Mount Rainier is a glacier-capped, active volcano that can be seen from hundreds of miles away. In the summer months, the lower slopes are carpeted with wildflowers. With its old growth forests and network of hiking trails, this is an outdoor paradise for many travelers. In this post, we cover the best things to do […]
The hikes in Capitol Reef National Park are some of the most underrated in Utah. From short, easy trails along Highway 24 to scenic routes like Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash, this park is packed with adventure, without the crowds you’ll find in Zion or Arches. Drive deeper into the park and you’ll discover the […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Castle Trail is a 5-mile, point-to-point trail that wanders through the “backcountry” of Badlands National Park. Unlike the shorter, more popular boardwalks, this less crowded trail allows you to explore a rugged landscape where bighorn sheep and pronghorn roam. Whether you prefer a simple point-to-point hike or a more demanding loop that includes Saddle […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Capitol Reef, often an overlooked national park, is full of many wonderful surprises. With two amazing scenic drives, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]