USA
Hiking the 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park
The 3 Dune Challenge is arguably the top hike in the Indiana Dunes region. As the name suggests, it takes hikers up and down three large sand dunes situated near Lake Michigan. They’re all a little under 200 feet high, but given the sandy terrain, the challenge isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. Before
Indiana Dunes National Park in a Day
Indiana Dunes National Park is a unique and biologically diverse park that’s just one of only several National Parks in the Midwest. While many visitors come mainly to relax on its beaches, the park is home to noteworthy hikes like the Paul H. Douglas Trail and the Dune Succession Trail. Confusingly, the area is home
The Chicago Field Museum: A Visitor’s Guide
One of the most-visited museums in the country, Chicago’s Field Museum has a little something for everyone. It was originally created to house objects that had been accumulated for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and it largely began as a natural history museum. But it’s now equally focused on anthropology, and the exhibits serve
Touring The Tombs of Forest Home Cemetery
Visiting a major cemetery is often one of the best ways to learn about a city’s history and its former notable residents. And Milwaukee’s Forest Home Cemetery is no exception. Located in the Lincoln Village neighborhood, the cemetery expands out to over 200 acres, with over 118,000 thousand people buried within. It was established in 1847
Aztalan State Park: Cahokia’s Sister City
The site of Cahokia, located just outside of St. Louis, is home to the largest earthen pyramid in the United States. But amazingly, it had a sister city roughly 360 miles away, now located about 40 minutes east of Madison, Wisconsin. Inhabited by the Mississippian people from around 1100-1250 AD, Aztalan State Park was designed as a smaller
Hiking Through Effigy Mounds National Monument
Northeast Iowa is home to one of the largest concentrations of ancient mounds in the US, many of which are now located in Effigy Mounds National Monument. Established as a protected area in 1949, the park is home to hundreds of mounds in total, with a few dozen being in the form of animal effigies. The
Top Things to Do in Stillwater: The Birthplace of Minnesota
Stillwater, an easy day trip from Minneapolis, is considered one of Minnesota’s most charming towns, while it’s also one of the state’s oldest. You can simply show up and explore the town center on foot, but there are also some outdoor adventures located further north. And don’t miss a visit to the fascinating Warden’s House Museum.
An Epic 2-Week North & South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary
Known for their remarkable badlands, massive sculptures, and ample wildlife, the Dakotas are gradually becoming known as must-visit destinations for both nature and history lovers. But if you’ve never been to the area and aren’t sure how to go about planning a visit, this two-week North and South Dakota road trip itinerary has you covered.
North Dakota’s Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
If you find yourself driving across the state of North Dakota – either to or from the underrated Theodore Roosevelt National Park – you may be wondering how to break up the journey. Of all the attractions in the central part of the state, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site should not be
A Guide to Makoshika State Park: Montana’s Badlands
At over 11,000 acres, Makoshika State Park, located just outside of Glendive, is Montana’s largest state park. ‘Makoshika’ is the Lakota word for ‘badland,’ and the park accordingly shares a lot in common with nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. But despite a proposal in the 1930s, Makoshika was rejected by the National
A Guide to The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt Park is easily one of the country’s most underrated parks. And even among those who do make it out to this remote part of North Dakota, not everyone ends up visiting the park’s North Unit. But not only does the North Unit have the park’s top hiking trail, its viewpoints also rival those
Hiking The Caprock Coulee Trail: North Dakota’s Top Hike
The Caprock Coulee Trail is Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s flagship hike. Though I didn’t embark on it with any special expectations, its ever-changing scenery continued to amaze me throughout, and I’d even go as far as calling it one of my all-time favorite hikes. Not only is it arguably the best hike in the Dakotas (just
Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Scenic Loop Drive
There’s no shortage of things to do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park – easily one of America’s most underrated parks. And it’s in the South Unit that you’ll find the Scenic Loop Drive, the area’s prominent loop road. This is one of the best ways to experience the park’s colorful badlands via both overlooks and
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Exploring Painted Canyon
North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is easily one of America’s most underrated parks. And the Painted Canyon area, which serves as many visitors’ introduction to the park, is a great way to become acquainted with the region’s colorful badlands. Painted Canyon is part of the park’s South Unit, albeit in a separate area from
Hiking White Butte: North Dakota’s Highest Point
Not many people would expect the highest point of a particular state to be a hidden gem. But that’s exactly the case with White Butte, North Dakota, a geological formation located in the remote southwestern part of the state. While not the easiest place to reach, White Butte can be visited and hiked as a
