Destinations - Page 2 of 6

Jan

06

2026

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

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

07

2025

By Patrick Duncan

White Pocket, Arizona – How to Get There and Why It’s Worth the Drive

Destinations, Hiking

Tucked away in the heart of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket is one of those hidden gems that often flies under the radar, especially when it’s got a famous neighbor like The Wave stealing the spotlight. But here’s the thing: unlike The Wave, you don’t need a permit to visit White Pocket, and it rarely gets crowded. That means you can enjoy the same jaw-dropping swirls of sandstone, vibrant colors, and raw, untouched beauty, without the lottery stress or packed trails. What makes it even better? It’s accessible. So, if you're craving solitude and a bit of adventure without…

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…