Visiting Yellowstone National Park

Everyone has to go to Yellowstone Nations Park. It is the world's first national park and one of the largest it is spread throughout 3 states Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.  Luckily you will always be in the mountain time zone, so really does it matter whether you are in Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming?  Just know that you are in a very special place.  So close to so much geothermal activity and incredible nature.   Out of all the national parks we've visited, Yellowstone has the most wildlife and diverse terrain, there is so much to do here. Conveniently enough, there is loop road you can follow to visit all of Yellowstone's main attractions.

 

We got to go in early October which is the off season. There were still a fair amount of people there. But I believe covid had everyone wanting to go outside. Never an issue finding parking, pulling over or seeing any of the animals. Everyone that was visiting was respectful to the animals and the other visitors allowing room for everyone to enjoy the park.

 

The pictures do not do it any justice, the colors of this hot spring are so vivid in person.

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15 comments AdBenture, Idaho, Jeep Adventure, Montana, United States, US National Park, Wyoming, Wyoming National Park, Yellowstone National Park

A day Trip to the Grand Canyon Arizona

The Grand Canyon is absolutely stunning, and it is a bucket list item for many people. Our little boy recently got to cross it off of his list. My husband and I had both been to the Grand Canyon couple times before but never as family. We were excited to share this experience with our son, who is a very content little traveler.  We were there for such a short time and during the pandemic. So we decided to keep it simple and just do sight-seeing. 

We loved exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during fall season, and the weather is perfect time to go with our baby, who's only nine months old at that time. We will definitely go back for a full canyon adventure someday. Overall, such a fun experience for the whole family!

  

Our little Adventurer 

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25 comments AdBenture, Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Jeep Adventure, Road Trip, United States, US National Park

Visited Yosemite National Park, California

Our first trip to Yosemite National Park was this last Labor Day weekend. Yosemite National Park is a place of incredible natural beauty that really should be experienced in person. There is so much to do and appreciate at Yosemite. Since we have a baby and can't take that hike so  we went head to the lookout at Tunnel View. The views include Half Dome, Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, and the El Capitan.  

Yosemite has a day-pass reservation system during our visit because of COVID. The reservations are required in an effort to control the crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19. Is it a hassle? Yes, it is. However, we were fortunate enough to score a reservation last September 2020.  We never experienced crowds this low in the valley. So you have to take the good with the bad. Masks are enforced. I can understand if someone takes off their mask to hike but the public areas and shops are half full and customers practice social distancing.

Yosemite National Park is known for its beautiful scenery, gorgeous waterfalls, giant sequoias, and granite mountains & cliffs.

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13 comments California, California State Park, Jeep Adventure, Sierra Nevada, United States, US National Park

Visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park

California is blessed with many fine state parks and this is one of them and the largest in the state.  It has a variety of areas from Badlands to Sandy washes to mountain high desert.  Some people would call it the Colorado desert or the Sonoran desert you're almost on the western fringes of that area with Palm Springs. Basically you're in a desert environment so you have to be aware of having your own gear to survive if you need to. Common sense, you need to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of bottled water available and some sleeping gear in case your car gets stuck or broke. I would also recommend a basic first aid kit and of course some kind of cactus kit including needle nose pliers tweezers maybe duct tape to remove cactus needles.

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17 comments Borrego Springs, California, California State Park, United States, US National Park

Our Ultimate Florida Jeep Road Trip - Spring 2018

Road trip is our favorite way to explore new places. This Jeep Adventure Quest trip was our second longest trip in the Jeep at 2,200 miles. We follow the Gulf Coast of Florida with stops at Crystal River, The Everglades National Park, Miami beach, explore the Keys then we go up the Atlantic coast to Daytona and ending at Jeep Beach 2018.

Having the freedom to go where you want is amazing. Finding a hotel along the route for your road trip  really can make a big difference to your travel experience. And the more time we spend traveling (or maybe just the older we get?), the pickier we get about the hotels we choose. Do your research and find great hotel deals before booking a hotel to ensure that you are always assured of a good price and comfortable accommodation.

