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.
I recently sat down with Rainn Wilson to talk about his book, “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution,” for the Upworthy Book Club, and one of the things we talked about was cynicism. We live in a world where it’s so easy to be cynical, to toss up our hands and say, “People suck, so why bother?”
However, when we become cynical, we allow the negative forces in the world win. So what do we do instead?
Wilson posits that the opposite of cynicism isn’t optimism, but joy. Optimism too easily becomes “toxic positivity,” which is insensitive to the real difficulties people face. But as Wilson writes, joy “doesn’t disregard the hard stuff. Joy knows that negativity is a part of life as well. Joy says that life is hard but there is a place you can go, a tool you can use. Joy is a force. A choice. Something that can be harnessed. A decision to be made.”
There are lots of ways to foster joy in our lives, from being of service to others to spending time with loved ones to appreciating nature to finding wholesome reasons to smile and laugh.
Joy is powerful, and however small a measure of it this week’s roundup provides, I hope it helps you battle away cynicism and offers some hope and peace to your soul.
1. Doggo makes it crystal clear that she wants allll the kisses.
— (@)
Her communication couldn’t be clearer even if she could talk.
2. You never know what a random act of kindness means to the person on the receiving end
Its takes 2 seconds to make someones day, you never know what people are going through until you get a chance to talk to them. This young man is well mannered, kind, and brave. So tiktok can we help shayden make some friends???#fyp #bekind #nobullying #love #kindness #letschangetheworld
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and to put yourself out there, especially when you’ve been bullied. This kiddo may not have found any kids his age at the Ray home, but he did find some kind neighbors who wanted to help him out and raised over $37,000 for him and his family in a GoFundMe. Read the full story here.
6. Dad and baby singing their ABCs together doesn’t really get any cuter
Are you feeling the joy? Would you like more of it? Get these smiley-worthy posts delivered to your inbox each week by signing up for our free email newsletter, The Upworthiest, here.
For three seasons, Hannah Waddingham played the owner of a struggling football club on Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso. As Rebecca Welton, Waddingham evolved from the show’s assumed villain to its surprising hero, going on a journey of self-discovery that ended (for now) with her staying behind in England to champion her found family on and off the pitch. By the show’s series finale, Rebecca had bought into the Lasso way, encouraging her best friend and business partner to pursue the idea of a women’s team for the club that she once despised.
It feels like a natural transition then that Waddingham would take up the torch for more visibility in women’s sports once her Ted Lasso tenure ended (or went on hiatus).
Earlier this month, Waddingham lit the ceremonial torch before a match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC at Red Bull Arena as part of Johnnie Walker’s Watch Women’s Sports campaign. Waddingham is hoping to bring attention to the FIFA Women’s World Cup with “Match Day Memos” that fans can sign up to receive so they can keep track of all the on-field action in Australia and New Zealand this summer. But she’s also making the case for why women’s sports deserve more coverage year-round.
As it stands, 10 percent or less of sports coverage (on TV and in the media) is dedicated to women’s sports despite women making up 40 percent of the professional athlete pool. That disparity directly contributes to inequality when it comes to pay and working conditions — on the field, the court, and beyond. While more and more teams like the USWNT are taking a stand to demand fair wages and better facilities, the bigger goal is to prove to marketing execs and sponsors that fans have and will show up for women’s sports.
And who better to spearhead that initiative than TV’s favorite soccer boss?
Below, UPROXX chatted with Waddingham earlier this week about the final season of Ted Lasso, surprise Emmy nominations, and the parallels between female athletes’ fight for recognition and her own career.
You’re using (your work on) Ted Lasso to draw attention to women’s sports. How did this partnership come about?
I am very transparent about these things. I want to make sure that I don’t align myself with any company or any ethos that I don’t believe in. In this instance, Johnnie Walker had seen that I was taking my daughter to women’s football matches. I’m very much a proud supporter of the Lionesses here in England. My father, who’s quite an old-fashioned, 82-year-old traditionalist, brilliantly and surprisingly informed me that he prefers the women’s game because they actually play as a team. And I just thought, ‘More people of all generations need to actually observe that that is the case.’ We talk about pure football in Ted Lasso, and that is what the women play because they have fought for it.
You’re just now getting recognition in your own career. Can you empathize with that fight?
Absolutely. I would say it’s like myself in theater. I feel a real affinity with female athletes, not just footballers, but female athletes because when you go into theater, you’re not doing it for money or for fame because there’s not really either of those in theater. It’s the same with women in sports. You have to work that much harder to get where you want to be. So I wanted to join that fight because I understand that tribe’s way of thinking — of it being a vocation in life. And if I can help put bums in stadiums, then I’ll literally lead the charge from the front.
If I can elevate it in any way, get more people just thinking about it… The women’s teams in England and America are both more successful than the men’s teams and yet the stadiums are half empty and there’s only 10 percent total sports coverage. I mean, I don’t know how anyone anywhere can think that that’s all right. It makes no sense. Because we are historically, and socially conditioned to think that men are in charge of sport. Aren’t we? That the women’s game is somehow the B game. It’s not taken as seriously, but my God, have you seen how they go at each other? They are on for it.
