Back in late 2023, we unexpectedly ended up in Death Valley National Park for the second time in two weeks. (I know, how can you unexpectedly end up in a national park diagonally across the country from where you live……


Back in late 2023, we unexpectedly ended up in Death Valley National Park for the second time in two weeks. (I know, how can you unexpectedly end up in a national park diagonally across the country from where you live……

Did you know that you can hike in Death Valley National Park with your dog? Not on trails – that’s strictly forbidden – but there are many miles of dirt road where dogs are allowed with their humans on a…

Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm was a surprising and delightful discovery when I visited Lake Tahoe. In fact, it was so amazing that we decided to go back the next day after hiking Castle Rock when we weren’t able to hike…

I had high hopes for Slit Canyon. And to be fair, the first part of the hike was gorgeous with scenery not typically experienced on the more famous trails in Death Valley National Park. However, the canyon itself wasn’t as…

I heard about the wonders of McCloud Falls from a social media friend who used to live in the area. His pictures were lovely, and it was said to be a great local swimming hole. Now, I’m well aware that…

About two months ago, I was editing my final photos from 2023, which included our visit to Lake Manly at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, California. I was sad about editing the photos because I figured I’d never…

It’s the end of 2025! How did we get here so fast? But what a good year it has been, too! Before we get down to business, I’m wishing a great 2026 for every one of you. I mentioned that…

There are a few collections of sand dunes in Death Valley. The most famous are the Mesquite Dunes, located along the main highway near Stovepipe Wells. I’ve also been to the Ibex Dunes in the far south of the park.…

Did you know that you don’t need a timed entry ticket to visit Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park? The access road is located just outside of the entry gates to the park, proper, so no timed entry ticket is…

I’ve had my eye on Lower Monarch Canyon ever since I first read about it back c.2021. A perennial waterfall in the desert reached via a desert walk and hiking up a canyon? Yes, please! The Monarch Canyon Waterfall in…