Moon Travel Guides

Stand atop the Continental Divide at Hidden Lake Overlook on this 2.6-mile (4.2-km) round-trip adventure from Logan Pass, where you might spot baby mountain goats. An 11.4-mile (18.3-km) round-trip trail climbs past Ptarmigan Lake to switchback up to a hiker-and-horse tunnel cut through an arête to look down on Elizabeth Lake. In Waterton, an 11.2-mile (18-km) point-to-point trail climbs from Cameron Lake over windy Carthew Pass to drop past Alderson Lake before reaching the Waterton Townsite. In Waterton, a boat ride and switchbacks ascend to a ladder, tunnel, and cliff walk to reach a hanging valley containing an idyllic lake on this 10.8-mile (17.4-km) round-trip hike that includes multiple dramatic waterfalls.

This low elevation makes it an ideal winter hike, and it’s also the best place to look for early spring wildflowers, including mariposa lilies, purple sagebrush, and pale evening primrose. Andrews Bald (3.5 miles round trip) is a trail that starts at Clingmans Dome, a few miles off Newfound Gap Road, and leads to a high mountain meadow filled with wildflowers and shrubs that bloom throughout summer, making it one of the most rewarding hikes you’ll find. Hike Grand View Point in Grand Teton for pink sticky geraniums or backpack Alaska Basin for prolific wildflower displays in August, including white columbine. In early summer stop to look at wildflowers at Primrose Ridge and scan for sheep or take a hike in Eielson Alpine Trail where tiny wildflowers such as pink moss campion thrive tucked in the rocks.

Rise early and explore the eastern Desert View section of the park, driving to the viewpoints and stopping at the Tusayan Ruin & Museum and Desert View Watchtower before leaving the park through the Desert View gate. Continue heading east on AZ 64, passing the Little Colorado River Gorge, and turn north onto U. S. 89, stopping for lunch at Historic Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation, just north of the junction with AZ 64. Spend the morning checking out the North Rim Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Lodge, and nearby Bright Angel Point before heading out on the scenic drive to Cape Royal and Point Imperial, stopping at viewpoints, trails, and ruins along the way. Take an early-morning walk on the Bright Angel Point Trail (0.5 mi/0.8 km round-trip) or along the rimside Transept Trail (3 mi/4.8 km round-trip) near the lodge, or head out on one last proper hike into the canyon along the North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook (1.5 mi/2.4 km round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 mi/6.4 km round-trip).

Formed millennia ago and deposited in the glacier till surrounding the Ellensburg mountainsides, the rare and beautiful Ellensburg Blue Agate has captivated local people for only a blink of an eye compared to the length of its existence. Most of the existing beds are on private land, and even those who do get a chance to scour them consider a single small find pretty good for a whole day’s work. All things considered, your time is probably best spent scouring local jewelry stores who sell raw, polished, and set stones at a wide price range. Learn more about the Ellensburg Blue and how these unique agates are formed in this video interview of former Central Washington University geology professor Paul Hoskin.