Kathleen BuenviajeExplorer

The incredible views at Bryce Canyon National Park can be described with little else than a “Wow.” During a snowy winter, especially, these sights are not to be missed.There is only one campground open during the winter, Sunset Campground, and it is first come, first serve. Most visitors shy away from camping here due to the chilly temperatures, leaving you with a campground practically to your...

This is a relatively easy hike up to Mt. Tapyas. You can either walk to the base of the hill/mountain that is located near the town center, or you can take a tricycle. Timing depends on how in shape you are; however, it is all paved stairs, a little bit more than 700 steps, so keep that in mind. Rest assured, the view from the top is stunning and you should definitely take in a sunrise or sunse...

Chances are the droves of tourist in Angkor will be trying to photograph sunrise at Angkor Wat. Use this to your advantage and shoot this temple first. It's best to be there no later than 7am. The light is gorgeous then and you'll be able to get every shot you want with nobody in your way. You can take a tuk tuk to the temple, they're cheap and do the job just fine. You can also hire a driver, ...

This gem of a campground was discovered in desperation after all the campsites were booked at Yellowstone. There are 60 sites with relatively clean bathrooms. The sites are large with optimal privacy from your neighbors. If you're lucky enough you can even snag campsites steps from the lake. There are plenty of trees throughout the campground, with each site equipped with a picnic table, bear l...

Located on the outskirts of Sedona's main attractions, Fay Canyon is a hidden gem. The Fay Canyon Trail is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through this lesser-known Sedona canyon. You won't see majestic open views like those of Bell Rock, but you will find gorgeous views, without the crowds. The trailhead is across from the parking lot on Boynton Pass Road. Around halfway through the hike,...

A trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite locations to shoot in Joshua Tree, the Hall of Horrors area under a full moon is particularly remarkable...

Indian Creek Campground is located inside Yellowstone National Park, closest to the northern entrance of the park and just eight miles from Mammoth Hot Springs. It's open from mid-June through mid September and is just $15 a night to camp at. The campground itself is very well maintained and kept clean. It is also a generator-free campground, so enjoying peaceful mornings and afternoons in natu...

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from Boulder and is one of three hikes in the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get inside to the park which costs $8. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles one way and carries a consistent and gradual incline the duration of the hike. There are a couple places to split from the trail, one...

If a nice relaxing adventure is what you seek, this is the place for you. There aren't a lot of super scenic, adrenaline pumping hikes at this campground, but there are well established campsites with beautiful sunrise and sunset views. If you're a photographer, the midnight sky on a moonless night is a dream come true. The fish are biting year round, so whether you're there to ice fish in the ...

If you've never stayed in a lookout, you should. It's not a thrilling get your adrenaline type of adventure, but more of a private, secluded, let's enjoy epic views and incredible company type of get away.Little Mt. Hoffman lookout is one of a few remaining historic lookouts that was built in the 1920's and used by the forest service. Today, the handful that remain in the country can be rented ...

An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the ample ocean views, running water and access to a plethora of hikes and trails. Something to note is t...

Backpacking Reflection Canyon is not for the faint of heart. It's an intense, challenging hike that takes you through slot canyons, climbing up and down shifty sandstones and traversing rugged terrains and ravines. Although the elevation gain is almost nothing, the up and down climbs from one ravine to the next really messes with your head once you've gotten 3.5 miles into the hike, knowing you...

Oh Be Joyful Campground sits on the banks of the Slate River and consists of 15 camp sites dispersed over a decent amount of ground, split into two sides of the river. The river, when it's low is more of a stream and is only passable when it's low. It's a small thrill to drive through it to get to the other campsites and trailhead. One thing to note is that there is only one bathroom at this ca...

Chewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of Yosemite's surroundings with a quarter of the crowd.You need to pick up permits to backpack here; yo...

The road leading to this campground is a rocky one, lots of dust and a bumpy ride lead to this mountain escape. The campground is situated just above Brooklyn Lake, about a 15 minute drive away from the Lewis Lake trailhead. It has a few first come first serve camp sites that you can try and swipe up, highly recommend arriving early as there are limited spots to this campground.The camp sites a...

There are a few ways to get you to Sheep Lake Trail, this particular one will take you to the trailhead via the Lewis Lake Trailhead near the picnic area. It makes it a longer hike, but trust, it's a beautiful one, and definitely not a hike you'll want to miss. The hike starts at an approximate elevation of 10,000 feet and will gradually take you to about 11,000 ft. It's about 6.5 miles round t...

Pine Grove Campground in Flagstaff Arizona is a hidden gem. Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Ashurst, Marshall and Kinnikinick lakes are nearby and can provide ample recreational activities.The campsites are clean and have all the luxurious amenities (Coin-operated showers, tables, fire rings and cooking grills, Drinking water, Toilets (flush type, handicap-accessible), RV dump station) base campers ...

North Fork campground isn't the most sought after campground, but it is a diamond in the rough and a great alternative if Brooklyn Lake Campground and Sugarloaf Campground are full. It is reservable, but they also have an abundance of first come first serve sites available. At 8,600 ft the campground sits on the banks of the Little Laramie river. There are 60 sites in two separate areas with va...

This is a great backup campground if all of Maroon Bells campgrounds are full, which in all reality is highly likely. If you're looking to beat the crowds, this is a good number campground to consider. This campground is right off the highway, 5 miles away from the town of Aspen, easy to find, and is surrounded by Aspen groves and thick vegetation. The sites are decent in size and include a tab...

The Bell Rock Trail in Sedona is a relatively easy hike with a majestic reward. It is a well maintained trail that with plenty of views to keep your eyes happy. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself turning around every 5 minutes and saying, "wow, this is gorgeous!" The trail itself is only ~0.75 miles and climbs along the northern face of Bell Rock. You are able to climb the rock as high a...