Keep in mind, for all these apps, your phone will run it’s battery down faster than it would if you were watch The Family Guy. Having said that, here’s a link to a solar charger for iPhone, ya never know.

We did a pretty good search to find these apps, they are for both iPhone and Android.

The Flashlight app is a tremendous app for your phone normally, let alone for hiking, biking or camping. Everyone needs a flashlight. Every phone maker has a flashlight app, they are usually free. If they aren’t free they are inexpensive.

AccuTerra On Demand Maps & GPS Tracker: instead of paying for features that you won’t need, this app lets you pick and choose what maps and features you want to take advantage of on your iPhone. Can record unlimited tracks and waypoints.

Orienteering Compass is a super handy compass application for iPhone that will keep you on the right track even without your Internet connection.

Hiking lets you record unlimited tracks and geo-locations. It also provides you with real time elevation profile and travel statistics. Has a ton of map bundles too.

MotionX GPS is one of the most popular GPS apps around for iPhone. It shows your location and keeps track of it on maps. Offers all kinds of maps and makes sharing information with others easy.

Army Survival Guide is a necessity! One of the best hiking Android apps is the U.S. Army Survival Guide app. This app features essential information for surviving in the wilderness. Learn how to build a camp or shelter and how to find and purify water. Ever wonder which wild fruits are edible or how to treat bites and stings? With this app, you’ll have the answers to these questions and more. It’s an essential resource for any outdoor enthusiast. The app can be installed from the SD card and it’s accessible offline. The free U.S. Army Survival Guide app is available at the Android Market.

GPS Trip Journal helps you capture photos and take notes tied to waypoints to create a rich, Indiana Jones-style journal of your adventures. This app is great for remembering details for your next trip back, organizing tips to share with fellow trekkers, or just reliving your favorite trips.

GoToAid is a neccessary app as well. Clear, nicely illustrated instructions for medical emergencies from minor cuts to broken arms. It also includes first-aid instructions for pets, in case Fido falls sick as a dog.

Peak.AR offers a panoramic augmented reality view of the surrounding peaks. It uses the compass and GPS receiver in the phone to let you know what peaks you are looking at and how far away they are. Sometimes lacks accuracy but still pretty neat.

Now, Go Take A Hike!

There are a few easy things to keep in mind when you head out next time…

Let someone know where you’re going, when you’re planning to leave, and when you’re planning on returning. Facebooking or Tweeting your trips don’t cut it… Depending on your location, you may be able to “check-in” your whereabouts. But always let someone know what you’re doing…

Dress appropriately.   That means good hiking shoes  or boots, socks, long pants (preferably) and a good shirt. As an example, in the Truckee Meadows, we have freak storms of all kinds, snow, rain, wind, just to name a few. Layers are a wonderful idea. If you’re headed on a well traveled track or one you’ve been on before you should already be aware of the trail. A little common sense goes a long way.

Plan your hike… That can mean something as easy as going on the same trail you did last week for exercise or it could also mean a 50 mile day trip out and back.

The key to hiking in the cusp seasons is taking personal responsibility and a little common sense..

These small things can make a big difference when heading out into the wilderness on your next excursion…

As with all our lists, there’s no exact science in finding the top 10 hiking or mountain biking trails anywhere. It depends on what you’re looking for, your exercise level, what/who are you taking, the list goes on. But, I think we’re done a good job pinning down the best of the best California has to offer. Offer your feedback below, we’d love to hear it…

#1. Half Dome
Half Dome is the symbol of Yosemite. Not only is it the Ansel Adams lithographs you see everywhere, but it’s an actual place. The summit is the goal of just about everybody who has ever donned a pair of hiking boots in the Northern California area. It’s tough, but, well worth every photographic step.

#2. American River Confluence to Lake Clementine
Contrasting dynamics and a wild-river canyon take center stage on this hike. You’ll encounter raging rapids, soothing pools, a loud waterfall at a dam, and a tranquil lake. Start near the confluence o …

#3. 20 Lakes Basin Loop
A short jaunt brings backpackers to a scenic granite sub-basin for an overnight in the shadow of beautiful peaks. Sturdy dayhikers will have no trouble taking this trip in a single day, with or without the ferry’s help.

#4. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
Over a 100 years ago, John Muir declared the Sierra Nevada “the most Divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I’ve ever seen.” Millions of people have since made pilgrimage here to experience the beauty of Tuolumne.

#5. The Lake Tahoe Rim Trail – California side View Lake Tahoe Hikes
Living in the greater Tahoe region, has given me the opportunity to view first hand some of the most beautiful land on the planet. From Kings Beach in the North to Zephyr Cove in the South there’s more an 20 trailheads and countless views of staggering beauty each and everyone. Pick a trail, park and enjoy the Norther Sierras.

