US West

Tips for Climbing Half Dome

Climbing Half Dome is on every adventurer’s bucket list. Once you get a permit, here’s everything you need to know as a first-time climber…

Visiting Yosemite in Autumn

Before the winter weather would leave us housebound for three months here in the Midwest, my family and I decided to take one last trip out west, to visit Yosemite National Park, right before Thanksgiving. We were in northern California to visit family and wanted to take the short trip to the Sierras to see one of our favorite National Parks. It was the first time any of us had ever visited Yosemite in the off season. It was so different in fact, that I wanted to share my photos as well as my overall impression of Yosemite in autumn…

Visiting Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark Meteor Crater Road, Winslow, AZ GRADINGOverall Score: BRecommended?: Yes Information: Admission Prices: About 40 miles outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, where the ground is dry and mostly barren, you can visit a giant meteor crater, the result of an iron nickel meteor crashing into Earth.  This crater, called Meteor Crater, is known to be the best preserved meteorite impact site on the planet. It is also the first proven meteorite impact site on Earth.  Understandably, this is not necessarily a destination for everyone, but it is definitely a unique and educational experience for…

The Best Hiking Near Las Vegas

A trip to Las Vegas usually means, first and foremost, enjoying the city’s endless activity. Aside from walking the Strip or lounging at the extravagant resort pools, most Vegas activities are indoors, including casino games, live entertainment, clubs, and enough restaurants/bars to make your head spin! While these are all fun things to do on vacation, some people may be surprised to learn that there’s actually a lot of outdoor activity to enjoy in the American Southwest – including hiking through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you’re planning…