After spending a short time at Bear Lake, we headed into Logan Canyon to explore one of the area’s most popular hikes. Wind Cave Trail had been on our radar because it offered something a little different than the typical mountain viewpoint. Instead of hiking to a lake or summit, this trail leads to a…
Few slot canyon hikes in Utah are as instantly recognizable as Zebra Slot Canyon. Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region near Escalante, this short desert hike is known for its striped sandstone walls, narrow squeezes, and one of the most photogenic slot canyon corridors in the Southwest. If you’re wondering where Zebra Slot Canyon is,…
Buckskin Gulch wasn’t even on our original Utah plans. A local mentioned it to us while we were on the road, and that simple recommendation led to one of the most unforgettable hikes of the entire trip. From the moment we stepped into the narrow canyon walls, we knew this was going to be something…
Delicate Arch is the most iconic landmark in Arches National Park, and for good reason. Standing alone against the Utah sky, this freestanding sandstone arch has become a symbol of the American Southwest. For most, it’s a bucket-list destination for hikers from around the world. Seeing it in photos is one thing; hiking the trail…
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of those rare desert hikes that delivers from start to finish. A flowing creek, towering canyon walls, and a dramatic 126-foot waterfall are tucked deep inside Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The 6-mile round-trip hike is mostly flat and approachable, though the wide-open canyon and limited shade make it best…
Few hikes in Utah deliver as much pure fun as the Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyon loop in Grand Staircase–Escalante. These two sandstone slots twist, squeeze, curve, and climb through some of the most playful terrain in the desert. If you’re looking for an adventure that mixes challenge with unforgettable beauty, this is one of…
When we rolled into Escalante on our fall road trip, we were looking for a campground that was central to all the hikes and scenic backroads we planned to explore. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park turned out to be the perfect choice — quiet, beautiful, and close to everything on our list. Because we visited…
If you’re exploring Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Devils Garden is one stop you shouldn’t miss. We first attempted this drive in our Sprinter van, Alice, but the endless washboarding and deep sand along Hole-in-the-Rock Road forced us to turn around after mile three. This year, armed with a rental Jeep, we made it easily and…
If you’re planning a trip to Arches National Park and want one of the most adventurous and awe-filled hikes in the entire park, the Devils Garden & Primitive Trail Loop is a must. For years, this was our #1 hike in Arches—until we discovered Fiery Furnace. Now, Devil’s Garden proudly holds second place for us,…
If you’re looking for one of the most unique and adventurous hikes in Arches National Park, the Fiery Furnace delivers an experience you won’t forget. This is not a typical trail. It’s a twisting, turning labyrinth of towering sandstone fins, narrow slots, hidden arches, and sudden, quiet chambers flooded with warm red light. Gail and…
We stumbled upon Little Wild Horse Canyon years ago while stopping for gas in Hanksville, Utah — one of those random travel moments that turns into something unforgettable. We didn’t even know this slot canyon existed. Back then, a friendly local pointed us toward Goblin Valley and said, “You’ve gotta check out Little Wild Horse…
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is an area covered with soft sandstone “goblins” and numerous other interesting formations. Truly a surreal place to visit, the odd natural shapes are a result of years of erosion. Walking amongst the goblin formations, we instantly felt like we were in a family friendly playground of sorts. It…
Our climb to Angels Landing in Zion National Park is a story we laugh about. We were determined to get to the trail early and hike to the top before the crazy crowds of people arrived. Zion National Park is an incredibly busy place. On a daily basis, the park seems to welcome in more…
