“There’s no better place to find yourself that sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music”

With so many waterfalls in the world, which one should you choose for your next adventure?

We have you covered with our four-part waterfalls around the world bucket list series.

In this first part, we’re focusing on incredible waterfalls in the Americas. With the help of our favorite travel influencers, they share their top 29 waterfalls in North America and South America, including what makes each of them special and how to get there.

You won’t regret the breathtaking natural landscapes of North America and South America and seeing the world-famous Niagara Falls to smaller, hidden gems falls.

Now let’s make a road trip to see these falls on an upcoming vacation!

If you need more inspiration, check out our other waterfall bucket list series: Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Asia,  and Europe.

Map of the Best Waterfalls in North America and South America

Click on the image to see a larger map of the waterfalls in North America and South America. Credit: Map data: Google

*Disclosure: Yes, we have affiliate links in this post. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us and let’s chase waterfalls!

Waterfalls in North America

Best Waterfalls in the United States

1. Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA

By Michelle, The Wandering Queen

Havasu Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. The waterfall became famous because of the stark, baby blue water that comes in contrast with the orange, brown canyons surrounding it.

It’s located in Arizona in a hidden oasis of Havasupai Reservation. The reservation has four other waterfalls located on the reservation, but Havasu Falls is one of the most magical of all.

Getting to Havasu Falls is seen as a strenuous hike due to the 10+ miles (16+ kilometers) distance. The permit usually sells out within hours of going on sale, the reservation is not near any large cities, and you have to backpack your gear in all 10 miles.

If you can get through the hike, you’ll surely fall in love with Havasu Falls.

Havasu Falls in Arizona, United States. Photo credit: The Wandering Queen

Read More: UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Foodie Destinations to Visit – Tucson, Arizona

2. Burney Falls, California, USA

By Nina, Where in the World is Nina

Burney Falls is one of those places where your jaw just slacks and hits the floor. You’ve seen pictures, you’ve heard stories, but once you rock up to the waterfall and are face to face, it’s surreal.

Burney Falls is one of California’s most famous and most beautiful waterfalls without a shadow of a doubt. It rages over rocks and dribbles down its mossed sides which gives it a unique characteristic and adds to its beauty.

You’d think something so gorgeous would be hard to get to but it couldn’t be easier. The trail to get to Burney is easy and only about a mile round trip. You can walk right up to the rocks at the base and get misted in the face or take a backseat and enjoy it from the sidelines. It’s worth the visit.

Burney Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: Where in the World is Nina

3. McWay Falls, California, USA

By Raluca, Whisper Wanderlust

One of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls I’ve visited so far is McWay Falls, located on the Pacific Coast Highway in the US. Even if the fall is only 24 meters (79 feet) tall, it’s still impressive because it flows directly into the Pacific Ocean and the surroundings are gorgeous as well.

It’s very easy to get to it. All you have to do is pay attention to the markings on the road and stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park area. From there to the viewpoint, you’ll walk on a marked path.

Unfortunately, you can only reach the base of the waterfall by boat because climbing is forbidden.

McWay Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: Whisper Wanderlust

4. Vernal and Nevada Falls, California, USA

By Allison, She Dreams of Alpine

Both Vernal and Nevada Falls are located on one of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, California, known as the Mist Trail.

The cost to see them is included in your entry pass into Yosemite National Park and a little bit of hiking effort on your part. Parking is available at the trailhead called The Trailhead and is near Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village).

Hiking to the first waterfall, Vernal Falls, via the Mist Trail is a little under 2 miles (3 kilometers) round trip and is a relatively easy and short hike which makes it perfect for families or those who are looking for a short hike but with great Yosemite views. Once you reach a footbridge, you’ll be able to stop and peak up at Vernal Falls.

If you choose to continue on to the second waterfall, Nevada Falls, prepare yourself for an epic Stairmaster workout. If you’re up for the challenge though, it’s worth the workout. The views from the top are unmatched, and the hike to the Nevada Falls is one of the best hikes in Yosemite.

Nevada Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: She Dreams of Alpine

5. Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii, USA

By Leah, An Adventure is Calling

Hanakapiai Falls (or Hanakapi’ai Falls) is a beautiful waterfall located on the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii. The waterfall is around 300 feet (91 meters) high and is arguably one of my most breathtaking features on the island.

Seeing Hanakapiai Falls requires a strenuous 8 miles (13 kilometers) round trip hike along the Kalalau Trail (via the Nā Pali Coast). Prepare for the hike with plenty of water, snacks, and hiking stick (optional, but helpful on the rough terrain). Hiking the trail is free, but you’ll need to arrive early (before 8am is suggested) to secure a parking spot.

Start at Ke’e Beach (a lovely beach for snorkeling!) and enjoy the amazing views of the coastline for the first 2 miles (3 kilometers). At that point, you’ll reach Hanakapiai Beach.

This secluded beach is lovely but not safe for swimming and has restrooms. Many travelers turn around here but continue hiking for another 2 miles to reach the falls. Reach a fork and head inland (get ready for a fun, jungle-like experience).

The trail is unmaintained but completely doable for experienced hikers. When you arrive, relax and enjoy the water.

Keep in mind that leptospirosis (lepto) is present in the freshwater on the island, so pay attention to warning signs and suggestions when enjoying the water. To return, head back the same way you came in. I highly recommend relaxing at Ke’e Beach after your long hike!

* Please check Kalalau Trail Facebook for updates on the trail.  

Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii, United States. Photo credit: An Adventure is Calling

6. Manoa Falls, Hawaii, USA

By Michelle, Travel Fun Fam

The most popular hike on Oahu, by far, is Manoa Falls. It’s a short trail that is easy to manage no matter your level of hiking experience. The only difficulty is that it can get a little muddy making it slippery in some sections.

We recommend wearing proper closed-toed shoes for safety. The length is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) that takes around 30 minutes each way depending on your pace.

Once you arrive at the waterfall you’ll be tempted to swim, but unfortunately, it’s discouraged.

Manoa Falls is located in the Manoa neighborhood, a university and a residential area about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Waikiki. It won’t seem like you’re headed to a hike since you’ll be going through residences.

The good thing is that if you can’t find parking at the lot ($5 USD) you can always park in the residential streets. It’ll be a longer hike for you.

7. Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA

By Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, this is partially due to the fact that it’s located near Portland, Oregon. Needless to say, it’s the perfect day trip from Portland, especially if you’re only visiting Portland for a weekend.

The waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. You can see the waterfall from the lower viewing area at the base of Multnomah Falls or hike up to Benson Bridge for a closer look.

From Portland, drive approximately 30 to 40 minutes on Interstate-84 to Multnomah Falls, located between Corbett and Dodson within the Columbia River Gorge. Admission is free.

Don’t forget that some trails may not be open due to damages sustained in the Eagle Creek Fire of September 2017.

Reserve a day tour the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.

Multnomah Falls in Oregon, United States. Photo credit: The Adventures of Panda Bear

8. Smith Falls, Nebraska, USA

By Theresa, The Local Tourist

Located in the Midwestern United States, Nebraska has a reputation of being a flat state with not much to see besides corn and endless horizons. However, there is more diversity to the landscape than one might expect.

In fact, near a town called Valentine is a 70 feet (23 meters) waterfall. Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state.

The source is a small, spring-fed creek that plunges into a narrow canyon and flows into the Niobrara River. The canyon created by the falls is its own micro-environment featuring flora and fauna not found in other parts of the state.

To see the falls, you’ll pay a $10 entrance fee to Smith Falls State Park. It’s located in the north central part of the state, about four hours west of Sioux City, Iowa.

The drive itself is also a destination since it’s along the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway. That’s a stretch of 231 miles (372 kilometers) that follows the path of Doc Middleton, the Jesse and Frank James Gang and other brigands.

Smith Falls in Nebraska, United States. Photo credit: The Local Tourist

9. Kaaterskill Falls, New York, USA

By James, Travel Collecting

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall in the Catskills Mountains, about 2.5 hours north of New York City. The total height is 260 feet (79 meters). They’re so beautiful that they’ve been featured in several Hudson River School paintings.

It’s possible to hike to the falls in all seasons. At the end of summer, they can be pretty small, but in spring the water is flowing. In fall, although there may not be that much water, they’re surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. In winter, the path is icy and slippery and using crampons is highly recommended, but your efforts will be rewarded with a jaw-dropping frozen waterfall.

The upper stage of the falls is in front of an enormous natural amphitheater. People do walk along a narrow ledge near the top of the amphitheater to get behind the falls, but this is dangerous and not recommended. Viewing the amphitheater from below is dramatic enough. There is a small pool at the bottom of the top cascade where it’s possible to wade in summer.

There are two trailheads to the falls – from the bottom and from the top. As you drive into the Catskills from Saugerties along New York State Route 23A, you pass a waterfall directly off the road to the right before Tannersville. There is a small parking lot after and another one before this waterfall which is also the lower trailhead to the Kaaterskill Falls.

The walk from the parking area to the trailhead is right next to the road, so exercise caution! From the trailhead, it’s a short (0.5 miles/.80 kilometer) fairly steep hike up a clearly marked path. From the pool at the bottom of the top cascade, there is a path that continues around the side in the woods to the top of the falls.

You can access the top of the falls directly along a short, easy path from a second trailhead. To get to this trailhead, there is a turnoff after the parking lot.  This is the easiest access to the falls.

Frozen Kaaterskill Falls in Catskills Mountains, New York. Photo credit: Travel Collecting

10. Watkins Glen Waterfalls, New York, USA

By Margarita, DownshiftingPRO

What will surprise you the most is how you access this beautiful Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. It’s located in the middle of town, across the street from the Schuyler County Sheriff’s.

Once you enter, you’ll begin climbing over 800 steps and see more than one waterfall so take frequent breaks and take it in.

Although the access seems unusual, you’ll be delighted to see the waterfalls and deep canyon carved out by Glen Creek. Within two miles (3.2 kilometers), the glen’s stream descends 400 feet (123 meters) past 200 feet (61 meters) cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The Rainbow waterfalls are accessed by pathways and stairs.

Bring proper walking or hiking boots for comfort.

The cost to enter is $8 USD per vehicle with parking available across the street for an additional cost. The Gorge Trail is open from May – October.  Check out this short video of the Watkins Glen Waterfall.

Watkins Glen Waterfalls in New York, United States. Photo credit: DownshiftingPRO

Related: Magnificent Caves to See in Americas

11. Cummins Falls, Tennessee, USA

By Roslie, Coastlines to Skylines

If swimming and hiking in a scenic and rugged setting sounds like your ideal getaway, check out Cummins Falls State Park in Tennessee. Spanning 282 acres, on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, the park has been a mainstay for both recreation-minded locals and visitors alike. It also boasts Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall, Cummins Falls, which rises a whopping 75 feet (23 meters) high.

While many people enjoy a day of swimming in the natural pools below, there are also plentiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and a breathtaking lookout area over the falls. This is a rare example of nature’s beauty at its finest.

