Tag: Travel

The Ultimate Comfort Hack for Your Next Hiking Road Trip

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Road trips are all about adventure, but let’s be real—long hours in the car can take a toll if you’re not prepared. That’s why I’m excited to introduce today’s guest post by Olivia Wolfe, a dedicated writer with a passion for helping travelers make their journeys smoother and more enjoyable. In this post, Olivia shares her best comfort hacks to keep you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready for the road ahead. Whether you’re gearing up for a cross-country trip or a weekend getaway, these tips will be game-changers for your next drive!

So, you’re pumped for a hiking road trip—hitting the trails, soaking in the views, all that good stuff. But if you’re stuck feeling uncomfortable the whole way, it’s a buzzkill.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Here’s the ultimate comfort hack to elevate your next hiking road trip, making it not only memorable but also cozy and stress-free. . Trust me, it’s a game-changer—want to know how? Let’s dive in: 

1. Choose the Right Vehicle

First things first—your ride’s gotta be solid. You don’t want to be crammed in like sardines with your gear squashing you the whole way. Pick something with enough space to stretch out a bit, decent AC so you’re not sweating buckets, and maybe even comfy seats that don’t leave your back screaming.

Oh, and storage is must. You’ll thank yourself when your snacks and hiking stuff aren’t spilling all over the place.

2. Pack Smart for Comfort

Packing efficiently is essential for comfort on the road. Here’s a list of must-have items:

  • Layered Clothing: Weather can change rapidly while hiking. Pack layers that you can easily add or remove, including moisture-wicking shirts, insulating fleeces, and waterproof jackets.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Bring along your favorite hiking boots or shoes that provide support and comfort. Consider packing slip-on shoes for quick stops at rest areas.
  • Travel Pillows: A neck pillow or lumbar support pillow can help prevent stiffness during long stretches in the car.
  • Blankets: A lightweight blanket can keep you warm during chilly nights or provide extra comfort during long drives.

3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Keeping hydrated and well-fed is crucial for maintaining energy levels on a road trip:

  • Reusable Water Bottles: Invest in insulated water bottles to keep drinks cold or hot throughout the journey.
    Healthy Snacks: Pack a variety of snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits to keep hunger at bay without resorting to unhealthy options.
  • Meal Prep: If you have access to a cooler, prepare some meals in advance. Sandwiches, salads, or wraps are easy to pack and eat on the go.

4. Plan Your Stops Wisely

While it’s tempting to drive straight through to your destination, taking breaks is vital for comfort. How to do that?

  • Stretch Breaks: Plan to stop every couple of hours to stretch your legs and refresh your mind. Use compression socks during travel to help prevent fatigue and improve circulation.
  • Explore Scenic Stops: Use rest stops as opportunities to explore scenic viewpoints or local attractions along your route.

5. Create an Entertaining Atmosphere

Keeping everyone entertained during long drives can enhance the experience:

  • Music Playlists: Curate playlists ahead of time featuring everyone’s favorite tunes. Singing along can lift spirits!

  • Podcasts & Audiobooks: Download interesting podcasts or audiobooks that cater to everyone’s interests for engaging listening during the drive.
  • Games: Bring along travel games or apps that everyone can enjoy together, making the journey more interactive.

6. Use Technology Wisely

Leverage technology to enhance your comfort while traveling:

  • Navigation Apps: Use apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers to find the best routes, avoid traffic, and discover interesting stops along the way.
  • Weather Apps: Stay updated on weather conditions at your destination and along your route to prepare accordingly.
  • Car Maintenance Apps: Keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance needs with apps that remind you of oil changes, tire rotations, and more.

7. Prioritize Restful Sleep

If your road trip involves overnight travel, ensure you get quality rest:

  • Sleep Masks & Earplugs: These can help block out light and noise when trying to catch some sleep in the car or at rest stops.
  • Comfortable Sleeping Gear: Bring along sleeping bags or blankets if you plan on camping or sleeping in your vehicle.

8. Prepare for Hiking Adventures

Once you reach your destination, being prepared for hikes will enhance your experience:

  • Essential Gear: Ensure you have all necessary hiking gear packed, including sturdy boots, backpacks, hydration packs, and first-aid kits.
  • Trail Research: Before hitting the trails, research local hikes that suit your group’s skill level and interests. Apps like AllTrails can provide valuable information on trail conditions and difficulty levels.

9. Embrace Flexibility

While planning is essential for a successful road trip, flexibility is equally important:

  • Go with the Flow: Be open to changing plans based on weather conditions or new discoveries along the way.
  • Spontaneous Stops: Allow time in your itinerary for spontaneous stops at interesting sites or local eateries that catch your eye.

Final Thoughts

By incorporating these comfort hacks into your hiking road trip planning, you’ll create an enjoyable experience that balances adventure with relaxation.

So, gear up, hit the trail, and let the good times roll! With these comfort hacks, your hiking road trip is about to be an epic blast—think stunning views, epic playlists, and epic fights over the last s’more. Adventure’s calling, and it’s time to answer with a big, goofy grin!

Olivia Wolfe

Although a nursing intern, Olivia loves to write about her first love, travel and empower individuals with knowledge and understanding to navigate the complexities of different types of traveling experiences more effectively.

Winter Hiking at Zapata Falls: A Hidden Gem

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Waterfall hikes are by far my favorite. When we planned our drive to Crested Butte, I was thrilled to discover Zapata Falls! I knew right away that this was the perfect hike to cap off the year. Keep reading to discover more about this incredible winter hike to a stunning frozen waterfall!

This post contains affiliate links of products that we use and love! I may earn a small commission, at no charge to you, if you purchase any items using the links provided. Thank you!

Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls in winter is a breathtaking sight, where the cascading water freezes into intricate ice formations that glisten in the cold, mountain air. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and a serene landscape, the falls create a tranquil, almost otherworldly scene.

Getting There

  • Address: Zapata Falls is located off Highway 150, just a few miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park entrance. It’s within the San Isabel National Forest.
  • Trailhead: The trailhead is marked, and you can drive to the Zapata Falls parking area. From there, the hike to the falls is about 1/4 mile (0.4 km) and is relatively short, but it involves some scrambling through rocky terrain and can be slippery in winter due to ice and snow.

The Hike – Distance: 0.8 miles | Time: 30 minutes | Level: Moderate

This hidden gem of a hike provides a stunning view of a 25-foot frozen waterfall nestled inside a cave. The hike to the falls is an easy, gravel trail that meanders through the trees. To reach the cave itself, you’ll need to trek on top of a chilly, frozen creek, and to see the waterfall, you will need to enter the cave.

Winter Hiking Conditions

  • Trail Difficulty: The short trail can be steep and potentially icy during winter, especially as you get closer to the waterfall. It’s important to wear sturdy, waterproof boots with good tread and consider investing in microspikes or crampons to improve traction on icy surfaces.
  • Ice and Snow: The falls themselves are often frozen in winter, creating a beautiful scene of cascading ice formations. However, the surrounding rocks, water, and trail can be slick, so proceed cautiously.
  • Cold Temperatures: Winter temperatures in the area can drop significantly, especially at higher elevations. Be sure to wear warm, layered clothing, and bring hats, gloves, and scarves.

Clothing and Gear

  • Dress in layers to regulate your body temperature and wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Be sure to pack warm gloves, hats, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect against cold winds. Consider bringing trekking poles for added stability on slippery terrain. My heated jacket was the perfect outer layer for this hike!
  • If you plan to spend time near the falls, the mist and cold air can cause the surroundings to freeze, making it a beautiful, icy spectacle. Waterproof outer layers can keep you dry in these conditions.
  • The trail to Zapata Falls is typically accessible year-round, but in winter, there may be snow and ice, making the path slippery. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction and consider bringing traction devices like microspikes or crampons.

