Zion National Park

One of the first large hiking extravaganzas I took was a trip to Zion National Park in Utah in October 2010 for a long weekend of hiking and canyoneering. My husband enjoys travel planning and took the lead in booking us flights and hotels.

View from the top of Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

We spent three days hiking Angels' Landing and the Narrows, cayoneering, and enjoying the town of Springdale. 

Charlottesville/ Shenandoah

My husband and I love to travel, but sometimes we realize there are a lot of places in our own area we overlook or never make time for. This Labor Day we took a last minute road trip down towards Charlottesville, VA, Shenandoah National Park, and Luray.

University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville

Old Rag Mountain Hike

If you live in the great Washington DC area, Charlottesville area, or are an avid hiker on the East Coast, you've probably heard of Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Hiking the Old Rag Mountain is a right of passage for anyone in DC who considers themselves the outdoors-man and for many University of Virginia students. The Old Rag hike is one that has become an annual tradition for my fiance and myself.

View from an Old Rag 'false summit'

Old Rag is located in the middle of Shenandoah National Park. It is a 9 mile loop with a 2500 ft elevation gain and decent. This hike is not for the timid. What makes this hike great for adventurers like me, is a one mile rock scramble with challenging obstacles. While no special gear is needed, the rock scramble (and general length and elevation gain) can be strenuous and I would not recommend hiking it alone. If you question your hiking ability make sure to do some research and double check that Old Rag is the hike for you. I'd recommend bringing at least 2 liters of water per person and a large picnic lunch to eat at the summit.