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…
Short but Steep Path to Trout Lake
The hike up to Trout Lake in Yellowstone National Park sounds so easy: A 0.4 mile trail to a lake. What could possibly be hard about it? Well, let’s start with the fact that the trail is exceedingly steep. …
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…
Blue Lake above Lake Sebrina
Blue Lake above Lake Sabrina in the John Muir Wilderness of California is probably best known as a backpacking destination. However, it makes a great dayhike and was one of the prettiest mid-length hike of the High Sierra trails I…
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…
Views of Roanoke from the Roanoke Star
When I looked up the best hikes around Roanoke, Virginia, one of the most popular was the Roanoke Star. Mind you, you can drive nearly to it. I suppose you can also hike up the hill from the bottom instead…
Terrace Spring near Madison Junction
There are dozens of minor geyser basins and hot springs in Yellowstone. Most people drive right by them; after all, how many hot springs do you really want to look into in a day? And with limited time, why go…
Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Canyonlands… and a Lot of Off-Trail Adventures!
If you read my last post, you’ll know that we were in the middle of Death Valley, following routes instead of trails and having a marvelous time hiking off the beaten path. We were about to have even more excitement…
Cataract Canyon Overlook in the Maze District
In my wanderings around the internet looking for places my van could access in the Maze District of Canyonlands (no easy feat!), I read about the Colorado River Overlook, also known as the Cataract Canyon Overlook. Technically, it’s a short…
Newspaper Rock in Petrified Forest National Park
In the middle of Petrified Forest National Park is a small viewpoint. It’s not remarkable except that it sits on the clifftop above boulders literally covered in petroglyphs and rock art. These aren’t just the normal squiggles or stick figures;…