There are over 2,000 named arches in Arches National Park, so it’s not surprising that more than a few don’t have trails to them. Some are in the backcountry or in difficult-to-access places, but others are quite accessible. Diamond Arch…
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…
Fiery Furnace with a Self-Guided Permit
Hiking the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park requires a permit – but it’s well worth the cost and effort! The scenery is spectacular, the area is uncrowded (because of the permit system), and there are arches and rock formations…
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…
Mossy Ledge Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Mossy Ledge Falls is one of those almost-unknown secret hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s named for the picnic area that once sat at the trailhead. Calling it a “trail” is a bit of a…
Slit Canyon off Hole in the Wall Road
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…
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…
Panamint Dunes: Remote Sand Dunes in Death Valley
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.…
Rock Art at Martha’s Butte
Martha’s Butte is an unofficial hike in the southern part of Petrified Forest National Park. There are several ways to get there and get back, so I did a loop (which included a road walk – you can trade that…
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,…