Lost Appalachia - The Glorious Gorge of West Virginia

When our son turned 10 years old, he asked us if we can go to the New River Gorge National Park for his birthday. Naturally, we thought this was a fantastic idea, and immediately went to work on planning our road trip for a long weekend down in the heart of Appalachia!

The Drive

Nowhere else in the West Virginia is the beauty of the state so apparent as it is in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The massive gorge cut by the ancient New River features steep cliffs, lush forests, and a rich history of mining that once made this area a boomtown. Now, over 73,000 acres of this region is protected to ensure generations to come can enjoy the excitement of this rugged National Park.

The signs for the park clearly let you know that you have made it!

Our 7 hour drive along I-81 S and I-68 W, and then through the mountains of West Virginia brought us right across the famous New River Gorge Bridge and to our Airbnb in the quaint and eclectic town of Fayetteville, WV. This is a perfect home base for anyone looking to explore this expansive park as you are near countless trails, the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, the New River Gorge Bridge, and a variety of excellent shops and restaurants.

New River Gorge National Park is chilly in February

In terms of food, Pints and Pies just off the main road in Fayetteville is absolutely fantastic for some local pizza (we highly recommend the grapes and gorgonzola pizza). For breakfast, the very cool Cathedral Cafe is a must for anyone in the area (and offers an amazing selection of coffee). We also really enjoyed many of the local shops such as Lost Appalachia Clothing Co, and for the climbers, Water Stone Outdoors is an incredible outfitter for gear!

The incredible Kaymoor Miners Trail was just minutes from our Airbnb

Our first introduction into the rugged wilderness that is the New River Gorge was the Kaymoor Miners Trail. This is an incredibly cool trail that takes you down (like way down!) to the abandoned Kaymoor One mine. Be sure to check out more details on this trail on our Hiking page!

Kaymoor One mine entrance

Beware that frosty, wet wood is very slick, which can make the walk up and down the hundreds of stairs a bit more treacherous than one might expect.

Lots of steps on the Kaymoor Miners Trail

After the Kaymoor Miners Trail, we felt we could use a bit of an easier hike, and made our way to the Canyon Rim Visitors center just down the road from the Kaymoor trailhead. The Canyon Rim Boardwalk Trail starts right off the back of the visitors center, and offers incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Once again, the wet, partially frozen wood made this short walk more exciting than we planned for!

Excellent view of the bridge from the Canyon Rim Boardwalk Trail

After checking out the Bridge from the boardwalk trail, we took a short drive down Fayette Station Rd; a tight and narrow road which takes you below the bridge and behind the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. Once you get right below the bridge on Fayette Station Rd, you will arrive at the short 0.1 mile Bridge Buttress Trail. This is an excellent little trail that leads you to a variety of climbing routes as well as short rope climb up to a boulder for an impressive view of the Bridge and Gorge.

New River Gorge is a climbers paradise

Next, we ventured over to the Lansing area of the park to hike the incredible Endless Wall trail. This 2.4 mile (one way) hike still stands as one of our favorite trails from any Park. The trail has moderate elevation gain as it weaves through the rich, dense forest, and crosses over Fern Creek. Parking is located at the Fern Creek trailhead lot, which is quite small, and fills up quickly, so plan accordingly.

Genevieve enjoying the rushing water of Fern Creek

While some hikers will take the trail from Fern Creek to Nuttall, many will choose to turn around at Diamond Point, where the overlook of the New River Gorge is second to none, and where the trail gains its namesake.

The Endless Wall of the New River Gorge

The next day, after a quick fill up at the Cathedral Cafe, we set out on the Long Point Trail for the iconic view of the Bridge. The trailhead for the Long Point Trail is located off of Newton Rd, and has a large parking lot. This is an easy-moderate difficulty trail that leads you to a narrow rock outcropping perched high above the New River with a fantastic view of the Bridge. Getting to Long Point in the morning as the early fog fades really made for an awe inspiring experience!

Good morning from Long Point at New River Gorge National Park

Thanks to our early start, we were able to head to a few other regions of the Park before beginning our journey home. Leaving the Fayetteville region, we worked our way south towards Thurmond Station, an almost perfectly preserved ghost town within the park! The Thurmond Station region of New River Gorge National Park is a welcome change from the rugged and mountainous landscape of the Fayetteville region.

The Thurmond Post Office at Thurmond Station

After exploring this incredible area, we headed towards the Sandstone Falls region of the park. As with most areas of New River Gorge National Park, you can feel pretty isolated from the outside world, and the Sandstone Falls region was no different. Getting to this area is over an hour drive from the Fayetteville region, but the bridge walk and view of the falls are well worth it!

Sandstone Falls at New River Gorge National Park

After viewing the falls and exploring the Sandstone region a bit more, we headed to the Sandstone Falls visitors center for some National Park Passport stamps and information. Having spent 2 full days hiking and exploring this fantastic park, it was time to head home on our own “Country Road” and bid farewell to the New River Gorge National Park.

Bourbon and Bluegrass - The Many Wonders of Kentucky

“The Bluegrass State” of Kentucky was our destination as we set out to explore Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the worlds largest cave system, and found deep in the southern region of the state. Kentucky offers a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on the East Coast, and the midwestern charm of Louisville is apparent with everyone you meet! On this adventure, we started our journey in Pittsburgh, PA as we made our way to Cave City, KY for a quick weekend getaway!

The Drive

Leaving Pittsburgh, we headed southwest on I-70 towards Columbus, OH. For our family, it made sense to break this drive up a bit, and stopping off in Ohio for the night was the perfect rest stop.

