2020…what a strange, wild ride. This is a year that we wish we could forget but will definitely go down in the history books. COVID-19 took front and center stage, along with everything that comes with it…lockdowns, masks, Zoom calls, social distancing, the race for a vaccine, and a year with little to no travel. But there were also bushfires …
Best of Estes Park: Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay
Estes Park is the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. This small town is home to numerous hotels and restaurants, making it the perfect home base for exploring the Rocky Mountains. But if you need a break from exploring the national park, there are a bunch of fun things to do in town. In this post, we cover the best …
20 Epic Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley…just the name inspires a sense of wonder and mystery. With barren salt flats, towering mountains, mysterious sailing stones, shifting sand dunes, rainbow-colored mountains, and canyons to explore, there is a lot to do here. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Death Valley National Park, with suggestions on how to plan your time. At …
How to Hike the Chesler Park Loop Trail in the Needles | Canyonlands National Park
If you want to get an up-close look at the “Needles,” the sandstone spires that make the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park so uniquely beautiful, put Chesler Park on your list. It is possible to hike out and back to Chesler Park on a short day hike. But if you don’t mind going farther, hike the Chesler Park Loop …
How to Hike the Syncline Loop in Canyonlands National Park
For years, I heard amazing things about the Syncline Loop. This tough hike is known for its outstanding views, and due to the primitive nature of the trail, it is only recommended for experienced hikers. It got such rave reviews in the hiking community and it sounded so thrilling that we couldn’t wait to hike this trail. Maybe our expectations …
The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary (2024)
If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. If you are an avid …
Complete Guide to Devils Tower: How to Plan Your Visit
Devils Tower National Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Sacred to Native Americans, popular road trip destination, and alien landing site a famous movie, Devils Tower evokes mystery and wonder from visitors of all ages. In this post, learn how to visit Devils Tower National Monument, with things to do, how to plan your …
How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, RMNP
The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra with unobstructed views of Longs Peak and Forest Canyon. If you are looking for an easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain Park, put this hike at the top …
One Perfect Day in Arches National Park (+ HELPFUL Tips & Map)
If you only have one day in Arches National Park, what should you do? Arches National Park is a relatively small national park with a handful of must-see sights. With one day in Arches, you can visit these top sights and a few off-the-beaten-path places. After multiple visits to Arches National Park, including two visits in the past two years, …
10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. …
Little Wild Horse Canyon – Bell Canyon Loop: A Step-By-Step Guide
Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. You can hike the narrowest (and most fun) section of Little Wild Horse as a fast out-and-back hike, or do this as a loop, …
Complete Guide to the Cathedral Valley Loop: Things to Do, Driving Route & Maps
Cathedral Valley is a rugged, remote district of Capitol Reef National Park. Few people travel out this way, to see this valley and its sandstone monoliths, colorful Bentonite hills, and vast desert scenery. But that’s part of its appeal. If you like the idea of leaving the crowds behind and exploring the backcountry, the Cathedral Valley Loop is an awesome …
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
In this post, find out what we carry with us on day hikes. Whether you are a new hiker, shopping for a friend or family member, or just curious about what hiking gear you should bring on a day hike, we have a lot of great information to share with you. We have hiked thousands of miles across six continents, …
How to Hike Chasm Lake: Helpful Tips, Hiking Stats & Photos
Chasm Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs …
White Rim Road: Detailed Planning Guide and Checklist
Driving the White Rim Road is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of 100 miles, you will circle around the Island in the Sky mesa. Along the way, you will drive along cliff edges, past canyons carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers, and to viewpoints that will take your breath away. Once you do this drive, you …
How to Drive the White Rim Road: Map, Photos & Driving Tips
Driving the White Rim Road is the experience of a lifetime. If you are looking for adventure, solitude, incredible views, and a totally different way to experience Canyonlands National Park, put this drive on your list. Along the drive, you will gaze up at the Island in the Sky mesa and peer down into the canyons carved out by the …
Cassidy Arch, An Essential Hike in Capitol Reef National Park
The hike to Cassidy Arch is one of the most thrilling trails in Capitol Reef National Park. Easily accessible from Scenic Drive, this short hike features stunning scenery, views over the Grand Wash, and the chance to stand on Cassidy Arch. On this hike, you can view the arch from afar or walk across it for one of the most …
20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks
One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes in the national parks. Every …
How to Hike the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park
The Notch Trail is the most thrilling trail in Badlands National Park. This hike is pure fun. It features a walk through a scenic canyon, a climb up a wooden ladder, and a brief walk along a cliff trail. The Notch Trail ends with a beautiful view of the Badlands. Notch Trail Hiking Stats Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Difficulty: …
The Perfect Yellowstone Day Trip from Grand Teton National Park
If you are in Grand Teton National Park and have an extra day to spare, why not day trip to Yellowstone National Park? With one day, you have just enough time to hit the highlights…Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the wildlife in Hayden Valley. In this post, learn how to plan the perfect Yellowstone …