If Allison Russell has anything to say about it, disco music’s triumphant comeback is far from over. The Grammy-nominated singer’s upcoming The Returner album blends a multitude of sounds, including elements from the intoxicating dance sound. Her latest single, “Stay Right Here,” is a flashy tribute to the genre’s leading ladies.
Pulling in the instrumental assistance of her Rainbow Coalition ensemble and Sista Strings, Russell incorporated nods to the late Irene Cara’s 1980 smash “Fame” and Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 breakout hit “I Will Survive.” In the official video, directed by Seck, the high-spirited nature of the record shines through as Russell fearlessly dances in nature with the same vigor she has on stage.
As Russell sings, “Maybe if it hasn’t killed me yet / It’ll make me stronger in time / All that my body can never forget / Why do good things make me cry / Ooh they make me wanna fly on back / Through that hole in the sky,” you feel her yearning for freedom.
Russell shared the inspiration behind the track in a statement, saying, “[‘Stay Right Here’] is about resisting the siren songs of self-hatred, apathy & oblivion. It’s about fighting the nihilistic forces of bigotry, fear & fascism. Right here, right now. The good fight, good trouble, it’s a Freedom Song. It’s about leaning into the fierce survivor’s joy & the power of our worldwide rainbow coalition to reduce harm for all our children, our planet, and all those yet to come.”
Watch the video above.
The Returner is out 9/8 via Fantasy Records. Find more information here.
Bob Iger made himself the main villain of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes thanks to the Disney CEO complaining that writers and actors are making demands that are “just not realistic.” Fran Drescher wasn’t having it. As president of SAG-AFTRA, Drescher took to the picket lines on Friday where she laid into Iger for his remarks and suggested that Disney put him some place where he can’t talk for a while.
“I found them terribly repugnant and out of touch. Positively tone deaf,” Drescher said about Iger’s comments. “I don’t it served him well.”
“If I were that company, I would lock him behind doors and never let him talk to anybody about this, because it’s so obvious that he has no clue as to what is really happening on the ground with hard working people that don’t make anywhere near the salary he is making. High seven figures, eight figures, this is crazy money that they make, and they don’t care if they’re land barons of a medieval time.”
Iger made the comments during a lengthy interview with CNBC where he lectured the actors and writers for not taking a deal like the Directors Guild of America did. The remarks immediately earned him backlash.
“We managed, as an industry, to negotiate a very good deal with the directors guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business,” Iger told CNBC. “We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors. There’s a level of expectation that they have, that is just not realistic. And they are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive.”
He just made The Nanny his enemy. May God have mercy on his soul.
Imagine your 12-year-old son is helping take part in his school’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser. You’d probably be proud and encouraged at the way he’s getting involved and doing something good, right?
Now imagine, as part of that effort, he decided to email the CEO of Costco, one of the most beloved big box retailers in the world. Well, that’s cute, right? But what if he told you the CEO not only wrote back but went out of his way to donate exactly what your son asked for?
It may sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what happened when Grant Cerwin sent an email to Costco CEO Craig Jelinek. The sixth grader emailed Jelinek asking if he would donate one of Costco’s famous 93-inch teddy bears to his middle school’s fundraiser in Los Angeles:
“Hi Mr. Jelinek,
My name is Grant Cerwin and I am 12 years old. I go to [removed] Middle School and am the 6th grade class rep. We want to raffle one of your giant bears as a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for our school. We are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Is there any chance Costco might donate one? My dad has a truck and we could come get it at the store. I would make sure everyone knew you gave it to us in our school newsletter, on social media and with a big sign by the bear. I know it is a long shot but I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask. We are also seeing how we might get enough money to buy one. Thanks for considering. Your friend, Grant.”
Well, it turns out the long shot was perfectly timed.
Jelinek not only saw the email but jumped into action, asking his colleague “Can we find him a teddy?” Then his lieutenant emailed their colleagues to quickly find a bear for Cerwin’s school, writing: “Do whatever it takes to find a Big Bear and set up pick up for Lesley. Keep me posted.”
Grant then received the following message from Costco:
“Good morning Grant. I am the Toy Supervisor at our Costco’s LA Regional office. I have good news, Costco will be donating a 93” Plush Bear to your school to use in your Valentine’s Day fundraiser! We could have it delivered to the school directly so your parents don’t have to worry about transporting it.”
With time to spare, the Big Bear was delivered to Grant and his school was able to include it in their fundraiser. And while moments like this don’t happen every day, they are a great reminder that even the biggest companies are run by real people and those people often have big hearts. Big, as in 93” plush bear big.
“It speaks volumes about the leadership at Costco that Grant got the response he did,” Grant’s mother Lesley Cerwin told Upworthy. “He is a boundlessly optimistic child and as a parent you worry the world will chip away at that positivity. I’m grateful that the team at Costco reaffirmed my son’s belief that the world is full of good people.”
