I heard Blue Lake in Colorado was implementing a permit system, and I determined I would visit before the system went into place. That was no easy feat, but we did it, and I’m so glad we did! The scenery…
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…
Peek-a-boo Trail to Paul Bunyan’s Potty
I put off visiting Paul Bunyan’s Potty for many years. (And if you’re wondering what in the world I’m talking about, the “potty” is an arch along the Horse Canyon Road in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah.)…
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…
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…
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…