Today we're taking the 1/4 mile trail through the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs, California. We'll be getting there before dawn to enjoy the sunrise, which makes these cacti glow as they're backlit by the low sun.
Read MoreTake a walk among the giant Sequoias at General Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park and visit the Fallen Monarch, Centennial Stump, Gamlin Cabin and our National Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree.
Read MoreHidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. This one mile loop is a great introduction to hiking in Joshua Tree. It's easy enough for families with small children to enjoy, yet the massive rock formations just off the trail will keep even the most avid hikers enthused.
Read MoreYosemite National Park in California is filled with famous viewpoints and incredible hiking trails, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River. Today we're heading to Yosemite Valley to explore the natural beauty of the valley loop and find all the must see Instagrammable shots.
Read MoreToday we're exploring Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This hike is 3 miles filled with colorful boiling mud pots and large steam vents. Along the trail we'll have great views of Lassen Peak, Lake Helen, and Brokeoff Mountain.
Read MoreToday we're hiking to Sentinel Dome, Roosevelt Point, and Taft Point along a trail with panoramic views of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the Yosemite Valley below. This loop is far less traveled than most trails in Yosemite National Park, so come join me!
Read MoreThis week Sequoia National Park celebrates its 130th birthday in the National Parks System, so we are planning a perfect day trip through Sequoia and Kings Canyon. We will visit 10 can't miss spots inside the park and discover all the history and natural wonders Sequoia holds, including General Sherman, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, Grant Grove, Big Stump Trail, Hanging Rock, and Tunnel Rock.
Read MoreToday we're exploring some of Yosemite’s oldest structures at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona, California. Take a virtual tour of the Covered Bridge, Artist Cabin, Wells Fargo Office, and several other unique buildings that were moved here from all over Yosemite National Park.
Read MoreToday we're hiking the trail to the top of Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park. Once we're at the top, we'll enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and several more iconic Yosemite landmarks.
Read MoreToday we'll be taking in the sunrise and sunset views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley below from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. With road closures coming in 2021 and the park at limited capacity, make sure to visit this year.
Read MoreSanta Cruz Island is the largest of the 5 islands which make up Channel Islands National Park. Of the 9 National Parks located in California, this is the only one you can't reach by car. Join me today in exploring massive sea caves and all kinds of wildlife, including island foxes, dolphins, and bald eagles.
Read MoreLocated in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, Paramount Ranch has a rich history of appearing on the silver screen, appearing in shows like Dr Quinn and Westworld. The Thomas Fire ravaged Western Town in 2017, but a rebuild of the old west buildings is already planned...and this is still a beautiful location for a afternoon hike.
Read MoreYosemite National Park is a true California treasure. I'm driving from the Tioga Pass entrance to the Yosemite Valley for a weekend adventure in one of my favorite U.S. National Parks. Join me in exploring Half Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, and the Wawona Swinging Bridge – just to name a few highlights.
Read MoreToday I'm sharing 11 Death Valley spots to visit in a weekend, such as Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Artist's Palette, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. This National Park in California is the perfect road trip adventure from Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Read MoreJoin me and explore one of the most colorful loops in all of Death Valley, California. Artist's Drive is a natural wonder and the highlight of this road trip has to be hiking the magnificent hills of Artist's Palette.
Read MoreToday on the blog I'm exploring the deserts of Tatooine from the famous Star Wars Movie franchise. Join me for a walk though the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California. These dunes are a photographer's dream and a hiker's paradise where you can create your own trail and capture magnificent sunsets.
Read MoreExplore sunset with me at Badwater Basin's temporary lake that formed after a recent storm. Join me in Death Valley, California at the lowest place in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Read MoreJoin me in remembering Manzanar War Relocation Center on the 74th anniversary of its closing. Located in the high sierra desert near Lone Pine, California, this camp held over 10,000 Japanese American citizens over the course of World War II.
Read MoreCome explore the basalt columns at Devils Postpile, a great day trip near Mammoth Mountain in California. On the blog today, I'm sharing hiking info, instagrammable photography, and some of the geological background on this natural wonder that was once part of Yosemite National Park.
Read MoreToday I'm sharing my top 10 locations for instagrammable views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Make sure to download my free photo cheat sheet with all of the exact pin locations and driving directions for each image shown on the blog.
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