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Social Media Strategist & Outdoor Adventurer
I created the first social network for real estate investors on the web in 2004.
Today, my new media agency, Vestor Logic, helps individuals and businesses leverage social technologies.
I also blog at TrailSherpa.com, where I share my favorite hikes, backpacking trips, and outdoor adventures.
Here's where you can find me online:
Last week I had the pleasure of leading a training session for a group of about 80 N9ne Group employees. As the owner and operator of most of the clubs, restaurants, and venues at The Palms Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the N9ne Group views Twitter as a very powerful tool for their employees on the front line.
Vestor Logic led a 90 minute Twitter training session held in the Rain nightclub for the 80+ attendees covering everything from an overview of Twitter, the anatomy of a tweet, the etiquette of the social platform, and best practices for success.
The hosts and promoters that serve a critical function for the N9ne Group venues like Ghostbar or Rain use Twitter every day to engage with their visitors. They keep their customers updated in real time on the celebrity sightings at each venue and provide a pulse on the activities each night.
The restaurants under the N9ne Group umbrella like N9ne Steakhouse and NOVE Italiano also have big plans for Twitter to better engage with their dining guests. Look for big things from them in the near future as well.
You can follow N9ne Group on Twitter @N9neGroup or following any of there venues specifically at the following handles:
You can also follow the blogs for each venue:
If you would like to discuss training for your organization on any social media topic or platform, just shoot us the details. We tailor each training sessions to the needs of the client. We can cover any of the topics that are relevant to your business.
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A few days ago I was reading through the responses to the Wired Magazine iPad story: How the Tablet Will Change the World, they reprinted in their mail section and it got me thinking about the importance of the right tool for a given job.
In relation to the iPad, many of the critics bemoaned the small size, lack of tools, small keyboard, etc. Mention is made of gamers, CAD artists, designers, video editors, writers, etc. and how the tablet will not be able to replace a laptop or desktop. The assumption is that the iPad will attempt to replace your PC. I don’t think this was ever the intention.
As I sit back and listen to the pros and cons relating to the iPad I wonder, do users really think that the iPad is meant to replace a workhorse laptop or desktop? As a marketer that seems unlikely. The reality is that there are an enormous amount of people who use a computer for a very few tasks. Some assume that the iPad will never take off. I think it will because it falls into a specific-use sweet spot. It’s too small to replace a laptop, it’s too big to replace an iPod. It probably will kill Kindles and Sony readers, but that’s about it. Maybe the iTouch, I guess it depends on how badly you want those tools in your pocket. For some users it will be all they need. For many more, it will supplement what they already use.
My husband wants an iPad, he wants it bad. I asked what void this $500 bit of technology would fill in his life. He said that many of his coworkers at EffectiveUI in Denver leave the laptop on their desk at home and bring the iPad to the couch to watch movies, surf, etc. It’s more lightweight than trying to get comfortable under a 5-8 lb laptop. My husband also plays in a band. He wants to sit it on a music stand during his band practices/appearances to access and display set lists. As opposed to shuffling thru pieces of paper, which is apparently unacceptable. Of course I think this is absurd but I’m one of those “reluctant adopters”, don’t need it, not getting it. I didn’t even get a cellphone until my employer paid for and insisted I carry one. In 2002. I know.
However, this is a good example of how this particular tool can be the right tool for a given job. I can see the advantages to being able to quickly scroll through a set list and click over to individual songs, I get it. You’re not going to want to try to prop a laptop on a music stand and anything pocket-sized is probably going to be harder to navigate with a guitar strapped to you than a sheaf of paper. It’s big enough, it’s bright enough, and gosh darn it, he may have a point.
As I write this I consider how this comes back to social media. Social media is never going to solve every marketing problem in every instance, but there are some really “right” tools in the mix. Is the ice cream shop down the street going to benefit from, or be able to keep up with Twitter? Maybe not, but I bet Foursquare could be powerful for them (or do I speak too soon?). Does your community garage sale need a Facebook fan page? Unlikely, but Craigslist would be hugely valuable. The right tool for a given job.
I think the iPad will find its place and become indispensible to the adopters, Apple has customer evangelism on its side. My husband wants the iPad and he will actively find jobs that it can be the right tool for, the price point insists upon it. For $500, by god, you will give serious thought to the niches in your life where this tool will fit before you plunk down the Benjamins. I think Steve Jobs knows a bit more about consumer motivation than we do.
The fact that most social media is free or almost free may actually be working against it. Companies are jumping in, flailing around a bit and then sharing their sorry stories of failure. It’s easy to jump in, it’s harder to sit down and really think about how you are going to use these tools and which are the right tools for the job, especially if you’re not even sure what the job IS, which is the crux of the problem.
Before you jump in, identify the job: What results are you hoping to achieve with social media? Be specific, “more sales” or “more traffic” is not specific. Who is the intented target of your campaign? Where are you going to find them? How exactly do you intent to engage them (because it’s more than just delivering a message)? Answer these questions FIRST, then decide which tool/s to use, and you’ll be on your way to developing a successful social media campaign.
Define the job, find the tool. That’s how Steve Jobs does it.
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Recently some of you may have noticed that Facebook changed it’s “Become a Fan” button to a “Like” button. The thinking behind this is that it is less of a commitment to “like” something or someone than it is to become a “fan”. Being a fan implies a certain level of engagement with a brand or person. You may be willing to tell the world that you are a “fan” of Whole Foods or U2, but you may only “like” M&Ms. Are you and M&Ms casual acquaintances or in a committed relationship? This move opens the doors for users to feel comfortable connecting with more brands.
Another reason behind this move is Facebook’s new integration with the Open Graph Protocol. According to the www.opengraphprotocol.org this: “enables any web page to become a rich object in a social graph. For instance, this is used on Facebook to enable any web page to have the same functionality as a Facebook Page”.
In essence, this means that by inserting a few simple <meta> tags into your page header and inserting a facebook “like” button on your website with one line of html you can turn your page into a “graph object” which can be found and tied to the social graph. There a also a few other social plug-ins you can utilize, such as an activity feed or recommendations (see more here http://developers.facebook.com/plugins).
What does this all mean? It means that users can establish connections to you and your brand across the entire web, and tie it back to their facebook profile. Facebook becomes a vast repository of everything you and your friends “like”. I find it hard not to think of it as the broadest marketing research experiment ever undertaken. And all users have to do is “like” stuff.
The negatives, as always with Facebook, relate back to privacy. Any user who is not on top of their privacy setting can cry foul. Yes, you are telling your friends that you like Bon Jovi, you may be telling BMG and Sony as well. I personally don’t have huge issues with the privacy issue, but I am in marketing so I may be biased.
Overall, I think it is an extremely intriguing move and I for one cannot wait to see what the adoption rate looks like. I “like” it.
What about you? Does this move make you nervous? Excited? Angry? Tell us.
