Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego, and a beloved spot for local hikers. With a 1,592 foot climb to the top and a view that makes it worthwhile, Cowles Mountain is a steep and moderately challenging hike that everyone should experience at least once.
Parking and public transportation at Cowles Mountain
Parking at the lot at the base of the mountain is free, but may fill up on afternoons or weekends. Street parking is widely available in the surrounding area.
Best and worst time to go to Cowles Mountain
Since weather is almost always ideal in San Diego, the only concerns regarding Cowles Mountain are that it can attract hundreds of hikers on Saturday and Sundays.
Admission to Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain is free for public use with no fees for admission. Camping is available for $14 per site with one vehicle.
Must see and do at Cowles Mountain
The Hike to the Summit
The most popular reason that Cowles Mountain gets so many visitors is because of the half-mile hike to the top. The entire path is at an incline, so many locals take advantage of Cowles as part of their daily workout.
Views From the Top
Finally reaching the top of Cowles Mountain is a rewarding experience. Views from the top of San Diego's highest peak are thoroughly impressive, and include Silver Strand, Coronado, and parts of Mexico. To help you understand exactly what you're looking at, a map at the summit identifies each location. The view is among the most impressive in San Diego.
Panoramic Photography
In addition to great photographic opportunities in every direction, the peek of Cowles Mountain also provides a rare opportunity for remarkable panoramic photography. You might not need to buy an expensive lens to take phenomenal 180 degree pictures; most smart phones have a panoramic feature that enables you take surprisingly high-quality wide lens photographs.
Other places to visit near Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain Coffee
Directly across from the trails of Cowles Mountain, Cowles Mountain Coffee offers various coffee options at a low price. They also have outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi.
Pyles Peak
If Cowles Mountain is too easy a hike for you, then you can hike an extra two mile trail that branches from the summit of Cowles, to Pyles Peak. Pyles Peak offers similar views, but the trail will be notably less crowded, as most hikers stop at the first 1.5 mile hike to the top of Cowles.
The Trails Eatery
The Trails is a beloved local restaurant that not only features a "Hiker's Delight" menu, but also offers unique breakfast options like Croissant French Toast and Chocolate Bacon. They serve breakfast every day from 7-3, but are also open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5-9.
Insider tip for visitors to Cowles Mountain
Although Cowles Mountain is spelled as if it rhymes with "Towels", locals know that it is actually pronounced "Coals". The reason for this is that ranching pioneer, George A. Cowles, developed much of Eastern San Diego, and Cowles Mountain is named after him.
Author's bio: After a seven year career in the US Navy, Nicholas Napier completed his MBA and settled in California. He's published over 40 articles as the San Diego Fitness Trends Examiner, and regularly contributes as a freelance writer to various companies.
From anywhere in the town of Boone, one just has to look due north to see Howard's Knob. At 4,396 feet above sea level and over 1,000 feet above downtown Boone, North Carolina, the mountain serves as one of the more recognizable landmarks in the High Country.
Parking And Public Transportation At Howard Knob
The park is open April to October and parking is free at the top. There are few parking spaces so you might have the park on the shoulder, but proximity to the views is still very close by. The only way up is by residential roads from downtown Boone so besides taxis, there's few options.
Best And Worst Times To Visit Howard Knob
Since the mountain is only open half of the year from dawn to dusk, there aren't many bad times to visit. During graduation weekend in early May many students and parents will take pictures at the mountain and crowd it up. Late September and early October is peak leaf season and provides the most colorful sights of the Howard Knob season.
Admission To Howard Knob
Admission is free and there are no tickets needed. No attractions at Howard Knob cost money.
Must See At Howard Knob
The key attraction at Howard Knob is the view of Boone. You can see the entire town from the mountain top. You can also have picnics in the grassy area at the top.
Other Places To Visit Near Howard Knob
The town of Boone is on the way to Howard Knob, which includes Appalachian State University, historic downtown, plus other local mountain parks such as Snake Mountain and further south, the town of Blowing Rock.
Insider Tip For Visitors To Howard Knob
Keep an eye on that water heat level in your car. The road up Howard Knob goes up 1,000 feet in two miles so it's best to keep it slow going up. And watch out for runners.
Author's bio: Thomas Sherrill is a mountain man trying to make his living in Boone, North Carolina.
Perched high at 14,115, Pikes Peak is the most-visited mountain in North America, and the second most visited mountain in the world. Its views inspired the lyrics to America the Beautiful. Its steep trails entice historians, adventurers, nature lovers and family travelers. To reach the summit, visitors drive the Pikes Peak Highway, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Athletic types will either hike the 13-mile Barr Trail, or take the Cog Railway to the top, then cycle down with Pikes Peak Challenge Unlimited.
