Some links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may make a small commission if you make a purchase. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles when exploring these wild spaces to preserve and protect them for the many years to come. Unfamiliar? Head to this blog post to learn more about adventuring responsibly. Washington Waterfalls you can’t miss There are over 3,000 Washington waterfalls making it the state with the most falls in the entire country. Washington is home to the Cascade Range, which literally translates to range of falling waters. So it ..read more

Santa Fe, New Mexico – situated in a high alpine desert at 7,000 feet- must be on your travel bucket list. It’s the oldest and highest capital city in the United States so it’s chalk full of rich history waiting to be discovered. With the Santa Fe National Forest and the start of the Rocky Mountains at your doorstep – it’s every outdoor adventurers paradise! Not only that, I quickly discovered it’s quite the little foodie city! Perfect for a romantic getaway or girls weekend. Here’s my long weekend guide to Santa Fe. Long Weekend Guide to Santa Fe Getting there I made the drive from Breckenrid ..read more

Winter hiking comes with a bit of a learning curve mostly because of two things: the cold and it requires different gear than what you might expect. In this blog post, I break down my winter hiking essentials including everything you’d find in my day pack and a few tips for keeping warm on trail. If you’re new to winter hiking or would like clothing recommendations, I recommend checking out my Beginners Guide to Winter Hiking as it’s a more in depth guide to winter hiking preparations. Backpack and the Ten Essentials Your backpack is your lifeline while winter hiking as it holds everything you ..read more

I recently spent a month on Vancouver Island and let me tell you one thing: this place is going to blow up over the next couple of years. This not so secret destination is slowly making its way onto the itineraries of travelers everywhere. Ucluelet and Tofino have changed quite a bit over the last couple of years, Ucluelet less than Tofino, but nonetheless more people are flocking to the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island. In this guide to Ucluelet and Tofino I break down all of the places I explored, indulged and slumbered. Let’s get to it. How to be a responsible traveler on Vancouver Island ..read more

I never thought the idea of walking 10+ miles up mountains and through the woods would be my thing, but never say never. My interest piqued when I started listening to podcasts about thru-hiking. I entertained the idea of a thru-hike but ultimately decided it wasn’t for me after my first few backpacking trips. Backpacking satiated my desire to under the stars, watch sunrise from the summits, and feel a little less connected to the world below. And so much more. Spoiler alert: after your first backpacking trip, I think you’ll be hooked. I know I was! Not only for the views but for pushing my ph ..read more

Summer hiking season is almost here and with that, it’s time to get on our A-game when it comes to climbing mountains! I have a few day hike essentials that I never hit the trail without. Whether they’re in my pack or I’m wearing them, here’s a list of my go to’s, my tried and trues, my OGs! Day Hike Essentials Pack Number one, the foundation for the entire hike! A well-fitting day pack is essential, perhaps the most essential- because this is what’s going to help you get to the summit. For shorter day hikes I use the Ridge Runner by L.L Bean. It’s shaped to comfortably fit a WOMAN’S anatomy ..read more

Welcome to Utah and the perfect itinerary for your Utah National Parks road trip. Utah is otherworldly, to say the least, and I think this blog post will convince you of that. Living about 5 hours from the Colorado/Utah border has given me easy access to this desertscape, within the last two months I’ve spent a collective three weeks exploring its canyons, cliffs and (seemingly) endless valleys. In this Utah National Parks road trip guide I share my exact itinerary, tips for sightseeing these epic locations, and some logistics to consider on your own Utah road trip. Utah Road Trip Route My poi ..read more

This weekend getaway guide to Breckenridge, Colorado is dedicated to helping you find the best spots in and around town. Because, when I first visited Breckenridge, I did very little research. From food to nightlife to trails – I cover just about everything for your perfect weekend escape. Let’s get to it. How to get there Breckenridge is about an hour and a half from Denver and 3 hours from Grand Junction, off i70. Most people visit this mountain town by way of Denver. If you’re arriving at the airport, add an extra half hour! If you have some time to kill, consider stopping at Red Rocks Amph ..read more

Rocky Mountain National Park is my favorite park in the country. Similar to 2020, the Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry permit system is going back into effect! I don’t know about you, but I am planning all kinds of Summer adventures. It’s not hard to do with the Rockies at my doorstep. But adventures in the mountains can take a little planning, especially when you’re traveling 3+ hours from home. One of my favorite places to explore in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. And this year, not only do I have to consider the 3-hour travel time but also the timed entry permits. Well, n ..read more

This post is written in partnership with Stanley and includes some affiliate links. If you click one of the links I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Winter comes with a bit of a learning curve all on its own. It’s no wonder that winter hiking can be intimidating. This has been my second proper season of winter hiking and, through a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out what works best for me. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a bit of inspiration to get out there and explore this winter. In the blog post below, I share all of my recommendations for gea ..read more