The hikes in Capitol Reef National Park are some of the most underrated in Utah. From short, easy trails along Highway 24 to scenic routes like Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash, this park is packed with adventure, without the crowds you’ll find in Zion or Arches. Drive deeper into the park and you’ll discover the […]
In some ways, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. You can visit both the North and South Rims, enjoy the views from the overlooks, and, for the ultimate adventure, hike below the rim to the Gunnison River. In this guide, learn how to visit Black Canyon of […]
Utah is home to five of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Throw in some national monuments and a few spectacular state parks and you have a extraordinary road trip destination. If you are planning a Utah road trip itinerary, we have tons of information to share with you. About Our Experiences […]
If you’re looking for a hike that quietly exceeds expectations, the Silver Falls Loop Trail is it. We hiked the Silver Falls Loop on our first trip to Mount Rainier at the end of July. The trail was wonderfully quiet even during peak summer; the old-growth forest along the Ohanapecosh River was stunning, and Silver […]
If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? The answer to this question depends on several factors…the time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher […]
The hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes is one of the more popular hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a tough hike but your reward is a visit to two stunning alpine lakes. On this hike, you have the option to add on a third lake, Delta Lake. Once a hidden gem […]
One day in Badlands National Park is just enough time to visit the iconic overlooks, hike the short but sweet trails, and see how many bison you can count. If you get your timing right, you can also watch the sunrise and sunset, which is when this park truly comes alive with vibrant colors and […]
Grand Teton National Park has something for everyone. Hikers will love the long list of trails that head into the Teton mountain range. Photographers will love capturing sunrise at Mormon Row and Oxbow Bend. Families will love the easy to visit overlooks, crossing Jenny Lake by boat, and spotting moose and elk as you drive […]
The Needles is an often overlooked section of Canyonlands National Park. But those who take the time to visit the Needles are rewarded with thrilling, unique hiking trails, low crowds, and jaw-dropping views of Canyonlands National Park. In this post, we cover the 12 best things to do in the Needles…12 great reasons why this […]
The Castle Trail is a 5-mile, point-to-point trail that wanders through the “backcountry” of Badlands National Park. Unlike the shorter, more popular boardwalks, this less crowded trail allows you to explore a rugged landscape where bighorn sheep and pronghorn roam. Whether you prefer a simple point-to-point hike or a more demanding loop that includes Saddle […]
There are several reasons to hike to the Static Peak Divide. Early on in the hike, you have beautiful views over Phelps Lake. The walk through Death Canyon is gorgeous and this is a great place to spot wildlife. Bear and moose are frequently seen here. We didn’t see bear when we did this hike, […]
Discover the best things to do in Olympic National Park, from Hurricane Ridge to the amazing Hoh Rainforest to the wild and rugged Pacific coast. Olympic National Park might be the most diverse national park in the United States. In a single visit, you can stand on a windswept alpine ridge looking out over snowcapped […]
This is one of the best road trips in the USA. On this American Southwest road trip, you will visit Utah’s Mighty 5, the Grand Canyon, and a handful of wonderful state parks and national monuments. This is the itinerary I wish we had when we planned our first road trip to the American Southwest. […]
Desert vistas, slot canyons, colorful hills made of bentonite and sandstone, marine fossils…these are just a few of the things that you will see when you Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. This incredibly scenic drive takes you through the remote, southern section of Capitol Reef. On this drive, you will circle around […]
There are many different ways to spend one week in South Dakota. This itinerary focuses on the southwestern corner of the state, visiting sights located in and around the Black Hills. There is a long list of things to do in this part of South Dakota. Here are the things you will see on this […]
The Maple Pass Loop, also known as the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, is one of the best day hikes in the North Cascades, and one that’s surprisingly accessible for the views it delivers. In early August, Tim, Kara, and I completed this hike and came away genuinely impressed. It’s not our favorite hike in the area […]
The southwestern corner of South Dakota has a surprisingly long and wonderful list of things to do. Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park are the big draws for many visitors to this part of the United States, but there is plenty more to keep you busy. In this post, we cover the […]
Have you seen photos of the Shafer Canyon switchbacks and said to yourself, wow, I’d really love to drive on that road? Do you like the idea of venturing away from the crowds and driving through some truly dramatic landscapes? Or, do you want to get a unique perspective of Canyonlands National Park and Dead […]