Yellowstone Lake Overlook at West Thumb is possibly the best viewpoint I’ve found of Yellowstone Lake. (The other contenders are Elephant Back Mountain (too many trees), Storm Point and Gull Point (very nice but on level with the lake), an…
An Off-trail Hike up Coffin Peak
There’s nothing quite like climbing Coffin Peak in the Black Mountains of Death Valley to see the Funeral Mountains. That’s just too much of a single theme if you ask me! But it’s actually a fun off-trail trek, without too…
Terrace Mountain Loop: The Quiet Mountains of Yellowstone
The Terrace Mountain Loop was a hike in Yellowstone that piqued my interest for no particular reason, similar to the Lamar River Trail. But I’m so glad we did it! The miles through meadows with fantastic views were worth the…
Thompson Peak: The Highest Point in the Sawtooths
When I visited the Sawtooth Mountains last fall, I decided that we should save our last day to climb the highest point in the range – Thompson Peak. I printed trip reports off of the internet and it sounded fairly…
Loveland Pass to Cupid Peak
I’ve long wanted to drive to the top of Loveland Pass. When I was in my teens, my family often vacationed in Utah, which required crossing over the passes in the Rockies on I-70. We’d always see the signs for…
Drive or Hike Hole in the Wall Road
If you’re looking for a non-traditional hike (or a nice, non-technical 4×4 ride) in the main part of Death Valley National Park, the Hole in the Wall Road is a good option! The scenery is beautiful, there are cool rock…
Hiking to Yellowstone’s Natural Bridge
I wasn’t expecting much when it came to the Natural Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. I’m very spoiled with all of the beautiful arches in Utah, and this rarity in a park known for its geysers seemed like it would…
So Many Waterfalls on Double Run!
Double Run came to me as a totally delightful and unexpected surprise. I was looking for a short hike in World End State Park after hiking the Canyon Vista & Cold Run Loop, so I took off on the “nature…
Gorgeous Views at Sawtooth Lake
Some time ago, I saw a photo of Sawtooth Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. My first thought was something like, “I want to go there! That looks amazing!” It didn’t work out (we went to Glacier National Park…
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…