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Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

Colorado, nomad, Road Trip, Uncategorized

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful!

I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take the scenic route, even if it takes longer. I always do now and it has lead me to some incredible hidden gems on my journeys.

I wanted to relax by some water for a while to take a break from driving. I hopped on my maps and zoomed in on the bodies of water around me and searched them on DuckDuckGo.com (safe and private search engine).

When I pulled up, it was even prettier in person than it was in pictures! The mountains in the background made it look like a painting.

I brought my portable solar charger, works great with any USB! Starts charging instantly too. I was recommended this specific one for traveling and hiking. It folds up to about the size of a notebook!

About 30 minutes after I got there, I noticed a herd of cattle starting to drink water on the other end of the reservoir. They were so cute! One cow made it’s way over to graze next to my car and then shorty after the rest of the herd was all around me! I love cows so this was super exciting for me!!! Lol. Mountains AND cows?! How did I get so lucky!!!

Smith Reservoir Colorado

Charles Licken’s sat and watched from inside the car and didn’t seem to phased by them! He’s used to my random shenanigans now.

We loaded back up into the car to head to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is only a 30 minute drive north of Smith Reservoir.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Road Trip Stop On The Utah/ Wyoming Border

I’m always looking for new and beautiful places to explore around the United States! A lot of the time I will just zoom in on my apple maps on a green area or a body of water, and then research whatever names are posted in that area! That’s how I found the Flaming Gorge. I…

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Sand Dunes

Colorado is such a beautiful state! I’m so glad I took this route on my way up to Washington State! I weirdly had never been to Colorado, one of the only states I hadn’t been to yet (aside from the airport)! 🤯 seems like the first place I’d go lol. I also stopped at the…

The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours. This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up…

Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot! I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them! Pro tip: it’s…

Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls). This hike is right off…

Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State.  Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in…

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way! One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river. If you…

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end). I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big…

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Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Sand Dunes

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Colorado is such a beautiful state! I’m so glad I took this route on my way up to Washington State! I weirdly had never been to Colorado, one of the only states I hadn’t been to yet (aside from the airport)! 🤯 seems like the first place I’d go lol.

I also stopped at the beautiful Smith Reservoir about 30 minutes south of the park on my way up from New Mexico. It’s a little body of body of water with a beautiful view of the mountains! There are also some other awesome sand dunes in New Mexico!

The Great Sand Dunes National Park sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains in South Central Colorado! It was surreal to see sand dunes in the mountains!

I used my National Park Service Pass to get in. I’m sure it’s around $20-25 per car to get in without one! My pass was $75 for an entire year of unlimited National Park access! Although I bought it in March this year right before the virus shut down lol.

You can see the dunes miles before you get into the park. It’s a very unique site seeing them surrounded by mountains! I blasted some uplifting music and was so happy driving in!

I was in a hurry to get to WA for my grandpas birthday, so Charles Lickens (my cat) and I only stopped for a couple hours! I’ll definitely be going back and doing some hiking in the surprising areas so that I can see the dunes from high up.

We turned into the first road/parking lot after the visitors center. It leads you to the base of the dunes.

I packed Charles in my backpack and we headed for the dunes! I went barefoot, the sand is super fine and soft. It’s a major workout walking through the sand and up the dunes! Way harder than I anticipated. Bring lots of water! I always bring my Hydroflask, it keeps my ice frozen all day!

I found a spot on top of a dune and relaxed in the sun and soaked in the views. So much beauty in one spot, God did some major work with this place!

Charles loves digging in sand and dirt, he played while I relaxed (this video was from the start of the dunes, there’s no plants once you are a little further out)!

The weather was perfect but about an hour in, the wind started picking up! I had to tuck Charles all the way into my backpack so he didn’t get sand in his eyes. I even tried letting him out and he crawled right back in!

I went back to the car shortly after, I didn’t want him in there too long lol. He’s my baby, gotta make sure he’s comfortable.

It’s such an incredible place! I will definitely be going back! I want to go and spend a week in the area camping and exploring. I could spend an entire year exploring nature in Colorado. Feeling blessed!

Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful! I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take…

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to! I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat,…

Southern California Road Trip Stop: The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in the state of California! This lake is very close to where they host Coachella! I made a pit stop here on my South West road trip, traveling from Arizona to Southern California. There isn’t a ton to do in the area, but it’s a super unique place…

Mount Rainier National Park: Driving to the Top, Photo Gallery

Mt. Rainier is one of Washington States most iconic peaks. You can see the mountain clearly from Seattle. I was fortunate to grow up in Washington. My brother and I decided to take a longer drive to our cousins wedding, and we drove through Mt. Rainier National Park. You can drive almost all the way…

North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth. It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point! It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are…

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked!  I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I…

Oregon Water Fall Hike: Ramona Falls in Mt Hood National Forest

Ramona Falls in Oregon is a Hidden little gem found in Mt. Hood National Forrest! My friend from Texas found it on the AllTrails app and we went for it! This hike made you feel like you are walking through a tropical rainforest, it was insanely green and lush!  The Trail Head It’s not too…

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The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

Adventure, California, Car Camping, nomad, Road Trip, South West USA, Uncategorized

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours.

This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up in the Pacific North West, I didn’t see the type of greenery and terrain that encompasses the mojave desert and surrounding areas!

I took the scenic road through the park. A lot of it was gravel roads, but they were well maintains. Charles Lickens (my cat) and I decided to stop for an hour or so and take it all in. There were tall, barren mountains in the back and beautiful Joshua trees all over.

Joshua trees are such funky and delightful plants! They make me wanna throw a party to celebrate funky plants. I checked out A LOT of them lol. I’m that weird nature girl. They are so unique and beautiful!

This small detour is more than worth it if you are in the area!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Hiking Mt Hood, Oregon: MnNeil Point Summit

This was hands-down one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever done in my life! And I have done a lot of hiking in my days. My friend has hiked around America, Europe and South America and he said the same! Mount Hood is Located just outside of Portland Oregon. You can see it’s…

Maryland Hiking and Sunset Locations: Sugarloaf Mountain

Not gonna lie, when I moved from Washington State all the way over to the North East…. Baltimore to be more specific, I did not expect to find a ton of places to explore outdoors. I moved there for a job and was planning on working as much as possible and saving a ton of…

Spokane, Washington Hiking: Big Rock

Growing up in the Pacific North West, good ole PNW, I was spoiled with serene mountainous beauty, clear lakes and endless exploring!  One of my favorite go-to-hikes when I’m back home in Spokane, is Big Rock! It’s right off the Palouse Highway! It’s about 10-15 minutes down the Highway if you’re coming from the South…

Mingus Mountain, Arizona-Near Sedona: camping, hiking and local amenities!

I’m so thankful I accidentally found Mingus Mountain, Arizona. It wasn’t part of my plan. I headed over to California, and almost all nature was closed due to COVID-19. It was super stressful so I headed back to Arizona. It was hot at this point in the year so I needed to get up onto…

Sedona, Arizona: Camping, BLM Land and Hiking Guide

Arizona is an incredibly beautiful state. I appreciate it more and more each time I visit! This previous time… I stayed for 2 months. Ooops! I was there during the chaos of Covid-19, so it felt better for me to stay put for a while! Sedona is one of the most beautiful places you can…

How Toxins Negatively Impact the Body: A list of non-toxic products

A study done by environmental scientists found an average of 200+ chemicals in the umbilical cords of pregnant women after giving birth. That’s a lot of poison being pumped right into our babies! General hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, bleach, shampoos, and popular daily products are loaded with toxins that have harmful effects on your body!…

Grand Teton National Park: Hiking Up To Delta Lake

Delta Lake Hike was one of the most stunning hikes I have ever done in my 26-years of life! The contrast of the bright blue water, green trees and white snow was unreal. I could have stayed up there for weeks and been happy! This was a very challenging hike but it’s doable for most…

How to Train Your Cat: Leash Training, Car Rides, Hiking, Camping and More!

Traveling with my cat, Charles, has been so joyful! I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cats can be trained just like dogs, people just choose not to train them for some reason. To prove it, he’s a video of my kitty cat going pee outside! He digs a little toilet, plops on top of…

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Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Adventure, Beaches, Florida, Road Trip, Uncategorized

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot!

I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them!

Pro tip: it’s dirt cheap in the winter months. I got a condo across the street from the beach… with a pool and hot tub for $40 a night! It’s a little chillier that time of year but I still got some 70+ degree days.

This previous time, I went in mid June! It was hot but the water there is super refreshing. Cold enough to cool you off but hot enough to where you can comfortably swim for an extended period of time! I got a lot of swimming in!

