4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay In Pigeon Forge

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2022

Alta, Utah, does not disappoint when it comes to offering the best and most memorable vacations. Whether you are into skiing, hiking, biking, walking, or relaxing and rejuvenating, you will find all the right spots to enjoy. This destination has something for every kind of traveler; with the right travel timing and properly planned trip, you will get the best it has it has to offer. Below is a highlight of some of the most scenic places you must visit. And near them, you will also find impressive Alta vacation rentals to suit your accommodation preferences.  Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah | Into The Land Skiing Hard And Eating Well Alta has played a crucial role in the development of skiing in Utah. At the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Alta Ski Area has the best snow in the state.  It awakens an adventurous spirit among the tourists. However, along with the ski area, there are many other scenic places in Alta, Utah. 1. Devil's Castle This rugged, dark peak rises above Cecret Lake in Albion Basin. It is a beautiful place, with the castle offering a priceless backdrop with its high-quality rock. Unfortunately, the road leading here experiences substantial snowfall during fall, and the number of vehicles allowed is limited. However, you can enjoy some camping at Albion Basin grounds at an affordable fee. The Devil's Castle can be accessed using the Snowbird Ski Resort tram, so no worries if you find you cannot access it with your vehicle. It is a peaceful, exciting place that will easily relax your mind. 2. Cecret Lake Trail It is located at Albion Basin and features a small alpine lake. The Cecret Lake is a protected watershed supplying water to Salt Lake City. Additionally, it is part of Wasatch National Forest. The dirt trail hike from Little Cottonwood Canyon is most fulfilling, especially when it opens up to the quartz monzonite surroundings. The Snowbird and Alta ski resorts surround the lake. The scenic area will leave you feeling one with nature; it is one of the best places you can choose if you want to de-clutter your inner self. Nothing beats clean, fresh air in beautiful natural surroundings; this is exactly what you will get from the Cecret Lake trail.  3. Alta-Brighton Trailhead This loop trail will take you through scenic surroundings near Sandy, Utah. The 6.9KM trail is challenging and will take more than three hours to complete. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. If you wish for some solitude, you can hike it during low-traffic times of the day. You will particularly find the trailhead breathtaking when the wildflowers are fully bloomed. Alta-Brighton Trailhead is open throughout the year; enjoy its beauty anytime you visit Alta. For the ultimate experience, remember to carry your bug spray, water bottle, hiking boots, and sweatshirt.  4. Big Cottonwood Canyon The Big Cottonwood Canyon is within the Wasatch Range, a few miles Southeast of Salt Lake City. It covers 15 miles offering amazing areas for picnicking, camping, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The canyon has popular ski resorts where you can also experience snowboarding at its best. It has lots of trails, with the most popular leading to Lake Blanche, Lilian, and Florence. Formed by the Big Cottonwood Creek, you will notice the canyon is V-shaped with rock forms that are quite impressive. It attracts botanical field trips, and wildflower walks from the local societies and institutions. This is the place to be if you love nature walks full of wildflowers.  5. Lake Blanche Trail This is the classic hiking spot in the Twin Peaks Wilderness area. It goes through aspen trees and scrubs oaks before opening up to stunning views of quartzite mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Summer afternoons can get quite hot, especially in the open areas. It is, therefore, advisable to take morning hikes and carry enough water because it is a steep trail that will drain you. Most notable on this trail are the Dromedary and Sundial Peaks, which rise above the lake, and the small lakes Lilian and Florence. You will love the dramatic views, especially near the lake and its iconic landscapes.  6. Catherine's Pass It offers easy passage to Big and Small Cottonwood Canyons. The Pass is a wildflower hike, and since it is on the Northern side, it offers beautiful views of Little Cottonwood's south ridge. Catherine's Pass offers impressive scenery, even better than Secret Lake, so you can explore while here. Additionally to the wildflowers, you will also love the grassy meadows and Big Cottonwood canyon views. It is a shorter hike thanks to the distance and elevation; however, if you love longer outings, you can consider descending to Lake Catherine or using the ridgelines East of Sunrise Peak. Whatever you choose, you will be impressed by the Pass.  7. Mount Wolverine This gem is hidden behind Mt. Millicent and is unfortunately overlooked most of the time. You get refreshing views of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons from this peak. Thanks to its rugged cirque, it also makes a great spot for hiking and snow climbing. Winter and early spring make the best times to climb Mount Wolverine as snow climbs. The chutes penetrating the cliffs make interesting steep climbs, so come ready for some adventure. If you love camping, you will find the numerous walk-in campgrounds perfect for vacation trips.  