Top 5 Things to Do in Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Old West towns in America. In addition to its historical architecture and beautiful surroundings, many come to learn about its infamous former residents, such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. In the following guide, we’ll be covering the top things to do in Deadwood, all
Bear Butte State Park: Hiking The Summit Trail
Located just outside the city of Sturgis and an easy drive from Deadwood, South Dakota’s Bear Butte State Park is part outdoor, part cultural experience. In addition to learning about Native American history at the Educational Center, visitors can climb Bear Butte itself – a lone mountain that has long been sacred to the Lakota
Experiencing The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Situated along a 19-mile stretch of South Dakota’s Highway 14A, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is fast gaining a reputation as one of the state’s top scenic drives. Much of the area’s beauty can be enjoyed from the road and its numerous pullovers. But as we’ll cover below, various landmarks like caves and waterfalls need to
Visiting Devils Tower: Encircling The Mysterious Monolith
The ominously-titled Devils Tower, known for its unique vertical stone columns, was declared the first-ever US National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. But being located at the opposite end of Wyoming from Yellowstone, it’s not the most convenient place to reach. And once you do, what does visiting Devils Tower actually entail? The
Badlands’ Backcountry: Deer Haven & Sage Creek Rim Rd
Most visitors to Badlands National Park stick to the easily accessible Badlands Loop Road. But who wants to come out to such a remote landscape only to be surrounded by crowds? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get off the beaten track, including backcountry hikes like Deer Haven and the scenic Sage Creek Rim
Badlands Loop Road: The Top Viewpoints & Hikes
Despite its remoteness, Badlands National Park attracts around 1 million visitors each year, who are drawn by the park’s rugged terrain, unique formations and wildlife. And for most visitors, the sights and hikes along Badlands Loop Road will be their first introduction to the park. In the following guide, we’ll be going into detail on
Visiting Mount Rushmore: South Dakota’s ‘Shrine of Democracy’
Mount Rushmore was originally conceived of as a way to boost tourism to South Dakota’s Black Hills region. And with over two million people visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial each year, the effort clearly paid off. But aside from arriving and simply admiring the massive sculpture from below, what else does the site have to
The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway: Wildlife Loop & The Needles Highway
Aside from its hikes, the Custer State Park and Black Elk Wilderness areas are equally known for their scenic drives. And popular drives like the Wildlife Loop, the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road – all covered below – are actually part of the larger 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. While you could cover each
How to Visit The Crazy Horse Memorial
Often touted as one of the top things to do in South Dakota’s Black Hills region, the Crazy Horse Memorial has been a work in progress since 1948, and it was initiated in response to nearby Mount Rushmore. It’s a quick fifteen-minute drive from central Custer. But seeing how the massive sculpture is far from
Hiking Custer State Park’s Underrated Sunday Gulch Trail
For those who’ve already seen Custer State Park’s famous landmarks and are looking to experience more but without the crowds, consider hiking the Sunday Gulch Trail. The thrilling yet relatively short trail takes you across uneven granite boulders, while you’ll have to grab onto metal railings to keep your balance. It’s quite an exciting hike,
Hiking The Black Elk Peak – Cathedral Spires – Little Devils Tower Loop
Custer State Park is arguably South Dakota’s top attraction for hikers – perhaps even outshining the state’s two National Parks. The massive 71,000-acre park is known for its spiky granite outcrops, forests, lakes, and wildlife. When it comes to must-see natural landmarks, visitors shouldn’t miss Sylvan Lake, Black Elk Peak, Little Devils Tower, and the
Wind Cave: Hiking the Lookout Point & Centennial Loop
As its name suggests, the most popular activity at South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park is visiting its caves. But as the caves were closed for renovations at the time of my visit, I spent the day focusing on what there is to do above the surface, with the main highlight being the Lookout Point
Toadstool Geologic Park: Nebraska’s Overlooked Badlands
Tucked away in a remote corner of northwest Nebraska are some fascinating badlands that will change the way you think about the Cornhusker State. Many of Toadstool Geologic Park’s highlights can be explored over the course of a two-hour loop hike that we’ll be covering in-depth below. Just 30 min outside the town of Crawford,
Western Nebraska: The Unique Formations of Scotts Bluff & More
To most outsiders, Nebraska isn’t particularly known for its geological formations. Quite the opposite, in fact, as most of the state is covered by seemingly endless flat plains. But a visit to sites like Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska’s panhandle will quickly change your perspective. As we’ll cover below, there are several additional
Top Things to Do in Cheyenne: Turtle Rock, Ames Monument & More
With a population of just 65,000, Cheyenne is the capital of the country’s least-populated state. And given its position at the opposite end of Wyoming from Yellowstone, one would be forgiven for thinking that there aren’t that many things to do in Cheyenne. But if the idea of hiking amongst granite boulders, checking out a
Rocky Mountain vs Glacier: Which One to Choose?