Farewell Columbus

As we departed Columbus, OH, we made our way south on I-71 towards Cincinnati. Lucky for us, we we were greeted with monsoon-like rain conditions, but the Ohio roads sure are nicer than our Pennsylvania roads, and the midwestern drivers have a bit more patience than what we are used to in the Philadelphia region!

Welcome to Kentucky

Continuing south, we made our way into Louisville and the kids were excited to say we have entered a new state. Welcome to Kentucky. Passing through Louisville was great! It’s such a unique city with a great history, and of course its heritage of horse racing. And just like that, we said goodbye to the Rust Belt, and hello to the Bourbon Trail. For Bourbon lovers, there is at least one distillery off every exit as you head down 65S. After less than 2 hours, we found ourselves away from the upbeat feel of Louisville and deep into rural Kentucky at Cave City, home to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Welcome to Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the worlds largest cave system, and covers 83 square miles of land in this region. It is a rather unique park as unlike most in the National Park system, this area has a long history of tourism which has helped shape the park as it is currently today.

Justin and Parker admiring a millipede on an “above ground” hike at Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park offers a phenomenal campground just steps away from the cave entrance and visitors. They have primitive sites as well as those with water and electric hookups. Additionally, the Park has a variety of relatively short hiking trails that take you all around the protected space. Hiking these “above ground” trails also allows you to see where you are in relation to the cave below your feet as markers have been placed along the trails to indicate the popular cave features below!

Our humble campsite for the weekend at Mammoth Cave National Park

While the “above ground” hikes are fantastic, lets’ be honest, you came to this Park to see the cave! Entrance into Mammoth Cave is restricted to tour groups only. Be sure to plan ahead as there are multiple tour options of different lengths and difficulty, and some of them fill up very quickly.

The Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave

We opted to take 2 tours while we were in the Park. We started off with the Historic Tour through Mammoth Cave. This is a great option to really introduce you to the cave as you get to visit some of the most well known features within this massive cave system.

Mammoth Cave is far from a “tight squeeze”

Entering Mammoth Cave, and even walking near the entrance to the cave, you can immediately feel the 54 degree constant temperature of the cave. Our visit was during an exceptional hot spell in Kentucky where the outside temperature was in the 90’s, so getting into the cave was a fantastic relief from the humid heat!

The Abyss

With the cave at a constant 54 degrees, be sure to bring a light coat with you as your tours can last between 30 minutes-4 hours long, depending on what you choose. The visitor’s center and camp store offer a variety of food and drink options, and for a park of this size (read: small), the amenities at both the visitor’s center and camp store are shockingly great!

Gothic Avenue in Mammoth Cave gives you a view into the caves rich history

Our trip to Mammoth Cave National Park lasted 2 days, which was more than enough for us to get in 2 cave tours and hike multiple trails around the area. Even with the rainy weather, the trip was still a blast, and there is no better park to visit in adverse weather than one that lets you hang out in a “climate-controlled” cave system!

The cave lighting system is incredible as its motion controlled

As we packed up our tent and camping supplies, we made our trek back towards Pittsburgh, but not before spending most of the afternoon enjoying the food and fun of Louisville, KY! If you are a baseball fan, or just want to see a really amazing operation, the Louisville Slugger Factory right in the heart of Louisville is well worth a stop! Plus, you get a free mini bat after the tour!

The Louisville Slugger Factory is impossible to miss

Street parking in Louisville may be easier than trying to park in a garage in other cities! There are plenty of spots, the roads are wide, and its an extremely easy city to get around in. After checking out how baseball bats were made at the Louisville Slugger Factory, we took a 1 block walk to the Mussel & Burger bar for lunch. This place is incredible with a large menu of american-style food, good portions, and good prices!

Small batch Kentucky Bourbon….yes please! Be sure to greet the distillery cat that warmly welcomes the customers.

After a quick stop at Kentucky Peerless Distilling for some samples and gifts, we made our way out of the Bluegrass state and back to Pittsburgh for the night before we headed all the way back to eastern PA.

New England - Tranquility and Serenity in the Northeast

The historic beauty and charm of New England cannot be denied. This region, comprised of 6 states in America’s northeast, also lays claim to having one of the oldest and most visited National Parks in the country: Acadia National Park.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse of Acadia National Park

Since we already call the east coast home, we were able to make this a massive, 14-day road trip through through the New England region, but for those coming across the country, JFK International Airport serves as an excellent starting point to explore the area.

The Drive

Our journey through New England began with a drive up I-95N to Rhode Island. We made a quick stop in New Haven, CT for some breakfast before continuing to Providence, RI. While the diversity of Providence provides a big city feel with the convenience of a small town, we headed to historic Newport, RI to view the impressive Gilded Age era mansions that line the impressive Cliff Walk.

The Cliff Walk of Newport, RI

While Newport embodies the rich (literal) history of the Ocean State, we chose to spend the night a short 30 minute drive away in the quaint, quiet town of Bristol, RI. The tight knit community of this town of 23,000 is immediately felt upon entering. The fantastic green spaces combined with the beautiful views of the Mt. Hope Bay makes this a perfect place to enjoy the real charm of Rhode Island.

Small and scenic Bristol, RI

After our 1.5 days in the Ocean State, it was time to leave the small town charm of Bristol, RI and head north into Boston, MA. Before heading straight into “Beantown”, we made a quick stop in Plymouth, MA to see the namesake Plymouth Rock, enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod Bay, and walk around The National Monument to the Forefathers.

