Grinnell Glacier Trail stands out as one of Glacier National Park’s outstanding hikes. Located in the Many Glacier area of the park, the stunning landscape on this trail provides an inspiring mix of elements, including glaciers, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. Where to Start the Hike There are two different ways to…
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…
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…
Nestled deep within the picturesque Gunnison National Forest in Colorado lies a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The name says it all. There is no way one can be in a bad mood when hiking the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail. We discovered the trail in a recreation area located just outside the charming town of…
Richie Hollow Trail to Snoop Rock is a beautiful and challenging hike in Tennessee. Located in the Prentice Cooper State Forest the trail offers stunning views and a 30-foot waterfall. It is a 4-mile one way route (8-miles round trip) with over 1,450 feet of elevation gain. The trail quietly winds through lush forests, rocky…
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…
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of those places that surprises you — not because it’s hidden, but because it’s far bigger and more dramatic than you expect. Carved deep into the Texas Panhandle just outside Amarillo, this vast canyon stretches for miles with layered red rock walls, winding trails, and wide-open skies that…
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 through the Black Forest Wilderness area. At the summit, hikers stand on a 7,242-foot granite peak—the highest point in South Dakota. Perched on top of the mountain…
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…
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….
When we were planning our trip to Arizona, I contacted a person who follows us on Instagram. Knowing she lives in the state, I asked her for recommendations on places to see. She ranked Chiricahua National Monument as her favorite place in the entire state, and she also encouraged us to hike the Echo Canyon…
When we decided to visit White Sands National Park, I wasn’t especially excited. I couldn’t quite explain why. Maybe it was the idea of spending a day surrounded by nothing but sand. That changed almost immediately when we pulled into the parking lot near the visitor center. The landscape didn’t feel like a desert in…
After spending the morning at Carlsbad Caverns, we decided to hike the Slaughter Canyon Cave trail in the afternoon. The trailhead is about 18-miles south of the caverns but still inside the boundaries of the national park. Interestingly, we learned about this hike from a total stranger who we met at the Carlsbad Cavern National…
