National Parks

My Complete Hiking Packing List: Trail-Tested Gear and Tips

Planning your next hiking adventure and wondering what to pack? I’ve got you covered with my complete hiking packing list! Whether you’re climbing Yosemite’s Mist Trail, hiking through hoodoos and arches in Utah’s national parks, or chasing waterfalls in Iceland, one thing holds true: having the right gear can make or break your hiking experience. After years of exploring trails …

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Sara admiring the panoramic view of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley from Taft Point in Yosemite
California National Parks North America United States

3-Day Yosemite Itinerary for First-Time Visitors Who Love to Hike

If you’re planning 3 days in Yosemite National Park, get ready for breathtaking views, bucket-list hikes, and iconic sights that truly live up to the hype. After 3 fun-filled days in San Francisco, my boyfriend, Tim, and I made the 4-hour drive to Yosemite and spent 3 unforgettable days soaking in its magic before continuing on to Petaluma for our …

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an epic panorama view from the Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park
California National Parks North America United States

The Most Epic Hike in Yosemite: Mist, Panorama & Four Mile Combination Trail

If you’re looking for the most epic hike in Yosemite, look no further than this full-day combination route that connects three of Yosemite’s most iconic trails: the Mist Trail, Panorama Trail, and Four Mile Trail. My boyfriend, Tim, and I completed this hike in June, and let me tell you—it’s challenging, rewarding, and packed with once-in-a-lifetime, panoramic views, misty waterfalls, …

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National Parks North America Texas United States

Two Days at Big Bend National Park in Texas

Big Bend National Park is located along the Mexico-United States (U.S.) border in southwest Texas. It’s named after a prominent bend in the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, which defines the park’s boundary for 118 miles. The park encompasses the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert, one of North America’s four major deserts, and is the only national …

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National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Visit the Utah Mighty Five National Parks

Planning a visit to the Utah national parks? The Utah Mighty Five – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands – are some of the most incredible national parks in the United States. Each offers various hiking, camping, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing opportunities, stunning drives, overlooks, and more. *P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost …

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National Parks North America United States Utah

The Best of Canyonlands National Park in One Day

Canyonlands National Park is the largest of Utah’s national parks, preserving more than 300,000 acres of incredible rocky landscape. Despite being the largest, it’s often overshadowed by some of the other national parks in the area like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches, but Canyonlands still has a ton to offer photographers, hikers and outdoor aficionados alike! Canyonlands has four districts, …

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National Parks North America United States Utah

The Best Hikes in Arches National Park

One of Utah’s Mighty Five, Arches National Park, has the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world with more than 2,000 arches identified throughout the park – woah!   The history and geology of this area is simply fascinating and ever changing. Over the course of 65 million years, what started as a dry seabed with these red rock …

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National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day at Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park was the third official stop on our Southwest U.S. national parks road trip (after Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park). We spent almost a full day here before driving to Arches National Park. Capitol Reef is one of the lesser known Utah national parks, making it a hidden treasure of undiscovered cliffs, canyons, domes …

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National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park was the second stop on our epic Southwest U.S. road trip, following Zion National Park. We spent just one day here, allowing for ample time to visit Utah’s other national parks. Situated on a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon has the highest elevation of the “Mighty 5” Utah national parks …

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Sara posing on top of a rock at Watchman Overlook with Zion Canyon in the background on the Watchman Trail in Zion
National Parks North America United States Utah

3-Day Zion Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Most Iconic National Park

Planning a trip to Zion and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone! With so many bucket-list hikes, scenic overlooks, and unique experiences to choose from—not to mention a shuttle system that takes a little getting used to—figuring out how to make the most of your time here can feel like a lot, especially if it’s your first …

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