Out of the United States’ most popular parks, Rocky Mountain and Glacier are often compared with one another due to their breathtaking mountain scenery, scenic drives, and unforgettable hikes. But if you could only choose one, which should it be? In this guide, we’ll be comparing Rocky Mountain vs Glacier National Park based on five
A Planning Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
As one of America’s most popular and crowded parks, proper planning is essential for getting the most out of Rocky Mountain National Park. In the following Rocky Mountain planning guide, we’ll be covering essential info such as the best places to stay, the park’s Timed Entry Permit System, packing tips, a sample itinerary, and more.
How to Hike Rocky Mountain’s Mount Ida
Rocky Mountain National Park has no shortage of thrilling hikes, though Mount Ida is rather unique among them. After a short forested section, this hike is mostly above the tree line, giving you wide-open views for the majority of the trek. And the views from the summit are some of the park’s finest. In the following
A Guide to Rocky Mountain’s Chasm Lake Hike
The Chasm Lake hike is one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most popular longer hikes. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the alpine tundra along the way, while Chasm Lake itself is the best place to view Longs Peak – the park’s highest point – from below. In the following guide, we’ll be covering everything
Rocky Mountain’s Sky Pond Hike: Everything You Need to Know
Known for its ever-changing scenery, breathtaking mountain views and picturesque lakes, many consider Sky Pond to be Rocky Mountain National Park’s flagship hike. Not only was this my favorite hike at the park, but the Sky Pond hike is up there with my favorite treks of all time. In the following guide, we’ll be covering everything
Rocky Mountain Lakes Hike: Mills Lake, Emerald Lake & More
Rocky Mountain National Park has no shortage of scenic lakes, many of which are located in the Bear Lake Road area. And within 4-5 hours, I managed to visit no less than six lakes in a single loop hike. While Emerald Lake is probably the most famous of the bunch, Mills Lake was the most
A Guide to Rocky Mountain’s Trail Ridge Road
Though Rocky Mountain National Park may be a hiker’s paradise, the park is also home to one of the country’s most thrilling scenic drives. In the following guide to Trail Ridge Road, we’ll be covering the main highlights you can expect to see along the way, including overlooks, short hikes, and maybe even wildlife. For
Top Things to Do in Manitou Springs, Colorado
Founded in the late 19th century, the scenic and charming town of Manitou Springs has a bit to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for historical architecture, cave tours, or thrilling hiking trails, the following list of the top things to do in Manitou Springs covers the main highlights. Please note that we are not sponsored
Conquering The Manitou Incline & Its Many Steps
Located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, the Manitou Incline isn’t your typical hike. Rather than hiking up a mountain via an ever-changing winding path, the Manitou Incline is simply a massive staircase leading straight to the summit. Not only does it consist of nearly 3,000 steps, but visitors coming from lower elevations might struggle with the
Experiencing The Thrilling Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Within easy driving distance of Denver is America’s highest paved road: the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. The parking lot at the summit stands at over 14,000 ft above sea level, while the thrilling journey there lacks any guardrails whatsoever. When planning a trip to the top of Mount Blue Sky (formerly known as Mount Evans),
Experiencing Garden of the Gods and Its Hiking Trails
Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, a large public park known for its towering sandstone formations, is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to find practical info on which trails to choose and how to plan out your day. That’s why below, we’ll be covering how
Exploring Colorado’s Paint Mines Interpretive Park
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park isn’t quite what most visitors are expecting when they picture Colorado. But these colorful badlands, within easy reach of either Denver or Colorado Springs, reveal how geologically diverse the state really is. The Colorado Paint Mines are best experienced by hiking through them. But as we’ll cover shortly, there are
North Platte: The Buffalo Bill Ranch & More
For those making a road trip across Nebraska, North Platte makes for the perfect stopover between Omaha and either Denver or Scotts Bluff National Monument. But this small city also happens to be the hometown of the legendary Buffalo Bill, whose former home, the Buffalo Bill Ranch, shouldn’t be missed by anyone passing through. Admittedly,
Top Things to Do in Omaha: A Day in the Gateway to the West
Omaha is located in the geographic heart of the US and has long been known as the ‘Gateway to the West’ (a nickname it shares with St. Louis). But though it may be the largest city in Nebraska, the state as a whole is well off most people’s radars. After reading this list of the
A Guide to Iowa’s Maquoketa Caves State Park
