A winter journey gives fewer crowds, higher offers, and gorgeous surroundings! Whether or not you take pleasure in snowy landscapes or search hotter climate, listed here are my prime locations for the month…
1. Large Sky, Montana
Positioned Montana Large Sky is a winter paradise crammed with snowy landscapes, outside actions galore and wonderful snowboarding.
This month is a wonderful time to go to as a result of snowfall is at it’s peak in January and February, offering wonderful snowboarding and snowboarding circumstances. It’s additionally previous the busy season which suggests fewer crowds, shorter raise queues and extra space to benefit from the pristine wilderness. Some good offers on lodging and actions could be discovered too.
The surroundings is very magical this time of yr with snow-covered mountains, forests and comfortable cabins with roaring log fires. Other than snowboarding I recommend attempting out as many winter actions as you’ll be able to, together with sledging, snowmobiling, snow-go bike rides, ice trekking, and cross-country snowboarding.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Large Sky, MT, Telephone: 406-995-3000
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- Common temperature – minus 10°C to 0°C
My highlights…
- Attempting a Sno-go ski bike which was plenty of enjoyable!
- Happening a headlamp evening snowboarding tour beneath the starry skies.
- Get pleasure from a comfy eating expertise on the fantastically embellished log-cabin model Horn and Cantle. I extremely advocate attempting the cedar plank mushrooms!
- Checking on the après ski scene right here, I liked the full of life Scissorbills Saloon the upscale Alpenglow on the Summit Resort.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
The world well-known metropolis is crammed with fascination tradition and heritage, distinctive structure, tasty Creole and Cajun delicacies, and an unbelievable environment!
This an ideal month to go to, the climate is delicate and the distinctive celebrations that happen right here yearly are in full swing! It’s the Mardi Gras season and that is when the legendary parades happen with costumed party-goers, music, dancing and full of life avenue festivals.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 339 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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- Common temperature – 17°C
My private highlights…
- The Mardi Gras parades which had been free to attend and a as soon as in a lifetime expertise!
- Attempting the glazed colourful King Cake which is a Mardi Gras custom!
- Watching dwell jazz on the legendary Preservation Corridor and the intimate The Noticed Cat Music Membership.
3. Mendocino, Northern California
Mendocino is a lesser know gem in Northern California dwelling to lovely coastal surroundings, Victorian structure, charming inns and retailers, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, a thriving artwork group and quirky attraction.
Its perched on coastal cliffs, surrounded by majestic redwood forests, with wonderful climbing and biking trails weaving by means of the pure landscapes. With sunshine and scenic views, it’s a beautiful vacation spot all yr round however I believe this an attention-grabbing time to make a journey right here.
The climate is cool however not too chilly, there are far fewer crowds and there’s a way more native and intimate vibe this time of yr which I like.
I like to recommend exploring the gorgeous shorelines, cliffside trails, and breathtaking seashores and the attention-grabbing cultural points of interest such because the Mendocino Headlands State Park and Museum, Mendocino Artwork Middle, the scenic Russian Gulch State Park and the photogenic Level Cabrillo Mild Station!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: Ford Home Customer Middle & Museum 45035 Fundamental Avenue, Mendocino, CA 95460
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- Common temperature – 7°C to fifteen°C
My must-do highlights…
- Taking experience on one of many nation’s greatest rail excursions, The Skunk Prepare and admiring probably the most picturesque landscapes.
- Having fun with a hike alongside the Headlands State Park coast and catching some Insta-worthy pictures.
- Strolling down Fundamental Avenue and discovering a number of artwork galleries which have been gathering artwork because the Nineteen Sixties.
- Exploring the gorgeous sandy Large River Seaside and Van Damme State Seaside which had attention-grabbing tide swimming pools and sea caves.
4. San Antonio, Texas
I like this gem of a metropolis in south-central Texas identified for its wealthy colonial heritage. San Antonio’s sights embrace the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a Museum, the San Antonio River, and the miles-long River Stroll.
I particularly liked the promenade, which is crammed with cafes, boutique motels, eating places, and retailers.
This month is a superb time to go to as many occasions happen, together with the Bud Mild Mardi Gras Pageant & River Parade, the annual Cupid 5K Chase and their model of Mardi Gras!