 

Below is our random pics of our epic road trip to Florida Keys during our stop over  - we encourage you to go out there explore too and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it! 

1. Miami Beach

South Beach is a "must visit" when you come to Miami. The area is filled with hotels of all price range and a variety of shops and restaurants. The beach itself stretches on for miles and the sand is quite nice, though not as soft as some of the other beaches we have been to . Also it was quite disappointing to see that the beach was filled with seaweeds. It really spoiled the look of the beach and the enjoyment. But overall,  we still had a great time spending our afternoon by the beach.

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40 comments Beaches and Islands, Daytona Beach, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Miami, Museum and Exhibits, Road Trip, Travel Tips, United States, US National Park

Driving Up Pikes Peak Mountain - US Road Trip

If you are in the Denver or Colorado Springs area, Pikes Peak is a must see. The view is breathtaking. If you drive to the top beware of the Highwinds and do not ride your brakes coming down the peak, you can overheat your breaks. It's a once in a lifetime view and experience. 

Colorado has 54 mountains over 14,000 feet. One of them is in city of Colorado Springs Pikes Peak.  Pikes Peak stands at 14,110 feet high. It's a great place to visit with friends, family, and children, if you are not from a high altitude area, the change in altitude is very noticeable. Dress warm if you visit.

Words cannot explain the beauty and majesty of this place. I'm just in love with all of it from the snow cap to the mountain view.

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31 comments Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado State National Park, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, Pikes Peak National Forest, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park, Winter Memories

Amazing forest of Giants at Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest and oldest Sequoia trees in the world. We visited here to do some hiking and exploring and we were in awe the entire way through.

First of all, the  drive! WOW! We suggest to stop at every viewpoint that you can while driving to and from the actual park. The rock formations, the views of the valley, the wildlife. All of it is gorgeous and worthy of a stop. When you finally do reach the park, you'll feel like you're in a whole different world. For one thing, you'll feel small. Itty bitty! Right from the gate, you'll be entranced by all of the giant Sequoias that surround the parking lot.

This dramatic landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity-- Sequoia Tree is the world's largest trees.

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20 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Three Rivers, United States, US National Park

Visited the Joshua Tree National Park

If you are a long time follower of my blog you can tell, we like a quick getaways from where we're at. Because California offers so many beautiful destinations within a few hours drive. We decided to visit  Joshua Tree National Park located at southeast from LA. As we begin to enter the park we notice red rock formations and obscure shapes that are so powerful. 

The desert of Joshua Tree is world renowned for good reason. These lands are special simply because they are untouched and naked with real energy. It is a deep and very healing experience to relax in breathtaking desert. No wonder why so many artists, musicians and spiritual enthusiasts flock here. Joshua Tree is the ideal place to explore personal retreats, nourish and satisfy your body, mind and soul. It is a true mecca of profound healing.

It is a deep and very healing experience to bask in the vast breathtaking desert.

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17 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Joshua Tree NP, United States, US National Park

A Unique Rock Formations in Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest State park in America. The Valley of Fire derives its name from red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs, 150 million years ago. Complex uplifting and faulting of the region, followed by extensive erosion, have created the present landscape. There is something about road tripping into the Nevada desert. I see beauty, so many hidden treasures. The  park is a photographer’s paradise full of stunning rock formations in all the colors of the rainbow. You don’t even have to hike anywhere to see beauty like this. But I couldn’t stop myself from taking the opportunity to explore this amazing land. There is an endless supply of stunning views with fabulous color, lines and textures.

The best time of the day to be here is dusk because that's when you find out exactly why they call it Valley of Fire. Yes, it's obviously the iron infused rocks, but the way the sun hits them around sunset literally makes the hills look like flames.

Nature is the art of God , what a stunning human head shape red rocks.

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41 comments Nevada, Nevada State National Park, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park, Valley of Fire State Park

Visiting the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

We driven 13 miles loop  through Red Rock  and enjoyed the peace, the views, and especially getting out of Vegas.  This park is only a short drive  like 30 minutes from the Vegas  Strip.  So its hard to miss it.  It has lots of hiking trails and picnic areas just a neat place to go to rest and contemplate life. For anyone who appreciates natural beauty and being one with nature, Red Rock Canyon is for you.

