Capulin Volcano National Monument [Failed]

Capulin Volcano National Monument

My final stop before reaching the Gila Wilderness was at Capulin Volcano National Monument, a large extinct cinder cone volcano that you can drive up to in Capulin, New Mexico. My only mistake was stopping at the entrance sign to get these two photos. Trucks for scale. See that red truck in the first image? … Read more

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - Stone Arch Entrance Sign

Getting closer to New Mexico and the miles are flying by. Needed another distraction on a rather boring drive in SE Colorado. Interestingly enough I stopped at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site which has connections to my last stop at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Gaining access is quite easy – just park … Read more

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site - Entrance Sign

Starting my final day of driving towards New Mexico, I found myself crossing southeast Colorado. Not much out this way but I did spot the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site on my map and decided that I’d give it a go. This is a very remote site and out of my way but not … Read more

Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus National Historic Site - First Baptist Church

A little less than 100 miles from my last stop I made a point to visit Nicodemus National Historic Site in Nicodemus Township, Kansas. Why? Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period. Quite simply, this is a living & breathing town that irrefutably proves Black lives and … Read more

Homestead National Historical Park

Homestead National Historical Park - George Palmer cabin exterior

Sometimes visiting a place leaves you angry, upset, but ultimately glad it exits as a record of horrible things from the past. That’s pretty much how I felt after visiting Homestead National Monument today on a dreary and gray-skied morning in Beatrice, Nebraska. [Update: It appears the name has changed now to Homestead National Historic … Read more

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - Gravesite

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic my travels in 2020 were nearly non-existent until August when I would launch a road trip to New Mexico for a socially-distanced elk hunt with my father. I drove nearly straight through but did find time for a few distractions along the way to break up the monotonous 1,700 mile … Read more

Copper Culture State Park

Copper Culture State Park - Trail to Indian Cemetery

One of the lesser-known historical sites in our state, Copper Culture State Park is just a short drive north from Green Bay located in Oconto, Wisconsin. This is also one of the smaller state parks but does contain some short hiking trails and a volunteer-staffed museum inside an old farmhouse with relics and information on … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – Echo Canyon / Rhyolite Canyon Trails

Chiricahua National Monument – Pinnacles along the Echo Canyon Trail

Cold temps and rowdy neighbords meant not much sleep last night but that was okay. I had planned to rise early anyways and take the shuttle to Echo Canyon for a hike back down to the visitor center. Was definitely a nice bonus riding the shuttle so I could watch the scenery go by and … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – Sunset at Massai Point

Chiricahua National Monument - Sunset at Massai Point

Light was fading fast after hiking Sugarloaf Mountain so I drove just up to the end of Bonita Canyon Drive where it dead ends at the Massai Point Overlook. Many trails begin (or end) here and it’s quite a large parking lot offering near 360-degree views although not quite as unobstructed. Had a quick dinner … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Chiricahua National Monument - Golden hour views from Sugarloaf Mountain trail

Might be a few days behind schedule but I finally made it to Chiricahua National Monument for actual hiking & exploration. To start the afternoon I slowed down a bit and just cruised through the park getting a lay of the land & soaking in the amazing scenery.  Eventually I booked a campsite and then … Read more