Reflect · National Parks · Hiking Mesa Arch
The Mesa Arch is located in Canyonlands National Park, not far from Moab and Arches National Park. Canyonlands is an expansive park with four separate districts, and there are no roads that connect the districts. The Mesa Arch is located at the edge of the Island in the Sky District. As we peered through the arch and took in the view, my son and I wondered how far the mountains the distance were. For the rest of the morning, we hiked trails along the rim of the Island in the Sky plateau...
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Explore · Connect · National Parks · Family The Window
Amy and I absolutely loved the famously splendid isolation of Big Bend. It’s a special place that inspires curiousity about the incredible geologic forces of our planet. The Chisos Mountains are near the heart of Big Bend. The Chisos are a mountain range island encircled by the larger desert environment of Big Bend National Park. The must-do hike in The Chisos is The Window Trail. The Window Trail traverses through the Chisos Basin and ends at a pour-off point; The Window. Water runoff has...
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Explore · National Parks · Family · Hiking Sand Dune Arch
My son Harmon and I visited Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in May of 2025. We were geared up and fired up with our list of several must do hikes. Between a couple of strenuous hikes, we wandered through Arches to find an easy hike for a mid morning reprieve. We found ourselves at the trailhead of Sand Dune Arch. Sand Dune Arch is a simple .3 mile out and back stroll, so we didn’t expect too much. We were coming off a phenomenal sunrise hike to Delicate Arch and thinking about the next...
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Reflect · Preserve · National Parks · Family Above The Clouds
It’s difficult to articulate the feeling of watching the sun rise from above the clouds atop the summit of Haleakalā on Maui. What a unique and otherworldy place. Our view of the horizon was just beyond a massive, cinder filled volcanic crater at about 10,000 feet. The contrast of tropical coasts, rainforests, and open landscapes that you move through on your ascent to this cold, somewhat barren summit adds to the awe. It was a powerful experience that my wife, Amy, and I were able to enjoy...
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Challenge · Connect · National Parks · Hiking Angel’s Landing
Angel’s Landing is the only hike that has given me pause and trepidation. The ascent up the legendary chain’s section is daunting, yet incredibly rewarding. Angel’s Landing is a tangible representation of a risk versus reward adventure. Somewhere along the challenging trail, I realized that the challenge itself is part of what we came to find. This hike demands effort long before the chains section begins. The switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles are more than a warm up. The summit was...
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