How to Get There

From Interstate 40, take exit 280 to TN-56 North toward Gainesboro for 7.7 miles (12 kilometers). Turn right on TN-290 and continue 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers). Turn left onto Cummins Mill Road and left onto Blackburn Fork Road until you reach the state park entrance.

If you’re traveling from Nashville, you can actually catch a Greyhound bus that runs to the park three times a day. The trip takes about an hour and 25 minutes.

Cummins Falls in Tennessee, United States. Photo credit: Coastlines to Skylines

Best Waterfalls in Canada

12. Niagara Falls, Between Canada and United States

By Ryan, Out With Ryan

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to see in the world. Niagara Falls is unique because it borders both Canada and America and is famous for its beautiful blue-green water that creates hydroelectric power.

Fun fact: Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls! There is the American Falls, the Canadian Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls that collectively called Niagara Falls.

You’ll want to visit the Canada side because the Canadian Falls are bigger than the American Falls! You can also get super up-close to it on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as you stand at the top of the falls looking over.

Make sure you bring a poncho or rain jacket as mist will always come at you from different angles.

It’s free to see Niagara Falls, but you can also spend money on Maid of the Mist which is a boat cruise takes you down to the water to come face-to-face with the falls. Also, consider checking out Niagara Falls Wine Tasting on the Lake.

Niagara Falls can be reached by walking or taking public transit from the Niagara Fall bus terminal. You can also take a bus from Toronto with several daily services run by Greyhound and Megabus. Journey times without traffic should not exceed 2 hours and 30 minutes.  

If you want an easier way to explore Niagara Falls from Toronto, sign up for a day tour!

Niagara Falls is between Canada and the United States. Photo credit: Out With Ryan

13. Montmorency Falls, Quebec, Canada

By Sherrie, Epiphany to Travel

A 20-minute drive from Quebec City is a waterfall that you don’t hear about too often, however, it’s taller than Niagara Falls that is also located in Canada.

If you Google Map the directions, you’ll be led to the upper falls where you’ll need to pay for parking at approximately $11 USD.

You’re also able to purchase cable car ride that will bring you from upper falls to lower falls and back again for approximately $14 USD a person.

Located at the upper falls you’ll find the restaurant, Manoir Montmorency, where you can enjoy a meal.

It’s possible to cross the top of the falls on their suspension bridge. This isn’t for the faint of heart or anyone that has a fear of heights. Once across there is a walking path and stairs that lead down to the lower part of the falls.

Going down may not be too bad but coming back up is quite the exercise.

Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada. Photo credit: Epiphany to Travel

14. Shannon Falls, Vancouver, Canada

By Greta, Greta’s Travels

Shannon Falls in Canada is one of the most popular attractions on the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver to Whistler. It’s 335 meters (1,099 feet) high and British Columbia’s third tallest waterfall.

Shannon Falls is an hour drive from Vancouver, well-marked and easy to find with a big parking area off the main road and trail that leads up to the waterfall.

There is a wooden boardwalk all around the base of Shannon Falls, that then stretches into a network of short trails from which you can explore the area. There are also wooden picnic tables where you can comfortably sit and enjoy lunch with a view of this powerful waterfall.

It’s a very impressive waterfall and if you’re looking for the most beautiful waterfalls around the world, Shannon Falls should feature on your list.

Consider taking a day tour of Whistler area which includes the Shannon Falls.

Shannon Falls in Vancouver, Canada. Photo credit: Greta’s Travels

Best Waterfall in the Caribbean

15. Toraille Waterfall, St. Lucia

By Kristen, Yonderlust Ramblings

St. Lucia is no stranger to stunning natural wonders and the Toraille Waterfall is definitely one of its showstoppers.

What is unique about this waterfall is that you can actually immerse yourself in the inviting pool at its base and swim right up under its falls. At least once in your life, you have to experience what it feels like to be pelted by the down-pouring of a waterfall!

The Toraille Waterfall is open to the public and costs $3 USD a person to enter. There are bathrooms and changing facilities on-site so guests can change into appropriate swimwear for frolicking in the falls.

It’s possible to visit the Toraille Waterfall by booking a tour or by self-driving. If you go on your own, tour groups frequently include these falls as a stop along their itineraries.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want seclusion. The falls are located near the coastal town of Soufriere, on the island’s western coast.  

Toraille Waterfall in St. Lucia. Photo credit: Yonderlust Ramblings

Best Waterfalls in Central America

16. Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Costa Rica

By Sally, LuxuriousLifestyles.co

The Rio Celeste Waterfalls are stunning. The spectacular vivid blue color of the river and falls is something so unique I have never seen anything like it in the world. The locals say the river received its color from when God painted the sky blue and he dipped his brush into the water.

The complete round-trip hike in the National Park is 6 kilometers (4 miles) round trip. The falls are near the beginning followed by a large platform offering picturesque views of the forest and Tenorio Volcano. Continuing on the trail, we passed the thermal hot springs (entering the water isn’t allowed) and the blue lagoon.   

The drive from Liberia, Costa Rica to the waterfalls takes approximately 1.5 hours. The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm. However, people are not allowed entrance after 2pm. Parking costs $2 USD and entrance into the Tenorio Volcano National Park is $12 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.

Access to the park is limited to 1,200 people per day and only 400 at a time to help preserve the area.  

Rio Celeste Waterfall in Costa Rica. Photo credit: LuxuriousLifestyles.co

17. Llanos De Cortez Waterfall, Costa Rica

By Alan, More Passport Stamps

One of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, Llanos De Cortez is worthy of its status. It’s in a great location off one of the main highways that cuts through Costa Rica, so you can stop by when passing to or from the airport.

I visited on my way back from Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste. The falls are stunning, wide with many streams splashing through the greenery covered rocks.

The falls may be 5 minutes from a highway, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re there. The lush, thick forest surrounds you and you can easily get lost in nature when you combine this with the relaxing sounds of the falls.

The pool at the bottom of the falls is great for swimming, but take water shoes if you have them as it’s a little rocky.

To access the falls head South on Pan American Highway (Route 1) from Liberia, heading towards the town of Bagaces. Around 13 miles (21 kilometers) past Liberia, you’ll see a rusty old sign on your right with “WATERFALL” scrawled in pink letters. You have to be looking out for it to see it! Turn right here, it’s a dirt track rather than a road. A mile or so later you’ll need to turn right, this is signaled by a lady that is collecting for the local school.

The expected payment is 2000 Colones/CRC ($3.30 USD). Continue driving for a few hundred meters and you’ll arrive at a car park. The cost to park is another 2000 Colones/CRC. The falls are signposted from here and you’ll enjoy a 5-minute walk through some jungle on your way!

Llanos De Cortez Waterfall in Costa Rica. Photo credit: More Passport Stamps

18. La Cangreja Waterfall, Costa Rica

By Nina, Nina Near and Far

La Cangreja is a beautiful plunge waterfall found in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica. There is a bright blue lagoon at the bottom and lots of rocks where you can relax and have lunch while enjoying the sound of the waterfall.

Costa Rica is famous for its waterfalls, and one of the amazing things about La Cangreja is that it’s one of the least visited and least photographed.

If you want to visit this waterfall, you have a big day of hiking ahead of you. La Cangreja is your reward for a challenging 2 hours hike along the base of a volcano.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is only 30 minutes outside of Liberia. Go North on the highway (Route 1) that goes through Liberia, and turn right on to a dirt road after Iglesia de Guadalupe. If you reach a medical center, you’ve gone too far. This drive is best done with a GPS! Continue on Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Note that the park is closed on Mondays.

There’s a $15 USD entry fee. To do the hike to La Cangreja, you have to start your hike before 12pm.

La Cangreja Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica. Photo credit: Nina Near and Far

19. Rio Dulce Waterfall, Guatemala

By Dylan, Everywhereish

If you’re ever traveling through Central America, you’ll likely find yourself in the port town of Rio Dulce, Guatemala. And when you do, there will be one spot you definitely won’t want to miss: Rio Dulce’s one-of-a-kind hot waterfall.

Tucked into the woods of Finca Paraíso, hot springs roll down the hills to meet with the cool waters of a neighboring stream. The result: a truly spa-like experience.

On my visit here, my friends and I took turns letting the hot water massage our shoulders, its steam rising around us, before walking up the hill to find the hot spring itself—and its mineral-rich muds.

This may not be the tallest or most impressive waterfall out there, but it’s certainly an unforgettable one!

So, how do you get there? Plan to pay $30 quetzales/GTQ ($4 USD) to take a 45-minute colectivo ride out to El Estor.

From there, it’s a short walk into the woods to find the falls. Don’t worry, the trails are easily marked—and there’ll likely be an enterprising local ready to charge you a $5 quetzales/GTQ ($.65 USD) entrance fee.  

Rio Dulce Waterfall in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Photo credit: Everywhereish

Read More: Take Cooking Classes Around the World

Waterfalls in South America

Best Waterfalls in South America

20. Chorillo del Salto, Argentina

By Or,  My Path In The World

The town of El Chalten in Argentina is a base for many incredible hikes, but most of them are quite long and difficult.

In case you want to take a much easier hike and see a gorgeous waterfall, Chorillo del Salto is the perfect option. The trail from El Chalten to this amazing 20 meters (66 feet) high waterfall only takes about 30 minutes to walk, and most of it passes through a beautiful, peaceful forest area.

Since most people focus on other hikes in El Chalten, the waterfall is a relatively non-touristy spot, which means that it doesn’t get overcrowded even during high-season.

Visiting Chorillo del Salto is free of charge.

How to Get There

The trail begins at the end of Avenida San Martin in El Chalten. You can also get to the waterfall by bicycle as the path splits into a walking trail and a bike trail.

Chorillo del Salto in El Chalten, Argentina. Photo credit: My Path in the World

21. Iguazu Falls, Between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay

By Warren, Sling Adventures

Iguazu Falls has to be near the top of all-time favorite waterfalls in the world.

Located on the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls is immense in size and the volume of caramel brown water crashing over its many cliffs creates a rampaging torrent within such a natural environment that has to be seen to be believed. An added unique, adrenaline-charged experience is to take the jet boat ride that actually goes directly into the deafening downpour of the San Martin Waterfall.

Despite being in a remote corner of three countries, access to Iguazu Falls is relatively easy. On the Argentinian side, the nearest airport less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the falls and is only a 2 hours flight from Buenos Aires.

It’s a $20 USD entry fee to Iguazu Falls National Park and another $30 USD for the very memorable jet boat ride.

Iguazu Falls. Photo credit: Sling Adventures

22. Salto del Claro, Chile

By Priyanka, On My Canvas

As my friend Alison and I started hiking to this tall waterfall which was a 4-5 hour hike away from our hostel, we realized the more we walked Google Maps showed Salto del Claro Waterfall further away. Don’t depend on Google to reach this place and you’re better off following our directions below.

Your efforts to reach this place is worth it as the waterfall is gorgeous. How often do you see a secluded waterfall in the middle of lush greenery?

Since the waterfall is hard to find, the first time you set your eyes upon the crystal clear water falling freely, you’ll feel that you are part of something majestic.

