Located at the center of Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, which also doubles as a volcano, is a European national park that could easily cosplay the planet Mars. If someone were transported there while asleep, they’d have little reason to believe they weren’t on the Red Planet, aside from the basic logic that …
Sitting out in the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by rolling, powerful waves is the small, beautiful, and rocky islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Made famous by the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, it has become a popular tourist destination. The Basque word “gaztelugatxe” is believed to have two complementary meanings – “rock castle” …
Continue reading San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Conquering the Game of Thrones Climb.
In the small town of Morrison, Colorado, approximately 10 miles west of Denver, lies a stunning natural amphitheater that has graced the landscape for over a century. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a must-see - renowned as one of only seven natural amphitheaters in the world and one of four within the United States (with …
Continue reading Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A Natural Wonder – One of Just Seven on Earth.
One of the best hikes I’ve experienced in Washington state, Staircase Rapids Loop is a must-do if you’re ever visiting Seattle or exploring the northwestern part of Washington. This lesser-known hiking gem is nestled in the southeastern section of Olympic National Park, only accessible by an old, bumpy gravel road. Although it requires some effort …
Continue reading Staircase Rapids Loop: A Washington Dream Hike.
The 100-year-old five-tiered pagoda lantern, gifted by Portland’s sister city, Sapporo. A must-see when visiting Portland, Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden is a stunning way to spend an afternoon. The sister city of Sapporo, Japan, the 12-acre traditional Japanese garden offers a peaceful and beautiful escape from the busy city life, featuring 8 distinct garden …
One of two national parks in South Dakota and one of the few located in north-central United States, Badlands National Park is a rugged landscape featuring sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, alongside the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the country. Known for its vibrant formations that evoke the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted …
First things first, it's pronounced "Sole Duck", not "Sole Duce" or "Sole Duke". 🦆 Now that that is out of the way, Sol Duc Falls is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite hikes – ever – and a must-do for anyone visiting western Washington State! This trail and its stunning waterfall are incredibly beautiful, making …
As South Dakota’s first and largest state park, Custer State Park is a must-visit when in the state’s Rapid City region. This vast wildlife preserve is home to bison, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, river otters, cougars, feral burros, prairie dogs, and more – offering a refreshing escape from mundane city life. …
Continue reading Custer State Park: South Dakota’s 1st State Park.
Easily one of my favorite national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park is must-visit for fans of unique landscapes and epic hiking trails. With its vibrant scenery of oranges, reds, and whites, and its incredible, almost alien-like rock formations, it’s truly a sight to behold. Bryce Canyon National Park feels like a glimpse of what Mars …
Horsetail Falls, a popular and picturesque waterfall located near Portland, Oregon, offers an iconic photo opportunity with its distinctive, horse-tail-like shape. While smaller than its more famous counterpart, Multnomah Falls (Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Tallest & most Famous Waterfall.), Horsetail Falls is beautiful and impressive, nonetheless. Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge along the scenic Historic …