Safety Tips

  • Stay Safe Around Ice: Be cautious when walking near the frozen waterfall, as ice can be slippery. Keep a safe distance from the edge of any ice-covered areas.
  • Cell Service: There may be limited or no cell service in the area, so it’s a good idea to tell someone your plans and estimated return time.
  • First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit, as the trail can be tricky, especially when icy.

Other Winter Activities Nearby

If you’re in the area for hiking, you might also want to explore other winter activities near Great Sand Dunes National Park, such as snowshoeing or sledding on the sand dunes, which create a surreal experience in winter.

Image credit: Great Sand Dunes National Park website

Overall, Zapata Falls in winter is a stunning and serene destination, with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. If you’re well-prepared and take necessary precautions, it can be a memorable winter hike!

Stranger Things Georgia Road Trip: A Fan’s Adventure

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My best friend and I love the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things and so do our boys! So naturally, I planned an entire summer road trip for us to see all of the filming locations around Georgia. If you’re a Stranger Things fan, keep reading to learn more about our epic Stranger Things road trip!

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase items using any of the links provided. Thank you!

Just to prove how much we love this show, check out our Halloween photo! My hubby definitely won best costume ha!

Links for costumes: Papa Costume & Wig | Hopper Shirt & Pants & Badge & Hat | Eleven Costume & Socks | Dusty Costume & Wig | Max Shorts & Top & Socks | Steve Costume |  Eddie Costume & Wig & Rings

Stop 1: Texas to Rome, Georgia

On day one, we started our drive from North Texas to Rome, Georgia. It’s about an 11.5 hour drive. This was our first stop because this is where the Creel House is located and it’s the closest Stranger Things filming location to us! We stayed at the La Quinta Inn and had nice accommodations for the night.

Stop 2: Creel House

The next day we got up and began our road trip around Georgia checking out different Stranger Things filming locations! We all dressed in Stranger Things shirts and we only listened to the Stranger Things playlists on the entire drive!

Obviously we started with the Creel House, which was just about three miles from the hotel. The Creel House is located at 906 E 2nd Ave Rome, GA 30131. You are not allowed to walk up to the house, so we just admired it from the sidewalk!

Stop 3: Palace Arcade

Then we drove to Douglasville, which is about an hour and ten minutes from Rome. We had heard that the Hawkins Police Department and the Palace Arcade scenes were filmed here. We did stop by the Police Department, but it has been completely remodeled, so I wouldn’t make this stop.

We did find the The Palace Arcade. It was pretty creepy and so cool! Palace Arcade is located at 6501 Church St. Douglasville, GA 30314. It’s since been abandoned, which added to the creep factor.

Stop 4: Boys’ Houses

From Douglasville, we drove about thirty minutes to East Point to see the Wheeler House, Sinclair House, and Dusty’s House!

This was one of my favorite stops. The neighborhood is adorable, with nice homes and large trees. It really did feel like the 80s when we were driving around!  You can find the the Wheeler House at 2530 Piney Wood Ln East Point, GA.

The Sinclair House is located at 2552 Piney Wood Ln, East Point, GA!

And Dusty Henderson’s House is at 2886 Piney Wood Ln East Point, GA!

Stop 5: Abandoned Mill

We then drove to the Abandoned Mill located at 2903 RN Martin St. East Point, GA and got a huge surprise when we found Billy’s Camaro parked right out front!

Stop 6: Downtown Hawkins

From East Point, we drove about an hour to Jackson, GA which was the setting of downtown Hawkins in the series. This was my favorite stop of the entire trip!

Right in the middle of downtown Jackson, we parked next to Argyle’s van and noticed the cutest little storefront with a ton of Stranger Things memorabilia called, Gold Lion Farm. We ventured inside and had the absolute BEST time of the trip!

Not only is the store totally awesome, half of it has been revamped to all things 80s and all things Strangers Things! Gosh, I felt like I was back in my childhood and never wanted to leave.

But what makes this shop so special is the people that run it! They make amazing soaps and oils, I purchased the Stranger Things Soap, and loved it. And they talked to us, they told us all about meeting the cast during filming and they took photos of us, and even emailed me later thanking us for visiting their store.

If you get the chance, you should definitely check this shop out. It was one of those places that I was happy to spend some money in, it was truly that wonderful of an experience for my crew!

Downtown Hawkins is really downtown Jackson, GA. Here you will find so much centered around the Stranger Things series. Melvad’s General Store is located right on the corner, the Library and mayor’s building is in the center of downtown. And there’s a cute little coffee shop, called Lucy Lu’s Coffee Cafe a few doors down from Gold Lion Farm that has an entire Strangers Things coffee menu! If you’re a fan of the series you will LOVE this town!

Stop 7: Hawkins High School

Our next stop had us driving about 50 minutes north, back towards Atlanta. We stopped in Stockbridge on the way to see the Hawkins High School!

You can find the High School at 109 S Lee St. in Stockbridge, GA. There was a security guard patrolling the grounds when we were there, so we couldn’t explore as much as we would’ve liked to. The Middle School is adjacent to the High School, but there are no Hawkins signs, it was just more of a vacant building.

Stop 8: Hawkins Lab

Stop eight was our final stop on our Strangers Things Road Trip! We drove about forty-five minutes to North East Atlanta to see the Hawkins Lab!

We definitely saved the creepiest place for last! You can find Hawkins Lab at 1256 Briarcliff Rd NE Atlanta, GA. It also has a security guard patrolling the grounds. We talked to him, he was a very nice guy, and he let us walk pretty close to see it in person and snap a few pictures. I wish we could’ve gotten closer, but we were lucky to even get to see it at all!

And that’s a wrap on our Stranger Things Road Trip! It took a full day, as you can see we made almost a loop and circled back to Atlanta where we stayed for two nights before heading to Jekyll Island! Check back soon to learn more about our entire Georgia Road Trip! But hands down, the Stranger Things Road Trip was the most memorable day of our entire vacation!

More Stranger Things Fun!

Check out a Stranger Things Official Store near you! We visited the one in Grapevine and had a fantastic day. There are several different photo ops and lots of merch to purchase.

Oahu, Hawaii: Epic 8 Day Itinerary for Families

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Aloha! We just returned home from our favorite family vacation on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. Keep reading for an epic 8 day itinerary for families, plus helpful tips and things to know before you go!

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase items using any of the links provided. Thank you!

Day 1: Arrive in Hawaii

We took a nonstop flight on American Airlines from DFW to Honolulu. I highly recommend a direct flight, less chance of missing a connection and honestly the 7.5 hour flight wasn’t too bad. We were served lunch (a chicken curry sandwich or Asian veggie wrap option), snacks, and drinks. It went by much quicker than I thought! The whole vibe was awesome, everyone was just so happy!

The most comfortable travel outfit: https://sovrn.co/bxdpn9j

Next, we checked into the hotel and grabbed lunch at Maui Brewing Company. The fish tacos and pizza hit the spot! Then we changed and headed down to Waikiki Beach. We enjoyed some beach time, but called it an early day because we were so tired after our day of travel.

Day 2: Waikiki

Not going to lie, the five hour time difference was rough getting used to. We knew it might be tough, so we didn’t make any real plans for day two. We were up pretty early and started with breakfast at the Hawaiian Aroma Café. This place was great and we ended up having breakfast here several times during our stay! I recommend the ham and egg sandwich and traditional waffles!

After breakfast we spent more time at Waikiki Beach. The water here is stunning! You can rent an umbrella and two beach chairs for $18 an hour. We pretty much just spent the day relaxing between the beach and the hotel pool.

