While Ben and Mom hiked CT section 18, I headed up to explore the Gunnison National Forest area. From the drop off it was a two hour drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (although a road closure on 50 added between 20 minutes and 2 hours depending on when you hit it). …
Continue reading Crewing the CT: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
After being in Death Valley in October I truly can't imagine the horror of being there in the summer. October was pretty much perfect, cool at night and warm to hot during the day. The stars were incredible as well. Nothing beats desert stars and there was no moon or highway to interfere at all. …
In the approach to hibernation, bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, when they begin eating the massive amount of calories that they'll feed on for the winter. This drives bears across mountains down into lower elevations as fruits and nuts ripen. In Yosemite this means bears coming into the valley to feast on acorns. Near …
I know you can drive to Glacier Point, and if you have mobility challenges you should absolutely drive and experience the incredible views of Half Dome. But if you can, you should definitely hike up from the valley. There's the obvious, the added value of a view when you've actually put in the physical work …
Having been here in the summer it was interesting to see the same hike in October. While the pine trees don't change colors, it seemed like the granite had more of an autumn hue as the waterfalls dwindled and narrowed. It also of course got dark much earlier, and while a sunset at the top …
Redwood can be an overwhelming and confusing park with state parks mixed in with different national park districts. I've been to a couple different areas and thus far Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is my favorite. First highlight was the camping. One of the things that sets Redwood apart from the other big tree parks …
On the drive from Yellowstone to Crater Lake, before you hit the onion country of eastern Oregon, is a little visited National Monument and Preserve called Craters of the Moon. It's almost as startling as driving up on the Grand Canyon, you're just cruising through Idaho and all of a sudden you're surrounded by lava …
We did two Yellowstone River hikes, and made a lot of choices based on how crowded the park was. During the day we did the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Trail and then waited until sunset to head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Trail The Yellowstone River Picnic …
By the time you've spent a day or two in Yellowstone you've seen so many bison you might be getting a little jaded, a little uninspired by the wildlife. That's when it's time to head to Lamar Valley for a day full of wildlife, especially the reintroduced and stunning gray wolf. Wherever you're camping, get …
Continue reading Lamar Valley Wildlife Spotting, Yellowstone
Can you paint with all the colors of the caldera? Not pictured: Old Faithful West Thumb Geyser Upper Geyser Basin Fountain Paint Pots Midway Geyser Basin Mammoth Hot Springs
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