Read More about the Like Button:
Why I Like the Like Button: Spreading Nonprofit Messages
Are Like Buttons Evil? The Open Web Reacts To Facebook’s Not-So-Open Graph
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Anyone close to me knows how much I love to hike, camp, and go fly fishing. One of my favorite sources of information and inspiration is Backpacker Magazine. I recently renewed my subscription and received the current issue packed full of maps on the National Parks, local hikes, and life list trips.
I’ve never really adopted the use of GPS devices as most of my trips have been day hikes in areas that I am very familiar with, namely Red Rock and Mt. Charleston. But lately, I have begun to expand my horizons. I have been forced to gear up for a three day backpacking trip to Havasu Falls in June and I am planning a few overnight trips in the Mt. Charleston wilderness this summer. These types of trips allow you to cover more ground and the need for navigational help is more pressing.
So like I usually do, I turn to Backpacker Magazine and their website to start my research. Do I want a watch with the basic functions? Should I suck it up and buy a handheld GPS? Is there anything I can use on my Blackberry that would do the job equally well?
Page 9 of the current issue (May 2010) of Backpacker Magazine seems to hold an answer…if I owned an iPhone or Android!
The magazine has released an Android app (iPhone version to release May 1) called Backpacker’s GPS Trails, which allows users to do a number of cool things including:
This leaves me with a simple choice: either switch phones or buy a handheld GPS. I have been a devoted Blackberry user for too long to switch for this one app. Maybe Backpacker Magazine will build something for us someday too.
The other thing I noticed on this page is that they are promoting the app with a Facebook Contest starting May 15th. They plan to give away one app a day for an entire month to the first person that can answer the daily map trivia question which will be posted at backpacker.com/facebook which currently redirects to their Facebook Page.
Backpacker seems to be getting more social. The May issue included three instances of social marketing. The app contest on the Facebook Page (page 9), a one page write up of “Yosemite’s Buzz” covering social media and the park, and an ad by the State of Arkansas which included a QR code that directs the user to this page.
It’s great to see my favorite magazine getting out there and trying something new, like social media mentions in the magazine. Of course, the entire culture of their magazine and its readership is dedicated to trying something new. Exploring new territory. Testing gear. That’s the exact reason that I read it! I guess, it doesn’t surprise me that Backpacker Magazine would be one of the first magazines (at least of the ones that make my short list of those worth reading) that would try these new marketing tactics. Good for you! And good for the readers.
I’m not sure who is steering the social media adoption at Backpacker Magazine, but I hope to see more of this interactive nature in the pages of the future issues. The website already plays host to a very active forum on all things outdoors and the community that participates in the conversations there are most willing to share their experiences. Backpacker Magazine has much to gain from doing social media well, and by our account is off to a great start.
Share this post on other networks!You can follow Backpacker Magazine on Twitter and join the conversation on their Facebook Page.
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So Twitter has finally launched their bid for revenue in the form of Promoted Tweets. For now, these ads will be seen in the search results, but by year end Twitter promises to roll them out in more areas based on the feedback from this initial roll-out.
Of course, we all know that Twitter has to monetize their platform in some way or another and this appears to be a pretty conservative step in that direction. But the implications are huge. If users respond to the ads and Twitter is able to effective gauge the viability of each ad then we could see a shift in the way brands market on social platforms across the board.
Here a post from Mashable – The Multi-Billion Dollar Question: Will Users Click on Twitter Ads?
And a more detailed look from John Battelle – Twitter To Roll Out “Promoted Tweets”: Initial Thoughts (Developing)
And finally, from Steve Rubel (one of my favorites) – Twitter Sponsored Tweets: The Impact for Marketers
So what do you think? Will ads in the search results be effective for big brands? Will users be turned off? Where might the ads be placed next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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You may be starting to hear buzz about this thing called Foursquare. Remember just a few years ago when people started yapping about Twitter? What IS it?
Foursquare is a location-based application that works on the iphone, android and blackberry smart phones. It creates a game out of being in places (businesses, restaurants, museums, wherever) and checking in while you are there. The more times you check-in at a location the more badges you have the ability to unlock, if you have the most check-ins at a location you become the Mayor of that location for however long you continue to have the most check-ins.
The gist is that your location is being or will soon be ranked by popularity for no apparent reason other than people are interested in playing this game. Again, it’s about customers carrying on conversations and sharing experiences about your brand with the world. You have the opportunity to listen in. Digital eavesdropping, fantastic!
It’s your new loyalty (FREE) program….
Here’s how you can do more than just listen. So far customers (and these are all customers, because they are IN or have been in your location) have be participating in foursquare for fun. What happens if you get in there and give foursquare users a special offer or coupon? If they are vaguely close to your location they’ll receive a notification that there is a Special Offer nearby. Even if foursquare users who have never been in your business, if they are steps away from your “50% off double mocha lattes for foursquare users” what are the chances they will pop in and check your business out? This is a fantastic engagement opportunity for existing businesses, and could be a massive boost for new businesses.
SEO – Here’s where it gets even more interesting…
Google maps and Bing maps are displaying Foursquare venues when people search locally. Google is beginning to use tips and shouts from Foursquare venues for citations about your business. These citations are used in the rank algorithm, which is why Yelp and Google Local reviews are so important for your SEO efforts. Cost = zero.
Here are a few great articles that go further into Foursquare and it’s potential uses:
Local Search Marketing using Foursquare
Ignore Foursquare at Your Peril – An Analysis of Potential
As always, we welcome your comments!
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Facebook recently announced the addition of the Facebook Community Page type. What? Exactly. We don’t get it either. We have discussed the topic with our larger brand clients and the collective minds were unable to make sense of the move either.
We also included links to two other posts below from two of our favorite sources below to help you wrap your head around this recent change.Take a look at this video and weigh in with your opinions in the comments section below.
Lisa Barone at Outspoken Media covered the topic in a blog post this morning and shares our sense of confusion. Read her post here. It’s a more detailed look at the issue and she is always a good read.
AllFacebook.com, the popular website covering all things Facebook, published this post yesterday on the subject.
What do you think? Will the addition of Community pages help to curb brand jacking for those brands that have yet to engage on Facebook with a Fan page? Will it empower consumers in a better way to show advocacy for the brands they love? Or will it just muddy the water even more? Use the comments section below to share your thoughts.
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It is often the first step that is the most difficult. Whether you’re an individual or a large organization trying to define your social media footprint, taking the first step can seem a bit overwhelming.
There are a seemingly endless list of elements to consider in the formulation of a viable social strategy: objectives, measurable goals, ROI, messaging strategy, content strategy, delegation of responsibilities, identification of participants, means for measurement, monitoring, and analysis. The list goes on and on.
But perhaps one of the most important considerations is the design and deployment of social assets like a website, Facebook Fan Page, or Twitter account. It should reflect the image and message that you are trying to convey in your content strategy. You want your visitors, fans, and followers to get a real sense of what your brand and message are all about.
Here is how we helped our clients, Howard & Suzie Lederer, express their message in the design of their social assets for their annual charity event.