“I couldn’t believe that they responded so fast and that so many people helped,” Grant told Upworthy. “They didn’t want anything, just to help our school.”
Something as seemingly simple as a donated teddy bear might not sound like much, but it’s examples like this that show the power of bridge-building between companies and communities.
An act of kindness in itself can go a long way. And when that is coupled with the impact it had not only on Grant and his mom, but on Grant’s classmates, you can start to see a real impact that all started with a single email.
“My teachers and friends at school are excited,” Grant said. “We all can’t believe how big it is. It takes a bunch of us to move it around. Our ASB class is working on a thank you card.”
Plus, let’s be honest, a personal touch from someone as high-profile as Craig Jelinek and his team isn’t a bad way to build customer loyalty either. As Lesley told us, “I’ve always liked Costco. Will I be even happier to shop there now? You bet. It is a great store and now I am acutely aware that it is run by amazing people.”
It’s been a few weeks since Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, and in that time, two things have become clear: Lillard wants a trade to the Miami Heat, and the Blazers aren’t going to just send Lillard to Miami. As such, there’s been a bit of a stalemate in this entire situation, with Portland general manager Joe Cronin telling the press that the team’s plan is to be patient, going as far as to say “if it takes months, it takes months.”
While we’ll see if the Blazers ultimately decide to just do a deal with Miami, but it appears that Cronin is practicing what he preached. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Portland hasn’t been acting like a team that is desperate to make a trade with the Heat happen.
As of midweek, Portland had been unmotivated to engage with Heat or try to get this done. Maybe they hope this plays out like Durant last summer & they cajole him to start season with team. If so, then it’s in Dame’s hands, whether he reports to camp,makes public comment etc https://t.co/CCZOZBYRuV
Miami’s big issue is that the Blazers aren’t really under any obligation to make a trade with them, as Lillard’s contract doesn’t possess a no-trade clause and, as Jackson noted, the All-Star guard hasn’t indicated that he’ll turn to a nuclear option, like not reporting to training camp if he’s still in Portland by the time that rolls around. That, obviously, would force Cronin’s hand a little bit, but for now, he can sit, wait, and tell the Heat (or any other team) that they need to bring their best offer to the Blazers.
Back in 2018, the Joseph James DeAngelo, a.k.a., the “Golden State Killer,” was arrested and later convicted for a string of murders that spanned decades. This had finally happened after new analysis of DNA information and largely due to the dogged determination of author Michelle McNamara, whose true crime masterpiece, I’ll Be Gone In the Dark, was completed after her 2016 death (by Billy Jensen and Paul Haynes) at the behest of her then-husband Patton Oswalt. Fast forward several years, and DNA may have sealed the deal again for another long-pursued murderer, the Gilgo Beach serial killer.
The New York Post reports that a 59-year-old NYC architect, Rex Heuermann, who was named as a person of interest in four murders about a year ago, was nabbed in an unusual way. The publication notes that he was finally “caught after DNA from a hair of victim Megan Waterman matched that of his, taken by investigators from a discarded pizza crust in January.” On Thursday, he was arrested as a suspect:
The suspected serial killer arrested over the notorious Gilgo Beach murders in Long Island had been pinned as a person of interest more than a year ago after a DNA match, sources told The Post Friday.
Rex Heuermann, 59, was taken into custody over the slayings of four women who were found wrapped in burlap and dumped within days of each other in late 2010, multiple sources said.
The married father-of-two’s arrest marks the culmination of what appears to be a slow and methodical probe by investigators, which saw them eventually arrest him at his office in New York City on Thursday evening, the police said.
Heuermann had a home on Long Island in the hamlet of Massapequa. Actor Billy Baldwin was shocked to hear the news, given that he went to his school with the suspect. Baldwin took to Twitter:
Woke up this morning to learn that the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect was my high school classmate Rex Heuermann.
Berner High School
Massapequa, New York
Class of 1981
Married, two kids, architect.
“Average guy… quiet, family man.”
Mind-boggling… Massapequa is in shock.
23andMe strikes again???
Heuermann was arrested in conjunction with the 2010 murders of four women (Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes), who were aged 22-27 at their time of death. He is expected back in court sometime on Friday.
It’s every father’s dream: to blow up their child in a movie that comes out the same day as Barbie.
While she had time off from college, director Christopher Nolan‘s eldest daughter, Flora, joined him on the set of Oppenheimer. The highlight of the visit wasn’t meeting Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, or Albert Einstein, it was being cast in the movie as “a nameless young woman who appears to the title character in a hellish, conscience-pricking vision, in which the flesh is flayed from her face by a piercing white light,” according to the Telegraph.
