We are adventurers, explorers, and wanderers. We travel in a 30-foot Airstream Flying Cloud Office towed by a Chevrolet Express 3500. We hike, we ride, we paddle and we try to prove everyday that "Not all who wander are lost." 

Ari and Jessi Adler

We were lucky enough to score a permit to hike Angels Landing on our first try and discovered first-hand how difficult but amazing this hike is! 

Follow the paths where native Paiute people and Mormon pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

Zion NP

The Amazing Angels Landing Hike at Zion

Maybury State Park has an interesting history - it was originally home to a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients from the 1920s through the 1960s.

This beautiful state park just west of Detroit was once a quarantine destination for thousands of tuberculosis patients, created under the direction of real estate tycoon William H. Maybury to keep the infectious isolated and give them a place where nature could help them heal. Today, it's a marvelous place to cross-country ski in the winter or hike and bike at other times of year. The park also hosts demonstrations of life at the turn of the 20th century, such as honey extracting and sheep shearing.

Maybury State Park

Visit a Former Sanatorium in Southeast Michigan

Home of Kitch-iti-kipi -- or "Big Spring" -- Palms Book State Park is a must-see destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

Palms Book State Park is a publicly owned nature preserve encompassing 388 acres in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The state park is noted for Kitch-iti-kipi, the "Big Spring" of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan's largest freshwater spring, spanning 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, can be seen from above as it wells upward through the pond's bottom of bedrock limestone and sand, creating a continual pattern of random eddies and cross-currents in the depths of the pond. To the Anishinaabe people who were the original inhabitants of much of the Upper Peninsula, this site was a place of mystery and wonder. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit, gushing more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute from fissures in the underlying limestone.

Palms Book State Park

Palms Book State Park and The Big Spring

Hartwick Pines State Park has a lot to offer for those looking to hike or bike, plus it offers an old growth forest trail and a logging museum. 

The largest state park in Michigan's lower peninsula, with nearly 10,000 acres, Hartwick Pines is a wonderful place for hiking, camping, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. Famed for its old-growth white pines, the park features four lakes and a 100-site campground. Fishing is allowed along the East Branch of the AuSable River. The park also features the Michigan Forest Visitors Center and an old-time logging camp, with summer demonstrations of crafts like carving and blacksmithing.

Hartwick Pines

An Old Growth Forest in Northern Michigan

We hiked two different trails in Glacier National Park, including Red Rock Falls and Iceberg Lake. 

Glacier National Park is one of the most stunning places on earth. A true showcase of Mother Nature's grandeur, the park is home to melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Swiftcurrent Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the world's greatest drives. Scenic boat tours are also a great way to take in the sights. For those who love to hike, the Grinnell Glacier is a must-see before it's gone forever. The Hidden Lake Trail is also a great option for those looking for some stunning photos. No matter what you choose to do, Glacier National Park is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Glacier

Two Good Hiking Trails in Glacier

Silver Lake State Park in northwest Michigan offers a lot of things to do, including camping, hiking, boating and off-roading on giant sand dunes. 

Silver Lake State Park is home to 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, a modern campground, nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a day-use area on inland Silver Lake and the 500-acre Silver Lake ORV Area - the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River. The park grounds include the Little Sable Point Light on Lake Michigan and one mile of shoreline on 690-acre Silver Lake. The park originated in 1920 when 25 acres on the east side of Silver Lake were donated for park purposes by Carrie E. Mears, the daughter of lumber baron Charles Mears.  

Silver Lake State Park

Drive Giant Sand Dunes in West Michigan

We visited Great Basin National Park in Nevada, just across the state line from Utah, and discovered what might be one of our new favorite places! 

Great Basin National Park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged mountains, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and the captivating Lehman Caves. The park's history is closely tied to the Shoshone and Paiute peoples, who have called this region home for countless generations. Visitors can explore this unique ecosystem while stargazing under exceptionally clear night skies, thanks to its Dark Sky Park designation. With its rich biodiversity and cultural significance, Great Basin National Park offers a remarkable blend of natural wonders and historical heritage for all to enjoy and appreciate.

Great Basin NP

Great Basin: An Awesome Undiscovered Park

You should spend days at Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, but don't skip either one even if you only have a few hours! 

Canyonlands National Park is a breathtaking desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. With towering rock pinnacles, remote canyons and stunning Native American rock art, Canyonlands is a must-see for any traveler. The Island in the Sky mesa offers panoramic views of the park, while the Needles provide a dramatic contrast to the flat landscapes. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Maze provides a remote and challenging experience. And no visit to Canyonlands would be complete without seeing the Mesa Arch, one of the most popular features of the park.

Canyonlands

Consider Day Trips to Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park

If you're willing to be flexible, you can visit Arches National Park without a timed entry permit, a reservation, or a plan. We did! 

Arches National Park, nestled in the red rock country of Utah, is a geological wonderland renowned for its striking natural arches and sandstone formations. With over 2,000 arches carved by millennia of erosion, it showcases nature's artistic prowess. The park's history also intertwines with that of indigenous people, notably the Ute Tribe, who have inhabited the region for centuries. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stargazing under dark desert skies, as well as awe-inspiring sights like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Fiery Furnace.

Arches NP

No reservations? No problem!

The Pinckney Recreation Area offers camping, hiking, biking, equestrian trails, lakes and more with its 11,000 acres and 40 miles of trails. 

Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Mid-Michigan's Great Getaway

Hoffmaster State Park in western Michigan has lots of different activities for families, including camping, beaches, trails and a big visitor center.

Hoffmaster State Park, located in Muskegon and named after Percy James Hoffmaster, sometimes considered the founder of the Michigan state parks system, is situated on 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. It features the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, a modern campground, towering dunes, and 10 miles of scenic trails including 3 miles of trail that are groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing. 



Hoffmaster State Park

Hoffmaster State Park: Great for Families

Indiana Dunes National Park -- which was a national lakeshore until 2019 -- offers plenty of hiking, history and beaches.

Indiana Dunes National Park, situated along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, spans over 15,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. Renowned for its towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and lush forests, the park offers a rich natural tapestry. Visitors can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, witness vibrant birdlife, and marvel at unique geological formations. Home to cultural sites and historic landmarks, this national park seamlessly blends nature and heritage, providing a captivating experience for all who venture to its shores.