Zion National Park is a natural wonder famous for the majestic Zion Canyon which is carved over millions of years by the Virgin River. The canyon walls are composed of Navajo Sandstone, which display a magnificent array of colors, ranging from cream to pink to red. You will find a variety of hikes here.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological structures called hoodoos. These spire-like rock structures dominate the park’s landscape, creating a maze of vibrant red, orange, and white colors. This park is definitely worth a visit. If you are short on time like me, spending one day in the park is enough to get to all the popular spots.
Glacier National Park, a breathtaking expanse in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. Its dramatic landscapes encompass glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and over 700 lakes. Its spectacular wilderness makes the park extremely popular and crowded especially during the peak season of June through September. If you are wondering whether it’s really worth the hustle, my opinion is no based on my 2-day stay there.
Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, both located in the Canadian Rockies and next to each other, provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration and appreciation of nature’s grandeur. Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and most known for the stunning Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Nearby, Yoho National Park, smaller yet equally majestic, offers spectacular views of rugged mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. Yoho’s highlights include the serene Emerald Lake and the impressive Takakkaw Falls. Both parks are dog friendly.
Fairbanks, also known as the “Golden Heart City” and gateway to the Arctic, is famous for its stunning northern lights during winter months. Although it’s not as popular as Anchorage during summertime, there’s a wide range of adventures available. Here’re our top 10 recommendations for places to see in Fairbanks in summer.
Denali National Park and Preserve, nestled in the heart of Alaska, is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) at over 20,000 feet. The park offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and adventure opportunities. It is also the first national park dedicated to protecting wildlife. We visited Denali National Park in 3 ways, each offering a unique perspective of this stunning park.
The Seward Highway in Alaska is a picturesque drive that stretches for about 125 miles from Anchorage through Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula to Seward. This scenic route is studded with jaw-dropping vistas, unique geological formations, and ample opportunities to witness wildlife. With the Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach National Forest on the other, this highway is my favorite in Alaska. Here are, in my opinion, the best 10 stops. Most of them are dog friendly.
Most people who travel to Alaska fly to Anchorage first and then hop on different tours from there. They treat Anchorage like a transit hub and do not plan enough time to explore the city and its surroundings. Ariel and I spent a few days around Anchorage during our Alaska roadtrip and had a wonderful summer time there. Here’s a list of places we liked within about 1 hour drive from Anchorage.
“The west coast is the best coast.” It is true in every way. When it comes to sightseeing the Pacific Ocean coastline, what’s better than hiking right next to the Golden Coast?! Nothing is more healing than watching the waves splashing the rocks, walking in the salty ocean breeze, and bathing in the golden sunshine.
I consider the area between San Francisco and Palo Alto as the Peninsula area. Peninsula never dries out and thus is great for hiking year round. You don’t have to choose between the ocean and the mountain. You get gorgeous views of both.