report on trekking trip

How to Write a Top Trip Report

Our eNewsletter Routefinder, sent on the first of each month to over 30,000 individuals (including our 15,000 members), is one of our most important communications. Considered a “mini magazine,” each month we sift through dozens of blogs, events, and updates to select eight to ten of the most important items for you to read. This includes heartfelt magazine stories, key organizational updates, conservation and advocacy alerts, new courses, and more. And do you know what is often the most popular item, month after month?

Trip reports.

That’s right – what some would consider to be dry, technical reading is actually top-tier content for our membership. Post holing on Mt. Si? Crowded trailheads by 9am at Colchuck Lake? Yet another batch of blowdowns in the Pasayten? The people want to know.

Trip reports are foundational to our members’ and leaders’ ability to get outside. Trail conditions, weather, new obstacles, route information, and more contribute to the feasibility and the success of any potential outing we plan. More than that, trip reports give us a taste of what’s to come. Whether you want to find the best spot to pick alpine blueberries and admire mountain goats, or you just need to know if you should bring your microspikes up McClellan Butte this week, trip reports answer the questions that we would otherwise have to ask our friends or hunt down on our own. And as a member of The Mountaineers, you now have the informational power of 15,000 friends.

For this reason we have decided to offer you top tips to create successful trip reports, and a stellar autumn backpacking trip report for you to read. Break out your waterproof notebooks, folks, because this is what The Mountaineers is all about.

The best trip reports include

Detailed trip information . The foundation of any good trip report is going to be high-quality information on the route and how your group completed it. This is what most readers come for, as it allows them to plan their own trip to maximize preparation and minimize time-drains or safety risks. Especially on highly technical trips like climbs, the more information, the better. If you’re creating a trip report, do your best to include the following:

• Trail conditions, including snow conditions (when applicable)
• Route obstacles (blowdowns, water crossings, loose rock, etc.)
• Route-finding tips, and any route-finding issues your group ran into
• Weather conditions throughout your trip
• Start and end times (include break durations)
• Water sources
• Potential campsites/natural shelters
• Any safety concerns

Group dynamics. In addition to learning about the trail itself, trip reports are an opportunity for people to learn more about what works and what doesn’t. The size of your group, their experience level, and any strategic or safety decisions you made could be valuable information for another leader or participant. For instance, if your group did not summit, why did you make that decision and what factors influenced your final outcome? These details can sometimes be just as important as the trail conditions. Other group information can also inform readers on how they want to approach their trip. For instance, including group experience and fitness levels, paired with total trip time, will help readers estimate how long their own trip may take.

High-quality photos. Although it’s helpful to have a written description of a route and any issues your party encountered, photos can quickly clarify route confusion, show trail conditions, and get folks excited about the trip. Always be sure to take photos that are clear, not backlit (facing the sun) or overexposed, and offer a full shot of the trail or obstacles you faced. Well-taken photos are much more useful to future route users, and make your trip report more appealing overall.

This image is washed out, only shows a small portion of the trail, and does not include any relevant information about the route.

This image is clear, shows the trail straight-on, and provides information on trail obstacles..

Bonus info. Half of the fun of reading a trip report is getting stoked for your upcoming excursion. If you’re putting together a trip report, always include the bonuses: wildlife sightings, top-notch views, beautifully-done stewardship work, berry picking, and stellar sunrises. At the end of the day, it’s the journey, not the summit, that we remember most. Revel in it, and others will be inspired to do the same.

Example trip report

This is a staff favorite example of a highly-detailed trip report, offering the perfect balance between technical information and outdoor stoke. Read on to learn about Golden Lakes Loop, and consider taking your own backpacking trip this season

Golden Lakes Loop, October 4-7, 2021

By Cheryl Talbert, 13-year member & backpacking leader

Photo by Cheryl Talbert.

Our group of four Mountaineers friends started at the Crater Creek trailhead (TH) with a plan to do four days around the Golden Lakes loop, including nights on the ridge near N Navarre Peak and at Sunrise Lake. The roads to the TH were very good, only a few bumpy sections, and the parking area at the TH is very large with a toilet. When we arrived at around 11AM on a Monday there were already a dozen vehicles in the lot.

The trail to Upper Eagle was dusty at the bottom but well graded (with lots of trail engineering for mountain bikes and motorbikes) and signage is good. Golden larch and aspen appeared part way up, and by the time we got to the lake the larch color was all around us and stunning! Needles are falling fast now though I project that the color will last another week, windstorms notwithstanding. We arrived first at Upper Eagle and took lovely camps by the lake; probably another 8-10 people arrived after us and there was room for everyone to disperse out of sight and hearing. There is a box toilet at this camp and the lake is gorgeous, highly recommended! We arrived there in about three hours.

On day two we set out up toward Horsehead Pass, a good trail with a few boulder-hopping sections. Great views on the way up, looking across Lower Eagle Lake to the eastern plains. From the pass the views to the west along the Chelan summit ridge are really beautiful, a mix of golden larch, dark evergreens, yellow aspen, red berry bushes, and broad golden meadows. We descended to Boiling Lake, then took the route signed 'Cub Lake,' which then requires keeping an eye on the map and taking the turn on the Summit Trail going east. Many people get confused and take the spur straight along the shore of Boiling Lake - don't do that, as that trail goes up to a ridge and stops. The Summit Trail is flat for a while through forest, then climbs and turns east through broad meadows with views. We passed by the turnoff to the Angel's Staircase (well signed) because we wanted to explore the ridges along the Summer Blossom Trail to North Navarre Peak and camp along there. It was well worth the walk along the summit trail - more lovely meadow and fall vegetation - but then there was a steep (but well graded) larch- lined climb to Horsethief Pass (much damaged by bikes). At the top of the pass we could see that the ridges above Horsethief Basin on both sides had burned out and weren't so pretty to look at, though there were still larch and spruce in the basin (you could probably find places to camp below but we didn't look). We saw a bear below as we followed the Summer Blossom Trail - narrow but pretty easy to follow with lots of ups and downs. Finally, there was a steep descent and then a climb to the ridge with N Navarre Peak ahead, where a friend had suggested a ridgetop camp. However the weather forecast was for cold wind and the ridge was burned out, plus the creek before the ridge was down to just a trickle. We decided to go back and camp under a patch of spruce in the gorgeous larch meadows on the other side of Horsethief Pass, and this was a good call – low clouds and mist/rain blew in later and we were glad for shelter under the trees.

The next morning dawned VERY cold - mid 20s. Our water filters froze sitting for a short time next to our cooking area! We bundled up in all of our clothes, treated water with aquamira drops, and set out to go up Angel's Staircase. The trail through here is just fantastic, a gentle climb to the ridgetop with dramatic views though everything was quite frosty (about an inch of heavy frost near the top covering all the rocks, though not slippery). From the top of Angel's Staircase we descended through Merchant's Basin and set out to climb up to Sunrise Lake to camp (note that most maps, including Gaia, show a turnoff well before the clump of evergreens where the Sunrise Lake trail sign is posted - but the trail is very faint and I've missed it twice! Not to worry, you can cut toward the creek and will find the trail). We got to Sunrise Lake to find a VERY cold wind blowing even at 11am, and insufficient shelter from the wind, so anticipating having to hide in our tents the whole day and night we decided instead to enjoy a chilly lunch at the lake and then go back down to Merchants Basin, where there are lots of really nice sheltered camps and protection from the wind (a very good decision, as we heard the wind roaring through the trees up in the direction of the lake through that night!). We explored along Foggy Dew creek and I read for a while in the sun before an early dinner and into our tents.