Nolan explained that “we needed someone to do that small part of a somewhat experimental and spontaneous sequence, so it was wonderful to just have her sort of roll with it.” The director recognizes how detonating his daughter’s face sounds, but “I try not to analyze my own intentions,” he continued. “The point is that if you create the ultimate destructive power it will also destroy those who are near and dear to you. So I suppose this was my way of expressing that in what, to me, were the strongest possible terms.”
Men will literally explode their child instead of going to therapy.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles,” Mary Davis once said. And we couldn’t agree more. It’s no secret we are huge proponents of travel here at Uproxx and take every chance we can to get into nature and onto a dirt trail on our treks. There’s just nothing more grounding, rejuvenating, and life-giving than walking in the wilderness.
And we aren’t the only ones, of course.
Whether inspired by social media, awareness of health benefits, more flexible schedules of the last few years, or just a desire to take a technology break, there’s no denying that hiking is booming across the United States. From 2019 to 2020 alone, the percentage of logged hikes on AllTrails was up over 170%. National Parks have seen increased visitation leading to timed entry systems and vehicle reservations, while outdoor gear sales have steadily increased.
According to Statista, hiking participation in the United States has grown by over 80% since 2010, with over 59 million people in the US participating in hiking at least once in 2021. But with so many options, it can be hard to decide which hike to choose. Where, exactly, should you use your cherished free time for a walk in the wild?
Emily Hart
That’s where I come in. I’ve traveled to 59 of the 63 US major National Parks and over 100 NPS sites over the last few years. I have hiked in every US state and on some of the country’s most legendary and bucket-list trails. So I picked my top 15 to rank.
PART I — METHODOLOGY
Obviously, every hiker values different things, so I tried to stick to some parameters for my rankings.
Accessibility. It’s crucial that the outdoors is accessible for all, and hiking is no different. While many of these trails are still inaccessible to some, I tried to pick several rated “easy,” which had fewer elevation gains, fewer miles, or were near major cities and public transportation.
Uniqueness. I could rattle off hundreds of incredible trails in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington – but unless you’re a seasoned hiker, much of the landscapes are similar. Gorgeous alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains are great, but I was looking for trails with a little more to offer. Unique features that you may not quickly get somewhere else.
Popularity. While there is a time for “lesser known” or “hidden gems,” I didn’t take that route on these rankings. These hikes are popular because they’re incredible and worth braving some crowds for. I utilized AllTrails ratings and reviews to be sure I was rating some seriously “bucket-list-worthy” hikes.
PART II — The Rankings
15 – APPALACHIAN TRAIL – SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
While not exactly a day hike – at all – hiking the Appalachian Trail should be on everyone’s list. At least a portion of it, that is. While the entire trail from Georgia to Maine is nearly 2,200 miles and spans over 14 states, portions are easily accessible to the average hiker who doesn’t have five to seven months to complete it. Whether you’re in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine – look for the AT signage while hiking – I’ve hiked on portions of the trail several times without realizing until I was already there. And you never know; it might just inspire a thru-hike in the future.
TRAIL NOTES:
It would be impossible to explain a trail over 2,000 miles. Still, I can recommend a great way to experience the trail as a beginner – through portions in and near Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. There are 104 miles of the trail in Shenandoah National Park, with elevation gains that generally stay below 1,000 ft. The trail is well maintained, and portions are a great option for a day hike.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 2,190 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 453,750 ft
DIFFICULTY: Hard.
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Weather is, of course, going to fluctuate depending on where you’re hiking, so be prepared to do your research and bring anything you’ll need. Late spring and early fall are generally your best bet for a day hike. Thru-hikers generally start in March or April in Georgia and end around September in Maine.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Hit up a bar or restaurant in one of the over 40 trail communities – towns near the trail that have qualified under the Appalachian Trail Conservatory’s A.T. community program.
14 – BEEHIVE LOOP – ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – MAINE
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Acadia is a crown jewel of the National Park system. The legendary park in coastal Maine is consistently in the top 10 most visited major National Parks, with over 4 million visitors in 2021. Acadia is also one of the smallest significant parks by land area, encompassing just over 49,000 acres over the most visited Mount Desert Island, part of the less visited Schoodic Peninsula, part of the Isle au Haut, and 16 other outlying islands. So while this may not be the first park you’d think of for challenging hiking trails – it has its share. Clocking in at just 1.5 miles – The Beehive Loop is one of them. It’s the shortest trail on this list but is also rated as difficult. While not as deadly (really) as the Precipice Trail in the park, The Beehive is a short but challenging hike with a big payoff.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail begins across the street from the Sand Beach Parking Lot. The trail starts on the Bowl Trail and then splits – you’ll go right for the loop that takes you on the Beehive Trail up to the Beehive Summit and down the Bowl Trail. There are climbing sections on the Beehive Trail where you will use iron rungs to help scramble and climb up to the top – with panoramic views of the gorgeous Maine coast.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 450 ft
DIFFICULTY: Hard – Not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Summer and fall in Acadia are bucket-list, but you’ll also be met with crowds. I wouldn’t recommend hiking this one in the winter with snow or ice on the trail or after rain. The steep drop-offs and exposure are no joke.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head back to Bar Harbor and grab a refreshing local beer at Atlantic Brewing Company.