Swimsuit link: https://sovrn.co/tfmxooi

Later in the evening, we walked around Waikiki and explored the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is basically an outdoor mall. We grabbed a quick dinner at the mall food court, which was a great option for our kids. They wanted Cane’s, Jereme and I wanted food we could only find in Hawaii. We enjoyed the burgers at Mahalo Burgers, this place was recommended to us by a local and it did not disappoint!

To end the night, we went back to the beach to watch the sunset. I am telling you, there is not a better sunset anywhere than on the beach in Hawaii!

Day 3: Snorkeling & Lanikai Beach

On day three, we had our first excursion booked with Turtles and You. We grabbed McDonald’s for breakfast and then drove to the harbor. This is a three hour boating and snorkeling with sea turtles adventure. It was a fun experience, we loved the crew on the boat and had some yummy spam musubi for lunch. We did see several sea turtles and then cruised around Diamond Head. BUT, we had much more fun snorkeling with sea turtles on our own the next day. So, I would recommend saving your money and check out our day four itinerary!

After the excursion was over, we headed to Lanikai Beach. Y’all, this beach is absolutely gorgeous and much less crowded than Waikiki! It’s about 18 miles from Waikiki, but with traffic on the island, it takes about forty minutes to get there.

We spent a few hours here relaxing, swimming, and strolling along the shore. And we happened to celebrate our 20th anniversary on this day!

Black Swimsuit Link: https://sovrn.co/xqnp7jp | Headband Link: https://sovrn.co/pgy5116 | Earrings Link: https://sovrn.co/10bfk3b

Once we got back to Waikiki, we had a fantastic dinner at Duke’s. We opted to sit outside to take in the views and listen to live music. If you visit Dukes, be sure to get a Mai Tai!

Day 4: The North Shore

Day four was one of my favorite days of the entire trip! We headed to the North Shore to visit Waimea Bay, but we could never find parking! The North Shore is about 35 miles, 45 minutes from Waikiki.

So, we decided to grab lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and regroup. The food here is to die for! The line seemed long, but moved fast and honestly, it’s so good I would wait hours for the shrimp here. We all had the shrimp scampi plate, which is their most popular dish.

From here, we went to Shark’s Cove and spent the day snorkeling and swimming in the cove. We saw so many sea turtles and schools of fish, it was awesome! It was a much more personal experience swimming on our own rather than with a big group like our excursion the previous day.

I highly recommend coming here if you have kiddos and want a safe, FREE place to snorkel and spend the day!

Day 5: Diamond Head, Likeke Falls, and Kaaawa Beach

On day five, we got in two really cool hikes and even had some time for family beach photos! Our first hike time was at noon, so we decided to sleep in late. Then, we grabbed sandwiches, fruit, and pasta from the ABC Stores in Waikiki for lunch before our day of hiking.

The first hike was Diamond Head State Monument, the iconic volcano in Oahu. You do need advanced reservations for this hike, details can be found here.

The hike to the summit of Diamond Head is about two miles out and back. It’s not too hard, but it does require some climbing up and back down stairs and walking through a tunnel. The views at the summit are gorgeous!

My favorite hike of the day was to Likeke Falls! This is a fairly easy, one mile hike through the rainforest to a magnificent waterfall.

The drive from Waikiki to the Likeke Falls trailhead is about 30 minutes.

You can park at the Koolau Golf Club for ten dollars or free along the side of the road before entering the gate to the golf course. If you park along the road, make sure that none of your vehicle is on any part of the roadway!

After hiking, we went back to the hotel and got ready for beach photos. We decided to head to Ka’a’awa Beach Park for family photos. Ka’a’awa Beach offers a stunning backdrop for photo ops.  It’s about 25 miles, 42 minutes from Waikiki Beach.

I took our family photos myself with my iPhone and trusty iPhone camera stand! For more tips on taking photos, check out my guide for Simple Photo Tips Anyone Can Master!

For dinner, we grabbed shrimp & chicken kabobs and summer shrimp rolls with peanut sauce from different street vendors in Waikiki. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip!

Day 6: Paradise Cove Luau

Day six happened to be our youngest son’s birthday, so we let him decide how we were going to spend the day. We started with breakfast from McDonald’s and then went to the mall for birthday shopping. After shopping, we went to Hula Grill for lunch. I had the poke bowl and it was great! We also shared a hula pie and it was delicious!

This is a hula pie!

For dinner, we booked a luau with Paradise Cove Luau. There are different package options, you’re greeted with a Mai Tai upon arrival, and it’s set in a gorgeous location that’s great for photos!

We enjoyed the buffet food and the show! The event lasts from 5:00-8:45, the fire show is one of the last performances and was our favorite!

The drive from Waikiki to Paradise Cove is about 30 miles away and takes about 40 minutes to get there.

Day 7: Waikiki Beach, Pali Lookout, Lanai Lookout

Day seven was our most scenic day! We started with a trip to the ABC Stores to grab lunch for the beach. We grabbed hot dogs, sandwiches, and I tried the beef pot stickers and they were yummy! We also grabbed coconut and pineapple drinks from a street vendor next to the Outrigger Beachcomber Hotel and they were a big hit!

Swimsuit Link: https://sovrn.co/0b5vsnh

After some time on the beach, we decided to venture to the Pali Lookout. It’s about 11 miles from Waikiki and takes about 25 minutes to drive there. You do have to pay $6 for parking.

The views from the lookout are fantastic! If you’re in Oahu, you definitely need to check this place out.

From the Pali Lookout, we drove about 25 minutes to the Lanai Lookout. This place is breathtaking! We parked at the lookout and followed people down to the water. When we returned to the car, we noticed signs that said not to do this. But, there were people out there fishing and we didn’t even pay attention to the signage. So, please be cautious and better than us!

The area is absolutely gorgeous though. It was very unique and nothing like we had seen on the island so far. These are the photos I took basically breaking the rules, eek I feel awful about that part.

After sightseeing, we stopped by Maui Brewing once again for fish tacos and pizzas before calling it a night. We really enjoyed the food here, but the best part was that there was never a wait for a table!

Day 8: Waikiki Beach and Travel Day

Day eight was sadly our last day of vacation. We had a wonderful last day on the island, though. We met up with friends that live in Oahu for lunch at Lulu’s right on the beach. Then we spent some time together at Waikiki Beach before we had to return our rental and head to the airport. It was a great way to end our last day in Hawaii!

We had a 7:00 pm nonstop flight back to Texas. I thought this was a great idea, but none of us got any sleep on the flight. So, we’re still tired and trying to get used to the time change!

Overall, it was such a fantastic trip and we loved our week in Oahu! You know it’s a great vacation when your kids don’t want to leave.

Things to Know

  • Rent a vehicle on Turo – we booked a jeep and loved it!
  • Traffic is pretty crazy – plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get to your destination!
  • Parking is a pain – like for real, a big pain! Pack your patience and be ready to circle parking lots over and over until a spot opens up!
  • Reservations are needed ahead of time for most things – be sure you have a plan of activities and excursions and book these before your trip!
  • Time Change – for us it was a 5 hour time change and hard to get used to. It’s been harder since returning home, so be ready for that!
  • Give yourself some down time, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
  • Hawaii thrives on tourism, but be a respectful tourist and kind to the locals!

More Oahu Activities

We had a pretty packed eight day itinerary, but there are so many activities to do in Oahu! Below are some things I had on my list that we didn’t get to, partly because Jereme and I had already done some of them, and also because we just ran out of time.

Waikiki Beach Hotels

We really enjoyed staying in Waikiki Beach because of the easiness of walking around to get to restaurants and shopping. When we were parked at the hotel, we never needed a car!

If you’re considering a trip to Oahu, just know that you are going to have the BEST time! Safe travels!