Female athletes are fighting for better working conditions and pay. The WGA and possibly SAG-AFTRA are doing the same. Is there an overlap there?
Undoubtable parallels. I looked around at NY Gotham’s stadium the other day and I thought, ‘Here’s all this sponsorship.’ And at the moment I would imagine they’re getting very little return, but they believe in it so much that they’re not going anywhere.
Is there a lesson for both groups?
Stick it out. Raise [each other] up. Hold hands and move forward.
How would Rebecca Welton solve the issue of visibility in women’s sports?
She would take the tray of food that Edwin Akufo [Sam Richardson] throws at everyone and throw it right back in his face. That woman’s had enough.
Congratulations on your Emmy nomination, by the way. You know I have to ask, who was your first call?
Phil Dunster.
Really?
I was actually very proud of myself because a few minutes before, I gave myself a talking-to and just said, ‘Come on, girl, there are so many brilliant performances in this category. You’ve already had two nominations. Let’s just chill our beans here.’
So I’d already prepared myself. So that was an amazing moment. And then after my manager told me I said to him, ‘Come on, tell me, has Phil been nominated?’ And he started to go through the list of people, and I was going, ‘Yes. Okay.’ And then he said, ‘… and Phil,’ and there was a feeling in my body that I have never felt before. It makes me realize that all is right with the world.
With Jamie’s arc, it definitely felt like this was his season.
He is a special man. He doesn’t have an arrogant bone in his body. Even with his nomination now, he was full of humility and joy and surprise. There is nobody that deserves it more than him. And all our lot, all of us, the Greyhounds, are beside ourselves. It’s all about Philip.
Does all that attention make him uncomfortable then?
[Laughs] No, he likes it.
Has there been any movement on potential spinoffs for the show?
No, no talk whatsoever. It was a natural three-season triumvirate of a story. And that’s that. As much as we honored and respected each season, you have to honor and respect a decision. Who knows whether there’ll be anything down the line? But at the moment, no.
Does it feel good to at least be able to say goodbye on your terms?
No. [Laughs] I mean, I never want to say goodbye to Rebecca, ever.
Rivers Cuomo‘s TikTok account has raised concerns in the past. Why does the Weezer leader — who is currently on the Indie Rock Road Trip Tour — look like he’s being held at gunpoint to do dance trends? This hasn’t been answered, but now he’s in another eyebrow-raising video on that cursed app.
Cuomo can be found in an ad for Ash & Erie, a clothing brand specifically for short men. “As you can see from the cover of any album that has the four of us standing in a line, I’m the shortest one,” he says in the clip. “Shopping for clothes has always been frustrating for me.” He even says that when trying things on, he looks “like a kid wearing a grown-up’s clothes.”
Cuomo is known for being quite the eccentric. In our recent interview with him about SZNZ, he discussed his interest in AI for music. “Well, I love ChatGPT, and it actually, I’ve been using it ever since that post,” he said. “If you look at my Twitter replies, so you can see I’m replying to about 30 people a day. And that’s all fueled by ChatGPT. Now, as a songwriter, I was excited to try it out, and it’s definitely on my list of tools I can use. So far, I haven’t actually used anything it’s generated. I guess it has inspired a few things, but I don’t love the results. It may just be the kind of writer I am, because I’ve never even really gotten into a rhyming dictionary.”
There is one question that looms above all others as Major League Baseball approaches its trade deadline on August 1: What is going to happen to Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani? The best baseball player on the planet has been dominant on the mound and is having his best year yet at the plate, all while staring down free agency this summer where he’s expected to get the most lucrative contract from someone in the sport’s history.
In the midst of all of this, the Angels are 45-46, which puts them in fourth place and seven games back of the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Their prospects of a Wild Card berth aren’t much better, as they’re five games out after going 1-9 in the 10 games prior to the All-Star Break. Keeping him, making a playoff push, and hoping to convince him to re-sign this offseason would make sense, but according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Angels aren’t going to dismiss the possibility of a trade without listening to what’s out there.
“As I reported on @mlb Network this morning, sources tell me the Angels front office will consider incoming trade inquiries for Shohei Ohtani,” Morosi wrote on his Threads account. “The club is not ruling out the possibility of a deadline deal, even though the standard to move Ohtani is extraordinarily high.”
Morosi did make it a point to note that a trade is “viewed as unlikely,” and that things could change based on how the Angels start the second half of the MLB calendar — Los Angeles has a 9-game homestand that runs from July 14-23 with three matchups against each of the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Earlier this week, Buster Olney of ESPN said that teams like the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays would be interested in acquiring Ohtani in a trade, but called the Yankees “potentially” the “most motivated.”
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(@Blushingflwr) 
(@SchnappTBH) 
10 years later and you’re still underpaying your workers 
everyone deserves clothes that fit GREAT, right out of the box. Thanks for sharing your story, Rivers. 