Iowa isn’t exactly known for its natural beauty, and the stereotype of endless cornfields as far as the eye can see is largely true. But the state is also home to the stunning Maquoketa Caves State Park which is easily among the finest parks in the Midwest. Its main highlight is the massive Dancehall Cave
Exploring More Mounds of Illinois
The state of Illinois is home to one of the most significant and impressive archaeological sites in all of the United States: Cahokia, known for its large earthen pyramid. But like its neighboring Midwestern states, Illinois is also home to dozens of smaller mounds, some of which are 2000 years old. During a recent road
Cuyahoga Valley: Hiking The Ledges Trail & More
Situated between the urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley isn’t your typical National Park. It’s divided up into various sections with modern towns and residences scattered between them. While it lacks the sense of immersion of other National Parks, nature lovers who find themselves in the area shouldn’t miss hiking the Ledges trail.
Garnet Ghost Town: Montana’s Best-Preserved Abandoned Town
Nearly everyone enjoys a good ghost town, though exploring abandoned places often comes with potential risks. But not Montana’s Garnet Ghost Town, a former mining town located near the city of Missoula. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Garnet could be thought of as a large outdoor museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into
Glacier National Park: The Ultimate Planning Guide
Montana’s Glacier National Park attracts about three million visitors each year, making it the 11th most-visited park in the country. But due to weather conditions, a large majority of visitors come between July and September, making the peak summer season rather chaotic. Given the circumstances, you’ll have to do a lot of meticulous planning to
Top 5 Things to Do in Glacier National Park
Montana’s Glacier National Park is the quintessential hiker’s park, while it’s also home to a thrilling scenic drive. But with so much to see and do, planning for your first trip to the park can be overwhelming. Below we’ll be taking a look at the top things to do in Glacier National Park that those
Hiking Glacier’s Highline Trail: Everything You Need to Know
Many who’ve done it call the Highline Trail one of Glacier National Park’s quintessential hikes. As we’ll cover below, the most challenging part of the hike is figuring out transport to the trailhead. But once you begin, it’s a relatively flat journey that takes you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery. In the
A Guide to Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road
Constructed over the course of nine years and completed in the 1930s, Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only way to get from one end of Glacier National Park to the other (without leaving park boundaries, at least). But more than just a way to get from point A to B, the drive offers stunning views of
Visiting Waterton Lakes National Park: Glacier’s Sister Park
Waterton Lakes is located in southern Alberta, just across the border from Glacier National Park. The two parks, in fact, make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. But those basing themselves at Glacier may be wondering: Is visiting Waterton Lakes National Park for a day worth it? If you only have two or three days in
Grinnell Glacier: Glacier National Park’s Top Hike
Many visitors to Glacier National Park regard the Grinnell Glacier Trail as their favorite hike in the park (though the Highline Trail is another top contender). But what makes it so special? Though strenuous and somewhat crowded, the hike’s scenery constantly evolves. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of turquoise lakes, encounter waterfalls, and
Many Glacier: Hiking to Iceberg Lake & Red Rock Falls
Glacier National Park is comprised of several different districts, but lots of visitors call Many Glacier their favorite. The area offers some of the park’s best hiking experiences, while it’s also home to pristine lakes and abundant wildlife. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at two of Many Glacier’s top hikes: Iceberg Lake
Yellowstone: The Ultimate Packing List
Known for its hydrothermal features and wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest parks in the country. Most people visit in summer, but at 7,733 feet (2,357 m) above sea level, temperatures can fluctuate greatly throughout the day. Furthermore, this being bear country, you’ll need to take special precautions to ensure a smooth
The Perfect 4-Day Yellowstone Itinerary
At over two million acres, Yellowstone requires several days to fully appreciate. While it would probably take weeks to see 100% of the park, three or four days is enough to see the main highlights. In the following Yellowstone itinerary, we’ll be detailing how to experience the park over four days as efficiently (and as
Top 5 Things to Do in Yellowstone
Yellowstone will forever be known as the United States’ (and the world’s) first-ever National Park. Designated in 1872, it remains one of the country’s largest and most unique parks to this day. But it can be hard to keep track of all there is to do and see when planning a trip. This guide to
North Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs & Bunsen Peak
