Tolmie Peak View

Tolmie Peak Lookout Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 8 Comments

This fun hike takes you through dense forests and past several alpine lakes before delivering you to the Tolmie Peak Lookout, for a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. This hike is located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, and due to its more remote location, gets less visitors than many other places in the park. You’ll love …

Mt Storm King Hike Olympic

Hiking Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park

Julie United States 8 Comments

The hike to Mount Storm King is a short but grueling hike in Olympic National Park. From the peak, you get a spectacular view of Lake Crescent. On this hike, it is a steep, relentless climb up to Mount Storm King. Just before reaching the summit, where the trail somehow gets even steeper, you’ll pull yourself up using a series …

Hike Fern Lake Colorado

How to Hike Bear Lake to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake, RMNP

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The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to …

Sky Pond Hike RMNP

Ultimate Guide to Sky Pond: Trail Stats, Photos & Helpful Tips

Julie United States 26 Comments

Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. This hike has a little bit of everything…waterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in …

Old Faithful Inn

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in 2024: Best Hotels and Locations

Julie United States 55 Comments

When planning a trip to Yellowstone, one of the biggest questions you might have is “where should I stay?” Yellowstone National Park is massive, with multiple park entrances and thousands of acres of land to explore. Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we hope to simplify things for …

Glacier National Park Itinerary Ideas

The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary for 1 to 5 Days

Julie United States 50 Comments

How many days do you need in Glacier National Park? How do you plan the perfect Glacier National Park itinerary? The answer to these questions depends on several factors. How much time do you have? Do you want to get out and hike the trails or simply visit a few viewpoints and highlights? What time of year will you be …

Zion National Park Itinerary

Zion National Park Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 6 Days in Zion

Julie United States 81 Comments

If you are planning your Zion National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. This relatively small park is packed with some of the most thrilling hikes in the United States. From the awe-inspiring hike up Angels Landing to the bucket list-worthy Zion Narrows to the family friendly Riverside Walk, there …

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park: Things to Do with Limited Time

Julie United States 5 Comments

Big Bend Ranch State Park is an overlooked gem in west Texas. Visitors come to this area to explore Big Bend National Park, but what many don’t know is that there is an amazing state park located right around the corner. Big Bend Ranch State Park is awesome. It has all of the ingredients of a perfect outdoor destination: easy …

Old Faithful

Yellowstone’s Old Faithful: 10 Tips to Have the Best Experience

Julie United States 8 Comments

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name “Yellowstone?” For many people, that answer would be Old Faithful. Old Faithful is one of the most popular sights in Yellowstone National Park. If this is your first time in Yellowstone, then most likely, Old Faithful is at the top of your to-do list. In this article, …

Best Geysers Yellowstone

Best Geyser Basins in Yellowstone National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

Yellowstone National Park has the highest concentration of geothermal features of anywhere else on earth. The land literally smokes, bubbles and hisses. Numerous geysers erupt on a regular basis, including the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful. In this post, learn how to visit the geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park and which ones are worth your time. …

Things to do in Big Bend

Best of Big Bend: 10 Great Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

Isolated, remote, wild, rugged…this is Big Bend National Park. Located on the southwestern corner of Texas, within the Chihuahuan Desert, is an extraordinary mountain range that is a haven for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Big Bend National Park with tips to help you have the best experience.   …

Best Glacier Hikes

10 Great Hikes in Glacier NP | Easy Strolls to Jaw-Dropping Day Hikes

Julie United States 18 Comments

Glacier National Park is home to some of the most exciting hiking trails in the United States. The scenery in this national park is jaw-dropping and there is no better way to experience it than on your own two feet. Take your pick from easy strolls to spectacular alpine trails. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Glacier National …

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock Hike: A Short but Sweet Hike in Big Bend National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

The Balanced Rock hike is one of our favorites in Big Bend National Park. It’s short, it’s relatively easy, and there is a brief section of rock scrambling that is fun for kids and adults. But the real reason for doing this hike is to see Balanced Rock, one of the most unique rock formations in the park. Here’s how …

One Day in the Grand Canyon

One Day in the Grand Canyon Itinerary: Things to Do, Map, Photos

Julie United States 42 Comments

If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, what should you do? Grand Canyon National Park is enormous. With thousands of acres of land, four rims to visit, plus the option to hike below the rim, there is no way that you will get to everything in just one day. However, with one day in the Grand Canyon, …

Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Julie United States 65 Comments

On this Arizona road trip itinerary, you will visit three national parks, drive past the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley, walk through magical Antelope Canyon, and hike the desert hills of Sedona. Arizona is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States and this road trip is the perfect way to see them. Arizona is …

Carlsbad Caverns

Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Julie United States 27 Comments

Located in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico sits an underground fantasy land of limestone chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and long, twisting tunnels. Carlsbad Caverns is breathtaking in its beauty. I’m not a big fan of caves and caverns but I found this place to be unexpectedly amazing. It feels massive like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, but with its astounding …

Best Hikes Big Bend

15 Amazing Hikes in Big Bend National Park

Julie United States 6 Comments

Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Hiking trails crisscross their way through the Chihuahuan Desert, along hot springs and the Rio Grande, and up and over the Chisos Mountains. Take your pick from short, easy strolls to off-the-beaten-path adventures to challenging mountain summits. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Big Bend National Park. This list is …

Emory Peak Big Bend

How to Hike to Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park

Julie United States 4 Comments

Emory Peak is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park. It’s a tough hike to get here but the view over the park is unbeatable. There are two different ways to do this hike. The quickest and most direct way is to hike out-and-back to Emory Peak from the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Option #2, …

South Rim Trail Big Bend

South Rim Trail Loop + Emory Peak | Ultimate Hiking Guide

Julie United States 10 Comments

The South Rim Trail is one of the best ways to experience Big Bend National Park. Starting in the Chisos Basin, you will steadily climb up to the South Rim, where jaw-dropping views of the Chihuahuan Desert await. Add on the short but steep climb up Emory Peak for an even more epic experience. Here’s what you need to know …

Ernst Tinaja

How to Hike the Ernst Tinaja Trail in Big Bend National Park

Julie United States 3 Comments

The Ernst Tinaja Trail is one of the most unique hikes to do in Big Bend National Park. This is a short, easy trail through a slot canyon, featuring a series of waterholes located within colorful layers of limestone rock. Those looking for a little more adventure can continue the hike past the water-filled pools and rock scramble their way …