One of my favorite things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (I only do it every time I visit!) is to take the Hermit’s Rest (Red) Route Shuttle out to Hermit’s Rest and back, stopping at…
Neck Spring Trail – Canyonlands National Park
Neck Spring is the first hike you’ll encounter (along with the Shaffer Canyon Overlook) while driving into the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. It’s also one of the few long trails on top of the mesa. As such,…
Exploring Around the Inyo Mine
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……
Chaffin Cowboy Camp on Waterhole Flat
You can drive to the Chaffin Cowboy Camp on Waterhole Flat (almost) in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah. However, it’s more fun to bicycle or hike the access road to fully appreciate the views. (My hiking companions…
The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Death Valley National Park
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…
Jasper Forest-Eagle Nest Rock Road Route
If you want an easy-to-follow official off-trail route to hike in Petrified Forest National Park (or maybe you just love history), the Jasper Forest is a good choice. Sure, there’s no trail, but you’re following an old road for most…
Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm
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…
The Best Hikes for Kids in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park may be one of the most kid-friendly places in the National Park System, at least when it comes to the variety of hiking. The park has a wide breadth of short and longer hikes that are varied…
Rochester’s Secret Sidewalk
The Secret Sidewalk is a Rochester, New York, secret. Tucked behind mansions on Beach Avenue, most people park at Ontario Beach Park and walk the regular sidewalk down to the beginning of the secret one. I recommend going on a…
Clam Basin & Red Beds Route
The Clam Beds and Red Basin Loop is the longest of the official off-trail hiking routes in Petrified Forest National Park. It’s also one of the most amazing (the Wilderness Route wins as the best off-trail route IMO, but the…