We spent a couple days relaxing on the beach. There’s something so special about sitting by the water… it’s so therapeutic and peaceful! I needed this escape after the wrath of 2020! Lol.

I brought my portable solar charger, works great with any USB! Starts charging instantly too. I was recommended this specific one for traveling and hiking. It folds up to about the size of a notebook!

Portable Solar Charger

There was beach access at the Fairfield in that’s easily accessible to non-guests. Just make sure you are respectful and don’t use their small parking lot! There are plenty of places to park and walk from alone the same street.

We started getting for dinner and realized the sun was setting! I never miss an opportunity to catch a sunset. The little things can help ground you and bring your joy! Don’t forget to make time for them.

Low quality photo. High quality sunset

Local Food Stops

We went to a local, family owned restaurant that had delicious seafood! The scallops were seared perfectly and the crab was delicious! (although I’m very picky with crab after growing up with family on the beach and catching them myself, but still good!).

We dressed up because we hadn’t been out in a while because of COVID, but you can definitely dress casual at this place too! Whatever your beautiful heart desires.

The place was decorated with soulful African American artwork! It was beautiful and unique all at once.

Jet Ski Time!

On our final day, we decided we needed an adrenaline-filled adventure! I crave a good rush, I love cliff jumping too.We found a family owned Jet Ski spot!It’s very important to me to support local businesses if I can! Restaurants, activities, shopping, all of it!

Power Up Watersports is where we went They also rent Pontoons! And other things, check out their website. It’s JUST over the 98 Bridge that goes over the Santa Rosa Sound, on the island side! You take off right under the bridge and head into the sound.

They have you watch a TV course before you go (liability) and then explain it again once you get on the Jet Ski.

We checked in and did the training and had an hour to kill before our ride. We got a quick sandwich and shared it at a picnic table right outside the Jet Ski rentals!

The sandwich you all know you wanted to see.

This was such an amazing experience for me! I hadn’t been on a Jet Ski since I was a kid. It was such a thrill doing it in the ocean instead of the lake!

There were a lot of smooth straight always that I went up to 50mph on. I have a neeeeed for speed and adrenaline. I went slow for the first 20 minutes to get a feel for it! And I also slowed down when I was close to other water crafts and big waves.

We found a few sand bars out on the sound where we parked and jumped off to swim! We could reach out in the middle, which was pretty cool! The color changes in the water were mesmerizing too! Make sure to wear some cheap sunglasses! Mine flew off and we weirdly found them lol.

Jumped off the jet ski to swim at a sand bar

We finished, ran back and showered (we packed our bags before) and headed to the airport with wet hair and sweat pants! Anything to squeeze an extra hour of adventure in on any trip is worth it!

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Feel free to email me with any specific questions or just comment below! I love to connect with new people (no spam at all I promise).

Breathtaking Hiking in The Las Vegas Area: The Lone Palm

Hot springs are not only beatific and relaxing, they have a lot of benefits to our health! Our skin absorbs the many minerals that naturally occur in the springs through a process of transdermal absorption.  Our skin is permeable and porous and absorbs a lot of what’s in our environment.  Don’t worry, if you can…

Hiking Alone is Very Peaceful, Here Are Some Safety Tips

Hiking alone, especially the first time you do it, can be daunting and very intimidating. I for one was very nervous and scared the first time I did it, but now I do it all the time! It’s so freeing and peaceful, it’s almost a form of meditation for me. Nothing but the wilderness and…

Utah Hot Springs: Fifth Water

I had seen a lot of photos of these bright blue hot springs on Instagram but didn’t know where to find them! Luckily, one of my best friends lives in Salt Lake City and she knew exactly where these springs were! We packed our backpacks up early Super Bowl Sunday and headed for the springs…

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico: sand dunes and sledding

When I started my second cross-country road trip, I didn’t have the highest hopes for New Mexico (not sure why because it’s gorgeous). I hopped onto my apple maps when I stopped at a gas station; I was tired of being in my car and needed to see some scenery. I zoomed in to a…

Sunrise at Yosemite National Park, California

I had been in LA for a few days and one evening I decided to pack up and hit the road and drive overnight to the Yosemite. I mean, the sunrise from the top is every hikers dream so I made it a goal. If you aren’t familiar with Yosemite, it’s a large National Park…

Arizona Hiking and Hot Springs: The Lone Palm on the Colorado

This hike was very challenging but oh so worth it! This is one of those hikes where you really need to listen to the reviews on All Trails and be prepared! There is hardly a trail to follow so it’s extremely easy to get off course once you’re fully into the trail (the start isn’t…

Grand Teton National Park Adventure: Cliff Jumping at Phelps Lake

It had always been on my bucket list to go to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming. I finally made that dream come true in the summer of 2019 during 4th of July week. My best friend and I decided the night before that we were going to go (that’s how we roll), we…

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Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

hiking, nomad, State Park, Tennessee, Uncategorized, Van Life, Waterfalls

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls).