Howard & Suzie Lederer began this annual charity event in their backyard several years ago. Each year it grew, both in terms of the number of attendees and the amount it raised for the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas. In the past, the marketing effort focused primarily on the enormous reach that Howard & Suzie have in their network of friends. This year, Suzie decided to raise the bar yet again and find ways to utilize social media to expand her reach in hopes of raising more money for the BGCLV.
We had been working with Suzie on another project and eventually the conversation about social media shifted to the WSOB Charity Poker event. We began discussing the possibilities for charities and non-profit organizations and ultimately decided to give it a go. Because the event had no social footprint, we basically had to start from scratch.
Though it may seem obvious, we wanted to utilize social marketing to raise more money for the BGCLV. But as we drilled deeper during the initial brainstorming session we realized that we had more than just that one objective. Here is the list of objectives that we developed:
Here are the social assets that we decided to create to support our defined objectives.
For now, the Facebook Fan Page for the World Series of Barbecue & Charity Poker Tournament is the central hub for all of the activity around the event. Visitors to the page can become a Fan of the event, make a donation, and even register in advance for Karaoke, a highlight of years past.
We created a Charity Registry on JustGive.org that allows us to embed a link on the Fan Page that opens the registry in a new window and allows visitors and Fans to make secure online donations with a credit card. Those donations are then disbursed to the BGCLV each month minus the minimal administrative fees that are assessed by JustGive.org on each transaction.
Visitors can also register for the event on the Fan Page. The registration function is simply a form that opens in a new window and integrates with VerticalResponse, an email management system. We created an account for our client with VerticalResponse that provides us with the ability to dump all registrants into a dedicated list so that we can communicate with them as the event nears and provide them with specific instructions on how to make their donations the day of the event.
Nevada Gaming Law prohibits us from collecting the buy-in for the poker event. That function must be provided by the Golden Nugget, the licensed gaming venue for the poker event and will be done the day of the event. For that reason, we decided to simply accept registrations using the Vertical Response form integration with a dedicated list.
The Twitter account for the event was created to serve as both a marketing tool and an information channel. We were able to identify other Twitter members that have an interest in poker and follow them. Many follow us back creating an opportunity to share the vision for the event as well as educate them about the role that the Boys & Girls Club plays in the Las Vegas community.
The addition of a Twitter account to the marketing mix also gives us a very efficient way to put out event updates as it draws closer and reach more possible donors that may not be able to attend in person. Twitter will play a critical role in the fund raising effort made possible by the Donate button on the Fan Page.
There are a few other social outposts that we have leveraged for the marketing effort. We have uploaded hundreds of images from past events to a Flickr Stream dedicated to the annual event. Our hope is that attendees will turn to this stream to reminisce about past events and even contribute to the stream this year.
Vestor Logic began work on this project about 30 days ago many of the moving parts are just now falling into place. This year’s event is on July 2, 2010 at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas. Our marketing effort is beginning in earnest at the time of this post and we expect to exceed all expectations for both the effectiveness of the social media initiatives and the fundraising results that will benefit the BGCLV.
We have begun the initial web design process on a website dedicated to this annual charity event and should be able to launch in the next few months. This website will serve as the content hub for the event and will provide a base for donors and supporters moving forward. The site will host the photos and videos for all past events and will offer a mechanism for anyone to participate in the ongoing conversation about the involvement that the BGCLV has in the Las Vegas community.
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Social 60 is our newest video series created to explore the hot topics in social media in less than 60 seconds! Our goal is to provide frequent video updates on the topics that are garnering the most discussion in social media circles. We hope that you will use the comments section following each post to help us reach an understanding for each topic. Most of the videos will cover topics that will play out in the social media landscape over time and it should be fun to see how much we get right in the beginning. We look forward to your comments.
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Click here for the full .pdf presentation notes and sources with links
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This Twitterview was conducted between Tim Miner (@TrailSherpa) and Pamela Wilton (@8Thousand) via Twitter on Wednesday, July 29, 2010 and is part of the Trail Sherpa Blog Series #hike2020.
I met Pamela Wilton on Twitter (@8thousand) and like I do with anyone that catches my attention on Twitter, I went to her blog to see what she had to say in more than 140 characters. This girl is aggressive (in a really good way!). Her blog, 8 Thousand Kilometer Challenge, is an outdoor adventure diary of sorts. She blogs about her adventures in hiking, running, paddling, and biking. She writes great posts about everything from “How to Become a Public Washroom Ninja” to turning “The Big 3-0!“.
She utilizes her blog as a way to keep herself accountable and to share the stories of her various outdoor adventures. I had the pleasure to interview Pamela in order to get a better idea of what makes her tick, how she approaches her blog, and what’s she’s learned from the great outdoors. The following transcript is from our Twitterview:
trailsherpa: Hi Pamela! Thanks for taking time to share the story behind your blog http://8thousand.wordpress.com #hike2020
8thousand: Hi Tim! Thanks for asking me – this is my favorite topic.
trailsherpa: Your current blog is http://8thousand.wordpress.com – what types of adventures are you documenting?
8thousand: My blog is about various adventures & trying new things.
8thousand: Thus, my posts cover everything from strapping a canoe to the car for the first time to…
8thousand: …a 40 km mountain bike trip covering a 200 foot elevation fluctuation. Hike, Bike, Paddle, Run.
8thousand: Anything that gets me outdoors and moving!
trailsherpa: How did you come up with the idea of documenting your next 8k kilometers?
8thousand: Initially, I calculated an aggressive distance to be documented in a year by running and cycling.
8thousand: But, it has turned into more than that.
8thousand: It has grown into experiencing new activities outdoors, sharing those experiences, and logging km along the way.
trailsherpa: What are your goals for the blog? For your fitness this year?
8thousand: My goals are to produce quality posts that entertain, inform and inspire my audience.
8thousand: In order to do this, I need to cover new ground on a continual basis.
8thousand: I wanted to produce a forum to discuss this subject with like minded people – like @trailsherpa.
8thousand: My fitness level is important, so that it is not the deciding factor on what adventures I choose to experience.
trailsherpa: What’s your progress so far? Kilometers, outings, injuries…
8thousand: Since starting the blog, I have traveled close to 1000 kilometers. I have biked urban and off road trails,…
8thousand: …I have hiked on the Canadian Shield, and I have paddled a number of water ways in Manitoba and Ontario.
8thousand: I have had minor bumps along the way, including falling off my bike on a sandy decline, but so far so good.
trailsherpa: Do you have any previous experience as a writer/blogger? How does that help you with 8k Kilometer Challenge?
8thousand: I have maintained a casual, personal blog to keep in touch with friends and family.
8thousand: It was a great introduction to the world of blogging and the tools that are available.
trailsherpa: How do you market your blog and your new entries to share your stories with others?
8thousand: Primarily, I publish my new posts on twitter. I will tweet it once or twice upon production. Again, when applicable.
