The Buffalo National River inspires awe not only for its amazing natural beauty but also for its rich history. Peoples have called the Buffalo National River home for thousands of years. The Osage and Ochethi Sakowin people lived in the area before Europeans called it… Read More »Indian Rockhouse Trail – Buffalo National River
There are several great trails at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument that take you into the wilderness of the Sonoran Desert. One aspect of hiking in the park that I enjoyed is that it is full of rich history. Several of the trails take you… Read More »Victoria Mine Trail
The Saguaro Cactus has become a symbol of the desert and the American Southwest, but the famous plant is actually only found in a small portion of the American Southwest. And other than putting down roots in northwestern Mexico, it isn’t found anywhere else in… Read More »Saguaro National Park
I squinted my eyes to shield them from the stark bright white that blared all around me. Looking ahead toward the giant sand dune, it reminded me of a wave in the ocean about to crash on top of me. And like when you are… Read More »Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Park
I had multiple people recommend Smith Creek Preserve to me before I went there. But it wasn’t until I found myself at the upper portion of the Buffalo National River wanting to hike with my dog that I finally went to explore the area. Dogs… Read More »Smith Creek Preserve
Caprock Canyons State Park has 25 miles of hiking trails, however, if you don’t have time to explore all 25 miles, the Haynes Ridge Overlook and North Prong trail system provides a wonderful loop so that you can sample the best of Caprock Canyons. In… Read More »Caprock Canyons Hiking Loop Trail
The Watchman Trail at Zion National Park is a great short hike to experience life inside the canyon. The trail starts on the canyon floor and climbs into the foothills of the Bridge Mountain and The Watchman, which provide amazing views into the narrow Zion… Read More »The Watchman Trail Zion National Park
Hiking Big Bluff along the Goat Trail is most definitely not for those who are afraid of heights! The Goat Trail takes hikers along the narrow edge of Big Bluff with a sheer vertical drop to the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. However, if… Read More »Big Bluff Goat Trail at the Buffalo National River
I’m so excited to have Sally Keys on the blog again. Sally writes about the Shark Valley Trails in Everglades National Park. And now, that I’ve read about it, I can’t wait to go! You can read more from Sally here. Hiking Shark Valley Is… Read More »Hiking Shark Valley Is A Great Way to Explore the Florida Everglades
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area offers a number of shorter interpretive trails, but for those who want a longer hike can extend the loops with the Ouachita Trail for a five-mile loop. The extended Lake Sylvia Loop shows off everything the Ouachita National Forest has to… Read More »Lake Sylvia Loop and Chinquapin Mountain Spur
I dropped my day pack with a thump and sat down on the smooth, warm, gray ground. I hung my feet over the edge of the United States and looked down to the turquoise water below, then up on into Mexico. Day hiking in Seminole… Read More »Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
An easy 14er? OK, that’s an oxymoron. An “easier” 14er is probably the best description for the South Mount Elbert Trail. Also known as the Mount Elbert East Ridge Trail, it climbs the east ridge to the summit of Mount Elbert, the highest mountain in… Read More »South Mount Elbert Trail
If you have seen pictures of Arkansas, you have probably seen pictures of Whitaker Point. The scenic spot, also known as Hawksbill Crag, is probably the most iconic picture of The Natural State. A great book and trail guide for this area is Tim Ernst’s… Read More »Arkansas staples – Glory Hole, Whitaker Point