20 Must See Spots on Your Next US Road Trip    

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The Unites States has so many amazing destinations and a road trip is the perfect way to see them all! I’ve made a great list of 25 must see spots on your next US road trip that are quick and easy stops to help break up your drive.

Horseshoe Bend

We stopped by Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona on our Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon road trip! It was a little out of the way, but totally worth it. The views are incredible and you can spend ten minutes or two hours here! It was especially great for our boys because there were lots of rocks to climb on, which helped them get their wiggles out after being in the car for several hours.

Wilson Arch

If you find yourself near Moab, Utah then you must add Wilson Arch to your list! This amazing arch is not in the nearby National Parks, instead you’ll find this little gem right off of highway 191, south of Moab. This impressive arch spans 91 feet and has a height of 46 feet. It was a fantastic stop for us on our Road Trip to Yellowstone.

Dead Horse Point Overlook

Another amazing stop that doesn’t require a lot of time to explore is Dead Horse Point Overlook near Moab, Utah. This overlook is a very short walk from the parking lot and the views are to die for! I actually enjoyed these views more than those at the Grand Canyon! We visited this amazing site on our Texas to Moab road trip!

Las Vegas Sign

A trip to Las Vegas isn’t complete unless you get your photo under the infamous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign! This sign marks the start of the Las Vegas Strip and can be found in the median at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South. There is parking lot available here and we did have to wait in a short line to get this photo. This was another stop on our road trip adventure to the Grand Canyon!

Big Lake Sand Cave

We actually found this really cool sand cave by accident when we stopped by the Shell gas station in Page, Arizona on our road trip to Kanab, Utah! It is a very short walk from the parking lot next to the gas station to reach the sand cave. This quick stop makes for a really neat photo shoot and a great place to get out and stretch your legs!

Toadstools Hoodoos

The Toadstools are one of my favorite road trip stops to date! This is such a unique place and a short hike full of adventure. This trail is about 45 minutes from Kanab, Utah. This is one of those places that you can spend all day if you have the time! If you’re able to visit, the walk is flat, easy, and about 1.8 miles out and back. I recommend checking this out if you anywhere near Page, Arizona or in Southern Utah!

Perrine Coulee Falls

If you’re ever in Twin Falls, Idaho you must stop by Perrine Coulee Falls. This waterfall runs year round and drops an impressive 200 feet, with summer months having the strongest flow. There are places to park right off the road near the trailhead to the falls. This is the very first waterfall I walked behind and now I have a new waterfall hiking addiction! We stopped here on our road trip to Yellowstone.

Golden Gate Bridge

You can’t make the trip to San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge! We found the perfect beach to get great photos of this iconic bridge. Head over to Baker’s Beach for a relaxing break on your road trip adventures. Walk the beach, check out the beach cave, and take in the bay! We made the stop here on our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip!

Kanab Sand Caves

The Kanab Sand Caves are such a gorgeous stop if you’re road tripping around Southern Utah. We stumbled upon these on our drive to both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park from Kanab, and we knew we had to stop and check it out. The views are stunning and the caves are so unique. You’ll love this intriguing stop!

Home Alone House

If Home Alone is still your favorite holiday movie, then you should put the Home Alone House on your bucket list! It was always a dream of mine to see it in person, so when I was road tripping to Chicago, I made the half hour drive to 671 Lincoln Ave in Winnetka, IL. And my childhood dream came true!

Field of Dreams Site

My boys are baseball players and love all things baseball. So, on our Midwest road trip, we made the stop at the Field of Dreams movie site! We toured the house, the cornfields, and played baseball on the actual field! This is a fantastic stop for both movie and baseball lovers!

Bear Creek Falls

If you’re in Colorado, I highly recommend driving the Million Dollar highway from Ouray to Silverton. On this drive, be sure to stop to see Bear Creek Waterfall. You can’t see it from the road without stopping at the overlook and checking it out! It is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls I’ve ever seen in person! We stopped by on our Southwest Colorado Road Trip!

Garden of the Gods Park

Another great stop in Colorado is Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. We’ve visited on more than one road trip because it’s just that great of a stop! If you enjoy nature and rock formations, this is the place for you. If you have kids, they will love this nature’s playground!

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is not my favorite stop on the list, but I am glad to say that I’ve seen it in person. It is a really neat accomplishment and a cool stop. We enjoyed walking across the Hoover Dam Bridge. If you’re road tripping around Nevada, be sure to check this out! We stopped by on our Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon road trip!

Natural Bridges Overlook

One of the most beautiful overlooks I’ve seen in person is the Natural Bridges Overlook along the Samual H. Boardman Corridor in Oregon. You can simply take in the sights from the overlook, or if you’re more adventurous, you can hike out to the natural bridges. We stopped here on our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip!

St. Joseph Lighthouses

If you’re near Lake Michigan, be sure to check out the St. Joseph lighthouses! Lighthouses always seem to make a stunning backdrop. Stroll along the beach and take in the scenery if you’re near the area. I was lucky enough to visit on a gorgeous fall day as my girlfriends and I road tripped from Chicago to Michigan!

Abe Lincoln’s Homestead

I love all things Abraham Lincoln, so when I heard that we would pass by his homestead on our road trip to Chicago, I knew we had to stop! It was a quick visit, but totally worth it. The only home that Lincoln ever owned is in Springfield, Illinois. You can see the home, take the tour, walk down his old street, or venture down the street to the Presidential Library. Who knew that Springfield was so cool?

Waco Mammoth National Monument

If you’re in Texas and you like fossils and mammoths, then you should give this place a try! We visited for less than an hour on our drive to Waco, TX. We found it very fascinating to learn that so many mammoths once roamed in Texas.

Monument Valley

We stopped by Forest Gump Point in Monument Valley for a quick photo on our Texas to Moab road trip. Monument Valley provides such a beautiful desert landscape, so just driving through is breathtaking. You can drive through, stop for a quick photo, or spend days just in this area alone!

The Hollywood Sign

It’s been years since we’ve visited Los Angeles, but if you’re in the area you have to see the iconic Hollywood Sign! You can get great views of the sign from Mulholland Highway and the Griffith Observatory!

Don’t forget to save this information for your next road trip!

I consider all of these stops quick, because you can spend less than an hour at each one. Of course, you can also spend more time at any given one of them, the choice is yours! We prefer quicker stops to get to our destination sooner, but that’s just our preference.

What amazing stops have you come across on your road trips? Leave a comment so I can add them to my list! Happy travels, my friends!

3 Hikes You Can’t Miss in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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As someone that’s always looking for the next trail to hike, I cannot believe that I didn’t make the trip to Palo Duro Canyon sooner! I was absolutely blown away that this State Park exists… in Texas! Here are 3 hikes you can’t miss in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Photo taken from inside the Big Cave

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Park Information

  • Palo Duro Canyon is located in the Texas Panhandle.
  • Park Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015.
  • Website: Click here.
  • Phone Number: (806) 488-2227
  • Daily Fees: $8 per adult, children under 12 are free
  • Hours: 7 am – 9 pm

Park Map

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Map

Things to Know

  • Palo Duro Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas!”
  • This canyon is the 2nd largest canyon in the US!
  • Palo Duro Canyon spans 120 miles and is 800 feet deep.
  • The best time to visit is spring and fall.
  • Summer visits can be dangerous because of the heat and high temps.
  • Make sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need during your hikes!
  • Palo Duro Canyon is a great place for a weekend getaway!
  • It only takes about 45 minutes to drive the loop through the Park.
  • You can stay nearby in the town of Canyon, TX.

My best friend and I visited Palo Duro Canyon in mid-February. We were pleasantly surprised with the weather and really enjoyed the hikes we were able to squeeze in during our weekend visit! Keep reading to learn more about the three hikes you can’t miss in Palo Duro Canyon!