8thousand: As well, I like to talk to other outdoor enthusiasts bloggers, so that we can promote each other.
trailsherpa: Any advice for newbies looking to start blogging about their outdoor adventures?
8thousand: Keep it light, informative, and add some humor. Stay motivated by scaring yourself into new activities…
8thousand: …so that you have something to write about. Win, win! Also have fun with social media tactics to promote your blog.
trailsherpa: Have there been any other blogs that have had a positive impact on yours?
8thousand: I have a number of friends with personal blogs who keep me motivated to write, share and excel.
8thousand: Not to mention, the new blogs I’m discovering through twitter.
trailsherpa: What platform, theme, plugins, widgets do you use on your blog?
8thousand: I currently use wordpress. I am using such widgets as Gravatar, Email subscription, Tweets, Delicious and Flickr.
8thousand: I recently started adding social network links to each post – free from www.getsociallive.com.
trailsherpa: What techie tools do you use – camera, video, GPS, blogging editor?
8thousand: I use my iPhone to capture various moments, my Macbook for blogging, a no nonsense point-and-shoot camera and a Garmin GPS.
trailsherpa: What equipment do you use for your outings – kayak, shoes, packs, bike?
8thousand: I ride a Specialized Hardrock Sport. I have North Face hikers and Asics runners. I wear Keen sandals frequently, when appropriate.
8thousand: I use various MEC Packs. My favorite clothing is from @MEC and @lululemon.
8thousand: We hit the water in whatever is available – rent, borrow, steal.
trailsherpa: How has your overall fitness improved since you started the 8 Thousand Kilometer Challenge?
8thousand: Yes, definitely. Feats that were once grueling & difficult, have now become more enjoyable. It is the best motivator to stay fit.
trailsherpa: How often do you get out to exercise? Do you always blog about your outings?
8thousand: I exercise on some level everyday. I cycle commute on a regular basis, run, and do interval training at MissFitpts.ca boot camps.
8thousand: I will often blog on these experiences, as there are often lessons learned and interesting tidbits to be shared.
8thousand: It helps make everyday an adventure, even if I?m not out in the “great” outdoors.
trailsherpa: What has been your favorite adventure so far?
8thousand: During the life of the blog – the Hunt Lake Trail Hike. Shimmied water crossings, climbed rocks, and crossed beaver dams.
8thousand: All with beautiful views of the lake and forest.
8thousand: During my lifetime – climbing the Penon de Ifach at Calpe, Spain. It is over 335m and is the largest rock in the Mediterranean.
trailsherpa: Anything coming up that you’re really pumped for?
8thousand: I have plans for overnight canoe camping adventures. In the heat of the summer, the water is such an awesome way to travel.
8thousand: Hiking at our destination will be included, which will make it a sweet combination!
trailsherpa: In general, which activity do you look forward to the most? Which is the most challenging?
8thousand: I look forward to biking and hiking the most. Anything that gets me moving in nature. I am getting more excited about paddling…
8thousand: … but it?s not always as accessible. Running is still the most challenging activity for me.
trailsherpa: Any pearls of wisdom? Deep thoughts? Major ah-ha moments from the trail?
8thousand: until you find each adventure takes you to the next level. Life is an adventure to be experienced and enjoyed with friends…
8thousand: …in the great outdoors! Oh yes. Always, always bring enough water.
trailsherpa: Where can people follow your adventures online?
8thousand: The blog is: 8thousand.wordpress.com. Or at Twitter: @8thousand
trailsherpa: Thanks Pamela (@8thousand). I had a blast! I appreciate the time and the insights you’ve shared today. Keep us updated.
8thousand: Thanks Tim (@trailsherpa). This has been fun! All the best.
This Twitterview was conducted between Tim Miner (@TrailSherpa) and Pamela Wilton (@8Thousand) via Twitter on Wednesday, July 29, 2010 and is part of the Trail Sherpa Blog Series #hike2020.
We often hear the phrase that hindsight is 20/20. That same expression applies to hiking. Some of my best trail experiences came on my second or third time on a trail. What you learn from your first walk on a trail can make your next visit even more enjoyable.
Our new interview series, #hike2020, shares the experiences of some of my favorite adventurers as they recount their stories from the trail. You will have the opportunity to learn from their experiences before you embark on your own adventure.
#hike2020 is an interview conducted via Twitter using the hashtag #hike2020. We announce our upcoming interviews in advance so that you can follow along in real-time by searching for the hashtag or using a chat application like WhatTheHashtag or TweetChat.
To be certain that you don’t miss a single #hike2020 installment, be sure to follow Trail Sherpa on Twitter.
The development of technology continually reshapes the way we interact with one another. The introduction of GPS technology and the smart phones that allow everyone to use GPS is having profound effects on how we experience the great outdoors. But what will the future look like?
Everyone has heard this from their father or grandfather. Some of us might already being using this phrase ourselves!
Growing up in central Pennsylvania, I spent a ton of time fishing the creeks, streams, and rivers. My dad would tell me all the time “When I was a kid, we didn’t have the fancy tackle and rods that you have. Our setups were basic and we caught just as many fish.”. I’m sure they did.
Hiking and backpacking today is no different. The development of new material, more durable tools, new gadgets, makes the experience different but not necessarily better. Frank Wall’s post “Lighter and better equipped? Hiking gear then and now” tackles this very point along with the dozen or so comments. The way we approach the great outdoors is in a constant state of change influenced by the new technologies and tools.
But does the “experience” change? Are we having more fun today than those that laid footprints on the same trail 50 years ago? Does our superior technology allow us to experience the trail in a deeper way? A more rewarding way?
Today, we are certainly more connected. GPS enabled devices allow us to record every step we take and easily share that experience with the world. We can download another hiker’s track and follow in their footsteps. We are more connected than ever before. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and a plethora of sites for outdoor enthusiasts like EveryTrail.com allow us to instantly share our adventures with others that share an interest and passion for the outdoors.
We are certainly more capable of sharing our passions for exploration than those explorers that came before us. We have access to a much a larger audience.
But is it better?
Technology enhances how we discover the outdoors. There are tons of blogs on the web just like TrailSherpa.com that documents the experiences of very gracious explorers willing to take the time to tell their stories. We all approach the story telling process in our own ways, some with photos, some with videos, some with very detailed background and useful information about the plants and animals along the way.
The new technologies powering GPS enabled smart phones allows explorers like us to share our stories with not just a bigger audience, but with everyone. We also have more tools to tell our story. Embedded Flickr albums, embedded YouTube videos, GPS tracks, elevation profiles. Adventurers like Dave Pidgeon at Compass Points Media are trying to push trail guides to a new level by providing a rich media experience with their new trail guides called Trail Blazes which are available for download to any iPhone, iPod, or MP3 player.
