Topic Guide

Natural wonders

While The Grand Canyon is the only official US destination to make the list of "Natural Wonders of the World," there are so many incredible bucket list destinations across the US. From Niagara Falls (the most powerful waterfall in the US), to the redwood trees of Northern California, to Yellowstone (the country's oldest national park), there are incredible wonders in just about every part of the US. My favorite destinations I've visited thus far include: the red rocks of Sedona, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah, and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.

Natural Wonders of the West

Living in Arizona and Idaho for several years gave me the unique opportunity to see so many natural wonders I would have never explored otherwise. While The Grand Canyon is a must-see for sure, there is so much more to see, with wonders in every Western state. From the Redwood forests of Northern California, to the magnificent national parks (51 out of 63 are located in the Western states), to the enchanting red rock formations of Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, there are endless bucket list worthy destinations for anyone who loves nature. I hope to explore a lot more this year during my time living in Phoenix, a perfect base for exploration.

Devil’s Bridge: Sedona’s Scariest Hike

My experience walking across the largest sandstone arch in Sedona. The iconic Devil's Bridge hike is super popular with first time tourists.

8 min read

Fay Canyon Trail: A Peaceful Hike Through Sedona’s Gorgeous Red Rocks

Fay Canyon is a gorgeous short hike through the Sedona red rock wilderness. A detour leads you to a magnificent arch.

4 min read

Soldier’s Pass Trail: Sedona’s Most Active Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, & Gorgeous Red Rock Views

Soldier's Pass is a unique Sedona hike which features the most active sinkhole, beautiful arches, and a series of cascading pools.

7 min read

Chiricahua National Monument: “The Wonderland of Rocks”

My guide to exploring Chiricahua, "the wonderland of rocks," one of Arizona's most interesting places. It's a quick 2 hour drive from Tucson.

6 min read

Attraction of the Week: Saguaro National Park

My guide to exploring Saguaro National Park. Your admission fee includes access to both park district (East and West) for 7 days.

12 min read

A Free Alternative to Antelope Canyon: Biidi the Arch in Page, AZ

Biidi the Arch is a free alternative to the overrated, pricey Antelope Canyon tour. I recommend checking it out while driving through Page.

6 min read

White Sands National Monument: Where you can go Sledding in the Middle of the Desert

On a recent drive through southern new Mexico, we got to walk on the "cool to the touch" white gypsum sand dunes at White Sands Monument.

5 min read

Red Rock Canyon: A Natural Oasis Just 20 Miles from The Strip

Red Rock Canyon is a gorgeous hiking and cycling destination just 20 min from the Vegas Strip. The main attraction is a 13 mile scenic drive.

7 min read

The Petrified National Forest: More than 225 Millions Years in the Making

The Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world.

11 min read

3 Great Trails to Explore at Zion National Park

A guide to vacationing at Zion National Park. Discover the best trails including the gorgeous Emerald Pools.

8 min read

3 Days in Bryce Canyon: A Hoodoo Wonderland

How to spend a weekend at Bryce Canyon. I share the best scenic overlooks, hikes, and more to maximize your time.

16 min read

Exploring the Beautiful South Rim of the Grand Canyon

My guide to visiting the beautiful Grand Canyon. I've included details on the best hikes, overlooks, and lodging choices.

20 min read

The Magnificent Redwood Trees of California

My trip to Redwood National Park and Trees of Mystery in Northern California. Both are great stops along Hwy 101.

4 min read

Vacation Spotlight: Yellowstone National Park

My guide to exploring Yellowstone, America's first national park. What to do, where to stay, and wildlife watching hotspots!

13 min read

Attraction of the Week: Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, one of the most photographed places in the Southwest, is an easy daytrip from Northern Arizona and southern Utah.

5 min read

A Crazy Winter Adventure through Beautiful Boynton Canyon

My experience hiking beautiful Boynton Canyon, one of the most scenic box canyons and one of 4 major vortex hikes in Sedona.