13 – VERNAL FALLS – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – CALIFORNIA
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Any trail in Yosemite could have made this list – they’re all stunning. Heck, just sitting in the middle of Yosemite Valley and walking over to get a beer at the convenience store is probably more picturesque than almost any trail in the United States. So picking one was a challenge. But Vernal Falls is umy favorite of them all. The relatively short trial packs a lot for its short distance, with waterfalls, creek views, and maybe even a rainbow.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail is accessed from Happy Isles Trailhead, a stop 16 on the YARTS bus near Curry Village. You’ll start on the Mist Trail on a steep portion of the trail. Continue to the bridge that will lead you onto the falls. Exercise extreme caution on the steps to the falls and get ready for the view of a lifetime.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.1 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,131 ft
DIFFICULTY: Hard
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Summer is a great time to hike in Yosemite, although shoulder seasons will also lessen the crowds with generally still lovely weather. The best time to see any of Yosemite’s incredible waterfalls is in the Spring.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head to Bar 1899 in Curry Village.
12 – HORSESHOE BEND TRAIL – GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – ARIZONA
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
This choice may be slightly controversial, as the trail to Horseshoe Bend is just 0.75 miles each way – but accessibility is essential, and the payoff here is something everyone should and can see at least once in their lifetime. The social media famous spot in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is impressive. Looking at the horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River from above is as humbling as it is awe-inspiring.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail begins from a parking lot on Highway 89 just outside Page, Arizona. You’ll walk the short distance to the rim of the canyon and many others to take in the spectacular postcard-perfect views.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 137 ft
DIFFICULTY: Easy
BEST TIME TO HIKE: This area is accessible year-round, although I’d recommend spring or fall for better temperatures.
11 – MOUNT STORM KING – OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – WASHINGTON
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Olympic National Park is chock full of incredible views, so to say that a trail might have the best is saying a lot. Hike the popular Mount Storm King hike for remarkable panoramic views of the pristine Lake Cresent below.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail is just over 4 miles but rated as hard for a reason. Despite its popularity, this isn’t a trail for the faint of heart. The first 2 miles are very steep before you enter an area no longer maintained by the park service. The last ¼ of a mile, you will encounter a steep rope section on rocky terrain. The ropes are where injuries are most likely to occur and are not maintained by the park service, so use caution.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 4.1 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,106 ft
DIFFICULTY: Hard
BEST TIME TO HIKE: The best time for this hike is April through October, when the weather is warmer. Be cautious of wet weather on this steep rocky terrain.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head to the Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room for a drink with a view.
10 – LANDS END TRAIL – GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
If you don’t have the time (or desire) to get too far out of town on a weekend getaway in the West, this is the perfect hike. Easily accessible from downtown San Francisco, this hike has it all: ocean views, history, landmarks, and incredible nature make this a must for locals and visitors to the Bay.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trailhead for Lands End is at the Lands End Lookout near the intersection of Point Lobos Avenue and El Camino del Mar in the Outer Richmond district of San Francisco – easily accessible by car or public transportation. The relatively short and flat hike has a mix of boardwalks, dirt trails, and paved areas. You’ll pass the historic Sutro Baths and the USS San Francisco Memorial while enjoying the incredible views of rugged cliffs over the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.4 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 538 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
BEST TIME TO HIKE: This is an excellent option for nature lovers visiting the city year-round.
9 – HIGHLINE TRAIL – GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – MONTANA
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Glacier National Park is a central bucket list park for outdoor enthusiasts – particularly hikers. With over 700 miles of hiking trails over a remarkable 1 million acres of land – the options are endless. With so much ground to cover between the seven separate entrances of the park, it can be overwhelming to plan a hiking trip. Highline Trail offers incredible views but is right off Going-To-The-Sun Road – the nearly 50-mile road registered as a National Historic Landmark, Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and National Historic Place. The road is spectacular, and the trail is even better.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail begins on the Continental Divide, across from the Logan Pass Visitor Center on Going-To-The-Sun Road. The first 3 miles are relatively level, albeit exposed and possibly terrifying once you reach an infamous ledge with hundred-foot drop-offs at around one-quarter of a mile into the hike. There is a cable to hold onto during this reasonably short portion of the hike. Then you’ll have a challenging hike through mostly the Garden Wall portion of Glacier, following the Continental Divide through meadows, with incredible views. Although the Highline Trail is nearly 24 miles round trip, many people hike the trail to Granite Park Chalet before turning back around. The chalet is only accessible by hiking or horseback and accommodates overnight guests – although all rooms are sold out for the 2023 season.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 14.9 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,578
DIFFICULTY: Hard.
