Since early 2021, we have been traveling across the United States, making a new place our home month to month, while working full time and adventuring as much as possible. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking and exploring new places! On this page, we’ll continue to post updates from our road trip.
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The start of our cross country road trip
In February of 2021, we drove from Virginia to Denver to southern California, where we spent a month exploring Death Valley, Joshua Tree, the Alabama Hills and surrounding area.
Next, we moved to Utah and explored Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as several lesser-known spots, like Grand Staircase Escalante.
In May, we continued on to northern California, where we backpacked in Yosemite, hiked in Sequoia and King’s Canyon, and ultimately wished we had way more time!
Next we spent two months in Idaho Falls, where we spent our time exploring the Sawtooth Mountains, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park and absolutely fell in love with the area! So much so that we ended up coming home with a very large souvenir…


Our plans for 2022
After returning back to Richmond in the fall and staying through the holidays, we’ve decided to make our nomadic lifestyle more permanent. We both secured full-time remote jobs and set off on another road trip in January of 2022, this time with no plans to return back to the East Coast for our office jobs.
We took our time road tripping through Texas and spent a few days exploring Big Bend. Our first home base was in the West Texas and southern New Mexico area, exploring the Organ Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands!
We are currently based in northern Arizona, where we will stay for about 3 months. We’re so excited to be back in the desert and can’t wait to explore more off the beaten path spots in the area!
P.S. check out our review of top highlights and lowlights from our 2021 adventures here!
Documenting our road trip adventures
Traveling, working full time, planning new adventures and writing this blog seriously feels like having 2 full time jobs at times! We try our best to keep up, but are inevitably a little behind on writing about out experiences. On this page, we’ve organized all the blog posts we’ve written so far from our cross country road trip!
For more real-time updates, follow us on Instagram @twooutliers.
Southern California
An endless expanse of diverse landscapes, from the crackling salt flats of Death Valley to the Dr. Suessian land of Joshua Tree to the stunning peaks of the Eastern Sierras, Southern California has it all.
Death Valley National Park
Lack of life certainly does not mean lack of beauty.
9 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
In this article, we’ll lay out the best things to do in Death Valley, including off the beaten track adventures and tips for escaping the crowds.
The Ultimate Guide to Death Valley National Park: Camping, Hiking and Road Trip Logistics
In this article, we’ve detailed everything you need to know to make your trip to Death Valley a breeze, from where to camp (campgrounds, backpacking, and dispersed car camping) to…
How to Hike Telescope Peak: the Tallest Point in Death Valley
Death Valley National Park is best known for its vast desert and soaring temperatures, but fewer people are familiar with Telescope Peak, the tallest point in Death Valley which can…
How to Hike the Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and Badlands Loop in Death Valley
The Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, Badlands & Zabriskie Point Loop hike is a must do Death Valley classic, showing off its most unique landscapes.
Backpacking to the Panamint Sand Dunes in Death Valley: A Complete Guide
Backpacking to the Panamint Sand Dunes is an amazing way to experience a remote and often-overlooked part of Death Valley National Park. Getting to the dunes requires a little work,…
How to Hike Corkscrew Peak in Death Valley
If you are up for a real challenge, the 360-degree views from the top of Corkscrew Peak are some of the best in Death Valley!
Eastern Sierra Nevadas
Where rocky desert meets snow-capped peaks.
How to Plan an Epic Alabama Hills Camping Trip
Do you love camping in unique landscapes with epic views for FREE? Then an Alabama Hills camping trip is the perfect adventure for you!
A Treasure Hunt for Alabama Hills Arches
Wandering through the Alabama Hills feels like playing on nature’s playground, with hidden arches to hunt for, piles of boulders to climb on, and some…
How to Hike Tuttle Creek Ashram Trail: A Journey for Enlightenment
The Tuttle Creek Ashram Trail is a moderate 4.3 mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, making for a great excursion from Lone Pine,…
Lone Pine Lake Hike in Southern California: A Complete Guide
Nestled below the towering peak of Mt. Whitney, the Lone Pine Lake hike makes for a perfect excursion from the Alabama Hills, offering the opportunity…
Joshua Tree National Park
A rock climbers heaven, scattered with funky trees and thousands of boulders
Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree: A Can’t Miss Adventure
With its wild landscape of massive rocks and twisted trees, rock climbing in Joshua Tree is a can’t miss adventure!
How to Spend One Day in Joshua Tree: a Jam-Packed Itinerary
With one day in Joshua Tree National Park, you can experience many of the park’s highlights, from rock climbing to the cholla cactus garden!
Utah
Home to five national parks, there is no shortage of adventure waiting for you in Utah! With it’s one of a kind orange rock formations, the landscapes in Utah are unique and otherworldly!
