7 of the Best Trails in Chicago to Tackle This Fall

Boulder is blessed with a bounty of incredible adventures right in its backyard. Whether exploring the majestic Flatirons, touring the canyons or wandering the foothills, there’s a new side of the city waiting to be discovered around every corner. From the bat cave to Boulder creek, here’s a solid hit list of our favorite must do adventures. 1. Hike the Guardians of the Flatirons Descending South Boulder Peak en route to Bear Peak. James DziezynskiThe three summits that tower above the Flatirons—Green Mountain 8,150 ft., Bear Peak 8,461 ft., and South Boulder Peak 8,549 ft.—can be connected in a variety of ways for an epic day adventure. Expect a good 5,000+ feet of total elevation gain if done as a point to point (about 6.7 miles by the most direct route starting at Gregory Canyon and ending at the South Mesa Trailhead). If you want to make a full loop, the Mesa Trail skirts the base of the trio. Plot your favorite route by using the City of Boulder’s Mountain Parks interactive map . 2. Road Bike Left Hand Canyon to Ward A spring ride up Left Hand Canyon. OK, so Lance Armstrong’s reputation may be slightly tarnished, but nonetheless, one of his favorite training rides when he lived in Boulder is still one of Colorado’s classic canyon climbs . From the Green Briar Inn on Hwy. 36, it’s 16 miles and over 4,000 vertical feet to the odd little town of Ward. To avoid Hwy. 36 altogether, start your ride at Lee Hill Drive and connect into Left Hand Canyon for a few bonus hills. Despite the intimidating stats, most of the climb is gradual on a paved road with a wide shoulder—just watch out for the steep push during the last mile to Ward! 3. Go to the Bat Gates of Mallory Cave At the gates of Mallory Cave. Audra OgilvyMallory Cave is a roosting spot for Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, a likable fellow who does his part to gobble as many mosquitoes as his tiny belly can hold. Boulder gated off Mallory Cave to protect this important bat habitat. Rather than just install a bland barrier, the city opted to put up a decorative iron gate that is worth seeing. Mallory Cave is a fun hike with a nifty scramble up to the gate itself. Batman shirt optional but preferred. 4. Climb the Third Flatiron Midway up the Third Flatiron. Clare RedaThe sustained 5.4 climbing on the third Flatiron offers 1,300 vertical feet of trad climbing goodness. Usually done in eight pitches, this classic route is a great introduction to multi-pitch climbing as well as a fun place for experienced climbers to get a solid climbing workout on one of the most amazing features in Boulder. There are plenty of other variations as well for those looking to ascend via routes other than the standard East Face. If you're looking for a local Boulder guide to help you up, try Vetta Mountain Guides . 5. Mountain Bike Heil and Hall Ranch in a Day The rock garden at Hall Ranch. Robert TadlockStarting at the Left Hand Canyon entrance to Heil Ranch , mountain bikers can link Heil’s fun, intermediate trails via the Picture Rock Trail all the way into the town of Lyons, where a 1-mile bit of paved road leads to Hall Ranch . Hall’s notorious rock garden along the Bitterbrush Trail offers some of the best technical riding in the Front Range—the speedy lollipop loop that follows is pure biking bliss. The most straightforward route out and back starting from Heil Ranch will take strong bikers 4-5 hours and cover over 35 miles. On hot summer days, many riders opt to refill their hydration systems by carrying a water filter and restocking at the St. Vrain River along the way. 6. Mountain Bike the Betasso - Sugarloaf Challenge Betasso Preserve... the easy part of the challenge! James DziezynskiRiders who want to combine trail and road (29ers, I’m looking at you) should give this burly tour a go. Park at Betasso Preserve and start your day with a tour of Canyon and Benjamin Loops. That’s the warm up. Head back down to Boulder Canyon (either by the road or via the Connector Trail) and head towards Magnolia Road. Get ready for 4 miles of sustained, paved climbing that averages a 9.1% grade and has switchbacks that are over 20% steep! At the top of the hill, there are still 8 miles of rolling dirt road to reach Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy. 72). After climbing more than 2,400 vertical feet, turn north on Peak to Peak to the town of Lyons (a great place to stop for lunch). Resume your tour by continuing on Peak to Peak until it connects with Sugar Loaf Road. More climbing awaits along dirt roads that eventually turn to pavement in the community of Sugar Loaf. A blazing, paved downhill will bring you back to the Betasso Preserve Road and completes the loop 38 miles later. Total climbing is over 4,000 feet. 7. Run from Marshall Mesa to Doudy Draw The trail from Doudy Draw to Flatirons Vista. James DziezynskiIn 2014, Boulder completed the Highway 93 Underpass that connects the Marshall Mesa network of trails with Community Ditch. The upshot was that two great trail systems became one—without a Frogger-style life-or-death street crossing across Highway 93 to connect the two. Runners can go for a quick jog or run their own personal marathon without seeing the same terrain twice. Oh yeah, and the views aren’t too shabby either. 