Estes Park from Twin Sisters

Best of Estes Park: Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

Julie United States 6 Comments

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 …

Death Valley Itinerary

20 Epic Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

Julie United States 11 Comments

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 …

Best Hike in the Needles

How to Hike the Chesler Park Loop Trail in the Needles | Canyonlands National Park

Julie United States 14 Comments

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 …

Syncline Loop

How to Hike the Syncline Loop in Canyonlands National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

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 …

Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary (2024)

Julie United States 78 Comments

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 …

Devils Tower

Complete Guide to Devils Tower: How to Plan Your Visit

Julie United States 13 Comments

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 …

Tombstone Ridge RMNP

How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, RMNP

Julie United States 6 Comments

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 Day in Arches

One Perfect Day in Arches National Park (+ HELPFUL Tips & Map)

Julie United States 39 Comments

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, …

Rocky Mountain NP Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 20 Comments

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. …

Cathedral Valley Loop Guide

Complete Guide to the Cathedral Valley Loop: Things to Do, Driving Route & Maps

Julie United States 46 Comments

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 …

Chasm Lake and Longs Peak

How to Hike Chasm Lake: Helpful Tips, Hiking Stats & Photos

Julie United States 11 Comments

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 …

Guide to the White Rim Road

White Rim Road: Detailed Planning Guide and Checklist

Julie United States 5 Comments

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 …

Drive the White Rim Road

How to Drive the White Rim Road: Map, Photos & Driving Tips

Julie United States 34 Comments

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 …

National Parks Hikes

20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks

Julie United States 6 Comments

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 …

Notch Trail

How to Hike the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park

Julie United States 4 Comments

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: …

GPS Yellowstone Day Trip

The Perfect Yellowstone Day Trip from Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 10 Comments

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 …

How to Visit Shenandoah

9 Amazing Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

Julie United States 21 Comments

Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Skyline Drive is the main thoroughfare through the park, a road that twists and turns for 105 miles from north to south. For those who want to explore the park beyond Skyline Drive, 500 miles of hiking trails travel through the park. In this post, learn about …

Summerland Hike to Panhandle Gap Photo

Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

In Mount Rainier National Park, hiking the Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap is on the longer and more difficult side, but it has a little bit of everything…old growth forests, fields of wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier, the chance to spot wildlife, high alpine views, and panoramic views out to Mount Adams. I wouldn’t classify the Summerland Trail as off-the-beaten-path …

Shenandoah Hiking List

10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Julie United States 10 Comments

500 miles of hiking trails travel through Shenandoah National Park. These trails range from short, easy summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, to challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. In this post, we have 10 great hikes in Shenandoah National Park to share with you. …

Continental Divide Mt Ida

How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida, RMNP

Julie United States 4 Comments

While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches …