Can I still see Firefall? If conditions allow, Yosemite National Park visitors can experience the Horsetail Fall Firefall phenomenon in late February & into March, even though the official Firefall season has ended. Read this Yosemite current conditions report on how waterfalls are flowing, what crowds are like & how you can help protect our National Parks after recent ranger & staffing cuts.
Read MoreExplore Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA—a scenic coastal gem along Highway 1. Discover over 8 miles of hiking trails with ocean views, Monterey pine forests & abundant wildlife. Enjoy ADA-accessible Bluff Trail, unique benches & year-round free access. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching & photography. Don’t miss my 2-3 Day Central Coast Itinerary & Travel Guide for more adventures nearby!
Read MorePlan the perfect day trip to Death Valley National Park! Check out this 1 day itinerary, which includes top spots to visit in Death Valley, including hiking details and viewpoints of Death Valley's iconic landmarks, including Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. If you're planning a multi-day road trip, download my complete 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes hotel & dining info.
Read MoreCheck out this Yosemite National Park FIREFALL 2025 Opening Day travel guide with real-time updates on current conditions, crowds, road status, and waterfall flow. Find out what it was like to view and photograph Firefall, plus pro tips on the best Firefall viewing spots. Get the latest on Yosemite winter conditions, Yosemite Valley waterfalls, and what to expect for Firefall next weekend.
Read MorePlanning a Firefall trip to Yosemite? Get the latest Yosemite Valley conditions update, including road status, snow levels, and waterfall flow. Find out how the rain will impact Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the chances of seeing Firefall this season. Plus, get essential winter travel tips, including tire chain requirements and the best scenic spots after the winter storms in the forecast.
Read MoreWhere are the best spots along the Central Coast to see wildlife? Read this ultimate travel guide to viewing marine life, birds, and all kinds unique animals along a Central California Highway 1 road trip. We'll cover the top wildlife spots in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Cambria, Big Sur, Carmel, Moss Landing, and Monterey Bay, with special views of orcas, elephant seals, and sea otters.
Read MorePlan the perfect day trip to Saguaro National Park! Check out this 1 day itinerary, which includes 10 top spots to visit in Saguaro West & East, including hiking details and viewpoints of Saguaro's best areas, Bajada Loop Drive, Cactus Forest Drive, and Signal Hill. If you're planning a multi-day road trip, download my complete 2 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes hotel & dining info.
Read MoreDiscover everything you need to know for your visit to Morro Bay State Park! This guide covers top activities like kayaking, hiking & wildlife watching, plus tips on camping, visiting the Natural History Museum & exploring the Morro Estuary. Looking for scenic trails, birdwatching spots, or stunning views of Morro Rock along the California Central Coast – this travel guide has you covered.
Read MorePlan the perfect day trip to Joshua Tree National Park! Check out this 1 day itinerary, which includes 6 top spots to visit in Joshua Tree, including hiking details and viewpoints of Joshua Tree's iconic landmarks, including Arch Rock, Heart Rock & Skull Rock. If you're planning a multi-day road trip, download my complete 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes hotel & dining info.
Read MoreDiscover the best kayaking adventures in CA from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra & Morro Bay! Explore the stunning waters of Badwater Basin, Convict Lake, Tenaya Lake & the Merced River. Learn about must-have gear, like the best inflatable kayak, waterproof dry bags, compact binoculars, and life jackets to ensure safety, comfort & unforgettable moments on the water.
Read MoreDiscover the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, CA—an incredible free year-round wildlife experience along California’s scenic Highway 1. Learn about the fascinating history, conservation, & seasonal activities at this elephant seal colony. Plan your road trip visit to see newborn pups, epic male battles & stunning coastal trails. Explore nearby Hearst Castle, Cambria & more!
Read MoreDiscover the best of Morro Bay, CA with this travel guide to kayaking, tide pooling, and wildlife watching. Explore the calm Morro Bay Estuary, vibrant tide pools at North Point Natural Area, and marine life around Morro Rock. Spot sea otters, harbor seals, and rare birds in this coastal haven. Get tips on tide charts, must-visit locations, and gear for an unforgettable Central Coast adventure!
Read MoreExplore the beauty of Mica View Trail in Saguaro National Park East! Discover accessible hiking in the Cactus Forest, stunning views of Mica Mountain, unique cacti like saguaros and chollas, and abundant desert wildlife. Learn about the area's rich history, including Indigenous heritage and conservation efforts. Perfect for nature lovers seeking an easy hike in Tucson's Rincon Mountains!
Read MoreWhat is Zzyzx Road? If you've ever taken a road trip from LA to Vegas along I-15, you've probably seen this strange Zzyzx road sign near Baker, CA. Located in Mojave National Preserve, this roadside stop was once a "health resort" in the mid 1900s, and now the abandoned structures are home the Desert Studies Center. Visitors are welcome to explore parts of the grounds, so let's take a look!
Read MoreWhat are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.
Read MoreWhat is the best photography gear for travel bloggers? What camera should I buy? As a content creator, I get asked these questions often, so today I'm sharing our top 10 photo gear guide for travel & adventure photographers & creators. Find out my favorite DSLR cameras for beginners & professionals, as well as other essentials, including tripods, camera bags, memory cards & action video cameras.
Read MoreToday I'm sharing my favorite camping gear and adventure travel essentials from this year. Looking for a great gift for your spouse or camping buddy? Check out my full product reviews of inflatable kayaks, pop-up tents, sleeping bags, hiking poles, portable power stations, folding chairs, head lamps, and more...all perfect for the upcoming holidays and for your next camping & outdoor adventure.
Read MoreWhat are the best hotels in Yosemite? Today I'm sharing 5 of my favorite unique hotel stays in & around Yosemite National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to airbnb villas to dog friendly stays. Check out this comprehensive travel guide to learn about lodging dining options, room & suite amenities, family friendly activities, and proximity to main entrances to plan your next Yosemite vacation.
Read MoreWondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.
Read MoreWhat are the best ghost towns in California? Bodie and Calico might be two of CA's official gold & silver mining ghost towns, but Silver City Ghost Town is one of the top historic spots to visit this year. Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the Kern River, Lake Isabella, and Sequoia National Forest, this top day trip destination is a short drive from Bakersfield & Los Angeles.
Read More
