Some of our earliest adventures together truly set the stage for our shared love of exploration. One of those memorable firsts was a long weekend trip in May 2016, venturing south into the unique landscapes of Colorado and New Mexico. Our itinerary was wonderfully eclectic: the hot springs of Pagosa Springs, the artistic charm of […]
Great Sand Dunes and the UFO Watchtower Read More »
There is something truly inspiring about the diversity of our National Parks, Monuments, and Lands. From towering mountains to deep canyons, our country offers an incredible array of landscapes. Our recent trip to Key West gave us a chance to check one of the most remote and unique parks off the list: Dry Tortugas National
Day Trip to Dry Tortugas: Visiting the Mighty Ocean Fortress of Fort Jefferson Read More »
Denali National Park & Preserve, home to North America’s tallest peak, is a monumental landscape that beckons adventurers from around the globe. Yet, on our recent Alaskan trip, my enthusiasm for National Parks somehow didn’t translate into prioritizing a long stay here. Having heard mixed reviews about the full-day bus tours (and already committing to
Two Hours in Denali National Park & Preserve Read More »
Seward, Alaska, is a charming coastal town nestled between the mountains and Resurrection Bay, serving as a gateway to some of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders. Among them, Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park stands out as an incredibly accessible and awe-inspiring example of a glacier in flux. Having seen (and walked on)
Walking Through Time: Exit Glacier’s Retreat Read More »
There is something incredibly powerful about standing exactly where history shifted forever. In November 2024, during our trip to South Carolina, we did just that by visiting Fort Sumter National Monument, the historic sea fort where the very first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Whether you are a massive history buff or
Visiting Fort Sumter National Monument: Tips, Boat Tours & History Read More »
We originally planned a casual walk at Petroglyph National Monument, just looking to enjoy the New Mexico sunshine and stretch our legs. But as is often the case in our National Parks, the plan changed the moment we saw a sign for a ranger-led walk at the visitor center. Having enjoyed all the ranger-led walks
An Informative Ranger-Led Walk at Petroglyph National Monument Read More »
The air hung heavy with moisture, a persistent rain draping the rolling hills of Gettysburg in a veil of quiet contemplation. While perhaps not the ideal conditions for strolling sun-drenched fields, the somber atmosphere seemed to amplify the weight of history that permeates this hallowed ground. For Justin, a true history enthusiast, our self-driving tour
Day Trip Through Gettysburg: A Self-Guided Driving Tour Read More »
When we were planning this leg of our southwest road trip, one specific landscape kept calling our names: slot canyons. We wanted that classic Utah experience of wandering through deep, twisting, ribbon-like sandstone walls. As it turns out, Kanab is the ultimate basecamp for slot canyons. Positioned perfectly in southern Utah, it sits within striking
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A short but packed stop in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah—where 900-year-old cliff dwellings, a legendary Route 66 town, one unforgettable song, and some of the Southwest’s most surreal geology made our road trip come alive. Flagstaff was a fantastic home base for us—really just two full days of exploring, sandwiched by two travel days
Flagstaff & Beyond: Ancient Ruins, Route 66, and Desert Wonders Read More »
About 90 minutes northeast of Bisbee, Arizona, lies a hidden wonderland that completely took my breath away: Chiricahua National Monument. To be honest, I didn’t do much research before arriving, so I had no idea what to expect. As someone who deeply loves exploring National Parks and Monuments, I knew I’d enjoy it regardless of
A Visit to Chiricahua National Monument: Hiking the Big Loop Read More »
When you think of Hawaii, you probably picture pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. While Maui certainly delivers on all those fronts, one of the island’s most extraordinary experiences takes you far from the coastline and into an otherworldly landscape that feels more like Mars than the tropics. Our November visit to Haleakalā
Visiting Haleakala National Park: Above the Clouds in Maui Read More »
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a raw, dynamic landscape, a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped and continue to shape the very islands. Our day hike in Hawaii Volcanos National Park visit was a sensory experience unlike any other, a journey through steaming vents, stark lava fields, and lush rainforests, all under the
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Visiting Pearl Harbor is more than just a historical tour; it’s a deeply moving pilgrimage to a site that forever altered the course of history. On a recent visit to Oahu, we dedicated a day to experiencing this significant landmark, a place where the echoes of a tragic past resonate with a powerful message of remembrance, resilience,
A Day of Remembrance and Reflection at Pearl Harbor Read More »
Towering Red Rocks & Unexpected Detours: Our itinerary for 2 Days in Zion National Park There is a reason Zion National Park is on almost every hiker’s bucket list. The sheer scale of the canyon walls makes you feel incredibly small from the moment you enter. In May 2019, we spent an unforgettable 2 days
How we spent 2 days in Zion National Park Read More »
Pink Sands & Broken Cameras: Our Scenic Loop to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park When you travel, sometimes the most memorable days are the ones where you have to completely pivot your plans. On our very first official day exploring Zion National Park, we started the morning with high hopes of wading through the
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: An Afternoon Detour from Zion Read More »
In June 2017, Justin and I embarked on a three-week Montana adventure that included visits to Bozeman and Missoula since we were thinking of moving up there. While there we knew we had to go to Glacier National Park because I love national parks and heard this one was beautiful. We settled into a cozy
Our Glacier National Park Adventure Read More »
I originally signed up for a hike at Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park. The park service offers this hike for $10 (in addition to park entry fees) but books up months in advance. Since I planned my trip only a month out, taking the tour with the park rangers was not an option, but several
Tower Arch Trail and overviews at Arches NP Read More »
I was in Moab in 2008 but didn’t get to Canyonlands National Park so it was a must see this time around. Canyonlands is divided into three sections, Island in the Sky which is the most popular, the Needles about 60 miles south of Moab and the Maze which has no paved roads. You can’t pass through
Two days in Canyonlands National Park Read More »
Stumps of Stone: Pivoting to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument When your morning plans wrap up early, the open road always has a way of calling. Over Labor Day weekend in August 2014, I was visiting a friend and her family in the area. We spent a spectacular morning watching giant, colorful envelopes lift into