Cactus to Clouds: The Hardest Hike in America?

Posted by: Josh Garwood • Monday, February 25 2019

Hardest hike in America? That's a bold claim, but one that hikers of the Cactus to Clouds trail can certainly make with a straight face. Starting in Palm Springs, Calif., the trail offers an extreme physical challenge while also providing a unique outdoor setting with amazing views. It's a day hike that puts your skills to the test, and it should certainly be on the bucket list of any serious hiker.

Let's break it down: The hike is actually a combination of two trails, the Skyline Trail, and the trail to the San Jacinto Peak. The Skyline Trail is approximately 10 miles long and features 8,000 feet of elevation gain from the desert floor of Palm Springs up to the Long Valley Ranger Station. You are home free once you get to this point—or are you?

The hike up to the San Jacinto Peak is much easier (but by no means easy). You want a challenge, yes? The trail up to the peak is an additional 5.5 miles long with 2,600 feet of elevation gain from the ranger station. Remember, at this point you have just finished hours of one legged squats with each step up the Skyline Trail. Intrigued?

A Palm Springs Sunrise on the Skyline Trail.
Craig Pulsipher — A Palm Springs Sunrise on the Skyline Trail. Craig Pulsipher

Such an attempt requires dedicated preparation. Most reviewers say this hike is not for the faint of heart. I'd take it one step further and say that it is custom-designed for those looking for an extreme challenge. Most veterans recommend starting the hike at 3 a.m.; I began this trip up at 4:15 a.m. The important thing is that this hike is started several hours before daybreak in order to get through as much of the steep grade climbing as possible before the sun starts beating down.

Increases in altitude will provide a nice cool breeze. The landscape of the Skyline Trail is very representative of the desert from which you will start, and the trail offers many amazing components that make for a fun adventure. The rock formations to climb up, over, and around provide an interesting and stimulating course. Overlooking the entire Coachella Valley, you will see the lights, wind farms, and highways as the sun rises to peak over the eastern mountains.

After trekking further up the trail, the terrain changes from a dry desert landscape to a wooded forest of pine trees. The air will begin to taste crisp and cool. The shady canopy is just in time for the steepest grade of the day finishing off the Skyline trail up to the Long Valley Ranger Station. Mission accomplished.

This is the place to take a much deserved recovery break, eat some food, refill water bottles, and prepare mentally to get back to it. The rest of the way is mostly forested with plenty of tree coverage, and the climate feels magnificent. This point of the trail has plenty of foot traffic from fellow adventurers in quest of the spectacular view from the peak.

There are several things to take into consideration before starting this hike up the Skyline Trail. First, think about the season. The summer months will increase the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Winter months will result in extreme lows, especially when you get farther up the mountain. If there is any snow coverage, there will be parts of the trail that will be very difficult to follow.

The Aerial Tramway will give hikers a ride back to down the mountain.
Craig Pulsipher — The Aerial Tramway will give hikers a ride back to down the mountain. Craig Pulsipher

Other seasons will provide temperature extremes of both hot and cold. Next thing to consider is the fact that the first bail out point is not until you get to Long Valley, which is 10 miles from the trailhead. If you get half way up Skyline and decide it is too much, it is safer to continue up to the ranger's station for a ride back down on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Another thing to consider is the chance of injury. I was personally scolded by the ranger because I did this hike alone. A twisted ankle, a pulled muscle, snake bite, or inadequate water supply could have been disastrous. Use the buddy system. My journey was in the end of summer, and I went through six liters of water heading up the Skyline Trail. Some advice: Plan for weather fluctuations, pack a first-aid kit, and carry plenty of food and water. Preparation is key to making this adventure a positive experience.

Cactus to Clouds is an accomplishment. Completing it will be a defining moment in life. Consider the reward. Think of the peace that follows such physical and mental exertion, the challenge itself, stunning views, being one with nature, bragging rights, and the satisfaction of conquering one of the most difficult hikes in America.

So, is Cactus to Clouds the hardest hike in America? Hmmm. A total of 20 miles, 10,600 feet of elevation gain, temperature extremes on both ends, and 10-14 hours on the move. Putting this hike to the test is the only way for you to know for sure.