Parking and Public Transportation at Pikes Peak
The three Pikes Peak Parking areas include the Trailhead area, close to the Barr Trail, the Cog Railway Lot, and the Ruxton Avenue parking area. Trailhead and Cog Railway parking costs $5 per 24 hours, while Ruxton Avenue has metered hourly charges. For free parking, drive one mile from Pikes Peak to the City Hall area, then take the free shuttle to Ruxton Avenue. Mountain Metro Bus #3 also goes to Ruxton Avenue, but it does not run on Sunday.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak delivers optimal weather from June to October, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 80s. However, summer festivals and school vacations bring crowds to Colorado Springs, which in turn raise the price of lodging. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays in late September, when the kids are back in school. Slushy, uncomfortable hiking conditions occur in winter, when warm temperatures come directly after snow storms.
Admission To Pikes Peak
The City of Colorado Springs charges admission to Pikes Peak, and rates depend on the number of people in your car, their ages and the season. There's a discount for vehicles carrying five or more people. The Pikes Peak Cog Railroad also offers multiple fee structures, which differ by season and age of the passenger. For a reduced fee, take the train to the top, and hike back down.
Must-Do Activities at Pikes Peak
Seeped in Colorado history, the Cog Railroad is the literal high point to any trip to Pikes Peak. As the train ascends the mountain, the conductor points out flora, fauna and historic sites along the route. When you reach the top, you'll have 40 minutes to take photos and purchase food at the Summit House. Don't miss the famous donuts; the only donuts baked at 14,115 feet.
Other Attractions Near Pikes Peak
Sea level visitors need time to adjust to the altitude. Wait a few days before venturing up Pikes Peak, and explore the other area attractions. Take a free tour of the US Olympic Training Center, explore the red, sandstone rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, or channel your inner Top Gun at the US Air Force Academy.
Insider Tips for Visiting Pikes Peak
When you see Rocky Mountain Oysters on the menus, don't assume that you're ordering seafood. Bull, pig or sheep testicles comprise this classic Colorado dish. Coated with flour, fried and served with cocktail sauce, Rocky Mountain Oysters are often served as appetizers.
Author's bio: Lisa Marie Mercer worked as tour guide in Colorado. A widely-published travel writer, she authored a book titled "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County."
The Maroon Bells are two fourteeners located in Colorado's Elk Mountains. The two peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, are the 27th and 50th highest peaks in Colorado respectively. The area they are nestled in, Maroon Creek Valley, is considered to be the "most photographed spot in Colorado."
Parking and public transportation
Shuttle buses can be accessed at Aspen Highlands, two miles from the mountains. Free parking is available. Bus tickets are $6 with departures every half hour.
Buses can also be accessed from the Rubey Park Transportation Center in downtown Aspen. This bus is free and departs every 20 minutes starting on the hour. Accessibility by car is limited.
Best and worst time to go The Maroon Bells
Maroon Creek road is closed in the winter and the only way to access the area is with cross country skis or snowmobile. If these activities tickle your fancy, this could either be considered a good or bad thing. Contact the US Forest Service at (970) 925-3445 for more information regarding road closures.
Admission
If you chose not to pay for a shuttle into the area, be prepared to pay a $10 per vehicle fee. There are no other admission fees associated.
Must see/do at The Maroon Bells
Hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail featuring waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and breath taking views of the Maroon Bell peaks. The trip lasts around 2 hours and 15 minutes round trip.
Other places to visit near The Maroon Bells
Glenwood Springs, once named the "Most Fun Town in America" is only one hour from Maroon Bells. The hot springs, located in the center of town, is considered the world's largest.
Insider tip for visitors to The Maroon Bells
If you want to summit all the way to the top of one of these "fourteeners," start early, pack lots of water and don't be alarmed if you experience a mild case of altitude sickness -- especially if you have not hiked in Colorado before.
Author's bio: Andy Thomas is a Colorado native. He is a journalist and touring musician. He has most likely slept on a floor in your hometown.
Located a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is a must see destination for hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers alike. With multiple hiking trails, breathtaking views and recently remodeled facilities, it's one of the most popular destinations for people of all ages in the Valley of the Sun.
Parking and public transportation at Camelback Mountain
There is free parking available on site, although during the busy season, it's nearly impossible to come by. If possible, park south of the mountain and either walk or bike to the trailheads. Visitors can reach Camelback Mountain using public transportation, but it requires multiple transfers using the bus and light rail.
