A Peaceful and Powerful Stop on Your Southwest Road Trip Tucked away in the remote desert canyons of the Four Corners region, Hovenweep National Monument is one of the most compelling—and often overlooked—national monuments in the USA. This remarkable site preserves a cluster of ancient Pueblo ruins, where multi-story stone towers still cling to the…
Looking for a unique and family-friendly way to explore Southern Utah? This spring break, our family discovered an unexpectedly magical experience: hiking with pack llamas! 🦙 With red rock scenery, flurries of snow, and plenty of muddy fun, it turned into one of our favorite family adventures to date. If you’re planning a visit to…
Utah is famous for its “Mighty Five” national parks, but what many people don’t realize is that the state is also home to over 40 state parks—each offering its own slice of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and unique history. In most other states, these stunning landscapes would be national parks. But in Utah, where red…
(Whether you’re spending a weekend or just passing through, here’s how to make the most of your trip.) Tucked away in southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument spans nearly 1.9 million acres, making it one of the largest and most remote protected areas in the U.S. This vast, rugged landscape is a haven for slot…
Nestled in the heart of Utah’s renowned “Mighty 5,” Capitol Reef National Park often gets labeled as just another stop on the way to Zion, Bryce, Arches, or Canyonlands. Yet, if you take a moment to truly explore, you’ll discover that this park is a hidden gem in its own right. Located only 3.5 hours…
Canyonlands National Park is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States. Located in southeast Utah, this vast desert park showcases a stunning array of deep canyons, towering mesas, and intricate sandstone formations shaped by the relentless forces of the Colorado and Green Rivers. With its rugged beauty and remote wilderness,…
Nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, Page, Arizona, is the perfect base for exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest. Perched at the southern end of Lake Powell, this small town is surrounded by towering red rock formations, slot canyons, and the winding Colorado River. But Page is more than just a scenic…
The Florida Keys have always held a special kind of magic for me, but even before I ever set foot on these sun-drenched islands, I already felt like I knew them—thanks to Jimmy Buffett. As a lifelong Parrothead, his music painted vivid pictures of salty ocean breezes, lazy afternoons with a cold drink in hand,…
Many people have heard of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, but have you heard of La Paz, BCS? While the Cabo area is known for its luxury resorts and lively nightlife, La Paz offers a more relaxed, authentic Mexican experience on the stunning Sea of Cortez. This coastal city is an adventurer’s…
Come mid-winter, I always find myself daydreaming about warm vacation destinations. Over the next few blog posts, I’ll be writing about some of my favorite getaways for this time of year—when you’re looking for a dose of sun and sea. In this post, I’ll be covering adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii. Geography of…