Fun fact: The highest peak east of the Rockies and west of the European Pyrenees is here in South Dakota! I discovered that yesterday when we reached the summit of Black Elk Peak at 7,242 feet / 2,207 meters. A favored hikes in the Black Hills, Black Elk Peak culminates at an old stone fire …
We've had a hard time getting out to hike thanks to the uncooperative weather in the Black Hills this spring. After passing on day after day of 90+ degree F / 32+ degree C temperatures, 40 mph / 64 kph wind gusts, and scattered thunderstorms, we finally tested our luck on a recent overcast weekday. …
When our Asheville-based friends let me know they were spending spring break in Colorado this year, we decided to add a stop in Boulder to the end of our California/Nevada road trip so we could spend a day with them. While they are avid hikers, it is not their daughter's favorite activity so we chose …
At the tail end of our recent road trip out to California and Nevada we came back through Colorado to hike with some friends who were spending spring break in Boulder. The day before we met up with them, we stayed in Grand Junction, Colorado, and stumbled upon an outdoor treasure - Colorado National Monument. …
I randomly tagged the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area outside Las Vegas as a quick stop on our drive back from California. Little did I know it would end up being an all-day adventure and a favorite of the trip! This protected area is part of the Mojave Desert and home to a variety …
Continue reading Exploring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
I feel incredibly lucky to live an hour from Badlands National Park, which gives us the opportunity to quickly take advantage of breaks in the weather to explore this beautiful area. Such was the case last week when our January temperatures rose into the upper 50 F / 10 C for a few days. Although …
Continue reading South Dakota Hikes: Badlands Saddle Pass Loop
Our 2025 was filled with new adventures and lots of travel to spend time with loved ones, both domestic and abroad. We started the year with road trips around the Mountain West to visit friends and family in Colorado and Utah and hike in new-to-us national parks in Utah and Nevada, including Capitol Reef, Bryce …
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Heather's Compass 