Canyonlands National Park
With canyons of every shape and size, this national park surely lives up to it’s namesake
A Complete Guide to Druid Arch: Canyonlands National Park
Located in the often-overlooked Needles District, the hike to Druid Arch in Canyonlands is amazing and one of the best in the park!
Grand Staircase Escalante
Expansive, rugged terrain hides some of Utah’s best kept secrets
Zebra Slot Canyon: Hike Guide
Named after the vivid stripes that line its walls, Zebra Slot Canyon is one of the most unique rock formations in Southern Utah.
How to Find Phipps Arch in Escalante, Utah
Phipps Arch | Hike Overview If you’re the type of hiker who is excited to get off the beaten path in an area that is…
Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Guide
A hidden oasis tucked away in Southern Utah, Lower Calf Creek Falls trail follows Calf Creek until arriving at a majestic 126-foot waterfall.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon Trail Guide
Willis Creek Slot Canyon | Hike Overview Willis Creek Slot Canyon (a.k.a. Willis Creek Narrows) is one of the more underrated slot canyon hikes in…
Hole in the Rock Road: Camping, Logistics & Things to Do
Interested in hiking and camping on Hole in the Rock Road in Grand Staircase Escalante but having trouble deciding what to do or if you…
Toadstool Hoodoos: an Underrated Adventure
Toadstool Hoodoos | Hike Overview Visiting the Toadstool Hoodoos in southern Utah is a surreal experience. Thin needles of sandstone in every shape, size, and…
Jacob Hamblin Arch Hike Guide
Jacob Hamblin Arch in Coyote Gulch is easily one of the most impressive geological formations in the remote area of Grand Staircase Escalante.
Why You Should Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail in Utah
A hidden oasis tucked away in Southern Utah, Lower Calf Creek Falls trail follows Calf Creek until arriving at a majestic 126-foot waterfall.
Big Horn Canyon in Escalante, Utah: An Off the Beaten Path Adventure
Located in the remote land of Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah, the hike to Big Horn Canyon is an off-the-beaten-path adventure providing the opportunity to explore…
14 Best Grand Staircase-Escalante Hikes
This is your ultimate guide to all the best hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, whether it’s your first time visiting the area or your…
Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons: a Unique Grand Staircase Adventure
If you are visiting Grand Staircase Escalante, you can’t miss the one-of-a-kind hike through Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons!
Coyote Gulch, Utah: Hike & Backpacking Guide
An entire world hidden below the otherwise barren crust of the Utah desert, Coyote Gulch is a lush oasis carved into the orange sandstone…
Zion National Park
Towering canyon walls and majestic red rock carved by the crisp blue Virgin River
Is Scout Lookout in Zion Worth the Hike?
Scout Lookout in Zion National Park is the viewpoint located right at the base of Angel’s Landing, the (in)famous hike that follows along a narrow…
How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park: 3 Awesome Ideas
In this article, we’ve outlined three amazing ways to spend one day in Zion National Park and we’ll help you decide which is right for…
The Best 3 Day Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary
We’ve crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary, taking you from Zion to Bryce Canyon and covering the best hikes these two parks have to offer!
West Rim Trail Zion National Park: Ultimate Backpacking Guide
Backpacking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park is the perfect adventure for those seeking solitude and mind-blowing views in southern Utah.
Idaho
It’s no secret we love Idaho, so much so we decided to make a piece of it our own. From the jagged Sawtooth Peaks and teal blue waters of the Salmon River, to the grassy flatlands of the Teton Valley, Idaho is sure to steal your heart!
Sawtooth Mountains
Endless serene alpine lakes nestled among distinctive jagged snowy peaks
12 Best Sawtooth Mountains Hikes
In this article, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best Sawtooth Mountains hikes, showcasing the area’s most unique landscapes from jagged peaks to stunning alpine…
How to Hike Thompson Peak in Idaho: Tallest Point in the Sawtooths
Standing nearly 10,700 feet above sea level, Thompson Peak is the tallest summit in the Sawtooth Range and the hike to reach the top is…
Backpacking Baron Lakes Idaho: Complete Trail Guide
The Alice Toxaway Loop in Idaho is a minefield of amazing teal-blue alpine lakes, framed by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Sawtooth Lake Hike in Idaho: Ultimate Trail Guide
A moderate trail covering 10 miles and 1900 feet of elevation gain, the Sawtooth Lake hike gives those who take on the journey the best…
Backpacking the Stunning Alice Toxaway Loop in Idaho
The Alice Toxaway Loop in Idaho is a minefield of amazing teal-blue alpine lakes, framed by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Alice Lake in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains: A Complete Guide
Hiking to Alice lake, hidden among the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, is a perfect alpine adventure!