On day four we woke to another very cold morning, bundled up and headed back up the trail through the basin, over the crest and down the trail to Cooney Lake (this section is steep with poor traction in places). Cooney is beautiful with a lot of camps, but was deserted on this Thursday morning. Larch color on this side is well on the decline and the ground drifted with golden needles. We made quick work of the six miles from Cooney back out to Crater Creek TH.

Lead image of Garrett Arnold and Skye Stoury. Photo by Skye Stoury.

This article originally appeared in our fall 2022 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our   magazine archive . 

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The Hiking Life

Badlands Traverse – Trip Report

Posted on October 31, 2016 June 7, 2023 Author Cam 31 Comments

The  Badlands of South Dakota is one of the jewels in America’s National Park System. It combines a fauna-abundant prairie land with a moonscape of other-worldly rock formations, to form one of the country’s most unique natural environments. Last month I hiked the length of Badlands National Park from Ben Reifel Visitor Center to White River Visitor Center. To the best of my knowledge, it was the first time that such a traverse had been completed.

Final stretch | Just west of White River at the southern boundary of the park.

Trip Details

Distance :  90 miles approx.

Time :  5 days

Start :  Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Finish :   White River Visitor Center

Badlands Traverse Overview (map from National Park Service) | Route in  blue.

Getting There & Away :

• No public transport to either trailhead. To get to the NE terminus, I caught a ride from the town of Wall, SD, with an off-duty postal worker (29 miles). From the finish at White River, I hitched north on HWY 27 to Rapid City (62 miles).

• I put together the Badlands route on Caltopo . Twelve 1:24,000 maps covered the entire journey.
• For overview purposes, I carried the excellent 1:55,000 Badlands National Park National Geographic map (double-sided).

BYO shade in the Badlands.

General Information:

• Online Hiking Beta : Slim pickings. Apart from a couple of trip reports on shorter hikes (i.e. 20 to 30 miles) in the Sage Creek area of the park, I couldn’t find much in the way of useful online information. The best of the bunch seemed to be a 2013 article from Backpacker Magazine.
• Permits : Badlands NP has no formal system of backcountry permits or reservations. Simply put, not that many people backpack in the Badlands. As per the National Park Website, before starting my trip I stopped by the Ben Reifel visitor center and gave the rangers a heads up in regards to my plans.
• Trails : There is only a handful of trail miles in Badlands National Park. All of these designated pathways are situated in close proximity to Ben Reifel.

Final night’s campsite, just south of Stronghold Table.

• Environmental : The Badlands National Park website has some useful information on weather, wildlife and geological formations.
• Resupply : I carried all my supplies from the start. On the off-chance that anyone else is interested in doing this hike (or something similar), there is but one resupply option that doesn’t involve a long and potentially difficult hitch. The “town” of Scenic (real population 4; Wikipedia lists it at 10), situated on the outskirts of the western side of the park, has a gas station and a post office. The former has some snacks and microwave burritos. Opening hours for the post office are limited. Give them a call beforehand to double-check.

Downtown | Scenic, SD.

• Water – Pre-Hike Research : I suspect that this is the principal reason the Badlands isn’t visited by more backpackers. From everything I read and heard beforehand, there is no potable water in the Badlands backcountry. As a result of this information, I started my hike carrying 12 litres. I figured this would be enough to get me through to the above mentioned town of Scenic (situated just over half-way through the hike), where it would be possible to fill up at the gas station or obtain water from a pump next to the post office.

Pre-hike H2O preparations.

• Water – Post-Hike Summary : I was pleasantly surprised to find a handful of places where potable water could be obtained in the Park. Three of the sources seemed like they would be fine all-year-round, while another one at Deer Haven appeared to more of a seasonal proposition.

Unexpectedly good water in a pond situated just east of Conata | Day 2, Badlands Traverse.

Route Notes

As with pretty much all of my hiking routes over the years, the Badlands Traverse was by no means a straight shot, A to B type deal. My chosen route was a sinuous affair, which took me in, out, up and over gullies, washes and mesas, interspersed with the occasional easier stretch across the mixed grasslands of the prairies.

During the hike, I stayed within the National Park boundaries (see overview map above), with the exception of when I detoured out to Scenic for water and microwaveable burritos.

Walking on the Moon :

Speaking of gullies, along with the dearth of H2O, the biggest challenge in hiking through  Badlands National Park  was scrambling up and down those steep, crumbly, rip-the-bum-out-of-your-pants little ravines of joy.

On multiple occasions, I’d top out at the end of a gully that looked passable on my maps, only to find myself confronted with a twenty to forty-foot sheer cliff on the other side. After a few choice words to the Hiking Gods, I was left to either: A . Look for an alternative; B. Suck it up and retrace my steps, or; C. Break out my cuben fiber rabbits foot and climb/plunge/shimmy/slide down the other side.

Despite the challenges, these were actually my favourite sections. Indeed, there were moments during the traverse when I felt like I was walking through a giant lunar labyrinth. An ethereal maze of buttes, spires and pinnacles. No signs, no trails, no people, no shade, no water, no guarantees that the next gully would be passable.

And you know what? I loved every second.

Spying out the route ahead | Day 2, Badlands Traverse

Notes & Musings

“It’s the Badlands, baby………”

I started late on day one. About 6 pm. Hitching out of Wall, SD, was not easy.

The first couple of miles were on the Badlands Loop road. From there I would link up to the Saddle Pass Trail and find a place to bed down before it got dark.

Not more than twenty minutes after leaving the visitors center, a yellow and white combi van pulled up beside me. Inside were a bohemian-looking couple that looked like they were in their late fifties / early sixties.

The lady in the passenger seat asked me if I needed a ride. I replied , “ no, thank you. ” She then asked me where I was going, to which I gave her a quick synopsis of my plan to backpack through the park. She seemed genuinely concerned for my welfare. After a minute or two of assuring her that I knew what I was doing, her less talkative husband piped up and said in a droll, deadpan voice (with just the hint of a grin):

“It’s the Badlands, baby, it ain’t meant to be easy.”

All three of us broke out laughing. And with that memorable line, we said our goodbyes and I continued on my way.

Over the next five days I couldn’t get those words out my head. Every time I encountered a particularly challenging section – “ it’s the Badlands, baby ” would come into my noggin and I’d start to chuckle. It has been over a month since I finished the hike and it still makes me smile.

Funny the things that stay with you.

Around an hour after parting ways with John and Doris, I was treated to a gorgeous crimson sunset | Day 1, Badlands Traverse.

For a place with bugger all water, I was amazed at how much wildlife I saw in the Badlands. Highlights on the fauna front included:

• Pronghorn : I was in awe watching these fleet of foot (second fastest land animal in the world after the Cheetah) animals race across the Prairie grass in full flight. The grace and effortlessness with which they move is astounding.