BEST TIME TO HIKE: The best time to hike is between July through September. You have to drive on Going-To-The-Sun Road to reach the trailhead, which generally opens for the season due to snow in late June and closes again in October. You’ll need to secure a vehicle registration to access the road and four other areas in Glacier between May 26 and September 10 if entering on the West side and from July 1 through September 10 from St. Mary’s.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: I love to head down to Lake McDonald Lodge to grab a drink with a view at Lucke’s Lounge.
8 – DELICATE ARCH – ARCHES NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a hike in Utah, it’s likely of Delicate Arch. The iconic natural rock formation that graces the state’s license plates (and pretty much every other Utah-branded item) is legendary for a reason. With over 2,000 documented arches in Arches National Park, this is by far the most well-known and holds the title of the largest free-standing arch in the park, with an opening beneath the arch of 46 ft tall by 32 ft wide and an entire rock span reaching 60 ft.
TRAIL NOTES:
This hike, while only 3.2 miles round-trip, can be deceptively strenuous. You’ll be climbing up steep slick rock with virtually no shade on the entire trail, with the National Park Service noting that rangers often have to rescue visitors who underestimate the trail’s difficulty. But if you’re prepared, seeing up close is an incredible sight.
You’ll start by parking at the Wolfe Ranch lot, which will likely fill early most days. Another option is to begin at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot, adding 1 mile each way to the hike. The trail starts with steep climbing on slick rock until it eventually reaches a more manageable slope. The trail is marked with cairns until you reach a 200-yard rock ledge that may be difficult for someone with a fear of heights. After the ledge, the arch will come into view, where you can walk over for photos or sit and admire the view.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.2 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 629 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate.
BEST TIME TO HIKE: This trail has almost no shade, so midday hiking in summer is discouraged. Summer is also going to be extremely crowded. Spring and fall are your best bet, while winter is doable if you’re prepared with the correct equipment for possible snow and ice. Be aware you’ll need a timed entry ticket to access any part of Arches National Park from April 1 to October 31.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Moab is just outside the park and chock full of bars and restaurants. I recommend stopping by Moab Brewery or Thai Bella Moab.
7 – OLD RAG MOUNTAIN LOOP – SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK – VIRGINIA
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Old Rag is a legendary hiking trail, not just in Virginia or the East – but in the United States period. What AllTrails describes as “brutally awesome” has become a bucket-list trek for many National Park and outdoor lovers nationwide. The trail is so popular that you’ll need day-use permits to access the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails between March 1 and November 30.
TRAIL NOTES:
This is a challenging hike, and at over 9 miles, it will take even an experienced hiker several hours to complete. Your hike begins with an easy one-mile section before hitting the switchbacks and rocky section, where you’ll do some scrambling. Old Rag is famous for its false summits, so you’ll have to persevere to finally reach the summit before heading back down the Saddle Trail.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 9.3 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,595 ft
DIFFICULTY: Hard
BEST TIME TO HIKE: The best times to hike here are similar to most trails on this list, from May to October. Be sure to secure a day-use permit.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head to Apple Atcha Cider near Sperryville for a refreshing hard apple cider.
6 – TAGGART LAKE LOOP – GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK – WYOMING
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Every hike in Grand Teton National Park is a stunner, but after visiting a half-dozen times, I always point new visitors to Taggart Lake Loop. The hike packs much punch for a relatively “easy” 3.8 miles with incredible peak views, forests, lakes, and creeks.
TRAIL NOTES:
Several options exist when arriving at Taggart Lake Trailhead off Teton Park Road. Parking tends to fill up quickly, so an early start is necessary. You’ll experience little elevation change on the gorgeous hike up to the incredible Taggart Lake. Spend time around the lake picnicking, lounging, or enjoying the view.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.8 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 426 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
BEST TIME TO HIKE: This trail is best accessed during the later summer months until early fall, when the trail is free of snow and mud.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head to Dornan’s Chuckwagon for a brew with an unmatched view of the Teton range.
5 – NAVAJO LOOP AND QUEENS GARDEN – BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Bryce Canyon stands out among the Utah “Mighty 5” National Parks. The otherworldly bright orange hoodoos and spires are unlike any other spot I’ve seen, and the famous Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Hike are the best way to see them.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail begins on Navajo Loop before turning into the incredible Wall Street section. From there, you pass Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges before entering the spectacular Queens Garden.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.1 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 649 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Bryce Canyon is much higher than the other Utah parks – with elevations averaging around 8,000 ft and reaching 9,000. Because of this, there is snow much later in the park, so I’d recommend summer and early fall for the best hiking conditions.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head to Valhalla Pizza for a slice and a cold drink.