The waterfall is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) out of Pucon, Chile. You can either hike all way, bike, or take a collective and walk the rest of the way. Below are the directions via walking:

1. Start walking on O-Higgins street towards the roundabout. At the roundabout, you can go two ways — one road to Villarrica and the other goes straight. Walk straight and don’t take Villarrica.
2. After passing two gas stations, you’ll see the speed bump and take a right to Las Calabazas road.
3. When the road divides into two, stay left as the right side is private land.
4. Continue walking uphill for 30 minutes and ignore any private houses. After the uphill, you’ll find the road splitting – one goes straight and the other to the right. Go straight or you can even call it the “left.” Trees surround this part of the road.
5. Continue walking until you enter a green field. At the end, there is a fence that you have to climb. I didn’t encounter two fences in this field, but some people told me that they did. Don’t try and jump the barbed wire fence, but find another fence that is slightly right to the barbed wire one. See a tree marked with a white arrow from the fence you’re supposed to climb.
6. Follow the marked trees (some are difficult to see) and walk downhill to reach the falls.

Tip: Carry enough water. Bring snacks and a towel, and keep your phones charged as there are no shops or restaurants near the waterfall. If you’re lucky, you can hitchhike back to the town.  

Salto del Claro in Pucon, Chile. Photo credit: On My Canvas

Read More: Explore Santiago in One Day & Easter Island

23. La Chorrera Waterfall, Colombia

By Michaela, Well Balanced Adventures

La Chorrera is an under-explored waterfall about 1 hour outside out of Bogota, Colombia that also happens to be the tallest waterfall in Colombia.

La Chorrera is situated in a beautiful national park that is very well taken care of. The waterfall is quite hidden, so after going up and down hills and sets of stairs, the terrain opens up to show you a beautiful waterfall.

The hike in total takes about 2 hours round trip once you enter the national park, but there are some steep hills that can slow you down (especially if you’re not used to the altitude).

The cost to enter the park is about 12,000 COP ($4 USD).

Tip: Make sure to buy water at the entrance if you don’t have any – there aren’t options inside of the park.

How to Get There

1. Go to the Transoriente Bus Station in Bogota and ask for the next bus going towards La Chorrera (make sure the driver knows where to let you off).
2. Either walk ~ 1 hour from the drop-off location to the park entrance, or pay a few USD for a pick-up truck ride to the national park. There are normally plenty of locals who are willing to give a ride!
3. Take a tour to La Chorrera Waterfall.

La Chorrera Waterfall in Colombia. Photo credit: Well Balanced Adventures

24. La Ventiadora, Colombia

By Daniel, Layer Culture

If you’re backpacking in Colombia and looking for one of the less visited waterfalls don’t miss out on La Ventiadora in San Cipriano.

Already thinking of visiting Cali? Perfect, as this is the best opportunity to see it. I arrived here on Christmas day from Cali and there was not one soul in sight as I got revitalized by the warm, crystal clear water.

You too can easily take a day trip from Cali, you’ll need to enter the San Cipriano National Bio Reserve to get here.

Look for one of the local guides and expect to pay around 30,000 COP ($10 USD) for someone to take you because it would be almost impossible to find it without someone who already knows the location.

La Ventiadora in San Cipriano, Colombia. Photo credit: Layer Culture

25. Marinka Falls, Colombia

By Demi, Around the World with Her

It’s no secret that Colombia boasts some beautiful waterfalls. One of my favorites was Marinka Falls, a short hike away from the bohemian village of Minca.

With a small cafe on-site, you can relax with a beer or juice as you listen to the soothing sounds.

The cost of entrance is 5,000 COP ($1.60 USD). However, there is a toilet on-site and a huge net hammock that you can crawl onto and suspended over the water!

To get there, it’s around an hour walk from Minca. It can be hot and humid, so you’ll be happy to plunge into the freshwater of Marinka as soon as you arrive. Y

ou can also take a motorbike taxi there or back if you don’t have the energy for the walk. The moto taxis can be found anywhere in Minca and there is always one waiting at Marinka in case tourists want a ride back down.

Marinka Falls in Minca, Colombia. Photo credit: Around the World with Her

26. Peguche Waterfall, Ecuador

By Isabella, Boundless Roads

While I investigated on the things to do from Quito, I saw the name of Otavalo everywhere.

Travel agencies organize one-day trips, but I decided to explore more about the little town. I was excited to read that there is more to see besides its worldly popular market, the biggest in Latin America, and the reason why many visitors gather there at least for one day.

I decided to book 5 days in a hostel and check out more interesting sites in the surroundings. In fact, the town itself isn’t that pretty but it’s surrounded by amazing lakes, waterfalls, and mountains to hike.

Peguche Waterfall is about 45 minutes walk from the town center. The walk to the entrance isn’t particularly interesting, or you can get a taxi there for $2 USD. From the entrance to the waterfall, it’s a nice 15 minutes walk in the woods.

There is no entry fee and you can walk around the waterfall, explore the caves, or have something to eat in the refreshing nature.

If you aren’t fond of crowds, you should avoid weekends and festivities. I found it pretty safe as well.

Peguche Waterfall in Otavalo, Ecuador. Photo credit: Boundless Roads

27. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

By Claudia, My Adventures Across The World

Kaieteur Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. It’s located in the rainforest of Guyana, in South America, and it’s famous for being the widest, single drop waterfall in the world.

There are only two ways to get to Kaieteur Falls: a 5 days hike through the jungle of Guyana; or a day trip which includes a flight from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, and a handful of other locations around the country.

The flight carries no more than 12 passengers, and since only one plane can stop on the airstrip at once, this means that the highest number of people there’ll be at the site can never be higher than that. In other words, visitors get to have the place to themselves.

The guided visit takes about 2 hours and it goes to 3 different viewpoints and includes a walk through the forest to appreciate some of the most unique flora and fauna of Guyana – the famous cock of the rock, Guyana’s colorful bird, lives here!

Whether you visit as part of a 5 days hike or on a day trip from Georgetown, access to Kaieteur Falls is expensive but it’s worth every penny.

Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. Photo credit: My Adventures Across The World

28. Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls, Peru

By Tereza, Czick on the Road

If you love waterfalls, hiking and remote places with little tourists, Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls in Colca Canyon, Peru is the place to be.

It’s only possible to get to this waterfalls by feet, and most probably you’ll be the only visitors there.

The first waterfall lies before a little village, Fure, where you can also find simple accommodation in small wooden cottages. To the second and bigger one Huaruro, you’ll have to hike for another hour, but the view will be definitely worth it, especially in the rainy season.

The starting point is a little town Cabanaconde in the heart of the Colca Canyon. The first option is to set on a 3 days trek leading through the canyon – the first day you hike to Llahuar, the second day to Fure, the third day back to Cabanaconde. Read more about the 3-days trek in Colca Canyon.

The second option is to take the bus from Cabanaconde to Llahuar, then hike to Fure (2-3 hours) see the waterfalls and either hike back to catch an afternoon bus to Cabanaconde or other villages in the canyon or spend the night in Llahuar lodge with hot springs.

Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls in Colca Canyon, Peru. Photo credit: Czick on the Road

29. Angel Falls, Venezuela

By Claire, Tales of a Backpacker

Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, and one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited.

The journey there is an adventure in itself, as it includes a flight to the center of the Canaima National Park, then a journey of several hours in a motorized canoe along the river.

We spent the night in a camp by the river, then hiked the last hour to Angel Falls the following morning. The view from across the river was incredible, even though I visited when it was the dry season you could still see the power and wonder of the falls.

When we reached the bottom of Angel Falls, there is a pool at the bottom where you can swim. The water was cold but to say I swam in Angel Falls is an incredible achievement!   

Unfortunately, Angel Falls is in Venezuela, one of the most dangerous countries in the world, and not an easy destination to get to.

The only way to visit the falls is with an organized tour. Tours can be expensive as fewer people visit Venezuela now, and the currency fluctuations mean that prices change daily.

It’s hard to say how much a tour will cost but expect around $500 USD for the three-day excursion including transport and food and drink.  

Angel Falls in Venezuela. Photo credit: Tales of a Backpacker

Huge thank you to our travel influencers for contributing to this epic list! We encourage you to visit their blog and follow them on social media. If you love this post, please share it on your social media channels. Check out the other parts of the series – Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Which waterfalls in North America and South America do you want to visit? Are there other waterfalls in the world on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Featured photo credit (left to right): Luxurious Lifestyles, My Adventures Across the World, and Whisper Wanderlust

The post 29 Incredible Waterfalls In North America & South America For Your Bucket List appeared first on Life Of Doing.

We asked 57 travel bloggers (or cave adventurers!) to share their favorite and most magnificent caves around the world, and this first part contains caves from Americas and Europe that you need to see. Check out the second part which focuses caves in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Click on the countries below to learn more about the caves.

• Americas: North America (United States of America, Mexico, Cuba), Central America (Belize, Guatemala), and South America (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador)
• Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and United Kingdom

Caves In North America

1. Mammoth Cave – Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, United States of America

Contributed by Roxanna from Gypsy With A Day Job

When it comes to caves around the world, there is no doubt the Mammoth Cave in the central United States is special. After all, it’s the longest known cave system in the entire world, with over 412 miles (663 km) of explored passages! It’s a complex karst topography that forms this labyrinth of passages, winding deep under the surface, as well as sinkholes and waterfalls.

Mammoth Cave sometimes surprises visitors, who expect the features of wet cave systems when they enter. But Mammoth includes both wet and dry sections, so not every section will include the stalagmites and stalactites. However, every known cavern formation is found somewhere within the cave. You cannot miss the Frozen Niagara!

Mammoth Cave is one of only three cave based National Parks in the United States, so the cave is well maintained. Rangers provide guided tours, and there are many educational programs offered. Mammoth Cave is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an International Protected Biosphere. That is a whole lot of special!

Located in the center of western Kentucky, it’s off US Interstate 65, about halfway between Louisville and Nashville. Take the exit at Cave City, and head west to the park.

Mammoth Cave. Photo credit: Gypsy With A Day Job

Read More: Explore North America & South America Waterfalls

2. Lehman Cave – Great Basin National Park, Nevada, United States of America

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park in the middle of nowhere Nevada is an awesome experience with a quirky history. Lehman Cave is one of the must-do activities in the park. There are two tours available that you can get tickets for the day of at the visitor center (subject to availability.) If you’re worried about missing it, book ahead. The Lodge Room Tour is 60 minutes, while the 90-minute option is the Grand Palace Tour, including everything in the Lodge Room Tour. I recommend the 90-minute tour if possible.

On the tour, we learned some fun cave history. Part of the movie, “Wizard of Mars,” was filmed here and meetings also used to be held here. I would say the best thing we learned though, was that Mr. Absalom Lehman, the person who found it gave tours of the cave. But it wasn’t your average tour with a guide. It was more of an “I’ll take your money. Here is a candle. Hopefully, I’ll see you outside and enjoy,” kind of tour.  