8 min read

Oak Creek Canyon Drive: 14 Miles of Beauty Between Flagstaff & Sedona

My guide to the best attractions on Oak Creek Canyon, a stunning 14 mile red rock drive in Arizona. It's the best thing to do in the area.

11 min read

The Most Magnificent Waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge

A tour to 4 scenic waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Convenient half day tours can pick you up from your hotel.

8 min read

Beautiful Idaho Waterfalls: Mesa & Shoshone Falls

The 2 most gorgeous Idaho waterfalls to add to your bucket list: 114 foot Mesa Falls and Shoshone, "the Niagara of the West."

6 min read

Vacation Spotlight: Lake Tahoe

My handy Lake Tahoe vacation guide including the top hiking trails, attractions, cruises, restaurants, and hotels.

10 min read

Attraction of the Week: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

My experience hiking the Pine Creek & Gowan trail to the world's largest travertine bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge Park.

9 min read

Exploring the Beautiful Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater National Monument

At Sunset Crater National Monument, you can explore the ruins of an ancient volcano via the Lava Flow trail.

6 min read

Exploring Walnut Canyon National Monument in Northern Arizona

Walnut Canyon is an interesting national wonder near Flagstaff where you can explore 25 Sinagua cliff dwellings via a tough 270+ step climb.

7 min read

Attraction of the Week: Sabino Canyon in Tucson

My experience taking the tram ride and hiking the beautiful trails at Sabino Canyon, a nature escape amongst suburban Tucson.

11 min read

Natural Wonders of the East

While you won't find as many national parks or jaw dropping landscapes, there are plenty of incredible natural sights in the East too, especially in the New England and mid-Atlantic regions. You will find 3 natural parks in Florida alone, the most visited park (The Smokies in Tennessee), as well as an underrated gem in South Carolina featuring the tallest loblolly pines in the world. I really love the gorgeous Blue Ridge region where I had my choice of endless waterfalls to explore each weekend.

Chimney Rock: “The Ultimate Stairclimber”

At beautiful Chimney Rock, you can climb 500 steps to an overlook of the mountains. I also love the hike to 400+ foot Hickory Nut Falls.

9 min read

Linville Falls: The Most Magnificent Stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Linville Falls, located in the mesmerizing Linville Gorge, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

5 min read

5 Easy Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies

My favorite easy waterfall trails in the Smokies including 80 foot Laurel Falls. These hikes are perfect for families & casual walkers.

7 min read

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge, GA

Long Creek Falls is a short scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. This 1 mile trek leads to a mesmerizing 50 foot waterfall.

8 min read

Brasstown Bald: Georgia’s Highest Mountain

Hiking the steep 1 mile trail to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia at 4784 feet. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery from 4 states.

5 min read

10 Moderate Waterfall Hikes near Asheville

My favorite moderate waterfall hikes within an hour of Asheville including a triple falls hike and several Blue RIdge Parkway stunners.

16 min read

Attraction of the Week: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, one of the nation's only free national parks, is home to a gorgeous 60 foot waterfall.

6 min read

The Beautiful Canyons of Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock, a beautiful state park just 2 hours outside of Chicago, offers beautiful hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls.

10 min read

Attraction of the Week: Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is one of the country's few remaining free national parks. This South Carolina gem is home to many Champion trees.

5 min read

New River Gorge: America’s Newest National Park

America's newest national park (#63) is New River Gorge Park in the pretty Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. I love the overlook here!

7 min read

5 Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls to See

My favorite easy to get to Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls near Asheville. Each of these beauties is located with an hour drive.

7 min read

Mount Mitchell: The Highest Point East of the Mississippi

At 6684 feet, Mt. Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi. A small hiking trail will take you up to a magnificent overlook.

7 min read

20+ Incredible Waterfalls to Add to your Bucket List

Amazing waterfalls to add to your bucket list including the "Niagara of the West" in Idaho and gems in Western North Carolina and Oregon.

14 min read

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