The park and visitors center is very well done. You can drive through the park and stop at several spots to take pictures and enjoy the views. The views change from mile to mile, but the majesty of nature is evident everywhere.

Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert, which stretches out to the corners of California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada.

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36 comments Nevada, Nevada State National Park, Red Rock Canyon, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park

Visiting Crater Lake National Park in Oregon | Part 1

I am one of those people who loves National Parks.  That is why I've always wanted to see this magnificent lake in Oregon and we finally made it. Picture perfect lake. No doubt about it. You will be amazed when you see this lake. It's a long drive in the wilderness no matter where you'll come from.

The drive here was scenic and when you get to the lake you'll forget the long drive that you just did.  The lake was still a few miles after the National Park sign there's a ($15/car) entrance fee  to  enter the park .

The road trip to Crater Lake is nothing short of spectacular.  As we approached the rim, the beauty of the lake literally took my breath away. I gasped because it was as they say, picture perfect. The water was so blue and the surrounding mountains were reflecting off making it all more magical. In late May the ground still has snow and the mountains were snow capped -- it added to the beauty of the lake.

If you love photography, this is definitely the place to go.

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39 comments Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Family Attractions, Mountain, Oregon, Oregon State National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States, US National Park

Cataract Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountain

We enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls,  one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with a small set of stairs near the falls.  The first part of the trail was flat and featured a small foot bridge that crossed the creek next to a tree that had some very interesting features.

At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below.  After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!

📌  Hike the Smokies Challenge

Our very first hike at Smokies.

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19 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Tennessee, United States, US National Park, Waterfalls

Grand Canyon National Park | South Rim

📌 Part Two of this Amazing Journey to the Canyon. Bucket list ✔ check off!

The Grand Canyon is in every traveler's bucket list. The one great sight which each person should see . You can hike , rent a bicycle or take a scenic drive through the park. If you can appreciate nature and its beauty this is the real deal.

Coming on a road trip to see the Grand Canyon was everything and more we expected. Words can't put into words the beauty of how magnificent and huge this Canyon is. It is so big that you think you've seen it all but you haven't but there's so much to the Grand Canyon you don't see. This is a must see once in a life time. Not in pictures but in person.

Nature's always wear the colors of the spirit.

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23 comments Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Family Attractions, Grand Canyon National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States, US National Park

Road Trip to Grand Canyon National Park | West Rim

📌 Part One of this Amazing Journey to the Canyon. Bucket list ✔ check off!

My husband and I are in Las Vegas for a 5-day vacation. I've heard that Grand Canyon West Rim is only few hours away from Vegas. We've always wanted to go to Grand Canyon and being this close we didn't want to pass it up. We decided to rent a  car and drive along at our own pace. Also we bring some refreshments for this trip.

On the way we stopped briefly at the Hoover Dam and do some sight seeing.  We enjoyed watching the desert scenery pass by.  Unfortunately we do not have plenty of  time to explore the whole area. Planning to go back again next year and this time we wanted to try the helicopter or boating tours.

Welcome sign Arizona State

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43 comments Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park

Visiting the Crater Lake National Park | Part 2

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America ,  second deepest in the world and the bluest thing I've ever seen in my life. If you never been here, then you've never actually been in Oregon.  The drive through is about 4 hours from Portland to the park. About two hours of the drive consist of forest all around you. After paying the $15.00 entrance fee we drove to the Rim of the lake. When we arrived we saw a masterpiece in front of our eyes. This lake was surreal  its a little bit windy  but the lake was smooth as glass.

The weather was beautiful, it wasn't too hot for the month of August. Lucky for us there wasn't much crowd that day . We drove around the entire lake, each viewpoint stop gives us a different view. We are considering to revisit this place,  our goal for next trip is to take the  boat tour, trolley, and hike all the way up.  Will update until then. Please find the time and go enjoy this gem in the beautiful state of Oregon.