Southern Idaho
Teal waters, impressive waterfalls and deep canyons carved by the windy Snake River
Box Canyon Springs: An Unexpected Oasis in Southern Idaho
A hidden oasis nestled among the vast farmland of southern Idaho, Box Canyon Springs is an unexpected gem just outside Twin Falls. Part of the…
How to Visit Devil’s Washbowl in Idaho: Malad Gorge State Park
Located off Highway 84 in southern Idaho, Devil’s Washbowl in Malad Gorge is a great quick stop for easy access to a stunning waterfall.
11 Fun Things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho
With crystal clear springs, deep, rocky canyons, and the winding Snake River, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho!
10 Stunning Waterfalls in Twin Falls Idaho
Home to Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West” there’s no better place to go chasing waterfalls than Twin Falls Idaho!
How to Find Perrine Coulee Falls in Idaho
A 200-foot waterfall that cascades over the Snake River Canyon, Perrine Coulee Falls is a can’t miss stop on any visit to Twin Falls, Idaho.…
Blue Heart Springs Kayaking Trip: Idaho’s Tropical Lagoon
This article covers everything you need to know to plan a kayaking trip to Blue Heart Springs, a stunning blue lagoon in central Idaho, including…
How to Kayak to Shoshone Falls: Twin Falls, Idaho
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know to kayak to Shoshone Falls, a unique way to experience the “Niagara of the West”!
Montana
Horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, backpacking: Montana has it all and is the ideal destination for outdoor adventure lovers!
Glacier National Park
Stunning alpine lakes, snow-covered rocky mountain vistas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife make Glacier a hiker’s paradise
Dawson Pitamakan Loop: An Epic Hike in Glacier National Park
One of our favorite hikes in Glacier National Park, the Dawson Pitamakan Loop is a must do for those looking for a serious adventure with…
Scenic Point in Glacier National Park: Ultimate Hike Guide
With sweeping views of the snowy peaks, granite cliffs, and alpine lakes that Glacier is known for, Scenic Point certainly lives up to it’s name!…
Cracker Lake Trail in Glacier National Park: Complete Guide
Cracker Lake Trail is a moderate 12-mile hike to a stunning alpine lake that epitomizes everything that makes Glacier National Park so beautiful and unique.…
Wyoming
From the rolling hills, roaming bison, and incredible hydrothermal formations of Yellowstone to the jagged snowy peaks of Grand Teton, Wyoming is full of natural beauty.
Grand Teton National Park
From the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Teton Range to the clear waters of the alpine lakes and the meandering Snake River, we have yet to find a place as beautiful as Grand Teton National Park.
Best Backpacking in Grand Teton
With jagged snowy peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, backpacking in Grand Teton National Park belongs on every outdoor lover’s bucket list! In…
Teton Crest Trail: Complete Guide with Map & Itinerary
Far away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Teton’s many popular day hikes and viewpoints lies a backpacker’s paradise: the Teton Crest Trail. This…
Grand Teton Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls Trail Guide
Nestled in the foothills of the Grand Tetons, Bradley Lake makes for a great spot to enjoy head on views of the iconic rocky peaks.
Bradley Lake in Grand Teton: Ultimate Hike Guide
Nestled in the foothills of the Grand Tetons, Bradley Lake makes for a great spot to enjoy head on views of the iconic rocky peaks.
Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop: Complete Backpacking Guide
The Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon loop trail is perhaps the best hike in the Grand Tetons, if not anywhere in the United States.
Hiking to Holly Lake in Grand Teton National Park: Is it Worth it?
One popular hike in Grand Teton is the 12.4 mile trek to Holly Lake, deep in the backcountry, just below the famous Paintbrush Divide.
How to Plan the Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton Itinerary
Our 2-day Grand Teton itinerary will give you a taste of the best in the park: go kayaking, hike to an alpine lake and catch…
How to Hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park
If your idea of a great hike includes a picture perfect alpine lake and a little off-trail scrambling, then hiking to Delta Lake in Grand…
20 Best Hikes in the Grand Tetons
In this article, we’ll tell you the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park and help you decide which hike (or hikes) is right for…
Road Trip Tips & Learnings
Tips, tricks, and learnings from our months on the road.
Best Hiking Clothes for Summer: Men’s & Women’s
In this article, we’ve outlined all the best hiking clothes for summer, including gear specific to both men and women. When the weather starts to…
Day Hike Packing List: What Do You Really Need to Pack for a Hike
Are you new to hiking and trying to figure out what to pack for a day hike? Or an experienced hiker looking to upgrade your…
7 Best Hiking Jackets for Women
With so many hiking jackets for women to choose from, finding the best option can be a challenge! Need a warm jacket for hiking in…