Near Hole-in-the-Rock Road in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument there is a wash that turns into a canyon, and through this canyon runs a small, perennial stream. The canyon (which goes under the name of Coyote Gulch) also hides several…

Day-hiking Coyote Gulch: Waterfalls, Arches, and Solitude

Highest Peak in Colorado: The South Mount Elbert Trail
While we’re on the topic of State High Points, let’s go for one more: and this one has some real claims to fame! At 14,440 feet (4,401m) above sea level, Mt. Elbert holds the record for the highest peak in…

Visiting High Point State Park, NJ, for Free
After hiking to the highest point in Oklahoma in May, we all decided that the highest point in the state of New Jersey was “high” on our must-do list when we visited that state in July. High Point State Park…

Black Mesa: The Highest Point in Oklahoma
Some “highest points” are impressive, and others are not. Some seem to have nothing interesting to recommend them, and some have very nice scenery around them. Black Mesa, the highest point in the state of Oklahoma, isn’t exactly impressive, but…

10 Ways to Improve Your Sunset at Delicate Arch Experience
I’ve hiked the Delicate Arch Trail more times than I care to count, but I still love it. There’s something about standing across the valley from the arch looming upwards, tall and grand, that brings an awe at the beauty…

The Wilds of the White Sands
Many people think of White Sands National Monument as a place to spend an hour or less driving the scenic drive and enjoying the peacefulness of the sand – or a place for kids (and kids at heart) to have…

Angel’s Landing: Best Views in Zion National Park
Ok, so I’ll admit it: I’ve never been fond of Zion National Park. Every time I’ve visited since 1997 it seemed there was nothing to do that got you far enough away from Zion Canyon to allow you to appreciate…

Buttermilk Falls, Mendham NJ: Lovely Swimming Hole and Hiking
On a hot day when there’s rain (but no thunder) in the forecast, it’s nice to stay near home and find a cool place to get wet, right? That’s why I visited Buttermilk Falls last week when I was visiting…

Horseshoe Mesa Loop, pt. 4: East Horseshoe Mesa Trail
In the last several posts I’ve been chronicling my trek around Horseshoe Mesa in the Grand Canyon. There’s only one last segment to go: the trail that connects the Tonto Trail to the Grandview Trail near the Last Chance Mine…

Horseshoe Mesa Loop, pt. 3: The Tonto Trail
The Tonto Trail is one of the wonderful features of the Grand Canyon. You can walk for miles enjoying one view after another. And it really is mile after mile – I’ve heard that the Tonto Trail is about twice…