USA

Cuyahoga Valley Hiking The Ledges

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.

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Garnet Ghost Town Montana

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

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Going-to-The-Sun Road Driving Guide

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

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Top Things to Do in Glacier National Park

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

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Highline Trail Glacier National Park

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

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Going-to-the-Sun Road

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 point B, the drive offers stunning views of

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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

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Grinnell Glacier Hike

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

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Hiking to Iceberg Lake Many Glacier

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

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Hayden Valley Yellowstone

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

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Yellowstone Itinerary

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 covering how to experience the park over four days as efficiently (and as

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Top Things to Do in Yellowstone

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

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Visiting Mammoth Hot Springs

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

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Norris Geyser Basin Yellowstone

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.

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Artist Point Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Guide

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

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Hayden Valley Yellowstone

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

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West Thumb Geyser Basin Yellowstone Lake

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

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Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic

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

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Grand Teton Guide

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

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Hiking Cascade Canyon

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,

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Caves Trail Craters of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

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

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Shoshone Falls Idaho

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

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Island in The Sky Mesa Arch

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

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Ranking Utah's Mighty Five Best Utah National Parks

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,

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White Rim Road Shafer Trail 4x4 Tour

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,

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Dead Horse Point State Park

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

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Arches National Park Guide Delicate Arch

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

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Hiking Fiery Furnace Arches

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

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The Needles District Canyonlands

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

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Bears Ears National Monument House on Fire

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

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Island in The Sky White Rim Overlook

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

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Goblin Valley State Park Utah

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

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Factory Butte Moonscape Overlook

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

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Capitol Reef Guide Cassidy Arch

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

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Cathedral Valley Capitol Reef

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

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Hiking Navajo Knobs

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

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Kodachrome Basin State Park Angel's Palace

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.

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Hiking The Narrows

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

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Hiking Angels Landing

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

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Death Valley Packing List

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

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Badwater Basin A Day in Death Valley

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

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Top Things to Do in Death Valley

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

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Hiking the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop

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

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Hiking Telescope Peak

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

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Racetrack Playa Sailing Stones

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

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Ubehebe Crater Hike

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

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Kelso Dunes Mojave National Preserve

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

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Joshua Tree Guide Wall Street Mill

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

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Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop Trail

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

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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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,

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Torrey Pines Hike

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

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A Day in Red Rock Canyon

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

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Visiting Valley of Fire State Park Guide

Valley of Fire State Park: The Fire Wave, Elephant Rock & More

Situated in the Mojave Desert just an hour east of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is home to so many beautiful formations that it even rivals some US National Parks. In the following guide, we’ll be covering nearly all of the trails and landmarks one can experience when visiting Valley of Fire in

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Visiting Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park: Exploring Its Slot Canyons & Hiking Trails

Outside the town of Panaca, Nevada lies a Southwest hidden gem. Despite having become a Nevada State Park as early as 1935, Cathedral Gorge gets relatively little attention, likely due to its remote location. As with plenty of other spots in the Southwest, it’s home to slot canyons and desert trails. Yet Cathedral Gorge State

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One Day in Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop

One Day in Bryce Canyon: The Top Hikes & Viewpoints

Bryce Canyon is the smallest of Utah’s Mighty 5 by far. At around 36,000 acres (or 72 km2), it’s less than half the size of Arches. And it’s nearly a tenth the size of Canyonlands (337,000 acres). But millions of visitors still come each year to admire Bryce’s iconic hoodoos. Most people, however, stick to the

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Visiting White Pocket

Exploring the Extraordinary White Pocket

Some describe visiting northern Arizona’s White Pocket as like walking across a giant glob of strawberry swirl ice cream. Others liken it to exploring an alien planet. Whatever it may remind you of, nearly all those who visit White Pocket call it one of the most extraordinary geological formations in the US Southwest – if

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Grand Canyon North Rim Guide Imperial Point

A Guide to the Overlooked Grand Canyon North Rim

The Grand Canyon has long been one of America’s most iconic and popular destinations. A large majority of people, however, visit what’s known as the South Rim. The North Rim, in contrast, sees only a fraction of the visitors. And with equally impressive views, it’s ideal for those who want to escape the crowds. In

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Lower Antelope Canyon vs Antelope Canyon X

