Banff National Park is one of those rare places where every trail feels like a reward. With turquoise lakes, canyon boardwalks, glacier‑carved valleys, and wildlife that wanders as freely as the wind, it’s no surprise that Banff is a bucket‑list destination for hikers. It had been on our list for a while, and we finally…
One of the best parts of travel is finding a new area to explore on foot. While at a business conference in La Jolla, I learned of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, just a short drive north. I decided to spend my final afternoon exploring the best hikes at Torrey Pines before catching my…
Back in the early days of commercial flights, travelers would get dressed up in Sunday best when they traveled on a plane. Today, people are going for comfort when they plan to spend a few hours flying cross-country. So it’s safe to say that finding the best travel pants that offer style and comfort is…
Maui offers some very diverse landscapes. One side of the island is similar to the mountain deserts of Utah. The other is lush and green as far as the eye can see. Iao Valley State Monument is so beautiful that you’ll want to hang out for days just enjoying the steep, towering mountains and lush…
The Oregon coast is majestic, and many enjoy traveling and camping up and down the coast. My wife and I enjoyed a weeklong road trip doing the same thing a couple summers ago. The trick is knowing where to setup camp as you journey along the coast. Beverly Beach State Park is a great place…
I’ve often seen these interesting photos of a really long cave just outside of Zion National Park. It’s known as the Belly of the Dragon. To me, it looks more like the colon of a dragon, but a name like that may dissuade people from checking it out. If you’re visiting Zion National Park or…
Southwest Oregon has a lot of beautiful landscapes. Crater Lake National Park is a very popular spot. The road between Crater Lake and Medford, Oregon, has several stops worth making – like the three majestic waterfalls near the town of Prospect. But there’s one spot you don’t want to miss. Natural Bridge is a two-mile…
There are so many beautiful places in Utah. From the Mighty 5 National Parks to several national monuments and 40+ state parks, Utah has so many places to explore. Mount Nebo Loop Scenic Byway makes a wonderful afternoon drive with the whole family. If you want to really explore the area, snag a campsite along…
I write a lot about national parks, state parks, hiking trails and unique (and popular) outdoor venues. Sadly, there are people who either don’t know what they’re doing, or they etch their name on the beautiful sandstone wall. It’s infuriating. But one guy has been working to change that. Phill Monson (a.k.a. Nigel the Litter…
I didn’t think I was afraid of heights. But after hiking the Above Zion Ledgewalk with Utah Adventure Center, I may have to change my fear of heights classification to skiddish. Especially considering the level of dare-devil moves my brother and 18-year-old son were pulling. The two-mile long Via Ferrata (Iron Pathway) is a unique…
