American West, California, Camping, Dogs, Food, Hiking, Historic Sites, History, Lunch, Museums, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

After a few prior attempts trying to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, we finally were able to get past the visitor kiosk to walk among some of the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet. This amazing state park protects the endangered giant sequoia and provides recreation and education to the park's many visitors. There are dark sky programs as well as a fun junior ranger program for ages three and up.

American West, Camping, Family, Hiking, National Parks, Opinion, Outdoors, Travel, Vacation, Writing

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah with diverse geology and interesting features. Points in interest include balanced rocks, deep canyons, needle-like spires, and the famed Mesa Arch.

American West, California, Camping, Hiking, National Parks, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Pinnacles National Park

Designated a national park in 2013, Pinnacles National Park protects the endangered California condor and unique talus cave formations. As part of our 2022 spring break, we visited Pinnacles, starting with Bear Gulch on the east side of the park.

California, Camping, Hiking, National Parks, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Joshua Tree National Park

About 130 miles from Los Angeles, California where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, lies Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is home to a diverse population of desert-adapted species, including the famed Joshua tree for which the park is named. This post details our spring break trip taken in April, an ideal time to visit.