Not only was it a DIY tour, visitors often broke off formations as souvenirs and inscribed their names on the walls. While we weren’t allowed to do that (for good reason), I loved the 60 minute tour and would definitely do the longer one as well. It’s right at the Lehman Cave Visitor Center in Great Basin National Park, outside the sleepy town of Baker, Nevada.

Lehman Cave. Photo credit: Red Around The World

3. Secret Caverns – Howes Cave, New York, United States of America

Contributed by Kevin from Wandering Wagars

Secret Caverns is a surreal and exciting underground world with a surprise hidden at the end. This natural treasure, hidden among the rolling farmland of Howes Cave, New York, is a must-see for visitors to the upstate area. Visitors are greeted by quirky, hand drawn paintings that show off the fun-loving nature of the Secret Caverns owners. And once your tour starts, it’s clear that this 1-hour tour will be something special.

Secret Caverns was discovered by a falling cow in 1928. While that seem a bit quirky on its own, it’s the story of the caves exploration as told by the tour guide that makes Secret Caverns worth the 45-minute drive from Albany, New York.

But the true treasure of Secret Caverns is the 100 feet (30.5 meters) waterfall located at the end of the cave. The waterfall sneaks up on you, but when it appears suddenly as you round a corner, the view will take your breath away.

Secret Caverns. Photo credit: Wandering Wagars

4. Lost Sea Adventure – Sweetwater, Tennessee, United States of America

Contributed by Lee and Stacey from One Trip At A Time

The Lost Sea Adventure is on the western side of the Great Smoky Mountains at Sweetwater, about 7 miles from I-75 exit 60. A large sign clearly marks the turnoff from Highway 68.

Your tour starts within Sweetwater Village which is a collection of shops and attractions, including a Gem Mine, Ice Cream Parlour, and a 1/3 mile (.5 kilometer) nature trail to explore while waiting for your tour.

Once your tour is ready, your guide will take you on a ¾ mile (1.2 kilometers) walk through the caverns, pointing out interesting features, and history of the caves. You’ll see common features found in caves such as stalactites, stalagmites, crystals, etc.

The end of the tour is the best part because you get to take a boat ride underground! The guide warns you it’s the equivalent of descending a 13 story building to get there. At the bottom you see a milky turquoise lake lit from within and pontoon style boats which take you for a ride across the lake. Taking a boat ride 140 feet (42.7 meters) underground is a surreal and memorable experience and recommended to add a unique aspect to a cave tour.

Lost Sea Adventure. Photo credit: One Trip At A Time

5. Natural Bridge Caverns – San Antonio, Texas

Contributed by Donna from Empty Nestopia

Have you been to a living cave? Living caves have insulated doors installed at the entrances to maintain the temperature and humidity within the cave system. Natural Bridge Caverns located north of San Antonio, Texas is a living cave system. Natural Bridge Caverns have towering ceilings covered in stalactites, bacon ribbons, stalagmites stretching to the ceiling, and massive pillars like other caves. What makes a living cave different from other cave systems is that the farther you walk into the cave the warmer it gets inside. There is no air current passing through the caves pulling out the air moisture and cooling the overall temperature. Being a lover of spelunking, this shift in temperature was an interesting experience. I had initially donned layers to ward off the expected chill. I ended up carrying my coat.  

Natural Bridge Caverns. Photo credit: Empty Nestopia

6. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa – Taxco, Mexico

Contributed by Patrick from German Backpacker

Outside of the town of Taxco in state of Guerrero in Mexico, you’ll find the huge and impressive Grutas de Cacahuamilpa – the cave system is one of the largest in the world! You can visit Taxco and the Grutas as a day trip from Mexico City, which is what I did, or spend the night in town. After arriving in Taxco, you can reach the caves either by bus or by taxi. Once there, your entrance ticket will include a guide and you’ll explore the caves together in a group. We walked for around one hour further and further into the cave and it seemed like there is no end to it. You’ll walk through the different salons and lights will show you all the incredible rock formations. The tour will take you two hours in total. Afterwards, make sure to save some time to explore Taxco as well, which is a very nice town offering great views of the surroundings.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa. Photo credit: German Backpacker

7. Cenote Caracol Caves – Tulum, Mexico

Contributed by Nate from TravelLemming

A few miles away from the beautiful beaches of Tulum lie some of the most unique cave complexes in the world. The Cenote Caracol Caves are unique because they include both a magical cave complex that you can wander through. There is a boardwalk constructed through the best part of the caves, making them easy to explore. Also, there is an underground “cenote” in which you can swim through the massive underground river network that submerges large parts of this complex.

To get to the cave, you’ll need to hire a taxi from Tulum and pay the 500 peso ($24 USD) entrance fee. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and town so you can swim in the cenote! If you’re adventurous and experienced at diving, you can even go diving inside the cenote.

The best part of visiting the Caracol caves and cenote is that they are an underrated attraction near Tulum. You won’t have to compete with hordes of tourists like you might at the more popular cenotes around Tulum!

Caracol Caves. Photo credit: TravelLemming

8. Carwash Cenote – Tulum, Mexico

Contributed by Crystal from Castaway With Crystal

The more underground cave systems I visited in Mexico, the more I wanted to see! The Yucatan is famous for them; the whole peninsula is full of them. One underground cave has a special place in my heart. Cenote Carwash is named after local taxi drivers used the waters from there to wash their cars. It was a particularly good place for them because each new day, all their soap and cleaning products had disappeared from the water! This “phenomenon” sparked one of the first cenote cave explorations in the area to find out where the suds went.

Nowadays, no one cleans their cars here. Instead, it’s a beautiful cenote to swim or scuba dive. Its initial appearance is that of a large pond, complete with lily pads, turtles and even a resident caiman. For diving, it’s even better! Adorned with colorful rock decorations, stalactites, and giant fallen trees at the entrance of the cave give this cenote and eerie and other-worldly vibe!

Carwash Cenote. Photo credit: Castaway With Crystal

9. La Cueva del Indio – Viñales, Cuba

Contributed by Gábor from Surfing the Planet

One of the main highlights in your trip to Cuba is Viñales, a fantastic national park situated in the Eastern end of this Caribbean Island. In this area apart from the interesting mountain formations, you’ll have the chance to visit a series of interesting caves. The most famous of them is La Cueva del Indio with more than 300 meters (984 feet) of longitude. Aboriginal people inhabited the cave and their cave drawings are still conserved on the walls.

Located on the San Vicente River, this natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage site and discovered by Juan Díaz, a local peasant in 1920. Inside the cave you can also contemplate wonderful stalagmite formations. In the cave utilities used by the aboriginal people were also find, and the cave also served as a funeral place. The cave contains a subterranean river and you can realize a boat trip to admire its beauty. Viñales is located about 160 km (99.4 miles) from Havana, and accessible by bus in approximately 3 hours.

La Cueva del Indio Cave. Photo credit: Surfing The Planet

Caves in Central America

10. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave – San Ignacio, Belize

Contributed by Allison from Eternal Arrival

The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, called the ATM cave for short, is one of the world’s most famous caves. In fact, National Geographic even named it the most sacred cave in the world due to its significance to Mayan communities who lived in this part of Belize hundreds of years ago. Located in the jungle of Belize’s interior, ATM cave is several kilometers deep and filled with turquoise blue water that quickly turns pitch black as the cave gets darker and deeper. Using headlamps, you must swim, float, and squeeze past rocks in order to traverse the cave.

You must climb a large rock that brings you to an enormous underground atrium, where you can find the remnants of broken pottery. The pottery appears broken on purpose, and anthropologists believe this was to free the “spirit” inside the pottery. Things take a darker turn when you find the remains of more than 10 human sacrifices, some of them children, preserved in the cave. They are thought to be sacrificed as the Mayan civilization was ending from persistent drought. You can only visit the cave on an official ATM cave tour and photos are not allowed after a man dropped his camera on a skull, leaving a giant hole in it. Even without being able to take photos, it’s a remarkable experience and well worth the hefty cost of a tour.

Pretty flowers at the Table Rock Jungle Lodge. Photo credit: Eternal Arrival

11. Semuc Champey Caves – Lanquin, Guatemala

Contributed by Harriet from Hats Off World

If you’re an adrenaline-junkie, the tour of the Semuc Champey Caves in Guatemala will be right up your street. Imagine walking into pitch black caves holding your own personal candle, shining light ahead as you wade through the mysterious waters. Combine this with cliff jumping and cave slides into pools, it’s not for the faint hearted, but is a lot of fun.

After exploring the caves, the tour includes a giant swing into the river, tubing, bridge-jumping, lunch, a hike up to the spectacular viewpoint overlooking the natural pools, and then a dip in the pools.

The whole day costs around $25 but is worth it; it’s action-packed, good to have a guide, and a great place to meet other travelers.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to allow enough time to get here. Semuc Champey is in the middle of nowhere, close to the small village, Lanquin. As the tour starts early, I would suggest arriving in Lanquin the night before. Take a collectivo bus to Lanquin. Two popular hostels are Zephyr Lodge, a party hostel with an infinity pool in the jungle, and El Retiro, a little more chilled.

Semuc Champey. Photo credit: Hats Off World

Caves in South America

12. Cuevas de las Manos – Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Contributed by Owen from My Turn To Travel

The enigmatic Cuevas de las Manos (Caves of the Hands) in Argentina is one of the finest exhibit of ancient rock. It’s the largest and most dramatic display of hand prints in the world.

Believed to be painted more than 9000 years ago, the paintings include not only hand prints, but also depictions of guanacos (a relative of the llamas), rheas, puma prints, hunting scenes and some images thought to be evil spirits.

The painting method, the scale of the rock art, the mystery and history of the tribes have resulted in UNESCO declaring the site a Heritage Site in 1999. What makes this site stand out from the others in this list is that even though it’s called, “Caves of the Hands,” the area is not technically a cave. Rather it’s a series of rock overhangs at the base of a cliff-face.

This area is remote and out of the way. In fact, I was the only person on the guided tour when I visited in off-season. The best way to get there is to drive or hire a driver from Los Antiguos or Perito Moreno town in Argentina.

Cuevas de las Manos. Photo credit: My Turn To Travel

13. Marble Caves – Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile

Contributed by Taylor from Travel Outlandish

From the photos, Chile’s Marble Caves (Capilla de Mármol) look too colorful to believe. But get up close, and you’ll find that – Photoshopped or not – the Marble Caves are actually that vivid. What makes them so pretty? The calcium carbonate has been shaped by the currents of the lake for more than 6,000 years; as the glacial lake is a shade of brilliant blue rarely seen in nature, it’s something otherworldly when the marble catches the water’s reflection. To experience the Marble Caves for yourself, you can hire a boat or kayak from Rio Tranquilo. Go early morning when the water is super blue and the current is low enough for you to navigate them from the inside!

Marble Caves. Photo credit: Travel Outlandish

14. Lava Tunnels – Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Contributed by Thea from Zen Travellers

The Galapagos Islands are a place like no other and even their caves are special, in that they’re not even actually caves per se. The archipelago is one giant volcano with both active and dormant sections. Ancient lava flows created cave-like features in the landscape when the lava cooled as it flowed across the land. While this happened, the outer part of the flow cooled and made a crust while the hot magma inside carried on scorching whatever was in its path. As time passed, the flows eventually eroded into the lava tunnels found throughout the Galapagos Islands.

