Category: Hiking

  • Easing Into Peru’s High Altitude

    Altitude can make or break a trip to Peru. Starting in the Sacred Valley helps you adjust before exploring Machu Picchu and Cusco. Even seasoned hikers should plan smart—it’s the best way to enjoy the Andes without gasping for air.

  • Infected for Life: How Peru Gave us the Travel Bug

    I never planned to hike Machu Picchu—but a “now or never” decision changed our lives. This is the story of the financial risk, the once-in-a-lifetime trip, and how one mountain sparked our lifelong travel obsession.

  • Pick Your Battles

    How hiking with family in Portland taught me the best marriage advice I’ve ever gotten.

  • Why We Didn’t Do Rim to Rim to Rim

    We didn’t hike Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon—and here’s why. A reflection on knowing your limits, savoring the experience, and not letting the checklist override the joy of travel.

  • Plans for the Next Grand Canyon Adventure

    We fell in love with the Grand Canyon’s South Rim—and we’re already planning how to do it better next time. From staying longer at Phantom Ranch to hiking more of the Tonto Trail, here’s our dream itinerary (plus a few hard-earned lessons).

  • Our Grand Canyon Packing List

    Here’s our full packing list for hiking to Phantom Ranch—what we carried, what the mules carried, what we wish we’d brought, and the gear that worked best for us.

  • Our 4-Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

    Here’s our exact 4-day Grand Canyon itinerary, including a stay at Phantom Ranch. We packed in over 20 miles of hiking, stunning views, and a night at the bottom of the canyon—all in a short, unforgettable trip.

  • Hermit’s Rest: A Perfect South Rim Wind-Down

    After our Phantom Ranch hike, we had just a few hours left to explore the South Rim. Here’s how we used the shuttle to see Hermit’s Rest and scenic overlooks—without overdoing it.

  • Phantom Ranch Prep: Questions Answered

    Everything I wish I’d known before hiking to Phantom Ranch—what the cabins are really like, how the mule duffel service works, meal tips, and how to keep your Gatorade cold in the desert heat. Don’t miss these hard-to-find answers and practical tips for your stay at the Phantom Ranch.

  • Phantom Ranch Prep: All My Unanswered Questions

    Unanswered questions before hiking to Phantom Ranch in late June—about meals, duffel service, air conditioning, and more. But every call I made ended with: “You’ll have to ask when you get there.” In this post, I share what I wish someone had told me before I went.