Artists Palette in Death Valley National Park is one of those landscapes that just doesn’t make sense when you see it for the first time. How are all of those colors smushed together into this one series of hills? And why has it all eroded that way anyway?
The Shot Heard ‘Round the World
Not surprisingly, the hike to the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain, is not exactly what you’d call daunting—even in a gentle rainstorm. Nonetheless, I enjoyed marking it off my quest to visit the High Points of Otherwise Flat States.
Flight 93 National Memorial is a solemn place, laid out to reveal the path the plane took on its way towards its final resting place.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is an interesting park unit tucked into southeastern Missouri that doesn’t get much mention outside of the region. I managed to visit during a storm that canceled my paddling plans, but still really enjoyed the area. Lots of little gems tucked in here and there.
I’m not a big architecture fan, but Falling Water is one of the few modern buildings on my bucket list. Glad I was able to make it, and really happy I was able to sneak into the house for a bit during some minor renovations!
Winding snake? Snaking river? River-like sky? Whatever you call it, it made my afternoon.
Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park
Got the Superstitions on my mind…
Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks, as viewed from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
The Great Falls of Passaic River is the centerpiece of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey. This 77-foot waterfall provided incredible hydropower for early America manufacturing, motivating Alexander Hamilton to establish the nation’s first planned industrial city here. A series of gravity-fed canals were designed to distribute water at grade to various industrial buildings located nearby to take advantage of this natural power source. While the neighborhood has fallen into a bit of blight, it’s a fascinating area to visit.
Delaware Water Gap is a fascinating and underrated national park unit.
A wildflower superbloom in Death Valley National Park is a sight to behold.
Feral horses are common at Assateague Island National Seashore.
The Phoenix Mountain Preserve offers plenty of in-city opportunities to feel like you’ve gotten away a bit. Here’s a shot from the summit of Two Bit, looking towards the Dreamy Draw area. Even if you can’t find your way out of town on the weekend, a quick hike in the mountains will always do you some good.
The dramatic White House ruin in Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of the few that you can easily hike to from the canyon rim. If you’re visiting the park, make sure you take the time to do this hike. Or better yet, hire a Navajo guide and backpack the length of the canyon—it’s a far more amazing experience!
An unusually foggy desert scene in South Mountain Park.
The Grand Wash Cliffs peak through joshua trees near Grapevine Mesa. This area, often called Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest, is home to the world’s largest and densest forest of old growth joshua trees. It’s truly an astoundingly gorgeous area. While a portion of the forest has been designated a National Natural Landmark and an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern,” these classifications offer no real protection. I’ve been working with some committed local residents to help steward the forest and advocate for its permanent protection as a national monument managed through BLM’s National Conservation Lands system. If you’d like to support such efforts, please visit joshuatreeforest.org or contact me.
Canyon de Chelly views always impress.
The Bradshaw Mountains near Prescott are a short daytrip away from Metro Phoenix and provide a range of elevations to explore, from desert scrub to tall pines to tiny ghost towns. Stop at the Cleator Bar & Yacht Club or the Crown King Saloon for a cold beer after a dusty day on the roads.