“Band on the Run” or “A Herd of Pronghorn take Flight” | Day 2, Badlands Traverse. #paulmccartney

• Bison : There is a lot of bison in the trailless Sage Creek Unit. They are literally everywhere. Having the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close and personal, was one of the main reasons I took such a circuitous route through this section of the park.

The Badlands – Where deer and antelope play, buffalo roam and Australians hike. #homeontherange

“Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you’re never coming round………” Sharing a Bonnie Tyler moment with two bison on day 3 | #totaleclipseoftheheart

• Bighorn Sheep : I spotted a group of Bighorn sheep just south of Stronghold Table. This particular species had been exterminated from the area by 1916, however, sheep from Colorado were reintroduced into Badlands National Park in 1964, and are now once again thriving in their native habitat.

Bighorn Sheep | Final morning, Badlands Traverse.

The weather during my time in the Badlands was more unpredictable than a real estate mogul/would-be politician’s stump speech. Case in point, the two photos immediately below. The first was taken just before 7am. Temperatures were in the mid 40’s F. The second shot is from 1pm the same day. The thermometer read 97°F………in the shade. It’s amazing what a difference six hours can make in the Badlands.

( Postscript: That same night I was awoken from a deep slumber by high winds and driving rain at 10.30 pm. It continued to rain periodically all of the next days and the temps never rose above the mid-fifties).

Early morning map check.

Midday break in the shade as the thermometer nudged triple figures.

Final Thoughts

I finished the Badlands Traverse on September 14. It had been a challenging hike – “ it’s the Badlands, baby, it ain’t meant to be easy” – but nothing for which I wasn’t prepared.

When I reached White River Visitor Center I felt happy and satisfied, but as much as anything else, I felt grateful. Appreciative that I was able to experience such a unique wilderness environment on foot; from the inside out rather than the outside in. Hiking has always made me feel like that.

“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” ~ Tecumseh

White River Visitors Center | Finish of the Badlands Traverse.

IAQ’s (Infrequently Asked Questions)

How much experience would I need to do this hike?

All joking aside, quite a lot.

I’d only recommend this trip to hikers with good scrambling and route-finding skills, as well as significant off-trail experience in arid environments.

Is there anything you would do differently if you were to traverse the Badlands again?

Now that I know where I can obtain water, I would carry significantly less from the outset. I’d also purchase snacks for second half of the hike at the Scenic Gas Station.

How about route changes?

Overall I was happy with my route choices. A nice balance between rock and prairies. Scrambling and hiking.

Any specific gear recommendations for the Badlands?

• Water : Even with the additional water sources I mention above, aspirants will still want to have at least a six to ten litre H2O carrying capacity ( Note : This will vary according to the hiker).
• Umbrella : There is very little in the way of shade in the Badlands. If there was ever a hike that was made for umbrellas, this is it.
• Backpack : Beginning with a total weight of around 20 kg / 44 lbs (i.e. 26 lbs water, 9 lbs food, 9 lbs gear), it was a no brainer to go with an internal frame pack, as opposed to a frameless model.
• Gaiters :  Crumbly gullies and buttes. Sandy washes. Mini-cactus laden prairies. Pack some lightweight ankle gaiters.
• Gloves :  I recommend bringing a pair of lightweight, durable gloves for the gully scrambles/climbs. Trust me on this one. This is some of the most crumbly terrain I have encountered, and my hands would have been shredded if not for the gloves I was wearing.

Is there a way in which a thru-hike of the Badlands could be made easier, for folks that aren’t comfortable with the more technical elements of such a trip (i.e. scrambling, climbing, route finding)?

Yes. You could skirt around most of the rocky, labyrinth-like washes and gullies by sticking primarily to the grasslands. It would be shorter, faster and you would still see some great scenery. The problem with such a strategy is that you would be observing the coolest sections from the outside looking in, and thereby missing out on much of what makes the Badlands so extraordinary. In effect you’d be hiking from A to B, just to say you’ve hiked from A to B.

31 Replies to “Badlands Traverse – Trip Report”

This is one of the best trip reports I’ve seen in forever. Congrats on not only a successful thru but raising the bar on trip reports. Great photos, stories and intel. Perfect amount to tease and taunt 🙂

Thanks for the kind words, Jan. Much appreciated.

The drive through Scenic and by the White Visitor Center was part of my twice weekly commute for years. Not many people get to commute through a national park.

I thought only fleetingly of actually hiking “out there.” I admire your vision and audacity.

Go well…

Thanks Swami! This is a great and inspiring trip to read about first thing in the morning over coffee. You’ve set a positive tone for my entire day!

Wonderful,and exciting ?

I love that prairie country (grew up near that environment and it’s still special). Brings back early memories of camping in the Badlands with my dad, and that never-ceasing prairie wind. Beautiful photos!

Does that sign on the old bar in Scenic really say “Indians allowed?”

It does. From the story I heard, originally it used to say “No Indians allowed”, but there were so many complaints that they erased the “No”! The people I spoke to all said that Scenic was a pretty wild, anything-goes sort of place until relatively recent times.

Thanks for the reply. The Badlands were long used by Native Americans; is there any sign left of their presence?

The southern part of the park lies mostly within Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It’s owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and managed by the National Park Service under an agreement with the tribe. The incredible Stronghold Table is situated in this part of the park; thought to be the location of one of the last “ghost dances” of the 19th century.

My in-laws are Oglala and Rosebud. There is a strong urge to actually stay away from The Badlands (e.g. places like Redshirt Table) because there are lots of spirits there.

thanks for sharing your experience in this unique environment. yoir trip report is inspiring AND gives useful information. great mix!

Thanks for sharing. I need to get there. The Nebraska Panhandle has many features in common…and of course is only a hop, skip and a jump away.

The High Plains has some of the best scenery that is so little known in the United States.

When the national scenic trails and similar have maxed out quotas (I’m looking at you JMT!), those who want to experience some wildness will want to look at the unconventional areas.

You would love it, Mags. Incredible scenery, a diverse array of wildlife, lots of solitude and an interesting history.

Great job! My kids and myself were just through the red shirt table and the stronghold area, it’s amazing, climbing up and down those crusty cliffs, the tourist all stay up by wall, the southern part is were it’s at, again great job

Thanks for the kind words. The Stronghold area was one of my favourite parts of the Park. As you say, there is literally no one around and the scenery is gorgeous.

Cam, is there a way to get your route from Caltopo? I am from SD and I hiked with my son last spring from the Conata picnic area up in Deer Haven into the Conata Basin on a lollipop loop and ended by come around the Tyree Basin back to our vehicle. We were looking at trying your trip as we could easily cash water on route. We carried 3 gallons for our short 1.5 day trip. It is a gem and we want to see more of it. Thanks for your willingness to share your experiences with us all. As a father it has been a great joy for me to share backpacking with my son’s. We also saw so many wild animals and no one else in this area. I did put a few videos on YouTube of our trip just search my name and Badlands and you should find two of them one of the trip and the other of all the wild life.

Thanks for the message.

As I menitoned to in the report, I’m planning to put together a few mapsets (including the Badlands) in 2017. I need to make a few small changes to the original Caltopo route and add the water sources I came across.