The short 30 min drive up MA 3-N from Plymouth brought us right into the heart of Boston. We chose to stay directly in downtown Boston, just a few steps away from the incredible Boston Common. Activities abound at Boston Common, and walking through this deeply historic city provides endless sites that provide an intimate view into the people and events that shaped Boston.

Boston Harbor

We spent 2 days in Boston, which gave us ample time to explore its Beacon Hill, Downtown, Fort Point, North End, and South Boston districts. We also chose to do a whale watching tour, which took us 30 miles off the Boston coast and provided excellent views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat!

A humpback whale breaching off the coast of Boston… as you can see, the weather was by no means bright and sunny

After a fun-filled few days in Boston, we continued our journey north up I-95N towards Portland, ME. The incredible coastal town of Portland is culturally rich, exudes a youthful exuberance, and has a seemingly endless array of food options that is sure to please any visitor!

Enjoying some lobster rolls in Portland, ME

Once we filled up on some clam chowder and lobster rolls, we continued our drive up I-295N to Mt. Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. The immediate decrease in vehicle traffic once you are north of Portland is a shocking, yet welcome sight from the typically crowded east coast highways.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia National Park

The 47,000 acre Acadia National Park can be divided into two section: The Southwest Harbor, known as the “Quiet Side”, and the Bar Harbor section of the park. While a bit further from many of the well known sights and trails within the park, we chose to stay at an Airbnb just across from Echo Lake on the Quiet Side of the park. The tranquility and beauty of the park really shines through on the Quiet Side in contrast to the typically crowded areas in and around Bar Harbor.

Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

We were able to spend 4 full days within the park. During our stay, we explored the entire Jordan Pond, Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, and Eagle Lake regions of the park, as well as the impressive Cadillac Mountain. Be aware that 20 miles of Park Loop Road are one-way, and the road can get extremely crowded, especially during summer months when street parking is permitted. Additionally, access by vehicle to Cadillac Mountain now requires a permit, so be sure to check with Reservation.gov for permit requirements.

The view from Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park

In addition to hiking and exploring Acadia National Park by foot, we also opted for a lobster boat tour through the Cranberry Isles off the coast of the park. Lulu’s Lobster Boats provided one of the best tours of any kind we have ever experienced, and took us out to the Baker Island Lighthouse while we continuously pulled up lobster. Seals and Bald Eagles are known to frequent this area.

Baker Island Lighthouse off the coast of Acadia National Park

The interactive tour was a complete blast, and the convenience of taking off from Bar Harbor cannot be denied. After our time on the water, we grabbed some lunch in town before heading back to the Quiet Side for a lobster dinner at Thurston’s Lobster Pound.

The Boardwalk on the Jordan Pond Trail at Acadia National Park

After 4 busy days of exploring this fantastic National Park, we drove through the heavily forested wilderness of Western Maine into the imposing White Mountains of New Hampshire. We chose to stay in the small town of Gorham, sitting just at the base of mighty Mt. Washington.

The Nansen Ski Jump in Milan, NH

While we planned to ride the Mt. Washington Cog to the summit, we were met with the mountain’s unpredictable weather. Our June trip to the region left us unprepared for the sub-30 degree weather at the summit of Mt. Washington. While our 2 days in New Hampshire gave us the opportunity to see countless Moose through its forested landscape, we had to continue our journey and set off on Route 2 W toward Burlington, VT.

The Original Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream in Vermont

We started our time in Vermont with an ice cream breakfast at Ben and Jerry’s before heading up to to the quintessential mountain town of Stowe, VT. A quick stop to a few of Vermonts’ world renowned breweries, and then we continued to the lakefront city of Burlington.

The chilly, windy banks of Lake Champlain

We enjoyed two full days soaking in the culture and attractions of northern Vermont before heading south along Route 22A into the Lake George region.

The must-see Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT

While a few hours’ rest stop in Lake George was a much appreciated break from the hundreds of miles of driving through New England and after nearly 2 weeks exploring this incredibly historic, and culturally rich region of America, we were ready to head home as we took I-87S back into PA.

Lake George and the picturesque Adirondack Mountains

The diversity, cultural, and untouched beauty of New England makes it one of the truly unique areas in America. Add to that the rocky and majestic landscape of Acadia National Park, and this is an experience that provides a lifetime’s worth of memories!

The High Desert - Cacti and Canyons

From the red colored mesas to the towering cacti, the American Southwest’s colorful and diverse landscape is a must-see destination for any traveler.

Horshoe Bend in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Our journey to explore this incredible area consisted of a 14-day trip covering Arizona, Southern Utah, and Nevada. Along with the three states, we also explored 6 of America’s greatest National Parks.

The Drive

Our trip, a bit of a variant on the Grand Circle road trip, began in Phoenix, AZ. From Phoenix, we took the approximately 2 hr drive south into Tucson, AZ to visit the towering cacti of Saguaro National Park.

The namesake cacti of Saguaro National Park

The 92,000 acre Saguaro National Park, split into two distinct regions by the city of Tucson, provided a nearly private experience within both sides of the park. The sight of the magnificent Saguaro cactus with the Tucson Mountains to the west and the Rincon Mountains to the east, combined with the calls of the over 200 bird species within the park create a truly immersive experience within this gorgeous desert landscape.

The ancient petroglyphs of Saguaro National Park

Staying in Tucson is the most convenient way to see this great park as it places you within a 30 minute drive of both districts, and provides all the food and shopping options you could ask for. We spent 2.5 days walking among these icons of the southwest before we headed northeast through the incredible Salt River Canyon and into the exotic land of Petrified Forest National Park.