Just about every corner of Yellowstone National Park is home to something special. And the northern part of the park is no exception, as it’s here that you’ll find the stunning travertine pools of Mammoth Hot Springs. Though largely formed over the course of thousands of years, the area remains in a constant state of
Exploring Yellowstone’s Colorful Norris Geyser Basin
Located in the western part of Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin is home to hundreds of hydrothermal features like geysers, mud pots and fumaroles. While it may not be as well-known as Upper Geyser Basin (known for Old Faithful) or Middle Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic), it’s easily one of the most interesting hydrothermal areas of the park.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: The Top Viewpoints & Hikes
At over two million acres, Yellowstone has a bit of everything – geysers, wildlife, a large lake, and a scenic 20-mile canyon, the latter of which we’ll be focusing on in this guide. A visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone should be considered essential during your trip to the park. But how should
Hayden Valley: Yellowstone’s Top Wildlife Watching Spot
Aside from its geysers, if there’s one thing Yellowstone is known for, it’s wildlife. While you’ll inevitably have a few chance encounters while exploring the park, where should one go in hopes of seeing as many animals as possible? The answer is Hayden Valley, situated just south of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Hayden
Yellowstone Lake: West Thumb Geyser Basin, Boat Tours & More
For those with several days in Yellowstone, exploring Yellowstone Lake is one of the top things to do in the park. The lake covers 136 square miles, and with 110 miles (180 km) of shoreline, there’s plenty to do and see nearby. Highlights include West Thumb Geyser Basin, a few interesting hikes, and a Yellowstone
Southwest Yellowstone: Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic & More
Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the world’s very first National Park. While the US is now home to over 60 such parks, visiting Yellowstone remains a unique experience thanks to its hydrothermal features and abundant wildlife. While the park is massive, there’s no better place to start than at Old Faithful in
A Guide to Grand Teton: How to Spend a Weekend in The Park
As its name suggests, Grand Teton National Park is most known for its stunning 40-mile-long Teton Range. From all throughout the park, one can enjoy unobstructed views of the mountains, whether it’s from the other side of a lake, valley or historical structure. The following Grand Teton guide will take you to all the best vantage
Hiking Cascade Canyon: Everything You Need to Know
As its name suggests, the highlight of Grand Teton National Park is viewing the Teton mountain range from a variety of angles. But when it comes to hiking, the park either has numerous short excursions that could barely be considered hikes, or long strenuous treks that take you deep into the backcountry. Cascade Canyon, however,
Exploring Craters of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is an overlooked gem. But while the park does indeed contain many craters, it doesn’t quite resemble the moon. Instead of dust, the park is largely covered in hard volcanic rock. It’s situated on the Snake River Plain, one of the largest volcanic regions on the
Exploring Twin Falls’ Box Canyon & Shoshone Falls
Southern Idaho is often overlooked in favor of neighboring states. But Twin Falls and its surroundings – particularly the stunning Shoshone Falls and Box Canyon – make for the perfect stopover when traveling between Yellowstone and Salt Lake City. Not being a local, there are surely plenty more hidden gems around Twin Falls that I
The Perfect Two-Week Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
Utah has so many incredible locations – many of which remain relatively unknown – that it would probably take a lifetime to explore them all. With that said, this Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary will take you to many of the highlights over the course of two weeks. Throughout the itinerary, you’ll encounter ‘Extending
Ranking Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah is home to five incredible National Parks that are collectively known as the Mighty 5. But nobody can seem to agree on which is best. After ranking Utah’s Mighty 5 in my head, I was surprised to discover that no other list online seems to place the parks in the same order. While indeed subjective,
Exploring The Great Salt Lake: Antelope Island & Bonneville Salt Flats
The Great Salt Lake is among the saltiest bodies of water in the world, while it’s also among the largest lakes in the western USA. It’s such a big deal that they even named a city after it. Accordingly, most visitors to Salt Lake City will want to experience the lake in one way or
Canyonlands: A 4×4 Tour Up The Shafer Trail & White Rim Road
Most people will visit Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district via a smooth, paved road from central Moab. But if you have the right vehicle, driving up the many switchbacks of the Shafer Trail is an unforgettable way to get there. About halfway up the mesa, meanwhile, is the scenic White Rim Road,
Dead Horse Point State Park: Worth The Visit?
Dead Horse Point State Park is situated atop the same mesa as Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district. As such, it offers similar views. But as it’s outside the National Park system, you’ll need to pay a separate fee of $20 per vehicle. With so much to see around the Moab area, you’re
Arches National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Arches National Park, just outside of Moab, Utah, is home to over 2,000 natural arches. But while many of them are inaccessible, you can expect to see a few dozen of them while exploring the park’s scenic hiking trails. And given the park’s small size, you can reasonably expect to see everything in under two
Hiking Fiery Furnace: A Hike Unlike Any Other
While Zion’s Angels Landing and The Narrows are renowned for being some of the most unique hikes in the country, Arches National Park‘s Fiery Furnace should definitely be included in that conversation. While indeed scenic, hiking Fiery Furnace won’t bring you to any breathtaking vistas. Rather, think of it like a maze that requires both
Canyonlands: Exploring The Overlooked Needles District
The Needles is the southernmost of Canyonlands National Park’s three main districts. But there’s no way to drive there directly from the Island in the Sky, the park’s most popular area. As such, visiting The Needles district feels like going to an entirely separate park. And it looks like one, too. Canyonlands gets the least
Ancient Utah: Exploring Bears Ears National Monument
Established as recently as December 2016, Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument consists of a staggering 1.36 million acres. While it does indeed include beautiful scenery, the land is largely being protected due to its archaeological, historical and religious importance. Bears Ears was founded upon the insistence of native tribes who wanted federal protection for numerous
Canyonlands: Exploring The Island in The Sky
Canyonlands National Park is the largest of Utah’s Mighty 5. It’s comprised of multiple different districts such as The Needles, the Maze and the Island in the Sky, the latter of which is the most popular by far. This district is situated atop a huge 1,000 ft-high mesa which offers some of the Southwest’s most
Goblin Valley State Park & Its Mysterious Hoodoos
Located at the southern end of the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley State Park is known for its thousands of hoodoos which, with a bit of imagination, can make you feel as if you’re indeed being watched by goblins! Goblin Valley State Park makes for a convenient stopover for those traveling between Capitol Reef National Park
Hidden Utah Gems: Factory Butte & Moonscape Overlook
Just east of Capitol Reef National Park – an underrated destination in its own right – are even more obscure geological landmarks that relatively few have heard of. Everyone driving along Utah State Highway 24 will at least see the massive Factory Butte from a distance at some point, though it’s much better appreciated from
Capitol Reef National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Established in 1971, Capitol Reef National Park has a bit of all the things that Utah’s other parks are famous for – arches, hoodoos, canyons and stunning overlooks. But it’s easily the least crowded of Utah’s Mighty 5. In this Capitol Reef guide, we’ll be covering nearly all the hikes, historical landmarks and scenic vantage
Cathedral Valley: Bentonite Hills, Temple of the Sun & More
Cathedral Valley may be part of Capitol Reef, but it looks and feels like an entirely different park. The district is most known for two main sections: the Bentonite Hills and the Temples of the Sun and Moon. But as we’ll cover below, there are plenty of additional amazing sites to discover throughout Cathedral Valley. Before
Hiking Capitol Reef’s Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs Trail
After dealing with stressful hike permit lotteries and timed entry systems at other Utah parks, visiting Capitol Reef National Park is a breath of fresh air. The park’s flagship hike – Navajo Knobs – is freely accessible to anyone, while you’ll likely have much of the trail to yourself. It’s easily one of the most
Kodachrome Basin State Park: What to Do & See In a Day
The southern half of Utah is home to so many parks and unique landmarks that plenty of great destinations get lost in the shuffle. Kodachrome Basin State Park is one such overlooked site. Yet if you plan in advance, it makes for an easy stopover between Bryce Canyon (or Zion) and Capitol Reef National Park.
