Some national parks steal the spotlight. Others quietly surprise you—with fewer crowds, underrated trails, and views that rival just about anywhere… Capitol Reef is the oft-forgotten and oft-overlooked national park in Utah’s Mighty 5. And while, sure, it doesn’t offer world-famous attractions like Angel’s Landing in Zion or Delicate Arch in Arches, Capitol Reef National…
Sedona is one of the most visually striking towns in Arizona, known for its dramatic red rock formations, sweeping desert landscapes, and vibrant arts scene. Cathedral Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area, surrounded by other iconic formations like Bell Rock and the Courthouse Butte. It’s also one of the most…
Saguaro National Park is one of the United State’s most fascinating parks, made famous for the iconic saguaro cacti that dot the landscape. And while there are lots of great trails in the park, undoubtedly the hike up to Wasson Peak offers the most phenomenal views. I loved hiking Wasson Peak – it was probably…
Saguaro National Park sits just outside of Tucson in southern Arizona, and is one of the most unique national parks in the U.S. Unlike parks known for towering mountains or fascinating rock formations, Saguaro was the first national park designated to protect a plant—the saguaro cactus. These iconic cacti are the giants of the desert….
Before every trip with my young kids, I was frantically Googling things like, “Can I bring milk through security?” or “Do I have to fold my stroller at TSA?” I’ve been there—more times than I can count. After 24 flights with babies and toddlers (and plenty of airport meltdowns), I’ve learned a few tricks. Today,…
Far from the crowds, this corner of Canyonlands is a maze of sandstone towers, hidden canyons, and sweeping desert views. This is the Needles District, near Monticello, Utah (basically in the middle of nowhere), and is about 1.5 hours from the more popular Island in the Sky district. Chesler Park is the most popular hike…
This district is one of the most off-the-beaten-path spots in US National Parks, but it’s packed full of beauty… If you are looking for a National Park that is under the radar, Canyonlands is absolutely one you should consider. And even within Canyonlands, the Needles District is a total hidden gem. Canyonlands surrounds the joining…
Moab, Utah is an area of natural beauty that can compete with anywhere on earth. Not only is it a stone’s throw from two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), it also has arches, the picturesque Colorado River, canyons, off-roading options, and hiking galore. One of the best hikes to do near Moab is Fisher Towers,…
Arches National Park is famous for its striking red rock landscapes and more than 2,000 natural arches scattered throughout its boundaries. While most visitors stick to the main trails and well-known formations like Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch, there are plenty of lesser-known spots hiding in plain sight. I’ve visited Arches three times now, and…