Photo taken at the beginning of the Lighthouse Trail hike

The Hikes

The Lighthouse Trail – Distance: 5.9 miles | Time:  2.5 hours | Level: Moderate

This is the Lighthouse!

Our favorite hike was the Lighthouse Trail. This 6 mile hike is fairly easy until you get closer to the “Lighthouse” rock formation. At this point the hike gains slightly in elevation and you have to make a climb to get close to the Lighthouse.

Gorgeous landscape along the Lighthouse Trail

The Lighthouse Trail took us about two and a half hours to complete. I was very impressed with how well the entire trail was marked. And, my friend and I felt very safe the entire time we were hiking!  

The stunning desert landscape and dramatic colors make for an excellent hike. These unique colors of Palo Duro Canyon represent different geologic time periods spanning 240 million years!

The Big Cave – Distance: short walk from parking spot | Time:  30 min. | Level: Easy

The Big Cave

Our second hike of the day was more of a short walk. We drove under two miles from the Lighthouse Trail parking lot to reach the Big Cave. You will see a sign for The Big Cave on the side of the road past the Juniper Campground.

I have a new love of exploring caves… especially on my own without a guide or a group! This cave is BIG and was so fun to explore at our own pace. Even better, it’s only a short walk from the parking spots near the trailhead.

I had so much fun exploring this short trail and the cave. If you have children with you, this hike is a must! They’ll love the cave and all the climbing around it!

The Caves Trail – Distance: 0.9 | Time:  30 min | Level: Easy

This is another really cool hike with several caves to explore at your own pace! I wish we would’ve spent more time here, but we were pretty tired after the other two hikes of the day.

The beginning of the Caves Trail

If I had it to do all over again, or if I had my boys with me, I would like to start the day on this trail. There is a small parking lot right at the trailhead, but unlike the hike on the Lighthouse Trail, this one is not very well marked.

I recommend bringing headlamps or a flashlight to go deeper into some of the caves. It was cloudy off and on during our visit and kind of dark at times. You may not need them, but I wished that I would’ve had mine on this hike!

Palo Duro Canyon Highlights

  • Well marked trails
  • I had excellent cell service in most areas of the Park
  • Stunning views and colors
  • The Park was easy to navigate
  • No crowds
  • The trails were scenic and not too hard

Hiking Essentials

These are some of my tried and true hiking essentials that I cannot trek without! I really do consider myself a minimalist when I hike, but I do feel like you need to be prepared for anything when you’re out in the wilderness. Here are the things I never hike without.

  • Hiking shoes – I’ve been wearing these instead of my tall hiking boots and love the comfort of them!
  • Hiking backpack – This backpack is the perfect size for me. My husband carries a larger one, but this one is great for a smaller amount of stuff.
  • Hiking wipes
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick with SPF
  • Portable battery pack
  • Cell phone arm band – I like the ease of this phone case. I can easily grab my phone and put it up throughout the hike as needed.
  • Camera stand – I love capturing family photos, but I don’t like having to ask other people to take them. This is great for all kinds of traveling, not just hiking!
  • Headlamps – these are the ones I own and won’t hike these trails again without!

Where to Stay

If you’re planning a trip to Palo Duro Canyon, I recommend lodging in Canyon, TX which is only about 19 miles/33 minutes from the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The room was clean and cozy and we enjoyed the free breakfast buffet in the morning!

The Hiker’s 365 Adventure!

On a final note, my best friend and I signed up for the Hiker’s 365 Adventure Challenge! We’ve set a goal to hike 365 miles in 365 days. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this challenge offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature one mile at a time! We’d love for you to join this community of hikers, too! If you’re interested, register today using my Hiker’s 365 Adventure referral link!

Utah’s Family-Friendly Ride and Rappel Slot Canyon Tour  

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I’m so excited to share all the information you’ll need about Utah’s family-friendly ride and rappel slot canyon tour with Roam Outdoor.

Two people surrounded by red walls of a slot canyon gaze up at the blue sky.

We visited Utah over our spring break in March. Most of our trip was centered around hiking, so I really wanted to add in a unique experience for our boys, because hiking is not their favorite pastime! This adventure was epic for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.

A family of four have just rappelled 45 feet down in a slot canyon and are photographed at the bottom looking up.

Things to Know

  • The tour we booked was the Ride + Rappel Slot Canyon Adventure.
  • You will be with an experienced guide during your entire tour.
  • This is great for beginners and for kids as young as four!
  • Our tour was about 2.5 hours long.
  • We hiked through a slot canyon and rappelled during the hike.
  • Each rappel ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet. The rappels started off small at 10 feet and then the last rappel was the longest at 45 feet.
  • Be sure to wear hiking shoes and pants.
  • You can bring your own backpack with snacks, extra layers, water, and your camera.
  • Your guide will be happy to take photos along the way!
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing trail for years to come!
Family of four are photographed in rappelling gear and helmets as they get ready to begin their adventure.

The Ride & Rappelling Adventure

Ladder Canyon – Distance: 2 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate (with rappels)

Our adventure started at the Roam Outdoor business in Orderville, Utah at 10:00 am. First, we were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. From here, it was a short climb to begin our hike and rappel tour!

9 year old shown making his first 10 foot rappel inside a slot canyon.

As you can see from the photos, it was an adventure every step of the way! But we always felt very safe and comfortable while riding, hiking, and rappelling!

To enter the slot canyon, we actually had to rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We alternated between hiking though the slot canyon and rappelling down to the next section. And, we gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went along, and finished with a 45 foot rappel!

We had a fantastic adventure “learning the ropes” as we hiked and explored Ladder Canyon! It was a little chilly, so we did need jackets and two layers of gloves. I suggest bringing along hand warmers and extra layers just in case the weather is colder than you’re used to.

Highlights

  • This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!
  • Our guide was so patient with our boys!
  • There are many photographic opportunities along the entire hike through Ladder Canyon.
  • Safety was the number one priority!

Once we finished rappelling, we were able to explore more of the canyon and then we enjoyed the ATV ride back to Roam Outdoors. Again, I was so impressed with our guide and his willingness to take our family photos and tell us the history of the canyon during our tour. It was a fantastic day and both of the boys agreed it was the best of adventure of the entire trip!

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

The same family is photographed at Bryce Canyon National Park with stunning hoodoos in the background.

Kanab Sand Caves

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Have you heard of the Kanab Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caves? This place is fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever near Kanab in Southern Utah. You don’t need a lot of time here and the hike is pretty easy!

What are Sand Caves?

The Kanab Sand Caves are mad-made caves that were once used for sand mining. This process was short lived, and now these caves are a little hidden gem for hikers and tourists to explore!

Getting There

This is such a unique place, right off the main highway that leads to Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, just five miles outside of Kanab! We parked right off Highway 89 in a large, marked parking lot for the Sand Caves. You can’t miss it!

The Hike

Kanab Sand Caves Trail – Distance: 1.2 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy

The hike to the caves was very simple. Once you park, you’ll follow a sandy path that takes you under the caves.

Keep following the path and you should see a hill that you can begin walking up. It looks steep, but as long as you keep going, it will be easy to maneuver. When you get to the top, the trail flattens out and you can continue the walk to the caves.

Once inside, we realized that the caves were a lot bigger than we had expected! We explored as deep as we could go, took in the views, and had a small photoshoot. It was a super fun adventure close to the town of Kanab, which is where we were staying.

Highlights

  • This hike was very short and easy! You only need an hour or so to enjoy the caves.
  • It’s FREE to park and take the hike!
  • It was not too crowded at all inside the caves.
  • The views were amazing!