Written by Craig Pulsipher for RootsRated in partnership with Greater Palm Springs CVB.

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For those on the West Coast, 4,000-foot peaks might not even be worth blinking at. Not so, in the East. With our cities, and even most of our trailheads, sitting at less than 1,000 feet above sea level, it’s the comparatively small 4- and 5,000 footers that tower above. But even if these ancient, weathered peaks may be somewhat modest in size compared to the behemoths of the West, it certainly doesn’t make them any less spectacular. Upstate New York’s Adirondacks are home to 46 (give or take) “High Peaks” that make up a cherished and historic list defined by a magical line at 4,000 feet. What these rugged summits lack in elevation, they more than make up for in vertical gain (matching if not exceeding many of their western day hike counterparts), trail toughness, and downright beauty as they tower over some of the densest and most stunning backcountry on the continent. From rocky alpine summits to trail-less bushwhacks, here are the 10 all-around best 46ers in the Adirondacks. 1. Mount Colden Distance: 12.6 miles Rating: Difficult There’s no need to wait for the summit to enjoy the views on this hike. Within the first few miles, hikers pass a number of spots worthy of day hiking to on their own. The clearing where Marcy Dam once stood leaves visitors staring up toward Colden and Wright Peaks. Then, only a little further, the steep, narrow cut between Colden and the MacIntyre Range swallows the trail entirely. Avalanche Pass is a highlight to rival canyons and gorges everywhere. Continue up and down the ladders and boardwalks that negotiate the rocks between Avalanche Lake and the cliffs. Then, venture along the “hitch-up-matildas,” which are walkways bolted right to the rocks where it drops straight into the water. From picturesque Lake Colden, the trail cuts back and up toward Colden itself where you’ll be able to take in arguably the best views of any high peak. Colden’s bare summit sits right in the center of the most exciting part of the ‘Daks and offers unencumbered views of rocky summits in every direction. 2. Gothics Mountain Distance: 11.6 miles Rating: Moderate The Great Range snakes through the peaks from Route 73 like an arrow shot toward Mount Marcy’s summit. Between peaks on the range, trails drop, seemingly forever, making following the chain a grueling experience, while on either side of the line, the mountains drop from summit to valley in cascades of steep rock. Gothics, in the center of the range, offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys from its panoramic summit. The valley forming the south side of the range has a dirt road (not open to vehicles) giving access to that side of the range and allowing for easy cruising. From halfway up the road, the Beaver Meadows Falls Trail toward Gothics cuts up into the range, quickly passing its namesake waterfall (perfect for cooling your feet on the way down) before winding higher up to the slides, and eventually the summit of Gothics become visible. 3. Mount Marcy Distance: 14.8 miles Rating: Moderate There’s something about the highest—especially when its original name, Tahawus, translates to something as intimidating and cool as “Cloud Splitter.” Mount Marcy is an instant classic for a lot of reasons, including its height. But its also the long, gradual approach, long and steep summit, and commanding views that put it at the top of a lot of people’s list of favorites. 4. Mount Skylight Distance: 17.2 miles (minimum) Rating: Difficult Relatively less-visited, the south side of Mount Marcy is nearly as deep as a hiker or backpacker can get in the High Peaks. The makings of a very long single day, Skylight is often approached as an overnight from one of multiple different directions. An intersection known as the Four Corners sits between Marcy and Skylight, but is also adjacent to Lake Tear of the Clouds, the highest lake in the state and the source of what eventually becomes the mighty Hudson River. From the Four Corners, a quick jaunt leads onto Skylight’s bare summit which offers a unique, southern vantage of the rest of the mountains on one side—dominated by Marcy’s massive summit cone—and the relatively tame southern Adirondacks in the opposite direction. 