Texan summers are virtually insufferable, with excessive humidity and temperatures exceeding 90F, so I believe the less crowds and nice climate make this month a much better time to go to!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
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- Common temperature – between 16°C and 19°C
My highlights…
- Having fun with a wander alongside the River Stroll, Paseo del Rio which is named one of many metropolis’s most vital points of interest.
- Experiencing genuine nation music at a dwell efficiency occasion.
- Experiencing the colourful and enjoyable Bud Mild Mardi Gras Pageant & River Parade.
5. Loss of life Valley, California
Loss of life Valley is a desert valley in jap California on the fringe of the Nice Basin Desert. It’s identified to be one of many hottest locations on Earth and is commonly in contrast with deserts within the Center East and the Sahara.
As one of many hottest, driest, and lowest nationwide parks and locations on the earth, Loss of life Valley has unbearably blistering summer season temperatures. So, I’d recommend visiting within the winter as an alternative, because it’s a safer time to go to!
This month’s temperatures are nonetheless sizzling, at 23 levels, however they’re nowhere close to the summer season’s hovering and infrequently dangerous temperatures.
The nationwide park within the valley is thought for its distinctive wildlife. I like to recommend recognizing the desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and tiny pupfish, which dwell in swimming pools which can be saltier than seawater.
I’ve skilled breathtaking views by day and stargazing throughout this mesmerizing panorama by evening—bliss!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
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- Common temperatures – 23°C
My highlights…
- Taking a hike alongside Zabriskie Level Path which led to an Instagrammable viewpoint overlooking the panorama.
- Taking binoculars and visiting the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to expertise the magical stargazing skies.
- Exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes which was an otherworldly expertise!
6. Palm Springs, California
I truthfully assume that is the right place to flee chilly winter climate, and I’m an enormous fan of this funky little metropolis! Positioned 100 miles east of Los Angeles within the Coachella Valley area of the Sonoran Desert, the favored resort metropolis is thought for its clear blue skies, mushy sunshine, pure sizzling springs, and opulent facilities.
With attractive boutique motels, superb eating eating places, world-class golf programs, and wonderful climate, it’s no shock that Palm Desert is a winter favourite choose, particularly amongst celebrities!
Summertime can get extraordinarily sizzling, so this month is a superb time to go to as a result of temperatures are usually not too sizzling, at round 80F, making it splendid for outside actions like climbing, biking, sunbathing, and spa pampering.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
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- Common temperature – 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a experience on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram automotive – the views had been unbelievable!
- Taking excursions round a number of the well-known resident’s homes, reminiscent of Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway, Marilyn Monroe’s Home, and Dean Martin’s Residence.
- Taking a visit to the Coachella Valley Licensed Farmers Markets, to buy locally-grown produce.
- Stress-free on the unbelievable Spa La Quinta.
7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado 
Positioned close to Vail in Eagle County, Vail Ski Resort is a spectacular ski resort identified for its high quality of snow and slopes. Vail’s diversified panorama gives over 5000 acres of skiable space.
Apart from snowboarding and winter sports activities alternatives, Vail gives pristine circumstances with the right mixture of over 300 days of sunshine and over 370 inches of snow annually.
With loads of recent powder and tons of accessible terrain, I personally assume this month is prime time to go to Colorado, particularly the ski resort of Vail.
Along with on-slope motion, I recommend discovering the unbelievable connoisseur eating places, native pubs, high-class leisure, purchasing, and a full of life après scene.
The stunning Vail Village, designed with cobblestone streets and alpine-inspired structure, is picturesque!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: Vail Welcome Middle 241 South Frontage Rd., Suite 8150 Vail, CO 81657
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- Common temperature – -4 to -18 levels
My highlights…
- Happening newbie snowboarding classes, it’s not as straightforward because it appears!
- Spending the afternoon skating across the outside ice rinks within the city.
- Experiencing enjoyable actions reminiscent of snow tubing, ski biking, and the alpine coaster at Journey Ridge.
8. The Keys, Florida
The tropical islands of Florida Keys are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 100 miles south of Florida.
These fabulous islands are identified for his or her stress-free environment, seaside sunshine, and beautiful surroundings. I like to recommend boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving to profit from this lovely space.
Different points of interest embrace artwork galleries, native boutiques, and recent seafood. The southernmost metropolis of Key West is known for its bustling bars, Mallory Sq.’s nightly Sundown Celebration, and the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum!