Things to Know

  • Location: US-89, Kanab, UT 84741. You’ll see a sign for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the parking lot is nearby!
  • There is a semi-steep climb up to the caves and back down. For us, it was easy, but we did notice some people struggling on the way down.
  • Always bring water & snacks when hiking.
  • Keep close watch of your kids, the caves are open to steep ledges and drop-offs.
  • Don’t forget your camera!
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing site for years to come!

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Zion National Park with Kids

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We finally got to explore Zion National Park and man, we were blown away! The views just driving through were like nothing we’d ever seen before. Keep reading to learn all about how to spend a day in Zion National Park with Kids!

Zion National Park Information

  • Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767
  • Phone: 435-772-3256
  • Fees: $35 per vehicle
  • Hours: Open year round, 24 hours a day
  • Shuttle Service: Website (shuttle service is mandatory for certain areas of the Park)

This was our first trip to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our spring break in Utah. We stayed in Kanab and visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, explored slot canyons, hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos, and more! We only dedicated one day to Zion National Park, and while we had a great visit, we could’ve spent the entire week just at this Park!

Hiking

Full disclosure, it was pretty crowded during our visit over spring break. Because of the crowds, it was hard to find parking and the shuttle lines were insane. We opted to hike two trails in East Zion that did not require the shuttle, and we highly recommend both!

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 30-45 minutes | Level: Easy

If you only have a day in the Park, you don’t want to miss this easy hike. The overlook is truly impressive and the entire trail has views for day, just check out the photos below!

Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Level: Moderate

The second trail we hiked was by happenstance when a spot opened up in the parking lot as we were driving by. I’m so glad we decided to stop here, we ended up having the entire trail to ourselves! And the best part, this hike ended at a gorgeous waterfall!

We really enjoyed the rock scramble to get to the falls! If you have kiddos, they will really love the adventure that this trail provides!

Driving

If you’re unable to hike, you can still see many impressive views just driving through! Just be mindful that from March through November, it is mandatory to take the free shuttle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive!  

When to Visit

April through November is considered the best time to visit Zion National Park. The fall months provide the best weather for hiking and the crowds begin to thin. Summer is usually the most popular time to visit, so expect crowds and longer wait times for parking and shuttle lines. We visited in March and the weather was very pleasant, but it was already very crowded!

Things to Know

  • Arrive early to ensure you find parking and have enough time for your adventures!
  • Be aware of the permits and mandatory shuttle services for certain areas of the Park.
  • Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water if you’re hiking.
  • Be cautious of the ledges and steep drop offs on some of the trails.
  • Each season has something to offer visitors.
  • Cell service was pretty limited during our visit.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles!

Overall, we had a wonderful day in Zion National Park! In fact, this was my husband’s favorite experience of our entire Utah trip. My only regret is not planning more time in this Park! Whether you go the day or for a week, I’m sure you’ll have a memorable visit!

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

The teacher in me is so excited to share about this amazing opportunity for elementary students in fourth grade! Did you know that with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass, fourth grade students can get into any National Park in the United State for FREE? And really, every person in the whole entire passenger vehicle gets in free, too!

My fourth grader was so eager to get his pass! We completed the information online and printed the confirmation page. Once we visited our first National Park with the printout, my fourth grader was given his very own National Park Pass! These passes are good from September 1st – August 31st! So, be sure to share this information with anyone that has an elementary student! Using my son’s pass we were able to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park for free during our spring break trip!

Helpful National Park Websites

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

How to Spend a Day in Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

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One of my new favorite National Parks is Bryce Canyon National Park! I cannot wait to tell you about the hikes we chose and share photos of the stunning hoodoos and landscape. Keep reading to learn how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon with kids!

This was our first trip to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our week long trip to Southern Utah. We stayed in Kanab and visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, explored slot canyons, hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos, and more! It’s a great place to base from. Even though we only had a day at Bryce Canyon National Park, we feel like it was the perfect amount of time for our family!

One Day Itinerary

  • Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program
  • Drive to Bryce Canyon from Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)
  • Sunset Point Overlook
  • Hike Navajo Loop Trail
  • Visitor Center / receive Jr. Ranger badge
  • Hike Mossy Cave Trail
  • Drive Back to Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)

Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program

We always like to stop by the Visitor Center when visiting National or State Parks! Most are similar to a small museum with artifacts and Park information. Plus, my youngest son really likes to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program. We grab the booklet to work on throughout our visit and then stop back by to turn it in when it’s complete so that he can swear in and get his Jr. Ranger badge!

Sunset Point Overlook

Our first glimpse of the magic of Bryce Canyon, was at the Sunset Point Overlook. You can’t miss this one, especially if hiking isn’t your thing! If you do plan to hike, many of the trailheads can be found near Sunset Point, so it’s a great place to park your vehicle!

The Hikes

Now, on to the good stuff…hiking! Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park).

Navajo Loop Trail – Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours | Level: Moderate

The Navajo Loop Trail is the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park! It truly is amazing walking in between huge hoodoos! To find this trail, head to the parking lot area at Sunset Point. You’ll see the trailhead near the overlook area.

This trail can be moderately challenging when hiking back up to Sunset Point. For us, the entire trail was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.

Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!!

Mossy Cave Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy

After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about ten minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!

Even though this trail is part of Bryce Canyon, it was not as muddy or as crowded as the Navajo Loop Trail within the park. I’ve heard it’s fun to see this waterfall in the winter, because it freezes and you can walk behind it! We really like hiking to caves, but I was a little disappointed that the cave is blocked off by a fence, so you can’t actually explore inside it. But, it was still a fun hike and the views were awesome!

We packed in a lot of time hiking during our one day visit to Bryce Canyon National Park! I know that we didn’t see everything that this amazing Park has to offer, but we really enjoyed our day and the trails that we chose to hike!

Highlights

  • Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth! What exactly are hoodoos? Well, they are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain.
  • This Park is open and amazing year-round!
  • The crowds were much smaller than the crowds at Zion National Park!
  • There are no mandatory reservations, permits, or shuttle rides required.
  • There are scenic overlooks and viewpoints if you do not enjoy hiking.
  • It’s a great place for a day trip!

When to Visit

October through May is an ideal time to visit! The crowds are smaller and the temperatures are cooler. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with more crowds and higher temps. Winter is gorgeous with deep blankets of snow! We visited in March and there was still a lot of snow. It was an unexpected surprise, especially since we came from Texas and don’t usually get to see that!

Things to Know

  • Arrive early to ensure you find a parking spot at the trailhead or overlook area!
  • Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water if you’re hiking.
  • Be cautious of the ledges and steep drop offs on some of the trails.
  • Each season has something to offer visitors.
  • 1-2 days is enough time to experience this Park.
  • Cell service was pretty limited during our visit.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles!

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

The teacher in me is so excited to share about this amazing opportunity for elementary students in fourth grade! Did you know that with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass, fourth grade students can get into any National Park in the United State for FREE? And really, every person in the whole entire passenger vehicle gets in free, too!

My fourth grader was so eager to get his pass! We completed the information online and printed the confirmation page. Once we visited our first National Park with the printout, my fourth grader was given his very own National Park Pass! These passes are good from September 1st – August 31st! So, be sure to share this information with anyone that has an elementary student! Using my son’s pass we were able to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park for free during our spring break trip!

Helpful National Park Websites

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos

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If you have kids that enjoy short hikes with unique rock formations and lots to explore, then you should check out the Toadstool Hoodoos located near Kanab, Utah!

Hi, we’re the Fosters! Thank you for visiting my blog!

Our first stop on our recent road trip to Utah was to the Toadstool Hoodoos! My boys loved this trail and we all had such a fun time exploring the area. Plus, it was not crowded at all. Several different times during our visit we were the only people there!

What are Hoodoos?

Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before. 

The Hike

The Toadstool Hoodoos – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy

Photo from AllTrails app

The out and back hike to the toadstools is mostly flat and extremely easy. At the beginning of the trail you will find lots of rocks to climb and small caves to explore. My boys loved this part! The trail was easy to follow and the views were great.