4 – BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL – GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – ARIZONA
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
The Grand Canyon, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is likely on most travelers’ must-visit lists. But despite its popularity, many visiting people don’t hike far into the canyon. The 278-mile-long canyon is up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep, with some of the most incredible views and vistas one can ever witness with their own eyes. But hiking down into a canyon means you’ll have to hike back up later, which can be highly strenuous for even an experienced hiker. There are over 100 trails in the park, according to AllTrails, but one of the most popular – for a good reason – is Bright Angel. This trail gets you below the rim for as short or long of a jaunt as you’d like.
TRAIL NOTES:
Bright Angel Trail starts directly in the Village at the South Rim just west of Bright Angel Lodge. You’ll begin the descent into the canyon immediately and cross under the first tunnel at just shy of 0.2 miles. You’ll enter a period after the second tunnel (0.75 miles) of steep switchbacks and then pass a water and rest station at 1.5 miles. There is another water and rest stop at 3 miles, and water is available again at Indian Gardens at mile 4.5. In the summer, you’ll need to turn around if you have not already – getting back up can take at least twice as long, and once you’re in the canyon, it can be challenging to understand how far you’ve gone. In other seasons you can continue to Plateau Point at mile 6.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 12 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 3,080 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Hard
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Fall and spring will be best for hiking this trail, as summer temps can become dangerous. If hiking in the summer, the National Park Service recommends avoiding the trail between 10 am and 4 pm, and it is not recommended to hike rim to river in one day for this reason. In winter and early spring, the upper portions of the trail can be extremely icy.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: I love walking the short distance from the South Rim to the classic El Tovar Hotel Lounge to get a drink on the veranda.
3 – SKYLINE TRAIL LOOP – MOUNT RAINIER – WASHINGTON
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Mount Rainier is not just impressive – it’s imposing. To catch a glimpse of the 14,410 ft active volcano is truly a moment where the veil between heaven and earth is at its thinnest. There are many incredible hiking trails in the over 236,000-acre park, but if I had to choose just one, it would undoubtedly be Skyline Trail Loop. The trail begins at the famous Paradise parking area and lives up to its name – and then some.
TRAIL NOTES:
You’ll start your hike in the Paradise Valley from the Paradise parking lot after a gorgeous drive through the park. There are many trails in this area, so you’ll want to pick up a map or have one downloaded. After some time hiking on pavement, you’ll come to a fork and need to decide if you’ll take on the trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Counterclockwise has slightly less elevation gain on the climb up to Panorama Point, but both have the same amazing views. If you hike clockwise, you’ll hike up the steep trail to Panorama Point, continue along to Stevens-Van Trump Memorial, descend into Paradise Valley, climb to Myrtle Falls, and return to where you began.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,700 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Hard.
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Mount Rainier is known for wildflowers – and mid to late August is prime time – although July and August are great times to catch wildflowers and waterfalls. Summer, of course, will be more crowded, so start your hike as early as possible. You can hike in the winter; just be prepared with poles, spikes, and other winter hiking equipment.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: I always like to stop at the Longmire Inn, a National Park Inn within the park, for a drink or a snack.
2 – EMERALD LAKE – ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – COLORADO
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket list destination for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. With over 355 miles of trails – it’s a hiker’s dream. But if I could only choose one hike in the park, I’d answer as most people would (it’s famous for a reason y’all), and I’d hike Emerald Lake Trail. It truly has more “bang for your buck” than any other trail on this list – probably any trail I’ve ever hiked. Clocking in at just 3.2 miles, you’ll hike into a quintessentially Colorado mountain landscape that is jaw-dropping at every turn. Starting at one gorgeous lake and passing by two others on the way to your postcard-perfect destination – it’s probably going to be crowded, but it’s going to be worth it.
TRAIL NOTES:
As mentioned, one of the fantastic perks of this trial is its accessibility. Emerald Lakes Trail begins at Bear Lake – which you can quickly whip around to add another 0.7 miles to your hike and is accessible. From there, you’ll hit the Emerald Lake Trail, to the left, when you enter the Bear Lake Trail area from the parking lot. Then you climb up 0.5 miles to Nymph Lake slightly – one of my favorite lakes in the Rockies and a perfect place to catch your breath if you’re not yet used to the elevation (9,710 ft). From there, you’ll climb a bit higher, another 0.6 miles, to the Instagram star – Dream Lake. This is a perfect place to stop for a snack and admire the view. From there, you will hike up another 0.7 miles and pass a waterfall until you reach Emerald Lake.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.2 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 698 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Easy.
BEST TIME TO HIKE: This is a popular spot all year round (try snowshoeing!), so you’ll need to be prepared to take the park service shuttle if parking is full. Between May 26 and October 22, you’ll also need a timed entry reservation to access the Bear Lake Corridor and the trailhead. These can be reserved here.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head into Estes Park and visit my favorite spot – Snowy Peaks Winery.
