Are you thinking about planning a trip to Yosemite and not sure when to plan it? Is there really a bad time to visit Yosemite? The answer is YES! Yosemite closes down almost everything for around 5-6 months a year and crowds are an absolute nightmare for another 2.5 months. The best times of the […]
Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and has something to offer for everyone, from challenging hikes to scenic drives to water activities in the Merced River, to so much more. To properly see Yosemite Valley, spend the morning on a hike of your choosing and pick a fun activity for your afternoon. Some […]
The Pikes Peak Highway is the 2nd highest road in America and takes visitors to over 14,000 ft elevation for some really impressive views. Plus, you get a little adrenaline rush as you maneuver your vehicle around the tight turns with steep drop-offs on the side. Pikes Peak Highway is a two-way road that is […]
Hiking around Mount Rainier can cause you to work up an appetite. This might get you wondering where in the park can you find your next meal? Mount Rainier’s most popular dining option is the historic Paradise Inn Dining Hall, but the surrounding areas in Mount Rainier have excellent and surprisingly diverse dining options that […]
Yosemite National Park is any hiker’s dream. The park is incredibly massive with a huge variety in views, terrain, length, and difficulty that suits every hiker. From Giant Sequoias to the Valley Floor to high alpine lakes, this park has it all. From brisk walks to scrambling up the side of a mountain, there is […]
Glacier Point has some of the best hikes and viewpoints in Yosemite National Park! From lush forests to colorful meadows, this place has me coming back year after year and leaving me in awe each time. Glacier Point Viewpoint is the best place in the park for sunrise, and Taft Point and Sentinel Dome have […]
Lake Crescent is a glacially carved lake that is 12 miles long and 624 feet deep. This area is a fairly busy part of Olympic National Park, mostly because of the proximity to Port Angeles, but also because these sapphire waters are the perfect place to cool off and hang out during the summer. While […]
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most popular places to visit in Olympic National Park. It’s known for being one of the largest untouched old-growth forests in the United States. With miles of hiking trails, a milky-blue river, and nature surrounding you, it’s no wonder that half a million people visit each year. […]
I spent several days visiting every Yosemite gateway town and all the main hotels inside the park so that I could find the BEST place for you to stay when visiting Yosemite. My name is Matt, and I do research like this so that you can have a great trip to the American West. In […]
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the country—and now I know why. In June 2025, I took a research trip to Yosemite National Park to scope out the trails, hotels, restaurants, and logistics. It was my first visit to the park, and I hiked 20 miles, drove 1700 miles, and […]
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