To reach the toadstools, you’ll continue north on the trail. I don’t remember seeing any trail signs, but the sandy path was clear.

Once at the toadstools, you’ll find a couple of unique clusters of hoodoos! The area is beautiful with unique rock formations surrounded by white and orange hills.

Highlights

  • Kid-friendly trail – This is a fun family hike that has cool features to explore and is easy enough that our boys weren’t tired or complaining! If you are just getting into hiking with your kiddos, this is a great trail!
  • Caves – we really enjoy exploring caves, so when we happen to stumble across a few on our hikes, we’re pumped! This was an unexpected surprise!
  • Landscape – the toadstools, the desert plants, the sand, and the hills surrounding the trails really made for a gorgeous adventure!
  • Lack of Crowds – the best part was the lack of crowds we encountered during our hike. It’s always nice to have an entire place mostly to yourself, to spend as much time as you want taking in the sights!

When to Visit

Considering that this is a desert landscape, spring and fall is the ideal time to visit. We went during the middle of the day over our spring break and the temperatures were very pleasant. If you plan to go in the summer, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening so that you aren’t too hot.

Things to Know

  • This trail is located off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab, Utah.  
  • There are no fees or permits required for this hike.
  • This dog-friendly trail is open year round.
  • The parking lot is small, but we didn’t encounter any crowds.
  • There are two small portable bathrooms in the parking lot.
  • Please follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can all continue to enjoy this trail!  

We had a fantastic hike and our first taste of Southern Utah at the Toadstool Hoodoos! Utah is such an amazing state and we cannot wait to venture back that way!

More Utah Adventures

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park Itinerary

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We just returned from a fantastic week in Utah! I’m so excited to share our Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary and photos with y’all! This itinerary is great for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Day 1: Texas to New Mexico

We began our road trip to Utah from North Texas. For us, it’s about a sixteen hour drive, so we had to break the drive up into two days. We decided to stop in Farmington, New Mexico on our first day of driving. It’s twelve hours from us, so we knocked out the majority of the drive on day one and only had four hours to go the following day.

Farmington is in the Four Corners region and has several great options of places to see if you want to explore more of this area. We’ve stopped at the Aztec Ruins National Monument and to see Shiprock on previous road trips!

Day 2: Kanab/Toadstool Hoodoos

On day two, we continued driving and stopped first in Page, AZ. We only stopped here because we happened to drive right by the Big Lake Trading Post and I wanted to do the short hike from the parking lot to see the sand cave! It was really cool, quick stop!

After that stop, we continued on our drive towards Kanab, UT which is where we were basing out of the entire week. We decided to stop by the Toadstool Hoodoos on the drive into Kanab and I am so glad that we did! My boys loved this stop and we had such a fun time exploring this area. Plus, it wasn’t crowded at all. Several different times during this stop, we were the only people there!

Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before.  

The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

Once we left the Toadstools, we continued driving to Kanab. We stayed at the Comfort Suites and enjoyed this hotel. We had so much space in our room and it was in a great location! We also enjoyed the free breakfast buffet each morning, but the rates were the best part! We paid less than $450 for six nights here!

For dinner, we ate right down the road from our hotel at Vermillion 45 and it was delicious! It was a little fancier than our usual dinners on the road, but so good! I had shrimp risotto, the boys had pizza and rigatoni, and Jereme had chicken fricassee.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

After looking ahead at the predicted weather for the week, we decided to explore Bryce Canyon National Park on day three. The weather forecast was great for this day, but snow was predicted for later on in the week. It is right under 1.5 hours to get from Kanab to Bryce Canyon!

Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park). Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!

Navajo Loop Trail – Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours | Level: Moderate | Cost: $35 per vehicle

We enjoyed this trail so much because of the up-close view of the hoodoos it provides! But, it was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.

After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about nine minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!

Mossy Cave Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE (trail is outside main area of Park)

When we returned to Kanab, we had an amazing dinner at Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant. Hands down, this was the BEST food we had on our entire trip! If you’re in the area, definitely make sure to eat here.

Day 4: Kanab

On day four we decided to have a little bit of down time. My boys always seem to need a day to recover after a long drive and a lot of activities. It was so nice to sleep in, walk around the quaint downtown area, and check out some of the places right outside of Kanab.

The boys were tired of hiking and wanted a day to relax, watch tv, and play video games. So, Jereme and I had our own adventure date to the Kanab Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caves. This place is fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever near Kanab. You don’t need a lot of time here and the hike is pretty easy!

Kanab Sand Caves Trail – Distance: 1.2 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

This is such a unique place, right off the main highway that leads to Bryce or Zion from Kanab! We parked right off Highway 89 in a large, marked parking lot for the Sand Caves. You can’t miss it!

For dinner, we decided to have steaks at Iron Horse Restaurant. It was great, the boys loved this place! I didn’t take any food pics, but we all had steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.  

Day 5 – Zion National Park

We dedicated day five to exploring Zion National Park and man, we were blown away! The views just driving through were like nothing we’d ever seen before. Full disclosure, it was pretty crowded during our visit over spring break. Because of the crowds, it was hard to find parking and the shuttle lines were insane. We opted to hike two trails in East Zion that did not require the shuttle and we highly recommend both!

If you only have a day in the Park, you don’t want to miss this easy hike. The overlook is truly impressive and the entire trail has views for day, just check out the photos below!

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 30-45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: $35 per vehicle

The second trail we hiked was by happenstance when a spot opened up in the parking lot as we were driving by. I’m so glad we decided to stop here, we ended up having the entire trail to ourselves! And the best part, this hike ended at a gorgeous waterfall!

Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Level: Moderate | Cost: $35 per vehicle

We really enjoyed the rock scramble to get to the waterfall! If you have kiddos, they will really love the adventure that this trail provides!

Day 6 – Ride and Rappel Slot Canyon Tour  

This day was the best day! We booked the 2.5 hour ride, hike, and rappel adventure with Roam Outdoor. This was great for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels that ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.

Ladder Canyon – Distance: 2 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate (with rappels)

We met up at the Roam Outdoor business at 10:00 am and were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. It was a short climb around to enter the slot canyon, which started with a rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went, and finished with a 45 foot decent.

I also truly loved and appreciated how amazing Bryson was when it came to taking photos of our family to remember this special occasion! This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!

We followed up our time rappelling with a wonderful late lunch at Wild Thyme Café back in Kanab! The corn chowder soup and chicken pasta alfredo was to die for!

Day 7 – Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

Our final day of the trip was a fun one! We really enjoyed the tour the day before and wanted to find another slot canyon to hike. I had noticed signs for Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon so I began looking up information on that trail. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is extremely necessary. I drive a 4WD Expedition and it would not have made the drive to the canyon. Luckily we had borrowed my mom’s Jeep for this trip and had no trouble off-roading the 3+ miles to the slot canyon. The trail is easy and fun, the sand is just very deep!

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

To find Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon from Kanab, follow Highway 89 North out of Kanab for about nine miles. You will see a sign for Peek-A-Boo and a parking lot area on the right hand side of the road. Turn into the parking lot and then immediately turn left. This will take you onto BLM Route 102. Follow this until you reach the wash (almost like a dry riverbed). Here, turn left and follow the wash, this will be on BLM Route 106H and it will lead you straight to the slot canyon.

If you’re planning a trip to Utah, I hope you find this Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Be sure to follow all Leave No Trace Principals so we can continue to enjoy this beautiful country of ours!