I personally assume this month is a superb time to go to, with winter crowds truly fizzling out, lodge costs turning into cheap in Key Largo and Key West, and the climate circumstances being optimum within the 70s and 80s.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 106240 Abroad Freeway Key Largo, FL 33037
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- Common temperature – 24 levels
My private highlights…
- Taking a romantic sundown sail while admiring breathtaking views with a champagne toast.
- Going parasailing overlooking the crystal-clear blue waters.
- Taking a stroll alongside the historic seaport boardwalk and style some freshly ready seafood.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
Tucked within the Cascade Mountains of Washington, 100 miles east of Seattle, is gorgeous Leavenworth. I believe it’s a captivating gem of a spot with full-on Bavarian vibes, from structure and avenue names to seasonal festivals and vacationer points of interest.
This month, there’s a packed calendar of actions, together with wine tasting, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledging, dwell music occasions, and different typical winter actions.
With lovely structure, cozy cafes, and connoisseur eating places, I believe Leavenworth is the right winter escape that takes you proper to the center of Europe!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
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- Common temperatures – 6 to -5 levels
My private highlights…
- Going snowshoeing on the Icicle Gorge Nature Loop path.
- Indulging in a tasty fondue on the fashionable Pavz Café Bistro.
- Go sledging on the tubing hill.
10. Scorching Springs, North Carolina
Nestled within the mountains of Western North Carolina, alongside the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, I like this gem of a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition.
Solely a brief distance from Asheville, this charming city is the intersection alongside the historic Appalachian Path. Scorching Springs is right for outside lovers because the scenic Pisgah Nationwide Forest surrounds it.
I extremely advocate exploring the assorted climbing paths, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or visiting Wealthy Mountain Lookout Tower.
Nevertheless, because the identify suggests, Scorching Spring is greatest identified for its sizzling mineral springs. Although the recent mineral springs are open year-round, the expertise of soaking in sizzling water at temperatures of 102F in chilly climates is really distinctive, and I’d extremely advocate it!
I personally assume is the right vacation spot for anybody fascinated by outside journey, therapeutic, leisure, or perhaps a romantic getaway!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 106 Bridge St, Scorching Springs, NC 28743
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- Common temperature – 11 levels
My highlights
- Stress-free within the well-known sizzling mineral waters at Scorching Springs Resort & Spa.
- Tasting hearty delicacies on the Smokey Mountain Diner.
- For individuals who prefer to occasion, have a glass of wine or craft beer at one of many dwell leisure occasions.
11. Valley of Fireplace State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fireplace State Park is thought for its 40,000 acres of vibrant purple Aztec sandstone outcrops tucked in gray and tan limestone.
My favourite pure points of interest embrace the Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Fireplace Wave, White Domes, Seven Sisters, Fireplace Cave, and Beehives Cave, and they’re all jaw-dropping!
This historic park homes historic petrified timber and petroglyphs that date again greater than 2,000 years. Strolling by means of this park is really like strolling by means of historical past!
Summers within the Nevada area could be extraordinarily sizzling and harsh, so in my view, this can be a nice month to go to as temperatures are way more nice.
You possibly can go climbing or trekking, however personally I’d simply advocate exploring and taking within the unbelievable surroundings!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: Valley of Fireplace Customer Middle, Overton, NV 89040
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- Common temperatures – 18 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a hike on the Rainbow Vista path to admire an Insta-worthy panoramic view overlooking the park.
- Exploring Pink Canyon, identified for being one of the vital gorgeous locations within the valley.
- Driving by means of the valley to find the magnificent and pure landscapes.
12. Alta, Utah
Positioned within the Wasatch Mountains of Utah in Salt Lake County, Alta is a unbelievable ski space identified for its big selection of slopes. I’m an enormous fan of this snowy winter paradise!
Alta averages 550 inches of snow annually, and its mushy snow slopes supply unbelievable snowboarding alternatives for each degree of skier.
I like the gorgeous snow-covered surroundings and recent powder snow terrain. It’s greatest visited throughout the peak winter months when there’s loads of snowfall, and the snow is mushy and powdery!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 10351 UT-210, Alta, UT 84092
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- Common temperatures – 0 to -10 levels
My highlights…
- Visiting the magical and sumptuous frozen sculptures of the Ice Castles
- Hiring a fats bike and taking the winter path round Park Metropolis.
