A Travel, Hiking & Lifestyle Blog
Notch Trail in the Badland National Park is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike that is loaded with adventure. It has some challenging sections, which include a ladder and walking ledge. Ultimately, the path points hikers to the “Notch” for a dramatic view of the Badlands. Meandering through the canyon to the overlook takes some physicality but […]
Read More
While traveling through South Dakota on our way to Montana, we spent a couple of days at Badlands National Park. Considered the longest route in the park, the 10.3-mile out-and-back Castle Trail was definitely our favorite hike while we there. The overall elevation gain was only 305 feet, so it is relatively flat and considered […]
Read More
Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, the first impression of the Badlands reminded us of what Mars must look like. The rugged landscape stretched as far as the eye could see. For over a million years, Mother Nature had carved jagged rock formations and deep canyons in this place and we were there […]
Read More
Mount Yonah is a picturesque mountain located in White County, Georgia. The mountain is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and stands at an elevation of approximately 3,166 feet (965 meters) above sea level. After asking a local for their recommendations for hikes and places in the area we should visit, Mount Yonah was high […]
Read More
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s Gallatin National Forest, Lava Lake is a hidden gem for hikers and adventurers. This stunning, crystal-clear alpine lake sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush forests. Gail and I met up with a high school friend of mine named Anne, whom […]
Read More
If you’re looking for a roadside attraction that perfectly captures the quirky side of Texas, look no further than the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The iconic installation features classic Cadillacs that are buried nose-first in an open field. It’s a bizarre sight that has been attracting visitors for over 45 years. After seeing pictures […]
Read More
On one of our journeys through the panhandle of Texas, we spent 3-days at Caprock State Park. The 15,000-acre park is a scenic canyon with a classically rugged west Texas landscape. We visited this area in late February. The temperatures were in the low 30-degrees at night and the 60s during the day. The desert-like […]
Read More
At the heart of Custer State Park lies 14-miles of winding pavement called the Needles Highway. Built in the 1920s, the road is an engineering marvel that’s located within the South Dakota Black Hills. Known for its three narrow tunnels, steep climbs, and hairpin turns the 2-lane road offers park visitors an unforgettable driving experience […]
Read More
Nestled inside the stunning Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sylvan Lake offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its best. The pristine lake is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for nature lovers. After a long hike to Black Elk Peak, a swim […]
Read More
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a natural wonder that every outdoor adventure seeker should visit. Located in the Texas panhandle, the park is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States. The rocky gorge stretches over 120 miles in length and up to 20 miles in width. It is often referred to as […]
Read More
Hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail is considered by many to be the best hike in Custer State Park. The 7.5-mile loop starts near Sylvan Lake and winds its way through the Black Forest Wilderness area. At the summit, hikers stand on a 7,242-foot granite mountain that is the highest point in South Dakota. Perched […]
Read More
Little Devil’s Tower was one of our favorite hiking destinations when we visited Custer State Park in South Dakota. On our second day in the park, we met a local couple who strongly suggested we climb the rock tower. They were very knowledgeable about the park generally and convinced us we should add the hike […]
Read More
On a morning in September, the stone spires on the Cathedral Trail in Custer State Park stood tall and imposing. Contrasting the towering rock was a vivid blue-sky background draped with fluffy white cumulus clouds. We were on the trail at the break of day and the picturesque landscape in front of us was stunning. […]
Read More