Welcome to Petrified Forest National Park

The 5 hour drive to Petrified Forest National Park took us away from the endless landscape of Saguaro cacti, and into a colorful, ancient world of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. This park, full of bentonite clay badlands, fossilized logs from the Triassic Period, and its rich cultural history provided an excellent contrast to the mountainous, cactus-filled environment of Saguaro National Park.

Petrified wood of Petrified Forest National Park

As Petrified Forest National Park does not offer lodging within the park, we set up our home base in the town of Holbrook, Arizona. This small town located on historic Route 66 provides an array of food and shopping options for those post-park evenings.

Historic Route 66 runs right through Holbrook, AZ

Spending 2 full days within Petrified Forest National Park proved to be the perfect amount of time to explore the park in its entirety. Next, we took Route 40 (The Purple Heart Highway) west into Flagstaff for a quick stop for breakfast before heading north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

The awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon

While most people are well aware of the Grand Canyon, seeing it in person is hard to put into words. The over 1 mile deep, 277 mile long chasm cutting through northern Arizona can literally take your breath away as you walk up to Mather Point (the vista which provides the first views for many visitors to the park) and look into the seemingly endless, colorful Canyon.

The incredible Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park

We chose to stay outside the park in the Kaibab National Forest which provided a much needed reprieve from the nearly 5 million tourists that visit this marvelous landscape.

The Desert View Watchtower at the east end of Grand Canyon National Park

Aside from exploring the South Rim from the Rim trail, we chose to truly dive into the untamed wilderness of the Grand Canyon and hike below the Rim on the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. Venturing down these steep, windy, and fully exposed trails will provide you with uninterrupted views of this incredible park.

Parker staring into the void of Grand Canyon National Park

For those not going Rim to Rim at Grand Canyon National Park, 2 days is a perfect amount of time to explore the overlooks and tackle a day hike into the Canyon. For us, we left the park through the East Entrance as we made our way out of Arizona and into Utah toward Bryce Canyon National Park. The scenic drive up Route 89 N takes you right through the scenic Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which provides access to the incredible Horshoebend and nearby Antelope Canyon. Entering Utah brings you into the town of Kanab. Kanab, aka “Little Hollywood” truly embodies the look and feel of the wild west, and offers adventures around every corner.

The striated slickrock in Kanab, UT

Stopping off at Horseshoe Bend, and then exploring Kanab provided a much needed break from the 5 hr drive between Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park. The Sand Caves in Kanab, just over an hour from Bryce Canyon National park, provide an excellent opportunity to climb on the striking red rocks of this unique southern Utah town.

The unbelievable Sand Caves in Kanab, UT

Continuing our drive north into Bryce Canyon City, we entered the 4th National Park on our journey through the Southwest: Bryce Canyon National Park.

The multi-colored Hoodoo’s of Bryce Canyon National Park

We chose to drive directly to Sunset Point to get our first glimpse of the truly unique Hoodoo’s of Bryce Canyon National Park. The Amphitheater of Bryce Canyon National Park provides views of a sea of Hoodoo’s scattered across this wild landscape. During our 3.5 days at the nearly 36,000 acre park, we “hiked the hoodoo’s” to the fullest extent, and were able to explore every area of the park. For astrophotographers, Bryce Canyon National Park offers an incredible Dark Sky location for undisturbed views of the night sky.

The countless stars shine bright over Bryce Canyon National Park

Outside the park gates, Bryce Canyon City offers a range of activities to please any visitor. While we stayed a short drive away in the small town of Cannonville, we were able to explore the open land around Bryce Canyon City by ATV! Going through Bryce Canyon Off Road Rentals gave us the ability to truly enjoy the wide open space around Bryce Canyon National Park. Off Roading through Dixie National Forest and the surrounding areas was also a nice change of pace from our many days spent on the trail.

Non-stop smiles off-roading around Bryce Canyon National Park

After our time at Bryce Canyon National Park, it was time to head deep into the wilderness of southern Utah as we drove towards the small town of Torrey and into the incredibly off-the-grid Capitol Reef National Park

The out of this world landscape of Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, the least visited and most remote of Utah’s Mighty Five, is 242,000 acres of rugged wilderness protecting the unusual Waterpocket Fold. While many people describe the landscape of Badlands National Park as “moon-like”, walking through Capitol Reef National Park may make you feel as if you are walking on Mars. The striking red hues of sandstone in Capitol Reef National Park truly give you the feeling of being on a different planet.

The Freemont River cuts through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park

As there are no lodging options with the park, we chose to stay just beyond the park entrance at the Capitol Reef Resort. The resort provides an array of lodging options, all of which offer an incredible view of the park. Additionally, they offer the truly unique Llama hiking experience, which is a truly fun way to hit the trails with a furry companion!

A Llama hike through a wash at Capitol Reef National Park

While we spent 3 days exploring the wild and wonderful Capitol Reef National Park, this is a park that one could spend weeks in and never fully see the entirety of the park. As we had to bid farewell to this fantastic park, we made the 4 hour drive to the spectacular Zion National Park.

The fertile valley and towering walls of Zion National park

Coming from the near desolate location of Capitol Reef National Park to the crowded streets of Springdale, UT, brought a bit of culture shock to our family. The beauty of Zion National Park just cannot be overstated even when confronted with the well known crowds of the park.

