We’ve visited Yellowstone four times, and where we stayed looked different nearly every trip. Our first visit was back in 2001, when we spent a few days exploring the park. Kara and I returned in 2019, but that time I planned the trip almost last minute (booking in June for an August visit), so in-park […]
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 […]
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 […]
Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser and one of the park’s must-see sights. But getting the best experience takes a little planning. Eruptions are predictable within a window, crowds build quickly around the main viewing area, and where you watch the eruption can make a surprisingly big difference. Most visitors should plan to spend […]
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. We’ve been to Yellowstone four times, and exploring the geyser basins has been a highlight of […]
Discover the best things to do in Big Bend National Park, including the must-see highlights, unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else, and practical tips to help you plan your visit. Big Bend National Park is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. Tim and I had heard it described as remote and rugged, […]
Looking for the best hikes in Glacier National Park? From the breathtaking Highline Trail and the scenic walk to Hidden Lake Overlook to the unforgettable hike to Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park is home to some of the most spectacular trails in the United States. We’ve visited Glacier National Park multiple times, hiking trails across […]
The Balanced Rock hike is one of our favorite short hikes in Big Bend National Park and one of the most rewarding for the effort required. The trail is only 2.2 miles round trip, with just a brief stretch of rock scrambling near the end, making it accessible for most hikers and genuinely fun for […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Carlsbad Caverns, tour options (both ranger-guided and self-guided), timed entry reservations, plus lots of helpful information. 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 […]
Big Bend National Park is one of the most underrated hiking destinations in the United States. Tucked into the southwestern corner of Texas along the Rio Grande, it packs an extraordinary range of terrain into one park — slot canyons, volcanic rock formations, a full mountain range, and miles of river canyon trails. We visited […]
Emory Peak is the highest point in Big Bend National Park and the Chisos Mountains, and the hike to the summit is one of the best things you can do in the park. The 10.4-mile out-and-back gains nearly 2,500 feet of elevation and finishes with a short rock scramble to the top, where 360-degree views […]
The South Rim Trail is the best full-day hike in Big Bend National Park. This 12.6-mile loop starts in the Chisos Basin and climbs steadily to the South Rim, where sweeping views over the Chihuahuan Desert make every switchback worth it. Add on the short but steep scramble up Emory Peak, the highest point in […]
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 […]
If you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, there are many different ways to plan your perfect road trip, depending on how much time you have and your interests. The American Southwest is packed with stunning parks and landscapes, and it is easy to add on places like Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, and […]
Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. But don’t let its mysterious name and seemingly barren landscape discourage you from planning a trip here. This park is full of wonderful surprises. In this article, get the details on how to plan a Death Valley day trip from Las Vegas. […]
Planning a Yellowstone itinerary can be challenging. The park is enormous, drive times are long, and wildlife sightings and traffic jams can throw even the best-planned day off schedule. In this guide, we provide Yellowstone itineraries for 1 to 5 days, with the sights grouped into logical driving routes to help you make the most […]