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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a rocky view from the side of the stunning Nevada Fall along the Mist Trail in Yosemite
California National Parks North America United States

8 Great Hikes in Yosemite: Your Ultimate Hiking Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite and wondering which trails are truly worth your time, you’re in the right place! From misty waterfall climbs to high-elevation dome trails, this guide covers some of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park—especially for day hikers exploring Yosemite Valley. Inside, you’ll find detailed overviews of classic trails like Vernal and Nevada Falls, …

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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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a breathtaking view of Delicate Arch at sunset in Arches National Park
National Parks North America United States Utah

The 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

If you’re looking for stunning views without the grueling all-day treks, Arches National Park is your hiking dream come true! With more than 2,000 natural stone arches, towering red rock fins, and sweeping desert vistas, it’s a place where even the short hikes pack a huge punch. This guide covers the best hikes in Arches National Park—from quick roadside strolls …

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the Gifford Homestead with the colorful sandstone cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold in the background at Capitol Reef
National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day in Capitol Reef National Park

Located west of Torrey in Utah’s south-central desert, Capitol Reef National Park was the third stop on our unforgettable Southwest road trip, after Zion and Bryce Canyon and before Arches and Canyonlands. Capitol Reef is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors and is one of the least visited of the Utah Mighty 5. But, that only adds to its …

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the hoodoos turning bright orange and red at sunrise at Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park
National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Only have one day in Bryce Canyon? Don’t worry—you can still soak in some of the park’s best views, hike among its famous hoodoos, and experience that magical Bryce sunrise (yes, it’s worth the early morning wake-up call!). After three incredible days in Zion National Park, my boyfriend, Tim, and I made our way to Bryce Canyon, the next stop …

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