Hiking The Narrows: One of America’s Most Unique Hikes
Hiking The Narrows is a one-of-a-kind experience that has you hiking through a gorge cut out by the North Fork of the Virgin River. In other words, the river is the trail! And that, of course, means you’re going to get soaking wet. As such, you’ll need to consider a number of factors when preparing
Hiking Angels Landing: Everything You Need to Know
Zion National Park’s Angels Landing is one of America’s most thrilling hikes, as the final section can only be traversed by grabbing onto metal chains. But thanks to its uniqueness, the hike has also gotten extremely popular, and it can now only be accessed with a permit. In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you
Death Valley: The Ultimate Packing List
Death Valley National Park is one of America’s largest parks and also one of its most diverse. Infamous for its extreme summer temperatures, the park can also get surprisingly cold in the mountains – especially during winter. Coming adequately prepared is essential to both your enjoyment and your survival, and this Death Valley packing list
An Unforgettable Death Valley Itinerary: From 1-5 days
Given the massive size of the National Park and how distant its main landmarks are from nearby towns, planning a perfect Death Valley itinerary is extremely tricky. There are also plenty of other variables to consider, such as the season you visit, the type of vehicle you’ll be driving, how much of a hiker you
Top 5 Things to Do in Death Valley
Death Valley National Park is the United States’ largest park outside of Alaska. While many picture it as a lifeless desert, at over 3 million acres, few other parks offer as much variety as Death Valley. While by no means an exhaustive list, the guide below takes a look at the top five things to
Hiking Death Valley’s Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch Loop
The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop Hike is arguably the quintessential Death Valley hike. Over the course of a few hours, it takes you through the harsh and lifeless – yet stunningly beautiful – desert scenery that most people associate with the National Park. But in true Death Valley fashion, the hike can get
Hiking Telescope Peak: Death Valley’s Highest Mountain
While far from the type of excursion most people picture when they think of Death Valley, hiking Telescope Peak is one of the park’s most thrilling and rewarding adventures. The National Park may be home to the lowest point in the Americas, but conquering Death Valley’s highest mountain takes you up to an elevation of
Racetrack Playa & The Mystery of the Sailing Stones
Racetrack Playa and its sailing stones have mystified scientists and adventurous travelers alike for over a century. Situated in a remote and hard-to-reach part of Death Valley National Park, the playa is a flat, dry lakebed that’s home to dozens of rocks that seemingly move on their own – but only when nobody’s around. In
Hiking Ubehebe Crater: Everything You Need to Know
At half a mile wide and up to 777 ft deep, Ubehebe is Death Valley’s largest crater. While visitors have the option to simply overlook the colorful crater from the parking lot, more adventurous travelers can get a much closer look. Not only does the Ubehebe Crater hike entail walking around the rim, but you
Mojave National Preserve: The Kelso Dunes & More
The massive Mojave National Preserve, located between Joshua Tree and Death Valley, is one of California’s most overlooked outdoor destinations. The towering Kelso Dunes alone are worth the trip, while other parts of the park feature unique hikes like the Ring Loops Trail. Established in 1994, the Mojave National Preserve covers 1.6 million acres – about
A Guide to Joshua Tree: How to Spend a Weekend in The Park
Spreading out to nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park is the place where the Colorado and Mojave deserts converge. Millions of visitors flock to this harsh desert environment each year to admire its uniquely shaped granite boulders and of course, Joshua trees, a species of yucca. In this Joshua Tree guide, we’ll be covering the top
Hiking The Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop Trail
While easily one of the most thrilling hikes in southern California, the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop Trail often gets overlooked. It’s not a part of any major park system, nor is it simple to reach. But considering how it’s right in between Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, outdoor enthusiasts
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: The Top Sites & Trails
At over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest State Park. For reference, if it were a US National Park, it would rank among the top twenty largest. As such, you can’t expect to see everything in a single day – or even two. The park was named after Juan Bautista de Anza,
Torrey Pines: A Complete Hiking Guide
Just north of San Diego is a gorgeous State Park that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves. The Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve is home to the Torrey pine, one of the rarest pine trees in the world. The park also features numerous hiking trails and a beach. In the following guide, we’ll help you
A Day at Red Rock Canyon: Hikes, Petroglyphs & More
It’s hard to believe that the rugged sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon can be found just seventeen miles from the Las Vegas Strip. But while easy to reach, a day at Red Rock Canyon isn’t that easy to plan for, as the Conservation Area is home to more than two dozen hikes. In the
A Day in Death Valley: Experiencing the Beauty of This Land of Extremes
At over 3 million acres, Death Valley is the largest National Park in the United States outside of Alaska. Needless to say, you can’t expect to see it all in a single extended visit, let alone within a single day. Be that as it may, there is indeed a lot one can see and do