Rainbow Bridge National Monument sits within Lake Powell on the Utah side, and although is one of the largest natural bridges in the world, this national monument is one of the smallest managed by the National Park Service. Rainbow Bridge itself stands 290 ft tall from the base to the top of the arch, and is 275 ft across, making it nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument sits within Lake Powell on the Utah side, and although is one of the largest natural bridges in the world, this national monument is one of the smallest managed by the National Park Service. Rainbow Bridge itself stands 290 ft tall from the base to the top of the arch, and is 275 ft across, making it nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
Backpacking to Ibantik Lake in the High Uintas – A Beginner-Friendly Adventure
Ibantik Lake (pronounced "eye-ban-tick") is a scenic alpine lake located just off Mirror Lake Highway in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness. This short yet rewarding backpacking trip is perfect for beginner backpackers, offering stunning views, multiple alpine lakes, and a high likelihood of spotting mountain goats near Notch Mountain. Though it’s a popular destination with limited solitude, the crystal-clear water and ease of access make Ibantik Lake a favorite among weekend backpackers.
Check out these 8 Skills that Every Backpacker Needs to help make your trip successful! Are you ready to take the leap from car camping to backpacking?! Most people are intimidated to go on their first trip, not confident on their backcountry skills and maybe don't really know what they need to buy. Learning how to use the most important skills will make you a more efficient backpacker, make you feel more confident, and help make your adventure more streamlined.
Backpacking Kane Gulch and Bullet Canyons are two popular routes in Bears Ears National Monument within Cedar Mesa, that require at least one night camping. This area is a mecca of ancient ruins and petroglyphs, deep within the canyon walls. Back in the day you wouldn't see people for days, however, with the increase of outdoor activities due to COVID you now can't go more than 2 miles without seeing other groups. This is not the area for solitude. Oh yeah, and there's another big issue...water.
Hiking to Hell Hole Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Hell Hole Lake is a scenic alpine lake tucked deep in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Surrounded by rugged peaks like A-1 Peak and Kletting Peak, this secluded lake offers a peaceful backcountry experience away from crowds. Reaching the lake involves a moderately challenging hike that totals 6.7 miles one way, with an elevation gain of around 1,700 feet—a gradual incline that’s manageable for most hikers and backpackers.
Backpacking the Alice Toxaway Loop – A Stunning Adventure in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains
The Alice Toxaway Loop is one of the most scenic and popular backpacking routes in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. This 18-mile loop can be hiked in either direction and offers flexibility depending on how long you want to stay. While some people complete it as a long day hike or over a weekend, we stretched our adventure into 5 nights and 6 days, allowing extra time to explore side trails and soak in the beauty of the backcountry.
