While Kartchner Caverns State Park undeniably offers a fascinating underground adventure and is worth the admission fee and journey it takes to see it, it falls to the bottom of my list compared to other cave systems I've visited. Having visited other epic sites like Carlsbad Caverns National Park. in New Mexico, and Marengo Cave …
As the largest cliff dwelling in North America, the Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park is truly a sight to behold. It's impressive whether you're viewing it from afar, across the valley on the viewing platforms, or up close and personal during the Cliff Palace tour. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both perspectives. …
Continue reading The Magnificent Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde National Park.
The youngest volcano in the San Francisco volcanic field, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument offers an intriguing day trip for visitors passing through via I-40 or who live in nearby Arizona cities. Situated just 2 hours from Prescott, 2.5 hours from Phoenix, and a mere 30 minutes outside Flagstaff, it's easily accessible for many in …
As implied, City of Rocks State Park earns its name from a striking landscape that mirrors a city sculpted from massive boulders. Despite its somewhat remote location in southern New Mexico, wandering through this natural wonder evokes the sensation of strolling through downtown Manhattan - albeit surrounded by 40-foot stones instead of skyscrapers. Numerous pathways …
Continue reading City of Rocks State Park: An Otherworldly Landscape.
As someone who typically isn't drawn to beach destinations, Beach Haven, New Jersey, pleasantly surprised me as one of the most charming beach resort towns I've encountered - so much so that I'd eagerly return. My discovery of Beach Haven came after thorough online research while planning our 2019 East Coast road trip, which traveled …
Continue reading Beach Haven, New Jersey: A Thin Slice of East Coast Heaven.
A fascinating archeological wonder, Newspaper Rock State Historical Site is a history or travel nerd’s fever dream. Located just 30 minutes outside the small town of Monticello, Utah, on the same road that leads directly to the entrance gate of Canyonlands National Park (Needles District), it’s a simple and quick 15-to-20-minute stop. While it’s highly …
Continue reading Newspaper Rock: One of the First Community Message Boards.
Located approximately 40 to 45 minutes Northeast of the famed Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park., Goosenecks State Park is a beautiful and relaxing place. Luckily, it’s not difficult to find or hard to get to, located only a mere 3 miles off Highway 163, which is the same highway you’ll find the famed “Forrest Gump …
One of the most amazing and beautiful travel experiences of my life, everyone should put Lower Antelope Canyon on their “top 5 must-see places” list immediately. While there are definitely countless gorgeous and magnificent places worldwide, the rarity and uniqueness of Antelope Canyon gives it that teeny extra-special sprinkle. Beautiful vibrant colors of orange, red, …
Continue reading Lower Antelope Canyon: The Hidden Jewel of Arizona.
Officially named Tsé Bitʼaʼí, or “rock with wings", this is a surreal and somewhat eerie place. Commonly referred to as Shiprock, it’s an isolated rock and ridge that’s a true sight to behold. A 29-million-year-old fossilized volcanic throat jetting straight up from the ground, seemingly out of nowhere, it’s jagged and rugged across the entire …
"Whales Mouth". Truthfully, Carlsbad Caverns National Park should be on any good traveler’s or road tripper’s “must see” list. A massive and epic dark hole in the ground, it’s ranked as the 15th-largest cave system within the United States, and is home to the largest chamber in North America, known as the Big Room. An …