But the big take-away in my opinion is the downloadable GPS track or GPX file. The technological advances we have been witness to over the last five years are ushering in a new era for hikers and backpackers. The ability to download an adventure of another explorer and follow in their footprints is incredible. Smart phones allow ANYONE to take part. Our idea of a hike may no longer be simply a long walk through nature, but now even a stroll through the urban jungle with highlights of the neighborhood’s historical past. It might now include a track dotted with way points for the best cup of coffee, the most decadent desert, or the easiest way to beat rush hour traffic.
GPS tracks are becoming more prominent on the web. If you are visiting a new city, you can find adventures for anything outdoor activity from mountain biking to hiking and backpacking to kayaking. The offering of GPS tracks will continue to expand as we become more imaginative in our exploration. It will soon be commonplace for tourists to download tracks for a variety of activities specific to the city they will be visiting before they arrive. Their itinerary will be defined by these tracks and their experience in a new city will largely be shaped by the experiences of the visitors and locals that came before them.
The GPS technologies will continue to advance in stride with the smart phone technology that will enable all of us to use the location-based services. We will continue to honor our sense of adventure and these technologies will allow us to do so with greater ease. We will look to our social graph, our friends, on Facebook, Twitter, and EveryTrail to determine which experiences we want to have. Just like we do every day in our offline lives, we will rely on the recommendations of our peers, our friends, to separate the signal from the noise. Our social graph will allow us to pinpoint the adventures that resonate with our sense of adventure, download the GPX file, and set off on the trail whether it is down a well worn trail into the wilderness or around the corner in an urban jungle that we are exploring for the first time.
Our relationship with the outdoors will forever be changed by the introduction of GPS technologies. The impact is just now starting to be realized. Adventurers must be diligent in their quest to capture the full experience of their travels. Everyone will be an explorer on some level thanks to their GPS-enabled smart phone. The experiences we share must be conveyed in a form that can be shared starting with the downloadable GPX file and should represent the experience well for those that can only make the journey online.
The world is large and it is up to all of us explorers to share the best experiences we can.
It’s your turn to weigh in. How do you think technologies like GPS will change the experience? Will it be better?
| Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. | Download Havasupai Backpacking Trip (GPX file) |
| Activity: Backpacking | Location: Havasupai Indian Reservation, AZ |
| Time on Trail: 11 hours (moving time) | Difficulty: Difficult |
| Distance: 24.65 miles (plus side trips) | Elevation: +/- 2650 ft |
From the I-40 between Kingman and Flagstaff, take the Seligman exit and head north towards Peach Springs. Be sure to fuel up in Seligman. Proceed 37 to the Indian Road 18 and turn right, continuing 64 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Absolutely, the best hiking experience I have ever had! Waterfalls, steep canyons, caves, mules, did I say waterfalls!
The Havasupai Indian Reservation is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but you cannot tell that from the scenery. From your very first step at the trailhead parking lot until your return at the end of your trip, you will be swiveling your head side to side to take it all in.
The water is a turquoise blue/green and the perfect way to refresh the tired legs and back after the 12 mile trek down to the campground. If you are as lucky as we were, you’ll get a break from the summer heat. The temps were about 20 degrees below normal the weekend we made this trip.
The parking lot at the trailhead is stunning to say the least. It is perched more than 1000 feet above the valley floor and provides one of the best vistas of the trip.
The trail starts with a steep descent down the face of the box canyon to the valley floor by way of a series of switchbacks. If you have bum knees like I do from years of basketball, you will feel this descent! Be on the lookout for the approaching mules. They have the right-of-way, and won’t stop to wait for you to move to the side.
Once you reach the valley floor, the trail bends to the north and follows the wash for 8 miles into the Indian town of Supai. Along the way, the canyon walls draw closer and the surroundings become more grand. You get a sense for the true size of the canyon walls when then tower hundreds of feet straight up as you make your way down the canyon.
There is more shade in this narrow section of trail. The sun doesn’t have the angle to penetrate the canyon and it helps to keep temperatures down. In this slot section ( which starts at about mile 7), you really need to watch for the mule packs. As they approach, move to the canyon wall side and not the cliff side. The wrong move could be disastrous as these animals move through.
At the end of the slot section, it opens and the Havasu Creek comes in from the right side. As you cross the open expanse, following the trail as it curves to the left, you will hear the water for the first time. It comes into view as you enter the heavier vegetation. The town of Supai is close. You will follow the irrigation channel into Supai.
Don’t expect Supai to look like a town. There isn’t much, but the views are really cool. The sandstone spires off to your left, above the small ranch properties will tell you that you have arrived. The trail at this point is actually the roads that connect the ranches. Make your way to the heli-pad and the town square. There is a restaurant on the left and the general store is on the right.
Stop by the general store to buy a post card to send home. It has to be mailed at the post office which is closed on the weekends. If you plan to leave before Monday, find a trusting local and pay them to mail it for you. That’s what we had to do. The Supai Post Office is the only one is the country that still moves the mail by mule. It’s the only way to get in or out of Supai with the exception of hiking it or going by helicopter.
Follow the trail through town as it leads past a few more ranch properties and begins the descent along the creek to the new falls (yet to be named). The new falls are just above the old Navajo Falls that were destroyed two years ago by the flood. The pool below the falls is deep enough for the crazies in each group to make the jump from the falls.
The water is pretty deep here, but there is a clear danger zone if you jump too close to the falls or too far to one side or the other. There is also a large flat area on the creek side to hang out and take in the scene.
Continue down the trail. About a 1/4 mile from the new falls is Havasu Falls. Don’t worry, you can’t miss it! You will hear the roar of the water as you approach and the falls will come into sight on your right side. The trail will lead you along the left side above the falls and descends to a shelf above the pristine pool. Make a right and follow the short trail down to the pool or continue on the main trail another 1/8 mile to the campground.
The campground is long and relatively narrow and fills the flat area between the two canyon walls guarded by the Havasu Creek which splits as you enter the campground. There are tons of great spots, some for a single tent and other areas for a small group of tents. It’s first come, first serve so try to get there early.
The Fern Spring is on the left as you make our way through the campground. The water is cold and refreshing and can be consumed without filtering. I filtered it the first day but took it straight from the pump the rest of the trip.
The campground also has port-o-potties at both ends but they are closed some times. I’m not sure what the schedule is, not sure if anyone does! It was closed on Friday but open the rest of the weekend.
As you reach far end of the campground, the trees thin out and the lower canyon comes into view. It’s just a short walk to the first view of Mooney Falls which are 196 feet tall and nearly twice as high as Niagara Falls. The falls are massive and you can hear the water as it plummets over the falls, crashing into the pool below.
Getting down to the falls can be a bit treacherous. The descent starts with a short section through a cave, then out the other side to the cliff side. There are chains that allow for an easier down climb and most of the way is a series of steps. It can be slippery when wet. The last 10 feet of the descent is down a ladder which had a broken step when we were there. But once you’re down the reward is breathtaking. Mooney Falls towers above the pool and sprays mist in all directions for hundreds of feet. You can walk out towards the falls quite a way and the water stays about knee deep.