The Deer Haven area you mention is a beautiful and unique part of the Park; one of the highlights of the trip. Definitely the shadiest place I encountered during the hike!

Excellent report. Our three day trip in Sage Creek turned into a two day forced march to get out. Water and fitness was the major problem. Don’t imagine you can traverse the washes unless you are reasonably fit (like you can run a 22 minute 5K or faster). Up, down, up down.

The water source you found near Deer Haven – was a stinking algae laden mud pool in Aug 2015.

Would love to see your mapset when you have them.

Mike I did not have that experience with my 11 yr old son. We started at Conata picnic area and had barely gotten into our water by Deer Haven as we camelled up on water before leaving the car. Water is a known issue but by carrying the 3/4-1 gallon per day we were fine. We did not find the washes to be bad and did walk in them from time to time but due to their winding we would go up/down. You are correct that proper fitness will make or break a trip like this. Plus the temperatures. We went in spring when the highs barely reached 80. Our second day did warm up but we were able to stay properly hydrated. I feel the water carry was definitely worth the experience that so few have v

Fantastic write up. Care to elaborate on the swipe at Te Araroa? Planning to thru next year, what other hikes am I missing or should I do?

Thanks for the kind words in regards to the Badlands Traverse.

As for the Te Araroa, let me give you a bit of background. I’ve been going over to NZ to hike since the early 1990’s. North, South and Stewart Islands. It’s an incredibly beautiful country. Indeed, places such as Fiordland, Mt.Aspiring and Aoraki/Mt.Cook are some of my favourite places for hiking anywhere on the planet. And therein lies the reason I don’t recommend the TA. It bypasses many of the country’s most spectacular areas. It would be like hiking through California on the PCT, and missing the High Sierra.

Now, for someone who is planning on visiting NZ a bunch of times, that really isn’t an issue. Do the TA, and then visit areas such as the ones I mention above on other trips. However, for many folks from the northern hemisphere, they may only get the chance to visit NZ once in their lifetimes. That being the case, personally speaking I would opt for quality over quantity. That’s why I always recommend American and European friends of mine to forget about the TA, and instead do a bunch of shorter more scenically spectacular treks.

In saying all of that, I’m not denying that the TA goes through some impressive areas. It most certainly does. It also offers the social aspect in the form of camaraderie with your fellow thru-hikers. However, the fact is that it contains a boatload of road walking in the North Island and misses what I consider to be the best parts of the South Island.

Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’m sure some folks would disagree; and that’s fine. I know quite a few people that have done the TA; some of them loved it, others enjoyed it and others didn’t like it at all.

Thanks for the great trip report!

I’m planning on doing a 3 or 4 day section (thinking like 40ish miles) and am having trouble finding any info online other than the 22 mile Sage Creek loop. Any suggestions? I would love to spend more time in the rocky sections of the park instead of the grassy if at all possible.

Thanks in advance!

A lot of the coolest (and most easily accessible) rock formations are situated east of Sage Creek, so one option would be to start your hike at Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and from there head east to link up to the Sage Creek Loop. Depending on which route you took, that would come close to giving you 35-40 miles total. The southern section of the park has some incredible mesas, and you are unlikely to see many (if any) other hikers, however, it’s a lot more remote and not so easy to access. I highly recommend picking up the Nat Geo Trails Illustrated map for the park, which gives you an excellent overview of your options.

Thank You!!

When I bicycled thru the Badlands and it one our harshest days of riding on our cross country trip. 100 miles and 100 degree heat was bad, but it was the biting flies that were the worst. Did you encounter those lovely critters?

Can’t say that I did. I was there at the end of summer in early September.

We were there in July. They were on the road east of Scenic in that flat section.

I am loving this trip report! My backpacking friends and I are thinking of hiking from White River Visitor Center to Scenic. In the span of 2 or 3 days. We really want to document the trip and give some much needed information out to the web so others can plan a trip more easily. My question is, is it really possible to chose point A and point B and make it through or is there really impassible areas where you need climbing gear? My friends and I are very experienced with wilderness backcountry camping and always somehow end up bushwhacking through the worst areas. I am also familiar with arid environments (used to live in Texas) so caring all the water is not a problem for me.

Badlands NP is an amazing area! In regards to your question, there are certain areas that are impassable (i.e. steep and crumbly), however, with a bit of patience and exploration, you can always find a way around.

Now that your trip is a few years behind you, upon reflection would you still take the flat tarp? As a Coloradan I camp in the High Plains from time to time (and want to do it more!) but the wind is relentless and always proves a challenge for shelters. Just curious if you can reflect back on this trip and shelter choice with your subsequent experience in the years since.

Hi Chris, Thanks for the message. Yes, I would still take a tarp if I were to do the trip again. Probably in combo with an UL Bivy if I felt like high winds were likely to be an issue. Cheers, Cam

Hi! Thank you so much for the trip report – I know it was years ago at this point, so not sure if you’ll see this or not. I am seriously looking at doing a similar trip. The Badlands have always been amazing to me, and now that I live about 7 hours away from them again (I grew up in South Dakota), I’m trying to get there more. I’ve done a couple of trips recently to Deer Haven with my kids and then with my girlfriend, but I’m planning some bigger trips. I have done quite a few multi-day trips in other places, including Olympic National Park and the Rockies. For the Badlands, the weather seems like the biggest planning factor to me – I’ve done trips now in late April and late October…. both seemed about right. Thanks for the info on water – I’m very untrusting of water sources in the Badlands lol. Anyway, just wanted to say hi, and hopefully I’ll figure this out in the next year or so!

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World's Best Long-Distance Hikes

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Buying and Breaking in Hiking Boots

Hiking Boots

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List of Essential Gear

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Planning a Hiking Trip: The Complete Guide

• Choosing a Route
• Planning and Preparing
• What to Pack
• Safety Tips

One of hiking's biggest draws is that it's one of the most accessible outdoor activities on the planet. There's no minimum distance that constitutes a hike, so it's a very personal experience and open to anyone to take part in. The only real "requirements" you could say are that you're traversing dirt, sand, or rocks; you've got some essential gear and items with you; and you have a route or location picked out. Beyond that, as long as you're enjoying the outdoors and breathing in the fresh air, that makes it a hike, regardless of whether you're covering two miles or 20. Metrics like speed and distance don't define whether you're a "good" hiker, making it an ideal activity for people across the athletic spectrum.

Instead, being a "good" hiker is more about being safe and prepared. You should commit to memory some basic skills and best practices to keep you, your fellow hikers, and the environment safe and healthy. 

Here are the basics of what to know about planning a hike. Use this info as a jumping-off point—online hiking resources are endless, and experienced hikers are almost always happy to share their knowledge with enthusiastic beginners. 

TripSavvy / Linda Strauta

Choosing a Route for Your Trip

Lots of factors go into how to choose your route. Unless you're prepared for a backcountry trip and have expert navigation skills, you'll want to select an established trail.

Decide on a Location

If you haven't hiked in a while, choose a day trip near your home. Your legs may be tired after a long hike, and you'll appreciate having a shorter drive home.

