Hurricane Ridge Olympic NP

Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park

Julie United States 26 Comments

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 …

American Southwest Itinerary 14 days

Two Week American Southwest Road Trip: Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty 5

Julie Itinerary, United States 80 Comments

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 …

Looping the Fold

How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park

Julie United States 16 Comments

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 …

South Dakota

One Week in South Dakota Itinerary: Black Hills & the Badlands

Julie United States 33 Comments

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 …

Maple Pass Loop

Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park

Julie United States 20 Comments

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 …

Custer State Park Bison

15 Things to Do in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore and Rapid City

Julie United States 20 Comments

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 …

Shafer Canyon Road Guide

How to Drive Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road | Moab, Utah

Julie United States 12 Comments

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 …

Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

Julie Travel Inspiration 9 Comments

It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to next, here are 30 beautiful …

Devils Tower Day Trip

The Perfect Devils Tower Day Trip from South Dakota

Julie United States 2 Comments

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 …

Olympic National Park Hike

How to Hike the Staircase Rapids Loop in Olympic National Park

Julie United States 6 Comments

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 …

Navajo Knobs Hike Photo

Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs Trail | Capitol Reef National Park

Julie United States 1 Comment

The hike to Navajo Knobs is our favorite hike in Capitol Reef National Park. It’s a long, tough hike but what an incredible journey! From the valley floor, you will steadily hike up to the Rim Overlook, for jaw-dropping views over Fruita, Highway 24, and Scenic Drive. The trail continues its climb for another 2.5 miles, with views over Castle …

Utah Road Trip

Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Julie United States 30 Comments

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 …

Things to Do Black Canyon

6 Things to Do on the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Julie United States 10 Comments

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 …

Hike Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

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 …

Capitol Reef Travel Guide

14 Amazing Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park

Julie United States 29 Comments

Capitol Reef, often an overlooked national park, is full of many wonderful surprises. With an amazing scenic drive, hiking trails that rival those in Zion, rugged, remote areas to explore by 4×4, short, easy slot canyons, historical landmarks, and even delicious pie, this national park is absolutely amazing. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Capitol …

Scenic Drives in Colorado

9 Spectacular Scenic Drives in Colorado

Julie United States 6 Comments

Colorado is the perfect road trip destination. The Rocky Mountains, the national parks and state parks, the historic towns, and the diverse landscapes are all linked together by some of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Drive some of the highest roads in the United States and twist and turn through verdant valleys and canyons. Here are 9 …

Best Things to do in Custer State Park

Custer State Park: Best Hikes, Best Scenic Drives & Best Things To Do

Julie United States 22 Comments

Tucked away in the Black Hills of South Dakota is an unexpectedly amazing state park. Custer State Park, with its scenic drives, short but thrilling hiking trails, lakes and rivers, and plentiful wildlife, offers something for everyone. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Custer State Park, with ideas on how to plan your time. So …

Black Elk Peak Hike

Best Hike in Custer State Park: Little Devils Tower, Cathedral Spires & Black Elk Peak Loop

Julie United States 14 Comments

Custer State Park has a great list of hiking trails, ranging from easy, lakeshore strolls to fun rock scrambles to challenging climbs to the highest peaks. You can combine three of these trails into one loop, creating what just might be the best hike in Custer State Park. This loop includes three of Custer’s top hiking destinations: Cathedral Spires, Little …

Animal Conservation

5 Environmental Charities We Support

Julie Conservation 6 Comments

We care deeply about the future of our planet. Climate change, access to clean water, and dependence on fossil fuels are issues that impact everyone on a global scale. It’s also important to protect our wild spaces and oceans, to defend endangered species and wildlife, and to promote sustainable farming practices. To do our part, 5% of our net income …

Zion Travel Tips

5 Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park

Julie United States 32 Comments

Zion National Park and its epic hiking trails have become an extremely popular place to visit in recent years. This is a spectacular destination and one of our favorite national parks in the USA. However, due to crowd levels, trail closures, and cyanobacteria in the Virgin River, Zion has become a challenging park to visit. Here are 5 things to …