Patrick Duncan, Author at Truce Now

Oct

11

2025

Mt. Carmel, Utah – Gateway to Zion and a Quiet Escape Nearby

Destinations, Hiking

Mt. Carmel offers an inviting contrast to the busier town of Springdale, providing travelers with a more tranquil base near Zion National Park. Its proximity to the park’s East Entrance makes it a strategic stop for those seeking peace without sacrificing adventure. History, natural beauty, and easy access to East Zion’s outdoor experiences make it a spot worth considering for travelers who value both relaxation and exploration. With all of this in mind, let us see what we can expect from Mt. Carmel while we are visit. Zion’s Lesser-Known Gateway Mt. Carmel sits gracefully along Highway 89, connecting visitors…

Oct

10

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Alton, Utah – A Tiny Town with Big Scenery (and Zero Crowds)

Destinations

Imagine a quiet place where red cliffs glow in the evening light, deer wander freely through open meadows, and the air feels untouched by noise or rush. Alton, Utah, is that kind of rare find. Though small in size, it offers a grand setting filled with history, open skies, and peaceful surroundings that soothe the soul. For travelers who crave serenity and space, few destinations can match its sense of calm. Prepare to see why it’s the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and nature at its finest. Let's take a look at the most important things about this interesting…

Oct

09

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – Sandboarding, Camping & Scenic Views

Destinations, National & State Parks

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers one of Utah’s most stunning natural settings for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in southern Utah near Kanab, it covers roughly 3,730 acres of soft salmon-colored dunes created by windblown Navajo sandstone. The park provides endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, drawing adventure seekers, photographers, and families looking for a peaceful escape. Its vivid pink hues contrast beautifully with the surrounding red cliffs and blue skies, creating an unforgettable backdrop for every visit. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding, off-highway vehicle rides, hiking, camping, and stargazing all within a single weekend trip. @mimi.alxt almost died but so…

Oct

08

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon – Which One Should You Visit?

Destinations, National & State Parks

Few landscapes in the American Southwest stir as much awe as Antelope Canyon. Hidden in the red sandstone near Page, Arizona, this narrow slot canyon has become one of the most photographed places in the world. Its smooth, sculpted walls seem to flow like water, glowing in shades of orange, gold, and purple. But before you can wander through its twisting passages, you face one question: Upper or Lower? Both parts of Antelope Canyon are inside the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, and both can only be visited on a guided tour led by authorized Navajo guides. They’re close in…

Oct

08

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Best Trails & Natural Pools in Bell Smith Springs, IL

Destinations

Tucked deep in the Shawnee National Forest, Bell Smith Springs feels like a secret pocket of the Midwest that forgot it wasn’t the Ozarks. You’ll find it in Pope County, Illinois, near the small town of Eddyville, where clear turquoise creeks wind through sandstone canyons and lush, fern-filled hollows. It’s not a theme park or a manicured resort. It’s raw, wild, and refreshingly unpolished. Locals call it one of the crown jewels of southern Illinois hiking, and for good reason. The area holds roughly eight miles of linked trails looping through cliffs, springs, and shaded pools, all carved out by…

Oct

07

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Pikes Peak Facts – Elevation, History & Driving Tips

Destinations, Hiking

Few mountains capture the American imagination quite like Pikes Peak. Rising above Colorado Springs in the southern Rockies, it’s not just a mountain but a symbol of exploration, endurance, and the sheer love of wide-open views. We prepared everything you should know: numbers, stories, and the practical stuff that keeps your trip smooth from gate to summit. Let’s get started. Quick Facts at a Glance Elevation and Geography At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most famous “fourteeners.” It rises dramatically from the plains, creating a natural landmark visible for miles. The mountain anchors Pike National Forest…

Oct

06

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Visiting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – What to See & How to Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a destination that feels otherworldly, offering surreal geology, solitude, and limited access that keeps it unspoiled. Adventurers who prefer fewer crowds and dramatic desert scenery find this place ideal. Hikers, photographers, and off-the-grid travelers come here for experiences that are as rewarding as they are challenging. Remote terrain and controlled entry make every visit feel special and unforgettable. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is more than just a desert preserve; it is a vast expanse of raw geological beauty and rare solitude. Its location along the Arizona–Utah border makes it both remote and captivating, with terrain…

Oct

03

2025

By Patrick Duncan

What to Do in Duck Creek Village, Utah – Cabins, Trails & Local Favorites

Destinations

Duck Creek Village offers a mountain retreat on Cedar Mountain at an elevation of around 8,400 feet. Positioned in a quieter corner of the region, it delivers a blend of seclusion and convenience. Travelers find it especially useful as a base to enjoy both local outdoor treasures and famous national parks nearby. Getting There & Scenic Routes Reaching Duck Creek Village feels like the beginning of an adventure, with each route offering its own sense of discovery. Drivers coming in from Cedar City usually follow Highway 14 east, a road carved through forested mountains that climb and curve at every…

Oct

02

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Inside the Abandoned Gunsmoke Movie Set – A Slice of Old West History in Utah

Destinations

Gunsmoke remains one of the longest-running television Westerns, shaping an era of American entertainment. Abandoned film sets have a peculiar magnetism, offering glimpses into how Hollywood once constructed its illusions. Among the forgotten backdrops, Utah holds a special place with remnants of Gunsmoke still lingering in its rugged desert scenery, evoking the spirit of the Old West. Let's discuss it. A Historic Western Filming Site in Johnson Canyon Built just three miles outside Kanab, the Gunsmoke Movie Set recreates Dodge City, Kansas, as seen in the legendary television series that aired between 1955 and 1975. With 635 episodes, Gunsmoke remains…

Sep

29

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Belly of the Dragon in Utah – What to Know Before You Go

Destinations, Hiking

Belly of the Dragon is a manmade drainage tunnel that has grown in popularity because of its dragon-like appearance. Located just off Highway 89 near Mt. Carmel Junction in Utah, it draws travelers who want short, quirky hikes that deliver dramatic visuals. Families, casual hikers, and adventure seekers often stop here, as it requires little time yet still provides an adventurous experience. Increasing attention on Instagram has turned it into a hotspot for quick photo opportunities, as well as a place to spend a little extra time for those who want more of an outing. What Is the Belly of…