#6. The Cool to Canyon Loop
Linking rolling, pastoral grasslands with the raw, rugged American River Canyon, this loop trail embraces two very different, but very classic, faces of Gold Country foothill scenery.

#7. Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake
Your destination, Thousand Island Lake, is one of the Sierra’s great beauty spots, a huge sheet of sky-blue water dotted picturesquely with granite islands. Next to Lake Tahoe this could be the most breath taking view of an alpine lake in the US.

#8. North Fork of the American River
The North Fork of the American River is best known for whitewater rafting and gold mining. But, if you get the chance to hike the North Fork, I’d suggest it. The power of the river is one thing, but, you rarely get the chance to “stop and smell the roses”.

#9. Clouds Rest
The summit of Clouds Rest is the best seat in the house for enjoying the drama of Yosemite Valley and the country around it. From this vantage point, the star of the show, Half Dome looks almost ethereal.

#10. Found and Lost – The Lost Coast Trail (South to North)
The hike follows The Lost Coast Trail from Usal Camp to Orchard Camp, a strenuous multi-day trek. Those wishing to dayhike from the south trailhead have a few options.

As usual, you don’t like it? Go Take A Hike!

I’ve been in and out of Arizona hiking and mountain biking since I was in high school… It was a quick drive from San Diego. So I think I’m kinda familiar with the regions and hopefully have put together a list people in Arizona can agree with, for the most part…

#1. Boynton Canyon – 1
Boynton Canyon is one of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous. This particular trail enjoys the additional advantage of being conveniently accessible to nearby towns on well paved roads. As you might suspect, that is both good and bad news for those who choose to come here. The good news is you don’t have to bounce down a dusty jeep track to get to the trailhead. The bad news is you may have more company than you hoped for when you arrive.

#2. Havasu Canyon Trail – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Havasu Canyon is a gorge where beautiful waters fall into pools and cottonwoods provide shade and greenery. It is a side branch of the Grand Canyon that was once the home of a prehistoric people but more recently it has been the occupied by the Havasupai for the past 800 years.

#3. Bright Angel Trail – 1
In addition to offering the most convenient access to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail is also one of the most popular hiking routes in the park. Wide enough to allow safe passage. Careful, you’ll be bound to pass donkeys…

#4. Camelback Mountain Summit Trail – 1
Camelback Mountain, towering above Phoenix and Scottsdale, is a well-known and prominent landmark. The 2,704-foot peak, the highest point in the Phoenix Mountains.

#5. South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground – 1
A backpack of two or more days, following one of the most popular trails in the Grand Canyon. Much like the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail is a must-do for Grand Canyon visitors.

#6. Bell Rock – 1
Bell Rock is considered one of Sedona’s spiritual vortex centers. Many believes the rock energizes and calms those upon its slopes. This bell shaped landmark rises 550 feet and is located at the north end of the canyon.

#7. Superstition Mountain – 1
A pretty tough hike, probably in the advanced genre. This hiking trail, features ridgeline known locally as “Superstition Mountain” yes, that’s what you see from Mesa and Apache Junctions.

#8. Boynton Canyon Trail (Deadmans Pass Trail) – pictures
Another beautiful Sedona hike, Boynton Canyon is a popular hike for locals and visitors alike. Highly scenic canyon boxed in by large red rock buttes and cliffs.

#9. Barks Canyon – 1
This hike is up to Peralta Canyon and loops through to Barks Canyon.

#10. Grand Canyon National Park Trails – 1
The South Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon is expensive and overcrowded, and there is usually a shortage of parking and accommodation, but that of course doesn’t matter as the canyon is the most famous natural attraction in the USA and possibly in the world. Yeah, I know… The Grand Canyon could be all of the hikes on this list. The hugeness of the Canyon, the lengthy hiking and mountain biking. With that in mind, we’re sticking to our guns…

Yes, I could have had every last trail in the Grand Canyon in the list as well… But how much fun would that be, to have 10 trails from the Grand Canyon, that’s not a diverse list of trails.

As usual we LOVE to be wrong. Tell us where we mess up and where we’re right!.

Check out some of our other Top 10 Hikes, Top 10 Lake Tahoe Day Hikes, Top 10 US Hikes,

You don’t like it? Go Take A Hike!

There are several reasons to take them, anywhere from reduced joint stress to extra stability. I prefer the old fashion way, fending off the wild. As I don’t usually carry a firearm, I need something resembling a weapon. The leatherman’s tool and the knife are great for barely breaking the skin on an animal.

Let’s look at the different types of poles that are available. REI makes a myriad of poles ranging in price from $70.00 to $140.00. As usual most out door equipment, like hiking boots, sleeping bags and the like, depend on your personal preference. Go with what you like!

