https://sheexplorestheusa.com Hiking & Backpacking | Outdoor Gear Reviews | USA adventures Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:55:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-SETU-watermark-black-e1678001752398-32x32.png https://sheexplorestheusa.com 32 32 197297252 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/07/my-mount-rainier-national-park-adventure-rain-and-fog/ Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:23:32 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=31585 My Mount Rainier National Park adventure turned out very differently from what I imagined. After days of [...]

The post My Mount Rainier National Park Adventure: Rain and Fog appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 31585 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/05/mountain-hardwear-mineral-king-all-season-tent-review/ Fri, 08 May 2026 06:11:36 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=29030 The Mineral King All Season tent by Mountain Hardwear is a rugged upgrade to one of my favorite shelters. I’ve used […]

The post Mountain Hardwear Mineral King All Season Tent Review appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 29030 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/04/things-to-do-in-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=29707 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is one of the Southwest’s most underrated parks, and that’s exactly what makes it [...]

The post Things to Do in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 29707 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/04/outdoorsy-van-rental-review/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=28975 A little over a year ago, a camping trip through the Death Valley backcountry with friends in truck campers and [...]

The post Outdoorsy Van Rental Review: First Vanlife Experience appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 28975 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/03/havasupai-packing-list-what-to-bring-in-2026/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:07:57 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=19545 Havasupai packing list! Here’s everything I brought on my backpacking trip to Havasupai, which had been a [...]

The post Havasupai Packing List 2026: The Complete Guide appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 19545 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/03/how-to-enjoy-the-wildflowers-at-diamond-valley-lake/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:08:40 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=5832 Diamond Valley Lake is the perfect destination if you’re seeking a fun family adventure in Southern California! With all the [...]

The post Diamond Valley Lake Wildflowers: 2026 Guide appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 5832 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/02/where-to-see-wildflowers-in-death-valley-national-park/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:12:40 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=28332 Wildflowers in Death Valley are already starting to bloom, and after the unusually heavy rains this season, I had [...]

The post Where to See Wildflowers in Death Valley National Park appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 28332 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/02/the-return-of-lake-manly-in-death-valley-national-park/ Sun, 15 Feb 2026 23:13:31 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=28264 In early February 2026, I returned to Death Valley National Park to witness the ephemeral Lake Manly at Badwater Basin. Following […]

The post The Return of Lake Manly in Death Valley National Park appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 28264 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/02/contiki-tours-review-are-they-really-worth-it/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:15:42 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=27564 I’ve been on six Contiki tours across the US and Europe, traveling solo and making friends on every trip. These Contiki […]

The post Contiki Tours Review: The Honest Truth After 6 Trips appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 27564 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/02/where-to-see-wildflowers-in-anza-borrego-state-park/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:55:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=3520 Wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park burst into color every spring, transforming the desert [...]

The post Where to See Wildflowers in Anza Borrego State Park appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 3520 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2026/01/how-to-hike-to-the-sunset-cliffs-sea-cave/ Sun, 11 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=27528 Hiking to the Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave is a fun way to explore the rugged San Diego coastline. Because the cave […]

The post How To Hike To The Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave, San Diego, CA appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 27528 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2025/03/backpacking-the-california-riding-hiking-trail/ Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:07:58 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=18855 Backpacking the California Riding & Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park had been a dream of mine. I finally [...]

The post Backpacking the California Riding & Hiking Trail: JTNP appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 18855 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2025/01/hiking-to-sawmill-mountain-socal-six-pack-of-peaks/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:21:51 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=17039 My first hike of the new year was to Mount Pinos and Sawmill Mountain, a trail I had planned to tackle […]

The post Sawmill Mountain Hike via Mt Pinos (Six Pack of Peaks) appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 17039 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/11/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-first-visit-to-sequoia-national-park/ Sat, 02 Nov 2024 07:35:20 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=7623 If you’re planning your first trip to Sequoia National Park, get ready for an unforgettable adventure. This guide will walk you […]

The post Sequoia National Park: First-Timer’s Guide to an Epic Trip appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 7623 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/08/hiking-icehouse-canyon-to-cucamonga-peak-trail/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:30:39 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=14380 Cucamonga Peak stands out as one of the most iconic hikes in Southern California. Rising to 8,862 feet, it’s a must […]

The post Cucamonga Peak Hike via Icehouse Canyon Trail Guide appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 14380 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/08/epic-hike-to-san-bernardino-peak-via-angelus-oaks/ Sat, 10 Aug 2024 06:49:23 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=14146 San Bernardino Peak is one of the original hikes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, and the Angelus Oaks […]

The post Hiking San Bernardino Peak via the Angelus Oaks Trail appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 14146 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/07/hiking-marion-mountain-trail-to-san-jacinto-peak/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:41:24 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=13939 San Jacinto via Marion Mountain Trail is one of the original SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge hikes, and I chose […]

The post San Jacinto Peak Hike Via Marion Mountain Trail appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 13939 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/07/mt-baden-powell-a-stunning-six-pack-of-peaks-hike/ Sat, 06 Jul 2024 23:00:03 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=13823 I took advantage of the July 4th holiday to drive up to LA and conquer Mt Baden Powell for my 4th peak in the 2024 SoCal Six Pack[...]