Heading downstream from Mooney Falls includes a series of small cascade falls and some deeper pools. Be sure to look back upstream, there are some great pictures to take!
About 300 yards down from the Mooney Falls pool is a very cool cave on the left filled with ferns and water pouring down over the top. This is a great place to stop for a few pics and to cool off.
Continue the trek downstream, looking for the trail as it exits the creek on the right. Take the trail and follow it to the section of creek with the old rope swing which still hangs from one of the trees along the creek. It’s no longer safe to swing here as the flood has deposited too much fill in the pool to make jumping safe. Cross the creek and follow the trail through the heavier ground cover. A few hundred yards past this point and you will enter the area described as the “jungle”. The ground is covered in heavy grapevine-like plants that make travel anywhere but the travel very difficult.
We turned around at this point. One of the members of our group said that the trail is covered like this for a good stretch as you continue to make your way down to Beaver Falls. If you are following our GPX track, you will turn around here and make your way back up to camp.
This is a must do trip for anyone that likes the outdoors, likes to hike or backpack, or just wants to see some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere.
The hike down wasn’t really that bad, though I was sick when we started which made for a long day. The hike out wasn’t as bad as I thought either. The last section is brutal. It’s a straight forward march up the side of the mountain! Mules are the danger on this trip. You have to look behind you often and listen for the sounds of their approach. One of the guys in our group saw a hiker get leveled by a mule from behind. As the mule passed, the cooler strapped to his side clipped the hiker at the head level and knocked him out! He was listening to his iPod and didn’t hear the mule coming. You also have to be sure to move to the uphill side of the trail as they come through. Moving to the cliff side could be a recipe for disaster.
One last note: the Supai Post Office is the only one in the US that still moves the mail by mule. Stop at the general store and mail yourself one. I paid someone that was staying until Tuesday to mail my postcard for me on Monday. I got it in Las Vegas on Wednesday! It has a really cool meter stamp on it which makes for a great keepsake.
I’m not sure if you’re like me, but I am 3 hours away from departure for my next adventure –a 3 day backpacking trip to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls on the Supai Indian Reservation – and I am so anxious I need to fill the time.
So I thought I would look back through some of my past adventures and share some of my favorite photos with you.
I love this picture. I used a spider tripod to take this self portrait from the trail that leads to Turtlehead Peak in Red Rock.
I didn’t make it to the summit that day, but this 2 hour quick hike was well worth it. The views are amazing, but the trail up the wash to the saddle is a mess.
I would really like to take credit for this shot, but I can’t. My wife, Cathy, took this shot as we worked our way up a canyon in the Bud Love Game Preserve in the Big Horns outside of Buffalo, WY.
This is a gorgeous area and I can’t wait to get back on the trails there this summer.
I took this photo of Brian from the top pool in Icebox Canyon, one of the best short hikes in Red Rock.
There a short climb to get to the vantage point but it’s worth it.
The only view that is better is the view down on this spot from the natural land bridge as you approach Bridge Mountain – over 800 feet above this pool!
This was one of those “double take” moments. We hiked a ridgeline above our cabin near Panguitch Lake in southern Utah. As we reached the high point on the ridgeline, we saw this tree.
I had looked directly at the tree and not noticed the phone, but Cathy did. It was a good laugh and a much needed break for me. I was really dragging at this point.
Well, I think it’s time to check my pack one more time before heading out. Be sure to stop by the Trail Sherpa Facebook Page and share some of your favorite trail photos.
I’ll be back Sunday night and will certainly dive into the trip report immediately. Look for the full details, including the photos, videos, and downloadable GPX file sometime Tuesday.
| Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. | Cockscomb Ridge GPX Download |
| Activity: Backpacking | Location: Mt Charleston Wilderness, Spring Mountains NRA |
| Time on Trail: 1 hr 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate |
| Distance: 1.96 miles | Elevation: +1493 ft |
From Las Vegas, take US 95 North to State Route 157 and go left up the mountain. As you approach the hairpin turn below the Upper Lodge at Mt Charleston stay right and continue on Echo Drive. The road bends to the right as you near the trailhead. It is about .5 miles on Echo Drive to the Trail Canyon trailhead.
First overnight of the year at Mt Charleston! Trail Canyon is beautiful part of the Mt Charleston Wilderness, but this short hike has teeth. The hike is less than 2 miles up to the Cockscomb Ridge but gains nearly 1500 feet in elevation. There are very few flat spots to rest. The trade off is a series of great views of Griffith Peak and Charleston Peak. There was still plenty of snow on that ridge line.
We left Las Vegas mid afternoon, hit the trail with the dogs around 6:40 pm, and had camp set up just before dark.
The Cockscomb Ridge is accessible via the Trail Canyon Trail. This is a very important ridge as it serves as a major access point for the North Loop Trail, one of the two main trails that lead to Charleston Peak. The Trail Canyon trail is less than 2 miles but gains nearly 1500 vertical feet in that short span. The majority of the trail is steep, but in very good shape.
From the trailhead, proceed past the gate and skirt to the left of the water tank. From that point on, make sure you look back. The views seem to get better with every step. There is a lot of cover, so shade is easy to come by, but don’t expect too many flat areas. This trail is mostly an uphill climb.
Along the ascent, look to your right side to look for the various caves along the way. There are also several climbs on this route. Climbers can be spotted on the left side of the trail making there way up the various formations, most of which are only a few hundred yards from the trail.
As you get closer to the junction with the North Loop Trail, the trees thin out and the views are awesome.
Once you reach the ridge an the junction of the North Loop Trail, you can continue to the left to carry on to Cave Spring, the ascent route for Mummy Mountain, and eventually Charleston Peak. If you go right, you can visit Raintree, the 3000 year old bristlecone pine, Mummy Spring, and the North Loop Trailhead.
This was the first backpacking trip of the year at Mt Charleston for three of us. My new trail friend, Kevin, has been up there quite a bit this year, but this was my first time hitting the trail with him. I met Kevin through Billy and Ryan who also made this trip. Good group of guys, and we are all doing the Havasu Falls together this weekend. This overnight to Cockscomb Ridge was a good trail test for all of the new gear that we acquired as a group.
This track is also great for anyone that wants to get on the trail late in the day but still reach a great spot for solitude. The views are awesome, and for the fit hiker/backpacker, you can be at the ridge in a very short time. This is by no means a back country location, but it will make you feel like it is.
One of the cool side stories for this trip was the early morning wake up call courtesy of the Las Vegas Search & Rescue helicopter. It dropped a few guys about 50 yards from our camp at 6:45 am on Saturday morning. It shook the entire camp! They appeared to be working on rappelling and extractions. They made about a half dozen rappels to the ridge line in the 90 minutes it took us to break down camp. There are a few great shots of the helicopter in the slide show below.
