Travel Articles
Explore travel articles covering the American deserts, the Southwest, and the Wild West. From ghost towns and abandoned places to scenic drives, national parks, desert wildlife, hiking trails, Route 66 and more.
Explore by Category
Destinations
All Articles • Arizona • California • New Mexico • Utah • Nevada • Non-Desert US States
Deserts
Sonoran Desert • Mojave Desert • Chihuahuan Desert • Colorado Plateau
History and Culture
National Parks and Monuments • Ghost Towns • Abandoned Places • Route 66 • Legends and Lore • Cemeteries and Graves • Rock Art • Neon Signs • Festivals and Events • Murals and Public Art
Desert Nature
Lakes • Hot Springs • Saguaros • Desert Plants • Desert Wildlife • Horses and Wild Horses • Dust Storms and Weather
Road Trip
Scenic Drives • Roadside Signs • Weird Western Signs • US State Welcome Signs • Food stops
Adventure
Hikes • Off-Road • Camping• RV Travel
Desert Living
All Articles
Only the 20 most recent articles are shown at a time. Click Older Posts at the bottom of the page to continue browsing the full archive.
Lost Ranch, Arizona: A Desert Walkabout on South Mountain
Wander off to the mysterious Lost Ranch ruins on South Mountain, where a lone stone fireplace, desert views, and unanswered questions await.
Hiking Camelback Mountain's Cholla Trail Into Sunset and Moonrise
I timed my Camelback Mountain hike to descend with the sunset and finish under the moon. Along Cholla Trail, the Sonoran Desert slowly transformed from daylight to darkness above the sparkling lights of Phoenix.
Hiking Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix
From granite boulders and steep climbs to panoramic views of Phoenix, Echo Canyon Trail lives up to its reputation as one of Arizona's most challenging urban hikes.
Above Phoenix: My First Hike to the Top of Piestewa Peak
Normally I seek out lonely desert roads and forgotten places, but Piestewa Peak showed me the beauty of a mountain crowded with hikers, laughter, and shared determination.