Favorite Places
From Crater Lake to White Sands National Monument, a Rock Shop miles from any major town, the best ramen I've ever eaten... you'll find some of the best spots hidden in the smallest towns and least traveled roads.
"Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?"
— Hunter S Thompson
Utah/Colorado Border
Hovenweep National Monument
Jumping across the southern border of Utah and Colorado near Blanding, Hovenweep is full of abandoned ancient Puebloan structures built between A.D. 1200 and 1300. Six prehistoric villages were home to an estimated 2,500 inhabitants at one point.
Being able to walk up to these ruins was a truly amazing experience. Both short and long hikes were available with the main overlook a short walk on a wide concrete path.
Moab, Utah
Arches National Park
There are so many hikes here, you need to spend at least a week exploring the whole park. I feel like I barely got to see anything in the two days I was there, the park is more than 20 miles from entrance to end.
Moab, Utah
Canyonlands National Park
I didn't get to explore here much, but the vast expanse of red rock and deep canyons was breathtaking. Being in such close proximity to Arches National Park in Moab, it's definitely worth a visit if you're going to be in the area.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Fremont Black Rock
Most people don't think of Utah as a good vacation or travel destination, but it's full of really beautiful landscapes you can't find anywhere else. I mean, just think about the Great Salt Lake, and Bonneville Salt Flats. Black Rock is located off I-80 and accessible by a really crappy gravel road.
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California
Pioneertown
What once was a movie set has now become a wonderful music destination nestled in some of the only country left in Southern California. Pioneertown is just 15 minutes outside of Joshua Tree. Make sure you stop by Pappy & Harriets for some food, drink, and live music.
Oregon
Crater Lake
The first leg of the Horizon Tour took me to Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon after a really short overnight at a rest stop. I haven’t been through this area since I was maybe seven years old, so it was much overdo.
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