Discover the Best of the American West and Beyond
Welcome! We’re Matt and Karen Smith. For more than 15 years, we’ve been exploring national parks and public lands, from desert arches and red rock canyons to alpine lakes and magnificent forest trails.
The American West is our home base, but inspiration sometimes leads us to remarkable places throughout the U.S. and Canada.
We believe some of life’s best moments happen outside. That’s why we’ve spent the past decade and a half hiking trails, driving backroads, staying in historic lodges, and exploring the remarkable landscapes that make the American West such a special place to visit.
Here, you’ll find practical guides, honest recommendations, and firsthand stories to help you discover the best things to do and see in the outdoors, and to plan adventures at your own pace.
What’s on this site?
- Guides to memorable hikes, scenic drives, and natural wonders
- Planning tips that make every trip easier and more enjoyable
- Mistakes to avoid and ways to make the most of your time
- Stories from the road and insights gained from thousands of miles of travel
- Helpful resources and trip-planning tools
Most of what we share comes from our travels in the West, think North Dakota to New Mexico and west to the Pacific. But every so often, we feature places and activities in other parts of the U.S. and Canada that catch our attention and deserve a spot on your list.
Our goal is simple:
To help you discover beautiful places, understand what makes them special, and give you the confidence to plan your own adventures.
Thanks for being here. We hope our work helps you explore find your next adventure.