This hike is right off of the main Highway that goes from Nashville to Knoxville. It’s a super easy road trip stop if you are traveling in the south!

The hike is super short and is manageable for all skill levels! I stopped at this waterfall after going to the UT, LSU football game in Knoxville! I was driving back to Nashville.

The falls are MASSIVE and absolutely stunning! I’m so happy and thankful that I decided to make the stop. I was in and out of there in about 1.5 hours!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Idaho Mountaintop Hot Spring: Hike up to Goldbug Hot Spring

Goldbug hot springs tops the cake for my favorite hots spring in the United States (at least thus far in my adventures). Adding an amazingly breath-taking view on top of a fully natural hot spring makes it stand out among the rest. Hopefully I will be able to make it back many more times while…

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

hiking, National Parks, Nevada, Road Trip, South West USA, Uncategorized

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way!

One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river.

If you haven’t experienced a ton of red rock (like the Pacific North West girl in me), this is an amazing place to do it! There are so many unique colors and rock formations. Such an badass place!

I met another Van Lifer, he was from Cyprus (an island in Europe close to Greece). He’s big on rock climbing and was traveling around America climbing in different locations! We met at an RV resort off Las Vegas BLVD… so random haha. But, we ended up traveling together for a good while during all of the COVID-19 madness!

We started the day making breakfast on my portable single stove! Its small and easy to bring places. And isn’t too weird to use in public areas haha.

Cheap Portable Stove that I bring!

He taught me a little but of rock climbing! I did some free hand climbing down this little Canyon. It was scary but I felt accomplished! Red Rock Canyon National Park is a world class climbing destination. Climbers from all over the world come here! I saw them everywhere. They are pretty fun to watch too.

Red Rock Canyon Rock Climing

Las Vegas is HOTTTT. Make sure you bring a lot of water. And I don’t mean that lightly. Between the dry air and the heat, you can get dehydrated fast.

I drank 40oz of water on this hike, so important to stay hydrated. I love Camelbacks (they hold a lot of water) and I use them on super long hikes, but on 1-8 mile hikes, I typically just bring my Hydroflask since I prefer ice water. I have a 40oz Hydroflask and it keeps my ice water cold all day, no matter how hot out it is! (they have smaller and larger ones as well).

Apparently a lot of burrow are on this trail because of this watering hole. I was sad I didn’t see any so I pretended to be one drinking water instead lol:

No better feeling than a cold brew at the top of a long hike!

The hike we went on is called Calico Hills, I found it on the AllTrails App!

The views inside of this park are also unreal! As well as the drive. Definitely recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Sunset at the end of the hike, walking back to the car.

You can get in for free if you have a National Park Service Pass. The pass costs $75 for the entire year, or you can pay anytime you enter but it adds up fast. A lot of parks charge $20 a car. I always get mine renewed every year! The pass also now comes with a parking pass, which hangs from your rear view window.

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

California, nomad, Road Trip, State Park, Uncategorized, Van Life

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end).

I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big Tree State Park and decided to stop. The two lane highway driving in near Arnold California was so lush and beautiful. Dense Forrest with massive trees everywhere!

This was when I wasn’t as good at self timer photos 🤣

This was just a small pit stop on my way to Lake Tahoe! But I’m sure glad I made the stop. So worth it!

It was pretty cool feeling super small next to these massive trees. Charles Lickens also loved checking out the tree roots! It’s a very unique place to be, especially if you have yet to experience the massive trees in the state of California. I’m lucky enough to have grandparents who live right next to the Redwoods in Northern California, so I was spoiled with beautiful scenery my entire childhood!

He talks a lot when he’s curious.

We went in early spring and there was still a lot of snow, so sadly we didn’t get to see a lot of the coolest part. We’ll be back!

