I’ve long wanted to drive to the top of Loveland Pass. When I was in my teens, my family often vacationed in Utah, which required crossing over the passes in the Rockies on I-70. We’d always see the signs for…
Drive or Hike Hole in the Wall Road
If you’re looking for a non-traditional hike (or a nice, non-technical 4×4 ride) in the main part of Death Valley National Park, the Hole in the Wall Road is a good option! The scenery is beautiful, there are cool rock…
Hiking to Yellowstone’s Natural Bridge
I wasn’t expecting much when it came to the Natural Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. I’m very spoiled with all of the beautiful arches in Utah, and this rarity in a park known for its geysers seemed like it would…
So Many Waterfalls on Double Run!
Double Run came to me as a totally delightful and unexpected surprise. I was looking for a short hike in World End State Park after hiking the Canyon Vista & Cold Run Loop, so I took off on the “nature…
Gorgeous Views at Sawtooth Lake
Some time ago, I saw a photo of Sawtooth Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. My first thought was something like, “I want to go there! That looks amazing!” It didn’t work out (we went to Glacier National Park…
Scrambling the Red Cathedral Canyon Crest
The number one adventure I wanted to hike when I found myself in Death Valley last fall was the Red Cathedral Canyon Crest. It’s not an official trail, but I personally know people who have hiked it and loved the…
Hiking to Donut Falls & Kessler Peak in Big Cottonwood Canyon
In my rambles around the internet (and social media), I’d seen a cool waterfall where the water fell through a hole in the rock. It was named Donut Falls and was near Salt Lake City. So when I found myself…
Climbing up Observation Rock
One of the most beautiful (and adventurous!) hikes we took in the Maze District in Canyonlands was the scramble up Observation Rock. No trail leads to the summit; there’s not even a cairned route to its base. But the views…
Steep but Beautiful Hike to Silver Lake
The trail to Silver Lake is quite a bit more than meets the eye. It’s only a little over 6 miles RT, but the elevation gain means the trail is much steeper than you might think. It was harder than…
Spectacular Views from the Loafer Mountain Trail to Santaquin Peak
Santaquin Peak in the Wasatch Mountain Range isn’t the loftiest of peaks nor is it the most famous. Even the trail to the top takes on the name of another peak, which (granted) is 2 feet taller. But it does…