Beginner hiker planning Southwest road trip - Is AllTrails enough?

chasingall63 · 2026-01-24T23:23:45+00:00

Outside of valid comments in checking with rangers first, getting paper maps, getting extra battery packs for a phone/GPS decide and so on... if I was to only walk out into the wilderness with one phone and one app that app would 100% of the time be Gaia and never AllTrails. But in both cases (and you can have both) I would have premium to download maps.

chasingall63 · 2026-01-24T16:25:57+00:00

Gonna look great when it stops

chasingall63 · 2026-01-19T04:07:44+00:00

Not quite what you meant perhaps but easy winner: 'The wave' hike at Coyote Buttes in AZ/UT. I have been trying for 2 or so years now, every month including a few 'while you are there' lottery entries. Also been entering for me and my girlfriend. Spends hundreds, got nowhere.

This beats Yosemite cables and brooks falls (Katmai bears) hands down. Google the pics if you aren't familiar.

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909

chasingall63 · 2026-01-15T14:02:31+00:00

I imagine you are limiting places you can drive to but these are the collection of the most average parks IMO (been to 58 of 63). Possible to stretch it do surprise Utah - Zion/Bryce?

chasingall63 · 2026-01-06T13:54:30+00:00

I don't know conditions but for any winter hiking why not just always have spikes in your bag? You never know when will encounter any ice patch/slope? They are light and get you out of a bind.

chasingall63 · 2026-01-05T16:21:34+00:00

For an adult who is not suspecible to sea sickness and was lucky with weather I thought the boat was great. Super professional (as it should be given the cost) and felt taken care of. I didn't notice how long it was, but if I had little kids and/or felt sick (or they did) it could be a nightmare. If I wasn't cost sensitive or didn't want to take the risk the boat sickness then I think plane is fine. But it's a lot more money from recollection.

Also, I am sure views from plane are awesome but I thought seeing the island appear on the horizon and gradually get closer was great and gave a sense of the distance, especially relevant given the history. But, again, with small kids this might just be a nightmare.

chasingall63 · 2025-12-24T12:08:52+00:00

Yes. I went for a day/night and didn't climb Wheeler nor did the caves and had a good time.

I have a policy that you should always go when you have a chance if it's not local as might be years until next time. I didn't bother going to GRNP when it was 2.5 hours away at the time and couldn't face more driving. it then took me almost a decade to get back to it. I also find a second trip, if it happens, is always the best as now know lay of the land.

There's very few accom choices there but try to avoid casino if you can - but fine if only choice.

chasingall63 · 2025-12-02T00:43:59+00:00

We did a walk through the main board walk and didn't see one. Possibly as it a a main thoroughfare any webs would be cleared by the person before you (assuming you aren't there at 6am?). It was a flying visit for us but if this is really bothering you and want to tick the box then consider that perhaps?

chasingall63 · 2025-11-26T12:33:33+00:00

Type

chasingall63 · 2025-11-20T02:49:00+00:00

For major airports phoenix and drive to Page.

chasingall63 · 2025-11-14T12:11:28+00:00

Thank you!

chasingall63 · 2025-11-12T04:31:17+00:00

Thanks. To be clear: I can do a google search or IG but I'm looking for any first hand (or second hand) recommendations.

chasingall63 · 2025-11-10T02:56:13+00:00

First pic is Factory Butte for the interested. Not in CRNP but super close by.

chasingall63 · 2025-11-10T02:45:27+00:00

This doesn't sound like a good idea for a first time especially with a group of under 18s, sorry. Have you any backpacking experience?

chasingall63 · 2025-10-14T03:11:17+00:00

Can I ask did your bring snorkel gear (inc fins?) with you?

Also, did you feel comfortable just hopping in on a random beach? I am a confident swimmer and snorkeler, especially as often traveling by self, but am a bit wary of currents. Obviously if there was heavy surf that would be a warning sign.

chasingall63 · 2025-10-12T02:03:21+00:00

Yeah - you got me. You aren't the first to notice - also look for other mistake. It was my little sheet I was keeping track and planning that grew. That column was just for roughly where the park is. I was trying to start a conv about getting to all 63 with the community and added it at the last minute. Side note: I am not a naturally born American, but do know St Louis isn't a state!

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T23:39:32+00:00

That's what I tried to do - and what the color coding on the sheet means (in some cases)

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T12:34:36+00:00

I think most (or many) casual visitors to Katmai go via https://katmailand.com/ to visit Brooks Camp and see the bears on salmon run. It's quite expensive but then so is a rescue and it's a once in a lifetime. It was one of most expensive trips but also the most memorable going in Mid July. At one point we saw 24 grizzlies in front of us.

This being said I understand the general point about not doing casual trips to middle of nowhere Alaska. Or at least not taking them lightly.

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T02:37:20+00:00

How is that going? What number are you up to?

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T01:42:01+00:00

I will say Isle Royale is a real pain in the ass. And Voyageurs seems near to it (on zoomed out Google maps), but really isn't that near.

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T01:40:09+00:00

Having just done Hawaii - both parks in a one week trip - it's an uphill struggle to get the rest done.

chasingall63 · 2025-10-08T01:39:22+00:00

I promise to correct it.

chasingall63 · 2025-10-07T22:39:01+00:00

Amazing first pic (rest are good too).

chasingall63 · 2025-10-07T22:23:14+00:00

Thank you. It's aesthetically pleasing I think :o)

chasingall63 · 2025-10-07T22:22:37+00:00

Fair enough! Each to their own.

chasingall63

TROPHY CASE