Oh, give me a home where the dinosaurs once roamed…yes, I know what you’re thinking: dinosaurs?! That’s right! Once upon a time, the Centennial State was a mecca for dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and we have footprints and fossils to prove it! One such mystical site where dinosaurs once roamed is that of the Garden Park Fossil Area in Colorado:
Located in Canon City, the Garden Park Fossil Area is an extraordinary site with an equally remarkable history, both prehistoric and semi-modern.
Spanning 3,209 acres, the Garden Park Fossil Area has been the location of many dinosaur bone and fossil discoveries, including the first-ever uncovered remains of a Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Ceratosaurus, and Camarasaurus.
There’s no denying that Montana’s natural beauty is second to none. Every part of this state has its own unique beauty we wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world. When listing the most beautiful part of every state, it’s no surprise that Glacier National Park is often the Montana pick. No matter how many times you visit Glacier, this national park in Montana will never fail to take your breath away.
Glacier National Park spans over one million acres in the northern part of the state, bordering Canada in parts.
Everyone in Utah (and really, the entire world), knows all about our gorgeous national parks and monuments. But let’s not forget Utah’s state parks! We have over 40 superlative and spectacular state parks, each with unique offerings. Because they’re often overshadowed by their larger national park cousins, they’re also often overlooked. Don’t make the mistake of skipping a visit to these 12 beautiful state parks in Utah. They offers tons of recreation and are much less crowded than some of the well-known spots!
Utah is full of natural wonders, from breathtaking waterfalls and gorgeous canyons to elegant arches and soaring peaks. Adventurous hikers have plenty of exciting terrain to explore, but if you’re looking for a true challenge, Kings Peak in Duchesne County absolutely delivers.
At an elevation of 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is the highest summit in the state and the seventh highest of the U.S. State Highpoints.
Kings Peak was named for Clarence King, the first director of the United States Geological Survey. Sometimes called the “Ceiling of Utah,” this towering summit beats out nearby South Kings Peak for the highest point in the state.
Whether by Mother Nature herself or by the rusty, natural processes that come with the passage of Father Time, Idaho is home to a number of historical places and abandoned structures that have become stunning vintage relics even in their disrepair. Slowly but surely, nature weaves its way into the cracks and crevices of aging bricks, concrete, and wood panels, and before you know it, all that remains is the debris of what once was. Yet even amidst the rubble and rust, these homages to histories recent and long gone still retain their proud, Idahoan beauty. There’s no doubting the intriguing allure of abandoned places in Idaho.
Local photographers with a passion for history and the interaction between the natural and man-made capture these haunting scenes of architecture returning to its natural roots, while local communities like Abandoned Idaho compile these images for appreciative viewers. These photos and locales are just a taste of Idaho’s past made even more picturesque in its decay. Enjoy!
1. This graveyard of abandoned, vintage cars in Caldwell is simply surreal.
Hiking Montana’s gorgeous trails is fun for the whole family, and it’s something we should be encouraging our young Montanans to do from an early age. However, little legs and short attention spans make some of our longer trails tough for them to handle. Fortunately, we’ve discovered a few short-and-sweet hikes in the Treasure State that they’ll love. Here are nine of the best kid-friendly hikes in Montana that are all one mile or less. Enjoy!
This single-mile trail has everything children and kids at heart love: Beautiful scenery, an easy trail, and of course, a breathtaking waterfall. Palisade Falls is one of the best hikes in Montana for kids.
2. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
One of the best things about living (or even just visiting!) Wyoming is the plentiful access to the great outdoors. Whether it’s spending an entire weekend hiking and camping or simply taking a walk in our own neighborhood, there’s no shortage of ways to appreciate the fresh air here. But, one of our favorite ways to experience the state is by heading out on this short trail to one seriously beautiful waterfall!
Located within Bighorn National Forest, West Tensleep Falls Trail is a beautiful route leading to a lovely waterfall.
If you are searching for a unique activity that will instantly bring a smile to your face, we have just the thing. For select weeks in September and October 2023, Monster Bounce, a giant inflatable park, will be here in Idaho. It’s the perfect activity for the entire family and has something for everyone. Jump, slide, climb, race — it’s an absolute delight!
Monster Bounce is no small inflatable park. Rather it offers up to 23,000 square feet of fun with areas for the entire family.
This inflatable park is only available until September 23 in Idaho Falls and will be available from October 6-21 at the Boise Town Square Mall in Boise.
Capitol Reef National Park is full of natural wonders, and it will take you several days just to scratch the surface of everything the 241,904-acre park has to offer.
Stay nearby at Red River Ranch, where you’ll experience some of the best the West has to offer: a large, log cabin-style lodge with luxurious furnishings, 2,000 acres of pasture, and a herd of American bison!
Capitol Reef National Park and the area around it epitomizes the West – vast expanses of open land, towering red cliffs and rock formations, and a big, blue sky above it all. Plan your trip to include at least a week to explore this part of Utah.
It’s pretty much always a good time to get out and explore, and what better way to do so than by checking out these ten gorgeous state parks in Colorado? It’s no secret that our state is the most beautiful, enchanting state in the entire country, and our parks are part of what makes that true. Check these out and plan your visit ASAP:
Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers “mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding amid some fabulous foothills scenery just minutes from Fort Collins and adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir.” Click here to learn more!