The many switchbacks leading to Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park

We were fortunate enough to stay directly across from the entrance gate to Zion National Park which provided easy and immediate access to the Zion shuttle system for travel through the park. While the nearly 5 million visitors to this park is immediately obvious, the majesty of this 146,000 acre landscape should be experienced by any outdoor aficionado.

The unique Checkerboard Mesa in Zion National Park

We spent 2.5 days in Zion National Park, which provided plenty of time to explore the Zion Canyon and the scenic East Zion region of the park. We also wanted to get outside of our comfort zone (as if Angel’s Landing isn’t enough) and did an excellent via ferrata climb through ROAM Outdoor in Zion’s East Region. For anyone on the fence about a via ferrata, I highly suggest it, as the thrill of standing atop the gorgeous red rocks of Southern Utah is second to none!

The iron rungs of the via ferrata at Zion National Park

As our time in Zion National Park came to an end, it was time to make our way to Las Vegas to prepare for our flight home. On our way to Las Vegas, we made a quick stop at the phenomenal Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, rented some sleds and sandboards, and had a blast enjoying the vibrantly colored dunes just a short drive from Zion National Park.

The brightly colored Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

While we have learned over the years that cities are not really our thing, the convenience of Las Vegas to this spectacular region cannot be denied. We were able to catch the fabulous Beatles Love Show, as well as visit the engineering marvel: The Hoover Dam.

The dropping water levels of Lake Mead at Hoover Dam

Over our 14 days through the American Southwest, we traveled over 1300 miles, hiked nearly 120 miles of trail, explored 6 jaw-dropping National Parks, and spent time in 3 great states. The unbelievable diversity, ruggedness, and unbelievable beauty of the region makes it clear why this is such a heavily visited region of the world. For us, this trip marked a new appreciation for mystical allure of the high desert fo the American Southwest.

Capitol Reef National Park

Flatheads to the Front Range - A trip down the Rocky Mountains

Our plan was simple: visit Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park, and fly back home. But as we began to look into this wonderful and wild region of America, our simple road trip turned into an epic journey down the Rocky Mountain’s!

The Drive

The trip started out by flying into the Glacier International Airport located in Kalispell, MT. This tiny airport tucked deep into the mountains is absolutely gorgeous as you fly over the Flathead Mountains and the turquoise glacial lakes scattered between the peaks.

A glacial lake from 26,000 feet

Once we got our bags and rental car, grabbed some groceries at the local Walmart, we headed northeast through Columbia Falls towards our home for the next few days in the serene West Glacier Village.

West Glacier Village provides cabins and RV hookup’s for quick access to Glacier National Park

West Glacier Village, located approximately 500 yards from the West Glacier Entrance to the park provides everything you need for an extended stay at Glacier National Park. The multiple restaurants, shops, rafting and biking rentals, and gas station ensure you are fully equipped for this expansive wilderness.

Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park

Entrance to the park through the West Glacier Entrance puts you immediately on the Going to the Sun Road, which aside from being an engineering marvel, is one of the most incredible drives in America. Reservations are now required for this road as visitation has dramatically risen to Glacier National Park, so be sure to check Recreation.gov for more information.

Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park

We spent a full day exploring the western region of Glacier National Park, but for those with limited time, a quick hike through the Trail of the Cedars and a drive along the Going to the Sun Road is highly recommended. After our day in West Glacier, we drove up the North Fork to the incredibly remote, off-the-grid Polebridge Entrance of the park.

Welcome to Polebridge, Montana

Access to Glacier National Park through the Polebridge Entrance is via a rough dirt road that is best suited for higher clearance vehicles. With that said, our rental Toyota Camry did just fine with some careful driving. This area provides access to a seldom visited section of the park, and gives you a great appreciation for the true wilderness that is Glacier National Park. As bear activity is often high in the park, bear spray is highly recommended when hiking any trail within the park.

The Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge is a great stop for some food and drink before returning to civilization

The next day, we headed southeast around the southern tip of the park and up to the Many Glacier Entrance to the park. The eastern entrances to Glacier National Park are accessed by passing through the Blackfeet Reservation, which although very rare, have the ability to restrict access through the reservation, and therefore to the eastern entrances. Be sure to check with park rangers regarding any restrictions that may be in place before venturing to East Glacier.

Grinnell Lake Trail in the Many Glacier region of Glacier National Park

The rugged landscape of the Many Glacier region is home to some of the best hiking in the park, as well as the historic Many Glacier Hotel, which is also a great spot to grab some lunch before heading back out on the trail.

The Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park

After thoroughly exploring the Many Glacier Region, we worked our way south along the eastern edge of the park to the St. Mary’s Entrance. This is also the eastern terminus of the Going to the Sun Road, and if the entirety of the road is open, allows direct access back to West Glacier.

The Going to the Sun Road is not only for vehicles

Views of St. Mary’s Lake, Jackson Glacier, and so much more are available in the St. Mary’s region of the park, as well as the small St. Mary’s Visitor Center. After enjoying this great section of the park, we worked further south to the Two Medicine Entrance of Glacier National Park. Two Medicine boasts a campground and store, as well as a boat rental to explore this mountainous region.

A bald eagle perched atop a tree at the Two Medicine Entrance

The Two Medicine region is a bit smaller in terms of its hiking opportunities compared to West Glacier, Many Glacier, and St. Mary’s, but the beauty of the hikes are unparalleled in this section of the park.