1 – THE NARROWS – ZION NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Zion National Park has exploded in popularity over the last decade, with visitation since 2010 nearly doubling – securing the park as the second most visited major park in the National Park System. With over 20 hikes within Zion, including the social media famous Angel’s Landing, it can be tough to decide which to hike on a short visit. While the landscape is unique and awe-inspiring throughout the park, I think the most unique trail that doesn’t require a permit is, hands down, The Narrows. The hike will take you directly through the Virgin River, with over 60% requiring wading, hiking, and even swimming in the river with the incredible canyon walls surrounding you. You can hike The Narrows Bottom Up or Top Down – but Top Down requires a permit – so for this and other reasons, most people choose Bottom Up.
TRAIL NOTES:
The trail, as mentioned, is mainly within the Virgin River, with most people beginning at the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then walking upstream through the river before turning around – many hikers turn at Orderville Canyon or continue to Big Springs. Still, you can whenever you feel like it. There is no specific vista or summit – it’s all incredible. I recommend hiking at least the “Wall Street” section, just over 3 miles into the hike.
Because of the nature of this trail, you’ll need special equipment. Hiking poles, closed-toed shoes, neoprene socks, and a dry bag are all musts, and specialized gear can be rented from many outfitters in Springdale.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.9 out and back to Big Springs. 16 miles for the entire hike (with a permit)
ELEVATION GAIN: 695 ft.
DIFFICULTY: Hard
BEST TIME TO HIKE: Summer and early fall is the best time to hike The Narrows due to the temperature. However, this is also the season for thunderstorms, which can lead to potentially life-threatening flash flooding. Winter and spring are much colder and less crowded – you’ll need a full-body wetsuit if you’re hiking during this time. The Narrows is also often closed for periods when the snow melt raises the river to over 150 cubic feet per second or when a flash flood watch is enacted. You’ll want to start your hike as early as possible to escape the crowds you’ll find on your way back.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: Head into Springdale and grab a beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub.
Read the room, Netflix. The streaming giant is currently on the wrong side of a historic battle with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA over their refusal to pay creators a living wage and their insistence on using AI to, among other things, own people’s likeness for all time. The whole strike against streamers reads like a particularly disturbing Black Mirror episode and, for some reason, the social media teams behind these platforms aren’t making it any better. Case in point: Netflix’s latest Twitter gaffe.
On Friday, the streamer’s official account shared a clip from Orange is the New Black that spotlighted the devastating relationship between Natasha Lyonne’s Nicky and Kate Mulgrew’s Red. “Nicky and Red is THE Orange Is the New Black relationship that broke my heart,” the tweet read. Now, it’s likely that Netflix just wanted to find an easy way to pay homage to one of their flagship series on its 10th anniversary, but the optics of this look kind of bad once you read that New Yorker piece. You know, the one where nearly a dozen actors accuse the streaming service of paying them pennies in residuals and forcing them to live on food stamps and struggle to pay rent while they starred in the show?
netflix/twitter
We have to assume that the person who scheduled this tweet didn’t read that expose. Regardless, people are coming for Netflix’s neck in the comments regardless.
As a member of the Blackpink, Jennie could relate, in some ways, to the story being told in The Idol. Despite the “Pink Venom” singer’s initial fear in stepping into the role, reflecting on her role in the series, it served as a necessary escape. While appearing on the BBC Sounds’ Dua Lipa: At Your Service podcast, she opened up more about her time in character.
“Starting my career in Korea as a K-pop artist has restricted so many sides of me, where it wasn’t just allowed to be shown because I’m a K-pop idol,’ the singer told host Dua Lipa, adding, “And I was scared, I think, also to express myself. There shouldn’t be a reason to judge and just see it as, ‘oh, that’s how that person expresses themselves.”
When discussing how the show helped her break free, Jennie attributes that to the music, saying, “I think the song ‘Tally’ was one of the first songs that we actually say the F-word. And at first, when I started performing the song, I couldn’t even say it out loud. I was like, ‘Oh, can I move away from the mic?’ Do people think this is, like, not right? And then more fans were loving the song, and I was connecting with Blinks [Blackpink fans]. While I was on stage when I was singing that song, they were like, ‘Yeah, do your thing.’ And they were the ones who gave me my confidence and support to really enjoy the song.”
Dua Lipa is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Oskar Blues/pFriem/Half Acre/Toppling Goliath/istock/Uproxx
There’s no disputing the appeal of Sierra Nevada’s iconic Pale Ale. When it was introduced in 1980, its liberal use of Cascade hops not only changed the game when it came to pale ales but IPAs as well. It introduced many drinkers to a new world of caramel malts, citrus, and pine. This beer also created what we know now as the American pale ale.
After Sierra Nevada’s release, others like Deschutes Mirror Pond followed closely behind. Today, thanks in large part to these beers (as well as Anchor Liberty Ale), there are countless pale ales on the market. Stop by your local craft brewery (there’s likely one nearby since there are more than 9,000 currently operating) and you’re bound to find at least one or two on the menu.
