Trailmonkey

Florida Keys Declare Open Season on the invasive Lionfish

King Skwirl — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:29:04 +0000

KEY WEST, Fla. — Crawling through turquoise murk on the ocean floor near Tea Table Key, Rob Pillus glances at a half dozen lobsters that twirl their antennae in the fast-moving current. Mr. Pillus, an avid spear fisherman, would normally stuff the crustaceans into his mesh bag for dinner, but today he is after [...]

Hiking in the Rockies during Spring is heavenly

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:59:00 +0000

We bring you the best adventure hikes on the planet.

The Southwest trails are near Grand Lake, and can be accessed via highway 34.

Bakerville Loveland Trail Big Meadows Blue Lake Bowen Lake A long, gradual climb through thick forest to the lake. Bowen Pass Bowen Pass is part of the Arapahoe National [...]

Bahia Honda is great for camping, snorkeling, and diving

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:53:34 +0000

The 2.5-mile (4.0 km) natural, white sand beach was rated the #1 beach in 1992 in the United States by “Dr. Beach” Stephen Leatherman (the first Florida beach to be so honored), making it popular for swimming. A nature trail near the park’s oceanside beach skirts a tidal lagoon before passing through a [...]

Georgia’s Steven J Foster Swamp makes slow water paddling a blast!

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:48:42 +0000

A nice day out paddling at Steven J Foster Swamp. Lots of submerged trees, incredible birds, and gators!

Named after songwriter Stephen Foster, this remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp [...]

Alaska’s Prince William Sound is incredible paddling

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:38:30 +0000

When playing on the surface always remember it’s what you don’t see that makes things interesting too.

Prince William Sound, protected from the stormy Gulf of Alaska weather, has some of the best Alaska sea kayaking and the greatest diversity of wildlife habitat along the entire northern Pacific Coast. Check out one of [...]

Upper Keys: Davis Reef has some nice surprises

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:33:19 +0000

A small statue of Buddha sits at the southern end of Davis Reef. Schools of fish here can be so dense so as to block your view. Underwater photographers love this site, and call it the most picturesque reef in the Keys.

Victory Reef is a favorite of both beginner and advanced divers. [...]

Apsen area: Maroon Bells & Castle Creek Area mountain bike trails

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:24:54 +0000

Express Creek Road #122 – route to Taylor Pass

Government Trail #1990 – popular single track between Aspen & Snowmass

Little Annie Road – very scenic ride with great views of the Castle Creek ValleyMidnight Mine Road #118 – road follows Queens Gulch, passing through aspen and fir stands

Montezuma Basin #102 – [...]

Maui: Black Rock – One of the best free dives on the island.

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:14:35 +0000

Black Rock is like a wall dive for snorkelers. A lava outcropping with coral attached. Swim from the South end up to the north and back again. If there is no ocean swell, this can be a very clear snorkel. One usually sees turtles along the way and an occasional tako (octopus). A [...]

Maui: Five Caves – A great advanced divesite!

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:03:58 +0000

One of Maui’s best snorkel or scuba spots. Abundant marine life including many turtles. Not for beginners due to the swimming distance. Many caves and “swim-thrus” for advanced scuba divers. Visibility is sometimes poor after rain or south swells.

Location: South of Wailea on Wailea Alanui, turn toward the ocean on Makena Rd, [...]

Maui – Molokini Crater

King Skwirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 03:50:39 +0000

Offshore marine preserve just three miles off the coast of Maui sits a crescent-shap’ed islet, a marine preserve that abounds with tropical fish and calm waters. Molokini was declared a State Marine Life Conservation District in 1977 and is considered one of Maui’s top snorkel sites.

Legend has it that Molokini [...]