We rolled out at 1:15 to check-off another bucket-list item-Photographing the Milky Way over the Grand Canyon.

Here are two of my fellow travelers after a couple of hours of temps hovering around 20, watching the Blue Hour of the approaching dawn.

Had one fly right over my head at one point, sounded like a jet…

Totally worth the blisters

Funny thing about this photo is I didn't realize how popular this spot was when I shot the photo. I happened to be in town in October but it was super smoky out so I wasn't really getting any photos I loved. An early season snow storm dropped 6" of new snow and clear the smoke out and I quickly found this spot to shoot in the am thinking I was being unique. Come to find out, it's like the most popular barn in the world haha. Fun times.

One of my favorites

El Malpais near Grants NM

I don't really have words to describe how beautiful and sprawling the park is. Santa Elena Canyon was my favorite part of my visit. Also, being able to see the Milky Way with your naked eye is an unforgettable experience. A bonus was Big Bend got its first rain in over 2 years days before we visited and many of the Ocotillo had vibrant green leaves, making their red flowers really stand out. The Mountain Overlook is where I took the panorama showing the stark color contrast from the desert to the Rio Grande as you travel the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Happy I got to take a (very short) dip in the water before it closes! Swipe to see me freaking out 😂

My favorite of the parks I have visited so far has to be Zion… or Zion (whichever you prefer)

Hello! My husband and I have never been to a National park. We love hiking, and have done a fair share in the northern part of Michigan. We aren’t super experienced hikers, the most we’ve hiked is 10 miles on a moderate intensity trail.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for our first national park? We will be going in mid August as well, over a Friday and Saturday.

Me and my wife are thinking of visiting some parks in May; Arches, Zion, etc. in that area. How have things been since the government cut backs? Is it difficult to enter now due to staff shortages? Any concerns currently?

New Mexico

literally was a dream. i didn’t want to leave. originally i was sad about the hoh trail being closed but it didn’t matter. we got an airbnb in the mountains and i’ve never felt more at home. i literally cried when i saw the mountains for the first time; how could people see this and not want to protect it. from the mountains, to the ferns, to the endless sea of moss, this is the place i’ve been searching for. Locations: 1&2: Ancient grooves trial 3: private location (airbnb) by lake crescent 4&5: Sol Duc Valley falls and trail