A quick note on how to get good information on public land (particularly in territory that is not tourist-friendly, like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, but there are similar places everywhere, just pick a National Forest). These are all stupid, and I’m sad I feel the need to write them down, but this is how things work.

• Dress the part (no new clothes, no big camera around your neck, no EV).
• Do not ask “What’s the best ____?” Put in some effort (maybe with the help of my books). Hike a few trails. Say something like, “Hey, I hiked up to ____________ and loved it, what’s something similar?” Show effort and ability, and the info you get in return increases dramatically. Ask a generic question, receive a generic answer.
• Be friendly. Joke around. Smile. This is just a life thing. I’ve been a crab for the most part since starting a business, but I end up being quite happy while hiking around. I have no doubt that the information I get in return for sharing some of my own is better for it. (Side note: If you’re thinking about starting a similar business, feel free to reach out. I can probably spare you many headaches without being too discouraging.)
• Be (at least a little) suspicious of information fed to you through social media, hiking apps, pretty much any way information flows (that includes me, I don’t pretend to know everything, and I’m 100% sure I’ve walked by all kinds of amazing “unknown” places).
• Google Maps is your friend. Use the map in terrain mode. Interesting elevation usually equals interesting destinations (and thigh-burning hikes :). Pay attention to what’s tree-covered and what’s not. Above the trees is where the views are. Be curious. We have all kinds of tools at our fingertips, allowing us to find things from the comfort of our couch without wasting valuable vacation time searching for that “hidden gem.”
• With that said, there’s much joy to be felt in discovery. And flat tires, washboard roads, U-turns, dead ends, false paths, etc., etc. I’ve “wasted” a bunch of time checking out unknown areas, and I’ll keep doing it (within reason) because it’s pretty darn fun to find that unknown waterfall, swimming hole, or marmot :). Happy exploring!