Escape Routes

Present

Joshua Tree, CA

Muir Beach, CA

Valley of the Gods, UT

Wellfleet, MA

Mt. Philo State Park, VT

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, MN

Laguna Beach, CA

Monument Valley, AZ

Hike, bike, surf, golf—it’s up to you, but you can do it all in a weekend in Laguna Beach. With countless trails for mountain biking and hiking, there’s no shortage of choices for the outdoor enthusiast. For a great hike with a rewarding view, try the Laguna Beach Cliff Hike in South Laguna. You’ll find it’s less crowded than more popular local trails, and it has a great payoff: views from the top of the cliffs overlooking The Ranch and the Pacific Ocean. This hike can be as short or as long as you’d like—connecting trails on the ridge create a variety of options. After you finish, head over to Laguna Beach Beer Co. for a well-deserved cold beer.

Minnesota’s North Shore, located along the western reaches of Lake Superior, has lots to offer. One of my favorite destinations in the area is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which has over 12 miles of hiking trails through the area’s scenic terrain. The hikes offer cliffside views of the beautiful and historic Split Rock lighthouse, the pumphouse, and rocky beaches along the shore of Lake Superior. It’s an adventurous hot spot all year round: In the winter, these trails are open for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing, too.

The hike to Sky Pond is one of the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park (which is saying something—there are many to choose from). Don’t let the difficulty overwhelm you; you’ll be rewarded with incredible views during your 9.4-mile trip. It’s only a couple hours’ drive from Denver, and it makes a great weekend adventure.

You’ll find some great trails just outside of Burlington, VT. One is the hike to Mt. Philo, a 968-foot peak that offers breathtaking views of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. It’s not an especially challenging hike, and dogs are welcome if you want to bring your four-legged hiking pal to the summit and back. Local campsites are also available, but make sure to book one in advance. After the hike, I recommend heading back to town for a cold beer at Switchback Brewing Co.—or bring a can up to the summit to enjoy while you take in the view.

Wellfleet, MA is where you’ll find amazing oysters, lobster rolls, and Cape Cod National Seashore’s best hiking trail. The Great Island Trail clocks in at 8.8 miles round trip and rewards you with a spectacular vista at Jeremy Point Overlook. The views overlooking Cape Cod Bay are worth the trip alone, but you’ll also travel through the location of a 17th-century whaling tavern, sandy dunes, and a pitch pine forest. The ever-changing landscape keeps this hike fresh, and there are no shortage of places to stay and eat on the Cape. Check out The Beachcomber near the trailhead for live music and food overlooking the Atlantic to end your day.

The Valley of the Gods in Utah is often referred to as the “little Monument Valley,” but it has plenty of appeal for adventurers. The best way to explore it is via a self-guided driving tour through 17 miles of scenic sandstone formations. While it doesn’t offer any true hiking trails, you can explore as you please. Boondocking is permitted throughout the Valley of the Gods, which means you can explore by foot and camp onsite—an ideal way to experience this surreal landscape (and the incredible stars at night).

Muir Beach is located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area about 16.5 miles northwest of San Francisco in Marin County. The area offers hiking trails that fit all experience levels, but I like the route from Muir Beach to Rodeo Beach, one of the top trails running along the rugged California coast. You’ll be treated to 11.7 miles of Pacific views, and no trip is complete without stopping at the Pelican Inn on your way home. Grab a pint and some fish and chips at this English pub before heading back to your home base for the night. After almost 12 miles of hiking, it’s a great place to relax for the evening.

Trail of Ten Falls, OR

Oregon has no shortage of spectacular waterfall hikes, but the best might be the Trail of Ten Falls. This 6.9-mile loop through Silver Falls State Park will allow you to soak in 10 waterfalls and even walk behind some of them. Trail of Ten Falls is only 90 minutes from Portland, and it makes a great day trip for any avid hiker.

Monument Valley is one of the most picturesque places in the U.S. and has been the backdrop of many films over the years. It is located within the Navajo Tribal Park and offers scenic views of massive sandstone buttes and mesas everywhere you look. There are many guided tours available, but for an unguided hike, try the Wildcat Trail. It spans roughly four miles and is easy; for a truly unforgettable experience, head out early to watch the sunrise over the buttes.

Joshua Tree National Park has endless sites and trails worth exploring on a weekend. However, many of these locations can get crowded. The best way to beat these crowds is to choose a longer hike, or something that requires moderate effort, and hit the trail early in the morning. The Lost Palms Oasis hike offers just that: a 7.5-mile journey with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. You’ll be pleasantly rewarded with the largest concentration of California Fan Palms in the park all growing around a secluded oasis. After your morning hike I recommend heading back outside the park to Pioneertown for a good meal and maybe even some live music at the historic saloon, Pappy and Harriet's.

