Day Hike Dublin Ireland
A Dublin Day Hike – Two Cliffs /Two Hills These 4 intriguing hikes in the environs of Dublin, along the coast of the Irish Sea, from Howth to Greystones, in aggregate, equal an extreme day hike.
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim
This journal from an internet hiking buddy, Rich Hale, who has done the rim to rim to rim four times before hanging up his internet site, adventurehiking.com, a few years ago:
Zion National Park- Hiking -Angels Landing- Observation Pt
The National Parks have some of the great trail hikes. The key is to go when no one else is there, which means: not summer. Watch the weather maps and spot a window of opportunity for a pleasant, un-crowded hike. Winters in Zion National Park are often mild with 60 degree daytime temperatures possible. DayHiker has hiked this majestic red canyon the past two winters around Jan 1, found the weather great and the accommodations (Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale) upscale.
Wyoming: Grand Tetons – Cascade/Paintbrush Loop Hike
Many first experience the Teton Range as a visual drive-by on their way to Yellowstone on Route 89. Stop next time and experience first hand the geologically-recent, dramatically uplifted mountains with canyons sculpted by glaciers. This is the European Alps, the Colorado Rockies, the California Sierra Nevada’s, the Himalayas in compact form … easily accessible and hikeable on well maintained, gently sloped switch back trails.
Hiking Tips
Go Early: Would you rather start out in the dark or end in the dark? You can always sleep after the hike is over. Getting on the trail at 3 or 4 in the morning sounds extreme, but it makes sense. High altitude hikes can be prone to afternoon thunderstorms. It’s much better to reach the summit by 10-11am and be out of harms way by the time of afternoon thunderstorms. Another benefit of heading out at or before dawn is cooler weather. Less heat means less sweating, therefore less water needed and a lighter load.
100km One Day Hike – Potomac
Well, this was a different and rewarding experience, and certainly an extreme day hike – flying from San Diego to Washington DC to walk 100km (62.5 miles for you metrically-challenged) along the Potomac River. The walk (hike, race?), sponsored by the local Sierra Club chapter, started close to the Watergate complex (yes, that one) in the Georgetown section of Washington DC, and ended up many hours later a couple of states away at Harpers Ferry.
San Diego Extreme City Day Hike
This is the third in a series of articles about walking from your home in a highly populated area. Pt Loma to Oceanside is an 11-hour 39-mile marathon kept interesting by the bay, beaches, and bustle of activity along the scenic coastline and Pacific Coast Historic Highway 101.. I walked this twice (returned by car) as a training hike for the 100km one day 100k trek along the Potomac River starting in Washington DC.
DayHiker Does Dubrovnik
“Where are you hiking, I was asked a few years ago?” I replied, “Croatia.” I might as well have answered, “Phoebe” (one of Saturn’s moons), after hearing the next questions: “Why?” “Isn’t it dangerous,” and, “Where is that?” Yes, the Balkans did have tragic times in the 1990’s, unwinding their pent up political and ethnic differences after the fall of Tito; and clearly, international travel is burdened with security concerns but not is Croatia.
New Hampshire to Mt Washington : Presidential Traverse
For a west coast hiker the quickest way to get a flavor of east coast hiking is to do all or part of the Presidential Traverse. New Hampshire, the “Granite State” with its motto, “Live Free or Die,” gives a hint about the trails. They are free from the structure of easy sloping switchbacks trails so familiar around Europe and the western U.S. The hikes are characterized by constant ups and downs and the pace is slow. The deciduous trees of the lower slopes often blanket a rugged trail of granite-lined ravines.
Hawaii (Kauai) – Na Pali Coast Day Hike
This hike is different, extreme as a day hike, and one of the best of the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Kauai is known for its heavy rainfall, panoramic views, tropical forest and rugged coastline. This 11-mile Kalalau Trail (one-way) follows the Na Pali Coast with its incredible views of five lush valleys, waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian ruins.
Grand Canyon – Rim to Rim
This is one of the best day hikes in the world, and a must do for the serious marathon day tripper. One optimal time for this Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike is as late as possible in the season but while the North Rim Lodge is still open, which around October 15, the day I did it.
Grand Canyon – Rim to River and Back
It’s not often one can do an extreme day hike by going down to a river and back up the same day. The Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon affords that opportunity and has incredible views. A word of caution: Do this in the wintertime during good weather and be in shape. This hike is famous for people getting in trouble during hot weather along with their tendency to underestimate the uphill climb.
Long’s Peak (Rocky Mountain National Park)
The day hiking wonderland of the Colorado Rocky Mountains has 54 peaks which rise above 14,000 feet. Long’s Peak is one of the more famous and rigorous “Fourteeners” and a “must do” for the extreme day hiker.
However, like the other hikes described on this site, be prepared mentally and physically for this day trek of 16 miles round trip and 4850 feet of elevation climb.
Colorado Rocky Mountains – Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells, which lie in the Elk mountain range in a canyon just beyond Aspen, Colorado, are probably the most photographed “Fourteeners” of the Rocky Mountains. The incredible views up the valleys and through the passes make this a great day hiking experience.
Cactus to Clouds – Palm Springs to Mt. San Jacinto Peak
This Cactus to Clouds hike, to San Jacinto Peak at almost 11,000 feet in elevation, affords an interesting challenge for the extreme day hiker, going from the Palm Springs desert floor to one of the tallest mountain peaks in southern California!
Day Hike Half Dome (Yosemite)
This unique hike to the top of Yosemite’s most distinctive visual feature, Half Dome, is rewarded with a spectacular view of the Yosemite valley below. Hiking the trail one encounters the mist and grandeur of two waterfalls.
Extreme London Day Hike
London is a great city, has a fascinating past, and the ardent walker can see all of the traditional tourist sites in one day. The historical buildings, relics, memorials, and museums provide intellectual stimulation; while eating establishments and pubs ensure hunger and dehydration are not an issue. The goal is to go from sunrise to sunset and see a great City with all of its history imagined and present glory.
Update Mt Whitney Day Hike – July 10, 2014
Having turned 70 this year, I was curious if I could do the Mt Whitney day hike again. Along with shorter hikes, the only “training” has been running.
Update Mt Whitney Day Hike – July 3, 2015
I just re-read my article of last year’s Mt Whitney day hike on July 10, 2014… “I will wait until age 80 to try Whitney again so I can forget how tortuously boring and long the descent is.”
Mt. Whitney – One Day Hike
This is a killer hike! – A must for the extreme day hiker. With some careful planning, some conditioning, and the right mental attitude this can be a successful day and an unforgettable experience. Mt. Whitney is a 22 miles round trip hike, has an elevation climb of over 6000 feet, and is one of the most famous extreme day hikes.
Ramblings
November 27, 2011 Apple Talk – Lost iPad at China airport … and, don’t try this at home We spent October 2011 in China on a tradional tourist tour done by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). Really good, small group, lots of places, many reached by […]
An Extreme City Day Hike – My First Blister
While this pales in comparison to other important personal milestones such as “my first gray hair”, “my first speeding ticket”, “my first wife.” This is when I got my first blister … and didn’t even leave my home town. It was 30 miles total in about […]
European Day Hikes
While the US does have an amazing set of mountain ranges Sierra Nevadas, the Rockies, the Appalachians, the European Alps are spectacular and must be experienced by the serious hiker or the beach lover who’s hooked to all inclusive holidays with OnTheBeach and wants to try something that will complement his/her exciting lifestyle. Its terrain and mountainous views are perfect for thrill seekers who want to spice up their summer or weekend getaway. An increasingly popular type of day hike is a walking tour in Europe.