Kawa Ijen Hike

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Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakePopularly known locally as “Blue Fire”, Kawa Ijen on the island on Java in Indonesia is an hr drive from Banyuwangi (East Java). The hike is roughly 2 miles in length to the highly acidic lake at the center of the crater. The cumulative elevation change (first gain to the rim ~1300 ft and descent to the lake ~700 ft) is around 2000 ft, varying accounts can be found online.
Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakeAverage time to the crater lake is around 120 mins at the laziest best and similar on the way back. Longer times are partly due to its popularity and the number of fellow hikers you witness in the dark. This may be the most populated hike I have been on to date. At any time expect around 200-400 people on this short hike flashing torches through the night. And I wonder how?
Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakeThe blue flame is a very pretty sight. Go figure the how!
Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakeKawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakeThe trail of lights on the way back as seen above.
Gunung Raung Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater LakeAdditional pictures of Mt Raung that is part of the wider volcanic belt.
Gunung Raung Sunrise Kawa Ijen Volcano Indonesia Sulphur Blue Flame Crater Lake

Crater Lake Hike, Maroon Bells

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crater lake aspen maroon bells colorado hike maroon lake silver bells Crater Lake at Maroon Bells is a short 2 mi hike that gains an elevation of around 700 ft. You pass through the Maroon Lake at the trail head and continue on the West Maroon Trail for 45-60 mins to the lake at the foot of Maroon Bells.
crater lake aspen maroon bells colorado hike maroon lake silver bells It is one of the most visited sites in Aspen, Colorado and absolutely worth the drive or the effort.
crater lake aspen maroon bells colorado hike maroon lake silver bells
Looking down at Maroon Lake (above). Another view of the Maroon Bells from the trail head (below).
crater lake aspen maroon bells colorado hike maroon lake silver bells Silver Bells Campground Campsite #11 – for those who unload hastily. Go around the camp ground or better still explore the Silver Queen Campground a quarter of a mile away, for more astounding views.
silver bells campground camping site number 11 maroon bells aspen colorado maroon lake crater lake

Crater Lake National Park oregon

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I have been to Crater Lake National Park twice, once at the peak end of summer and once at the start and can comfortably recommend you to visit at the start of the tourist season (last week of May). Any place doesn’t get prettier, unless of course it isn’t to your liking… but you have to be lucky enough to get clear skies.

Some of the most spectacular scenery…

And the Wizard Island…