Top 10 Hikes in 2021

Evolution Lake, John Muir Trail, Kings Canyon National Park, August 2021 The past year brought new milestones for Live and Let Hike, with the Covid-era bump in traffic continuing for a second year. In fact, annual viewership rose by more than 50 percent compared to 2020 and more than 100 percent relative to 2019—Live and …

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Twin Lakes, Boomerang Lake, & Island Lake (Desolation Wilderness, CA)

Boomerang Lake, Desolation Wilderness, June 2021 Desolation Wilderness spans around 64,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada in northern California’s Eldorado National Forest, including dozens of alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and glacial streams. The wilderness, due to its close proximity to Lake Tahoe, is known today as perhaps the state’s most popular backpacking area, but …

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Deadman Canyon Loop (Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, CA)

Deadman Canyon, Kings Canyon National Park, June 2021 Becoming increasingly well-known as a lesser-traveled alternative to the popular John Muir Trail – Pacific Crest Trail corridor, the roughly 50- to 60-mile backpacking circuit known as the Deadman Canyon Loop (a.k.a. Elizabeth Pass Loop) traverses spectacular terrain spanning both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in …

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Colorado Highway 82 and Independence Pass

The 58-mile drive between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado is one of the finest scenic byways in the state. Highlights include the rushing waters of the Roaring Fork River, a stop at the mysterious Grottos, and stunning panoramas from Independence Pass, which—at 12,095 feet—is one of the highest points in the country reachable by paved road. …

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