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.

Known for being the hottest, driest and lowest place in North America. Death Valley National Park is typically a landscape of salt flats and barren rock. But every so often, the valley floor undergoes a transformation that changes the whole landscape: a once in a decade superbloom, and this spring there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to see it for myself.

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.

Manzanar is not just a monument to a historical moment in time, it’s a monument of failure. On a recent trip I explored the grounds and learned about the failure of political leadership, war hysteria, and the racial prejudice that led to this camp.

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.

After enjoying a morning hike overlooking the desert landscape we decided to spend our final day exploring the nearby town of Pioche, NV.

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.

With the Four Corners in our rearview mirror, and our stomachs full of frybread, we made our way to "colorful Colorado," for some camping at Mesa Verde National Park.

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.