Antelope Canyon X vs. Lower Antelope Canyon

Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve surely seen photos of Antelope Canyon’s wavy sandstone walls at some point, be it a computer desktop background or digital ad campaign. Located just outside of Page, Arizona, it’s now one of the US Southwest’s most popular destinations. While, as we’ll cover shortly, the canyon is divided

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The New Wave Things to Do in Page

Top 5 Things to Do in Page (That Aren’t Antelope Canyon)

While Page, Arizona’s top attraction is undoubtedly Antelope Canyon, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to experience within easy reach of the town center. The following list of the top things to do in Page – almost all of them hikes – will help you escape the crowds while getting to enjoy some of

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Mexican Hat Valley of the Gods

Mexican Hat: Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park & More

There are few towns with names as unusual as Mexican Hat, Utah – a town of a few dozen people about 25 miles north of Monument Valley. But there’s much more to Mexican Hat than a silly name, such as its namesake rock formation, Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods, which many call

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Monument Valley Sunrise Photography Tour

Experiencing a Monument Valley Sunrise Tour

Monument Valley is arguably one of the most photogenic places on the planet. But a large portion of it is off-limits without a guide. So, to gain special access to the backcountry, you may want to consider a Monument Valley sunrise tour. There are two types of sunrise tours available: basic tours and special photography tours,

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Mystery Valley Sunset Tour

Sunset Over Mystery Valley

Monument Valley is arguably one of the most beautiful places in North America – if not the entire planet. But visitors are only allowed access to a small portion of it without a guide. And one of the most popular guided excursions in the area is a sunset tour through the aptly-named Mystery Valley. Located

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Monument Valley Scenic Drive

The Monument Valley Scenic Drive: A Complete Guide

Thanks to its appearance in numerous influential films over the years, Monument Valley has become synonymous with the American West. Officially known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it’s not a US National Park, as it’s managed by the Navajo Nation. And unlike public parks, non-locals are prohibited from accessing most of the area without signing

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Visiting Hovenweep National Monument

The Mysterious Towers of Hovenweep National Monument

Shortly after the collapse of sites like Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, the unique Ancestral Puebloan city of Hovenweep arose in what’s now southeastern Utah. Hovenweep National Monument is mainly known for its well-preserved towers built in the 13th century. But their true function remains a mystery. Were they built for defense, or perhaps long-distance

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Canyons of the Ancients Painted Hand Pueblo

A Tour Through Colorado’s Canyons of the Ancients

The Great Sage Plain, which encompasses southwest Colorado and southeast Utah, was settled between 500 and 1300 AD. In its heyday, it was the most densely-crowded part of the Ancestral Puebloan world. Today, a large portion of the area is part of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, home to a staggering thousands of individual

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Cliff Palace Mesa Verde Guide

Mesa Verde National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Despite having been occupied for a relatively brief period of time, the cliff dwellings of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park make up what’s arguably the most breathtaking archaeological site in the United States. But with the park covering such a massive area, and with accessible attractions changing from year to year, planning a visit can

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Hiking Valley of Dreams

The Valley of Dreams: Hiking to The Alien Throne

Northwestern New Mexico is home to some of the most bizarre yet strikingly beautiful rock formations on the planet. Under ordinary circumstances, such unique landscapes would attract hordes of visitors year-round. But the remote locations of the Valley of Dreams and nearby Bisti Badlands, which can only be accessed by traversing poorly-maintained dirt roads, keep

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Hiking Bisti Wings Trail

The Otherworldly Landscapes of Bisti Badlands

The American Southwest is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. But even with so much competition nearby, New Mexico’s bizarre Bisti Badlands is among the most breathtaking and unique parts of the region. With that being said, it hardly gets any visitors, and there’s a high chance you’ll have it

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Aztec Ruins National Monument

Visiting The Aztec Ruins National Monument & The Salmon Ruins

The Four Corners region of the Southwest United States is arguably the most archaeologically rich part of the country. While Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde are easily the top highlights, many visitors miss various smaller sites that are scattered throughout the region, such as the Aztec Ruins National Monument and the Salmon Ruins. Conveniently, they’re both

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Chaco Canyon Guide Pueblo Bonito

Chaco Canyon: The Ultimate Guide

Situated in a remote corner of northwest New Mexico are what were once the United States’ largest manmade structures. Established by the Ancestral Puebloans over a millennium ago, Chaco Canyon (officially known as Chaco Culture National Historical Park) is arguably the most impressive archaeological park in the country. But planning a visit can be tricky,

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Visiting Bandelier National Monument