8. Climb the Saddle Rock Ladder up Green Mountain The new ladder en route to Green Mountain's summit. City of BoulderThe Saddle Rock Trail was one of the hardest hit during the floods of 2013. There’s still extensive damage along the trail that nature is slowly healing and that in itself is worth a look. The City of Boulder added a long ladder on the upper trail to compensate for the washed out terrain. But it’s not just the novelty of the ladder, it’s also the chance to see a trail completely redesigned courtesy of the floods. Saddle Rock merges with the EM Greenman Trail that eventually tops out on Green Mountain for a 6 mile round trip with over 2,000 feet of vertical elevation gain. 9. Run the Bolder Boulder—In Costume Pick and theme and run with it! Mikaela WiremanWhat do Jesus, a human banana, dozens of vikings, and the Statue of Liberty have in common? They’ve all run the Bolder Boulder ! The city’s famous 10k event is well known for its costumed runners, not to mention the variety of fun distractions along the sidelines, from waterslides to Elvis impersonators. Why not put on your best disguise and give it a go? If a teletubby can do it, so can you! 10. Visit Royal Arch—Because You Can Royal Arch in all its glory UCFFoolBoulder’s humble Royal Arch must have felt very lonely in 2014. The steep trail to the natural sandstone bridge was closed for nearly a year following the 2013 floods and didn’t reopen until late summer in 2014. The city has worked hard to restore the trail and 2015 will be its first full year back in business (barring another flood, of course). Royal Arch’s round trip mileage is only 3.2 miles but offers a stiff climb over 1,200'. 11. Hike Sanitas on a Rainy or Snowy Day There aren't many crowds during a blizzard! James DziezynskiThe next time rain or snow comes to town (a somewhat rare event), why not gear up and head for Mount Sanitas ? The 6,843 ft. summit is especially glorious during a snowstorm and can feel like a much more remote peak when socked in by the elements. Fair weather hikes are fine but to really catch a new vibe off Boulder’s most climbed mountain, inclement weather paints a new portrait (avoid lightning storms of course). 12. Stand in the Flagstaff Star Go stand in the star! Avery StonichWhen December comes around, a hike up to Boulder’s venerable electric star on Flagstaff Road is a fun way to welcome in a new winter. There’s a good trail up Gregory Canyon if you prefer a hike (as opposed to just parking next to the thing and ambling up). Our feature story on the star offers a bit of history and directions. A photo in the star with your sweetie—or your dog—will be a keeper. 13. Explore Boulder’s Hidden Trails Can you find Boulder's hidden "micro Flatirons" in South Boulder? James DziezynskiEven locals have a hard time finding all of Boulder’s best trails. We compiled an earlier list of  Boulder’s 4 Hidden Trails , but there are many more waiting to be found. One of the most overlooked is the Anemone Trail, an open secret that shares the Centennial Trailhead with the much more popular Mount Sanitas. Looking for a real challenge? See if you can find Harmon Cave! 14. Have a Picnic on Davidson Mesa Davidson Mesa looking west. James DziezynskiDavidson Mesa is located on the border of Boulder in nearby Louisville. Besides having a nice fenced in dog park, the mesa itself has perhaps the very best views of the city of Boulder. Photographers enjoy the potential for stunning sunset and nighttime photos from the mesa, but it’s a pretty nice place for a picnic (or a trail run). Bring Fido and a good lunch, and marvel at the towering Flatirons and if you’re lucky, Longs Peak to the north on clear days. 15. Run the Boulder Creek Path from 28th Street to Four Mile Canyon Boulder Creek's venerable path. James DziezynskiOur final must-do is to jog the Boulder Creek Path four miles from Scott Carpenter Park to the trail’s current terminus up Boulder Canyon at Four Mile Canyon Road. As it follows the creek, this paved and gravel trail goes through the heart of Boulder from city to wilderness. And the great news is that the trail is being expanded to continue all the way up to Betasso’s Connector Trail in 2017. So you can say you ran it when it was only four miles, earning you some kind of old school Boulderite bragging rights. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