Next, decide if you prefer a hike at a park or in wildlands. Spaces designated as national or state parks usually have very well-maintained trails. That means they're well-marked, generally routed to avoid extremely steep climbs or rocky terrain, and patrolled by park staff, which can be helpful if you find yourself in need of assistance. Park trails aren't necessarily easy, but they're designed for hikers of all levels. Wildlands (like national forests or official wilderness areas) are also protected by federal or state governments, but they're usually less developed and less crowded than parks. 

Evaluate the Trails

You can learn relevant and timely information about trails using tools like MapMyHike.com or AllTrails.com . (You can also see how difficult other users think the trails are, though of course, reviews are subjective to the hiker's ability and their experience that day.) When evaluating a hike, gauge your ability to do it based on distance, elevation gain (how many feet you'll gain during the hike), and the trail profile, which means how gradually the trail gains elevation. A hike that slowly gains 500 feet will be easier than a hike that gains all 500 of those feet in one mile. Remember that on out-and-back trails (as opposed to loop trails), you only have to hike as far as you want—what matters is enjoying yourself, not making it to the top. 

Consider Seasons and Elevation

If you live at sea level, expect to get exhausted and dehydrated quicker if you choose a trailhead that starts at several thousand feet above sea level. And just like with skiing or hitting the beach, trails have seasons. Trails in mountainous areas like Lake Tahoe and Colorado will be covered in snow all winter followed by mud in early spring, while trails in places like Joshua Tree or Everglades national parks may be unbearably hot in the summer. 

Planning and Preparing for Your Trip

You’ll discover your personal hiking strengths and weaknesses as you become a more experienced hiker. Start small and slow, and work your way up to multi-day trips. 

Assess Your Fitness Level

Fitness is important for hiking, but you can't necessarily gauge how fast or efficient you'll be as a hiker based on your weight or age. Hiking requires strong legs and glutes, so if you don't have them, you'll start building them as you hike more. Or if your trip is a few months out, you have time to get in proper shape. If you ever find yourself getting exhausted quickly on a trail, though, you can just turn around and aim to cover a little more distance next time. What is more important is being free of injuries. If you have medical issues like joint inflammation or balance issues, you'll want to ask your doctor about extra precautions and safety measures you may need to take.

Know Your Route

Study it in advance of your trip, and have multiple copies of your map on hand, too. It's always helpful to have both paper and electronic maps, and taking a picture of any maps posted at the trailhead can provide a quick reference when you're looking for an intersection. Many hikers also use wearable real-time trackers like Fitbit or Garmin watches.

Read Up on Specific Trail Requirements

Read up on your hike before you go. Do you need a permit? If so, where do you get it? Is the hike free of snow and mud? Where should you park? Is your dog allowed? All this information will be readily available on park websites or on trail websites and phone apps.

Buy and Break in Proper Footwear

Always break in your shoes before starting a hike. Not only are blisters painful, but they can lead to infections and make it uncomfortable to wear shoes for days after. Choose hiking shoes with extra grip and traction on the outsoles since walking through terrain can quickly wear away at gym and running shoes. In general, the longer the hike and the more weight you're carrying, the stiffer and more supportive you'll want your shoes to be.  

What to Pack for a Hike

As a general rule, if you don’t need to carry any supplies, it’s probably a walk, not a hike. If you’re going hiking, you’ll need some or all of the following:

• The 10 Essentials: Many hikers subscribe to the " 10 Essentials " theory of what to pack while hiking, including items like rain gear, shelter, a knife, and more. If you're unsure what to expect on your specific trail, packing the 10 essentials, as listed by the American Hiking Society, can cover your bases .
• Food: Strenuous, uphill hiking can easily burn upwards of 900 calories an hour. Bring enough food to keep your body powered. Energy-packed foods like those made with honey or protein-packed foods like nuts and jerky will help your body more than heavy carbs or overly processed foods.
• Water (and a water filter): As a general rule, bring as much as you can carry when starting—at least a liter per two miles. After a few hikes, you'll be able to gauge your consumption better. Remember to drink water frequently; ideally, before you even feel thirsty, as thirst is the first sign of dehydration. If you find yourself not having to urinate for several hours, you're probably not drinking enough. Backpacks with built-in hydration reservoirs make it easy to sneak sips on the go, while water filters can be useful on hikes near streams and rivers.
• Clothing: While you’re unlikely to need a full change of clothing for a day hike, you should bring clothing that will accommodate both day and nighttime temperatures in the very unlikely event that you find yourself still on the trail come nightfall. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain and wind jacket, even if the forecast calls for sunny skies.
• Fun extras : If you love birdwatching, carry binoculars. If you’re artistic, bring a sketchbook and pencils. Trail logs can also be a fun way to keep track of your hikes.

Backpacking (or overnight hiking) has a much more robust list of needs, including a larger backpack, cooking supplies, a tent, extra clothing, and potentially wildlife-related items like bear bins or bear spray. If you've never gone backpacking before, it's best to take your first trip with someone who has so you can learn the basics. You can go with a friend, or take a guided backpacking trip near your local park. Try REI Adventures for affordable weekend-long trips around the country.

Important Safety Considerations 

Nearly everything in this entire article relates to safety, from choosing the right shoes to properly evaluating a trail. But the tips below are especially important.

• Have a plan: You always need to know where you’re going before you leave the house. Not only is knowing which trail you’ll take essential to packing and prep, but you absolutely must let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. That person is responsible for taking action if you’re not back by then.
• First aid: Always carry a first aid kit , and make sure you know how to use the supplies. You can twist your ankle just as easily on a one-mile hike as a 15-mile hike.
• Rescue: Know how to get help if you need it. That means having phone numbers for emergency rescue services as well as a way to get in touch with help if you don’t have cell service. Devices like a Garmin InReach or Spot X use satellite comms and are worth the investment for frequent hikers. And a whistle is a lightweight but powerful item for alerting your presence to other nearby people if needed.
• Flora and fauna: In general, wildlife tend to avoid humans, but they can sometimes react defensively if surprised by your presence. Make noise while hiking in bear country, carry bear spray when hiking in grizzly country, and wear ankle boots when hiking in areas with rattlesnakes. If you’re hiking in an area with poisonous plants, you’ll want to wear pants, tall socks, or gaiters to protect yourself from accidental contact. 

American Hiking Society. "The Ten Essentials of Hiking."

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Thirty Days in the Cordillera Blanca: A Month of Stunning Scenery and Occasionally Excruciating Toil

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Saintgrizzly: An Extraordinary Life

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Trip Report: Trekking in Nepal

• Trip Reports

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by Nepal. Between the storied trekking routes, snowcapped mountains, and vibrant cultural diversity, the country has been at the top of my bucket list for the majority of my adult life. Still, for some reason I found myself hesitant to pull the trigger on actually booking the trip. I had a thousand excuses: no one I knew wanted to go, flights were expensive, planning was intimidating, and the type of traveling I wanted to do (trekking and homestays) didn’t seem realistic as a solo female traveler who isn’t terribly bold yet.

After meeting two women who had solo traveled for years in far more challenging environments, I decided to bite the bullet and trust that everything would work itself out. As it turned out, it all did – I found a killer deal on a flight thanks to price watching apps, two friends of mine ended up deciding to tag along several months after I made my reservation, and I found an incredible off-the-beaten-path trek with local guides that I deeply respected.

