I read about Corkscrew Canyon on the internet. There was an old mining area, they promised, and a slot canyon. There was no trail, but it was pretty easy to walk up an old road. Alas, more research told me…
Christmas Tree Arch: Hidden But Impressive
Arches National Park has over 2,000 documented arches, but most people don’t see a quarter of them. There are the famous ones along the popular park trails, but otherwise, there are many very nice arches that are rarely or never…
Devils Hole, Whirlpool, and Niagara Gorge Railroad Grade
One of my favorite hikes I did around New York State last fall was the Whirlpool Trail Whirlpool State Park (though it might as well be in Niagara Falls State Park given how close it is to the falls –…
The Slots of Sidewinder Canyon
A family favorite from our trip to Death Valley last fall was Sidewinder Canyon. There’s something just so fun about exploring multiple slot canyons and discovering arches, caves, rock formations, and so much more. Plus we got some great views…
Off-trail Hike to Ring Arch
Ring Arch is a lesser-known arch near Courthouse Wash in Arches National Park. No official trail leads to it, but it’s often combined with (and is easier to find than) The Tunnel. The span is very thin and narrow, so…
Saratoga Springs & the Saratoga Mine Road
Many years ago, I visited the Saratoga Springs in the far south of Death Valley National Park. On my last visit, I decided to check it out again and possibly complete the hike (I actually didn’t quite make it, but…
A Ramble Through the Alabama Hills
Last November, while I was visiting Death Valley National Park, I decided to take a trip over the mountains to check out the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area. One of my favorite EPs from 2020 (actually late 2019, but who’s…
The Lower and Upper Reaches of Fall Canyon
My favorite canyon we did in on our last visit to Death Valley National Park was Fall Canyon in the central part of the park. It even beat out Sidewinder Canyon, which is saying a lot since Sidewinder Canyon was…
A Beautiful Evening at the Ibex Dunes!
On my first visit to Saratoga Springs in southern Death Valley National Park back in 2008, we saw the Ibex Dunes marked on a map, down a road not so very far away from Saratoga Springs. But after we got…
Grotto Canyon: Dryfalls And Other Excitement
Probably the most fun canyon I explored in Death Valley last fall was Grotto Canyon. It’s a bit infamous – and for good reason – but it’s also a beautifully formed slot with a lot of fun areas. And by…