Author: Lisa

Highlights from Arches National Park — The Fiery Furnaces and Delicate Arch

Highlights from Arches National Park — The Fiery Furnaces and Delicate Arch

After a few visits, we’d exhausted all there is to do in Arches National Park, but since we were in the area, we couldn’t resist stopping again for a scramble around the Fiery Furnaces and a Delicate Arch revisit. Hiking in the Fiery Furnaces is 

The Worst Bathroom in the US is in Moab, UT!

The Worst Bathroom in the US is in Moab, UT!

I know you’ve all been patiently awaiting the results of the worst bathroom in the US competition. I’m pleased to announce that, after months of careful analysis, we finally have a winner! The award for the worst bathroom in the entire United States of America* 

Hiking and Camping in Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District

Hiking and Camping in Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District

A typical visit to Canyonlands National Park is like a typical visit to the Grand Canyon: drive up, get out of car, stand on rim, look in, get in car, drive away. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to get into the land of 

Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park

Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park

After our haphazard trip across mid-central-south Utah, we ended up in Capitol Reef National Park and wanted to chill for a few days in the relative warmth. Much to our surprise, so did a few hundred other people. Capitol Reef is always listed as one of 

Bryce Canyon Does Not Stand Alone

Bryce Canyon Does Not Stand Alone

Bryce Canyon is really cool. Super gorgeous scenery, fun hiking, good wildlife. It’s a place you have to visit in your lifetime. But it’s busy, busy, busy, so we were planning to avoid it this time around. Instead, we focused on all the places around 

The Day We Almost Froze

The Day We Almost Froze

We try to keep an eye on the forecast as we’re traveling, but we’ve been hit with some weird stuff that we weren’t expecting — blizzards, haboobs, massive thunderstorms and windstorms, and plain old too hot and too cold temps. Most of the time we 

Hiking in Zion National Park

Hiking in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is my favorite place in the country, beating out even Death Valley. The trails and vistas in the park are so fantastic that they sometimes defy belief. These trails wouldn’t be built today, and I live in fear that they’ll finally be closed 

Finding a Party and the Best Wash Hike in the World at Lee’s Ferry

Finding a Party and the Best Wash Hike in the World at Lee’s Ferry

I wanted to go to Lee’s Ferry, because I wanted to see the place where Grand Canyon rafting voyages begin. I’ve been working up my courage for a Grand Canyon rafting trip for years (I’m still a few years away). In my mind, Lee’s Ferry 

The Damn Glen Canyon Dam and Page, AZ

The Damn Glen Canyon Dam and Page, AZ

Edward Abbey wrote movingly about the beauties of Glen Canyon. In many stories, including those in the compilation Down the River, he lovingly relates his adventures in the massive canyon formed by the Colorado and San Juan Rivers as they converge and pass through southern 

The Palaces of Mesa Verde National Park

The Palaces of Mesa Verde National Park

I first visited Mesa Verde as a kid and I loved it. I wasn’t sure it would be worthwhile to return, but we’ve got the time and the campground has free showers, so we decided to go for it. Visiting a place as an adult 

Durango, CO: My Favorite City. Ever.

Durango, CO: My Favorite City. Ever.

I first fell in love with Durango when we visited two and a half years ago on our honeymoon trip. It was my birthday, and we had that kind of epic, wonderful day that can set a place up for disappointment on return visits. This 

Seeing The Sights in Albuquerque

Seeing The Sights in Albuquerque

It’s official: I am citied-out. I’m sure there are plenty more nice and interesting cities out there, but I don’t need to see them. Our budget no longer permits me to do the types of things I like to do in cities: eat trendy food,