I’ve always been drawn to the trails that lead you to a place of solitude. The ones that require a bit of dust, a few miles of trail under your boots and even a dirt road to find. Canyonlands quickly became one of those places that reminds me why I take the long way to find adventure away from the pavement.

The journey started off spectacularly. A well-maintained trail of packed sand wound through impressive red rock formations and deeper into the desert. After a short incline, we witnessed the dramatic ribbon of red rock over the horizon. Past this arch is when the trail transformed into something far more demanding.

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Capitol Reef National Park proved to be an unexpected highlight during our Mighty Five in Five Days adventure, complete with geological wonders, a hiking highlight and a new fresh-baked favorite.

Zion National Park is a park of contradictions. It is a stunning, diverse ecosystem that also, often feels like the "Disneyland" of the National Park System. The park is often swarmed with touristy crowds checking off a box, as well as nature lovers competing for a moment of quiet. But even amongst the noise, there’s not doubt you can still find those high-reward moments that bring the desert magic to life.

After a winter storm canceled our plans last year, we finally made it to Sequoia National Park for a day of hiking snowy trails in complete solitude amongst 2,000-year-old giants in an experience that left my soul feeling alive.

Beyond the desert sagebrush lies a glacier-carved paradise. From 11,000-foot peaks to crystal-clear alpine Lakes, join me as I hike Lamoille Canyon and Nevada's breathtaking Ruby Mountains.

With the rain still lightly falling off and on, we headed to the west side of the park to explore Wetherhill Mesa. Discovering the ancient secrets of Mesa Verde's Wetherill Mesa and enjoy a rainy journey through the Ancestral Pueblo people's history at Step House and Badger House Community.

My heart is heavy today with the fire updates from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As I sit thinking about the devastation that is still ongoing due to the Dragon Bravo Fire, I'm flooded with memories that I am beyond grateful to have made.

Early into the new year hiking Turtlehead Peak in Red Rock Canyon allowed me to check off my first resolution of 2025; hike a peak.

Discovering the ancient wonder of Raintree! Hiking over five miles through breathtaking mountain scenery to reach a 3,000-year-old bristlecone pine, a testament to nature's enduring beauty and the chance for a new perspective.