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…
Calcite Springs Overlook
The Calcite Springs Overlook is a quick and easy (and wheelchair-accessible) trek not far from Tower Junction in Yellowstone National Park. I hear the views of the springs are even better from the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail, but since…
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.…
Kyhv Peak and its Amazing Views
I didn’t hike Kyhv Peak the traditional way. Most people start down at the Rock Canyon Trailhead in Provo. But given that I was already on the dirt road high in the mountains (the Kyhv Peak Road), I decided to…
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…
Lovely Stiles Falls
Stiles Falls is a hidden gem deep within Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, it’s so hidden that I would never have gotten to the parking area without a GPS! Thankfully, it was findable with Google Maps, and except for…
Great Views on the Hermitage Point Trail
For years, I had my eye on the Hermitage Point Trail in Grand Teton National Park. But it’s a long hike by Grand Teton standards, especially when you can see almost the same view from the Lakeshore Trail, which is…
Hiking Hetch Hetchy to Wapama Falls
Did you know that you don’t need a timed entry ticket to visit Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park? The access road is located just outside of the entry gates to the park, proper, so no timed entry ticket is…
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,…