There are various sites throughout the Island where lava tunnels can be seen, including a small one outside of the town of Puerto Ayora. I recommend the Bellavista lava tunnels that is reachable by bicycle or taxi ride and only cost $3.50 USD to enter. The tunnels carry on underground for 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) underground and are lit inside so it’s not the end of the world if you forget your flashlight. Keep your eyes peeled for owls as they hang out in the tunnels. The tunnels also finish at a nice little café where you can enjoy a cold beverage at the end of your tunnel adventure.

Lava Tunnels. Photo credit: Zen Travellers

Caves in Europe

15. Magura Cave – Rabisha, Bulgaria

Contributed by Michael Gerber from MSC Gerber

The Magura Cave doesn’t seem too exciting at first because it’s not touristy at all. I found out about it by accident, and was happy about that. Located in Bulgaria, the Magura Cave is 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from Belogradchik, which is a famous place for travelers (and also worth a visit). Once you’re inside the cave you’ll get rewarded with the impressive size of it and some of the oldest paintings ever made by humans.

The entrance is only allowed with a guy who didn’t speak any English. You receive an information guide which is copied from Wikipedia but contains many interesting information.

To me the Magura Cave was one of the biggest and positive surprises during my Bulgaria trip. It’s a special place to visit and even more if you’re interested in history.

Magura Cave. Photo credit: MSCGerber

Read More: Explore Waterfalls in Europe

16. Saeva Dupka – Lovech, Bulgaria

Contributed by Stephanie from Sofia Adventures

Before moving to Sofia, I had no idea how many caves in Bulgaria are worth exploring! My favorite so far is Saeva Dupka, known as the “Underground Pearl of Bulgaria.” The cave is stunning and packed with massive stalagmites and stalactites. Inside you feel like you’re exploring a natural cathedral, since the decorative ceilings go up to over thirty meters (98 feet) in some places.

While at the cave, we took a tour. However, the tour was entirely in Bulgarian, so we didn’t learn much about the cave until later when we came home to research what we’d seen.

To get there, the easiest way is to rent a car in Sofia and take a day trip out. You can also visit Prohodna Cave, Troyan Monastery, and other interesting sites in the area, since you’ll have your own transportation. The roads in this part of the country are easy to get around on.

Saeva Dupka. Photo credit: Sofia Adventures

17. The Blue Cave – Biševo Island, Croatia

Contributed by Eric and Lisa from Penguin and Pia

If you’re looking to explore a cave carved out by the ocean, then look no further than to Croatia! The famous Blue Cave draws visitors from far and wide. It’s located on Biševo Island, which is one of the Croatian islands outside of Split, and only accessible by boat from the mainland or from a closer island, like Hvar or Vis.

Once on Biševo, you’ll have to buy a ticket to visit the cave with a local guide. They have special flat boats that are able to enter the small cave entrance.

Inside the cave, you’re treated to the most spectacular hue of blue you’ll ever see. The light reflecting from outside, off the sandy bottom, and into the cave is what gives the cave its signature color. The waves become calmer and the temperature drops to a cooler level – that is if you’ve been outside in the Croatian sunshine all day!

Blue Cave. Photo credit: Penguin And Pia

18. Les Grottes de Maxange Cave – Dordogne, France

Contributed by Tracey from Pack the PJs

Les Grottes de Maxange, located in the beautiful Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, in the Dordogne region of France, is a not-to-be-missed attraction. It’s a recent discovery whilst quarrying back in 2000 and opened to the public in 2003. The area needs more exploration, so the cave tour is quite short. Don’t let this put you off! The 40-45 minutes tour is in French, though numbered English-language information is available to read. All I can say is ‘wow’ to what you see during the tour. Eccentric stalactites covers the ‘roof’ of the cave, which look more like coral as the fingers head in every imaginable direction. The stalactites are made of calcite, but you can also see large areas of aragonite crystals. Along with calcite, aragonite is also calcium carbonate, but the structure is very different.

The tour is fascinating. You get to see bear claw marks in the walls and hear the story of the discovery of the cave. Outside there is a pretty manicured garden with a small children’s play area. The coffee shop, which serves lovely coffee and cake, has outdoor seating. A shop sells nice gift items made from stones and minerals. This is definitely the best cave we have ever visited.

Les Grottes de Maxange Cave. Photo credit: Pack The PJs

19. Grottes de Thouzon – Provence, France

Contributed by Nadine from Le Long Weekend

The Grottes de Thouzon, located not far from Avignon in the beautiful Provence region of France, makes an excellent day trip from the historic city. As with most underground caves, the Thouzon grottos aren’t much to look at from the outside. The simple door fixed to the mountain wall gives a clue that something lies within. Once inside, you’re transformed into an underground world of knobby stalagmites, pencil-thin stalactites, wafer-like draperies, shimmering underground lakes, and mystical cave pearls.

The guides who escort you through the caves make the experience what it is, with an informative narrative and amusing anecdotes! Near the end there is a light and sound show to show off one of the most impressive caves with its hundreds of stalactites that hang over an ancient pile of bat ‘deposits.’ Trust me, it’s more fascinating than it sounds! Luckily the aforementioned bats managed to escape the cave before it closed over permanently. Well, all but one – a baby bat fossil is still in the walls of this intriguing grotto today.

Grottes de Thouzon. Photo credit: Le Long Weekend

20. Roman Burial Caves – Matala, Crete, Greece

Contributed by Erin and Ryan from Down Bubble

Matala, is a tiny beach town on the south coast of the Greek island of Crete. It takes around 3 hours from the more popular resort side of the island to drive there. Aside from a great beach and alfresco restaurants, the main attraction is the Roman Burial Caves. The Romans in the 1st and 2nd Century AD used the caves as tombs. They are a warren of small rooms cut into the impressive sandstone cliff which overshadows the main beach. You pay €3 ($3.50 USD) to enter the site. You’re allowed to climb the cliff using ropes to get to the highest levels and go in and out of the caves as you please.

These caves also have a more recent history evident in some painting left on the cave walls. In the 1960s and 1970s hippies came to Matala and took up residence in the caves, including Joni Mitchell who wrote a song about her time here. The hippie vibe remains in Matala even today and makes this tiny beach town a delight to stay in.

Roman Burial Caves. Photo credit: Down Bubble

21. Molnar Janos Cave Diving – Budapest, Hungary

Contributed by Halef from The Round The World Guys

Hungarian Parliament. Ruin Bars. Geothermal Baths. Everyone knows these things about Budapest. They are the go to things to do there. If you want to get off the beaten path and have at least an Advanced Open Water Scuba certification, you can get a view of Budapest that almost no one gets to see. While tourists relax in the hot baths above, you’ll experience what it’s like below them in Molnar Janos Cave.

Protected since 1992, Molnar Janos is a destination for divers who want to experience a true cave dive without having to go through the many advanced certifications you need to do it on your own. You need a special certification to dive in a cave, but MJ Cave Budapest offers an introduction to Cave Diving class that will allow you to dive supervised with very experienced divers.

The caves are pitch black, of course, but with proper lighting, you’ll see see-through fossils, interesting rock formations, and a species of blind shrimp that you’ll only find there. At times, you’ll even hear the subway rattling above!

Molnar Janos is a true adventure experience in Budapest that you won’t soon forget. If you are a scuba diver with at least Advanced Open Water, it’s something that you have to try. Seeing Budapest from above is incredible. Seeing it from beneath the surface is a unique experience.

Molnar Janos Cave diving experience. Photo credit: Round The World Guys

22. Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave – Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Contributed by Kris from Nomad By Trade

Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Winter visitors can venture deep inside to explore one of its ice caves. The bright blue glacial ice is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With sunlight from above tricking through the rippled blue ice, you’ll feel like you’re walking along the bottom of the ocean. Streaks of black volcanic ash from eruptions hundreds of years ago add to the mesmerizing swirls in the walls and ceilings of the ice cave.

Vatnajökull is located along Iceland’s Ring Road in the southeastern part of the country. We visited with a tour that departed from the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The road into Vatnajökull National Park is rough. I recommend taking a tour unless you have an appropriate vehicle and experience driving on Iceland’s backroads. The ice caves are only accessible during the winter as they flood during the warmer summer months. Plan your visit accordingly if you’re as enthralled by the incredible blue ice as I was.

Vatnajokull Glacier Ice Cave. Photo credit: Nomad By Trade

23. Grotta del Bue Marino – Sardinia, Italy

Contributed by Kalena from Lost and Abroad

First discovered by locals in the 1950s, the caverns of Grotta del Bue Marino on Sardinia’s east shore has two access points. Either in the south by sea or in the north with a 40-minute hike from Cala Fuili beach. The cave’s name is from the nearly extinct Mediterranean Monk Seals (bue marino) who used to call the caverns home. The vast karst system is the largest in Italy reaching 45 miles (70 km) inland. Since most of it is underwater, speleo-divers have yet to explore the entire system.

The simplest way to visit is by booking a boat tour in the nearby town of Cala Gonone. The tour also showcases the surrounding beaches, incredible sea cliffs, and crystal clear coves iconic of the area. Once inside the cave, the hour-long guided tour allows visitors to view about half a mile (1 km) of the system on a metal boardwalk. The tour highlights include freshwater springs, colorful limestone formations, large mirror-like pools that reflect the stalactites above, and 4,800 year old petroglyphs from the pre-Nuragic period. 

Grotta del Bue Marino Cave. Photo credit: Lost And Abroad

24. Grotta di Nettuno – Sardinia, Italy

Contributed by Chantal from Alleen Op Reis

My holidays on the beautiful island of Sardinia in the south of Italy started in Alghero. A city with a charming old town on the west coast of the island. From Alghero it’s a 30 minutes drive to Capo Caccia. This cape is 180 meters (590.6 feet) high and the last part of the drive is pretty spectacular. Park the car and walk until the end, you’ll see a staircase going down.

To reach the Grotta di Nettuno, you have to descend the 654 steps which are cut into the steep cliffs. The descent is not that hard, because the staircase provides you with beautiful views over the sea and has plenty opportunities for pictures. If you aren’t able to walk the stairs, there is also boat that goes to the cave which is located at sea level. The entrance to the cave is €13 / $15 USD (cash only!) and you’ll need to join a tour that goes every hour. The cave itself is also pretty spectacular and full of ancient stalactites and stalagmites. It’s estimated to be 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long. Unfortunately visitors can only access the first few hundred meters.

Grotta di Nettuno. Photo credit: Alleen Op Reis

25. Jeita Grotto – Beirut, Lebanon

Contributed by Clemens from Travellers Archive

Traveling to Lebanon is one highlight in itself. Up until today, this beautiful country has not yet become a well-known travel destination, even though it’s home to several stunning sights. The Jeita Grotto is one of those. The cave is 18 kilometers (11.1 miles) from Beirut and accessible either by a rental car or a taxi. It’s situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley.

