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 Canyon – Bell Canyon Loop: A Step-By-Step Guide
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, …
Complete Guide to the Cathedral Valley Loop: Things to Do, Driving Route & Maps
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 …
How to Hike Chasm Lake: Helpful Tips, Hiking Stats & Photos
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 …
White Rim Road: Detailed Planning Guide and Checklist
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 …
How to Drive the White Rim Road: Map, Photos & Driving Tips
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, An Essential Hike in Capitol Reef National Park
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 …
20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks
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 …
How to Hike the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park
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: …
The Perfect Yellowstone Day Trip from Grand Teton National Park
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 …
9 Amazing Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
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 Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park
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 …
10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
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. …
How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida, RMNP
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 …
How to Visit Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
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 …
15 Amazing Things to Do in Badlands National Park (+ Photos & Map)
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 …
20 Epic Day Hikes in the National Parks (USA)
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. …
Lookout Point Trail & Centennial Trail Loop | Wind Cave National Park
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. …
15 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
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 …
How to Hike the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park
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 …