A spring camping trip to Mojave National Preserve brought desert birds, blooming wildflowers, butterflies, reptiles, and plenty of memorable wildlife around Hole-in-the-Wall and beyond.

Three trips, three seasons, one unforgettable road-tripping cat. Returning to Joshua Tree throughout the year revealed new birds, wildlife, wildflowers, and a deeper appreciation for one of California's most remarkable landscapes.

A day on Santa Cruz Island brought close encounters with Island Scrub-Jays, Island Foxes, native plants, and butterflies, all within a boat ride of the Southern California coast.

A summer visit to Saguaro National Park during the monsoon season brought Roadrunners, a rare Gila Monster, a young Great Horned Owl, and surprising wildlife despite the desert heat.

An afternoon along Arizona's Santa Cruz River at Tumacácori National Historical Park and The Anza Trail brought Gray Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, and an unforgettable gathering of butterflies beside the creek.

Winter on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim brought snowy overlooks, Desert View Watchtower, Hermits Rest, fog-filled views, wildlife, and quiet mornings along the rim.

A winter hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge brought icy switchbacks, exposed canyon views, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and two soaring California Condors.

Our first Grand Canyon trip brought a campervan setup at Mather Campground, a winter hike to Cedar Ridge, freezing nights, heavy rain, and an unexpected morning of snow.

Our Point Reyes loop hike connected Bear Valley, Meadow, Sky, and Coast trails through shaded forest, open meadow, coastal fog, and creek-lined woodland. A bee sting added an unexpected scare, but the varied scenery made this one of our most memorable Point Reyes hikes.

Bryce Canyon completely stole my heart during one unforgettable hike. Descending through Wall Street, climbing among towering hoodoos, and completing the Figure 8 Trail quickly made Bryce one of my favorite national parks.

Observation Point rewarded us with the biggest view we found anywhere in Zion National Park. The climb was long and steep, but the changing scenery, Echo Canyon, and panoramic overlook made every switchback worthwhile.

Hiking through the Virgin River beneath the towering walls of The Narrows had been on my list for years. An early shuttle, mild river conditions, and hours inside the quiet canyon made this one of our most memorable days in Zion National Park.