5. Big Slide Mountain Distance: 9.5 miles Rating: Easy A great introduction to the High Peaks, the loop over Big Slide makes for a fun day, not short on things to look at. Starting nearly from the trailhead, the route climbs a series of three smaller summits known as The Brothers, before leading to the main summit, offering continuous views that get progressively better with elevation. The summit itself is a great vantage of the Great Range, laid out left to right across the horizon with Gothics’ scarred face dead center. Continuing the loop down the mountain to Johns Brook, the route finishes with a hike out through the valley that flanks the northern side of the Great Range. If you can find it along the brook, Tenderfoot Pools’ swirling eddies and rocks are the perfect place to cool down before the trailhead. 6. Cascade Mountain Distance: 4.8 miles Rating: Easy Close enough to the road to make it the only high peak summit you can plainly see from its trailhead, Cascade is another favorite for first-timers. Its quick access and spectacular views also make it a popular choice for those interested in getting an early start and being on its broad, rocky summit for sunrise! 7. Dix Mountain Distance: 15.3 miles Rating: Difficult If you’re ready for an adventure, there’s nothing quite like a climb up one of the characteristic gray scars marking the side of many High Peaks. Formed by landslides that scrape away soil and vegetation down to bedrock, slide climbing isn’t for the faint of heart but does give hikers a more remote and rugged experience than they might normally get. Dix Mountain’s Beckhorn Slide clears a rock and grass highway from the base to nearly the summit, but just to get to the base, it requires a long hike through the mountain’s secluded east side, then a bushwhack up a drainage. Once on the slide, which isn’t for the faint of heart or those uncomfortable with exposure, it’s as simple as picking the best looking line to the small summit. 8. Rocky Peak Ridge Distance: 13.4 miles Rating: Moderate Although longer than the stair climb up to the saddle between it and Giant Mountain, the trail from New Russia is one that many would consider to be one of the finest in the region. The continuous views up to the panoramic summit of Rocky Peak are seriously hard to beat—even by its taller neighbor, Giant. 9. Allen Mountain Distance: 19.1 miles Rating: Difficult For the vast majority of people, a 20-mile day up a single steep mountain with lackluster views would not be a pleasurable experience. Granted, Allen is more about the hike than the mountain itself, but it’s a hike worth doing for those up to the challenge. A long day of tracing old, winding logging roads over gently rolling terrain and along crystal clear gurgling brooks makes Allen a memorable one. The second half of the route is one of the ‘Daks' famous “trail-less” routes, meaning the trail is not marked or maintained by the state like most other routes. Although not impossible to follow, trails like these require a keen eye and better attention than you might be able to use on other hikes. 10. Algonquin Peak Distance: 8.6 miles Rating: Moderate The climb from the Adirondak Loj to the summit of Algonquion, the state’s second tallest peak, is a quick jolt into one of the highest of New York’s alpine regions. Only a hundred feet lower than Marcy, hikers heading up to Algonquin climb nearly the same amount in nearly half the mileage. The views from the bare summit cone are impressive enough to make it worth it, tracing a straight line to Colden then Marcy, shrouded in the Great Range and numerous other summits. Written by Ryan Wichelns for RootsRated.

