Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
Read MoreThere Are So Many Types of Climbing, Here They Are So You Don’t Feel Foolish Like Me
When I first started rock climbing, I assumed it was just about scrambling up rocks for fun. It wasn’t until I had been climbing for a while that I realized how many types of climbing exist. Over the past ten years, I’ve tried almost all of them (except ice climbing, which still intimidates me). Each type has unique challenges and joys, and I’ve grown to love them all for different reasons. Let me break them down so you can avoid the confusion I faced as a beginner.
Read MoreGetting to Baja's Todos Santos Is Hard, But Worth It
Visiting Todos Santos, Baja is a journey—both in distance and experience—that rewards the effort with unforgettable charm. My most recent trip began with a flight over the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains into the San José del Cabo Airport. As the plane descended, I looked down at the arid landscape colliding with the turquoise oceanfront. The strip of resorts in San José del Cabo was unmistakable, and our smooth landing brought us closer to the adventure.
Read MoreYou Need To Hike Soldier Pass Caves When Visiting Sedona, AZ
Sedona is a city I have returned to several times. I am not sure what exactly draws me back to this town of red dirt, but I find myself here at least once a year. On a recent visit, I hiked the Seven Sacred Pools just after a rain and continued my hike onward to the Soldier Pass Cave. After clinging for dear life on the side of a muddy hill, I finally made it to this cave that everyone rants and raves about on social media and Reddit threads. While I am typically not one to seek out social media spots, Soldier Pass Cave caught my eye. Its stunning formation and the challenge it offers make it a bucket-list hike for anyone visiting Sedona.
Read MoreI Became Addicted to Rock Climbing When I Discovered It
The first time I went rock climbing, it wasn’t love at first sight. My brother and his friend invited me to join them at a slippery limestone quarry. While the day itself was fun—hanging out with my brother and experiencing something new—the climbing itself wasn’t particularly memorable. I remember thinking, “This would be really cool if it weren’t on a broken quarry wall but out in the mountains.”
At that point, I didn’t realize how deeply connected climbing and the mountains truly were. That thought planted a seed that would change my life.
Read MoreCalifornia's Mammoth Lakes Are Home To The Best Hot Springs
Mammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.
Read MoreWhat You Can See From Tunnel View On A Clear Day
Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among its many renowned viewpoints, Tunnel View stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring locations to take in the park's grandeur.
Read More15 Things to Know About Tunnel View Sunrise
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the United States. At sunrise, this stunning vista offers photographers and nature lovers a magical experience as the first light of day illuminates the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. If you're planning a visit to catch the sunrise at Tunnel View, here are 15 things you should know to make the most of your experience.
Read MoreYour Year Round Guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring In Mammoth Lakes, CA
Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.
Read MoreWe Needed a Place to Relax, and the Shores of Kenai Lake Called Our Name
Camping at Kenai Lake gave us the perfect reset after two intense weeks of road-tripping in our van around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Kristin and I were tired—physically and mentally—and in desperate need of a place to park, relax, and recharge. When we stumbled upon a camping spot on iOverlander right on the edge of Kenai Lake, we knew we’d found our answer.
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