Author: Matt Smith

Zion National Park Map and Resources

Here is a collection of resources to help you plan your park trip with confidence, including the Zion National Park map created by the National Park Service. This map is in the public domain and can be downloaded and shared. We’ve gathered these files in one place, so you don’t have to dig through multiple […]

When Is the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park?

The short answer is late June to early September. The very best time to visit, in our opinion, is mid-August. How did we come up with this answer? Well, we had to draw a picture to explain. See below. Three Key Things to Consider You’ll want to consider three things when deciding when is the best time […]

Zion Lodge: A Classic National Park Experience Away from the Crowds

There’s something special about waking up in the heart of Zion Canyon, stepping outside, and walking straight from your room to the trailhead while the red cliffs glow with early morning light. It’s all part of the Zion Lodge experience, a quieter, more immersive way to start your day in the park. Yes, it’s true. […]

Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park: You Gotta Do This Hike

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unforgettable hikes we’ve ever done. It’s a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River, and unlike most trails, this one doesn’t run alongside a river—it is the river. At times, the water was up to our armpits. And yes, we got completely soaked. We’ve […]

The Historic Railroad Trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

What trail takes you through five massive tunnels, offers sweeping views of Lake Mead, and was once a supply route for one of the greatest engineering feats in American history? The Historic Railroad Trail in Boulder City, Nevada, might just be one of the most unique and underrated hikes in Southern Nevada. Every time we’re […]

Arches National Park Map and Resources

Planning a trip to Arches National Park? Start here. On this page, you’ll find a collection of resources to help you plan your park trip with confidence, including the Arches National Park map created by the National Park Service. This map is in the public domain and can be downloaded and shared. We’ve gathered these […]

Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park: A Short Hike with Big Views

On our Utah road trips, we almost always roll into Moab late in the day. After a long drive, we’re not quite ready to dive into a big hike, but we are itching to get into the park. That’s when we head straight for Park Avenue. It’s become a tradition for us: check into our […]

Kanarra Falls: A Short Slot Canyon Hike with a Big Payoff

Just south of Cedar City in the tiny town of Kanarraville, there’s a trail that manages to pack a lot of southern Utah’s beauty into just a few miles. Red rock cliffs, a cool flowing creek, a narrow slot canyon, and even a waterfall you climb by ladder, it’s all there. And thanks to a […]

Hiking to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

If there’s one hike that defines Arches National Park, it’s the trail to Delicate Arch. This freestanding natural arch is the park’s crown jewel and easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state of Utah. It was even featured on the Utah license plate for years. (We wish they’d bring that back.) Hiking […]