What could ever top flying over the Napali coast of Kauai? Seriously, it was that mind blowing!
Well…. drive the winding backroads on the remote western coast of Kauai passing through the impressive Waimea State Park until it dead ends into Kokee State Park. Enjoy the overlooks for a few minutes with all the other curious tourists, lace up your hiking boots, find the small cut out fence off to the left and brace yourself for an unforgettable couple of hours ahead.
The Kalepa Ridge trek is 1.9 miles of adrenaline infused fun following the craziest cliff sides I’ve ever experienced. The single track is never too dangerous but anyone remotely scared of heights would be paralyzed by the sheer drop offs accompanying every footstep. Any recent rains make the trek slippery and slows your progress significantly. It is equally exhilarating and terrifying…. begging you to keep going!
After a few false summits, you can finally visualize the last peak as it towers over the pristine Napali coastline far below. I’m not sure how long I enjoyed that pinnacle but it was truly sensational.
My smile is bigger than I ever remember. It is one of those moments in life that you feel on top of the world and invincible.
The trek to rejoin civilization is inevitable and a choice – retrace the same harrowing ridge line or follow the fence line for a straight shot without all the tension. As I typically prefer enjoying multiple, mid length hikes per day, I opted for the later and had an extra pep in my step the rest of the day!
FearlessAdventures 