try! Molly's Cupcakes : Mollys is at the other end of Bleecker street from Bleecker Street Pizza. When you walk into Molly's Cupcakes, it is supposed to feel like going back to school. The tables and chairs are reminiscent of school desks, there are textbooks, board games and lunchboxes as decor, and playground swings to sit in. The front of the store is painted to look like a yellow school bus. This all points to the origin of this bakery. Molly was the name of the owner’s 3rd-grade teacher. For every student’s birthday, she baked cupcakes and brought them into school. This bakery is named in her honor, and a portion of their profits go to support educational organizations here in New York. So eat up- it's for a good cause. If you are looking for something small, they have cake pops, and mini Molly's - little mini cupcakes. You can customize your own cupcake, choosing from a list of cake flavors, frosting flavors, and toppings (including vegan flavors). They also have some cupcakes that they have created, with various toppings and fillings. Some favorites are the chocolate sea salt caramel and the peach cobbler. Molly’s has been named Best Cupcake in New York by numerous sources and won the competition show Cupcake Wars. We tried the Decedent Chocolate, and true to its name, it was rich in the most delicious, finger-lickin' chocolate cream. There are so many other restaurants and eateries to experience in and around Bleeker Street and beyond, that Greenwich Village deserves multiple visits. Hope this small food tour intro tempts you to try out all the great food the rest of the Village has to offer!