The post Mount Baden Powell Hike via Vincent Gap Trailhead appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 13823 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/06/epic-mt-wilson-an-inspiring-socal-six-pack-of-peaks-hike/ Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:59:43 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=13648 Mount Wilson has a reputation, and it’s well earned. As part of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, this hike […]

The post Mount Wilson Hike: Observatory, Trails & Views appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 13648 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/05/hiking-san-diegos-mission-trails-5-peak-challenge/ https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/05/hiking-san-diegos-mission-trails-5-peak-challenge/#comments Thu, 16 May 2024 06:41:33 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=13338 Ready to hike five peaks in one day? The Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge in San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park covers […]

The post Hiking San Diego’s Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/05/hiking-san-diegos-mission-trails-5-peak-challenge/feed/ 1 13338 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/04/how-to-hike-to-the-goat-canyon-trestle-bridge/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 01:36:53 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=13160 Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to the legendary Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge! Hidden in California’s Carrizo Gorge, this towering structure […]

The post How to Hike to the Iconic Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 13160 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/02/strawberry-peak-a-spectacular-sunset-hike/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:16:18 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=12763 In my journey to conquer the peaks of the SoCal six-pack of peaks challenge, I aimed for the Strawberry Peak hike […]

The post Hike Strawberry Peak in LA: Trail Tips & Epic Sunset appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 12763 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/02/a-guide-to-hiking-cuyamaca-peak-in-the-snow/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:13:06 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=12641 Last year, while I was tackling the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, I stumbled upon the enchanting beauty of […]

The post Cuyamaca Peak Snow Hike: Winter Adventure Guide appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 12641 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/02/hiking-to-the-three-sisters-waterfalls-chachaany-hamuk/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 02:29:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=12490 Just outside Julian, California, you'll find the Three Sisters Waterfalls hike, calling out to adventurers with its 4.1-mile trail [...]

The post Hiking To The Three Sisters Waterfalls, San Diego County appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 12490 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/01/sitton-peak-easiest-hike-in-the-socal-six-pack-of-peaks/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 03:43:31 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=12189 Sitton Peak, nestled in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness near Lake Elsinore, CA, is a hidden gem and an excellent choice for [...]

The post Sitton Peak Trail Guide: SoCal Six Pack’s Easiest Peak appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 12189 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2024/01/the-san-diego-six-pack-of-peaks-hiking-challenge/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=11659 In 2023, I took on the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. I signed up in late July, giving myself only five months to complete [...]

The post The San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 11659 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/12/el-cajon-mountain-the-best-training-hike-in-san-diego/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:19:20 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=11770 El Cajon Mountain was my mission last Sunday, taking on this last hike as part of the San Diego Six Pack […]

The post El Cajon Mountain Trail: Hardest Hike in San Diego appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 11770 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/11/high-point-hike-scenic-adventure-via-oak-grove-trail/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:51:21 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=11291 Embarking on the Oak Grove Trail to High Point hike is a journey through breathtaking landscapes, challenging [...]

The post Oak Grove Trail to High Point: Hike & Lookout Guide appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 11291 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/11/hiking-hot-springs-mountain-san-diegos-highest-peak/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:07:27 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=10834 Tucked in the scenic landscapes of Warner Springs, California, the Hot Springs Mountain Trail provides a challenging [...]

The post Hot Springs Mountain Trail: San Diego’s Highest Peak appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 10834 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/11/potato-chip-rock-hiking-san-diegos-most-popular-trail/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:39:52 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=10607 Situated in Poway, just northeast of San Diego, California, Potato Chip Rock is a favorite among local hikers and visiting trail […]

The post Hiking Potato Chip Rock via Mount Woodson in San Diego appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 10607 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/11/6-ideas-for-exploring-nashville-in-a-day/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:31:34 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=10127 Spending just one day in Nashville? Whether you’re on a quick stopover, a road trip, or a full-day city adventure, Nashville […]

The post One Day in Nashville: 6 Day Trip Ideas to Explore appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 10127 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/10/top-10-things-to-do-in-new-york-city/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=10285 New York City is full of iconic sights and hidden gems. Whether you’re wondering what the top 10 things to do […]

The post New York City Top 10: Things You Must Do in NYC appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 10285 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/09/cuyamaca-peak-my-new-favorite-hike-in-san-diego/ Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:32:34 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=9614 For my third hike in the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks challenge, I chose to climb Cuyamaca Peak on a late Saturday [...]

The post Cuyamaca Peak Hike: My New Favorite in San Diego appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 9614 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/09/hike-to-san-diegos-corte-madera-mountain-an-epic-adventure/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:51:00 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=9437 Corte Madera is one of the most scenic and underrated hikes near San Diego, and it absolutely deserves a spot on […]

The post Corte Madera Hike: Trail Guide to This San Diego Peak appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 9437 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/09/join-me-on-a-scenic-16-mile-hike-in-big-pine-lakes/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:42:08 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=9067 To celebrate my 10th anniversary of living in America, I wanted to do something unforgettable. I chose to hike the stunning […]

The post Big Pine Lakes: A Scenic 16-mile Hike in the Sierra appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 9067 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/07/the-best-snow-adventure-hiking-to-heather-lake/ Sun, 09 Jul 2023 22:57:50 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=7600 I visited Sequoia National Park for the second time in early July 2023, with the sole goal of hiking the Lakes Trail to Heather Lake. [...]

The post Sequoia’s Heather Lake Hike: The Best Snow Adventure appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 7600 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/03/mount-laguna-snowy-escapes-and-scenic-trails/ Sat, 18 Mar 2023 23:31:45 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=5364 Living at the beach in San Diego does not mean we have to miss out on the snow! So off I went to explore this winter wonderland [...]

The post Mount Laguna: Snowy Escapes and Scenic Trails appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 5364 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/2023/03/where-are-the-famous-death-valley-mud-cracks/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:17:16 +0000 https://sheexplorestheusa.com/?p=4429 Whenever I am in Death Valley National Park, one of my favorite adventures is to look for mud cracks. I cannot express […]

The post Where Are The Famous Death Valley Mud Cracks appeared first on She Explores The USA.]]> 4429