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Scenic Hiking Destinations
Vacations are about escapism from the demands of everyday life. Whether consciously or not, pretty much every vacationer winds up focusing on one, or all, of the three “R’s” for their getaway: relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation. When it comes to recreation, this category provides for a considerable amount of opportunity to discover nature and a path to clear the mind.
Arizona, Hawaii and Costa Rica all provide opportunities for travelers to enjoy natural surroundings, especially when it comes to hiking. Here are a few ideas for you to consider as you plan your upcoming vacations.
A beautiful view in Sedona, Arizona.
Arizona
Arizona - Opens a dialog is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the United States. The Grand Canyon is typically the first place that comes to everyone’s minds when discussing the nation’s 48th state, and rightfully so! The short and easy one-mile hike to Shoshone Point offers some of the most dramatic views of the southern portion of the Grand Canyon, and this is particularly the case during golden hour just before sunset. Along the way, you may experience sightings of deer, rabbits and other wildlife living within the wooded surroundings of oak, pine and juniper trees, so keep your cameras handy. Another hiking gem in Arizona is to Cibecue Falls. This intermediate hike traverses nearly three miles and you are certain to get wet long before you arrive at the falls, as crossing the same winding creek numerous times is part of the adventure (bring extra clothes and shoes). A couple of notes: there are areas where the trail takes you through narrow canyon wall spaces, so please be mindful of this if you prefer to avoid areas that tend to be closed in. Once you arrive at the falls, please do not attempt to swim in its waters as it is sacred property of the Apache Nation.
Hawaii
The Hawai’ian Islands are abundant with hiking opportunities and provide unique experiences that are unparalleled. The hike to Manoa Falls on the island of O’ahu - Opens a dialog is ideal for those seeking a relatively quick hike with an idyllic outcome. Lasting less than one mile, the moderately challenging hike to Manoa Falls takes you through a lush tropical rainforest that provides captivating views before you arrive at the thunderous 100+ foot-high Manoa Falls.
Incredible views of Kauai await on The Kaulalau Trail.
The island of Kaua’i - Opens a dialog is home to one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawai’i: The Kaulalau Trail. While the moderately challenging hike itself is over 19 miles long, many people prefer to hike until they reach Hanakpia'i Beach where the views of the waves crashing on the beach are spectacular! Beyond the beach, the trail becomes very steep and even more challenging, a scenario which is ideal for those with expert hiking skills and iron-like constitutions.
The island of Kaua’i - Opens a dialog is home to one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawai’i: The Kaulalau Trail. While the moderately challenging hike itself is over 19 miles long, many people prefer to hike until they reach Hanakpia'i Beach where the views of the waves crashing on the beach are spectacular! Beyond the beach, the trail becomes very steep and even more challenging, a scenario which is ideal for those with expert hiking skills and iron-like constitutions.
Incredible views of Kauai await on The Kaulalau Trail.
Over on the island of Maui - Opens a dialog , Haleakalā National Park provides an experience that is unique: Hiking into a dormant volcano crater! Starting at the top of the crater at just over 10,000 feet, the Sliding Sands Trail treats hikers to vibrant colors and among its panoramas. And once you’ve reached the crater floor, you will become part of an elite group of individuals that can say that they have traverse within the world’s largest dormant volcano. Keep in mind, while you will descend into Haleakalā crater to experience its natural surroundings, you will need to hike up and out of the crater to exit it.
A beautiful waterfall on the Rio Celeste Trail.
Costa Rica
Nature's wonderland can be found brimming in abundance throughout Costa Rica - Opens a dialog . Lush vegetation, vibrant wildlife and stunning views can be experienced on practically every hike throughout this phenomenal country. Located within Guanacaste’s Teonorio Volcano National Park, a short one-hour hike on the Rio Celeste Trail provides a considerable amount to absorb for a minimal amount of time: Bubbling mud pits and hot springs abound, howler monkeys are abundant, and the rainforest surroundings are serene. However, the waterfalls and its stunning bright blue waters are what draws people to this moderately easy trail. Hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest is something which must be experienced to be fully believed. Appearing as something that only the very best Hollywood scenic artists would be able to concoct for feature films, the natural eerie-like environs of this cloud forest is nothing short of eye-candy for photographers. Throughout its 9 different trails (of varying levels of difficulty), you will be able to experience abundant biodiversity with thousands of species of insects as well as a multitude of species of birds, mammals, and flora and fauna, all providing for a unique Eden-like experience.