The Ruby Valley Trail

My visit to Nepal had two focuses: first, I wanted to hike in those incredible mountains and take in the views. Second, I wanted to immerse myself in the local culture and see how people in Nepal really live. While the vast majority of trekkers in Nepal hike either the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp trek, I knew that those trails, although beautiful, challenging, and famous for a reason, didn’t offer exactly what I was looking for by way of a cultural experience. Rather than staying in lodges, hotels, and teahouses, I wanted the majority of my trek to revolve around homestays with locals. The trekking company I selected, Nepal Hidden Treks , recommended the little-known Ruby Valley Trail as the perfect mix of scenery and local interaction.

After an 8 hour jeep ride from Kathmandu, we reached the village where we would start the trek the next day.  I’m not gonna lie – my friends and I had basically no idea what to expect from the experience. We knew to expect the basics when it came to accommodations, but we had no idea as to where we would actually be sleeping. Would we be staying on the floor in someone’s kitchen? In a spare bedroom? In a shed near the farm animals? As it turns out, it was pretty much a mix of all of the above. Perhaps because we were female travelers, we always had a private space to sleep at night. Sometimes that included a raised wooden platform as a bed, and sometimes we slept on the floor. Either way, a sleeping pad and sleeping bag are a must!

The hike from village to village followed the general course of the Tamang River as it wound through the Ruby Valley, offering us incredible views of the surrounding mountains (which the locals call “hills” because the “real” mountains are over 20,000 feet). We started at about 5,000 feet and hiked up to about 14,000 feet when we crossed Pangsang Pass. While we did get a few glimpses of the snowcapped Himalayas that make Nepal famous, most of the trail was done at lower elevations.

The mountains were still incredible! Since we were crossing the mountains on a track parallel with the ground, we went up and down the side of each mountain, resulting in tons of elevation gain and loss each day. This hike was not for the faint of heart, or legs! We also crossed tons of swinging bridges and navigated the trails along with local villagers and of course, lots of donkeys carrying cargo from place to place. I had the misfortune of dropping my camera lens cover directly into the path of an oncoming donkey caravan, and every single one of them stepped on it. Needless to say, I needed to purchase a new lens cover when I got home. Pro tip: Move over when the donkeys are coming your way. They’re not going to stop moving.

The Ruby Valley Trail is not actually a trekking trail at all – it is a route that locals walk from village to village and to their fields and schools each day. There’s no tourist infrastructure on the trail, so a guide is required unless you speak fluent Nepali and are able to locate the homestays on your own. Unlike the more popular trails, there are no lodges or teahouses, no signs that indicate which way to go, or anything else! You’re really out there among the local people, and since they never see tourists, they’re unbelievably excited to welcome you to their village.

One of our favorite days of the trip was the night we spent in our guide’s home village. He had not been home to visit his family in over two years because of the length of time it takes to travel there, so the reunion was joyous. In addition to the beauty of that reunion, we also had the best home-cooked meal of the entire trip (dal bhat, of course – rice and lentil soup with curried vegetables) and got to know “Aama” and “Baba,” our guide’s mother and father. We also passed by the school that our guide walked two hours each way every day to get to and the fields that he grew up farming. Hearing his stories and meeting his family really put the whole experience in a new context for us, and we felt like family by the time we left his parents’ home. It was truly one of the (many) highlights of the trip.

Tamang Heritage Trail

After my friends left to head back home, I continued on to the Tamang Heritage Trail, which is in the Langtang region of Nepal. This trek is still considered “off the beaten path,” but it does have a slightly more developed tourist infrastructure. The majority of the trail offers sweeping views of the Langtang portion of the Himalayas, including the breathtaking Langtang Lirung – a mountain that stands more than 23,000 feet tall! My first time seeing that mountain was when I realized why the locals call the other mountains “hills!”

This trail originally brought tourists and locals alike to the local hot springs, and numerous lodges were constructed in the surrounding villages to accommodate guests. The area is predominantly populated by ethnic Tamang people, who originally hail from Tibet. The rich cultural history in this area contributed to the designation of this trek as the “Tamang Heritage Trail,” and today, the culture is the primary attraction since the hot springs were destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. The lodges and teahouses in the area offer private rooms and beds with mattresses, as well as a mix of both continental and Nepali cuisine. Nothing surprised me more than seeing cheeseburgers on the menu and a western toilet after more than a week of non-stop dal bhat and squat toilets! Thanks to these extra amenities, I also spotted other tourists for the first time on the trek – a total of five during the four days I spent on the trail. After seeing no other tourists on the Ruby Valley Trail, I felt surrounded!

While this portion of the trek did feature some tough and steep sections, for the most part, the trail was much easier going than the Ruby Valley Trail. The hiking portions each day were also much shorter – usually no more than 4 or 5 hours. Of course, that still didn’t stop me from slipping and falling directly onto a pile of (still warm) cow manure and then slipping and falling again on the last day of my trek and breaking my hand. While I’d like to say it’s a cooler story than that, it’s really not – I just slipped, fell, and put my hand down wrong. Shout out to my multi-towel from REI and my guide’s spare ace bandage for acting as my makeshift cast until I got back home!

The Tamang Heritage Trail is a great trekking option for people who are looking to get a bit off the beaten path without totally sacrificing all of the comforts of home. While your opportunities to interact with the local people will be more limited than if you did homestays, there is still plenty to see and do. Also, the Tamang Heritage Trail is easy to follow, so you won’t need a guide, and all of the lodge owners speak at least basic English. This short trek is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time but still want to experience some of the mountains and culture that make Nepal famous!

Of course, no visit to Nepal would be complete without spending some time in Kathmandu! While I devoted most of my trip to trekking, I did have about a day and a half to explore the capital. Kathmandu is a bustling, busy, and dusty place, and the traffic situation is…well, it lives in my nightmares. Even after the 2015 earthquake, there are still some incredible sights to see, although many of the famed temples have been destroyed.

One of the places that I knew I had to visit was Swayambhunath, better known as the Monkey Temple. Although I expected it to be kind of hokey and touristy, I still couldn’t resist the idea of tons of monkeys running around amidst flapping prayer flags and sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. While there are plenty of tourists at the Monkey Temple, I was pleasantly surprised by just how truly breathtaking and beautiful it was. The monkeys are pretty surreal to see running everywhere, and the views of the valley are really stunning. Just 50 years ago, almost the entire valley was agricultural fields, but today, there are houses and buildings as far as the eye can see. Nepal did not have its first paved road until the 1970s, so the pace of development is pretty impressive!

The aspect of Kathmandu that impressed me the most is the way the Hindu and Buddhist faiths intertwine. As I walked around the city with a local guide, he constantly reiterated that Nepali people celebrate everything, regardless of which religion they actually subscribe to. Hindu people visit Buddhist temples and vice versa, and everyone celebrates certain holidays, like Diwali. While some of the city’s most famous temples and much of the former royal palace was destroyed in the earthquake, I still got to visit many temples in and around Durbar Square. The colors and detail are definitely sights to behold! Bonus points if you notice the many, many carvings acting out the Kama Sutra!