8. Snowbird Tram Snowbird's aerial tram offers ten-minute rides to Hidden Peaks' top. Going 2,900 vertical feet up along a 1.6-mile cable will have your heart racing with excitement, especially if it's your first time. This tram is designed in such a way that it is also accessible by the handicapped, and so is the Hidden Peak terminal. So you get to enjoy sightseeing and a round trip taking about 40 minutes. During summer, the tram interchanges with a Peruvian chairlift, allowing you to enjoy both on the same trip. This tram was opened in 1971 and has continued serving amid many upgrades.  9. Alta Ski Area It was the first ski area in the US, so it remains a popular spot among skiers. You will love the renowned deep, steep powder skiing, especially during winter. You will find the terrain most suitable whether you are a beginner or an intermediate skier. If you are looking for a natural mountain environment for authentic skiing experiences, the Alta Ski Area is, without a doubt, the place to be. There is everything to love about the ski mountain here, so why not take your time and indulge? Tour And Travel Update The 15 ski resorts in Utah make it a skiing hotspot in the country. Alta Ski Area is one of the most celebrated skiing spots in the state. 2022-23 was a great season for Alta and other skiing zones in Utah, with a record number of visitors  However, the year 2024 has witnessed a downfall in the number of tourist footfall. This downfall in tourist numbers has been further triggered by less snowfall this year.  Though the amount of snowfall has surpassed the seasonal snowfall amount, it is less by at least 270 inches from the last year.  10. Twin Lake Pass  Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains is a great move to visit the best scenic places in Alta, Utah. Especially the trail to Twin Lakes from Silver Lake is beautiful. Hiking to the Twin Lake Pass is ideal in autumn and winter. In autumn, the trek route and surrounding area of the Lake look beautiful with the colors of fall.  Furthermore, the Twin Lake Pass, being an off-beat place in Alta, is a great escapade if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  11. Guardsman Pass Overlook Guardsman Pass Overlook is a scenic drive in the fall and summer seasons. The drive goes up to around 7 miles to reach the summit of 2962 Meters. During the fall and summer seasons, the pass is well-maintained with decent traffic conditions. However, in winter, it becomes a place of tourist attraction for a different reason. You can access this area through snowmobiles. Further, you can explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here.  Additionals: Best Alabama Cities For Young Professionals Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations!

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 20, 2016

Traveling comes with different purposes for every enthusiast. For some, it’s the act of rejuvenation, and for others, it is an exercise to connect to the soul. However, there are some adventurous souls who always seek activities or events that give them an adrenaline rush. If you are one of them, you must be looking for places of adventure in the world.   Witness the most beautiful destinations in this guide and make your choice!  The MOST Beautiful Places of Adventure in the World  You don’t always need to climb Mount Everest or make a trip to something as special as Machu Picchu to appease your adventurous soul.   Some lesser-known places of adventure can offer you the thrill you have been looking for.   1. Stairway to Heaven, Iceland:  About 24 km (about 14.91 mi) west of Erfoud town lies a magical stairway that the locals have termed the “Stairway to Heaven.”   The stairway looks more magnificent, lying in sunbathed glory during sunrise and sunset. The way the stairway lies between the magnanimous and green mountains of Iceland sounds like a passage leading straight to heaven.   Hiking amidst waterfalls and glacier walks are some popular adventurous activities here.   2. River of Flowers, Keukenhof in Holland:  Commonly known as the Garden of Europe, it’s one of the biggest flower gardens on the globe.   The beautiful corner of paradise was named after it provided kitchen herbs to the castle of Jacqueline, a Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century. In Dutch, Keukenhof means a kitchen garden.   About 7 million flower bulbs are planted manually1, and the garden harbors an extensive river of tulips running across like a stream of water all around the area. Approximately forty minutes from Amsterdam, the Tulip Spell in Holland is the best to visit in April.   You can take a ride on the whisper boat cruises in the garden or enjoy a fun-filled picnic.   3. The Silver Forest Aspen in Colorado:  The Rocky Mountain area of Aspen draws people from around the globe to see the beguiling Silver Forest that comprises silver birch trees, termed shade-intolerant species. These trees require brim sunlight without competition for food, space, and sunlight.   The trees are the highlight of the autumn spell, with golden and silvery colors strewn around the forest. It’s just too magnanimous to miss such a place. Taking a walk through the forest itself is an adventure and an experience to remember.   4. The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand:  The Waitomo Caves attraction is best known for its massive population of glowworm species. This species of worm is found particularly in New Zealand. They’re around the size of an average mosquito and glow in the dark. Their Larvae glow to lure prey into their threads, possibly luring them to believe they are outdoors.   