It was a lovely day in October. The trees in the back yard were just beginning to turn color, but the air was unseasonably warm. The sun shone (very untypical for western New York State at this time of year).…
Table Mountain’s Back Side Teton View, pt. 2
In the last post, I talked about taking the Face Trail up to Table Mountain, right on the edge of Grand Teton National Park. The views from the top are beautiful; some of the best views of the Tetons I’ve…
Table Mountain’s West-Side Teton View
“Well, I’ll give this an ‘A’ for Spectacular.” “It’s amazing to me that anything could be quite this beautiful.” “This has got to be the best view of the Tetons I’ve ever seen.” “How could anything be this pretty?” “I…
Clay Butte Lookout
Think snowcapped peaks. Think wildflower filled meadows. Think views across valleys with buttes rising majestically throughout it. Think about a destination that you can drive to. Wait, did I say drive to? Yes! The Clay Butte Lookout along the Beartooth…
Druid Arch
I’ve never seen an arch quite like Druid Arch. It’s free standing, has two large openings, and is somewhat reminiscent of Delicate Arch in shape. It’s really cool, and if it was only a mile from a trailhead, I’d highly…
Break up a trip across Kansas at Monument Rocks!
Although it’s small, I’ve never seen anyplace quite like Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark. Also known as the “Chalk Pyramids” Monument Rocks features a group of spires that seem to stick straight up out of the ground. These spires range…
Remote Rocky Mountain: Chapin Peak
From most of what you’d see of Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, you would think that everywhere you turned you would see crowds of people milling here and there looking at the same scenery you are. However, if…
Garden of Rock Formations – Devil’s Garden
I love hiking. It’s great to get out and stretch your legs, and it’s so rewarding to see a beautiful vista or interesting sight at the end of the trail. However, there are times when it’s nice not to hike,…
Walk Across a Real Earthquake Fault Line at Carrizo Plain!
Carrizo Plain National Monument is fairly new as national monuments go. The park was established in 2001 from land in Southern California that had been a part of the Carrizo Plain Natural Area. When I visited the monument a couple…
Highlands of Colorado: The Causeway
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like the Flattops Wilderness in northern Colorado. Ever. This pristine wilderness has some of the most grand views I’ve seen, and the top-of-the-world feeling is simply out of this world. I can…