Today we're in Yosemite National Park enjoying Olmsted Point along Tioga Road. We'll check out views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Tenaya Lake from multiple overlooks, including a bonus hike.

Balancing Rock Nature Trail - DL Bliss State Park

Today we're in D.L. Bliss State Park in the South Lake Tahoe area enjoying a gentle hike along the Balancing Rock Nature Trail. This large precarious granite boulder has been fascinating visitors for centuries.

Under Canvas - Glamping at Grand Canyon

Just down the road from Grand Canyon National Park, we're enjoying a glamping experience at Under Canvas. The Stargazer Tent provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the dark skies rich with stars as we lay down in bed at night. This is a wonderful spot to experience camping with some of the hotel amenities we've grown accustomed to.

Arizona, Desert, Hotels, Grand CanyonDawn MarieJune 20, 2022under canvas, glamping, camping, hotel, hotels, grand canyon, arizona, desertComment

Hospital Rock - Sequoia National Park

Today we're in Sequoia National Park along Generals Highway exploring Hospital Rock, an ancient Native American site with pictographs from centuries ago. We'll also check out bedrock mortars and take the short hike down to the Kaweah River.

Tenaya Lake - Yosemite National Park

Today we're hiking around Tenaya Lake, the largest lake in Yosemite National Park. This high altitude lake off Tioga Road offers stunning reflections of the surrounding granite peaks, and is open to swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.

West Thumb Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Park

Today we're taking a sunrise hike along the boardwalk trail at West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. We'll encounter all types of hydrothermal activity here, including pools, mud pots, steam vents, and geysers.

Tunnel Rock - Sequoia National Park

Today we're climbing up on top of Tunnel Rock in Sequoia National Park in California. Generals Highway once passed under this giant boulder, which was tunneled out by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s.

Lower Chilnualna Falls - Yosemite National Park

This week we're exploring a lesser known waterfall in Yosemite National Park found near the small town of Wawona, California. Chilnualna Falls is made of five large drops over giant granite formations above the Wawona basin, and today we'll be hiking the short trail to the lower section.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Today we're just outside of Des Moines, Iowa, visiting the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. We'll be exploring multiple hiking trails, as well as the Bison Auto Tour, where we'll get up close views of the buffalo that once called these prairies home.

Iowa, HikingDawn MarieMay 9, 2022iowa, bison, buffalo, wildlife, neal smith, des moines, midwest, wildlife refuge, roadtrip, hiking, trailsComment

Congress Trail - Sequoia National Park

Today we're hiking up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park to some of the world's largest trees. We'll start at the famous General Sherman Tree and then escape the crowds to see many more giant sequoias. We'll enjoy The President Tree, The House Group, The Senate Group, the Lincoln Tree, and even an old log cabin.

Darwin Falls - Death Valley National Park

Today we're hiking the trail to a hidden waterfall oasis in Death Valley National Park. Darwin Falls is comprised of an upper and lower falls, and it's a great spot to visit when entering the park on the west side near Panamint Springs Resort.

Top 9 Hikes in California National Parks

Today we're taking a look at 9 of my favorite hikes in each of the 9 national parks found in California. I'm also including the top 5 trails in each park to equip you as you head out on your next adventure. Join me as we head out to Yosemite, Redwood, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Death Valley, Channel Islands, Pinnacles, and Joshua Tree.

Wildcat Falls & The Cascades - Yosemite National Park

Today we're exploring two lesser known waterfalls in Yosemite National Park near the El Portal Arch Rock Entrance. Wildcat Falls and Cascade Falls are a series of waterfalls that plunge into the Merced Gorge, and can be viewed with minimal hiking.

Corriganville Park & Movie Ranch

Today we're stepping back in time as we explore an old film location just north of Los Angeles in Simi Valley. Corriganville Park was home to sound stages, a man-made lake, and entire western town that were backdrops for 3,000 movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Devils Golf Course - Death Valley National Park

Today we're heading out to the Death Valley National Park salt pan to explore Devils Golf Course. The ancient waters of Lake Manly once covered this basin, leaving behind this truly unique terrain.

Big Sur - Top 12 Highlights

This week we're celebrating the start of Spring by heading up the California coastline into Big Sur. We'll discover my top 12 highlights, including spots like Limekiln State Park, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Treebones Resort.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Today we're exploring Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Northern California, which is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, old growth redwood trees. We'll also be strolling through Fern Canyon, viewing Roosevelt elk, and hiking to a waterfall.

Salt Creek - Death Valley National Park

Today we're strolling along the easy boardwalk hike to find pupfish at Salt Creek Interpretive Trail in Death Valley National Park. These fish have survived the harsh desert conditions for centuries, and they only come out for a limited time during the Spring season.

Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Park

This week we're celebrating the 150th birthday of Yellowstone National Park by visiting the Upper Geyser Basin. We'll see Old Faithful and Daisy Geyser erupt, and explore other hydrothermal features like the Morning Glory Pool and the Castle Geyser.

Stout Memorial Grove - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Today we're hiking the short loop around Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California. This trail is filled with old growth giant redwood trees, including the tallest of the bunch, the Stout Tree.