Best and worst time to go to Camelback Mountain
Avoid visiting Camelback Mountain on the weekend if at all possible. Parking is limited, and the surrounding neighborhoods don't take kindly to visitors parking, idling or driving through. Police also look to ticket visitors during busy times. For the best weather visit during the winter or early spring. To avoid traffic, visit during the early afternoon on a weekday.
Admission to Camelback Mountain
Access to Camelback Mountain is free to the public.
Must see/do at Camelback Mountain
Professional and amateur hikers alike can select from four trails that vary in difficulty and length. Plant and animal lovers should keep an eye out for a variety of desert flora and fauna. Are you a history buff? Check out the ceremonial cave area left behind by The Hohokam.
Other places to visit near Camelback Mountain
There are a number of restaurants and hotels near Camelback Mountain including T. Cook's, Relish Burger Bistro and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.
Insider tip for visitors to Camelback Mountain
New to hiking? Visitors can schedule guided tours that include bottled water, pictures of you and the views and a history of the mountain and surrounding area.
Author's bio: Chad Birt has lived in Phoenix for 9 years. He's a bike rider, bookworm and freelance writer.
The Mount Rose ski, wilderness and hiking area of the Carson Range that borders the West side of Reno can be seen everywhere in the city. The summit of Mount Rose is 9,700 feet and Mount Rose Ski Tahoe's highest elevation is 8,260 feet. The mountain is about 30 miles south of downtown Reno and includes a ski resort, numerous hiking trails and views of Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe.
Parking and public transportation at Mount Rose
The Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort is actually located on Slide Mountain, but has a great view of Mount Rose right behind it. There is parking for more than 200 vehicles for the resort and a shuttle to the East Bowl part of the resort. Parking for the Mount Rose Summit hike has space for about 30 cars, but there is also parking along the side of the road just after the Mount Rose Highway pass.
Best and worst time go to Mount Rose
The best time to hit the slopes at the ski resort is in the winter after a snowstorm. This is usually in December, January and February. The best time to hike the Mount Rose summit is after the snow at the top has melted. June through October are the best months. Avoid going over the Mount Rose Highway during a snowstorm. It is steep and dangerous and is sometimes closed due to lack of visibility.
Admission to Mount Rose
Full day lift tickets to the ski resort are around $89 per adult. The resort also has beginner tickets and rental packages as well as discount days. All of the Mount Rose trails are free.
Must see/do at Mount Rose
The top of the Mount Rose Highway summit is a great place to go sledding in the winter. On the south side of the highway, in the Mount Rose Meadows, there are some great sledding hills that are away from the road and traffic. Look for the stone bathroom on the south side of the road.
Other places to visit near Mount Rose
Just over the summit is the small town of Incline Village. The village sits right on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and has some great restaurants including the Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.
Insider tip for visitors to Mount Rose
There is actually a small campground right at the summit of Mount Rose. The campground features 23 sites and sits at 9,300 feet. The campground was closed for several years for rehabilitation and was recently reopened in June of 2015.
Author's bio: Christina Nellemann lives and writes in the Reno area and looks out at Mount Rose every day. She's thrilled when the summit is still sporting snow.
While typically associated with locations such as Mount St. Helens, lava tubes can also be found in central Utah just a few miles south of the state's first capitol, Fillmore. These caves, known as the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes, are a well-known destination for campers and hikers of all age levels.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
The underground caves at Tabernacle Hill are located well off the beaten path so you'll have to drive your own car to get there. Plenty of parking is available above the caves; just make sure you stay on the road as you drive as the entrances to the tubes can be very hard to see, especially at dusk.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
While the caves are a popular destination for campers and hikers, including scout troops, most visitors tend to avoid the July and August as the heat can get pretty extreme. Instead of going during the summer, plan your trip for April or May when the mornings are still cool and the heat of the afternoon can be avoided by hiking around the caves.
Admission to the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
The tubes are free and open to the public, as long as you can find them. Take exit 158 off of I-15 near the town of Meadow. Head south down Main Street and you'll come across a road heading west marked with a sign to White Mountain. Follow that road for six miles until you get to White Mountain and then head west for three miles until you get to the lava fields.
Must See/Do at the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
Explore, explore, explore. While many of the tubes have collapsed, a good number of them are still open to hikers. If you're coming from a distance, stay the night and camp inside one of the caves, which maintain a fairly constant temperature year-round.
Other Places to Visit Near the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
The most popular destination to visit after a stay at the lava tubes is the Meadow Hot Springs a few miles to the south. These hot springs are a great place for kids who will enjoy splashing around, as well as adults who just want to relax in the warm springs.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes
Most vehicles will have no problem making it out to the lava tubes as long as the weather is sunny. However, you might want to avoid the area during the rainy season when the road can get muddy, especially if your vehicle is not equipped with four-wheel drive.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.