The Jeita Grotto is a system of two separate karstic limestone caves that has an overall length of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles). It’s an amazing place to visit either as day trip from Beirut or as a stop on the way towards the North of the country. This cave was chosen as official finalist as one of the seven new wonders of nature. When visiting, you’ll be taken to the entrance of the cave by train before you individually explore the upper and the lower cave on your own. If the weather conditions are fine, you can also use the cable car.

Jeita Grotto. Photo credit: Travellers Archive

26. Zonneberg Caves – Maastricht, Netherlands

Contributed by Karen from Wanderlustingk

The Zonneberg Caves in Maastricht, Netherlands are not real caves, yet they’re fascinating to visit.  These “caves” were created starting in Roman times after people excavated the stone for use in the city’s buildings. The caves are said to reach Belgium and the Resistance used the caves to smuggle out Dutch Jews. During World War II, the city of Maastricht lived inside the caves to be safe from bombings and the Nightwatch, the famous painting, was even stored inside this sprawling complex of caves that go for miles. You’ll need to take a tour with a knowledgeable guide to go inside, but the tour is interesting enough that both adults and kids will love it. You can drive take a boat from the city center. It’s also possible to walk.

Maastricht In The Caves. Photo credit: Kevin Gessner via Flickr

27. Bengali Sea Cave – Algarve, Portugal

Contributed by Claire from ZigZag On Earth

The Benagil Sea Cave, located in the Algarve region, South of Portugal, is one of the most famous in the world because of its combination of size, color, and access. Once you enter it, the huge cave has a beautiful round shape with rings of colors creating a dome-like natural cathedral. With 2 entrances at sea level and one natural skylight opening, the tones keep changing with the sun and the clouds. It’s like watching a live painting. And it even has a beach inside!

One of the best activities in the area is to join a boat tour either from Portimao, Albufeira, or Benagil to admire the whole magnificent coastline with its cliffs, rock formations and many sea caves. Opt for a small boat so that it can get inside and prefer mid-tide for best timing.

Benagil Sea Cave. Photo credit: ZigZag On Earth

28. Postojna Cave – Postojna, Slovenia

Contributed by Kami from Kami And The Rest Of The World

One of the highlights of Slovenia and one of the most stunning places you’ll ever see is Postojna Cave. This tiny country has over 11 thousands caves in total. Postojna is always the most famous, most frequently visited, and gets all the hype for a reason. With over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of underground passages, this is the second biggest cave in the world. Even if you get to see only a small percentage of it, you’re in for a treat. In the first part of the journey, the small electric train takes you some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) inside the cave. Afterwards you walk the corridors for an hour. Your jaw will drop throughout this breathtaking place!

Postojna Cave is located around 1 hour driving from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The ticket isn’t the cheapest – €25 ($29 USD) for the cave only or €35 ($40 USD) if you combine it with the nearby Predjama Castle (definitely do that!) – but it’s worth the price. Keep in mind that it’s rather chilly inside, around 8 – 10℃ (46.4 – 50 ℉) so wear warm clothes!

Postojna Cave. Photo credit: Kami And The Rest Of The World

29. Cuevas del Drach – Majorca, Spain

Contributed by Abby from The Winged Fork

The Cuevas of Drach, or Dragon Caves, are a major attraction in Majorca, Spain. Located near Porto Cristo on the East Coast of Mallorca, they are a network of four huge caves and an underground lake. The caves extend about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in length. We could have spent a lot longer in them, had it not been for the friendly guards turning off the lights in each section and shooing us forward. The stalactite and stalagmite formations are awesome, especially the ones that look like Adam and Eve reaching out for each other.

At the end of the 45 minute walk through the cave, there is a short musical show on boats on Lake Martel. After which we received the options to cross the lake on boat or to walk by the lake. Even though it was a short 1 minute ride, we chose the boat. Who wouldn’t?

Cuevas del Drach. Photo credit: TheWingedFork

30. Cova d’en Xoroi – Menorca, Spain

Contributed by Nienke from The Travel Tester

When the organizers of my trip told me we were about to have “drinks in a cave,” I decided to put on another layer. To be honest, it sounded chilly, dreadful, and I didn’t know what to expect. As soon as we drove up to the Cova d’en Xoroi bar on the island of Menorca in Spain, I realized it would be a different experience than I anticipated. As soon as you step through the entrance, you’re greeted by an incredible view over the ocean. You then walk along the cliff side over a path leading you to several wooden platforms with lounge chairs and different bars. It’s like stepping onto another planet!

Inside the rock walls, there are more bars, a dance floor and large seating area. I can recommend ordering the local favorite drink called, “Pomada,” a refreshing mix of gin with lemon juice. Get here early, because it’s a popular spot for people to watch the stunning sunset and soak up the magical surroundings. The opening times are Monday to Sunday from 3pm to 9pm.

Cova d’en Xoroi Bar. Photo credit: The Travel Tester

31. St. Beatus Caves – Interlaken, Switzerland

Contributed by Arzo from Arzo Travels

One of the most beautiful places in Switzerland is the region of Interlaken. If you’re looking for a very unique place to visit then head to St. Beatus Caves. What is amazing about the caves is the fact that it’s even fun to visit even if you don’t go inside.

Let’s start with the cave itself. St. Beatus Caves should be on every Switzerland itinerary. Whether you visit by car or bus, it’s quite accessible. Once you get out of the car or bus, you need to hike five minutes and you’re there. Tickets are approximately €15 ($17.70 USD) and comes with a guided one-hour tour. During the tour, you’ll learn about the myth of the cave. It says that a mythological creature took shelter here in the 6th century. You’ll also see the stalactites and stalagmites formed by nature over millions of years ago.

After the tour, enjoy a drink at the restaurant in front of the caves. The views from there are amazing (hello Lake Thun) and make sure to stroll the area. Visiting St. Beatus Caves is not only about the caves but the stunning scenery which come for free.

St. Beatus Caves. Photo credit: Arzo Travels

32. Cheddar Gorge Caves – Somerset, United Kingdom

Contributed by Emily from Kids And Compass

Cheddar Gorge is England’s deepest gorge. You’ll find it in the Mendip Hills, in Somerset, south west England. Porous limestone form the Mendips and a network of caves are inside the gorge’s walls. Today you’re able to explore parts of these caves and the area makes for an interesting visit.

When Cheddar Gorge was first explored in modern times it became obvious that humans lived in one of the biggest caves for thousands of years. The caves stay at a constant temperature of around 8℃ (46.4℉) and provided protection from the elements and predators. “Cheddar Man,” the oldest complete human fossil ever found in the UK, was unearthed at Cheddar Gorge, along with many artifacts which helped scientists build up a picture of prehistoric life in the area going back 10,000 years.

In more recent times the caves at Cheddar are used to mature its famous cheese. On your cave tour through Gough’s cave you can see and smell the cheddar in its barrels. You’ll also see amazing stalactites and stalagmites, mineral deposits that appear to be running like candle wax, and learn how humans have used the cave over centuries.

Cheddar Gorge makes for an educational and fun day out, and reachable by car from the nearby cities of Bristol, Bath, or Wells.

Cheddar Gorge Cave. Photo credit: Kids And Compass

33. Zip World Slate Caverns – Wales, United Kingdom

Contributed by Justine from Wanderer Of The World

One of the most unique caves I’ve ever come across during my travels is Zip World Slate Caverns, near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Wales. When inside this underground cave, you have the opportunity to trampoline for an hour with a company called Zip World Bounce Below. How amazing is that?!

There are six trampolines in total, which are each connected by slides, climbing frames, and tunnels. But one word of caution – you’ve got to like heights as the highest trampoline is the same height as two double-decker buses!

I had great fun here as a birthday gift from my other half. It was such a unique, fun (and tiring) experience and something I’d recommend as a bucket list item. As a tip, check out Groupon vouchers as these caves often have discounted entry deals.

Zip World Slate Caverns. Photo credit: Wanderer Of The World

We hope you enjoyed visiting the magnificent caves around the world in Americas and Europe! It’s amazing to see the uniqueness of each cave. Stay tuned for the second part of our caves around the world in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Which caves in Americas and Europe do you want to visit on your next traveling adventures? Let us know in the comments below!

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The post Magnificent Caves Around The World in Americas and Europe appeared first on Life Of Doing.

This city is known for various fruit and vegetable picking opportunities, and cherries are popular!

When is cherry picking season? The short cherry picking season is from mid-May (around Mother’s Day) to mid-June, depending on the rainfall and crop availability. U-Pick cherry farms have plenty of cherry varieties available such as Tiogas, Hazels, Rainers, and Bing varieties.

We know you can easily purchase cherries at the grocery stores. Yet, it’s an amazing feeling of putting the hard work and effort into picking the perfect cherry with the right sweetness, color, size, and firmness, and devouring the “fruits” of your labor.  

If you’re interested in learning more, here are some helpful tips to pick your own cherries in Brentwood, California. It’s a perfect day trip from San Francisco, San Jose, or any city in the Bay Area. Plus, it’s a good learning experience for children and young adults to see their fruits grown on a farm.

Bring the entire family and consider spending an entire or half-day at various farms. You may even consider bringing lunch to have a picnic at the farms if the farms allow it. 

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What to Know Before Your Cherry Picking Day Trip in Brentwood

Stay up to date with the cherry season.

Plan which farms you want to visit. 

As mentioned above, refer to the Harvest Time Facebook and website for up-to-date information. By planning, you’ll know where to go exactly and can account for travel time and distance. 

Some farms require reservations in advance, so you want to account for that. 

If you don’t want to plan, you can easily drive to one of many farms in the area. As you enter Brentwood, multiple signs point in all directions for picking cherries, other fruits, and vegetables. Feel free to go cherry picking hopping at different farms.

Call the farms to confirm the hours, availability, and cherry variety, and ask if pets are allowed.

The varieties include Sweetheart, Rainers, Champagne, Bing, and more.

With the limited season, most people visit the cherry picking farms on the weekends. 

It’s recommended to avoid the holiday weekends such as Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.

The roads are congested due to the 1-2 lane roads in the city, and you will be stuck in traffic for a while.

Visit the farms on the weekdays. 

If you have the opportunity to take a day off work or work a half-day, then it’s recommended to go cherry-picking on the weekdays. The cherry picking is more enjoyable and less stressful with fewer visitors on the farm.

Go early in the morning to beat the traffic, get a nice parking spot, and avoid the heat. 

Most of the farms open around 9am and close in the mid-afternoon (3pm – 4pm), or when cherries are sold out for the day. We’ve seen cars parked along the side of the roads which may be tight for cars passing by. We recommend arriving at the farms before 10am. 

Brentwood also gets hot (over 80°F) as the day progresses so it’s in your best interest to start early in the morning.

Consider bringing a car that you don’t mind getting dirty. 

Many of the farms have only dirt parking lots, so it gets very dusty in the area. You’ll need to wash your car after your day trip here. 

Wear comfy clothes, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. 

You want to be comfortable during your cherry picking time. Since you’re surrounded by orchards and farmland, the farm is dusty. 

