In my perusals of unofficial routes in Death Valley, I ran across three hikes that seemed fascinating (to me, anyway!) in Panamint Valley: Panamint Dunes (which is actually an official route, though its trail is pretty much invisible in many…
Scrambling up Lake Hill
The Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
At this point, Canyonlands ranks as one of my favorite national parks to visit in Utah. I love the variety of long-ranging canyon views, rock formations, arches, slot canyons, mountain views, and exploration opportunities. There are also hikes for every…
Seven Ways to Support a Friend who is Struggling
As I wander through life, people cross my path – or maybe they’re dear friends or family – who are struggling. Sometimes there’s a reason for their feelings, and sometimes they have no reason, or the reason doesn’t seem big…
Lake Tahoe from the Basalt Overlook
To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure if the trail I took from Skyland to the Basalt Overlook (just off the Tahoe Rim Trail) is all that official. But I found it on AllTrails, so that counts for something, right? …
Spectacular Yellowstone Views from Avalanche Peak
Avalanche Peak had been on my “must do next time I’m in Yellowstone” list for about 10 years. (No joke… and yes, I visited Yellowstone during that time.) The more I saw friends’ photos of it, the more I knew…
An Old Mining Road & the Climbers Trail to Emmons Glacier Vistas!
Very frequently, when I leave the traditional trails behind on a whim, it would have been better for me to stay on the traditional trail. Not always, of course – I’ve found some very fun and interesting stuff along the…
8 Ways to Spot (and Recover From) Self-Dislike or Self-Hatred in Christians
As Christians, we have the opportunity to be the most identity-certain people in the world. We are sons and daughters of God (1 John 3:1, John 1:12, Hosea 1:10, Galatians 4:5, etc.), and so we have an anchor and an…
Exploring Resurrection Canyon
In the way of explorable canyons, Resurrection Canyon near Big Water in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stand-out. It’s not a slot – it’s rarely less than 20ft. wide – but it boasts a wild assortment of rock…
Backpacking or Camping Meal: Unstuffed Peppers
My group members have a favorite dehydrated backpacking/camping meal – unstuffed peppers! One of them told me, “You can make this at home, too, if you want.” (In other words, don’t wait until our next trip to make it –…
10 Ways to Grow in Trusting God
Trusting in God is one of the foundations of the Christian life. It’s extremely difficult to live in faith, surrender, love, obedience, or other parts of relationship with God if you don’t trust Him. But when you do trust –…