Exploring Bandelier National Monument & The Tsankawi Trail

Just about an hour outside of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is a unique archaeological site consisting of dozens of cave dwellings carved into the walls of the scenic Frijoles Canyon. In the following guide, you can learn exactly what to expect from a visit to the main site, in addition to a hike along

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Santa Fe Guide

A Weekend in Santa Fe: America’s Oldest Capital

Known for its adobe buildings, thriving arts scene and fascinating blend of multiple cultures, Santa Fe is one of the United States’ most unique cities. And it’s also among the country’s most historic, having been established as early as 1610. In the following Santa Fe guide, we’ll be covering the top things to see and

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New York City Street Art Bushwick Collective

Street Art: New York City

When looking at the history and development of street art, it would be impossible to overlook New York City’s massive role. While public art, in the form of murals or sculptures, has been around since the birth of civilization, many credit 1970’s NYC youth culture with the creation of what we now call graffiti. Graffiti

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NYC Central Park The Ramble

Five Secrets of Central Park

Designed back in the 1850’s, Central Park often tops the list of places to see in NYC, with millions visiting each year. But if you’re the type who generally avoids crowds and touristy places, you may be wondering if there’s more to explore beyond the top highlights. Fortunately, there is. From the secluded Hallett Nature

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Green-Wood Cemetery Sunset Park Brooklyn

Touring the Tombs of Green-Wood Cemetery

Back in the early 19th century, New York City was completely lacking in vast, open green spaces (Central Park wasn’t established until 1853). So when Green-Wood Cemetery, which stretches out to 478 acres, opened up in 1838, it was a pretty big deal. New Yorkers flocked there for family picnics and leisurely strolls – completely unconcerned about

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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

The Colorful Mosaics of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Taking up over half a block along the bohemian South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is immediately recognizable at a glance. The entire structure is covered in colorful mosaic tiles, appearing straight out of a dream. And for a fee of $10, visitors have the chance to step inside and explore.  Started by local artist Isaiah

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Central Philadelphia Street Art

Street Art: Philadelphia

Considering Philly’s rank as the fifth-largest city in the United States, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that it’s got an abundance of street art. But the Philadelphia street art scene has something going for it that other cities don’t: Mural Arts Philadelphia, the largest public art program in the United States. Started in

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Philadelphia Architecture Masonic Temple

A Guide to Philadelphia’s pre-20th Century Architecture

Philadelphia is home to some of the USA’s most stunning – not to mention oldest – architecture. Many of these buildings, of course, could still be considered ‘new’ by European standards. But what’s fascinating about Philadelphia’s oldest buildings is that they also reveal the story of the nation’s early years, as well as the transitions

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Eastern State Penitentiary Philadelphia

The Spooky Cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary

It’s not often that one pays money to enter a prison. But even if walking down spooky, crumbling cellblocks isn’t normally your thing, consider making an exception for Eastern State Penitentiary. Not only was the massive prison – which ceased operations in 1971 – home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, but it was

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Serpent Mound Ohio

The Mounds and Mysteries of Ancient Ohio

Long before the first European settlers arrived, the Ohio region was home to some of North America’s most advanced civilizations. As they left behind no writing, we know relatively little about them. But we do know that the Adena, Hopewell and Fort Ancient peoples, as they’re called today, loved to build mounds. And masterpieces like

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Bellefontaine Cemetery St Louis

Touring the Tombs of Bellefontaine Cemetery

Tragic struck 1849 St. Louis when a cholera epidemic resulted in the deaths of thousands. But according to common belief at the time, urban cemeteries were a public health risk. So where to place all the bodies?  Prominent residents of the city decided to build a new large cemetery well outside the city limits. It

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St Louis Graffiti Wall

Street Art: St. Louis

As ‘street art tourism’ gains popularity around the world, St. Louis is fast becoming recognized as one of North America’s premier graffiti destinations. The ‘Gateway to the West’ has been hosting regular street art festivals since the ’90s, and the city is also home to the Graffiti Wall, the longest of its kind in the

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Cahokia Monks Mound

Cahokia: The Forgotten Pyramid of Illinois

Many Americans are shocked to learn that their country is home to an ancient pyramid that stands as tall as 100 feet. Mysteriously, the fascinating history of Cahokia and its Monks Mound pyramid aren’t covered in most schools. Be that as it may, Cahokia was the largest pre-Colombian urban settlement north of the Rio Grande.

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