There’s something to be said about enjoying a pristine pine forest and vibrant thermal activity while inhaling the aromas of a boiling cauldron of sulfur. Just a few hours into our first voyage to Yellowstone National Park, we pulled off the main road to stretch our legs along the short 1-mile loop at Artists' Paintpots Trail and got to witness this thermal basin activity up close for the first time.

Come along as I recap our experience exploring Idaho’s volcanic landscape on the North Crater Trail and check out the must-see views at Craters of the Moon National Monument.

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.

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.

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.

With the public lands I love to explore coming under threat here are resources to encourage action to defend National Parks and Public Lands

While this was definitely far from our usual multi-mile hike, the serene Mossy Cave Trail oasis was one stop I would love to visit again.