Two Medicine at Glacier National Park

We were fortunate to spend 4 days at Glacier National Park, but one could spend a lifetime within this “Crown Jewel of the Continent” and continue to find something new. After our time at Glacier National Park, we took the 5.5 hr drive south on MT-83 into the booming Bozeman, MT.

Lush forests and snow-capped peaks make for a scenic drive south through Montana

Bozeman, MT, with its 58,000 residents is a gorgeous city in southwestern Montana. The rich historic section combined with the ever-expanded newer regions of the city and the beautiful Montana State University, give Bozeman a youthful and energetic feel with no shortage of activities.

Horseback riding through Big Sky, MT

From Bozeman, a short drive down the Gallatin Gateway brought us to Big Sky, MT. Traveling alongside the Gallatin River, with the towering Lone Peak rising above the surrounding area, Big Sky is a small town with a big presence. The world-renowned Big Sky Resort and the highly exclusive Yellowstone Club attract some of the better skiers and snowboards, as well as A-list actors on the planet. Aside from the glitz and glamor of the resort, the wide open country will truly let you appreciate why Montana is known as Big Sky Country. For those looking to experience those rolling hills, Jake’s Horses in Big Sky offers incredible horseback riding options that will make anyone feel like a real cowboy!

Big Couloir on Lone Peak at Big Sky

After a fun-filled 2 days in Bozeman/Big Sky, we headed southeast towards Gardiner, MT to get to the park that started it all: Yellowstone National Park.

A refreshing dip in the naturally-fed Yellowstone Hot Springs

Yellowstone National Park is known the world over for its unbelievable geothermal activity, impressive wildlife, and incredible vistas found throughout its massive 2.2 million acre landscape. As the first established National Park, Yellowstone typically sees more visitors per month than most National Parks get annually. While its crowds and Bison (and unfortunately both of them coming too close together) are well documented, Yellowstone National Park offers a unique glimpse into a wild landscape that is literally bubbling with activity throughout the park.

Rafting the Yellowstone River at Montana Whitewater is a must for anyone in the area

Coming into the park from the north allows you to pass through the quaint town of Gardiner, MT. Gardiner offers an assortment of restaurants and lodging, as well as the Montana Whitewater River Guides, which allow you to run some Class II and Class III rapids along the Yellowstone river just along the northern boundary of the park!

Columnar Basalt rock formations of Sheepeater Cliffs at Yellowstone National Park

During our time in Yellowstone National Park, we took the Grand Loop Road from Gardiner through the park into West Yellowstone, which is where we chose to stay for 3 nights. West Yellowstone sits right outside the West Entrance to the park, and offers endless food and drink options, as well as Airbnb and motel/hotel options.

The exotic colors found at the Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park

As ultimately our trip would take us out of the South Entrance of the park, we chose to fully explore the West, North, and East regions of the park. This provided access to Old Faithful, multiple geyser basins, Mammoth Hot Springs, Artist Points, and so much more over the 3 days of our time in Yellowstone.

Lower Yellowstone Falls viewed from Artist Point

After 3 days in Yellowstone National Park, it was time to head south on Grand Loop Road towards the South Entrance of the park. We were able to explore various areas within Yellowstone before exiting the park and heading directly to Grand Teton National Park. The short, 6.8 mile drive between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is gorgeous and to see one without making the convenient trip to the other may be a decision that you regret down the road!

The unmistakable Grand Teton Mountains

Coming into Grand Teton National Park from Yellowstone’s South Entrance is unique in that there is no entrance gate or station as you transition from one park to the next. Keep your eyes peeled for Grizzly 399 and her cubs as she’s known to traverse this Coulter Bay region, but keep your distance to not disturb her and any young she is raising. Continuing south on Route 191, we hit the Coulter Bay Visitor’s center for some information, food, and awe-inspiring views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake.

Jackson Lake and the Teton Range at Grand Teton National Park

While the 310,000 acres of Grand Teton National Park are dwarfed by its neighbor to the north, the views, wildlife, diversity, and sheer beauty of the park feels larger than life. We chose to stay in the town of Jackson, WY, which provides quick access in and out of the park. Jackson, also known as Jackson Hole, is an incredible mountain town tucked within the Teton range. It’s seclusion from most every other town around, proximity to Jackson Hole Resort, and Grand Teton National Park make it a highly sought-after location.

The Mountain Modern Motel in downtown Jackson provided awesome accommodations right in town

During our 2 days in Grand Teton National Park, we were able to explore all regions of the park, including the backcountry, accessed via the Jenny Lake Ferry. Grand Teton National Park has, and always will hold a special place for our family as viewing those majestic peaks, breathing in the mountain air, and experiencing the incredible wildlife in its natural habitat is something that cannot be captured through words or pictures.

A juvenile moose at the aptly named Moose Pond in Grand Teton National Park

From Jackson, we set out on the long 8 hr drive south toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Taking Route 191 S to I-80 E provides an incredible view of the high desert found within this desolate area. Wyoming is the least populated state in America, and after a few minutes along this drive it was clearly apparent! We chose to break up the drive a bit with a rest stop in the small frontier town of Rawlins, WY.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins, WY

Within the quaint town of Rawlins is the Wyoming Frontier Prison. This former prison-turned-museum provides an excellent look into the deep history that shaped this part of America, and provided a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs for a bit before continuing to Colorado.

Sage brush for miles in the high desert of Wyoming

After a long day of driving, we arrived at our next “home” within Estes Park, CO. Estes Park is a small, yet bustling town at the base of the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The location is an ideal basecamp for any traveler looking to explore the park as it is conveniently located close to the Beaver Meadows, Fall River, and Wild Basin Entrance Stations.

