Explore national parks, scenic drives, hiking trails, and my favorite places across the Southwest. I've done the roaming. Now it's your turn to experience the best of the West.
Not sure where to start? I'd start with Utah's Mighty 5 national parks and The Wave in Arizona. These are some of my favorite places in the Southwest, with firsthand tips to help you plan your own adventure.
Planning a national park trip? Whether you're a U.S. resident or an international visitor, use my free National Park Pass Savings Calculator to see if an America the Beautiful Pass will save you money.
I've spent years exploring the Southwest, and these guides bring together my favorite places, firsthand tips, and everything I've learned along the way. Each digital guide includes an interactive map, carefully curated recommendations, and practical planning advice to help you spend less time researching and more time exploring.
Looking for more Southwest inspiration? Browse my free destination guides, road trip itineraries, national park resources, and practical tips for planning your next adventure. Explore the latest posts below, browse by tag, or use the navigation menu to find exactly what you're looking for.
Planning a trip to Colorado to see the fall colors? There's more to it than picking a weekend in September! After years of chasing fall colors across Colorado, I've learned what NOT to do. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid so you don't miss some of the best fall colors!
What to pack for Utah's Mighty 5 national parks, including year-round hiking essentials, seasonal packing lists, and the gear I personally use exploring Southern Utah.
Plan your visit to the Rifle Ice Caves in Western Colorado! Find out exactly where to see these incredible frozen waterfalls, the best time to visit, what to bring, and tips for exploring safely.
Planning an accessible trip to Arizona's national parks? Find wheelchair-accessible trails, scenic overlooks, facilities, and mobility information for each park.
Plan an accessible trip to Utah's Mighty 5 national parks with information on wheelchair-accessible trails, scenic overlooks, facilities, campgrounds, all-terrain wheelchairs, and the free Access Pass.
Planning a trip to Chiricahua National Park, America's 64th national park? Here's what to know about the best hikes, scenic drive, rock formations, and tips for visiting this incredible corner of southeastern Arizona.
Planning to drive Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive? Here's what to know about the 7.9-mile route, best stops, entrance fees, road conditions, and why sunset is my favorite time to visit.
Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Discover the best things to do, hikes, scenic drives, where to stay, and practical tips for visiting Utah's Capitol Reef National Park.
Planning a trip to Zion National Park? Discover the best hikes, scenic drives, shuttle information, where to stay, and practical tips for visiting one of Utah's most popular National Parks.
Plan your Canyonlands National Park trip with my favorite hikes, scenic overlooks, photography spots, itineraries, and tips for visiting Island in the Sky and The Needles.
Everything you need to plan a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, including my favorite hikes, the best viewpoints, photography locations, and places to stay.
Planning a trip to Arches National Park? Discover the best hikes, scenic drives, photography spots, and insider tips from a Southwest local.
