I never thought I’d voluntarily explore southwestern Virginia. East Coast scenery just pales in comparison to the Rockies and beyond, so I spend most of my travel time west of the Mississippi. But a few weeks ago, I found myself…
Calcite Springs Overlook
The Calcite Springs Overlook is a quick and easy (and wheelchair-accessible) trek not far from Tower Junction in Yellowstone National Park. I hear the views of the springs are even better from the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail, but since…
Eye of the Whale Arch + Exploring Whale Canyon
Arches National Park is known for being overrun, but there are ways to get away from the crowds. Visit very early in the morning, or go in late November-February, and while you might not have the popular areas to yourself,…
Logistics for Hiking the South Kaibab Trail
They say not to hike the South Kaibab Trail rim to river to rim in a day. And having done it, I’d say they’re wise to advise against it. But since some of us are in excellent physical condition, very…
The Waterfall in Lower Monarch Canyon
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…
Walking Upper Cove Canyon near the Maze District
About 19.8 miles from the pavement of US-95, the Waterhole Flat Road crosses an unassuming wash. It’s actually fairly easy to find because a sideroad goes off just before the road dips to cross the dry watercourse. This is Cove…
Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Canyonlands… and a Lot of Off-Trail Adventures!
If you read my last post, you’ll know that we were in the middle of Death Valley, following routes instead of trails and having a marvelous time hiking off the beaten path. We were about to have even more excitement…
Exploring Petrified Forest and Death Valley – With Very Few Trails!
I recently returned from an amazing trek across the country! We drove nearly 6,000 miles, hiked around 160 miles, and saw some truly amazing scenery both by foot and by van. Of course, we also slept under brilliant stars, watched…
Cataract Canyon Overlook in the Maze District
In my wanderings around the internet looking for places my van could access in the Maze District of Canyonlands (no easy feat!), I read about the Colorado River Overlook, also known as the Cataract Canyon Overlook. Technically, it’s a short…
Canyon Rim Boardwalk Trail above New River Gorge
If you want to see the New River Gorge Bridge, the best angle is from the Main Overlook, also known as the Canyon Rim Boardwalk. (Actually, I really like the angle from Long Point, but it’s not as classic as…