Shiprock—Tsé Bitʼaʼí, "rock with wings" or "winged rock" to the Navajo people—rises a dramatic 1,583 feet above the desert floor of North-Western New Mexico. These eroded remains of an ancient volcano are sacred the the Navajo who live in the area. While access to the peak itself is forbidden, the dramatic views of Shiprock make it worth a visit.
Driving the Shafer Trail between Canyonlands National Park and Moab is absolutely hair raising. The descent from the park's visitors center to the canyon floor is a heart stopping collection of narrow switchbacks. Better yet, the narrow trail is flanked by a sheer, 1,000-foot cliff on one side and a rock wall on the other. And if that is not enough disincentive, there is little between you and a precipitous drop other than a few tenacious sage brush.
For the burgeoning oenophile, Melville Winery is a delight and education. While the winery boasts award winning Chardonnay, like most in this ideal appellation, it specializes in Pinot Noir.
Feed ostriches & emus or buy an egg that can feed a family at the roadside attraction, OstrichLand USA in Solvang, California.
It's 10AM but I am waiting to eat because we are half an hour outside of Solvang, California and I'm craving Danish pancakes from Paula's Pancake House.
Kirk Creek is one of the most desirable campgrounds we have every visited. Amenities are limited: there are no hookups or running water and only pit toilets, a picnic table, and fire circle. Yet, the cliffside campsites with unobstructed ocean views mean that spots can book up six months in advance.
The Buzzard's Roost Hiking Trail is a 3 miles roundtrip that follows Big Sur River and climbs up a shady redwood covered slope with views of Sycamore Canyon and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The trail crests the coastal ridge, taking in westerly views of the Pacific Ocean with a small valley spread out below.
Nestled among the Red Wood Trees and bordering the Big Sur River is the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. This highly desirable campground can book up six months in advance though flexible travelers looking for one night have reasonable odds of coming up lucky. Each campsite includes the standard fire ring and picnic table. Shared bathrooms include running water and showers. A mix of redwood and other trees provide visual privacy for each site.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a delight of frolicking sea otters, delicate jellies, colorful choral fish, and awkward coastal birds. The Aquarium first opened its doors to the public on October 20, 1984 in the former 1916 Hovden Cannery. It currently boasts 34 major galleries with close to 200 exhibits featuring 550 different species totaling 35,000 creatures in residence. It is a joy for all ages but the child in me was particularly a thrill.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most remarkable natural destinations along the California shore line. It is host to one of only two naturally occurring stands of Monterey cypress trees. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, great blue herons, snowy egrets, pelicans, and other remarkable wildlife regularly visit the point. Best of all, almost every foot of the shoreline is covered in hiking trails.