- Having fun with a sizzling chocolate with a shot of gingerbread taste at Hatch Household Candies.
13. Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
One of the celebrated nationwide parks within the nation, Yellowstone is crammed with picturesque pure magnificence and exceptionally various wildlife.
Although summers are the preferred, I like visiting within the winter because it gives a novel expertise and pristine views of white frosted timber.
Skis, snowshoes, snow coaches, and snowmobiles are the principle modes of transportation as roads shut, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter storms blanket the park with fluffy, white snow.
I like that outside exercise choices are limitless. Yellowstone gives miles of trails that lead previous frosty woods, steaming sizzling springs, and snow-covered meadows that may be explored on skis or snowshoes.
You’ll discover idyllic surroundings, a lot fewer crowds, and higher probabilities of recognizing iconic animals that have a tendency to maneuver to decrease elevations in cooler temperatures.
At Mammoth Scorching Springs, I like to recommend recognizing bull elks and bison coated in snow, which is kind of a sight! Views of the steam from the geyser distinction towards the snow, and the blue skies are additionally mesmerizing.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: Grand Loop Street
Yellowstone Nationwide Park, WY 82190 - Map Location
- Common temperature – 0 to -15 levels
My highlights…
- Happening a snowmobile-guided tour for an expertise of a lifetime within the winter wonderland.
- Exploring the park by cross-country snowboarding on the peerlessly groomed trails.
- Discovering the picturesque surroundings on a snow coach tour, the place I had a number of stops to take photographs.
14. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, in northeastern Arizona, is dwelling to the gorgeous world-renowned Rainbow Forest.
The Rainbow Forest is crammed with colourful petrified wooden and logs and gives gorgeous views. I personally assume it’s one of the vital Instagrammable spots within the nation.
I recommend visiting the Rainbow Forest Museum, which shows beautiful palaeontology reveals, Newspaper Rock’s petroglyphs, and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo.
The park additionally accommodates the Nineteen Thirties Painted Desert Inn, a museum with Hopi murals. There are numerous climbing and trekking trails on which you’ll find fossils, wildlife, and wildflowers.
This month at Petrified Forest Nationwide Park could be very tranquil, with fewer crowds than in the summertime.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, AZ 86028
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- Common temperature – 13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Trying out Rainbow Forest Museum on the customer middle and seeing dinosaur skeletons.
- Strolling the park’s most gorgeous hikes, Blue Mesa, and discovering the colored Badlands hills.
- Strolling alongside the brief Crystal Forest loop and admiring the gorgeous wooden log deposits.
15. Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood Resort is an excellent ski resort that receives one of many highest snowfalls on the earth. It gives an in depth choice of terrain and a number of other winter sports activities at reasonably priced costs.
I personally assume this month is the right time to take pleasure in Kirkwood and its snow-covered environment. Kirkwood combines the conveniences of a vacation spot resort with the laid-back environment of a day hill.
The quaint village is dwelling to many eateries, bars, and different retailers, which I’d advocate leisurely exploring.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive Kirkwood, CA 95646
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- Common temperature – 5 to -7 levels
My private highlights…
- Watching the snowboarders do unbelievable methods on the quarterpipe.
- Going cross-country snowboarding surrounded by gorgeous views of the mountains.
- Taking within the picturesque surroundings on a snowshoeing journey throughout the 80 kilometers of land.
16. San Diego, California
I believe San Diego is a wonderful vacation spot for this month as a result of it gives an ideal escape from chilly, dreary climate.
However San Diego gives greater than nice temperatures and clear skies within the winter. It has gorgeous sandy seashores, ocean-side actions, and family-friendly parks.
To profit from this unbelievable metropolis, I extremely advocate collaborating in swimming, browsing, kayaking, and bodyboarding actions so you’ll be able to dwell like an area (a really match one)!
San Diego gives nice all-round climate with sunshine and mushy ocean winds. Common winter temperatures vary from the mid-60s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it splendid for greater than seaside actions.
This month, you’ll additionally discover significantly better offers on motels and eating places because it’s away from the height season.
Different sights I’d recommend visiting embrace the Immense Balboa Park, Japanese Botanical Gardens, Previous City San Diego, artwork galleries, museums, and gardens.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
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- Common temperature – 19 levels
My highlights…
- Experiencing a wide ranging sundown on a ship tour.
