STRAP ON A BACKPACK

My husband and I love nothing more on our travels than strapping on a backpack and climbing a mountain, following a river, or generally going places less touched by the hustle of day to day life.

Actor Julie Emery’s favorite hiking trails

Actress Julie Ann Emery shares her love and enthusiasm of the outdoors with this roundup of great hiking locations. These are five of here favorite treks

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

If it's not on your bucket list, it should be. It is a beast to hike out, but entirely worthy of the effort.

You can take Bright Angel Trail to Indian Wells and back for a day hike. If you want to go all the way to the bottom, look into lodging at Phantom Ranch, or stay at the campground at the bottom like we did. Follow all water and food recommendations listed on the park web site. As they say in the canyon "Down is optional, up is mandatory." (*And maybe take some duct tape, I blew out my boots on my last visit and climbed out of the Canyon with them duct taped to my feet)

The Grand Canyon always stirs something in my soul and I see my life more clearly by the time I make it out.

West Highland Way, Scotland

The West Highland Way was our first long distance hike. I have never seen greener greens or bluer blues.

96 miles from the trail head just North of Glasgow up along Loch Lomond and into the Scottish Highlands ending at Fort William.

There are campgrounds and some areas that still allow free camping, but we didn't drag our gear across the ocean so we stayed at BnBs or little Inns in the villages off the trail. Seems like a cheat at first, but you get to know the locals and sample an awful lot of traditional Scottish breakfast (including blood pudding). You also meet "walkers" from all over the world as you leap frog each other during the day.

Roy's Peak Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

New Zealand has some of the most gorgeous hiking anywhere in the world, but our favorite was the half day hike we took up to Roy's Peak on the South Island overlooking Lake Wanaka. I highly recommend leaving at day break and watching the clouds break up over the lake as you hike; it is nothing short of magical.

The Monte Grona, Lake Como, Italy

If you find yourself in the Northern Italy lakes region, take a day off from all the ferry rides on Lake Como and hike Monte Grona just outside Menaggio up to Rifugio Menaggio. The Rifugio is an oasis near the top where you can get coffee, snacks, chat with the owner who brings up supplies on a tiny funicular, and it has spectacular views of Lake Como itself.

Zion National Park Utah, USA

Toss up between Angel's Landing and The Narrows (Bottom Up) Zion National Park is worth a visit no matter your physical fitness or experience level. There are hikes and nature walks to fit almost any visitor. My two favorites are Angel's Landing (Only do the last third if you are confident; in spots you are hanging on to a chain on the cliff side while reaching for your next foot hold!) and The Narrows. We did bottom up. Top down requires some canyoneering. Angel's Landing hosts stunning views. The Narrows is almost entirely hiked in the river. You can rent gear for that in the park. Definitely bring your walking sticks. Both are one of a kind experiences.

Julie Ann Emery, known for her roles in "Better Call Saul" and "Preacher" can also be seen in her latest project, Hulu’s “Catch-22,” opposite George Clooney and Christopher Abbott.