California is in bear country, make sure to always have your bear spray on you anytime you are in the woods. The attacks are rare, but I’ve seen A LOT of bears. Better safe than sorry!

Bear Spray on Amazon
Sir Charles getting some fresh water. (And yes he always talks this much lol).

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

California, Cat On A Leash, Cats, National Parks, Road Trip, Uncategorized, Waterfalls

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to!

I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat, Charles Lickens, and I got there in time to see a beautiful Yosemite sunrise! Charles and I have been car camping all across America for the last year or so! It’s a cheap and easy way to see the country!

Near the visitors center

You can drive all the way through the park from one side to the other (most the year, be sure to check for snow/weather closures).

There are tons of waterfalls and scenic lookouts! I normally would have stopped to hike but it was super packed, there were endless lines for parking spots and I was there at first light! I also didn’t have a safe place to leave my kitty.

Charles and I did manage to find a nice spot to cozy up for a hammock nap! I also found out you can buy a beer in the little eating area. It’s in the fridge with all of the other drinks (water, pop, tea, etc.). It was a nice little refresher after pulling an all-nighter and walking around all day, kitty in tow!

Hammock chillin’ at Yosemite

I have a double hammock! I like the extra space. I’m able to draw and read comfortably inside! It also fits two people super easily! My friend and I used it together and we had more than enough space. He read on one end and i drew on the other.

Mr Talkative as people walk by lol.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

There’s a town on the north side of the park, Sonora, California! I stayed the night there. It was so cute! I was told by more than one person that they have the best Mexican food ever there! And I must say, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! The place was Called El Arroyo. Yum!

By far the best restaurant you can eat at near Yosemite. But there were also other types of food in this town if you don’t like Mexican!

The best place to eat near The Yosemite.

The drive from Yosemite to Senora is also amazing! Little windy two lane road through the rolling hills of California.

Driving out of the the north side of Yosemite, towards Sonora.

North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

camping, hiking, National Parks, Pacific North West, Uncategorized, Washington State

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth.

It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point!

It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are filled with ferns and moss. I’m sure there are tons of huckleberries too but we went a little to early in the year for that!

The hikes we went on were very dangerous, we got stuck more than once, so I’m not going to publicly recommend them! If you want the details, feel free to email me or find me on instagram, or Facebook! 

The dense, lush forest of the Cascades. So beautiful!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Diablo Lake:

This lake is one of the most iconic spots in the North Cascades.

Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park

Yes, the water is this blue in person! It’s breathtaking. This was before we even hiked or camp, just a beautiful stop as you drive thru the park. Every twist and turn has your eye balls exploding out of your head with excitement.

We took these photos at a scenic turnout right off the main road. 

We stayed at a campground just across the lake from the scenic turn out! There was a nice little trail connected to the campground that we went did the first afternoon. It had beautiful views of the lake! There was absolutely no phone service. There was an investigation going on for a missing person and we were spooked so we only stayed at this spot for one night!

The forest there is super dense. You can see how sunny it is outside, but it’s pretty dark still back in the trees! (I’m from WA state so I’m used to it). It also gets super cold at night. Bring winter or warm clothes for night time, even in the summer!

We make sure to bring the Jetboil so we can have hot coffee during the chilly mornings! It’s super lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to bring around. Not sure how I survived without one before with how much I’m hiking and camping.

We also usually do car camping. It’s safer for women and a little warmer and secure than a tent!

Ready my guide for car camping.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

IMPORTANT!!!

There are both black bears and grizzly bears in these woods. Do not go anywhere without bear spray! I would bring multiple canisters of it to be safe. You can get it at most outdoors stores or get it on amazon! And some knives you can strap to the front of your pack!

Bear Spray on Amazon

We even brought ours to the bathroom every single time. 

Bear Spray

The next morning we went up to the small town of Marble Mount. It’s one of the only place with phone service and amenities! Its about 30-minutes from Diablo Lake. We found a map and hoped online to find an awesome hike. Which we did find, it just didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Ooops.

The Amazing Mystery Hike

I’m not sharing this hike location, it’s too dangerous and I don’t want to set anyone up for failure! I’m sure you can find it on the AllTrails App by comparing pictures! 

North Cascades National Park Hike
What’s better than a PB&J on a hamburger bun via mountaintop?!

