Hikes in Capitol Reef

16 Epic Day Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

Julie United States 7 Comments

If you are looking for a great hike to do in Capitol Reef, the list is surprisingly long. In Capitol Reef, you can hike to arches that are tucked away in the colorful sandstone mountains, through easy slot canyons, and up to overlooks with jaw-dropping views. In this post, we share 16 amazing day hikes in Capitol Reef National Park. …

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

How to Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison: North & South Rims

Julie United States 8 Comments

In some ways, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. You can visit both the North and South Rims, enjoy the views from the overlooks, and, for the ultimate adventure, hike below the rim to the Gunnison River. In this guide, learn how to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Overview …

Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Julie United States 84 Comments

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 Silver Falls

How to Hike the Silver Falls Loop Trail, Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

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 Day in RMNP

One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

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 …

Delta Lake Hike

Ultimate Guide to the Delta Lake Hike | Map, Stats & Photos

Julie United States 11 Comments

The hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes is one of the more popular hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a tough hike but your reward is a visit to two stunning alpine lakes. On this hike, you have the option to add on a third lake, Delta Lake. Once a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park, …

One Day in Badlands

One Perfect Day in Badlands National Park

Julie United States 6 Comments

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 …

Grand Teton One Day

One Perfect Day in Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 33 Comments

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 …

Chesler Park Viewpoint

12 Amazing Things to Do in The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

Julie United States 18 Comments

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 …

Castle Trail

The Castle Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

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 …

Static Peak Divide Viewpoint

How to Hike Death Canyon to the Static Peak Divide | Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 3 Comments

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 …

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 …

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 …