Stories from the Mountains

Travel stories, practical guides, and food adventures from trips across Utah.

These are our stories to you — from the places we've been, the food we've eaten, and the people who've shaped every trip. We'll keep them fresh, like the mountain breeze in Utah.

travel-tips

Moab in Summer: Heat, Hydration & How to Do Arches and Canyonlands Right

Moab in summer is brutally hot — but it's also less crowded than spring, the light is extraordinary, and the parks reward early risers. Here's how to do it without suffering.

Scott Jun 18, 2026 7 min read
outdoor-adventure

Utah Slot Canyons & Swimming Holes: Cooling Off in the Desert

Utah's desert heat is real — but so are its narrow canyon swims, river corridors, and cold-water hideouts. Here's where to find relief and how to do it safely.

Scott May 14, 2026 8 min read
nature

Utah's Other Parks: Goblin Valley, Cedar Breaks & the Spots Past the Mighty Five

The Mighty Five get all the attention, but Utah has a dozen parks, monuments, and state parks worth your time. Here's where to go once you've checked off the classics.

Scott Apr 10, 2026 7 min read
destination

Antelope Canyon vs Horseshoe Bend: Should You Do Both?

Honest comparison of Page, Arizona's two iconic landmarks — the logistics, the experience, the crowds, the cost, and whether visiting both in one day is worth it.

Scott Mar 8, 2026 7 min read
itinerary

Utah Mighty Five Road Trip: The Complete 10-Day Itinerary

The definitive guide to visiting all five Utah national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches — in 10 days, with logistics, permit requirements, and what to prioritize.

Scott Mar 8, 2026 12 min read
destination

Zion National Park: What We Wish We'd Known

Zion exceeded our expectations and also punished some of our planning gaps. Here's the full honest account of what works, what doesn't, and what we'd do differently.

Scott Mar 1, 2026
practical

The Utah Mighty Five: Is Doing All Five Parks Worth It?

Utah's five national parks are marketed as a single epic trip. We did all five in 10 days. Here's the honest verdict on which ones deliver, which felt rushed, and how to plan it.

Scott Mar 1, 2026