To think this was a volcano preserved in time just makes me appreciate what Mother Earth has created for us.

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25 comments Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, Oregon State National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park

The Summit of Mount LeConte

We decided to hike up to the Mount LeConte roughly 2.7 miles further from Alum Cave. On the way up its gets a little steeper and rockier. A little rough on our joints but it was definitely worth it. At some points you have to hold on to a rope to get up the slick rocks. This did not stop us, as the views on the way are amazing.  It took us about 6 hours round-trip and that's with a few breaks. Overall, if you are in decent shape I would definitely recommend hiking Mt. LeConte. Literally you get a little bit of everything with this hike like different types of terrain, the cave, rocks, narrow spots, slick spots, multiple bridges and wires to hold on. 

Panoramic views to die for - Mission accomplished

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22 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, US National Park

Alum Cave Trail

Looking for a challenging yet scenic hike in the Smoky Mountains? Look no further than Alum Cave Trail also known as Alum Bluffs. It is the shortest and steepest of the several trails leading to the top of Mount LeConte. Due to its short length and beautiful scenery it is often considered Le Conte's most scenic route and the most common footpath for hikers seeking to reach the summit of Le Conte.

My husband been wanted to hike this trail ever since we moved to Tennessee , and I'm glad he appreciates my enthusiasm.  We hiked two trails in a day, for total of 10 miles. My body is sore and tired, but I feel very satisfied.  Personal challenge completed.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Great Smoky Mountain

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24 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, US National Park

Visit The Newspaper Rock

📌 Amazing ancient rock engravings.

I'm always fascinated to wood carved and ice sculptures, but seeing a stone art was neat! Just imagine standing in the location where people long ago carved those messages in the stone. Newspaper Rock is the earliest form of communication. It's amazing to see in person what's been around for a long time. The writings are all still very visible they are great representative drawings of ancient writings..

Location: 14.5 Miles North of South Entrance (Rainbow Forest Museum), Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

More than 650 images adorn the boulders - one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the park. Below rock images are about 650 to 2,000 years old. People have live in those times have carved these images on stones. To this days these images are visible and is evidence that humans lived there once.

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9 comments Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Holbrook, Petrified Forest National Park, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park

Journey to Bigfoot Peak

This is our second time joining The Smoky Mountain Jeep Club. And today were heading to a scenic journey to the Citico Creek/Bald River falls area and ride to the top of BIG FOOT PEAK at 3,900 feet elevation to hunt for the elusive Sasquatch of Tennessee. The Peak is one of the highest spots accessible by Jeep. This ride is 110 miles round trip from the start point, and includes stops at Tellico Plains, Big Foot Peak and Bald River Falls. This is an all day event! Our first stop is at Tellico Plains Visitors Center for a bathroom break. From there we drove up the Cherohala Skyway onto back dirt roads into the winding trails to the summit of Big Foot Peak. There is a park and breath taking view, eat  and socialize. Big Surprises in store for all on this ride! After lunch we drove down to Bald River Falls. After the falls whoever is interested can stop at the famous Citico Drive-inn for ice cream. At this point the ride ends and Jeepers can go their separate ways.

At the visitor center of Cherohala Skyway

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10 comments Cherohala Skyway, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, North Carolina, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, US National Park

Visit Petrified Forest National Park

We are huge lover of nature and we especially love National Parks. The Petrified Forest National Park is a sight to behold. It really isn't so much a forest of trees, but more a forest of tree fossils.  This Park contains one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood,  badlands of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of 225 million year old fossils, this is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. We drove and  spent about 3 hours beholding nature's wonders.  We stopped frequently to take photos of the Native American rock art.  There was a sense of spiritual peacefulness in the absence of noise.  Be sure not to pick up petrified wood as it's bad luck according to the legend. Anyone who takes wood from the park will be cursed.  It's also illegal. This is a must to see.  Remember, this is a desert and it can be dry so bring fluids with you.

Location: 1 Park Rd Holbrook, AZ 86025

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9 comments Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Holbrook, Petrified Forest National Park, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park