No video this time!
| Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. | Sedona Loop Hike - GPX download |
| Activity: Hiking | Location: Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness |
| Time on Trail: 7 hrs | Difficulty: Difficult |
| Distance: 14.17 miles | Elevation: +2585/-2462 |
From the Sedona Y take the 89A 3.1 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right on Cry Creek Road an continue 2 miles to F.S. Road 153/Vultee Arch Road. Turn right and go 3.4 miles to the Secret Canyon Trailhead on the left. The road is rough but we did it in a car. Just take it slow.
This loop hike covered 14 miles and including the Dry Creek Trail, Bear Sign Trail, David Miller Trail, and Secret Canyon Trail. The views were spectacular from the David Miller Trail and each canyon held a different experience. The upper section of the Secret Canyon Trail reveals a short slot canyon and towering Ponderosa pines. The Bear Sign Trail is reminiscent of my old stomping grounds in Pennsylvania with heavier growth but has clearings where you can see the coconino sandstone pillars.
We parked at the Secret Canyon Trailhead and walked the .9 mile section of dirt road up to the Dry Creek Trailhead. We figured we should get the boring part out of the way and it served as a nice warm-up. Once on the Dry Creek Trail, we made our way up the wash crossing back and forth multiple times. The views along this section were more open and you get a good feel for your surroundings. After about .75 miles, we reached the intersection of the Bear Sign Trail which heads of to the left. We jumped on Bear Sign here.
Bear Sign Trail has a different feel. The canyon walls seem to close in a bit more and there was better coverage overhead providing nice shade. We crossed back and forth through the wash several more times, exploring the various overhangs, formations, and water-carved features. The views are certainly better on this section of trail and I rattled off about 50 pictures! The heavy vegetation gives way occasionally to a cool rock feature, sometimes towering a few hundred feet above. Along the way, we encountered a section of trail with very dense tree growth, almost giving the feel of bamboo stands that I had seen in the past. I’m not sure what type of tree it was but the stand covered a pretty large area and was the topic of conversation between Ryan and me for quite a while. We continued up Bear Sign to the end, unable to go any further without a machete in hand. The trail ends at the base of the Mongollon Rim and surrounds you with high sandstone walls on three sides. We retraced our steps about a mile or so to the junction of the David Miller Trail.
The David Miller Trail is where the real work began. This is essentially a connector between the Bear Sign Trail and the Secret Canyon Trail that takes you up and over the canyon wall. It was a real workout navigating the natural steps and switchbacks in what seemed like a direct line up the side. The switchbacks are short, and the trail is loose dirt and rocks so careful foot placements are essential. The upside (no pun!) is that you only climb a few hundred feet. We completed this section in short order. Once on top, the views are more than reward for the effort. Sweeping views of the Secret Canyon Trail and surroundings provide ample photo opportunities and it’s a good place to catch a breather and take in some fluids. The view from this perch is exactly what you think Sedona should look like!
The descent down the side of the hill is challenging. I really felt it in my knees and feet. There were a few slip-outs, so be careful. Turning an ankle or knee in this section would not be hard. The descent is quick and believe it or not, the views get even better.
We reached the junction of the Secret Canyon Trail and headed to the right as marked by the trail signs. Read more about the signs in this post as I rant about it in detail. To be clear, the trailhead where we parked (Secret Canyon Trailhead) is to the left and not marked and there is no indication on the signage. The trail to the right takes you deeper into the Secret Canyon Trail for another 4 miles leading away from the trailhead. Our guide book made no mention of this and failed to include this section of trail on it’s map.
The Secret Canyon Trail follows the deep cut of the creek back into the canyon below Maroon Mountain, Secret Mountain, and the Mongollon Rim. We encountered very large Ponderosa pines almost immediately and passed a few dry waterfalls. About .25 miles in, we discovered a short slot canyon off to the right and made our way through. It’s only about 50 yards long but is very cool to see none-the-less. We retraced our steps and got back on the trail which ascends the left side of the canyon to a higher level. Ponderosa pines become more prominent and we even entered an area where they seem to tower above everything else. Ferns line the trail and the shade from the afternoon sun was a welcome treat. We explored this canyon for about 2 miles and then retraced our steps to the junction of the David Miller Trail.
We made a right onto the Secret Canyon Trail section that slopes down into the wash again and continues on to the trailhead. This section seemed much less spectacular. Of course, we had logged over a dozen miles by then and it was much hotter than when we started. We reached the trailhead and the car in one piece. We had logged over 14 miles in 7 hours and I can say, for one, my legs were feeling it!
Our side trip into the Secret Canyon was the plan. The problem was that we didn’t initially realize that’s where we were. From the intersection of the Secret Canyon Trail and the David Miller Trail, we continued to the right, marked as the Secret Canyon Trail. For more than a mile, we believed we were heading towards the trailhead and approaching the side canyon. We didn’t realize until we referenced the GPS that we were already in it! Lesson learned I guess. Read more about it here.
This hike was certainly one of my favorites and I have given it the title of one of Trail Sherpa’s Best Hikes. Our guide book suggested doing this hike in reverse. In my opinion, we chose the right direction. You get the ah-ha moment of cresting the saddle and seeing the valley below in front of you, not over your shoulder as you ascend.
Bear Sign Canyon is one that deserves more exploration. There are a ton of cool rock features back there and plenty of places to go off-trail and explore along the canyon walls. It’s easy to do that in a canyon that is as narrow as this one.
Last bit of advice, start early. We were on the trail by 8am and it was getting hot, really hot, when we finished.
I spent the weekend in Sedona with my family and some friends this weekend. Ryan, who has a daughter the same age as my son, is one of my hiking buddies and we wanted to do a long hike to continue the preparation for our upcoming Havasu Falls trip.
We will tackle 30 miles in less than 54 hours with a group of other hikers that includes stops at Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls. This 3 day trip is on the Supai Indian Nation lands near the Grand Canyon.
So this Sedona hike was going to be another step in our conditioning for that trip. We planned to do about 10 miles, starting early, so we could finish late morning and have the rest of the day to hang with the family.
Our hike began at the Secret Canyon Trailhead where we parked. We walked the road up to the Dry Creek Trailhead and began our loop there. We decided it would be better to get the .9 mile road section out of the way first so we could end at the vehicle. From Dry Creek, we picked up Bear Sign Trail and followed it past the David Miller Trail for about another mile or so. We retraced our tracks back to the David Miller Trail and followed it up the canyon wall to the saddle for an amazing view of Secret Canyon below.
The views were amazing! It’s always a good feeling to put in a strong effort and then be rewarded with fantastic views. The uphill portion of the David Miller Trail is steep and you have to work for it. But once on the top, it’s easy to catch your breath while you fire off a few dozen photos!
From the saddle, the trail winds down into Secret Canyon, along patches of Manzanita, and turns to the right as you approach the wash. Then you reach this trail crossing:
This is where our problems began. We reached this trail crossing without any problems and had even gone off-trail for about 2 miles while on Bear Sign Trail in the other canyon. As we descended the David Miller Trail, we approached this junction, noticed the direction of the Secret Canyon Trail (which was effectively a right hand turn), and continued on our way. Our choices were to take the trail that headed off to the left which was unmarked or off to the right which was marked as Secret Canyon Trail.
