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 your Utah national parks itinerary, we have tons of information to share with you. In this post, learn how to plan the …
How to Hike the Silver Falls Loop Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
The Silver Falls Loop Trail is a wonderful short hike in Mount Rainier National Park. What it lacks in views of Mount Rainier it makes up for in its easy walkability and breathtaking views of Silver Falls. This short, easy trail is perfect for all ages and ability levels. Less than 4 miles in length, with just a small amount …
One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park
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 elevation. With one day in …
One Perfect Day in Badlands National Park
One day in Badlands National Park is just enough time to visit the 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/or the sunset, when this park is its most beautiful. Quick Facts about Badlands National Park Badlands National Park is …
One Perfect Day in Grand Teton National Park
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 through the park. If you …
12 Amazing Things to Do in The Needles, Canyonlands National Park
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 part of Canyonlands National Park …
The Castle Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
The Castle Trail is a 5-mile, point-to-point trail that wanders through the “backcountry” of Badlands National Park. There are several different ways to hike this trail, depending on your interests and the amount of time and energy you have. In this post, learn about your different options and pick out the route that is best for you. Overview of the …
How to Hike Death Canyon to the Static Peak Divide | Grand Teton National Park
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, but we did see several …
Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, with its mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, and rugged coastline, is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. In this post, we share with you interesting facts, important planning tips, and the best things to do in Olympic National Park. Interesting Facts about Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is one of the …
Two Week American Southwest Road Trip: Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty 5
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. The sights you will see …
How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park
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 part the Waterpocket Fold, a …
One Week South Dakota Itinerary: Black Hills & the Badlands
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 South Dakota itinerary: Mount Rushmore …
Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park
The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everything…wildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. Although it is not located in North Cascades National Park, you bump right up against the park border. From the highest points along the trail, you will have spectacular views …
15 Things to Do in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore and Rapid City
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 best things to do in …
How to Drive Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road | Moab, Utah
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 Horse Point State Park that …
The Perfect Devils Tower Day Trip from South Dakota
If you are planning a Devils Tower day trip from South Dakota, we have a great loop for you to drive. This is an awesome road trip…not only do you get to visit Devils Tower but you will also visit historic towns and waterfalls, go on a wonderful scenic drive, and even have the option to add in a short …
How to Hike the Staircase Rapids Loop in Olympic National Park
The Staircase Rapids Loop is an underrated trail in Olympic National Park. On this short, easy hike, you will walk along the North Fork of the Skokomish River, through a temperate rainforest, with views of waterfalls and rapids. Just under 3 miles long, this trail loops up and around Staircase Rapids. With waterfalls, dense forests, and fallen trees, this is …
Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks are three spectacular parks to visit in Utah. With 10 days, you can visit each of them, plus a few more cool spots, on this epic road trip. Start in Arches National Park, where more than 2,000 arches fill the landscape, as well as hoodoos, mesas, and fins of sandstone rock. Right next …
6 Things to Do on the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Only a fraction of the visitors to Black Canyon of the Gunnison make the trip to the North Rim. Those that do are rewarded with a wonderfully quiet, uncrowded experience and views that beat those from the South Rim. Similar to the South Rim, you can drive the rim road, stopping at overlooks along the way. There are also several …
Hiking the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | Mount Rainier National Park
The Mount Fremont Fire Lookout hike was our introduction to Mount Rainier National Park and what a great first impression!! Without spending much effort, you get awesome views of Mount Rainier for most of the hike, not to mention stunning views over the Sunrise side of the park. If you are looking for a hike that’s not too long, not …