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…
A Few of the Best Trails in SW Virginia
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…
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,…
Shafer Canyon Overlook
The very first “hike” (such as it is) you’ll drive past in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the Shafer Canyon Overlook. It’s a quick walk down to the edge of the canyon, where you…
See the “New Wave” on the Beehive Trail
I went to the Beehive Trail outside of Page, Arizona, because someone online called it the “New Wave.” It was billed as a place where you can see formations like the famous Wave, only you don’t need a permit. Well,…
Pretty Badlands on the Blue Mesa Trail
The Blue Mesa Trail is an overlooked gem in central Petrified Forest National Park. Because it’s off on a sideroad – plus it’s away from the main areas of the Painted Desert and the Rainbow Museum – fewer people drive…
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…
First Forest Point in Petrified Forest
So I’m trying something new in hopes of streamlining some processes here on the blog. Some of the posts (at least for the time being) will have this new way of showing the mileages, etc. They’ll also probably have fewer…
Devils Garden and Beyond
If you can only do one full-day hike in Arches National Park, I’d vote for Devils Garden. No, it doesn’t showcase the famous Delicate Arch (well worth the time in its own right!), but it does have a minimum of…
Driving the Echo Canyon Road
Echo Canyon Road may be one of the most popular 4×4 roads in Death Valley (outside of the Racetrack Road). It certainly is convenient and beautiful and offers great views, an arch, and a little bit of adventure. In recent…