national parks

John Moulton Barn on Mormon Row with snow on the Teton Mountains and a colorful sky in Grand Teton National Park.Back roads travel and photography blog
The iconic John Moulton Barn stands before the snow-touched Teton Range under a stunning Wyoming sky in Grand Teton National Park.
National and State Park Drives / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Mormon Row, Grand Teton National Park: History, Homesteads & Reflections | Back Roads Lens

There’s something timeless about Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park — weathered barns standing beneath the towering Tetons, whispering stories of faith, endurance, and community. In this post, I explore the history of this once-thriving Mormon settlement, the families who built it, and what it feels like to stand among its quiet remains today.

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December 30, 2025
Red barn and rural farm surrounded by multiple fields of crops in the Iowa countryside
A striking red barn anchors this peaceful Iowa farm, framed by rows of fields stretching across the foreground—a true Midwest classic.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Midwest Region Travel Guide: Road Trips, Scenic Byways, and the Heart of America

From rolling farmland and hidden waterfalls to rugged parks and legendary highways, the Midwest is full of quiet surprises for road-trippers and travel photographers. In this regional guide, I take you through the heart of America’s backroads—from Ohio’s Hocking Hills and the winding roads to Sturgis, to the dramatic spires of South Dakota’s Badlands and Custer State Park. These are the places where big skies meet simple beauty, and where every mile tells a story.

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October 11, 2025
Forest Ranger standing beside a massive petrified log for scale in Petrified Forest National Park
A Forest Ranger stands beside a massive petrified log, giving perspective to its enormous size in Petrified National Park.
National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Southwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Step back in time at Petrified Forest National Park, where Arizona’s Painted Desert glows with color, Route 66 history lingers in the desert, and ancient trees have turned to shimmering stone. From the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock to the massive fossilized logs scattered across the landscape, this park is a journey through millions of years of natural and human history.

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September 30, 2025
Winding road through the dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park, glowing under a colorful sunset sky.
A winding road cuts through the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, glowing in the warm light of sunset.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Small Towns and HIdden America / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Vibrant Colors and Unique Formations of Badlands National Park

Discover the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, where vibrant rock layers and dramatic formations create a photographer’s dream. In this guide, we share top photo spots, what to pack, and where to stay—including our surprisingly great experience at America’s Best Value Inn in Wall, SD. Perfect for road trippers, hikers, and anyone craving South Dakota’s untamed landscapes.

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June 22, 2025
Close-up view of the vibrant colors and mineral textures of Grand Prismatic Spring from Fairy Falls Overlook in Yellowstone National Park.
A close-up perspective of Grand Prismatic Spring, revealing its vivid blue center and colorful outer rings from the Fairy Falls Overlook Trail.
National and State Park Drives / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Exploring Yellowstone National Park: A Guide to Its Thermal Wonders and Must-See Regions

Yellowstone National Park is a place where nature’s power and beauty are on full display—geysers erupting skyward, colorful hot springs steaming in the morning light, and wildlife roaming freely across wide open valleys. From the thundering waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the quiet moments watching bison graze at sunset, every corner of the park feels like stepping into a different world. On Back Roads Lens, I capture these moments through both words and photography, sharing the wonder of America’s first national park and the unforgettable experiences it offers along the way.

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June 13, 2025
Detailed close-up of Devil’s Tower’s vertical rock columns showing natural textures and geologic formations
A close-up of Devil’s Tower reveals the striking vertical columns and rugged texture that make this geologic wonder so iconic.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Discovering the Wonders of Devil’s Tower

As part of my 30-day road trip across the United States, I was captivated by the stunning beauty of Devil’s Tower National Monument in northeastern Wyoming. This iconic monolith, rising 867 feet from its base, is not only a geological marvel but also holds deep spiritual significance for many Native American tribes. From breathtaking daylight views to enchanting night photography sessions under a star-studded sky, every moment spent here was awe-inspiring. Join me as I explore the hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and the rich cultural stories that make Devil’s Tower a must-visit destination on your journey through America’s natural wonders.

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June 2, 2025
vollcano eruption as seen from Kilauea overlook shows volcano erupting at night.
Photo Credit: NPS
Big Island Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Ultimate Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Lava, Legends, and Unforgettable Landscapes

Discover the breathtaking beauty and cultural significance of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Big Island. From the awe-inspiring Kīlauea Volcano, with its dramatic eruptions and mesmerizing lava flows, to the ancient Thurston Lava Tube and the stunning Holei Sea Arch, this park offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and photographers alike. Immerse yourself in the legends of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, and explore the ever-changing landscapes shaped by volcanic forces. Join us as we unveil the magic of this extraordinary destination!

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May 21, 2025