Accessible Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park

In June 2010, our family discovered that the Grand Canyon's quieter North Rim offered not only breathtaking scenery but also an unforgettable wilderness adventure that could include Kellisa every step of the way. While most visitors experience the canyon from busy overlooks, we combined spectacular accessible viewpoints with a memorable night camping in the backcountry, creating one of the most unique experiences of our travels.

Titus Canyon Road

Death Valley National Park

January 2018

I had the opportunity to take one of my all time favorite drives back in January. I drove the rugged 27 miles that is better known as the Titus Canyon Road that starts in Nevada and ends in Death Valley National Park.

This was my second time driving the road, the first was back in November 2010 with the family. The mostly one-way road has everything from desert driving to going up and through colorful mountains, an abandoned mine, petroglyphs, wildlife, and the last three miles takes the driver through a narrow canyon barely wide enough for a vehicle. It's like driving a wide hiking trail. 

Due to the rough condition and many hazards on the road, the national park recommends 2-3 hours for the drive. Make sure you have an extra tire because a tow truck will cost close to $2,000 to help you in the middle of nowhere. Even in winter, have some food and water in case you get stuck for awhile. High clearance vehicles are recommended and 4X4s are needed when the road is wet or washed out. The canyon is prone to flash flood, so do not attempt on a rainy day! 

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Nevada

September 2016

Between settling in our new home in California and summer's heat, we weren't able to explore any local trails for several months. That changed at the end of September when we hiked a nice little trail high above Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail was the perfect trail to get back outside. It was wide and free of obstacles for Kellisa's Hippocampe. As usual, Laurel took the lead on the trail and even volunteered to push Kellisa several times. The girls were excited to have mom join us on this trail close to our home.

Kellisa had pushiked in Nevada before, but never with Laurel. With this trail complete, the girls have hiked together in 41 states. 

(More Pictures) 

Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Nevada

May 2013

Kellisa and I flew out to Las Vegas for Memorial Day weekend with Primo Matt. Our first hike was the Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The sun was blazing and the temperature was soaring, but we didn't let that stop us from hiking 8.80 miles. After hiking through the five tunnels, we walked across Hoover Dam.

Hurrikains Collection:

Matt Buckingham Collection: