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I’ve hiked in a lot of environments, and I’ve learned that desert hiking requires a next-level hydration strategy that goes far beyond what a simple water bottle has to offer. If you’re hiking in the American Southwest a good hydration backpack needs to do more than just hold your gear and a simple water bladder. In desert environments, there is no real shade to hide in, the sun feels more powerful, and the air is extremely dry. This dehydrates your nose and mouth even if yo

DSLR cameras have evolved to the point where they let amateur photographers capture professional-quality landscape and wildlife photos. Top digital single-lens reflex cameras come from competing brands like Nikon, Canon, and Sony. Each comes with key features like autofocus speed, burst rate, low light performance, and other technical jargon. These features matter but can make it hard to know which DSLR camera is right for your style of wildlife photography. As an outdoor adv

Non-Alcoholic champagne that 0.0% ABV is a great sober alternative to alcohol. I embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle by choice. There are no doctor’s orders, court orders, or family intervention governing my sobriety. I simply looked at the man in the mirror, decided I wanted to live the most fulfilling life possible, and honestly knew that alcohol had no place in that complex equation.   It’s the best choice I’ve ever made, and I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of sobriety

When most people think of the North Shore of Lake Superior, it usually conjures up mental images of Duluth, Canal Park, and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Yet just to the north, Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls, and Grand Marais offer some of the best Great Lakes adventures. Gooseberry Falls in particular offers great camping and hiking, while getting you closer to tons of amazing state parks. You can stay at Gooseberry Falls or one of the nearby resorts and easily make day trips to st

Camping inside Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list experience not to be missed. If you’re not comfortable with staying in a tent, or you just want more than a layer of canvas between you and Yellowstone’s wildlife, renting an RV makes a lot of sense.   Today, dozens of RV rental operators and peer-to-peer RV rental services make it easier than ever to stay in Yellowstone, with the comfort of four walls. Often at a price that is far less than what you would spend on on

If you’re entering Yellowstone through the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, you’ve got a great selection of campgrounds and RV parks to consider for your home base. From rustic National Park sites at Mammoth Hot Springs to full-service private RV parks in Paradise Valley and Livingston, there’s something to suit every camping style.   Having spent a lot of time in the area, I thought I’d look at some of the best RV campgrounds near Yellowstone’s North Entrance . Including

Many new RV owners wonder if they should cover their RV. I’ve heard a lot of people who didn’t moan about how their RV’s roof is leaking, walls are bowing, or the tire’s sidewalls are cracked in the spring.   So, if you’re wondering Should I cover my RV when I’m not using it? The short answer is: Most of the time, yes, an RV cover is worth it. Yet this isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing, and you need to factor the cost of a quality RV cover into your winterizing strategy.    As

The majestic Paradise Valley just north of Yellowstone through the windshield of my rental RV. For many travelers, the open road represents freedom, spontaneity, and a chance to curate life’s best memories on your own terms. RV travel offers all of that and more. Whether you own a motorhome, dream of owning a travel trailer, or prefer the low-commitment flexibility of renting an RV for a weekend adventure, there are tons of great ways to answer the call of the open road.   It

Winterizing your RV isn't just a good idea, its a mandatory part of RV ownership.  Protecting your plumbing, removing your batteries, and taking care of the tires ensures they'll work properly next spring. They also go a long way toward maximizing the return on your investment.   Of course, different types of RVs require different measures. Popup campers inevitably need less Winterizing than travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Still, some universal basics need to b

Downtown Livingston, Montana. Image courtesy of Explore Livingston Finding lodging inside Yellowstone is as challenging as it is...

You’d be forgiven for thinking Yellowstone is only a summer destination. Most visitors arrive between May and August, leading to long...

No trip to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is complete without seeing Chichén Itzá. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a...

Every year, Quiet Oaks Hospice hosts a butterfly release at Munsinger Gardens. Each person sponsors a butterfly to represent a recently...

Seeing sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā’s summit is one of life’s rare moments, ranking right up there with graduating high school or...

The Las Vegas pool scene is about more than just beating the heat and enjoying an adult beverage. The best Las Vegas resort pools offer...

Las Vegas may be known as Sin City, but it’s also a gateway to stunning outdoor destinations like Zion National Park. When I visit Vegas,...

Poipu is one of the more popular areas to stay and play on Kauai. There’s a case to be made for Hanalei and Lihue as a Kauai home base....

Yellowstone's roads offer stunning natural beauty, but many stretches challenge even confident mountain drivers. Online forums are full of travelers saying things like, “Why didn’t anyone mention the winding road out of Gardiner?” or “Why aren’t there any guardrails on Dunraven Pass?” Before you melt your brake pads behind a Kia Sorento, I thought I'd take a closer look at some mountain driving basics and a few of Yellowstone's more challenging roads.   Mountain Driving Exper

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are two of the best places in the lower 48 to spot moose. Yet they’re not the kind of...

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are home to one of the largest concentrations of wild bears in the Lower 48. My late father spent...