Thule T2 Pro XT: The Perfect Bike Rack for Our Subaru Crosstrek
Our long-term review of the Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack after years of carrying mountain and road bikes on our Subaru Crosstrek.
Hiking the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail in Idyllwild
The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is an easy, shaded hike through the forest above Idyllwild. Mossy boulders, seasonal creek crossings, and glimpses of Suicide Rock make it a good choice when we want mountain scenery without a steep climb.
Point Reyes: Bear Valley, Meadow, Sky & Coast Loop
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.
Hiking Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch
Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch feels surprisingly far removed from suburban Orange County. This easy local hike follows Borrego Canyon Trail through grasses and oak woodland before reaching a colorful pocket of red sandstone cliffs.
Native Campervan Rental Review: Our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Road Trip
For our fifth wedding anniversary, we rented a Native Campervan and spent a week exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We'd happily do it again.
Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos: Hiking the Figure 8 Trail
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: Zion's Best View
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 The Narrows: Zion's Most Iconic Adventure
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.
Yellowstone National Park: A Geothermal Wonderland
Yellowstone's geothermal landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth. From erupting geysers to bubbling mud pots and brilliantly colored hot springs, these were the geothermal areas that left the biggest impression on us.
Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone National Park: Bison, Bears & Lamar Valley
Wildlife was one of the biggest reasons we wanted to visit Yellowstone. A massive bison herd in Lamar Valley and a playful black bear were some of our favorite wildlife encounters in the park!
Exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Canyon Campground gave us a convenient base for exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, from the classic view at Artist Point to the roar of the river at the brink of Upper and Lower Falls.
Beyond Old Faithful: Walking Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful’s towering eruption brought us to Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, but the colorful pools, restless springs, and steaming boardwalk beyond it made us stay.
Topic Archive
- Angeles National Forest 3
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 2
- Arizona 4
- Backpacking 6
- Backpacks 10
- Backyard Birding 2
- Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 1
- Big Sur 2
- Bird Conservation 1
- Birding 16
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve 1
- Bryce Canyon National Park 1
- California 57
- Camera Gear 9
- Camping 23
- Camping Gear 8
- Channel Islands National Park 1
- Cleveland National Forest 2
- Coastal Birding 8
- Colorado 5
- Crater Lake National Park 3
- Death Valley National Park 4
- Desert Birding 1
- Film Photography 8
- Fort Bragg 1
- Grand Canyon National Park 3
- Grand Teton National Park 2
- Hawaii 5
- Hiking 38
- Idyllwild 4
- Joshua Tree National Park 8
- Laguna Coast Wilderness 4
- Lassen Volcanic National Park 3
- Los Angeles 1
- Mojave National Preserve 2
- Mount Rainier National Park 1
- North Cascades National Park 1
- OC Parks 3
- Orange County 14
- Oregon 4
- Pelagic Birding 4
- Photography 10
- Point Reyes National Seashore 2
- Road Trips 6
- Rocky Mountain National Park 5
- San Bernardino National Forest 1
- San Diego 2
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary 1
- Seattle 4
- Sequoia National Forest 1