Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Big Spring

Ozark National Scenic Riverway - Big Spring - Water flowing out to the Current River

I came into this spot blind last night just looking for a place to sleep. Randomly winding up at Big Spring in Missouri just searching for a campsite? Pretty fortunate. I broke camp and drove just a short distance outside the campground to find Big Spring but you could walk/hike the Slough Trail if you … Read more

Big Springs Nature Park

Big Springs Nature Park - Guttenberg, Iowa

My final destination for the day was at Big Springs Nature Park in Guttenberg, Iowa. From Hazel Green, Wisconsin I followed IA-3 and US-52 along what they call the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The drive itself is pretty fun and shows the Iowa side along the Mississippi but often times goes inland. Either … Read more

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - Bridge from Viewpoint 1

Driving back from Sedona towards Phoenix, I had time for just one more stop before sundown.  Took a quick look at my map & notes and decided to try out Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Pine, Arizona. The entrance road is paved but very steep with extremely high grades. Once at the bottom there … Read more

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Hazy desert view from atop the Bull Pasture trail

After booking a terrible AirBnB in Maricopa it was time to get back on track with my plans. The original idea was to fly in and immediately drive to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and hike a couple days. Now plans have changed but at least I get one full day until I can come … Read more