Nevada North America United States

How to Visit Valley of Fire State Park from Las Vegas (Best Hikes, Scenic Drives & Tips)

Just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is hands down one of the most stunning—and underrated—destinations in the American Southwest. While many visitors flock to Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire offers something truly unique: fiery sandstone cliffs, striped rock waves, hidden slot canyons, and thousand-year-old petroglyphs all packed into one incredible …

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Sunrise at the iconic Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park Utah
National Parks North America United States Utah

Canyonlands National Park One Day Itinerary: Best Hikes & Viewpoints at Island in the Sky

If you only have one day in Canyonlands National Park, you’ll want to make the most of it! With short hikes, dramatic overlooks, and views that rival the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands is an unforgettable stop on any Utah road trip. My boyfriend Tim and I visited Canyonlands as part of a larger Southwest U.S. road trip that included Zion, Bryce, …

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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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North America United States Utah

Hiking the Stunning Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail in Escalante

After visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, we continued our Utah Mighty Five Southwest road trip with a stop at the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail in Escalante, Utah. Here, we hiked to Lower Calf Creek Falls, one of the few active waterfalls in the southern Utah desert, and were blown away by its beauty. This post focuses on how to …

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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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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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