I’ve hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park before, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to hike it again on Earth Day. I’d planned to do a sunrise hike, but when the alarm went off, I hit snooze for a bit longer, but still managed to make it to the trailhead before the … Continue reading
Category Archives: U.S. National Parks
Sunset From Below Sea Level
Magical, stunning, spectacular, mesmerizing, fantastic, breathtaking – all wonderful ways to describe a sunset in Death Valley National Park. But, watching sunset from 282 feet below sea level in Badwater Basin will leave you speechless. Standing in the lowest spot in North America and watching the sky turn from shades of yellow to pink and … Continue reading
Hike to Fortynine Palms Oasis
Joshua trees are known for their spiky leafed, branches reaching for the heavens are ubiquitous in most of Joshua Tree National Park, but not on this trail. The elevation is too low for the yuccas (Joshua trees don’t have rings so they are not really trees). Instead, you’ll find palm trees in this secluded oasis … Continue reading
Joshua Tree’s Most Dangerous Hike
It’s Joshua Tree National Park’s most dangerous hike. Not because of the extreme heat, rattlesnakes, or rugged terrain, but because of the “teddy bear” cactus. It sounds cuddly, but it’s not. You are literally surrounded by cacti in the Cholla Cactus Garden. It’s one of the shortest hikes in Joshua Tree, but could easily be … Continue reading
“In God’s Country” in Joshua Tree National Park
“I wanna run, I wanna hide. I wanna tear down the walls that hold me inside.” Those are the first words of “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Those are the opening words of the legendary rock band U2’s album The Joshua Tree. For years I had wanted to go to the mythical and magical … Continue reading
Symphony of Frogs in RMNP
While enjoying an easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park recently I stumbled upon a symphony of frogs. It always fascinates me how wildlife create symphonic melodies. Look closely to see the tiny frogs. Continue reading

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