Our Adventures in the USA
The hike to Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most challenging and most memorable hikes. On this hike you get to walk on some of Yosemite’s most popular hiking trails, view the Vernal and Nevada waterfalls, and walk through shady forests of Sequoia trees. But the best part of the trail is the final climb on the Half Dome cables …
If you have plans to hike to Half Dome, you must have a Half Dome permit. A maximum of 300 permits are awarded per day in a lottery system. In this guide, we cover why you need a permit and how to get one. Why Do You Need a Permit? Since 2010, the National Park Service has required hikers to …
Have you ever wondered what it is like to climb the Half Dome cables? Did you even know that hiking Half Dome was something you could do? I will admit it, when I saw my first photos of people clinging to the steel cables on Half Dome, climbing one of Yosemite’s most famous icons, this hike got added to our …
The hike to Hidden Canyon blew away our expectations. This hike is tons of fun, with trails that cling to the side of a cliff and a scenic canyon to explore. Sections of this hike are similar to Angels Landing, with vertigo-inducing trails that come with chains to help you keep your balance. This trail does not climb as high …
For jaw-dropping views over Zion National Park, it’s hard to beat Observation Point. The entire hike is a beauty, but it is challenging. At 8 miles long and with 2300 feet of climbing, it is a steady climb to that final viewpoint. This is a classic Zion trail and well worth your time and effort, especially if you want views out over Angels …
With its glowing, red canyon walls and beams of light shining through the dusty air, Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking destination. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. If you can only visit one, how do you decide which one? Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona. Both …
Lower Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous place to visit. With its glowing red canyon walls and narrow, twisting passageways, this place is fun to visit and a joy to photograph. Antelope Canyon is made up of two slot canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. …
San Antonio is a fun city to visit in Texas, even if you have limited time. The River Walk and the Alamo are the highlights, but there are a few more great places to explore. If you have just one day in San Antonio, you have just enough time to tour the best spots in the city. Here are five …
Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, is also home to a fabulous food scene. Barbecue and Tex-Mex reign supreme here but there is enough variety to keep everyone happy. From trailer park tacos to fine dining establishments, there is something here for everyone. Here is our list of Austin restaurants to try, as well as a …
Austin, Texas…the live music capital of the world. With over 250 live music venues spread throughout the city, there is always something going on here. Aside from the epic music scene, there are lots of other unique things to do in Austin. Learn the Texas Two Step, wait in line for some of the best barbecue in the country, or …
The West Rim Trail is a long distance hike through Zion National Park. Starting at Lava Point, the trail slowly descends into the heart of Zion, the views getting better the farther you go. This is a beautiful hike, but it is long and requires some advance planning. With amazing views, very few hikers on the trail, and a chance …
With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is one of the USA’s iconic landscapes. Sure, it’s possible to drive right through Monument Valley, visiting the main sites in just two or three hours, but if you really want to explore it, consider spending at least one day here. We were surprised at how much there is to …
If you are visiting the American southwest and are looking for scenic drive, consider Valley of the Gods. Located near Monument Valley, this area is filled with buttes and mesas and tall rock formations. It doesn’t quite pack the “wow” punch like Monument Valley, but the Valley of the Gods is still a worthwhile visit. Entrance to the Valley of …
We are always on the lookout for interesting, off-the-beaten-path places to explore. In Monument Valley, that place would be Teardrop Arch. On a visit to Monument Valley, most people self-drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop, which takes you past the very popular sites such as The Mittens and John Ford’s Point. Taking a tour lets you explore further and most …
Angels Landing is the most popular hike in Zion National Park. This hike, along with The Narrows, draws thousands of visitors per year, most of them during the summer months. Why is Angels Landing so popular? This is a hike where it is more about the journey than the destination. Yes, the view from the top of Angels Landing is …
Zebra Slot Canyon is a very short slot canyon, named for its striped canyon walls. It’s a gorgeous spot, maybe not quite as pretty as Antelope Canyon in Arizona, but since you can explore this on your own without a guide or tour group, it’s more fun. Hiking Zebra Slot Canyon can be a little tricky. Finding the entrance to …
The hike along the Willis Creek Slot Canyon is so much fun! And to think that we almost skipped this hike. After a long day of hiking and exploring both Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park, we wondered if we should tack on Willis Creek to the end of our day. Would it be worth it? The answer is …
Are you considering a Monument Valley sunrise tour? If so, it is a great experience, but there are a few things to know before you go. You Must Take a Tour Monument Valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border not far from the Four Corners region. It is a Tribal Park owned and managed by the Navajo Nation. There is a …
Isn’t it awesome when a new place completely astounds you? For me, that was Upper Antelope Canyon. A few years ago, I saw my first photos of Antelope Canyon, with its glowing, red canyon walls, twisted, scalloped rock faces, and beams of light shining through the dusty air. Does this place really exist? Yes, it does. Located in Page, Arizona, …
Having lived in Maryland most of our lives, we are lucky to be in such close proximity to our nation’s capital. Washington DC is a place that we visit frequently. With so many museums and historical sights, this city makes an excellent travel destination in the USA. For one day, we acted like tourists, scouting out the perfect walking tour for …