A bull Elk on the side of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Increased visitation to Rocky Mountain National Park has resulted in a somewhat frustrating Timed-Entry system. This system requires a reservation to be made through Recreation.gov to allow you access to the more popular areas of the park. For those thinking they can wake up early or head into the park late, the Timed-Entry system is enforced from 5 AM- 6 PM!

Trail Ridge Road takes you to the highest visitor center in the National Parks System

From our Estes Park basecamp, we were able to explore the entire east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, including the remote Wild Basin district and lesser visited Lumpy Ridge region of the park.

Copeland Falls trail in the Wild Basin at Rocky Mountain National Park

After 3 full days within this high alpine wilderness, it was time to head south into Denver to prepare to end this amazing journey down the Rockies. Coming from the north into Denver allows you to pass through Boulder, Golden, and (by taking a brief detour) hang out in Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Staying in downtown Denver put us within walking distance of multiple restaurants and breweries, which gave us a chance to unwind and relax after spending 13 days on the trail. A short drive to Denver International Airport the next day marked the end of our fantastic journey through the high alpine landscape of the Rocky Mountains as we made our way back across the country to the East Coast.

The bright lights of the East Coast

The Sea and The Swamp - The Wilderness of Southern Florida

The state of Florida is full of stunning beaches from coast to coast, world famous theme parks which dot the center of the state, the beautiful Keys stretching to the south, and of course the big swamp in the middle!

The Brown Anole can be found everywhere in southern Florida

After spending our last few trips in the mountains, we felt it was time to mix it up, and swap out our hiking boots for some snorkels and fins! So, it just seemed right to head south to explore Biscayne, Everglades, and the very remote Dry Tortugas National Parks.

The Drive

Our journey started out of Miami International Airport which is incredibly convenient for exploring this area of the state. From there, we headed south along 874 to our Airbnb located on the eastern edge of Homestead, Fl, and just minutes from the gate to Biscayne National Park.

Commercial Palm tree farms occupy most of eastern Homestead, Fl

Our home, located on a working dragonfruit farm, made for easy access to one of the most overlooked National Parks in the park system: Biscayne National Park. Biscayne National Park is 95% water, so land activities are minimal, but the coral reefs, mangroves, aquatic life, and the Bay itself protected by this park make this a must-see place for any visitor to the area.

Welcome to Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is open to the public 24 hours a day, and is free to visit. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center, the only one in the park, can provide fantastic information about the aquatic life, water conditions, and boat tours to help you truly experience this watery wonderland.

Getting ready to head out into Biscayne Bay

All guided boat tours in the park are managed by the Biscayne National Park Institute which is located directly inside the Dante Fascell Visitors Center. I highly suggest taking a tour if you do not have a personal watercraft of your own as it is truly the only way to experience Biscayne National Park.

Beautiful Biscayne Bay at Biscayne National Park

Our tour gave us the opportunity to snorkel along the mangroves of Elliot Key, as well as go beyond the Keys and snorkel a few different coral reefs at the eastern edge of the Bay.

The crystal clear shallow waters of Biscayne Bay are excellent for snorkeling

Directly next door to Biscayne National Park is the Homestead Bayfront Park, which provides an excellent area to enjoy the Biscayne Bay waterfront. Additionally, the countless waterways which flow into the Bay are fantastic areas to catch a glimpse of some of the more well known and sought after residents of Florida: The Manatees!

A mother and manatee calf in a waterway just outside Biscayne National Park

After spending 2 water-filled days in Biscayne National Park, we made our way to the southern terminus of Florida: Key West. Taking the Overseas Highway into Key West is a gorgeous 113 mile drive through the Keys.

The Tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada

A stop we highly suggest on the way to Key West is Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada. They offer great food and drinks, some shopping, and the highly entertaining tarpon feeding. Feeding the tarpon is something that is fun for the entire family, just be aware of the Pelicans looking to steal your bait the moment you look away!

Iguanas also enjoy spending time at Robbie’s Marina

Traveling south, we continued our drive into Key West, which was our home for the next 2 nights. The sights, restaurants, and attractions of Key West are well documented, so I’m not going to go into detail here, but for us, it served as the perfect jumping off point for our ferry trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Obligatory “Southern Most Point” picture in Key West

Aside from a personal boat, there are two ways to access Dry Tortugas National Park: sea plane or ferry. We opted for the Yankee Freedom Ferry to the park, which sets off from the north west bank of Key West.

Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park

The ferry ride from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park is approximately 2 hours. The ferry is fully stocked with food and drink, and provides breakfast on the ride out, lunch in the middle of your day at the park, and snacks on the ride back. They also provide snorkeling gear for those looking to explore the park by water.

Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

We were fortunate enough to have extremely calm, glassy water on our trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, but any visitor should come prepared as conditions can get rough, and the tour to and from the park is approximately an 8 hour tour. So feeling sea sick from a rough ride out can make for a very long day!

Welcome to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote National Parks in the park system, and covers 100 square miles comprised primarily of open water and seven small islands, and of course the impressive Fort Jefferson. The 3-floored Fort Jefferson is completely accessible to the public, and I highly suggest exploring all levels of the fort as the construction of the structure and the views it affords are stunning!

The endless reefs surround Dry Tortugas National Park

Aside from walking through the fort, the moat walk surround the fort offers a unique experience and opportunity to see aquatic life virtually all around you. Additionally, snorkeling the shallow waters around Fort Jefferson will provide you with an unobstructed view of the impressive aquatic species that make this park so special!