- Stress-free with a Korean Therapeutic massage on the Aqua Day Spa.
- Going for a hike alongside Torrey Pines State Park trails, the panoramic views had been unbelievable!
17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont
Positioned in southern Vermont, New England, Magic Mountain is a ski resort on Glebe Mountain with a 1,500-foot vertical drop.
This true snowboarding treasure has steep, slender trails, glade snowboarding, and reasonably priced costs. I like that the no-frills expertise retains the concentrate on the actions and the costs low!
Snowshoeing is one other fashionable exercise on this scenic area, and I’d additionally advocate it when you take sufficient precautions. With uncrowded slopes and recent snow tracks that usually final days, that is the place to ski!
The area can also be very scenic, with attractive views of the Inexperienced Mountains. And when it snows, Magic appears magical, I promise!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 495 Magic Mountain Entry Londonderry, VT 05148
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- Common temperature – -1 to -14 levels
My highlights…
- Snowboarding the right pistes.
- Having fun with meals and drinks on the fashionable Black Line Tavern.
18. Windfall Canyon State Park, Georgia
Windfall Canyon, a 1,000-acre Georgia state park, is commonly referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon”. It’s thought-about one among Georgia’s Seven Pure Wonders, and I like this surreal magnificence spot!
The park is under sea degree with 16 completely different canyons, exposing 43 completely different shades of soil starting from mild orange, salmon, and purple to white, purple, and pink.
I personally assume the magnificent colours make this one of the vital lovely hikes in Georgia. The paths alongside the canyon supply putting views and are additionally an ideal place to observe a wonderful sundown.
I’d additionally advocate exploring the close by points of interest, together with Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 8930 Canyon Rd. Lumpkin GA 31815
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- Common temperatures – 17 levels
My private highlights…
- Staying over at a campsite situated alongside the Windfall Canyon backcountry path.
- Visiting the colourful rock formations often known as Little Grand Canyon.
- Going climbing to discover the canyons and seeing unbelievable Insta-worthy views.
19. St Augustine, Florida
Full of marvelous seashores, St. Augustine makes an incredible vacation spot all yr spherical. Winter is very nice as a result of whereas the remainder of the nation offers with harsh chilly temperatures and snow, St. Augustine is reveling within the solar!
Throughout this month, temperatures are nice, fluctuating between 40 and 70F. Crowds are much less, and you may usually discover many off-peak season offers within the metropolis’s greatest motels.
I like to recommend visiting the St. Augustine Fountain of Youth, the Spanish masonry fort of Castillo San Marcos Nationwide Monument, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
I’d additionally recommend happening the spooky however attention-grabbing ghost tour, benefiting from the golf programs, and exploring the great San Sebastian Vineyard.
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 10 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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- Common temperatures – 21 levels
My must-do highlights…
- Taking a wander down St George Avenue which was crammed with an array of artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places.
- Studying concerning the historical past at Oldest Home Museum and discovering what life was like in St Augustine years in the past.
- Ingesting the water from Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Everlasting Hope at The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
20. Desk Rock State Park, South Carolina
On the fringe of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County is a 3000-acre park referred to as Desk Rock State Park.
The park accommodates Pinnacle Mountain, the tallest mountain within the state, and is thought for its outstanding pure magnificence. It’s an out of doors lover’s paradise!
For my part, the towering mountain serves as an exquisite backdrop for the park and its services. The park accommodates cabins and a campground, and I like that there’s an old school swimming gap on one of many park’s two lakes.
If the climate permits, I extremely advocate tenting, swimming, boating, paddling, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, biking, and bird-watching within the park.
Desk Rock can also be an entry level for the well-known Foothills Path and Palmetto Path. It’s a basic getaway for anybody having fun with the cool winter air and pure outdoor. Get pleasure from!
- Guests’ Middle Handle: 158 E. Ellison Lane Pickens, SC 29671
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- Common temperatures – 13 levels
My private highlights…
- Kayaking on the tranquil waters of Lake Pinnacle.
- Taking a hike to the highest of Desk Rock and Pinnacle Mountains and admiring lakes and waterfalls alongside the best way.
- Go wading within the stream situated close to Carrick Creek Falls.