Things to Bring

Recommended U-Pick Farm: Nunn Better Farms

How To Pick Your Own Cherries in Brentwood

1. Identify your perfect cherry and flavor and taste cherry samples.

Once you visit a farm, it’s easy to start your U-pick cherries! 

How do you pick cherries? Grab a bucket at the entrance of the farm, choose a tree, and start sampling. 

What is your perfect cherry? What is the texture, color, or firmness that you’re looking for?

Tasting/sampling the cherries to ensure that they meet your criteria. Plus, there will be less waste if they are picked randomly. Sampling cherries is filling so spread out your sampling accordingly!

When we first went cherry picking in 2007 (not at Nunn Better Farms), we ate them straight off the tree. However, they were dusty and our throats were scratchy and irritated. That is what we get for getting overly excited about trying cherries.

Afterward, we learned to bring a water bottle to wash them off before tasting.

2. Start picking cherries.

Use your hands to pick the large and ripe cherries off the tree. If you go earlier in the season, the cherries on the lower branches are easier to reach.

Otherwise, bringing a step ladder is helpful as the darker, sweeter cherries are higher up on the tree. 

The farms may have ladders scattered throughout their orchard. However, you’ll need to wait for the ladders as they are used often. 

3. Pick the ripe cherries that you’ll buy and eat. 

This is important!! Do not waste them. 

We saw a lot of discarded cherries on the ground. The farmers spent a lot of time taking care of the trees and it’s such a shame that people would leave buckets of picked cherries around.

4. Stay at the farms for as long as you’d like.

Feel free to pick cherries as long as you want. 

It’s a fun bonding experience with family and friends. We usually spend about 2 hours picking over 10 pounds during each trip. It is worth the trip as all of the cherries are devoured in one week.

As mentioned earlier, some farms have benches for picnics. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you consider visiting Brentwood, California for the cherry picking season. It’s a fun activity that is easy to do and is perfect for all ages. Go cherry picking now!

If you’re looking for other adventures to do in California, check out our other posts here.

Have you picked cherries before? If so, where is your favorite farm to get cherries?

Read More: Picking Strawberries in Miaoli, Taiwan

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Pin #1 photo credit: Valentina Tasic via Scopio Photos

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The Mount Whitney hike itself wasn’t easy in one day. In fact, it was purely miserable for us. Although the weather was absolutely beautiful with clear blue skies, the altitude, long distance, and fatigue took a toll on us. Our feet also hurt. We originally estimated 12-15 hours to complete, however, it took us almost 21 hours (a very long day hike)! Yes, it was snail-paced slow and a really long day. We didn’t train enough at altitude to prepare for Mount Whitney. In the end, it was well worth the experience as the hike tested our mental and physical strengths. We’re glad that the hike is over!

We’ll share more of our experiences below.

*Disclosure: Links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Mount Whitney Lottery and Permits

All hikers must participate in a lottery in order to get a permit for Mount Whitney. More information about the lottery process is here. We chose dates in the Fall season as there would be fewer people on the trail and cooler weather. For some hikers, this time may be too cold.

Permits must be picked up at the Visitor Center in Lone Pine (off of US-395 and CA-136) 1-2 days prior to the hiking date. If the group size is confirmed prior to arrival, you can pick up the permit the day of the scheduled hike until the Visitor Center closes at 5pm. Since our hiking day was on Sunday, we spent 6.5 hours to drive up from San Jose Bay Area to the Visitor Center in Lone Pine on Saturday.

At the Visitor Center, hikers receive a tag for their daypacks which has the hiking date and must be visible along the trail. In addition, the leader of the group holds onto the official permit (paper copy). No one checked the permit during our time on Whitney, but you’ll need to have it just in case.

We had a yellow tag for our daypacks

Mount Whitney is one of the cleanest and most respected areas. Since Mount Whitney is “pack in and pack out / leave no trace behind” where you carry all garbage with you in and out of the park, the park rangers give everyone a WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag at the Visitor Center to hold poop and other waste. These can be disposed at Whitney Portal once the hike is done. We saw no more than 5 pieces of trash on the trail which was amazing! As with doing your business, there aren’t a lot of hidden places except in the campground area where you can go behind a tree. If you need to urinate, you can go anywhere off the trail and just need to be 100 feet away from a water source and campground. 

Mount Whitney Accommodations

Motels

We stayed in Lone Pine for two nights – the day before and the day of the hike. Lone Pine is a very small city as it is only five blocks or so. It has the cutest Western theme facade on the buildings and restaurants. There are plenty of motels to stay at and are close to the Whitney Portal Road. There are no motels or hotels on Mount Whitney. Book your accommodations early.

We stayed at Trails Motel which was basic but was fine for the stay. We didn’t have a lot of options as we booked three weeks prior to the trip. Reserve your motels in Lone Pine here. There weren’t any Airbnbs available during our dates.

Camping at Mount Whitney

If you have a two-day permit for the hike, there are camping accommodations on Mount Whitney. You can either reserve at the official campsite at the Whitney Portal Campground, or hike up Mount Whitney and stay at the non-reservable campsites either at mile 4 (Outpost Camp) or mile 6 (Trail Camp). The Outpost Camp at mile 4 is less windy compared to the Trail Camp. Plus, you can leave your stuff at the campsite while you summit Mount Whitney.

Mount Whitney One Day Hiking Experience

It was an early start for us as we left our motel at 12:30am, and arrived at Whitney Portal just before 1am. The drive from the main Lone Pine area to Whitney Portal Road was steep and curvy and had amazing views of the stars. At Whitney Portal, there were plenty of free parking spots available next to the start of the trailhead.

We started the hike at 1:10am thinking that we would reach the summit at sunrise and to beat the crowds. In the beginning of the trailhead, there is a scale so you can weigh your daypack. Our backpacks weighed 18.5 pounds and filled with 3.5 liters of water, 2 water bottles, jackets, and lots of snacks.

Ladies, if you need a new backpack, consider one of these travel backpacks to bring with you on your hike.

The best snack that we had were a DIY trail mix of Jelly Belly jelly beans and king cashews, a special gift from Vietnam.  

The first four miles were awesome. We had our headlamps on, felt good and upbeat, passed by multiple waterfalls and streams, and encountered some switchbacks in the forest area. The route itself was not even marked, so we relied on well-traveled sections to get to the next spot. It was a quiet early morning and our minds started to change after seeing two groups trudging down the hill past 3am. One of the groups started at 8am the previous day and then planned to end their hike at the Outpost Camp at mile 4. Yikes, what a long day for them.

The wind and cold weather kicked as we approached the Trail Camp at mile 6. At that time, the sun rose, so we definitely missed the opportunity to see it at the summit. Our heads started to hurt with the altitude, and our walking pace slowed down. We both ate a Diamox pill to help with altitude sickness, however, we realized that we were supposed to consume it 24 hours prior to the hike. All this did was made us the bathroom a lot as a side effect. 

Once we passed the campsite, we reached the “99 switchbacks of hell.” The switchbacks tested our patience as the route was less steep but so long. There were lots of resting times here since I especially was mentally drained already.  

We finally reached the top of the mountain which ended the switchback. Excitement rushed in as we saw the “Entering Sequoia National Park – Trail Crest and John Muir Trail.” However, it was another 1.9 miles to the trailhead which seemed like 20 miles. The walking pace was slow and steady. The tiny granite rocks didn’t help as our hiking poles got stuck a lot. We had to rest a lot due to altitude sickness, but we were determined to reach the summit. Many people who passed us on the way up were already on their way down.

Yes! Finally at the Trail Crest sign

Beautiful lake

Yay! After 11 hours hiking up, we reached the summit at 14,505 feet. The summit was super windy so we didn’t stay that long. We took several photos with the Mount Whitney sign in the rock and also explored the overlook.

We made it to the top of Mount Whitney in one day!

The way down was the exact path as coming up. It was painful as our bodies hurt a lot, especially our feet. We were impressed at the many hikers who wore Vibrams and Nike Free shoes while we wore heavy duty hiking boots.

It was a slow pace going back down with the small rocks everywhere. At this point, I pretty much hated every single rock on the ground and didn’t want to talk to anyone due to the fatigue. The 1.9 miles between the Trail Crest sign and the summit was the most difficult part. We took many breaks throughout the way down and luckily the altitude sickness got better. It eventually became dark and we brought out our headlamps once again.

Beautiful view of the lake yet rocks everywhere!

The last stretch to the car was so close. We saw the moon and stars again, just like how it was when we started earlier in the morning. Somehow, my pace picked up faster even though my feet throbbed. Justin sped down the mountain as he had extra motivation from the sunset, though he did wait for me at an unmarked location where he took the wrong fork and got lost. He came back to make sure I didn’t have to repeat his same mistake. Three hikers hiked up along the trail as we were going down.

Our hiking time ended when we reached the car past 9pm. Yes – 21 hours of completion! We instantly collapsed in the car for 10 minutes and took off our boots and socks. Our feet finally breathed! No loss of toenails or bloody feet this time. Although we were one of the last groups to arrive at the Whitney Portal trailhead this evening, we felt victorious with our accomplishments! We’re finally done and ready for the well-deserved sleep.

What We Would Do Differently with Hiking Mount Whitney

If we are to do the hike again, we would have done it in two days. The hike from Whitney Portal to Outpost Camp at mile 4 and Trail Camp at mile 6 is doable for the first day to acclimate, and then spend the next day finishing the rest of the 11 miles hike to the summit. We would need to bring food with us and leave them in a bear canister. We saw lots of people reach the summit full of energy as they had the two-day permit.

It is highly important to train at elevation and also the distance. We hiked Mission Peak in Fremont, California which is known to be a steep route, 2 times on the same day for training prior to Mount Whitney. The training was 12.6 miles and at 4146 feet elevation gain. However, we should have done 3 or 4 times a day to practice the elevation gain. We would also take a weekend trip to Tahoe to prepare for the altitude.  

If you want a longer trip in Southern California, consider stopping by Joshua Tree National Park for more hiking opportunities. Or, consider heading to Oregon to check out the hiking opportunities at Newberry Caldera and seeing the nearby beautiful Paulina Lake and East Lake. We love seeing blue waters anywhere!

Let’s hike another mountain again!

Have you hiked Mount Whitney before? How was your experience?

The post We Hiked Mount Whitney in One Day and Survived appeared first on Life Of Doing.

The drive to Mendocino County wasn’t too long. It was a 4 hours drive north from San Jose / 3 hours from San Francisco. We encountered rolling hills and even drove through the densely packed trees of the Jackson State Forest on our way up.

We stayed in Fort Bragg as there were more hotel options compared to Mendocino. Since we went over the President’s Day holiday, the bed and breakfasts guesthouses in Mendocino were booked in advance and cost more than what we wanted to spend. Regardless, Fort Bragg and Mendocino had plenty of things to do and see and was great for our weekend.  

Here are some recommendations of things to do for your weekend trip to Mendocino Coast.