I prefer the Shock Light, retails for about $100.00 and does everything I need them to do…

REI’s website is here

As always, we LOVE feedback… Did we miss something? Do you prefer a different type?

Now that that’s out of the way… Music on your trail… What are you listening to? Me – it depends what type of trail I’m on and what’s my primary goal. Example: Mountain biking with kids, mountaineering; two perfect examples of what I would be listening to.

Music, for me, has a way of driving the trail. Slayer for a hardcore downhill single track that’s super tight and requires a little stead fast approach. I recently went to Sheeps Flat at the top of Slide mountain, a took the “nature walk” to Incubus. Was really nice, and I set my pace pretty quick…

I have on my iPod, Cage the Elephant, Infected Mushroom, Oingo Boingo, Metallica, Y & T, Rage Against the Machine…

So I ask you again… What music are you listening to on the trail?

@trailstv or comment here…

“Go Take A Hike!”

The Rainbow Trail – 1 – 2
The Rainbow Trail is a great, easy, hike in South Lake Tahoe. The Rainbow Trail takes visitors from the Taylor Creek Visitor Center to the Stream Profile Chamber. The 1/4 mile trail that goes from the Visitor Center to the Stream Profile Chamber winds through the meadow and marsh by Taylor Creek. The path is marked along the way!

Angora Lakes – 1
This short flat trail is a way to touristy on summer days, but a beautiful hike is a beautiful hike. The graded dirt and paved road, known as Angora Ridge Road, is suitable for passenger vehicles and passes a variety of spectacular scenery. It begins near Fallen Leaf Lake and travels gradually onto Angora Ridge.

The Tahoe Rim Trail – Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
The Tahoe Rim Trail has hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails. Some of the easier trail heads to find are located at Spooner Summit on the west shore, Big Meadow in South Lake Tahoe and the main trail in Tahoe City. These trails are mostly flat on a dirtish road with lots of foliage. These are high altitude hikes, so make sure you take necessary precautions with your kids and animals. TrailsTV is collecting them as we speak, so stay tuned.

Vikingsholm and Emerald Point – view trail
Vikingsholm is great, my family has been there a bunch of times. This is straight from their site,

Vikingsholm is located at the head of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California. This magnificent “castle” is a unique blend of Nature’s spectacular beauty and man’s architectural ingenuity.

Vikingsholm, situated majestically among towering pines and cedars, was built as a summer home by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight in 1929.

Go… You won’t be dissatisfied.

Grass Lake
Grass Lake sits among granite slopes at 7,000 feet in the Desolation Wilderness. The hike to Grass Lake passes Lily Lake, crosses Glen Alpine Creek and includes several waterfalls and a swimming hole. Remember in a wilderness area you aren’t allowed to have motorized vehicles. Always take what you brought, we love our wilderness spaces, you should too.

White Cloud Falls
The quiet hike is in stark contrast to the waterfall at the end of the hike. Cascade Creek feeds both the swift falls and Cascade Lake, a dark, still pool that is surrounded by private property and off-limits to hikers. Respect the wilderness and private property signs.

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop – view trail
It’s a hundred degrees in Reno and the mountains look appealing, actually so does that lake on the other side. Along SR 431 that winds around Mount Rose on it’s way to Incline Village, just past the Mount Rose peak is a small turn off to the left. It’s well marked, just look for the large restroom building and turn down, parking near the bottom.

Five Lake Trail
Probably the most difficult of the day hikes, Five Lake Trail offers three different types of hiking in this medium hike. The most difficult part of the climb is at the beginning.

Pacific Crest Trail at Echo Lakes
This trip follows a seldom-used section of the Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim trails. What little traffic this section does receive, other than from through-hikers bound for Canada, is from day-trippers headed to Benwood Meadow, which is only three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead.

Keep us honest… Are you partial to your neck of the woods? Let us know, we love to be wrong…

Love Alpine

In my opinion, Alpine Meadows offers everything ANY snow mountain on the planet would need. Kick ass snow, 21″ the last 24 hours and more to come, great staff, killer runs and close to Tahoe City for a little Apres Ski cocktail or warmer…

Alpine gives you a work out. On the backside, Ward Peak is a HUGE opportunity to break something, a world land speed record, ski or neck. F Tree is as sick as it gets…

The Shreadows is the original terrain park on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The terrain park is a great chance to spread your wings and fly. The front side offers more than a terrain park, the Gully, 40, botcher block and promised land are definate stops on your next trip through the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The Shreadows Terrain Park is designed for advanced jibbers and jumpers looking for more air, more challenges, and the sweetest jump, rail, and box line in the basin! The Shreadows Park is located just off the base lodge with it’s own lift.

Face it, Alpine is the best mountain INSIDE the basin… Notice I said INSIDE the basin… More to come…

Peace, Love and Silly Putty,
Ted