Since the roof of the cave is surrounded by larvae, does it look like a glittering sky at night? The hungry larva usually glows brighter than the ones that have just fed. Amazing as it may sound, a visit to Waitomo caves involves organized tours, including a boat ride beneath the glowworm, which is magical!  5. Rottenburg Village, Germany:  Rottenburg is a gleeful and beautiful town located in the Franconia area of Bavaria in Germany. It is a well-kept medieval old town, which is a destination for visitors from all walks of the world.   The city is a common representation of German enchantment. How can you miss seeing this romantic place?   In addition, artists have taken inspiration from this village's exclusive location, whose towers and 42 skyline gates are unmistakable.   Lying amidst magnificent, unspoiled countryside with a walkable town wall with medieval fortifications enclosing the historic center, the village, with its artistic treasures and winding alleyways, is the perfect place to relax. However, if you are willing to spend a significant time in this place, you need to go for immigration assistance. 6. Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan:  A scenic waterfall situated in Pingxi District, Taipei City in Taiwan, is the most majestic waterfall in Taiwan. The waterfall’s height of 20 meters by 40 meters in breadth makes it the widest waterfall in Taiwan.  It’s a cascade-style fall in the same direction and rock tilted in the opposite. A famous tourist destination, Shifen Falls is unique since it comprises other waterfalls coming together to form a fantastic view.  7. Athabasca Falls, Canada:  Athabasca Waterfall is in Jasper Park on the upper Athabasca River, about 35 kilometers (about 21.75 mi) south of Jasper, in Canada. It’s one of the most powerful falls in Canada and the most beautiful places of adventure in the world.   Moreover, it is a major tourist stopover along the Icefields Parkway. It’s always a busy place on mid-summer days. The appropriate time for its full beauty is at dusk, during which the fall looks like a beautiful blue orb dancing alongside the nearby golden cliffs.  8. Red Beach, China:  Sand is the first thing that rings into your mind when you start thinking of beaches. However, this isn’t the case with Panjin Red Beach. The beach is red with no sand covering at all. This phenomenon emanates from Sueda – seaweed.   The beach is in the reed marsh and is the biggest wetland in the world, hosting the complete ecosystem ever found. The beach has become a habitat for over 250 species of birds and 399 species of wild animals.   The area is also known as the home of cranes since you can find Black Beaked Gulls and the Endangered Cranes”. Panjin Red Beach is one of those destinations that are hard to believe exist!  9. Kauai, Hawaii:  Kauai Island is in the mid-Pacific region of the Hawaiian archipelago. It has the nickname of “Garden Isle” due to the tropical rainforest surrounding much of its area.   The dramatic pinnacles, together with the cliffs of its Na Pali, have served as a backdrop for Hollywood films, while the 10-mile Waimea Canyon, together with the Nounou Trails cutting across the Giant Ridge, are wandering destinations. However, the most attractive destination is Kauai Falls, which resembles a silky stream of water gliding down to a fascinating array!  10. The Rolling Hills, Czech Republic:  The Rolling Hills in the Czech Republic are a spectacle to look at. A scenic view of what looks like a carpeted hill is a mesmerizing view you can experience once in a lifetime.  From here, you can visit the St. Barbara's chapel. Start your day early if you want to visit the Rolling Hills, as the area looks the best in Sunlight.   11. National Park, Utah:  You can forge new memories at the fiery red rock while embracing your most adventurous part of Utah’s national park, depending on whether such side likes exploring new terrain on short nature hikes, pedaling canyon rims, or navigating slot canyons.   Utah’s national park features the most amazing landscapes in the globe. Golden arches cover the region with a spectacular view you cannot afford to miss.  Bon Voyage!  While visiting the places of adventure in the world, you must be particular about your travel essentials. Your travel itinerary will include a lot of outdoor activities. So, you must choose your travel gear, boots, and outfits correctly. In addition, you have to carry essential medicines and protein bars.  However, the trick here is to only carry the things you need and keep your bag light. You even need to choose your backpack or duffle bag that can fulfill your traveling needs.  Read Also: Top 5 Reasons To Visit Malaysia 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim 10 Best Places To Visit In Argentina 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2021

