Parker Canyon lake, 2026

Hike: Parker Canyon Lake Trail - Easy (4.6 mile loop)
Views: Alpine Lake and High-Desert
Notes: The trail is very well marked and mostly follows the shoreline. Several great areas for photos. Several off-chutes allow for plenty of extra sniffs and scent work. Make sure to follow the river for potential wildlife sighting. 

Cover Photos: Penny & Amber (overlook), Lake-Mountain Views, Deer leaving the scene after a refreshment in the lake

PATAGONIA LAKE, 2026

Hike: Sonoita Creek Trail - Easy (2.7 mile out-and-back)
Views: Forest & High-Desert
Notes: The trail veers away from the lake, giving you access to Sonoita Creek. Large amounts of shade provide ample protection from the sun and our dogs enjoyed the varied plant and bird species. There are several designated sitting areas overlooking the lake and/or surrounding area.

Cover Photos: Penny & Amber (trail entrance overlook), Lower Trail pathway, and Penny & Amber enjoying the sounds around the creek.

Old Mt lemmon rd & marshall gulch trail, 2026

Hike: Marshall Gulch Trail (2.7 mile out-and-back)
Views: Alpine Wilderness
Notes: The trail entrance is near the picnic area parking by the bathrooms. The trail immediately begins with an ascent, following mountain runoff. Plenty of shade provide ample protection from the sun and there are several areas for sniffs and photos.

Pro Tip: Old Mountain Lemmon Rd is a primitive road and recent weather patterns have elevated this route from easy to moderate. Only proceed if your vehicle has greater than 9" of ground clearance. Rocky and narrow in several sections.

Cover Photos: Old Mt Lemmon Rd Overlook, Gates to free range cattle area, Marshall Gulch Wilderness

sequoia national forest

Hike: Trail of 100 Giants
Views: Ancient Giant Sequoias, Mountain Views, Informational Placards
Notes: A paved trail that is wheelchair accessible and allows dogs! The informational placards contained valuable educational tidbits that are easy to digest. The parking fee is currently $12 (cash only outside of store hours). Bathrooms are available in the parking lot.

Cover Photos: Ancient Sequoias, Penny & Amber for size comparison

Mushrooms of North Carolina

Hike: Tanawha Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Views: Appalachian Mountains, dense forestry, meadowlands, and expansive overlook at the top of Rough Ridge

Mushrooms Featured: Destroying Angel, Tylopilus, Ghost Pipe, Chanterelle, Crowded Parchment, Gymnopus, Milkcap, Coker's Amanita, Hemlock Varnish Shelf, and more!