Rocky Mountain NP Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 20 Comments

With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. …

Little Wild Horse

Little Wild Horse Canyon – Bell Canyon Loop: A Step-By-Step Guide

Julie United States 16 Comments

Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. You can hike the narrowest (and most fun) section of Little Wild Horse as a fast out-and-back hike, or do this as a loop, …

Cathedral Valley Loop Guide

Complete Guide to the Cathedral Valley Loop: Things to Do, Driving Route & Maps

Julie United States 49 Comments

Cathedral Valley is a rugged, remote district of Capitol Reef National Park. Few people travel out this way, to see this valley and its sandstone monoliths, colorful Bentonite hills, and vast desert scenery. But that’s part of its appeal. If you like the idea of leaving the crowds behind and exploring the backcountry, the Cathedral Valley Loop is an awesome …

Chasm Lake and Longs Peak

How to Hike Chasm Lake: Helpful Tips, Hiking Stats & Photos

Julie United States 13 Comments

Chasm Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs …

Guide to the White Rim Road

White Rim Road: Detailed Planning Guide and Checklist

Julie United States 5 Comments

Driving the White Rim Road is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of 100 miles, you will circle around the Island in the Sky mesa. Along the way, you will drive along cliff edges, past canyons carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers, and to viewpoints that will take your breath away. Once you do this drive, you …

Drive the White Rim Road

How to Drive the White Rim Road: Map, Photos & Driving Tips

Julie United States 34 Comments

Driving the White Rim Road is the experience of a lifetime. If you are looking for adventure, solitude, incredible views, and a totally different way to experience Canyonlands National Park, put this drive on your list. Along the drive, you will gaze up at the Island in the Sky mesa and peer down into the canyons carved out by the …

Cassidy Arch

Cassidy Arch, An Essential Hike in Capitol Reef National Park

Julie United States 7 Comments

The hike to Cassidy Arch is one of the most thrilling trails in Capitol Reef National Park. Easily accessible from Scenic Drive, this short hike features stunning scenery, views over the Grand Wash, and the chance to stand on Cassidy Arch. On this hike, you can view the arch from afar or walk across it for one of the most …

National Parks Hikes

20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks

Julie United States 6 Comments

One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes in the national parks. Every …

Notch Trail

How to Hike the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park

Julie United States 6 Comments

The Notch Trail is the most thrilling trail in Badlands National Park. This hike is pure fun. It features a walk through a scenic canyon, a climb up a wooden ladder, and a brief walk along a cliff trail. The Notch Trail ends with a beautiful view of the Badlands. Notch Trail Hiking Stats Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Difficulty: …

GPS Yellowstone Day Trip

The Perfect Yellowstone Day Trip from Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 10 Comments

If you are in Grand Teton National Park and have an extra day to spare, why not day trip to Yellowstone National Park? With one day, you have just enough time to hit the highlights…Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the wildlife in Hayden Valley. In this post, learn how to plan the perfect Yellowstone …

How to Visit Shenandoah

9 Amazing Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Skyline Drive is the main thoroughfare through the park, a road that twists and turns for 105 miles from north to south. For those who want to explore the park beyond Skyline Drive, 500 miles of hiking trails travel through the park. In this post, learn about …

Summerland Hike to Panhandle Gap Photo

Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

In Mount Rainier National Park, hiking the Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap is on the longer and more difficult side, but it has a little bit of everything…old growth forests, fields of wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier, the chance to spot wildlife, high alpine views, and panoramic views out to Mount Adams. I wouldn’t classify the Summerland Trail as off-the-beaten-path …

Shenandoah Hiking List

10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Julie United States 12 Comments

500 miles of hiking trails travel through Shenandoah National Park. These trails range from short, easy summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, to challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. In this post, we have 10 great hikes in Shenandoah National Park to share with you. …

Continental Divide Mt Ida

How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida, RMNP

Julie United States 4 Comments

While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches …

Mount Rushmore Travel Guide

How to Visit Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

Julie United States 41 Comments

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this national memorial draws 2 million visitors per year. Mount Rushmore is worth a quick visit, whether you are touring South Dakota or road tripping across the United States. In this post, learn how to visit Mount …

Badlands Sunrise Photo

15 Amazing Things to Do in Badlands National Park (+ Photos & Map)

Julie United States 26 Comments

Badlands National Park is a highly underrated park in the United States. The colorful buttes, spires, and pinnacles create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the country. Bison and bighorn sheep roam the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The sunrises and sunsets are magical, the hiking trails are short and sweet, and for those looking for more …

Best National Park Hikes

20 Epic Day Hikes in the National Parks (USA)

Julie United States 16 Comments

With 63 national parks and thousands of miles of hiking trails, your options are endless for exploring the American national parks. We narrowed down the list for you to 20 of the best day hikes in the national parks, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful country. Hike to the tallest peaks, through massive canyons, and to gorgeous alpine lakes. …

Best Hike in Wind Cave

Lookout Point Trail & Centennial Trail Loop | Wind Cave National Park

Julie United States 11 Comments

Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest cave systems in the world. Touring the cave is the main reason for visiting this park but there is a lot more to do here than explore this underground world. Above ground, Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the largest mixed-grass prairies in the United States. …

Hikes in Grand Tetons

15 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

Grand Teton National Park truly is a hiker’s paradise. Hike through picturesque canyons, around glacier-fed lakes, and up to the highest peaks. Wildlife sightings from the hiking trails are frequent, with elk, moose, and bear making regular appearances. If you want to add some adventure to your visit to Grand Teton, strap on your hiking shoes and take your pick …

Watchman Trail Zion

How to Hike the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park

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The Watchman Trail is a relatively easy hike that offers nice views over Springdale and the southern end of Zion National Park. Since this trail starts at the visitor center, no shuttle is necessary, making this a great option if you want to go hiking in Zion without waiting in line for the shuttle. Here’s how to do it. Watchman …