For two years, I worked toward a lofty life dream: to outfit a van and drive from California to Patagonia. By last winter, plans were finally coming to fruition. I quit my job, my boyfriend and I set a date to move out of our house, and our van was, well, a work in progress. But one month before we planned to leave, he called it quits on the trip—and ended our three-year relationship. With no job, no place to live, and a travel dream that seemed impossible to pursue solo, I felt pretty lost to say the least. But I still had a van, a serious case of wanderlust, and a dog. So I rolled with the changes and started the adventure anyway, with my 30-pound heeler mix as co-pilot. Rodi “Rodrigo” Herzog came into my life about a year prior to it turning upside down. He’s the kind of dog that wins over hearts with his rugged good looks and shameless penchant for cuddling, then turns a few heads by charging down trails and practically levitating over boulders. If Rodi could survive a puppyhood wandering the plains of rural Nevada on his own, he could survive living in a van with me. But I was a bit less sure about my van. Less than a quarter of the way outfitted at the time I decided to take the trip solo, my Sprinter came with more than a few faults: shattered windshield, balding tires, two out of four functioning doors, and more dents than a recycled beer can. For three weeks I worked at an unrelenting pace to get that sucker running and built out with the poorly-leveled plywood that I now call home. Van mostly functional, dog always primed for adventure, Rodi and I set off for a road trip of undetermined length, unspecified time, and half-baked purpose. Instead of heading south to Latin America, I decided to start east and figure out the journey one step at a time. Ten months, 24 states, and two countries later, we’re still on the move and still happily unsure of when and where we’ll land next. Nonetheless, life on the road with Rodi has taught me a thing or two about, well, life. Here are some of the quirks and perks of embarking on this type of travel with a dog. Embrace the fact that your dog will likely be more popular than you. Rodi keeps a lookout in Mt. Rainier National Park. Jenna Herzog Unless you walk around the campground passing out free IPAs and down jackets, most people will find your dog to be far more interesting than you—and they will want to quiz you about him, pet him, and hang out with him. Countless times now I’ve waltzed through the routine: guess what breed my mutt is, ask me how old he is, tell me that he looks like a coyote. After enough of these casual encounters turning into friendships and climbing partnerships, I readily accept that Rodi is my better half, and that if people want to strike up conversation with me just to sneak a few cuddles with a cute pup, then so be it. One August evening, I rolled into Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park campground after six hours of driving. I was tired, hungry, and a little unsure if this pit stop on my way to Yosemite would be worth it. In my weary and cranky state, I wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed and scarf down a Clif bar for dinner. Van door open, I was left with nothing but the sound of Rodi’s tags as he trotted away, likely lured by the smell of roasting sausages. Wandering out by headlamp to retrieve my begging dog, I was greeted by Rodi’s new friends, a group of climbers quick to offer me a seat at the picnic table, complete with a beer and brat. The next afternoon, I found myself with no plans and no climbing partners, so I embarked on my usual routine of walking around the crag with Rodi. At the very least, I get to see the climbs and Rodi gets an always-appreciated walk. Tail wagging, Rodi charged ahead to the open arms of a guy sitting on a bench watching his two friends climb. A few minutes later I was tying my figure-eight and chalking up to climb with them. Without Rodi, I probably would have walked right by without a word, feeling too shy to ask if I could join their party of three. A couple months later, I’ve now shared summits in three different states with one of the climbers I met that day—all thanks to my dog. Don’t swear off all national parks. Rodi has a dog’s eye view of some stunning alpine lakes in California. Jenna Herzog National parks in the U.S. are generally not the best places to go gallivanting around with a dog. In my experience, it all comes down to taking the time to research where a dog can and can’t go within a park’s boundaries and weighing that against what I hope to do while I’m there. Take