AMERICA’S TOP 50 DAY HIKES! WHAT ARE THEY? 
Well, that’s what I’m heading out to discover. AND I’m hoping you’ll help by sending me your favorite trail suggestions.
In less than two weeks from now, I’m heading out to hike the top 1-3 day hikes in all 50 states.
America's Top Day Hikes
Why? I suppose that gets to the question of why adventure travel is such a powerful influence in my life – and hopefully yours.
Why do I need to wander and to have adventures on a regular basis? Because I think it’s who we are at our most elemental level. I believe we were born to wander. To test ourselves in the great outdoors. To be inspired by beauty. To be challenged. And sometimes, just to see what’s around the next bend in the trail.
On my travels, I’ll walk and hike, yes. But, when possible, I’ll also canoe, raft, bike, and maybe get in some snowshoeing when there’s enough snow.
What's Your Favorite Day Hike?
My itinerary will start in Southern California in the Anza-Borrego Desert, with a possible jaunt up to Joshua Tree National Monument, before heading to hidden trails under giant Saguaro Cactus in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. After that I’ll return to my home base in Colorado for a short resupply before heading to our more southern states to catch the best hiking weather.
My goal is to have this project be an interactive one, meaning I hope you’ll get in touch and tell me about your favorite hikes, swimming holes, restaurants, brew pubs, wineries, and any neat and unique individuals you think I might enjoy meeting and sharing some adventures with.
As an example, a friend just told me of a small place in New Mexico where they think they’ve found the world’s best burrito. I hope so, because I’m going there to see if it’s true. I’ll let you know what I find. Or maybe you know of a small mountain lake that would lend itself to a cooling dip on a warm day. Or possibly you know someone with a melodic voice who just loves to croon some tunes while sitting around a campfire at night. I would love to hear your suggestions!
Everything's an Adventure!
WANT TO BE IN MY BOOK?
I’ll be compiling all the best hikes, unique adventures, and places to eat, drink and overnight, in a book called – well, I don’t know yet. I’m hoping you’ll help me find just the right title. If you send me a suggestion for a place to hike, eat, drink or stay, and I use it in the book, you’ll be listed as a contributor, hopefully accompanied by a stunning photo of your smiling face.
I’ll be posting about my adventures on my blog at www.walkingtheworld.com as well as on Walking The World’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WalkingTheWorld.
IT'S ALL BOO-TIFUL!
FREE OUTDOOR GEAR AND CLOTHING!
Yes! It’s true! In one of my next posts I’ll let you know how you can win some fabulous gear and clothing from some of the world’s top brands. There will be a wee bit of effort involved on your part, but if your name is drawn from those who enter, I think you’ll be delighted. Stay tuned.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD? Okay, a HINT. One way you can win some great outdoor gear and clothing is to correctly identify WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?, in other words the location of a photo I post from one of my hikes. It will be a challenge, but doable.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?
WANT TO JOIN ME ON A HIKE? Discovering America’s best day hikes is going to be fun, no question. I can’t wait to get started. BUT if you have a favorite hike you think I just have to see and you’re willing to join me, drop me a note. And if you’re a photographer or videographer and want to showcase your talents in my blog and/or book, let me know so we can arrange a hike together.
REFLECTIONS
P.S. If you like our Facebook page at Walking The World, http://www.facebook.com/WalkingTheWorld, I invite you to give us a “thumbs up” and say hi!
In Adventure,
Ward Luthi
Walking The World
My all-time favorite day walk is along the coast and starts as you enter La Jolla, California…it’s been a few years so I can’t tell you specifically where to start (there’s a parking lot nearby), but it’s a commonly known walk. Nature, sights, seals, scents and beauty. Hope you find it.
Sharon
Hi Sharon.
Thanks for the suggestion of a hike near La Jolla. I’ll be there early next week and would love to spend some time walking along the coast. If I find the trail you mention, I’ll post some photos for you. Ward
loved Joshua Tree Park especially the Moonlight Walk with local Guide (volunteer) from Desert Palm…
wear good hiking boots and bring a compass it can be tricky..
Take care
Nickie
Hi, Last year I walked the via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. This year, I am walking closer to home in California. This past May, four of us walked from Mission Dolores in San Francisco to the mission at San Luis Obispo. I will be re-walking some of this route with another small group in October. We are looking forward to the time when there will be an established walking route between the old Spanish Missions from San Diego to Sonoma similar to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
I look forward to following your walks.
Hi Carol,
Thank you for the great hiking suggestions. In about four days I’ll be heading to the area in Utah where the Wave is located, and I’m going to try for a walk-in permit. What a beautiful area! And thanks for the suggestions in Zion Ntl Park and Hawaii, both areas that we do trips in and both areas I love to visit. I hope you continue to have great adventures! Ward