A trip to an Idaho Ski Resort is always a fun, luxurious, and unforgettable experience. Some people like camping, some people enjoy relaxing on the beach, but there are others that just can’t get enough of the frigid winter chill and love hitting the slopes. When people think of Ski Resorts, their minds typically wander to states such as Colorado, California, or Utah, but there is another state that deserves to be on that short-list: Idaho. Idaho and its ski-resorts have much more to offer than you might think. Idaho shares a border with Canada and stretches all the way south past Washington and Oregon. This leaves Idaho with a large variety of terrain, mountains, and landscapes. There are tens of thousands of acres of forest with a massive amount of national forest. Idaho is actually in the top 3 in the country for acres of national forest. If you couple these forests with the mountain ranges that span nearly the entire state, Idaho really seems like an ideal place to be. When it comes to snowfall, you won’t be disappointed there. You can expect several hundred inches of snowfall in the upper mountains. Perfect if you enjoy dropping into puffy piles or carving through the snowy powder with skis. Mountains with large drops? Done. Windy trails for skiing? Has it. What more could you ask? So, Idaho has plenty of territories fit for skiing, snowboarding, and other wintery activities, but what about the Ski Resorts? From North to South, Idaho has ski resorts in nearly every major area. There are around 16 Ski Resorts located in Idaho, 4 of which are especially notable. Tamarack: Tamarack is Idaho’s top Ski Resort and it is also the closest one to Boise. It offers affordable lift rides, a variety of dining options, and places to stay for nearly any budget. When it comes to the mountain, Tamarack doesn’t disappoint. The mountain sports a near 2800’ vertical drop, nearly 300 inches of annual snowfall, and 50 named runs with decent lift access. Silver Mountain: Located all the way up in Kellogg, Silver Mountain is a great option if you want more than the typical winter experience. While not as accessible as the others, it is still not a resort to skip out on. Silver Mountain has plenty of runs (73 to be exact), great lift access, 1600 acres of skiable land, and, surprisingly, an indoor water park. When it comes to vertical drops and snowfall, you can still be satisfied here. Silver Mountain boasts a near 2200’ drop and around 300 inches of snowfall. It’s not as high as the others, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying what it has to offer. One additional detail to keep in mind: Silver Mountain is relatively close to Spokane, Washington. This makes the Spokane International Airport an option for landing. Schweitzer: Located in Northern Idaho, even further than Kellogg, Schweitzer mountain resort offers a 2400’ vertical drop with 300 inches of snowfall. It sports a massive 92 named runs with 10 separate lifts to ensure you can get around the mountain. Prices are affordable and there are many lodging options. There are wide-open slopes and trails through the trees. Schweitzer has something for everyone. Sun Valley: Sun Valley is the largest and most popular Ski Resort Idaho has to offer. Its location is more centralized in the state and it has a variety of activities available. Its location is close enough to the Friedman Memorial Airport to make the drive to the actual resort less than 30 minutes. This makes it one of the easiest resorts to access. In addition to that, it also has the largest variety of activities. More than skiing and snowboarding, it has shopping, dining, and even golfing to offer. The mountain is also very impressive. It has the largest vertical drop at a staggering 3400’. This is the only resort with a drop over 3000’ (Tamarack at 2800’ is the closest match) and 220 inches of average snowfall. It also has the largest number of named runs and the largest number of lifts. There are 121 runs with 18 lifts to accompany them. If you’re looking for the best all-around experience, this is absolutely one to consider. How do I choose which Ski Resort to go to? There is a large amount of information in regards to the different ski resorts. If it’s your first time, a lot of it may not make a lot of sense. To help understand, there are only a few factors that really matter. Ignoring the total cost of the trip, you should look at the vertical drop with snowfall, the number of named runs and lifts, and also its location relative to airports/major towns. Using these metrics, you can narrow down which Ski Resort would be best for you. If you look at the numbers, you can generally assume bigger is better. More named runs and lifts usually mean the resort is more developed and easier to traverse. Looking at the vertical drop can be a decent way to gauge the difficulty range. And, of course, the time it takes to travel to the resort itself is important as you’ll need to plan travel accordingly. It’s unfortunate that Idaho isn’t higher on people’s lists of Ski Resort states. From relaxed rides to big vertical drops, Idaho has everything you could want. Deep powder, amazing views, and a growing number of resorts are just a few of the many reasons Idaho is gaining popularity in the snow sports community. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How many ski resorts are there in Idaho? Idaho has 18 ski resorts with their own personality and unique ways. You will experience different things in each of them. They are very creative while having their plans made.  what is the largest ski resort in Idaho? Schweitzer Mountain resort. There are over 2,900 skiable acres. You don’t have to share your space with other skiers. Is snowboarding allowed in Sun valley? Yes, you can, with all ability levels. For beginners, it is quite a lace as it allows them to explore the mountains. Other resorts just aloes the beginners to explore the base area. How cold does Sun Valley get? In summer the Sun Valley is mostly warm, dry, and clear. In winter it gets freezing, cloudy, and snowy. The course of the year has the temperature typically varies from 10 degrees to 81 degrees.  Read Also: The Last Ski-Only Resorts In The USA: Why Do They Still Exist? Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen Trekking Kilimanjaro & Salkantay