National & State Parks Archives

Aug

20

2025

Escalante Petrified Forest – The Prehistoric Park No One Talks About

Southern Utah is packed with iconic stops that make it onto every road trip list: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and the endless slickrock stretches of Grand Staircase. But sitting quietly above the town of Escalante, tucked on a mesa above a desert reservoir, is a park that carries a story even older than dinosaurs. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is not loud, not crowded, and not widely marketed. Yet, for those who pause and walk its short trails, it offers one of the richest concentrations of petrified wood in the entire West. We prepared a practical, detailed guide to the…

Jul

22

2025

By Patrick Duncan

10 Tips for Visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Destinations, National & State Parks

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers a vast and rugged expanse filled with trails, cliffs, and canyons unlike anywhere else in the American Southwest. Preparing for its terrain, climate, and remote character makes all the difference between a rewarding visit and a stressful experience. A well-thought-out approach turns every stop into an opportunity for discovery and adventure. 1. Prepare for Remote and Rugged Terrain Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres of mostly undeveloped wilderness. Visitors must come ready for isolation and unpredictability. Many routes lead to areas with no road signs, unmarked trailheads, and almost no indication of civilization.…

Jul

21

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Dead Horse Point State Park – The Best Views in Utah

Destinations, National & State Parks

Dead Horse Point State Park sits about 32 miles outside Moab, Utah. Known for some of the most iconic and photographed views on the planet, it attracts travelers looking for dramatic overlooks, towering cliffs, and surreal desert light. Located just a short drive from Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, the park fits perfectly into any Utah road trip focused on natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Why It’s Called Dead Horse Point Before standing in awe at the canyon's edge, many visitors pause at the name itself. Dead Horse Point carries a haunting legacy that shapes its reputation. It's not just…

Apr

21

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Is The Maze Canyonlands Worth It? Absolutely – Here’s Why

Destinations, National & State Parks

There’s no delicate way to say this: The Maze is not for the casual tourist. This place is not polished. It’s not pampered. It doesn't show up in Instagram reels with a perfectly staged picnic. You can't see it all from the comfort of your car with an iced latte in hand. But here’s the thing — if you want that kind of experience, you’re looking in the wrong corner of Utah. The Maze is the least accessible, least visited, and by far the most ruggedly wild district of Canyonlands National Park. It’s the place where the pavement ends, and…

Apr

21

2025

By Maya Ellison

12 Beautiful National Parks on the East Coast You Should Visit in 2025

Destinations, National & State Parks

Nature on the East Coast surprises those who slow down and pay attention. Towering forests, highland overlooks, swamps full of alligators, wild horses on windswept beaches—each park reveals a different layer of the land. Some carry fog through ancient mountain hollows. Others flash with wild orchids or echo with owl calls through untouched forest. Not every adventure needs desert canyons or alpine tundra. The East holds its own secrets, shaped by ocean tides, hardwood trees, and stone paths cut long before highways. Each national park on this list holds full federal protection and offers an escape worth your time in…

Apr

15

2025

By Patrick Duncan

A Visitor’s Guide to Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park

Destinations, National & State Parks

Island in the Sky stands as the most visited and easily accessible district within Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. Located high above the desert floor, it offers sweeping views that stretch for over 100 miles in every direction. Massive cliffs drop down to the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Visitors often begin their Canyonlands journey here because the scenery is immediate, the overlooks are stunning, and the trails are easy to reach by car. The district invites visitors of all experience levels to explore its rim trails, drive scenic roads, and take in its ancient rock…

Apr

14

2025

By Maya Ellison

Arches National Park: 7 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

Destinations, National & State Parks

Welcome to one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes—Arches National Park, a stunning red-rock wonderland nestled in the heart of southeastern Utah. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering pinnacles, balanced rocks, and winding canyons, this park is a geological playground that captivates visitors year-round. Visitors are drawn to the park for its unique geological formations, accessible hiking trails, and stunning panoramic viewpoints. While every corner of Arches offers something worth seeing, certain spots stand out for their beauty, accessibility, and significance. This article highlights seven essential stops that represent the best of what Arches National Park has to offer —…

Mar

13

2025

By Patrick Duncan

10 Best Things to Do at Zion National Park – Must-See Highlights

Destinations, National & State Parks

Zion National Park offers breathtaking views, thrilling hikes, and diverse wildlife that draw visitors year-round. Towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush riverbanks create a striking contrast that makes every visit memorable. Seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful escape into nature? Hiking through the Narrows, scaling Angel’s Landing, and marveling at the Emerald Pools are just a few of the highlights waiting to be discovered. A visit to Zion promises both challenge and reward, with unforgettable sights around every turn. 10. Off-Roading Adventures & ATV Tours https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIoqKC2m2Cc For an adrenaline-pumping experience, consider a 4-wheel drive or ATV tour…

Mar

11

2025

By Maya Ellison

The Ultimate 3-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Destinations, National & State Parks

Utah’s Mighty 5—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands—offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and panoramic vistas create a road trip experience like no other. Packing all five parks into three days requires early mornings, long drives, and a commitment to non-stop adventure, but the rewards make every mile worth it. Every stop on this journey brings something unique. Zion’s massive cliffs, Bryce Canyon’s eerie hoodoos, Capitol Reef’s rugged rock formations, Arches’ famous stone bridges, and Canyonlands’ dramatic overlooks create an unforgettable mix of sights and experiences. L odging,…

Feb

04

2025

By Patrick Duncan

Discovering the Hidden Wonders Behind Caves of Zion National Park

Destinations, National & State Parks

Zion National Park has no shortage of dramatic rock formations, winding trails, and hidden spots waiting to be discovered. Among its lesser-known features, the park’s caves offer an entirely different experience. Some are tucked away in towering cliffs, while others require a bit of effort to reach, rewarding those who seek them out with stunning natural formations and a sense of solitude. It really is something you need to visit if you're in this part of the US. I’ve always been fascinated by these spaces, carved over thousands of years, and shaped by wind, water, and time. Some hold fascinating…