US Travel

Category

Antelope Island Buffalo

Visiting Antelope Island, Utah, Where the Buffalo Roam, For Now

On Antelope Island, the buffalo roam. And it’s a beautiful miracle where once they were nearly extinct.   Not so many years ago, the American Bison, or buffalo as they’re commonly called, were decimated. They say that once in the late 18th century, these glorious beasts numbered over 60 million. There were so many buffalo in this country that a buffalo crossing could last up to six days. If your path crossed theirs, you’d have to wait as they lumbered and rumbled past, like waiting at a passing train. But we hunted...

Utah national park Bryce Canyon

Why Bryce Canyon Was My Least Favorite of the 5 Utah National Parks

I have the most unpopular opinion about Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s beautiful, and the hoodoos are spectacular, but it only ranks third on my list of the big five Utah National Parks. It’s ranked only third, not for lack of beauty or amenities – it has those in spades, but because I found it nearly impossible to get away from the crowds. To me, a national park should be a place to immerse yourself in nature, not dodge hordes...

Hiking the Valley of Fire in Nevada

They say the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is named for the red sandstone formations, but it’s probably also the intense blazing heat in the park where 115-degree temperatures aren’t unusual. Still, it’s such a unique and beautiful area; the risks may be worth the reward. The park was formed by the uplifting and faulting of geography, followed by erosion during the time of dinosaurs 150 million years ago. It now has a Mars-like landscape, with a likewise...

Kolob Canyon Overlook
New Mexico sunset

10 Things to Love About New Mexico (Photos)

I spent a month in New Mexico, and on my last day, I walked around enjoying the ever-present perfect weather and frequently stopping to smell the flowers. Those were the biggest surprise in this place I’d never been to before—the flowers. But they weren’t the only things I loved. Here are images of 10 things I loved about New Mexico. 1 Flowers in New Mexico It’s springtime, but I didn’t expect it to be so grand in New Mexico. I...

Rene at Quail Creek

Paddle and Hike to Petroglyphs in Quail Creek State Park in Utah

Near St. George, Utah, there isn’t a lot of water, but there is the Quail Creek State Park and it’s the perfect lake for recreation and history. I went to the park for a 3-hour tour paddleboard tour culminating with a hike to some nearby ancient petroglyphs. Dig Paddlesports, who rents watersports equipment at the park, hosted the tour. The tour started at 8 am on the lake to get an early start on the day and avoid the 100+...

Canyonlands

5 Reasons I Found Canyonlands National Park an Unexpected Delight

When you hear about Utah National Parks, it’s always about Zion, Arches and Bryce, but others are less crowded and dare I say, maybe more beautiful. Canyonlands is one of those. It may not be on your shortlist because of those other parks, but after visiting for a day, I’d say, depending on the kind of person you are, Canyonlands should top your list. Why? For several reasons. Because I like the solitude of nature and being out moving around...

Utah national park Arches National Park

When Visiting Arches National Park, Prepare for Crowds

The first time I showed up at Arches National Park in Utah at 7:30 a.m. the park was already closed to further visitors. I joined the massive line of people turning around to find something else to do. But you don’t have to if you plan ahead and arrive early or in the evening Holiday crowds are expected, but the crowds at Arches are commonplace throughout spring, summer and fall. When I returned that evening, I entered after waiting in...

Tsankawi