Posts

Reservation Rule Dropped for Firefall 2026 at Yosemite National Park. Expect Chaos & Crowds.

Yosemite National Park has announced the policies that will be in effect for viewing the Firefall at Horsetail Falls in February 2026. Due to the popularity of this stunning natural phenomenon, restrictions and reservation requirements have been in effect the last several years. However, there will be NO reservations required on any dates in February […]

2026 Yosemite Firefall Viewing Guide: Best & Worst Dates, Info & Tips

Yosemite National Park’s Firefall at Horsetail Fall is a natural phenomenon visible in winter. This viewing guide offers info & tips from my experiences, best dates & locations, reservation requirements, parking restrictions, California snowfall & more. (Updated January 14, 2026.) First, you can read about my last photography attempt in Firefall Snowy Weekend Photo Report from […]

Top 10 Things To Do In Glacier National Park

Here are my tips for visiting Glacier National Park, and top 10 things to do–from hiking to eating. This guide covers my favorite things I’ve done on trips to Montana, and isn’t be viewed as comprehensive. You’d need a month or more to even approach doing everything in GNP, and even then you’d miss plenty. […]

Volcano House Hotel Review: Hawaii National Park Lodge

Volcano House is the National Park Lodge located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with views of Halema’uma’u Crater at the rim of Kilauea caldera that costs ~$300 to 500 per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay. Volcano House is “Exhibit A” in the […]

Many Glacier Hotel Review: Flagship National Park Lodge

Many Glacier Hotel is a National Park Lodge located inside, you guessed it, Glacier National Park in Montana that costs ~$300 and up per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay about the views, restaurants, and location. Speaking of location and views, you know what, if the […]

Things To Do In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Looking for tips and the best activities in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Here are our top 10 picks for things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, photos highlighting the Big Island’s top attraction, and lava flow & eruption info. (Updated March 16, 2021.) Let’s start with the latest developments. First, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park […]

Fall Colors in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland and Akron, Ohio is not one of the “big name” US National Parks, but it features beautiful fall colors. This post shares the best spots for autumn foliage, leaf peeping, a fabulous fall hike to a waterfall, and the current operating status of CVNP. (Updated September 23, 2020.) Let’s […]

Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to visit in Colorado, with excellent hiking, beautiful views, and stunning wildlife. Here are our top 5 picks for things to do in the park, along with tips for visiting, important info, and more to prepare you for a visit to RMNP. Located within driving […]

When Will National Parks Reopen?

The U.S. National Parks have begun a phased approach to reopening, following the extended closure of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains NP. This means some locations and areas will open sooner than others, and with modifications to park hours and operations. In this post, we’ll list which of the 62 U.S. National […]

Why This Year Is Perfect for a National Parks Trip

With states relaxing stay at home orders and the United States beginning the slow process of reopening, many people are dreaming of a much-needed vacationing. This post will offer our “sales pitch” for the U.S. National Parks, which we view as one of the best road trip travel destinations for summer and beyond. While it […]