My favorite part of my time in Kathmandu was actually wandering from shop to shop through the winding streets and alleys, looking for souvenirs for my family and friends before heading back home. I found a pair of pants that I wanted to purchase for my mom, but they were too long, which I sadly noted to the shop owner. “Oh, I can fix that!” he exclaimed. “I have my sewing machine right here!” While I probably could have found the same pair of women's work pants a few doors down in a size that would have fit right away, I sat down with him and chatted for nearly an hour as he hemmed them. I learned all about his family, which is spread out across the world, and saw pictures of his children. The time flew by and as he finished the pants, he invited me to dinner the following night at his house with his wife and kids. Had I not been flying out that night, I would have taken him up on it. While some people find traveling solo as a female to be intimidating, I find that people go out of their way to connect and help me. Those connections are one of my favorite parts of traveling, the reason I feel confident heading out on my own over and over again.

Overall, I can’t say enough good things about Nepal. While it might not be the easiest or most comfortable place to travel, the beauty of the landscape and the kindness of the people makes every second worth it. If you’re interested in getting off the beaten path in Nepal, read more about my adventures  and recommendations for packing  or head over to Nepal Hidden Treks and speak to the people that helped me plan my trip and guided me along the way!

Danielle Cemprola is a freelance writer, marathoner x 52  and world traveler. Danielle and her husband, AJ, love to hike, travel, and eat their way across the planet. She's a self-described carry-on enthusiast who loves challenging herself to pack for any trip, no matter the length or destination, in a carry-on bag. When Danielle's not flying the friendly skies, you're likely to find her working at her day job as an environmental scientist - hey, someone needs to pay for all those plane tickets!

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Hiking the John Muir Trail: Tips From My Trip

I hiked the trail back in the summer of 2014, along with seven college buddies. The trip wound up being 26 days of hiking with two off-days in Mammoth.

The sights and sounds along the trail, especially through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks are astounding, but the trail was not without its trials and tribulations.

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Travel Logs Hike and Unwind at Mt. Minobu

Mt. Minobu is just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, and offers a getaway packed with lush hiking trails, ancient temples, and panoramic views of some of Japan’s highest peaks. Whether you are an avid hiker, a spiritual seeker, or an urban dweller looking to unwind, this verdant mountain has something for everyone..

Hiking trails steeped in history

Mt. Minobu  is a 1,153-meter-tall peak nestled between the Fuji River and the lofty mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps. It is home to Kuonji, a temple founded in 1281 as the headquarters of Nichiren, a branch of Buddhism established by the priest Nichiren (1222–1282). For this reason, you will find temples, statues, and various objects related to Buddhism along the path to the summit.

Mt. Minobu Kuonji Sanmon Gate

One of the many religious objects along the path

We began the hike at the enormous Sanmon Gate, the main gate to Kuonji , accompanied by a local guide. A cobbled path through the gate took us to a steep staircase flanked by towering cedars. Known as Bodai-tei, these 287 stone steps represent the path to enlightenment. The staircase itself is broken down into seven individual sections, symbolizing a seven-character mantra from the Lotus Sutra. The walk up serves as a great warm-up to the hike ahead. As we made our way, the guide pointed out the bright crimson berries of the nandina shrub, a plant long believed to have the power to dispel evil and misfortune.

The hike begins…

The Bodai-tei staircase

As we reached the final few steps, Kuonji Temple’s five-tiered pagoda came into view. “The temple complex is particularly beautiful in spring, when the weeping cherries bloom,” explained our guide. After offering a prayer, we made our way to the main hiking trail, which begins behind the temple building. The ascent to the summit from here takes about two and a half hours. Alternately, visitors can ride the Minobusan Ropeway , which travels from the precincts of Kuonji up to the Okunoin Shishinkaku Temple at Mt. Minobu’s summit. 

Kuonji Temple’s five-tiered pagoda

Forest-covered mountains

The trail to the summit is surrounded by thick groves of cedar, cypress, and maple. The tree canopy blocks the sunlight, keeping the path cool. We visited during autumn, when the foliage had started to take on shades of gold and vermillion. The fresh air, woody fragrances, and autumnal colors instilled in us a sense of tranquility and wonder.

Beautiful autumn colors

Feel the changing of the seasons

As you walk up the winding forest path, you will come across many smaller temples, each with its own distinct characteristics—some house golden Buddha statues, while others have elaborate engravings of dragons. 

Many small temples can be found along the path

Hikers were few and far between during our ascent, with only the occasional bird call and rustling of leaves breaking the silence. Mt. Minobu is inhabited by creatures like the oriental dollarbird, recognized by its emerald-green plumage and orange beak. If you are lucky, you may even encounter deer, or Japanese serow—goat-like creatures that live in dense woodlands.

Lush greenery along the trail

Various temples can be found along the way

Trail markers make the path easy to follow

The trail is well-maintained and well-marked throughout, making it suitable for inexperienced hikers, and families with children. However, there are some steep and slippery sections, especially near the top, so it’s best to wear proper hiking boots.

Towering cedar trees

The path to the summit

After a two-and-a-half-hour ascent, we found ourselves in the mountaintop precincts of Okunoin Shishinkaku. We were particularly impressed by the enormous 700-year-old cedar tree in the temple precinct, which is believed to have been planted by Nichiren. Revered as a symbol of long life, the ancient tree added to the mountain’s mystical atmosphere.

Ancient cedar trees in Okunoin Shishinkaku Temple

Purifying my hands at the temizuya water ablution pavilion in the Okunoin

There are numerous observation decks around the summit. From the deck next to the Ropeway Sancho Station, we were swept away by views of Mt. Fuji towering majestically over the landscape, and the Fuji River in the valley below. Trimmed with clouds and capped with snow, Japan’s most iconic mountain looked particularly beautiful. Twice a year, in mid-March and late September, you can see the sun rising over the tip of Mt. Fuji. This natural phenomenon is aptly called “diamond Fuji” for the way the sun glimmers over the peak. The ropeway runs early in the morning during these periods to give visitors a chance to catch the sunrise. 

Breathtaking mountain views

Mt. Fuji can be observed from the summit on clear days

The north deck presents a different kind of scenery—we enjoyed sweeping views of prominent peaks of the Southern Japanese Alps such as Mt. Kita (3,193 m) and Mt. Aino (3,190 m). “This part of Japan has a distinct topography because it's where three tectonic plates meet,” said our guide, pointing to the commanding landscape ahead. Thanks to its location, Mt. Minobu serves as a great spot to appreciate Japan’s dramatic mountainous terrain.

Access the summit via ropeway in just under 10 minutes

Avid hikers have the option of extending the hike to the nearby peak of Mt. Shichimen  (1,982 m), another spiritual destination. You will have to set aside an additional seven hours to ascend this mountain, so consider an overnight stay in Akasawa Village. It is located in the western foothills of Mt. Minobu, and is known for its cobbled footpaths and rustic, traditional houses.

