Last June, the Canadian air was cool but comfortable, as we ventured out to see Lake Louise. With the anticipation of seeing Banff’s most iconic lake, we couldn’t help but smile while sitting in the shuttle bus. Like us, most tourists park at the lift area, a couple miles away from the lakeshore before being…
The morning air was crisp as we set out on our adventure to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park. It was early June, a time when spring had just begun to awaken across the picturesque landscapes of Alberta. Our destination was Maligne Canyon, a natural wonder known for its geological formations and fascinating history. All…
Getting Started It was a brisk morning in mid-June when we started our journey to Wilcox Pass in Jasper National Park. The sky was a canvas of ocean blue, dotted with sugar-spun clouds, and the weather conditions were good. It was a perfect day for hiking in the mountains, and we were thrilled to get…
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, is home to one of North America’s most exhilarating hikes: the Crypt Lake Trail. This 17km (10.5 miles) round trip adventure has earned its place among the best hikes anywhere. It’s not just known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its unique challenges. We visited the…
Located in Glacier National Park, the Ptarmigan Tunnel is a fascinating and historic site along the Continental Trail. In the Many Glacier region of the park, the tunnel was carved through a granite mountain, spanning roughly 250 feet in length. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCP) in the 1930s the passageway is an impressive…
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…
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…
When we decided to visit the White Sands National Park, I was less than excited. I don’t know why. Fortunately, my attitude changed for the better when we pulled into the parking lot by the visitor’s center. I instantly found the white sand landscapes intriguing. The visitor’s center was not open when we arrived, but…
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…
We feel lucky to have hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park and the Beehive at Acadia National Park in the same year! I personally don’t know anyone who can make that claim because they are on opposite sides of the United States. That said, I’m sure there are others who have also achieved this…
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…
