If I could only choose one trail to hike in northwestern Yellowstone, it would be the Lamar River Trail. I’m crazy about meadows and mountain views, but beyond that, we also saw more wildlife than on any other trail we’ve…
Viewpoints and Short Trails in the Needles District
The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is really only set up for hiking long distances. Chesler Park, Druid Arch, Wooden Shoe Canyon, Big Spring Canyon, and Peek-a-boo Trail all play this out fairly well. It’s also set up for…
Finally Finding Skylight Arch!
High above US-89 north of Page, Arizona (but before Big Water), a hole in the cliff can be seen up on a butte on the west side of the road. This is Skylight Arch. While it’s difficult to view from…
Scrambling the Red Cathedral Canyon Crest
The number one adventure I wanted to hike when I found myself in Death Valley last fall was the Red Cathedral Canyon Crest. It’s not an official trail, but I personally know people who have hiked it and loved the…
Hiking to Donut Falls & Kessler Peak in Big Cottonwood Canyon
In my rambles around the internet (and social media), I’d seen a cool waterfall where the water fell through a hole in the rock. It was named Donut Falls and was near Salt Lake City. So when I found myself…
Yellowstone’s Chocolate Pots
The Chocolate Pots are an overlooked attraction between the Artist Paint Pots and Norris in Yellowstone National Park. In some ways, it makes sense that the overlook doesn’t even have a sign (it’s not that exciting!), but if you have…
Driving the Waterhole Flat Road into the Maze
One of the most scenic dirt roads in Utah that I’ve had the pleasure of driving is the Waterhole Flat Road into the Maze District of Canyonlands (maps call it NP-633, the Flint Trail, and Canyonlands National Park Road among…
Exploring the Painted Desert to Onyx Bridge
I’ve always thought of Petrified Forest National Park as a place of overlooks and quick trails – no way to get down into the Painted Desert or other areas of the park for a nice, long hike with interesting or…
Scrambling Caramel Canyon & the Goblin’s Lair
The very first hike I took in Goblin Valley State Park was Caramel Canyon to the Goblin’s Lair, with the Three Sisters and the Goblette’s Lair thrown in for good measure. It seemed like a good idea to check out…
Ice Lake & Little Gibbon Falls
If you’re looking for a quiet little loop hike not too far from the main attractions of Yellowstone National Park, Ice Lake (with Little Gibbon Falls) is a good choice. You’ll get a pretty little lake, peaceful forests, and a…