Hi there! Welcome to journeyswithjohn.com!
My name is John, and I am a traveler and adventurer sharing my experiences and travels with you. I have a background as a Divemaster, Maritime Archaeologist, Limited Commissioned Park Ranger, Forest Service Recreation and OHV crewmember, and as a fitness and outdoor recreation professional. I also love dabbling in photography and drone videography/photography. With my background, my posts highlight history, diving, public lands, and other amazing locations you should check out as well as any tips/recommendations I can provide as I visit or plan to visit more amazing locations. I reside in the amazing state of Colorado but have been bitten by the restless travel bug. I look to spend my time travelling throughout the amazing landscapes of the US. I also post about international locations I am fortunate enough to visit!
Recent Blog Posts:
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Silvershield Trail: Visit Dinosaur Tracks in Ouray, CO!
It is hard to believe that a town known as the “Switzerland of America” would have the longest known contiguous set of dinosaur tracks on earth until you see them with your own eyes. If you are looking for a unique hike that features an impressive collection of dinosaur tracks, Silvershield Trail in Ouray should…
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Bryce Canyon National Park: Top sites to see on a quick visit
Bryce Canyon might not get the hype of other National Parks, but that does not mean it should be overlooked. This is such an amazing National Park featuring one of the most amazing landscapes in the country. You absolutely need to make sure this park is on your list of places to visit in the…
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Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District’s must visit sites
Canyonlands National Park’s scenery and seemingly endless canyons will leave you breathless. The immense expanse of deep canyons and massive rock formations is something everyone should see if they have the chance. The Island in the Sky District is the most visited part of the park. This district features many sites that are worth seeing….
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Bridgeport: The gateway to Big and Little Dominguez Canyons
Bridgeport Road off Highway 50 outside of Whitewater, Colorado provides access to two amazing canyon hikes. The road lets you access Big Dominguez and Little Dominguez Canyons. These are some of my favorite early-season hikes on the Western Slope. Once the snow is too crummy for XC skiing, I usually start hiking here to get…
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Sandbar Beachfront Hostel: The best budget stay in San Pedro
If you are to visiting San Pedro, Belize to Scuba Dive, snorkel, sport fish, or cruise around Ambergris Caye in a golf cart and want to stay on a budget, you should check out Sandbar Beachfront Hostel. This budget friendly hostel features shared rooms and private rooms that will not break your budget. It also…
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Kanarra Falls: Hike here to avoid the crowds of Zion’s Narrows
If you are unable to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park or just prefer to avoid crowds, Kanarra Falls is a great alternative. You still get to walk through water and a narrow canyon on most of your hike. This hike is also amazing enough that you should plan a visit even if you…
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Rattlesnake Arches: Colorado’s answer to Arches National Park
Rattlesnake Arches is comprised of the largest concentration of natural arches outside of Arches National Park in Utah. They are located within Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness area in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The lengthy hike to reach these arches will test your limits, but the spectacular concentration of arches is worth the effort. This…
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Cedar Grove Lodge: Stay here when you visit Kings Canyon
If you are visiting Kings Canyon National Park, you should consider staying at Cedar Grove Lodge. This beautiful rustic lodge puts you right in the middle of the park and provides easy access to many of the park highlights. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I…
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Kings Canyon National Park: Top sights to see on a short visit
If you are making a trip to Kings Canyon National Park but do not have a lot of time to stay at the park, these are the sights I would recommend seeing. They highlight some of the amazing waterfalls and stunning scenery within the park. If you are able to stay in the park at…
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Sedona, AZ: Some of the best things to do on your first visit
If you plan to visit Sedona, you absolutely need to check out some of these amazing hikes and sites. Before my first visit to Sedona, I spent a lot of time researching must do hikes and activities, and these places commonly topped the list. I would add these to your itinerary while visiting Sedona. These…
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XC Skiing Colorado’s Western Slope. Some of my favorite trails
XC Skiing has quickly become one of my favorite activities for staying in shape for hiking season. It is a great way to get some exercise in the winter. It is also a perfect way to avoid the crowds and the hefty lift ticket prices of downhill skiing. The Western Slop of Colorado has some…
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Moab: The ultimate multi-day itinerary for arches and petroglyphs
Many visitors to Moab, Utah visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park but miss some of the amazing arches and petroglyphs that are outside of the parks. This multi-day itinerary to Moab includes time within the National Parks as well as some of the amazing sights outside of the parks. These are my recommendations…
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Where to stay on your trip to Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah is the gateway to many amazing recreational activities. The town is in close proximity to multiple National Parks, is a 4×4 and ATV hotspot, is the home to numerous amazing hikes by arches and ancient petroglyphs and has amazing rafting and rock-climbing opportunities all around. I have been to Moab multiple times and…
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Best first-time hikes in Banff National Park
To be fully transparent, I have only visited Banff National Park once, so this is not an all-encompassing review of hikes in the park. If you have never visited Banff before, however, you will love these hikes and should add them to your list for where to hike within the park. Many of these are…
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The best hike in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
I have been to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument a couple times, and this is my absolute favorite hike within the monument. This is a long hike, but it is relatively simple. There is not much elevation gain unless you decide to hike out of the canyon. There are so many unique archaeological sites…
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Best short to mid length hikes in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park offers beautiful views of glaciers, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It also has miles of hiking trails throughout the park. If you have limited time at Glacier, these are my recommendations for short to mid length hikes in the park that are readily accessible from Going-to-the-Sun Road. This post contains affiliate links. If…
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What to do on a Southwest US trip between Page and Kanab
If you are visiting the Southwest, US and are visiting Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah, there are many amazing sites to check out between these two towns. These are my recommendations for things to do between the two towns. You can visit all of these sites in the same day and maximize your drive between…
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Top things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a remote park in California that preserves and protects the unique Joshua Trees found in the region. If you are heading to this park, these are my recommendations for things you should do and see while there. Most of these are shorter hikes and accessible to most hiking skill levels….
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Cortez: where to stay when you visit Canyons of the Ancients
Cortez, Colorado provides the closest access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. I have visited this National Monument twice now and have stayed at two different hotels in the area. These are my recommendations for where to stay in Cortez for your visit to this amazing monument. Where to stay on your visit to…
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Wiesbaden Hot Springs: A relaxing alternate to busier Ouray springs
Wiesbaden Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado provide a secluded hot spring retreat away from the busyness of the more touristy Ouray Hot Springs. I have visited these hot springs a couple of times and have had a pleasant and relaxing experience both times. Visit the Wiesbaden for peace and relaxation If you are visiting Ouray,…
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Enjoy these amazing all-inclusive properties in Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico offers many resorts including some amazing all-inclusive properties along the beach. I have spent two weeks in Cancun and stayed at a different Solaris all-inclusive property both times. These are my recommendations for your stay in Cancun based on my experiences. Enjoy an all-inclusive stay in Cancun at one of the multiple Solaris…
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Top things to do on your trip to Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah provides access to amazing canyons, pink sand dunes, and manmade caves and tunnels. Kanab is also just slightly over an hour away from Page, Arizona. This makes both of these towns worth combining into an amazing tour through the southwest. If you are heading to Kanab, these are my recommendations for what to…
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Where to stay on your visit to Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a must visit park in Montana providing epic views of glaciers and stunning landscapes. When I visited last, I entered the park through West Glacier and stayed in Kalispell, Montana. I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell. If you are traveling to this National Park, I would recommend checking out…
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Where to stay on your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is an absolutely beautiful National Park with some of the neatest landscapes you can view. When I visited, I stayed right outside of the park at the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. If you are traveling to this National Park, I would recommend staying here for your visit. Where to stay…
