Hiking Archives - Truce Now

Jan

09

2026

Best Time To Visit Zion National Park – Monthly Weather, Crowd Levels, Shuttle Season, And Hiking Conditions

Destinations, Hiking

Zion National Park draws visitors year-round with towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons such as the Narrows, and dramatic elevation changes that shape weather and trail access. Planning a visit requires balancing comfort, crowd levels, open trails, and transportation rules inside the canyon. Seasonal shifts change water flow, plant life, wildlife activity, and daily hiking conditions, making timing a key part of trip planning. Each part of the year brings its own rhythm, ranging from colorful spring growth to quiet winter days marked by snow-dusted cliffs and open roads for private vehicles. Seasonal Overview in Zion National Park Seasonal shifts…

Jan

08

2026

By Patrick Duncan

Bryce Canyon Sunrise Point Guide – Best Sunrise Time, Viewpoints, Parking, And Photo Tips

Destinations, Hiking

Bryce Canyon ranks among the top places in the United States for watching sunrise due to its hoodoo-filled amphitheater and high-elevation viewpoints. Light at dawn transforms the canyon walls into shifting layers of orange, pink, and gold within minutes. Visitors often describe sunrise as the most visually dramatic time of day inside the park. Sunrise Point serves as one of the most popular dawn viewing areas thanks to its wide, 360-degree perspective overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater. Photographers, first-time visitors, and early risers gravitate here for unobstructed views and easy access. More than two million people visit Bryce Canyon each year,…

Jan

07

2026

By Patrick Duncan

Queens Garden Trail Bryce Canyon – Route Map, Difficulty, Trail Length, Best Time To Hike, And What To Expect

Destinations, Hiking

Queen’s Garden Trail sits inside Bryce Canyon National Park and ranks among the most visited hikes in the area. Close-range views of hoodoos define the experience, with erosion-shaped rock spires rising on all sides. Gentle grades and well-maintained paths make the route approachable while still offering dramatic scenery. Pairing Queen’s Garden Trail with Navajo Loop Trail and a short stretch of Rim Trail creates a compact loop that showcases many of Bryce Canyon’s most recognizable formations. Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street, and the Queen Victoria hoodoo all appear along this route, creating a well-rounded outing. First-time visitors, photographers, and families often…

Jan

06

2026

By Patrick Duncan

Canyonlands White Rim Road Guide – Permits, Route Options, 4×4 Requirements, Camping, And Safety Tips

Destinations, Hiking

White Rim Road forms a remote, roughly 100-mile loop inside the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Construction occurred during the 1950s under the Atomic Energy Commission to reach uranium prospects that later closed. Travel follows the top edge of the White Rim Sandstone layer, which gives the route its name and character. Solitude dominates most of the drive, paired with vast skies, exposed cliffs, and a strong sense of self-reliance that defines one of the most demanding Four Wheel Drive routes in the United States. Let us talk about it in greater detail. Permits…

Oct

12

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Big Water, Utah – Dinosaur Tracks, Slot Canyons & Scenic Backroads

Destinations, Hiking

Big Water, Utah captures the imagination of travelers seeking prehistoric discoveries, striking desert scenery, and stories of rebellion. Located along Highway 89 near the Arizona border, the town serves as a gateway to Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and Lake Powell. Visitors find an unusual blend of science, history, and outdoor adventure waiting to be explored. Adventurers, hikers, and dinosaur enthusiasts flock here for its fossil beds, narrow canyons, and scenic drives that stretch through ancient rock formations. The Geological & Paleontological Wonderland Big Water offers more than sweeping desert views; it represents one of the most scientifically significant fossil regions…

Oct

11

2025

By Patrick Duncan

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

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…

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…

Sep

24

2025

By Patrick Duncan

5 Best Sedona Hikes with Waterfalls and Red Rock Views

Destinations, Hiking

Sedona is usually introduced by its cathedrals of sandstone, but there's another side to the story. Oak Creek and its tributaries cut cool corridors through the desert, feed riparian oases, and in the right conditions even form seasonal waterfalls. The mix of water and rock makes for a rare experience in Arizona: shady creekside trails with towering crimson walls overhead. After more than a decade of field visits and research, the hikes below stand out as the best ways to pair creek time with world-class red rock scenery. You'll also find practical notes about shuttles, passes, monsoon safety, and Leave…

Aug

19

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Volcanoes, Craters, and Otherworldly Parks to Hike This Year

Destinations, Hiking

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about walking across a place so wild and strange that it feels like stepping into another planet? Volcanoes and craters hold that kind of power. They remind us that the Earth is alive, shifting and breathing in ways both dangerous and breathtaking. Parks built around them offer something rare: a chance to not just look at geological history, but to physically walk across it. Hiking through these landscapes in 2025 can feel almost meditative. The crunch of lava rock underfoot, the sudden hiss of steam vents, or the stillness around a vast crater -…