Arguably the state’s most iconic peak, Mt. Rainier’s 14,410-foot summit can be spotted from cities across western Washington. The peak is known as Tacoma or Tahoma to indigenous tribes, meaning ’snowy mountain peak.’ Although it hasn’t had a major eruption … Read More
Mt. St. Helens was a bit of a haul from our place in Snohomish – three hours with no one on the road, and just over four at any time of day other than the hours between midnight and 5 … Read More
Located within the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was named in honor of our 26th President. An avid outdoorsman, Teddy Roosevelt is widely known as the “conservation President” for the myriad policies he implemented to … Read More
Tucked away on the outskirts of Canyonlands National Park and Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness, Horseshoe Canyon is a remote gem rife with Native American history and scenic beauty. Covering a huge swath of southeastern Utah’s high desert, Canyonlands is a maze … Read More
After spending a gorgeous day hiking Zion’s East Rim Wilderness, Stephan and I were eager to return to the area with Sanchez. Because pets aren’t allowed on trails within the bounds of the national park, we searched for a dog-friendly … Read More
Located within Zion National Park’s East Rim Wilderness, Deertrap and Cable Mountains are lightly-trafficked trails where you can truly get off the beaten path and enjoy the incredible beauty of Zion Canyon. Unlike Zion’s two most popular hikes, Angel’s Landing … Read More
Known for its thousands of crimson-colored rock spires, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of southern Utah’s most spectacular treasures. Contrary to its name, Bryce isn’t a single canyon, but rather a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the eastern … Read More
A brief history Established as a national park in 1906, Mesa Verde preserves the historical heritage of the Ancestral Puebloan tribes. The park protects thousands of archaeological sites and some 600 cliff dwellings in southwestern Colorado, offering visitors a glimpse … Read More
Just south of Yellowstone in northwest Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most recognizable and geologically unique peaks in the Rockies. While the Teton Range contains some of the oldest rock in North America, it’s … Read More
One of Grand Teton National Park’s longer day hikes, the 18.6-mile Paintbrush Divide Loop offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range’s rugged, alpine landscape. Because of its length, much of the trail is quite lightly trafficked. With the exception of … Read More