This brings us to an important question. Besides the aforementioned trailblazer known as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, what other pale ales should be added to your “must-try” list? To find them, we went to the professionals for help. We asked a handful of well-known brewers and beer experts to tell us the best pale ales that *aren’t* made by Sierra Nevada. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Russian River – Row 2 Hill 56. Russian River doesn’t make anything but delicious beers and the Row 2 is a prime example of a classic style done really well.
Tasting Notes:
Vinnie’s command of hops is legendary and the balance created with a 100% Simcoe-hopped beer is magical – a nuanced and complex Pale ale that is still easy drinking.
While typically this style is balanced between malt and hops to offer great drinkability, I admittedly prefer my pale ales to lean towards the hoppier side. That being said, one of the most memorable hoppy pale ales I’ve had is the pFriem Extra Pale Ale.
Tasting Notes:
It has just a hint of cracker-like malt sweetness that gives you a good base and body for the stone fruit, citrus, and grassy hop notes to really shine. A blast of aroma in your face that you can get in the can for any adventure, but I hope the adventure takes you to the Columbia River Gorge to try it in person at the tap room.
My favorite American pale ale is MO by Maine Beer Company. Brewed with American 2-row, Carapils, Caramel 40L malt, and red wheat, it gets its noticeable hop aroma and flavor from the addition of Falconer’s Flight and Simcoe hops.
Tasting Notes:
Maine Beer Mo is crisp and filled to the brim with citrus, a great beer. Pine and grassy hops finish it off nicely.
Daisy Cutter by Half Acre is a great take on the American pale ale. It’s a wonderful middle ground between bitter and juicy hop flavors. This now year-round favorite began as a special release.
Tasting Notes:
It has a firm bitterness up front that’s followed by resinous, dank flavors and finishes on a nice citrus note. The finish is dry and pleasing, leaving you wanting more.
Toppling Goliath Psuedo Sue
Toppling Goliath
Justin Radel, brewing and cellar manager at The Bruery in Placentia, California
Psuedo Sue by Toppling Goliath. The fact that they only use Citra hops and manage to achieve such a range of flavors keeps this American pale ale on the top of my list.
Tasting Notes:
This beer is very complex and loaded with flavors like pineapple, grapefruit, and mango. The finish is hoppy with just the right amount of bitterness.
Over Yonder Window Appointment
Over Yonder
Matthew Miller, co-founder and head brewer of Sunroom Brewing in Englewood, Colorado
ABV: 6.4%
Average Price: Limited Availability
The Beer:
I love the traditional pale ale style like Sierra Nevada. Trends recently lean more toward “West Coast” style pale ales, that are lighter in body. Both styles are equally as good in my opinion. As we are in the peak of summer, I have really been enjoying the newer style of pale ales that are light and more citrus-forward. Window Appointment from Over Yonder Brewing is a great pale ale.
Tasting Notes:
The citrus notes with the malt bill are balanced really well. There’s also a ton of grapefruit, tangerine, and pine as well as a dry, lightly bitter finish to tie everything together nicely.
I have to give this one to Firestone Walker’s DBA and even more specifically Unfiltered DBA. The name stands for “Double Barrel Ale”, This British-style pale ale is malt-forward, but gets its hop aroma and flavor from Styrian Golding and Tradition hops.
Tasting Notes:
It just has the perfect balance of maltiness, crisp hoppiness, and light yeast character which makes it one of the most drinkable pale ales out there.
It has to be Oskar Blues with Dale’s Pale Ale, a true classic of the craft beer scene. The malt comes through well, lending only a slight sweetness, but a depth of flavor.
Tasting Notes:
Layered on top of that are citrus and dank from the hops. A true west coast style… even though it comes from Colorado.
Yards Philadelphia Pale. Some may argue that it’s more of a Blonde Ale because of its deep golden complexion, but I feel the hop level nudges it into pale territory. And they do call it a pale ale.
Tasting Notes:
It’s crisp, mildly bitter, with a wonderful citrusy hop character. It’s my go-to cans for tailgating at a Phillies game.
Third Space Happy Place
Third Space
Garth Beyer, certified Cicerone and owner of Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, Wisconsin
For a pale ale to be excellent, it has to be expertly balanced. When you’re playing with reduced flavor and aroma notes, to begin with, it’s tough to not let one ingredient overpower the others. Thankfully Third Space has it figured out with their Happy Place pale ale.
Tasting Notes:
There are slight tropical flavors and aroma notes that pair perfectly with a touch of malt sweetness. All the while, it maintains a bit of body that forces you to drink it a bit more slowly than, say, a crushable light lager. That’s cool, though. More time with a happy place is a good thing.
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10 years later and you’re still underpaying your workers 
