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. …

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

Julie United States Leave a Comment

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 …

Best National Parks with Kids

12 Best National Parks to Take the Kids

Julie National Park, United States 15 Comments

If you are planning a family vacation in the United States, the national parks make an excellent destination. There are currently 63 national parks in the USA…that’s a lot to choose from. We have narrowed down the list to 12 great national parks to take the kids. When you are traveling with kids, you want a place that’s easy to …

Paintbrush Divide Hike Grand Teton

Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop Trail | Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 29 Comments

The Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop is one of the best hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. In just one hike, you can visit a handful of the park’s top spots: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon. Throw in panoramic views across the Teton mountain range and a few moose, and you …

North Cascades National Park Guide

9 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

Julie United States 34 Comments

Wild, rugged, remote…North Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, you’ll have to hit the hiking trails. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. …

Skyline Trail Loop Hike

Skyline Trail Loop & Panorama Point, Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 15 Comments

For jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier National Park, it’s hard to beat the Skyline Trail Loop. The entire hike is a beauty. Starting in Paradise, you will hike past lovely Myrtle Falls, through pine forests, and then ascend the slopes to the base of Mount Rainier. From Panorama Point, enjoy spectacular views over the park, and on a clear day …

Deer Mountain Hike Colorado

How to Hike Deer Mountain, RMNP | Helpful Tips, Trail Stats, Photos

Julie United States 2 Comments

Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. To get to the peak, it’s an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the …

How to Hike the Gunnison Route

How to Hike the Gunnison Route | Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Julie United States 8 Comments

The Gunnison Route takes hikers from the south rim of the Black Canyon to the Gunnison River. It’s the most popular inner canyon experience on the south rim, but don’t let that fool you. This is a hard, strenuous hike where you will descend (and later hike back up) a massive amount of elevation in a short period of time. …

Great Sand Dunes National Park Photo

8 Amazing Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Julie United States 7 Comments

Great Sand Dunes is a much different experience than many other national parks in the United States. Sure, there is hiking and amazing sunsets and ranger programs, but this park has a much different feel to it. It’s a small park and the list of things to do is very short. A few hours are really all you need to …

Gem Lake

How to Hike to Gem Lake, RMNP (Trail Stats, Photos & Helpful Tips)

Julie United States 4 Comments

Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and don’t mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is …

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 …

Hike Fern Lake Colorado

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

Tim United States Leave a Comment

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 …