Did you know, the largest sand dunes in North America are in Colorado? Yes, Great Sand Dunes National Park feels like a place that shouldn't exist. Incredible field of dunes set among high Colorado peaks. But it's this that makes it such a magical place. If you are looking to explore, this guide should help you get started. About Great … [Read more...]
National Parks
Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
For more than 700 years, people lived and flourished in the mountains, valleys, and cliffs of Mesa Verde National Park, located in present day Southwestern Colorado. And then somewhere around 1300 AD, the people left. Why they left? Where did they go? That's a lot of the information that is important to learn in Mesa Verde NP. Let's explore the … [Read more...]
Visitor’s Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most incredible locations yet one of the least visited of the National Parks in the US. This post is about how to visit and what to do when going to Black Canyon National Park. About Black Canyon of the Gunnison The first thing most people think of Black Canyon of the Gunnison … [Read more...]
National Park List
There's something about National Parks. From the Sea to Shining Sea indeed. The 63 National Parks span the entire area of the United States and it's territories. These parks are the crown jewel of the National Park System and the American Parks. From the rugged coastline of Acadia to the incredible giants of Sequoia National Park to the slopes … [Read more...]
Alpine Lake, Bristlecone & Glacier Trails – Great Basin NP
If you only have time to do one hike, these are the places you want to go. They are all located in the same area and many people actually do it as one large hike. You can also decide to pick only a specific area of the hike if you are pressed for time or not interested in some of the sights. This was definitely one of my favorite things to do … [Read more...]
National Park Sites: Nevada
Nevada has 4 national park administered sites across this diverse state as well as 3 national trails that pass through the state. The National Parks cover a diverse biosphere of area from high alpine to hot low desert, to fossil beds and lakes. Some of the trails explore the diverse history of the area from pioneers and more. National … [Read more...]
Completing the Hickman Bridge Hike – Capitol Reef National Park
One of my favorite hikes in Capitol Reef, the Hickman Bridge Hike is also one of the most popular of the park as well. And for good reason, it's a great hike with some wonderful payoffs along the way. You'll start off Route 24 and hike up to Hickman's Bridge, which is a natural arch in the park. Along the way you'll also get to see the Nels Johnson … [Read more...]
Exploring the Grand Wash Hike – Capitol Reef National Park
One of the most interesting hikes in the park, the Grand Wash Hike takes you along a "wash" which is a temporary riverbed area. The hike takes you through the wash, along canyon walls, and into a slot canyon called "the narrows", with its high imposing walls and narrow walk way. Read along for how to do the hike, when to go, and how to maximize the … [Read more...]
Guide to the Upheaval Dome Trail Hike – Canyonlands
The Upheaval Dome Trail Hike is one of my favorites in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park. It has some interesting views of this weird crater that has a few theories on how it was formed. We were also very lucky in that we hiked early in the day and hand the entire trail to ourselves. If you are planning to hike the trail too, … [Read more...]
Cliff Dwelling Tours Info – Mesa Verde National Park
The best part of visiting Mesa Verde National Park is exploring and touring the cliff dwellings throughout the park. Mesa Verde is home to 600 cliff dwellings across the 81.25 mi² of the park. That's a lot of cliff dwellings and a lot of park. In addition there are many pit houses, mesa top houses, and more throughout the park. It is … [Read more...]
Guide to Mesa Arch Hike – Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch, in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is one of the most famous and most photographed landmarks in the National Park System. It is also one of the best and easiest hikes you can do in a park with such a great payoff. About Mesa Arch Mesa Arch is a beautiful pothole arch on the eastern edge of the … [Read more...]
Delicate Arch Hike Guide – Arches National Park
One of the most iconic hikes in the Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch Hike is one that most folks add to their "must-do" list. And for good reason, the arch is quite magical, it is super well known, many Americans have seen photos of the arch. It also adorns the license plate of Utahans. So if you are looking to hike the delicate arch … [Read more...]