Were both very experienced hikers, it was just a tricky hike with very high elevation. We probably would have been fine later in the year. We hiked far up the Grand Tetons in July and there was minimal snow! Those few weeks can make a big difference in the mountains.

With any hike you go on in this park, make sure to bring warm clothes. Even if it’s super hot out! The temperature can drop quickly. These mountains aren’t ones to be messed with! We started the hike when it was in the 80’s and we were shivering by the time we got down. We each brought a long sleeve too. Be prepared for temperature changes as the elevation climbs and as the sun fades!

We ended up summiting this peak on accident! Lol. 

Summit a North Cascade Peak
North Cascades National Park

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It was incredible but we were stuck up there for a long time. The snow is super easy to climb up, and yet super hard to get down! We fell a long ways at one point! It was super steep. We may or may not have been hanging from bushes with our feet dangling at one point…. while massive spiders crawled over out hands. And no, I’m not kidding. We are both terribly afraid of spiders too haha.

Stranded and stressed. Summit Fever got to us.
Rebuilding energy with a snack on the way back down.

Lesson learned (a few years ago): deeply research every hike before you go on them! And don’t summit a Cascade Peak until at least July! (We went in mid June). Always being extra warm clothes, no matter how short or easy the hike may seem.

There wasn’t a gate or people charging money when we went, but things can change over the year so it’s better to prepared for National Park fees. Mt Rainier National Park was surprisingly the same! No gate but there was a big visitors center at the top.

You can get in for free if you have a National Park Service Pass. The pass costs $75 for the entire year, or you can pay anytime you enter but it adds up fast. A lot of parks charge $20 a car. I always get mine renewed every year! The pass also now comes with a parking pass, which hangs from your rear view window.

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

National Parks, Uncategorized

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked! 

Home Girl Mary (towards the end of the day).

I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I was going to be going to a lot of parks that summer so I picked up a National Park Pass. It’s usually $20 per car each time, or you can buy the year long pass for $75. It makes more sense to me to buy the year long one! 

I had Charles, my cat, with me so I was only planning on staying on the paved areas along the rim. I don’t like to bring him on heavily trafficked hikes, I usually end up carrying him lol. He can be anti social. 

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We started walking and within the first 10 minutes or so we saw a beautiful female elk! She was about 20 yards from us. I could feel Charles getting stress, so I put him in my backpack and covered him with my flannel. He enjoys it and it calms him down. 

We continued walking and a few minutes later, a guy coming from in front of me started pointing. I looked behind me and Mary, what I named the elk, was RIGHT behind me. She seemed very docile and calm… but ya know I was on a cliff at The Grand Canyon so I was a little stressed to say the least.

I’ve been around a lot of wild life in my days, but nothing like this!

She started to fall further behind and I relaxed. I packed a lunch. Charles and I found a nice rock to sit off just off the side. I let him out to stretch (with his harness and leash). All the sudden my cat starts making this weird howling noise. I looked behind me and MARY was right there! 

Luckily I had my bear spray on me, it gave me some peace of mind! I kept it in my hand the whole time she was near. Elk can get agitated and aggressive. I always bring it, even when there aren’t bears. It works for bad humans and other animals!

Bear Spray on Amazon

Not to mention… I was sitting about 3 feet from the cliff at this point. She was grazing and kept moving closer. She started grazing next to me. It was almost like she was a third wheel to Charles and I for lunch lol.

Sitting right on the cliff as she approached us.

I covered Charles with my flannel and tried to get him into my backpack while she was a little further away. Which worked.

She was still super calm and walked around the little area I was in. When she was about 30 yards away, I got up and went back to the trail. And little to my surprise, she followed me again! Man, I must smell good or something. 

She walked right next to me for a long time! Every time I stopped, she would stop. She grazed her head on my shoulder one time (I never touched her, I would never touch a wild animal). 

Got more relaxed as it went on. Mary was a home girl.

I took a joke picture to make it look like I was being chased to send to my parents hahaha, they had just Face Timed me right before telling me  not to do anything stupid.

Mom and elk is trying to kill me! 😉

And to end the day with a bang, I met some Brits who gave me a good laugh! Check it out. (inappropriate satire, don’t worry they were with their parents, they post a lot of comedy videos).

This day will forever be something that I will never forget. I was at one of the most iconic nature locations in the world, and got to be up close to a big beautiful animal. I’m truly blessed! 

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