Panoramic views of the Southern Japanese Alps

Dramatic mountain views await

After an exhilarating hike, reward yourself with local treats at one of the food stalls near the summit ropeway station. We tried steamed buns stuffed with yuba (tofu skin), and rice cakes made with bamboo charcoal. While bamboo charcoal may seem like an unusual ingredient, it enhanced the delicately sweet flavor of the rice cakes. Yuba is a regional specialty used in a wide variety of dishes, so be sure to try it when you’re visiting Mt. Minobu.　

Temple lodgings rich in tradition

Stay in temple lodgings called shukubo to further immerse yourself in Mt. Minobu’s spiritual traditions. There are over 20 in the area, and we made our way to Kakurinbo , a 550-year-old shukubo tucked away in the foothills of the mountains. It is one of the oldest in the region.

The rooms in this rustic and charming establishment are traditional, with tatami floors and shoji paper doors. The grounds contain a picturesque garden with a carp pond, designed by a Zen master who was also a well-regarded landscape gardener. The traditional architecture is also complemented by the artwork and ornate kimonos that decorate the walls.

Kakurinbo’s garden

Kakurinbo offers a range of cultural and spiritual experiences. Choose from activities like morning yoga, sutra chanting, and tea ceremony to immerse yourself in Mt. Minobu’s spiritual traditions. 

We decided to try shakyo—hand-copying Buddhist sutras. It was a mindful exercise, requiring us to concentrate and be present. We were provided instructions from a monk, along with a calligraphy kit that came with tracing paper, ink, and a brush. The experience was tailored to our levels, so even without prior calligraphy experience, we were able to feel at ease. 

A monk provides instructions

Practicing shakyo

Kakurinbo is known for its elaborate traditional Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori), typically free from meat and fish. Luckily, we were seated in the dining hall that overlooks the garden. We were treated to dishes such as homemade natto (fermented beans), yuba, fried mushrooms, and tomato stew. Dessert was soy ice cream with toppings of fresh, seasonal fruits such as kiwi and peach. The menu changes seasonally, and everything is painstakingly prepared from local ingredients by the proprietress. You can also choose to reward yourself after a hike with a glass of the temple’s own craft beer, served in a glass shaped like Mt. Fuji.

A delicious meal at Kakurinbo

Enjoy dinner with views of the garden

The hike up Mt. Minobu was a rejuvenating experience. The lush autumnal forest and plethora of historic religious sites gave us a chance to reconnect with nature, and dive into the area’s spiritual traditions. Being accompanied by a guide further added to the experience, as we were provided with fascinating insights into the area.

The region has even more to offer. Stay overnight to explore other surrounding mountains, forest trails, and historic sites. Nearby hot-spring resorts such as Shimobe Onsen are great for unwinding after a day of hiking and activities. For a hiking destination suitable for all levels, filled with cultural discoveries, look no further than Mt. Minobu.

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Introducing eBird Trip Reports

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We’re thrilled to introduce eBird Trip Reports —an exciting new way to tell your birding story through eBird. eBird Trip Reports bring together your eBird checklists to create a fun summary of where you went and what you found, along with your photos and audio recordings, all in one easy-to-share place. You’ve never seen your eBirding like this before!

eBird Trip Reports features:

• eBird checklist location map
• Lifer stats—see which species you observed, photographed, and audio recorded for the first time during the trip
• Species totals across all your checklists from the trip
• Photo and audio feature views
• Bulk checklist sharing
• Quick links to share your trip with friends or on social media

More features to love Create summaries of your birding adventures for one or multiple days. Trip Reports is a LIVE summary, meaning your report updates automatically as new lists are added from the trip period. If you’re going on a birding outing and want to share what you see with your friends, create an eBird Trip Report ahead of time and share the link—as you submit your eBird lists, the report will update.

Use the narrative and comments to share favorite memories and scroll through the species notes to relive the best moments. Each person on a trip can create and share a personalized report by choosing which of their own checklists to include. You can view the “group” version of the report, with everyone’s data, or view a personal view that includes only your sightings and media.  Learn more about creating and sharing eBird Trip Reports.

How can you use eBird Trip Reports?

eBird Trip Reports help you create summaries for Big Days, Christmas Bird Counts, special birding trips, and more.

Big Days and Bird-a-thons

eBird Trip Reports are an easy way to summarize one-day birding events like Global Big Day and October Big Day , or record-setting chases like the OR Big Day 2021 and 2021 Georgia Big Day . eBird Trip Reports compile your checklists in real time, so anyone with the link can track your progress throughout the day.

“My siblings and I often get together for a weekend or several days of birding in many different locations and we love being able to keep track of the total number of species we have seen over those days,” says Margaret Viens, an eBirder from Maine, “I also hope to be able to use [eBird Trip Reports] this winter for our Birdathon Team . I like that I can go back and create historical reports as well.”

Last year, Ontario eBirder Mike Burrell decided to try a “yard” birdathon: Birdathon Spring 2020 (Yard) . His report shows how eBird Trip Reports can be useful even when you stay in one place, letting you create multiple lists throughout the day and still have a single summary of your birding.

Birding field trips and workshops

Use eBird Trip Reports to summarize and share organized activities with members of your birding group. Maine Young Birders Club coordinator Nathan Hall says he looks forward to “using this feature when I take young birders out birding. Especially if we cover more than one location.”

• The School, KFI, Birdwatching Workshop
• Maine Young Birders Club, Scarborough Marsh, April 2017

Adam Betuel, Director of Conservation at Georgia Audubon, says his favorite feature is “being able to easily produce a species list throughout a day or across days,” Adam says “I lead birding trips and this is where I expect to use the trip report function the most.”

• Paraguay with Georgia Audubon

Birding tours

eBird Trip Reports help you revisit past memories or show prospective trip members what they can look forward to. “The lifers for each trip is great,” says eBird Spain collaborator Yeray Seminario, “showing the map with all the locations is a great visual tool.”

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“Combining sightings from multiple stops on a day is a great way to get an overview of the trip. It’s always been complicated to view many lists, like on a pelagic trip, and to try to combine all of the species that were seen… this summary view is so great!” says California eBirder Andrea Carpio.

Christmas Bird Counts and Breeding Bird Surveys

eBird Trip Reports are a great tool for birders who participate in annual cooperative survey efforts. Reports can be used to summarize stops along a Breeding Bird Survey route or to compile counts from your area of a Christmas Bird Count .

“I’ve long wanted something to make it easier for eBirders participating in CBCs to do reasonable-length checklists and then be able to merge them into one report,” says Kathy Mihm Dunning, an eBird Reviewer for Colorado, “eBird Trip Reports should work quite nicely for that purpose.”

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Trip Report

Durr road and north yakima skyline — sunday, apr. 21, 2024.

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• Durr Road and North Yakima Skyline

Weekend backpack with wind, drizzle, sun, amazing views and smells of spring wildflowers.

Drove Durr Road to North Yakima Skyline parking lot and kept going to end of road to No Vehicles Past This Point sign. Road is rough, rocky, and very steep in places.

Parked and hiked down the Skyline Trail to the bottom and filtered water from Yakima River. Continued south to Roza Creek and hiked up road to Bird Song Tree. Lots of open space for camping but no clearly defined campsites. Filtered water from Roza - not the greatest access since bank is steep, creek is shallow, and lots of brush to contend with.