Yosemite, for example. Since I spend most of my time traveling to rock climb, it’s no surprise that this park runs high on my list. My first time going to Yosemite Valley with Rodi, I had little faith that he could endure the place for long. Thankfully, I found that the paved walkways in the valley offer plenty of opportunity for scenic dog walks, albeit usually in the dark after I finish climbing for the day. And driving outside of the park to camp every night gives Rodi enough space to let out excess energy, which is well worth the few extra dollars in gas. Meanwhile, the much less-crowded Badlands National Park in South Dakota boasted one of the best camping deals for budget-conscious and dog-owning travelers: a wide open field with free camping where Rodi was welcome to enjoy the views too. If all else fails, the surrounding towns near national parks usually offer at least one option for doggy daycare or overnight lodging. Places like these have saved me a few headaches, allowing me to explore national parks for a day or two without worrying about Rodi. Know what your dog is capable of—and what’s too much. Rodi takes a break on one of his many trips up Stawamus Chief in Squamish, British Columbia. Jenna Herzog This is undoubtedly the biggest lesson I’ve learned overall as a dog owner, and one that Rodi and I regularly consolidate through experiences on the road. I’ve been able to travel with very few dog-related challenges not because Rodi is the perfect dog, but because I know his needs, fears, and tendencies. Knowing what Rodi can handle has made our travels run smoothly, and testing what Rodi can handle has made for good stories (and plenty of lessons learned). The time when a cop came knocking on the van door to tell us to move from our not-so-stealth and not-so-legal camping spot in small-town Montana, it was clear that Rodi’s Mom!-Alert!-Danger! howl was imminent. One stern stare and a whispered command to stay quiet was (surprisingly) all he needed to curl back up in his bed and let me do the talking. Afternoons spent romping around climbing crags in Utah? No problem. Tagging along for a few drinks at a bar in Tennessee? He’d never complain about that. Packrafting down Class II rapids in Colorado? Achievable and hilarious, but not his favorite. Attempting a Tyrolean traverse over a 200-foot-wide river with Rodi in a backpack? Well, that was a one-time thing. Accept that sometimes it takes a village. Proof that dogs get all the attention during a climbing session in Squamish, British Columbia. Jenna Herzog Taking care of a dog while constantly managing every other aspect of my nomadic life can get a little taxing without a travel partner. But, like most single dog moms and dads out there, I make it happen. The important thing I’ve realized is that most other travelers have a Vitamin D(og) deficiency, and since Rodi is friendly and generally low-maintenance, I’m doing them a favor by letting him fill that void. In Squamish, British Columbia, for example, my sights were set on multi-pitch climbs that required being off the ground for up to 10 hours at a time—too long to leave Rodi alone in the van. In these times of need, I turned to my community of fellow van-, truck-, and tent-dwelling climbers for a little help. It usually wouldn’t take more than five minutes of walking around the campground or the climbing area parking lots to find a group of new friends willing to hang out with Rodi for the day. They got to enjoy cuddles with my pup in between pitches at the crag; I had peace of mind knowing that Rodi wasn’t roasting away in our metal box of a home under the afternoon sun. Don’t leave home without ‘em. Rodi feeling right at home at the base of a climb near Moab, Utah. Jenna Herzog In the last 48 hours before leaving home, I wasn’t fantasizing about dream destinations, fretting over my lack of a steady job, or cursing how much cash I just dropped on new tires. Rather, my mind spun in circles wondering if it were smart, safe, or even possible to bring Rodi on the trip. I struggled to imagine how he would fit into my new, very uncertain lifestyle. Now, almost a year and more than 18,000 miles later, Rodi has been there with me through it all, never once back-seat driving, complaining about a camping spot, or getting grumpy after a few too many days without a shower. To me, he’s the ideal travel partner. On a deeper level, I credit Rodi with giving me the extra edge of confidence and much-needed companionship that has made it possible for me to travel “solo” for months on end. So here’s to Rodi, the pup whose playful spirit and unwavering affection helped push me out the door and into a life of adventure at a time when I had nothing to lose. Written by Jenna Herzog for RootsRated.

Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, miles of interconnected trails meander through lush, green valleys, hug the banks of moss-laden, rocky creeks, and climb through thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron to the blue-tinged mountain peaks. You could spend weeks backpacking through this rich landscape, but a weekend trip will also allow you to experience the best of the Smokies. To help you plan your visit, we’ve highlighted three backpacking loops that give you the Appalachian Trail, streamside and ridgeline campsites, killer views, and enough distance and elevation to satisfy your inner weekend warrior. Big Creek Loop Combining the best of frontcountry and backcountry camping, the Big Creek area on the northeastern tip of the park off I-40 offers something for every level of hiker. Tackle a 21.5-mile loop over big peaks or lower your mileage and elevation with a night at one of the sweetest creekside campsites in the park. Either way, you’ll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. You will be in constant awe of the beauty on Big Creek Loop. Rock/Creek Roll into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and campsites with fire rings. You’ll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. One of the shortest AT access points, the trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the national park. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Cammerer fire tower spur trail. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Sterling to the south. From the fire tower, it’s a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Take Low Gap 2.5 miles to campsite #37 at the Big Creek Trail junction. Right on the banks of Big Creek, you’d be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. On Sunday, you can go big or go home, as they say. Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail. It’s another 1.4 miles and more climbing to an elevation of 5,842 feet on Mt. Sterling. Climb Sterling’s 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. If you opt to go home, you can sleep in, savor your coffee by the campfire, and still have plenty of time to hike the moderate, 5-mile descent along Big Creek back to the campground, passing two stunning waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. Big Creek loop ends with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. virgntn2011 Big Creek Campground is open from April through October and makes a great base camp for groups by serving a wide variety of abilities and interests. On your way home, make sure you leave enough time to refuel at Carver’s Apple Orchard in Cosby, Tenn. At Carver’s you can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market, nab awesome treats at an old-time candy shop, and feast at a homestyle restaurant, where the apple fritters are not to be missed. Twentymile Loop In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find a lesser-used trailhead that leads to the AT and one of the most scenic balds in the park. From this trailhead, you’ll log 17.6 miles on the way to Gregory Bald, sleeping one night on the AT and camping the other night on the bald. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Campsite #113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than 1 mile north of the trail junction. If time allows late Friday or early Saturday morning, head south on the AT for 360-degree views at sunset or sunrise from the top of Shuckstack Fire Tower. The historic lookout isn’t regularly maintained, so watch your step on the 200-foot climb to the top. In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find the lesser-used Twentymile Loop trailhead. Chris M Morris You’ll resume your northward journey on the AT, traveling 2 miles over Doe Knob to the next trail junction. Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Known for spectacular flame azalea blooms each year in mid to late June, the grassy high-elevation meadow offers stunning views of Cades Cove, Fontana Lake, and Clingmans Dome. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. Refuel at Fontana Village, just over 6 miles down Highway 28, before heading home. Burgers and brews will hit the spot at Wildwood Grill, while the Mountainview Restaurant highlights seasonal produce, along with fresh, local rainbow trout. Deep Creek Loop Along Deep Creek loop you’ll pass Indian Creek Falls. Alan Cressler Enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area in the south-central region of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile loop. You’ll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. You’ve barely left the Deep Creek Ranger Station before you come across Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. Once you pass these Instagram-worthy stops, it’s a slight uphill grade for 4 miles along the moderately rocky Deep Creek Trail to campsites 54-59. Claim a site for Friday evening (all but one are non-reservable) to enjoy the refreshing waters of Deep Creek and thickly wooded campsites. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. Fork Ridge ascends 5 miles to Clingmans Dome Road and the AT. A short hike north takes you to the Mount Collins shelter, where you’ll spend the night in a high-elevation spruce-fir forest and dramatically cooler, drier conditions. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Hike down from Clingmans Dome Road to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Kevin Stewart Photography The pre-dawn hike south to Clingmans Dome is highly recommended for 360 degrees of sunrise from the highest point in the Smokies. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. The trail slopes gently for the first 5 miles before making a steeper drop into Deep Creek, but there are few roots and rocks to slow you down. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. After logging all those miles, nothing’s going to taste more satisfying than a meal and craft beer at The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing Co. Wrap up your Smokies adventure on the outdoor patio in downtown Bryson City with specialties like the slow-cooked brisket noodle bowl, apple bourbon pork chops, or Bryson City Brown Ale chicken along with a flagship or seasonal draft. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina.

Southern California is a hotbed of geothermal activity and plate tectonics, which can have the effect of creating an ever-creeping dread of the inevitable earthquake. But instead of living in perpetual fear of the “Big One”, outdoor-loving types in SoCal can take advantage of the plus side of an active geothermal region—proximity to an abundance of hot springs. And—bonus for backpackers—several of these magical spots are only accessible via hardy hikes, which is a great way to weed out hordes of tourists, not to mention beckon a worthy reward for miles on the trail and the resulting achy muscles. So, for a resplendent escape from the sprawl and bustle of the Los Angeles area, grab your backpack and bathing suit and hit the trail to explore these four incredible hot springs in Southern California—Mother Nature’s best day spas. 1. Sespe Hot Springs Just two hours from Los Angeles, the Sespe Hot Springs feel worlds away. Kara Kieffer Located just two hours from Los Angeles, north of the vineyard town of Ojai, Sespe Hot Springs are tucked deep into the Sespe Wilderness. Despite their proximity to a major metropolitan area, these hot springs feel indefinitely wild. The Sespe Wilderness area features soaring white sandstone cliffs, long bare bluffs, and Sespe Creek cutting through the center. This area is also home to bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and some of the last remaining condors in California. The springs themselves bubble from the rock face at several points along the valley floor. The farther you walk up valley, the hotter the springs will be—until you reach the top spring, which boasts some of the hottest water in California. (It’s been measured at 194 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to dip in a toe beforehand to avoid a serious scalding.) The tubs at Sespe are built into the creek with natural stones that form small pools. Find your ideal soaking spot by scouting down creek until the temperature is just right. Set up camp along the sandy valley floor near the water. Getting into Sespe Hot Springs provides its own fun challenge. The most straightforward way is to hike 19.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead on the western side of the wilderness. This route passes by the disappointing Willet Hot Spring—a rubber cistern in the ground that’s filled with algae—as it follows the Sespe Creek. While this route is by far the longest, it has minimal elevation gain and access to water almost constantly. An alternate (and more fun) route is to follow the Johnson Ridge Trail from the northern trailhead. This route follows an exposed ridge 9.5 miles down to the hot springs, giving hikers a commanding view of the Sepse area, a downhill approach to the springs, and nearly half the distance. However, the Johnson Ridge Trailhead must be reached by the unpaved Grade Road, which may cause some sedans to struggle (an SUV or all-wheel-drive vehicle is a better choice.). Plan your visit during the fall through spring, as the summer months can be brutally hot. 2. Iva Bell Hot Springs A moderate hike will lead you to six pools of the Iva Belle Hot Springs, located near Mammoth Lakes. Kara Kieffer Sprinkled outside of Mammoth Lakes, these are perhaps some of the most well-developed backcountry hot springs, with everything needed for a great weekend retreat. Six pools are scattered around numerous flat camping areas complete with their own fire pits; a year-round creek tumbles through camp, too. The Iva Bell springs are delightfully free of any eggy sulfuric smell, with clear water, and temperatures in the low 100s. The springs cascade down a hill in disjointed pods with the upper springs the smallest and least developed but hottes. The three lower pools are large enough to fit eight people each, with water that comes to about mid-thigh. Plan your trip for the summer months as the road the Red’s Meadow is closed during the winter. Remember that permits are required, but there are also a handful of walkup day permits you can snag at the Mammoth Visitors Center. From Mammoth Lakes, take the $7 Red’s Meadow shuttle and get off at the last (#10) stop at Red’s Meadow. Leaving Red’s, you will follow the Carter Creek Trail 11 miles as it first winds its way along granite hills, before dropping almost 1,000 feet into deep forest as you descend toward Fish Creek Valley. Once you’ve reached the creek, follow the trail left up the valley to reach the springs after another three miles. These springs are accessible year round, though they are easiest to access during the spring through early fall months. 3. Jordan Hot Springs Jordan Hot Springs is serene nowadays, despite being a developed resort prior to 1990. Kara Kieffer Jordan Hot Springs stands unique among its backpacker-only brethren for being the only hot spring on this list that was once a developed resort. Prior to 1990 and the creation of the Golden Trout Wilderness, visitors could pay to have themselves and their stuff shuttled down to the hot springs via horseback. But now the only way in is hiking. To access Jordan Hot Springs, start at the Black Rock ranger station on the southern end of the Golden Trout Wilderness. From the ranger station, follow signs six miles and 3,000 feet down, through pine forest that meanders along a creek. Once the trail begins to mellow you’ll come out into a clearing that has a large fire pit and several dilapidated buildings from the time the spring was a commercial venture. From the campground, the springs are just a few hundred feet down the trail. They are made up of a seven-person pool, a warmer single-person pool, and a trough that’s perfect for washing your feet in. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with a small crowd likely on busy weekends. 4. Kern River Hot Spring The Kern River Hot Spring is an outdoor paradise: a single spring flowing into three pools along the shores of the Kern River, below massive towering cliffs surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees, with waters ranging from 100-115 degrees, situated along the shores of the Kern River. But it also requires some serious effort to get to. Furthermore, in researching these springs online you’ll find many people pointing to the Remington Hot Springs, which—aside from being the wrong springs—are often crowded, situated right along a road, and can attract some less-than-savory characters. The most popular way to get to the Kern River Hot Springs is by hiking the High Sierra Trail hitting the springs along the halfway point of your trek around mile 36. However, if doing a 72-mile thru hike of the HST isn’t feasible, there is another way to approach the springs. The shortest means of getting into the Kern River Hot Springs is via a 20-mile hike—with close to 6,00 feet of gain—departing from Mineral King Ranger station, heading over Franklyn Pass, and then descending along Rattlesnake Creek toward the Kern River and following the river to the hot springs. While getting to the Kern River Hot Springs is by no means an easy feat, the scenery alone, especially around Mineral King, is an enticing way to explore some of the lesser explored sections of Sequoia National Park. This hike requires a permit, which can be reserved online through the National Park Service, or can be obtained as a walk-up permit. The best window for attempting this hike is late spring through early fall, when you can take advantage of the warmer temperatures and the snow-free trail. Written by Kara Kieffer for RootsRated.