The correct choice was to go left. In hindsight, I think I assumed that the left fork was a continuation of the David Miller Trail. We didn’t want that, we wanted the Secret Canyon Trail. So right was the way to go…at least we though so.
We followed the trail for about 2 miles when I finally decided to take a peek at the Garmin Oregon 450t that I paid so handsomely for just a few weeks earlier. I hadn’t looked at it any earlier because we thought we were on the right path. Besides, I’m not one of those people that wants to watch every digital step on my GPS. I was more than happy to be enveloped by the beauty of the canyon and my surroundings.
But the hard lessoned learned was that it became very apparent that we were on the wrong trail when our distance to the trailhead, the car with our cold drinks and AC, had nearly doubled! I showed Ryan our position on the GPS and we began to discuss where we might have gone off trail. Ryan opened the trail guide book I bought for the trip which showed only one trail shooting off from the Secret Canyon Trail and we weren’t even close to that section of trail yet. We began retracing our steps and encountered two other hikers heading up canyon for an overnight. They agreed that we were on Secret Canyon Trail and that the trailhead was just a few miles back, in the direction we were headed.
We discussed the situation all the way back to the intersection of the David Miller Trail and the Secret Canyon Trail. It only took about 30 seconds for us to realize that the unmarked trail was our way out.
Now this wouldn’t be that big of an issue for anyone that knew that the Secret Canyon Trail broke off in a completely different direction or even that it continued on after it intersected the David Miller Trail. And it wouldn’t be a problem if you started from the Secret Canyon Trailhead and made your way up canyon from there. But our guide book didn’t show that section. And we navigated from the Secret Canyon Trailhead to the Dry Creek Trailhead to get the road work out of the way.
When we arrived at the junction in question, we should have looked at the GPS to confirm our location. That would likely have resulted in us choosing the right trail at that point. But we didn’t. The signs made it clear, or so we thought!
I am certain that other hikers coming down the David Miller Trail to this trail crossing would make similar assumptions. Sure, some would already know the trail, others would double check against another map source. But some, like we did, would just follow along, caught up in conversation and the beauty of the area. It’s not hard to do that! A hiker with no other map source and low on water could face real trouble with such a mistake. This could all be avoided with an additional sign marking the unmarked trail.
Have you ever gone off-trail without knowing it? What’s your story? What did you learn from it?
| Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. |
| Activity: Hiking | Location: Mt Charleston Wilderness, Spring Mountains NRA |
| Time on Trail: 2 hours 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy |
| Distance: 2.87 miles | Elevation: +689/-671 |
From Las Vegas, take US 95 North to State Route 156 (Lee Mountain Road) and go left up the mountain. Follow the road to the end, arriving at the Snow Park. Park at the top of the parking lot just feet from the marked trailhead.
The Bristlecone Trail is a 6 mile loop that delivers awesome views and less traffic than many of the trails in Mt Charleston. There is more tree cover too which makes for a more enjoyable trip during the hot summer months.
This trip on the Bristlecone Trail was a bit more difficult and the challenge of finding the trail under all the snow that is still on the ground make it a bit more interesting. We made it to the top of the ridge and then retraced our steps rather than continuing on the full loop. The other half of the loop is more exposed and the winds were picking up.
The trailhead is a great place for a few pics before you even take your first step. The backside of Mummy Mountain is in view as is the ski runs.
Once on the trail, you will meander through ponderosa pines and aspen as you make your way up the wash. But on this trip, there was still a significant amount of snow on the ground. The trail switches up the left side of the wash which was not an option for us. Instead, we stayed in the wash and avoided much of the snow.
The downside to this approach is that we were forced to head straight up the hillside when we reached the back of the canyon. The switchbacks make this ascent more gradual. This weekend, it was a march straight up the right side.
I had my 2 year old son Nate in a backpack and it made the climb a bit awkward but certainly not impossible. He loved it even when I would slip a bit! Once on the top of the ridgeline you can see for miles in almost all directions. Perfect photo backdrops.
We spent about 20 minutes on top of the ridge, but the weather was moving in and the wind was getting pretty strong. Temps dropped quickly so we headed back down into the wash for a little more protection.
The trees along the trail are awesome. Some of the ponderosa pines are massive. Aspens dot the landscape too. Great colors in summer and fall. We retraced our steps back down the wash to the trailhead and then made our way to the Upper Lodge for lunch.
No horses this time, but last hike on the Bristlecone Trail rewarded us with a wild horse sighting. In fact, we saw three wild horses grazing just below the ridgeline. We were within 50 yards of them before we even noticed them!
The full loop of the trail is a good workout. We usually start at the Ski Run parking lot and end below the campground. Drop you car here and walk up the road to begin your hike. It’s nice to do the second half of the hike on the old jeep trail section. It’s more open and you can pick up the pace.
This was the first trip to Mt Charleston for my brother-in-law Luke and his wife Jenny. They came in from Wyoming. They live at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains so this was nothing new to them but they were surprised to see such an environment just an hour away from the 2 million people in Las Vegas. It’s a well kept secret and we should keep it that way!
Not for this hike! We were too lazy, and besides, I was lugging a 35 lb kid on my back!
My friend Ryan invited me to join him, our friend Billy, and 32 other outdoor adventurers for a 3 day backpacking trip to the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Reservation is part of the Grand Canyon National Park and home to some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the country including Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls.
The three day epic journey will cover approximately 30 miles and will be an adventure marked by new landscapes, an opportunity to make new friends, and a chance to cover trail in the Grand Canyon National Park for the first time.
Ryan’s friend from college, John, is the organizer of this annual event and had invited Ryan to join the crew this year. The Las Vegas crew is 7 members strong including myself. We have been hiking quite a bit to prepare for the trip, mostly on our own, but have a few group hikes planned in the coming weeks.
So last night, I got the pack out, displayed all of the essentials on the floor to take an inventory, and began the familiar process of organizing the pack. Most of my adventures have been day hikes and organizing has been rather simple. This time around, I discovered that there are choices to be made. What stays, what goes, what will I need if the weather turns south…
The fact that John and his crew of 28 have done this 5 years running (I think?) have made it easier to prepare. John circulated a checklist of items that he recommended for the trip based on past experiences that was certainly a help. This isn’t his first rodeo and he’s managed to fit a bit of comfort into the trip with his pool floaty bed pad! Awesome idea that serves as floaty by day and bed pad by night.
So with just three weeks until we head out, the excitement is building. My list of “things to get” is much shorter than it was. An extra battery for the Lumix camera, a memory card for the Flip Video cam, and a nice selection of Mountain House meals is about all that remains.
The only decision I am struggling with is whether to buy a full size sleeping pad or the torso size pad. The reviews have been positive for both.
I think the ability to cut weight may be the way to go. What do you think?