Inside Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

I personally feel that all National Parks are relatively easy to photograph due to their magnificent beauty, but Dry Tortugas National Park takes that to the next level. The park actually offers the ability to camp at Fort Jefferson (reservations fill up quickly!), which will provide you with the ability to view the night sky from one of the top Dark Sky locations on the planet!

The moat walk surround Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

After our time in the truly remote Dry Tortugas National Park, it was time to head back up the Overseas Highway and explore Everglades National Park. Of course, no trip to the keys is complete without some Key Lime Pie!

Key Lime Pie from Boondocks on Ramrod Key

Driving north up the Overseas Highway, we made our way to our next Airbnb on the east side of Homestead, just minutes from the Royal Palm entrance to the park, and the fantastic and must-stop fruit stand, Robert Is Here.

Robert, of Robert is Here slicing fruit for customers to sample

After grabbing some phenomenal milkshakes from Robert is Here, we made our way into Everglades National Park via the Royal Palm entrance. Everglades National Park is a large and diverse wetland with 3 distinctly different (and completely separate) regions. Everglades National Park also experiences a dry season and a wet season, both of which have their own pros and cons. Visiting in the wet season (typically May-November) tends to be met with extreme heat, blood-thirsty mosquitoes, minimal ranger programs, but reduced crowds. Our trip in early May was right on the cusp of the start of wet season, but gave us relatively mild temperatures and virtually no crowds to speak of in any region of the park.

Welcome to Everglades National Park

From the moment you enter this UNESCO World Hertiage Site, you can immediately tell it’s a special place. Unlike the highly developed areas around Everglades National Park, the protected wetlands within the park’s boundaries are teeming with wildlife and natural beauty that can be hard to find in this part of America. The hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, sloughs, and Ten Thousand Islands are incredible sights that provide a constant reminder of the fragility of this landscape.

A boardwalk trail through a hardwood hammock at Everglades National Park

We allotted 2 full days to explore the Royal Palm and Flamingo regions of Everglades National Park. This gave us the ability to hike virtually every trail within both regions, and kayak up the Flamingo Canal towards Coot Bay, which provides a truly immersive experience into the Everglades.

A perfect day to paddle up Flamingo Canal in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is also a certified Dark Sky place, and experiencing the Everglades after dark is like nothing else! We frequently explore the parks at night for night sky viewing, but few parks truly come alive like Everglades National Park. The near-complete darkness blanketing the park combined with the grunts and bellows of the alligators, slithering of the snakes, and rustling of the birds and mammals truly create an atmosphere not for the faint of heart!

The lone light of the Royal Palm Visitor Center at night in Everglades National Park

After fully exploring the southern and eastern reaches of Everglades National Park, it was time to head to the Gulf Coast to Everglades City, FL to spend some time on the western edge of the Park. Taking the Tamiami Trail (Route 41) from Homestead towards Everglades City gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the north entrance to Everglades National Park, and see the low-lying Shark Valley region of the park.

The Shark Valley Observation Tower at Everglades National Park

From the Shark Valley Visitors Center, a guided tram ride is available to take you through the Shark Valley region of the park and ultimately up to the iconic Shark Valley Observation Tower, which provides a 360 degree view of the “river of grass.” The observation tower is accessible by walking or biking the paved, 15 mile (round trip) path, as well.

Alligators can be found virtually everywhere in Everglades National Park

As our trip would ultimately pass back through the Shark Valley region on our return to Miami International Airport, we were able to use the Shark Valley region as a quick break on our way to Everglades City from Homestead knowing we would revisit the area on our way out of Everglades City to Miami. Continuing down the Tamiami Trail will eventually bring you to the small, coastal town of Everglades City.

Off-season in Everglades City, FL

Everglades City has a steady population of approximately 400 residents, and outside of the dry season for Everglades National Park, is a small, quiet town that provides a jumping off point to access the Ten Thousand Islands region of the park.

Excellent food at the Island Cafe in Everglades City

Although many come here to begin their multi-day kayak excursions through the Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades City has an abundance of airboat tours, which take you deep into the mangrove forests surrounding the area, and are incredibly fun. We booked a tour through Jungle Erv’s Airboat tours, which was in walking distance of our hotel. I highly recommend checking them out if you are in the area, as our captain made the entire ride one to remember!

Private airboat tours through the many mangrove forests of Everglade City

Everglades City is also conveniently located near Marco Island, which after spending 4 straight days exploring a wetland wilderness, was a nice change of scenery! Marco Island is a short 35 minute drive west, and has endless food options and one of Florida’s famed white sand beaches.

The clear, calm waters at Marco Island, FL

After 2 nights in Everglades City, it was time to head back towards Miami, but not before a quick stop back at the Shark Valley Visitors Center. A few short hikes are easily accessible right out back of the visitors center, and give you a chance to catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife found within this region.

A massive Eastern Rat Snake greeted us at Shark Valley Visitor Center

Leaving the impressive wetlands of Everglades National Park and entering the bustling Miami Beach was a bit of a culture shock for us after spending nearly a week exploring these sparsely populated areas.

The crashing waves of Miami Beach

Our 10 days exploring Florida’s southern reaches left us with a great appreciation of this fragile landscape, and the often overlooked wilderness in this part of America. From the glassy stillness of Biscayne Bay and Dry Tortugas National Park, to the untamed wilderness that is Everglades National Park, the beauty and diversity of south Florida provides a breathtaking backdrop for even the most adventurous visitor!