couchtopeaks
-
Kumano Kodo Budget Breakdown: What It Actually Costs to Walk the Nakahechi Route
Read more: Kumano Kodo Budget Breakdown: What It Actually Costs to Walk the Nakahechi RouteAre you planning to walk the Kumano Kodo? Then one of the first questions you probably have is how much does Kumano Kodo pilgrimage cost. In this blog post, I’ll share my Kumano Kodo costs breakdown – how much does the trek cost by category – and share my money saving tips and opinion on…
-
Sandstone Peak in Winter: A Walk Above the Clouds in the Santa Monica Mountains
Read more: Sandstone Peak in Winter: A Walk Above the Clouds in the Santa Monica MountainsSandstone Peak is one of Southern California’s most classic hikes. At 3,111 feet, it’s the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. On this 6.25-mile hike, you’ll pass green hills, dramatic sandstone formations, scramble up volcanic rock at the summit, and get 360 degree views all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It’s accessible year-round,…
-
How to Pack for Your Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Read more: How to Pack for Your Kumano Kodo PilgrimageI packed for my 4 days on the Kumano Kodo with the expectation that I would be carrying everything myself, moving village to village over several days. To simplify logistics, I forwarded my main luggage to my final hotel in Osaka and arrived in Kii-Tanabe with only my backpack. If you’re wondering how to pack…
-
Complete Guide to Planning Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Read more: Complete Guide to Planning Kumano Kodo Nakahechi RouteThe Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails that span over 300 kilometers across the Kii Peninsula in Japan’s Wakayama prefecture. Among its many routes, the Nakahechi Route is the most accessible and widely walked option for first-time pilgrims. This guide is for people who want to plan the Nakahechi thoughtfully, without…
-
Kumano Kodo Trail in 4 Days: Waterfalls, Shrines & Unexpected Encounters on the Nakahechi Route
Read more: Kumano Kodo Trail in 4 Days: Waterfalls, Shrines & Unexpected Encounters on the Nakahechi RouteImagine hiking along thousand-year-old stone paths, surrounded by towering cedar trees and whispering bamboo groves. Mist rolls through the mountains like a Studio Ghibli dreamscape. This is the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) — one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage routes, nestled in the heart of Wakayama Prefecture on the Kii Peninsula. The Kumano Kodo isn’t just…
-
Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop Hike: a Valley of Fire Adventure
Read more: Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop Hike: a Valley of Fire AdventureValley of Fire State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor lovers exploring Nevada. Located just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, spanning over 40,000 acres. The park gets its name from the stunning red sandstone formations that, during sunrise and sunset, appear to be…
-
Hiking Echo Mountain Trail & Inspiration Point before Eaton Fire
Read more: Hiking Echo Mountain Trail & Inspiration Point before Eaton FireWelcome to Hike # 4 of my Couch to Peaks series. This Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point hike is one of the most popular hikes in Southern California, and represents a very gradual increase in difficulty from my third hike to Mt. Lukens. The photos and trail description below were captured on November 2024, two…
-
Ultimate Guide to Lundy Canyon Trail – Fall Colors, Waterfalls, and Scenic Views
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Lundy Canyon Trail – Fall Colors, Waterfalls, and Scenic ViewsLundy Canyon Trail, located in Mono County just 40 minutes of drive north of Mammoth Lakes, is one of the premier trails to catch fall colors in the eastern side of Sierra Nevada, California. Rated as an easy to moderate trail, Lundy Canyon Trail is a family friendly hike suitable for beginner / casual hikers.…
-
Hiking Mount Lukens via Crescenta View Trail
Read more: Hiking Mount Lukens via Crescenta View TrailMt. Lukens, standing at 5,074 feet, is the tallest point in the city of Los Angeles. There are a few different routes to reach the peak. For the hike described here, I went on the Crescenta View Trail, a moderate out-and-back hike that covers approximately 9 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about…
-
Marinated Tempeh Sandwich: My Favorite Plant-Based Hiking Snack
Read more: Marinated Tempeh Sandwich: My Favorite Plant-Based Hiking SnackThere’s nothing quite like reaching the summit of a hike and digging into a well-earned meal. On my recent trek to Josephine Peak, I packed one of my all-time favorite trail sandwiches—a marinated tempeh sandwich that’s packed with protein, flavor, and just the right amount of crunch.
About
Search the website
resources
Popular Posts
Categories
- Hiking Guides (11)
- Trail Recipes (1)
- Trail Reflections (1)