Is This the Most Scenic Section of the Appalachian Trail?

Southwest Virginia has become a tourist destination for many reasons—scenic mountains, heritage music, farm-to-table restaurants, and Appalachian culture, just to name a few. But many people are passing through on a much larger journey: Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Thousands of hikers each year set out on the 2,200-mile long trail that connects Springer Mountain in Georgia with Mount Katahdin in Maine. Of course, not everyone is taking the full trek across the country. The Appalachian Trail is filled with scenic sections that make for excellent day and weekend hikes, attracting people from across the country. For long-distance hikers, hitting Southwest Virginia is a mixed blessing: It is indeed considered one of the most scenic sections of the trail, following both ridges with sensational views and tree-covered wilderness. You’ll find the wild horses of Grayson Highlands and Damascus, Virginia, known as the "friendliest town on the trail." But with those highlights come the unavoidable fact that you’re in for a lot of climbing. The trail crosses the state line from Tennessee into Virginia at an altitude of 3,302 feet, and from there it’s up and down along the 167 miles of trail that go through the region. You’ll hit the highest point of Virginia, Mount Rogers—technically just off the trail, but not by much—at an altitude of more than 5,700 feet, along with many several other high points along the route. Of course, these climbs are also part of the fun, especially for day hikers who aren’t covering the full 550 miles of the trail that go through Virginia. For those looking for for the best of Appalachian Trail experience in the state, here are some must-hit sections in Southwest Virginia. Damascus Damascus is one of the most popular trail towns on the AT. It also features several other regional trails that are good for day hiking, including the Virginia Creeper Trail. Perry Smyre Those doing the full AT hike look for hiker-friendly towns along the route, and Damascus as become known as one of the best. Travelers on the AT will find restaurants, laundry facilities, a post office, pharmacy, outfitters, plus several hostels and B&Bs where they can take a break. For day hikers, Damascus is also the epicenter of several opportunities for exploring the region, as seven major trails pass through the town. In addition to the AT, you can access the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, the Iron Mountain Trail, the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, the Crooked Mountain Music Heritage Trail, and Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail. You’ll also find loads of recreational opportunities in the adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. After crossing the Virginia/Tennessee state line, the Appalachian Trail reaches downtown Damascus in only about three and a half miles. Here, you have a wide variety of options, whether you plan on sticking to the trail or incorporating some of the other trails as well. Some routes that can be done in a day include: Loop Hike on the Appalachian and Iron Mountain Trails : From Damascus, start on East 4th Street and the trailhead to the Iron Mountain Trail, which is blazed with yellow markings. After about two miles, you’ll find a short, blue-blazed connecter trail, which will connect you to the Appalachian Trail (with white blazes). The return trip over a ridge features excellent views of the city. You’ll also enjoy some easy stream crossings and some manageable climbing. Loop Hike on the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper Trail : Once again, start in Damascus for this 8-mile, easy-to-moderate hike. Start heading east on the Appalachian Trail/Virginia Creeper Trail. Follow the signs for the Appalachian Trail when they separate after you cross Route 58/91. Here you’ll enjoy the ridged view for about four miles, before you’ll cross a small log bridge and turn right on the Beech Grove Trail, where you’ll descend over about a quarter mile to the Straight Branch Virginia Creeper Trail parking lot. From there, you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail and head back into town. Damascus is also home to the annual Appalachian Trails Days festival each May, which brings nearly 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts to the town each year to take advantage of workshops, outdoor outfitters, food, and entertainment. Mount Rogers The trail to Mount Rogers offers some of the most stunning views in the region. Ryan Somma You can reach Virginia’s highest point with a very scenic but challenging nine mile, out-and-back hike, mostly on the Appalachian Trail, which starts at Grayson Highlands State Park. While it’s great to reach the summit, one of the draws of this hike is viewing the wild ponies that live in the area. They help keep these bald mountains bald—that is, without significant tree cover—by eating the grasses and underbrush, which also is helpful in preventing wildfires. It also means that you get excellent panoramic views as you ascend the trail. Start at Massie Gap in the state park, where you’ll pass through a horse gate and begin going up on the wide, gravel path. It isn’t long before you’ll reach the Appalachian Trail, which heads south and takes you most of the way to Mount Rogers. The wide open terrain is much different from the rest of the Appalachian Trail in the region, with little tree cover, rocky terrain and exposure to the elements. The final spur to the summit leaves the Appalachian Trail, where you enter a fairly thick evergreen forest. There’s a marker on the top of the mountain, but no view to speak of. This is truly a case of the journey being better than the destination. Chestnut Ridge and Burke’s Garden For those looking for a hike even more off-the-beaten path, Burke’s Garden is one of the more interesting geographic formations in the state features a section of the Appalachian Trail that doesn’t get a lot of day hikers. Located near Tazewell, Virginia, Burke’s Garden is a low valley surrounded 360-degrees by mountains. From above, it looks as if massive being pushed a finger down and created the valley, which has lead to the area’s nickname as "God’s Thumbprint." The lush valley is a throwback to another time, occupied mostly be family farms. The Appalachian Trail wraps around the ridges, and while it is mostly tree covered, you do get a few gaps that allow for some spectacular views. For those not on a thru-hike, however, this section of the trail isn’t widely promoted. You won’t find signs for the trail in Burke’s Garden, which is made up almost entirely of private farmland. The easiest way to access the trail is through an entry point at Walkers Gap, which is located in Burke’s Garden. From there, take the trail (mostly uphill, with some significant climbs) for a bit over a mile to get to Chestnut Ridge and the stone shelter at the top. The trees open up and you’ll find excellent views of the valley below. Continue on the trail along the ridge to extend the hike. Chances are, the only hikers you’ll meet will be those doing either the full trail or at least a multi-day trek through the state. Of course, these are just some of the options. Nearly any section of the trail offers something for day hikers to enjoy. And it won’t take long to figure out why so many thru-hikers view Virginia as the most scenic section of this 2,200-mile trail. Written by Jeff Banowetz for RootsRated in partnership with Southwest Virginia.