When packing for an escape, our suggestion is to keep it simple. Take one shirt that looks good and feels comfortable — from your front door to the summit, and back down for a post-hike beer. For that, we trust Columbia’s Silver Ridge™ Utility Collection.

To escape means to break free from confinement. For the outdoor adventurer, an escape is often a respite from the hectic schedules of the workweek and a chance to slow down and enjoy nature. These escapes can come in all shapes and sizes, from a hike through the forest to a run on a paved path. To inspire us to spend more time outdoors, we spoke to Clint Johnston, founder of Triphackr, to get his recommendations on routes that offer a worthwhile escape. Here are Clint's top places to explore.

Watch our Escapes Routes Video featuring Willie McBride and Yassine Diboun

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The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

The View

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

The View

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The View

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Courtesy: Shutterstock

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Courtesy: Shutterstock

Do's & Don'ts of Planning Your Own Escape Route

To really maximize your outdoor adventuring, here are some travel do’s and don’ts Clint from TripHackr has learned over the years—they’ll certainly come in handy for your next adventure.

Theme parks, tourist attractions, scenic turnouts—they’re all best enjoyed with no (or minimal) crowds, and the same goes for the great outdoors. You might be planning on a remote, peaceful hike, but it can quickly be ruined by overcrowded trails and noise pollution. To avoid that, hit the road as the sun rises. Not only will your photos look better during morning golden hour, but you’ll be rewarded with cooler temperatures, spectacular views, and a better chance of beating the rush. Don’t forget to pack your Utility Lite Long Sleeve for those chilly morning hikes and rides.

Start the Day With Sunrise

Pack Light, No Matter Where You're Headed

I travel frequently to many different places, but there’s one rule I always follow when prepping for a trip: pack light. Even if I have a home base and I’m not camping for the night, I still like to pack efficiently and bring clothing that will be functional for all of the weekend’s adventures—not just for one activity. By choosing versatile apparel, you’ll leave more room for other items and save weight on your back, too. Columbia’s Utility Lite Long Sleeve and Utility Pant are a boon for packing light. Their breathable, durable fabrics keep me fresh from that first sunrise hike through the Sunday evening drive home, and they’re tough enough to handle whatever activities the weekend brings.

Don't Leave Planning Until the Last Minute

Planning ahead might sound a little boring, but any good traveler knows it’s essential. Getting an early start on researching trails, finding and booking campsites, and checking the weather at your destination can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable one. Trail review sites like Alltrails are a great tool to help you know what you’re getting into, avoid overcrowded routes, learn the best time of day for specific hikes, and even avoid trail closures due to wildfires or floods. (You don’t want to get caught hiking a slot canyon when there’s a chance of rain, for example.) It’s best practice to research the trails, check the weather, and manage your expectations for any outdoor trip.

Maximize The Potential of Your Route

Even for the most spontaneous traveler, hiker, and outdoor lover, it never hurts to be prepared for what you might encounter on your trip. Research your itinerary thoroughly, leave room for unexpected opportunities, and don’t forget to reward yourself after a day of adventure. It’s your weekend—make the most of it.

Don't Forget the Non-Essentials

Sometimes a few familiar favorites feel like a luxury after a long hike. Outside of essentials like a reliable daypack, plenty of water, and snacks, bringing along a few additional items can make your next outdoor adventure even more fun. One of my favorite non-essential items for camping and hiking is a portable espresso maker. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and a shot of espresso can provide a serious boost for early morning starts. Another great addition to an easy day hike (as long as you have space for it in your pack) is an insulated growler—there’s nothing better than sipping on a cold beer at the summit or scenic overlook. After a long hike, you’ve earned it.

Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Convertible Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Convertible Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

The Endless Wall Trail, WV

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The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

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Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

Utility Pants

From deep canyons to picturesque mountains, West Virginia offers the ideal escape route into nature. The Endless Wall Trail is a 5 mile hike (out and back) with an overlook at Diamond Point. Once you arrive, you'll want to stay awhile and soak in the vista of the New River, which cuts through the canyon 1,000 feet below. For the more adventurous, the New River Gorge area is a hotspot for climbers and whitewater rafters—and perfect for a weekend escape.

Petit Jean State Park, AR

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Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

The View

The Essentials: Silver Ridge™ Utility

Utility Convertible Pants

If you like your hiking route to include a bit of folklore, head to Petit Jean State Park, located just outside of Little Rock. Named after a young French immigrant who disguised herself so she could be welcomed in the "New World," Petit Jean hosts over 20 miles of hiking trails. While exploring them, you can get scenic views of the highest mountain peaks in Arkansas as well as Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall. You'll also be able to visit Petit Jean's gravesite—providing you the opportunity to take a breath and learn exactly why she saw this beautiful region as a great escape.

Columbia's Silver Ridge™ Utility Collection

Escape Routes