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines designed to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor activities. These principles promote responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship of natural areas. Here are the seven Leave No Trace principles:

  • Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning helps minimize potential impacts on the environment. This includes researching the area you’ll be visiting, understanding regulations and special concerns, and being adequately prepared with the right gear and skills.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails, campsites, and designated recreation areas to minimize damage to vegetation and soil. Avoid trampling fragile ecosystems by walking on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or dry grass.
  • Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, garbage, and leftover food. Leave natural areas cleaner than you found them by properly disposing of waste and packing out all items, including biodegradable materials like fruit peels and food scraps.
  • Leave what you find: Minimize your impact on natural landscapes by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them. Avoid disturbing wildlife or removing cultural or historical artifacts.
  • Minimize campfire impacts: If fires are permitted and necessary for warmth or cooking, use existing fire rings or designated fire pits whenever possible. Keep fires small, use only local firewood, and fully extinguish fires before leaving. In sensitive areas, consider using a portable stove instead of building a fire.
  • Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them. Keep pets under control and prevent them from harassing wildlife or damaging vegetation. Store food securely to prevent wildlife from accessing it.
  • Be considerate of other visitors: Respect other visitors’ experiences by minimizing noise, yielding to others on the trail, and respecting privacy in campsites. Follow rules and regulations, and be courteous to others to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

By following these principles, outdoor enthusiasts can help protect natural environments and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities.

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12 Kid-Friendly Hikes

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Embarking on a hiking adventure with kids is not just a stroll in the woods – it’s an opportunity for unforgettable experiences and quality family time. Most of our road tripping adventures have led to us to amazing outdoor destinations and hiking has become one of our family favorites! Check out my top 12 kid-friendly hikes for 2024!

This is a preview of all the hikes I’ll be sharing!

Perrine Coulee Falls Trail – Walk behind a waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho!

This trail is rated as easy/moderate and is only about a half mile, out and back. You can find this 200 foot waterfall as you drive towards Centennial Waterfront Park. There will be several parking spots right along the roadway at the trailhead!  

Hidden Falls Trail – Find a hidden waterfall in The Grand Tetons, Wyoming!

You can either take a scenic, 4 mile out and back hike to see this spectacular 100 foot waterfall. Or you can take a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike only a mile to find this hidden gem! We chose to take the hike, so we started at Jenny Lake and followed the trail signs.

Maquoketa Caves Loop – Explore 13 different caves in Maquoketa, Iowa

This 1.7 mile loop allows you to explore 13 caves completely on your own, without a guided tour! You can find this amazing trail at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Be aware, the caves close for bat hibernation October through April.

Delicate Arch Trail – Hike to the infamous Delicate Arch in Moab, Utah

The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back trail. It is a lot harder going up than coming back down. But trust me, the challenge is worth it! Be sure to look into the timed-entry reservation system from April through October.

Emerald Lake Trail – Explore the magic of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colorado

Enjoy all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer while exploring the 3.5 mile out and back trail to Emerald Lake. Park at the Bear Lake Corridor and you will easily find the trailhead. Hike past two other beautiful lakes before arriving at Emerald Lake. Timed-entry permits are required from May through October.

Pueblo Loop Trail – Climb ladders inside ancient cliff dwellings in Los Alamos, New Mexico

Discover the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. The Pueblo Loop Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop that offers impressive views of kivas and cliff dwellings. But the best part is the ladder access to climb into the dwellings!

Munds Wagon Trail – Hike to Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, Arizona

This was probably the toughest hike we’ve done with our boys, but they were troopers. The hike is about 7 miles out and back and the spring is a great time to visit. The red rocks in Sedona are stunning!

Stout Memorial Grove Trail – Walk amongst giants in Crescent City, California

This 0.6 mile loop through the giant Redwood trees in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is fun for the whole family! If you have kids, get them outdoors and on this trail. They’ll love this easy trail and climbing on fallen trees!

Carlsbad Caverns Big Room – Explore caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Take the Natural Entrance down into the Big Room and explore this impressive cave on your own! The hike is about 2.5 miles in total, but be sure to take the elevator back up! This is a really, really cool experience for kids!

Auger Falls Trail – Hike to an impressive waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho

Another fun waterfall hike can also be found in Centennial Waterfront Park. You can make this hike as short or as long as you like, but if you do the full loop it’s about 4 miles. We decided to head straight up near the falls and the kids loved climbing over rocks and exploring close to the waterfall!

Witches Gulch – Walk through a mossy canyon in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This entire experience was a blast for our family! Witches Gulch is only accessible by taking an Upper Dells boat tour. The boat ride is very scenic and the walk through the canyon is very short and easy!

Forsyth Canyon Trail – Hike to the top of a waterfall near Boulder, Colorado

A fun, dog-friendly trail can found near Boulder! The Forsyth Canyon Trail was easy and only 1.6 miles out and back. We enjoyed climbing on rocks and seeing a waterfall from above! This trail kept the kids and the dog entertained!

Hiking with kids isn’t just about reaching the destination – it’s about embracing the adventure together. If you’d like to learn more about hiking with kids, read all of my tips for hiking with kids! You can also visit me on Instagram @road_trip_queen to see more of our adventures! Remember to be patient, encourage curiosity, and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Happy hiking!

Bucket List Road Trip Destinations for 2024

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If you want to explore more of the United States, check out these six bucket list road trip destinations for 2024! We traveled to each of these destinations over the past year or so, and these are the top places that I would recommend to anyone needing a little road trip inspiration.

Ouray, Colorado

Ouray might be my favorite destination in Colorado! My first visit was this past August. I truly fell in love with the landscape and the vibe of this entire mountain town.

Lake Haiyaha, Colorado

Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. You can access this trail in the Bear Lake Corridor of the Park. This is a moderate to challenging hike because it is uphill for a bit and then there’s a rock scramble to the lake. It was so much fun… and so much easier to hike down!

  • Be sure to get Bear Lake Corridor permits from May – October
  • Stay at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park
  • Have brunch and mimosas at MollyB’s
  • Pack a picnic for lunch and views at the lake

Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Driftwood Beach is a unique little gem found in Jekyll Island, Georgia. I traveled there last summer and knew I had to explore the driftwood along the beach before returning home. This is not the best beach for swimming, but it’s amazing for exploring, climbing, and photographing!

Natural Bridges Viewpoints, Oregon

The entire Oregon coast is a dreamy road trip adventure! We made the trip from the Redwoods in California up to Cannon Beach, Oregon. That is one of my favorite trips to date. We stopped at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint off the Samual H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in Brookings, OR. This was a great place to stop and stretch our legs. You can view the natural bridges from the viewing area near the parking lot. But we went ahead and did the hike down to the bridges and walked over them! It was tough coming back up, but easy enough for my boys to do it with us and they were only 7 and 10 at the time!

  • Stay on the marked trails if you want to get a closer look
  • Watch for wildlife – we saw a seal swimming in the water
  • Stay at the Beachfront Inn
  • Get breakfast at Matttie’s Pancake House
  • Brookings is a great place to eat, shop, and hike

Grand Tetons National Park

The Grand Tetons are indeed grand! If you want a fun place to explore, you can make the Grand Tetons a stop on your road trip to Yellowstone or you can make it an entire vacation destination. What I loved about our road trip to the Tetons was that the views on the drive through Wyoming were stunning and we saw so much wildlife!

Ice Lake, Colorado

Ice Lake near Silverton, Colorado is the most outrageous lake I have ever seen. The views up to the lake were amazing. We encountered streams, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the trek. It was extremely tough for us flatlanders, but we made it. The views are one hundred percent worth the effort!

  • Stay in Durango for more dining and nightlife options
  • Take the Million Dollar Highway
  • Stop in Silverton for lunch and shopping
  • Be prepared for the 8.5 mile hike – pack plenty of food and water

If you’d like to see videos of these destinations, check out my Instagram!  

Remember to plan ahead, stay safe on the road, and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations you’ll encounter along the way!