8 Minnesota State Parks to Explore This Winter

While the state parks are great in the summer, they offer entirely different experiences in the colder months. Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trees, and fresh trails emerge in winter. What’s more, this time of year also presents a number of fresh and interesting ways to explore the parks. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice climbing are only available when the temperatures dip and the snow falls. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just a day trip, the state parks have a little something for every outdoor adventurer. We selected a few of our favorite Minnesota State Parks to visit this time of year. So bundle up and grab your snowshoes or skis and hit the snowy trails. 1. Afton State Park Afton State Park features camper cabins and yurts available for rent year-round. Minnesota DNR In the warmer months, this park that overlooks the St. Croix River is known for its dense forested trails and gorgeous prairie flowers. In the winter, Afton State Park is a perfect place for cross-country skiing and snowy hikes. Miles of groomed ski and snowshoe trails allow you to explore areas of the park you may have missed in the summer. If you want to make a weekend of it, check out their camper cabins and yurts available for rental year-round. 2. Gooseberry Falls State Park Gooseberry State Park features spectacular frozen falls in the winter. Paul Sundburg The frozen falls are the number one reason to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park in the winter. The spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River transform from a thunderous torrent of water through a rocky gorge to a frozen masterpiece. If you’re into scaling these natural structures in the winter, ice climbing is allowed on the lower falls. Twenty kilometers of groomed classic cross-country ski trails also make for a great way to see large portions of the park. 3. Fort Snelling State Park Snowshoeing at Fort Snelling State Park. Minnesota DNR Located right in the Twin Cities, Fort Snelling State Park presents an excellent opportunity to get out and active even on a weeknight. With 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and six miles of multi-use trails, you won’t run out of places to explore in the park anytime soon. A favorite path among local hikers is the three miles of packed walking trails that encircle the wooded Pike Island at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. With a pair of snowshoes, you can get off the beaten path and go anywhere except the groomed ski trails. 4. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Crashing waves at the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Paul Sundburg Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers one of the most iconic Minnesota photo opportunities in the entire state. Well known for its historic lighthouse, the park brings in visitors of every ilk all year round. Fat biking is an even better reason to visit Split Rock in the winter. Part of the fat-bike pilot program, the park offers 8.7 miles of thrilling groomed trails specifically for fat biking that run right along Lake Superior. 5. Tettegouche State Park You'll find some stunning winter views at Tettegouche State Park. Amy Mustonen Tettegouche is famous for its imposing cliffs and scenic overlooks. Winter provides a particularly spectacular views of the High Falls of the Baptism River. At around 100 feet, these frozen falls are a great stop on a snowshoe hike around the park. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular activities in this park once a good base of snow has accumulated. 6. William O’Brien State Park The William O'Brien State Park features ten miles of skate and classic cross-country ski trails. Minnesota DNR Situated along the St. Croix River, William O’Brien State Park is just an hour from the Twin Cities. Snowshoe rentals on-site, along with year-round camper cabins make this an easy getaway for city dwellers. Snowshoeing is a great way to experience the rolling prairie trails and hardwood forests of this park. If you’re looking for a more intense cardio workout, ten miles of skate and classic cross country ski trails are groomed regularly and skijoring with your dog is encouraged. 7. Jay Cooke State Park The famous Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park. Mackenzie Havey For the hardiest Minnesotans, Jay Cooke State Park is a great option for winter camping. If you prefer something a bit more comfortable, it also has five year-round camper cabins available for rent. Cross-country ski buffs love Jay Cooke for its 32 miles of classic ski trails that weave their way through the park. If you visit, don’t miss out on the beautiful views of the raging St. Louis River via the famous Swinging Bridge. 8. Itasca State Park The Itasca State Park features 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes on the property. Minnesota DNR Situated at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park is a place every outdoor-loving Minnesotan needs to visit. Comprised of 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes, you'll never run out of things to do when it comes to outdoor adventure. For silent sports enthusiasts, there are miles of classic and skate groomed ski trails throughout the park. To explore the outer edges, rent a snowmobile and check out the 31 miles of trails along the perimeter of the park. Written by Mackenzie Lobby Havey for RootsRated.