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Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
A beautiful view in Sedona, Arizona.
Arizona
Arizona - Opens a dialog is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the United States. The Grand Canyon is typically the first place that comes to everyone’s minds when discussing the nation’s 48th state, and rightfully so! The short and easy one-mile hike to Shoshone Point offers some of the most dramatic views of the southern portion of the Grand Canyon, and this is particularly the case during golden hour just before sunset. Along the way, you may experience sightings of deer, rabbits and other wildlife living within the wooded surroundings of oak, pine and juniper trees, so keep your cameras handy. Another hiking gem in Arizona is to Cibecue Falls. This intermediate hike traverses nearly three miles and you are certain to get wet long before you arrive at the falls, as crossing the same winding creek numerous times is part of the adventure (bring extra clothes and shoes). A couple of notes: there are areas where the trail takes you through narrow canyon wall spaces, so please be mindful of this if you prefer to avoid areas that tend to be closed in. Once you arrive at the falls, please do not attempt to swim in its waters as it is sacred property of the Apache Nation.
Hawaii
The Hawai’ian Islands are abundant with hiking opportunities and provide unique experiences that are unparalleled. The hike to Manoa Falls on the island of O’ahu - Opens a dialog is ideal for those seeking a relatively quick hike with an idyllic outcome. Lasting less than one mile, the moderately challenging hike to Manoa Falls takes you through a lush tropical rainforest that provides captivating views before you arrive at the thunderous 100+ foot-high Manoa Falls.
Incredible views of Kauai await on The Kaulalau Trail.
The island of Kaua’i - Opens a dialog is home to one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawai’i: The Kaulalau Trail. While the moderately challenging hike itself is over 19 miles long, many people prefer to hike until they reach Hanakpia'i Beach where the views of the waves crashing on the beach are spectacular! Beyond the beach, the trail becomes very steep and even more challenging, a scenario which is ideal for those with expert hiking skills and iron-like constitutions.
The island of Kaua’i - Opens a dialog is home to one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawai’i: The Kaulalau Trail. While the moderately challenging hike itself is over 19 miles long, many people prefer to hike until they reach Hanakpia'i Beach where the views of the waves crashing on the beach are spectacular! Beyond the beach, the trail becomes very steep and even more challenging, a scenario which is ideal for those with expert hiking skills and iron-like constitutions.
Incredible views of Kauai await on The Kaulalau Trail.
Over on the island of Maui - Opens a dialog , Haleakalā National Park provides an experience that is unique: Hiking into a dormant volcano crater! Starting at the top of the crater at just over 10,000 feet, the Sliding Sands Trail treats hikers to vibrant colors and among its panoramas. And once you’ve reached the crater floor, you will become part of an elite group of individuals that can say that they have traverse within the world’s largest dormant volcano. Keep in mind, while you will descend into Haleakalā crater to experience its natural surroundings, you will need to hike up and out of the crater to exit it.
A beautiful waterfall on the Rio Celeste Trail.
Costa Rica
Nature's wonderland can be found brimming in abundance throughout Costa Rica - Opens a dialog . Lush vegetation, vibrant wildlife and stunning views can be experienced on practically every hike throughout this phenomenal country. Located within Guanacaste’s Teonorio Volcano National Park, a short one-hour hike on the Rio Celeste Trail provides a considerable amount to absorb for a minimal amount of time: Bubbling mud pits and hot springs abound, howler monkeys are abundant, and the rainforest surroundings are serene. However, the waterfalls and its stunning bright blue waters are what draws people to this moderately easy trail. Hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest is something which must be experienced to be fully believed. Appearing as something that only the very best Hollywood scenic artists would be able to concoct for feature films, the natural eerie-like environs of this cloud forest is nothing short of eye-candy for photographers. Throughout its 9 different trails (of varying levels of difficulty), you will be able to experience abundant biodiversity with thousands of species of insects as well as a multitude of species of birds, mammals, and flora and fauna, all providing for a unique Eden-like experience.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.
