Category Archives: North America

How to backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail

Views from Albert Mountain when backpacking the Standing Indian Loop

Panoramic fire tower views. Rocky ledges overlooking deep river gorges. Endless green tunnel dotted with pink lady slippers, goldenrod, and monarch butterflies. The Albert Mountain – Standing Indian Loop is one of the best Appalachian Trail backpacking trips in North Carolina. This 20-25 mile backpacking trip is ideal for a weekend getaway. It’s one of […]

9 Best Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon

Views from the South Rim

The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona and is home to some of the most beautiful hikes and views in the state. If you’re planning a visit and are on the hunt of some of the best day hikes in the Grand Canyon, then you’re in luck! There are so many hikes that you […]

Backpacking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim: The ULTIMATE guide

Views along the North Kaibab Trail on the Grand Canyon rim to rim hike.

Standing at the top of the South Kaibab trailhead, I gazed into the canyon 4,000+ feet below. My only thought was, “we’re going where?” I couldn’t even see the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon — the false bottom, 1,500 feet higher, obscured it. The sun was just starting to bring out the […]

Is Manuel Antonio worth visiting? Guide to Costa Rica’s most popular park

Capuchin on Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica

At first glance, Manuel Antonio National Park seems like something out of a movie. Tropical jungle-fringed beaches with turquoise water. Sloths galore. Mangrove forests that protect some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the Americas. The question of “is Manuel Antonio worth visiting?” seems absurd on the surface. But then reality sets in. Costa Rica’s […]

Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park: The ULTIMATE Guide

Backcountry hiking Yellowstone is the best way to see the park.

If you’ve visited Yellowstone, chances are you’ve waded through crowds on a packed boardwalk to snap people-filled pictures of the famous geothermals. It’s undeniably an amazing place — and one you’ll never have to yourself. But there is another way. Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park gets you away from the crowds, far from the nearest […]

Hiking in Stanley, Idaho: The BEST day hikes in the Sawtooths

The Baron Lakes are one of the best hikes in Stanley, Idaho.

Idaho is so much more than potatoes. Over 60% of the land in this Rocky Mountain state is public. You can camp just about anywhere, hike the 10,000-foot peaks, and unwind in the hot springs. The Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley are one of the highlights, with dozens of alpine lakes to explore. Hiking in Stanley, […]

Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Hike Near Goblin Valley, Utah

Slot section on the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Loop Trail

Southern Utah is jam-packed with slot canyons to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned canyoneer or have never been in a slot canyon in your life, you can find a safe canyon trip that rivals the beauty of Arizona’s Antelope Canyon — with none of the logistical challenges. Two of the best beginner canyons are Little […]

Capitol Reef Itinerary Ideas for One, Two and Three Days

A truck on the scenic drive -- typical for a Capitol Reef itinerary

Capitol Reef National Park is the most underrated of Southern Utah’s Mighty 5. Most visitors simply drive through between Bryce Canyon and the parks near Moab. But stay a little longer and you’ll discover a land of red-rock cliffs, colorful sunsets, challenging trails and deep backcountry. Whether you’re a hiker or a road tripper, you […]

Things to do in Escalante, Utah: Gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante

One of the best things to do in Escalante Utah is hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls

Utah is famous for the Mighty 5 National Parks. And for good reason — from the red cliffs of Zion to the rivers of Canyonlands to Arches’ namesake formations, they’re some of the treasures of the United States. But nestled between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef is a well-kept secret: the tiny town of Escalante, […]

Foothills Trail Thru Hike: The BEST backpacking in South Carolina

Sunrise from Sassafras Mountain on my Foothills Trail thru hike

Towering waterfalls. Thunderous river gorges. Wildflower fields. The highest peak in South Carolina. And stairs. So many stairs. This is your life when you attempt a Foothills Trail thru hike. The Foothills Trail runs 77 miles from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park in South Carolina, crossing briefly into North Carolina twice along […]