Encouraging women to try adventurous travel
The Stout Grove features a groundcover of ferns contrasted with absolutely massive redwood trees without an understory. The contrast is unbelievably scenic, especially when the light filters the treetops. I can see why they chose to film Star Wars in this location because it feels …
If you’re passing through Redwoods National and State Parks with little time, you can still see a few incredible trees by taking the scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway and making a quick stop by Big Tree. Yep, that’s the name of a particular tree that …
If you’re feeling a bit of big tree fatigued while visiting Redwood National and State Parks, boy do I have the experience for you! As you might expect, Fern Canyon is full of ferns. But as you might NOT expect, the ferns cover the walls …
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove has a fun name and trail that loops through old-growth Redwood Forest and features a couple different environments. The loop trail is only about 1.5 miles and is surprising even for being on the top of a ridge in Redwoods …
With 43+ feet of snow each year, Crater Lake is a snowy, gorgeous wonderland in winter. I decided to visit on a road trip in early March 2022 to see the deep blue lake surrounded by snowy slopes. However, when we arrived at the entrance …
In the summer of 2021, I made a vow to head out to get out to the Channel Islands more often, if not yearly. I thought to myself, “late-winter and early spring would be a great time to visit when the grass is green.” Luckily, …
When I was a tried and true day hiker, I always thought it would be impossibly difficult to plan a backpacking trip, especially in another state. Yes, it’s a multi-step process, but it is absolutely possible. Over the last couple of years, I began to …
There’s no doubt that Grand Teton National Park is gorgeous, but heading straight into the backcountry to explore multiple mini climate zones was mind-blowing. Also, the alpine peaks were striking, the views were dizzying, the marmots were chunky and happy, and the wildflowers were voluminous. …
If you squint your eyes at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, it is easy to believe you are in the Sahara Desert. Yet, in ever direction, you can see the mountains in the distance that make up the edges of the Death Valley. To be …
For a longtime, Rebecca and I looked into campervans for different trips around California or Utah. Finally, when realizing that there are not many options around Death Valley National Park, we opted for the full campervan experience. We got a campground spot at Furnace Creek, …
After driving the 4+ hours to get to Death Valley, you might want to get out and stretch your legs. For this I recommend the Golden Canyon Hike. The Golden Canyon Hike is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure where you can decide how long you …
One of the most visited areas of Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point is an overlook of light, sand-color badlands. Zabriskie Point is near the southeastern entrance to the park, so great to stop by when entering or leaving Death Valley. Popular and easy-to-access, this …
Artist’s Palette, Death Valley If you are visiting Death Valley, absolutely do not miss Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette. Artist’s Drive is a nine mile gorgeous drive that is one way, heading north. The drive is a meandering road with a variety of views – …
We visited Death Valley National Park and Badwater Basin for the first time this winter. The days were short, but with only a few people in the park, we got to explore so many areas in a single weekend. The temperature was chilly, especially when …
Canyonlands is the lesser visited sister to Arches National Park. Both are located in Utah, north of Moab and show the dynamic range of results that erosion has on the desert environment. I’ll be honest and say that if I only had one day in …
Aptly named, Arches National Park has an array of surprising and stunning natural formations to view. As you leave Delicate Arch after sunrise, head to the other incredible Arches in Arches National Park when the crowds are focused on heading straight for Delicate Arch. We …
Delicate Arch is a stunning piece of art in its own right. Delicate Arch at sunrise will actually knock your socks off. Yes, it’s still dark when you wake up. Yes, the trailhead is deep into Arches National Park. And yes, it’s a mile or …