5 Great Winter Hikes in Seattle

In Washington, the highest of the high country can be snowed in deep from October to June. And that’s true even in a warm winter like this one. But no matter where the mercury falls, there’s a place to lace up your boots—whether you’re craving a quadburner or a riverside ramble, a quick morning jaunt or an all-day, road-tripping adventure. Here, our suggestions for five great winter hikes in Seattle. 1. Baker Lake Trail Mount Baker, Baker Lake —the views of one from the other are spectacular, and with a low trailhead elevation of around 1,000 feet, the route stays snow-free almost all year round. This hike is a Northwest grab bag: old-growth Douglas fir draped with lichen, cedar snags charred by an 1843 forest fire, shoreline campsites, old wooden bridges, and the dramatic backdrop of a glacier-clad volcano. (Bonus: in winter, with leaves on the ground, Mount Baker is all the more visible.) With a shuttle, you can go 14.5 miles one way; with gumption, you can finish the whole thing. 2. Hoh River In the Hoh Rainforest, it's easy being green. Scott Costello During the summer, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the busiest places in Olympic National Park, with some of the largest trees on earth, big herds of Roosevelt elk, and mosses that drip off every conceivable branch in a spectrum of greens, from lime to emerald. Come winter, the rain can be incessant but crowds are gone—and the beauty doesn’t change. The trail is mellow and well-trodden, following the Hoh River upstream for pretty much as far as you want to go, or until you hit snow (it’s how mountaineers access 7,979-foot Mount Olympus). Five Mile Island, a lush landmark in the middle of the river, is a perfect turnaround, and the total elevation gain is under 1,000 feet. 3. Middle Fork Snoqualmie River The way across the Middle Fork. laffertyryan If you can spare a couple hours, the Middle Fork —30 miles from downtown—is the Seattle outdoor version of instant outdoors gratification. Just after crossing a beautiful wooden bridge, this trail goes both downstream and up—and we say up’s the way to go. The woods are silent, the river is loud, and the mileage clocks in at six. Along the way, you’ll see the humpbacked ridgeline of Stegosaurus Butte, where you might see climbers on its slabby walls. Some of the creek crossings can be tricky this time of year, so pack a trekking pole or two. 4. East Peak Rattlesnake Trail, from Rattlesnake Lake Looking down on Rattlesnake Lake from Rattlesnake Ledge. Layne Shepherd Most people who come to Rattlesnake , a steady switchbacking climb, end up at the precipitous cliffs of the lowest ledge to have a snack and then descend again. Those two miles, with 1,100-odd feet of elevation gain, are great for a quickie (for you and, on nice weekends, what seems like half of Seattle). Granted, with the whole Cedar River watershed and Mount Si in front of you, it’s worth a pause. But those in the know continue on another 2.4 miles past a few more ledges along a ridge to East Peak, more than doubling the climb. If the weather’s clear, you can peek through the trees to see Mount Rainier. 5. Ozette Triangle Just one highlight of the Ozette: the seastacks off Cape Alava. Scoring a summertime permit to camp in this part of Olympic National Park isn’t easy, but hiking the loop in a single day is not just doable—it should be on every Northwesterner’s bucket list. In just 9.4 miles, you can meander paths lined with huge ferns, cross boardwalks over seas of skunk cabbage, check out an old homestead, find Makah petroglyphs, and traverse a wild coastline dotted with tidepools and lorded over by bald eagles. The best part? No matter how much snow remains in the alpine, it doesn’t matter to you. You’re headed to the beach. Written by Evelyn Spence for RootsRated.

Cactus to Clouds: The Hardest Hike in America?

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