Fort Bragg

Glass Beach

This is one of the popular tourist things to do when you’re in Fort Bragg. There are three glass beaches, but you can walk to two from the parking lot. The glass is due to the site being a former dumpsite. One beach is completely bare and doesn’t have any glass, while the second beach is full of beautiful and colorful glass. The city prefers visitors to take photos but not take any glass so future generations can enjoy the beauty.

Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge

From the Glass Beach, we took a paved walking trail and walked north. We eventually walked over the Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge. It’s a sturdy bridge, and you can walk down to the beach or go underneath the bridge for more photos.

Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park

If you want to escape the tourists and embrace redwood trees, then Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park is the place. Nestled in a residential area and nearby a school, the quiet park has a few hiking trails to get your nature fix. You can easily have a picnic as benches are scattered throughout the area. More information about the park is here.

Point Cabrillo Light Station and Nature Preserve

Lighthouses are fun to visit, and Point Cabrillo Light Station is definitely one to stop by on your drive along Highway 1. From the parking lot, take a short half mile walk directly to the lighthouse or stop by the lightkeeper’s cottage where you can see how the past lightkeepers lived. There are a few cottages and residences available to stay for a unique experience. The lighthouse itself is converted into a mini museum for visitors to learn about the history and purchase gifts. Admission is free, and feel free to leave a few dollars in the donation box for maintenance of the lighthouse. Tours are also available, so check out the website for more information.

Mendocino

Explore Mendocino Downtown

Mendocino is a quaint city that has amazing views of the ocean. The downtown area is a few blocks, and has really neat houses and architecture. If you head towards the ocean, there is an easy walking trail. You can also walk down a slightly steep side trail to walk along a beach, stand closer to the ocean, and see mini waterfalls cascading from the rocks.

Stop by Mendocino Market, a deli that has a variety of meats and cheeses for your delicious sandwiches. Feel free to bring your sandwich for a picnic along the coast or enjoy in their garden area in the back.

Bowling Ball Beach

We were on the quest to see the mysterious rocks that look like bowling balls. The beach is part of Schooner Gulch State Park. We parked along Schooner Gulch and Highway 1 and took the trail down to the beach. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the bowling balls as the ocean needs to be really low tide. The beach itself is lovely with plenty of large rocks to take photos, and has lots of abalone shells if you’re a collector.

Little River Blowhole Trail (also known as “Punch Bowl”)

Enter at your own risk! If you’re looking for an adventure and enjoy scrambling, visit the Blowhole Trail. It was one of the highlights of the trip. This place is located at Little River Cemetery (which you can easily miss), off of Highway 1. Park along the side of the road, cross the cemetery to visit the Blowhole Trail, and see the giant sinkhole.

You can also go down the sinkhole. There is a fenced section where you go through the cut gates to climb/rappel down the cliff. The ropes look sketchy, but are sturdy and tied together. We recommend that you wear hiking shoes or closed toed shoes to grip the rocks and also gloves for rope burn. The climb down requires some good arm strength and leg stability. Be prepared to get some dirt on your clothes.

Once you’re at the bottom of the sinkhole, you see the ocean waves flow towards the small beach. Visit the sinkhole during low tide, otherwise, water will fill-up and you won’t be able to rappel down.

Have you been to Mendocino Coast? What places did we miss?

The post Things To Do For A Weekend Along The Mendocino Coast appeared first on Life Of Doing.

“If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.”

“We must not only protect the countryside and save it from destruction, we must restore what has been destroyed and salvage the beauty and charm of our cities … Once our natural splendor is destroyed, it can never be recaptured. And once man can no longer walk with beauty or wonder at nature, his spirit will wither and his sustenance be wasted.”

– Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States

We are so lucky to access the wilderness and experience the natural beauties of the U.S. National Parks. From popular to overlooked National Parks, President Johnson had the right mindset to embrace nature and preserving it for future generations. The National Park had its 100th birthday on August 25, 2016, and we wanted to join in on the celebration. We drove over 400+ miles from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree National Park after the Thanksgiving holiday and spent three days exploring the park.

Joshua Tree National Park is beautiful! From the numerous hikes, camping, rock climbing, and seeing unique plants and animals, there are plenty of fun activities for everyone to enjoy the desert. We had our fun seeing the famous Joshua trees and Mojave yucca (and always mixing up the two plants since they look similar) everywhere in the park and scattered across the Mojave Desert. If you’re into landscapes, the park is unique with having two landscape ecosystems of the Mojave (western side of the park) and Colorado Desert (eastern side of the park). The evenings are quiet and a great opportunity to stargaze. No light pollution here!

One of the best parts about visiting at the end of November was the fewer crowds and easier access to parking at the trails. Some of the trailhead parking lots were full. The weather varied greatly due to being in the desert environment. We experienced sunny, crisp and cool air, and even high gusty winds and rain in the evenings.

Below is our suggestion on how to spend 3 days at Joshua Tree National Park, especially if you want to maximize the time hiking. Plan accordingly due to weather, the time of year visiting, breaks, etc. If you have a shorter amount of time at the park, consider this day trip or 2 days in Joshua Tree itinerary.

(*Disclosure: We have affiliate links in this post. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support.)

Joshua Tree National Park in 3 Days

Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary: Day 1

Start the day at the Visitor Center and talk to a park ranger to get your questions answered, hear about upcoming ranger events at the park, or get hiking recommendations. The four visitor centers are: Joshua Tree Visitor Center, Oasis Visitor Center, Cottonwood Visitor Center, or Black Rock Nature Center. More info on the visitor Center’s locations and hours here.

Starting at the northern entrance station, our strategy was to drive to the farthest hiking trails in the southern part of the park and work our way back to the northern entrance stations. Here are the hikes that we took for the day:

Keys View (.25 miles round trip)

Take an easy stroll on the paved trail which overlooks the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea. It’s a beautiful overlook of the valley and you’re at an elevation of 5,185 feet!

Lost Horse Mine (4 miles)

Start this trail early as there is very limited parking for 10-20 cars. Otherwise, park on the main road and walk to the trail. The trail has rolling hills which connect with the Lost Horse Loop (6.5 miles) if you want a longer hike. At the summit, you see a former mill and gold mine that is fenced off.

Cap Rock (.4 miles)

Huge boulders are everywhere in the park. Follow the flat path and climb on as many boulders as possible.

Can you see us?

Hidden Valley (1 mile)

This is a popular trail where you’ll see lots of rock climbers on the boulders. It was recommended to see the sunset from Hidden Valley trail.

Barker Dam (1.1 miles)

We were excited to see the water as the park pamphlet had a photo of the dam. However, it was underwhelming as the dam was dried up. This wasn’t one of our favorite trails.

Ryan Mountain (3 miles)

This trail is awesome to photograph the sunrise and sunset. It’s one of the challenging trails as you have inclines with 1000 feet in elevation gains. The summit is at 5,458 feet of elevation and is super windy at the top.

Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary: Day 2

The second day was to visit the East and South parts of the park. The schedule included more driving on this day. We hiked the following routes:

Skull Rock (1.7 miles)

It’s the famous rock that looks like a skull. Visit this rock early in the morning or evening when there are fewer people, or stay patient to get your group photo. Most people visit the rock and leave, however, there is a nice flat trail around the boulders.

Split Rock Loop (2.5 miles)

It’s one of the least visited trails. You drive on a gravel road for 5 minutes before reaching the parking area. We loved the trail as it had various inclines and you walk over boulders. Follow the signs and you won’t get lost. Plus, you can see “Face Rock,” the side profile of a rock that has facial features.

There are fun rocks along Split Rock Loop

Arch Rock (.3 miles)

Somehow we got lost and off of the path for Arch Rock and ended up doing longer than .3 miles. This is a cool spot to see a natural arch. Some scrambling required to get up to the arch spot.

Cholla Cactus Garden (.25 mi) & Ocotillo Patch

Prepare yourself for the long drive down from the center of Joshua Tree to Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch. The Cholla Cactus Patch is a great place to see lots of cholla cacti (aka a jumping cholla) and is fun to photograph. They are adorable and look fluffy and fuzzy like a teddy bear. Watch your shoes and clothes as the cute cholla cacti may stick, thus the “jumping” action. I had one stuck on my shoe and the needle didn’t come out unless we used tweezers.

Not too far from the garden is the Ocotillo Patch. The tall plants are spiny and have green and red leaves, and located in the Colorado Desert. Some of the plants had red flowers which come out after the rain.  

The jumping cholla is on my hiking boots!

Up close shot of the ocotillo leaves

Lost Palms Oasis (7.2 miles)

We finally made it to the Cottonwood area to take the trek. You see palm trees on the start of the trail. It’s a moderately difficult trail with several inclines and some scrambling. In the middle of the trail, you walk through a slot canyon and eventually get the summit to see the palm trees. There is a scrambling trail to get closer to the palm trees. Since we started the trail in the late afternoon and the sun was setting, we observed the trees from afar then hiked back to the car.

Lost Palms Oasis Entrance

Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary: Day 3

On our travel day back to the Bay Area, we stopped by one hiking trail and also did a side trip to the Noah Purifoy Foundation Outdoor Museum in Joshua Tree.

49 Palms Oasis (3 miles)

If you don’t have the time to do the long Lost Palms Oasis trail, the 49 Palms Oasis is the best alternative. The trail is off Highway 62 and Canyon Road. No need to show your entrance ticket to a ranger. The incline is steep at the beginning of the trail, however, you reach the palm trees quicker.

Noah Puroy Foundation Outdoor Desert Art Museum

Are you an art lover? We recommend making a side trip in Joshua Tree to visit the Noah Puroy Foundation Outdoor Desert Art Museum. Admission is free and feel free to make a donation in the collection box. The entrance has a map of the artwork for a self-guided tour, or just explore on your own. The museum has artwork everywhere and made out of random stuff, such as toilets, bicycles, and pipes. They are interesting and open to interpretation.

To get to the museum, you’ll drive through dirt roads and residential area. It is at least 15 to 20 minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park. There are signs pointing to the direction of the museum as you’re closer. The museum is next to someone’s house, so please be respectful when parking.

We came across this spray-painted Joshua tree during our exploration. We found out through social media that a singer spray painted the tree for a music video and didn’t receive permission. Vandalism is not cool. Please respect nature, wildlife, and plants for future generations. Harming the living things causes stress and as travelers, we must be sensitive to our surroundings and environments. We all make an impact no matter how large or small.

Helpful Hints

• There is no cell phone service at Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll be truly unplugged.
• The weather changes at any time. It is recommended to dress in layers. If you visit during the fall or winter, there are random rainstorms.
• Bring enough food and water as there isn’t any restaurants or convenience stores in the park.
• Visit the park during the non-peak seasons for fewer crowds.

Logistics

• The park entrance fee is $20 which is good for 1 week. Credit cards are accepted.
• We stayed in Twentynine Palms which is 10 minutes away from the North Entrance Station. Otherwise, you’ll drive 20 minutes to the West Entrance Station. There are plenty of hotels available. Our budget hotel, America’s Best Value Inn, was $50 per night. Find hotels in Twentynine Palms here.
• A car is needed in the park as everything is spread out.

Have you been to Joshua Tree National Park before? What are your favorite hiking trails?

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