Thenaturalmedic Adventures

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We kick off a seven-day Utah parks road trip with Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, moving from the quick drama of Mesa Arch to the long horizons of Grand View and the unsolved geology of Upheaval Dome. Short hikes, big views, practical tips, and a standing question: meteor strike or salt dome collapse.

• Mesa Arch hike overview and viewpoints
• Trail etiquette and protecting cryptobiotic soil
• Grand View Point rim trail highlights and river layout
• Parking pressure, timing, and safety around crowds
• Upheaval Dome theories: meteor impact versus salt uplift and collapse
• Route-finding with cairns and a second overlook payoff
• Recommendations on best spots and day pacing

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We road-trip the Big Five in eight days, moving from Canyonlands and Arches to Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion with honest notes on crowds, shuttles, permits, and weather. Expect practical routes, favorite hikes, and small tips that unlock big views, plus where to find the best pie.

• Canyonlands Island in the Sky highlights and overlooks
• Camping near Moab and permit basics
• Arches access, Windows area, Double Arch logistics
• Off-season timing and crowd strategies
• Capitol Reef history, Fruita orchards, Cathedral Valley
• Bryce Canyon hoodoos, key trails, elevation realities
• Zion shuttles, closures, parking, and water advisories
• Narrows approach, Emerald Pools, and missed Canyon Overlook
• Lodging mix across towns, cabins, and camps
• Upcoming individual hike videos and Q&A

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Sand that moves like a stormy sea, a creek that sings under aspen fire, and a ridge that widens the world—this Mosca Pass hike delivers more than a modest mile count suggests. We start at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, trace Mosca Creek through shifting meadows and timber, and climb a steady grade toward a saddle lined in late-September gold. Along the way, we pause at a rock marker to unpack pioneer footsteps and revisit Zebulon Pike’s vivid line about dunes as waves, then follow the faint bones of an old toll road that once pulled wagons over the range before a 1911 washout rewrote the route.

At the top, Mosca Pass opens into color: aspens flaring across the ridge, a meadow catching light, and the San Luis Valley stretching under a high, clean sky. We trade route notes—3.7 miles to the pass, about 850 feet of gain, two hours at a leisurely pace—and share small, practical wins like letting the creek set your rhythm and stopping often to look back at the dunes below. The contrast is the point here. The desert gives way to forest, history brushes against wilderness, and a gentle trail still finds a way to feel expansive. On the descent, an abandoned truck stirs a round of theories, and the old road’s profile tells a quiet story about water and time.

If you’re scouting Colorado hikes with fall color, moderate effort, and real payoff, Mosca Pass belongs on your list. Come for the views and stay for the textures: the hiss of meadow grass, the cool draw by the creek, the sudden hush in the trees. Watch, share your best guess about the truck’s fate, and tell us your favorite shoulder-season hike. If you enjoy the journey, tap 'subscribe,' hit the thumbs up, and share this episode with a friend who needs an easy win with a panoramic finish. 

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Ever wondered what geological treasures hide near Colorado's Great Sand Dunes? Join me on a refreshing detour to Zapata Falls, where ancient glacial forces created a stunning 25-foot waterfall tucked away in a rocky chasm.

The adventure begins with a scenic half-mile hike through BLM land, leading to Zapata Creek. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet—the final approach requires wading through shallow water and navigating slippery rocks, but the reward is absolutely worth it! As I discovered, the falls cascade dramatically into what locals call the "Pot of Falls," creating a cool, misty sanctuary that contrasts beautifully with the nearby desert landscape.

What makes this site particularly fascinating is its geological history. The waterfall formed approximately two million years ago when glaciers shaped the San Gregorio de Cristo mountains. These ancient ice masses deposited enormous rock piles (moraines) and created weak spots where water could carve its way through—eventually forming the falls we see today. This natural wonder offers a perfect example of how diverse Colorado's landscape truly is, with sand dunes and waterfalls existing just miles apart.

If you're planning a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park, I strongly recommend adding Zapata Falls to your itinerary. The entire hike is only about a mile round trip, making it accessible for most visitors while still feeling like you've discovered something special off the beaten path. Sometimes you really should chase waterfalls! Have you explored any hidden gems near famous national parks? Share your discoveries in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more trail adventures!

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Sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected detours. When bad weather derailed my plans to summit Mount Elbert, I discovered the hidden gem of Interlaken Trail near Leadville, Colorado – a 5-mile journey that transports hikers through time to a preserved "ghost resort" nestled along Twin Lakes.

The trail offers stunning views of Mount Elbert (Colorado's highest peak) before arriving at the historic Interlaken resort complex. The crown jewel is the Dexter Cabin, an impressive Victorian-era house complete with multiple bedrooms, sitting areas, and a distinctive cupola offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Walking through its rooms, you can almost feel the presence of the wealthy visitors who once vacationed here during Colorado's mining boom.

Founded in 1879 by Mr. Staley and later purchased by Mr. Dexter, this resort once represented mountain luxury at its finest. Guests enjoyed steamboat rides on Twin Lakes, billiards, and various outdoor activities on the expansive grounds. The resort's decline came with Mr. Dexter's death in 1899, but its buildings have been remarkably preserved. In the 1970s, the Bureau of Reclamation saved the structures by moving them to higher ground when developing Twin Lakes as a water storage reservoir – the original foundations now lie somewhere beneath the water's surface.

Beyond the main cabin, the site includes barns, bathhouses (surprisingly equipped with leather seats), and smaller outbuildings that help complete the picture of this once-bustling resort. The entire hike takes about three hours round trip, making it perfect for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike who want to experience a fascinating piece of Colorado's past.

Give this video a thumbs up if you enjoyed exploring this hidden historical treasure with me, and subscribe to join more adventures where the unexpected often becomes the highlight of the journey!

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We explore Valle Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico, a 1.25-million-year-old dormant volcano with a massive magma chamber beneath its surface. The preserve features historic buildings, dramatic weather changes, and breathtaking views of mountain landscapes surrounding the massive caldera depression.

• Historic cabin district includes structures dating back decades, each telling stories of the area's ranching history
• Weather changes dramatically throughout the day, shifting from clear skies to snowstorms within minutes
• The preserve sits atop a massive magma chamber, creating the distinctive ring of mountains around open meadows
• San Antonio Cabin area offers stunning views and what might be "the loveliest outhouse views in New Mexico"
• Hiking opportunities include the 1.5-mile Cerro La Jara loop and a visit to the "Missing Cabin" movie set
• The park is still developing its infrastructure as a relatively new addition to the National Park System
• Visitors should note that the entrance gate locks at 5:00 PM sharp with physical chains

Make sure to arrive earlier than I did to have enough time to explore. The gate does lock at 5:00 PM, and if you're locked in, you'll get a citation. For backcountry road access, it's $2 per person in advance on Recreation.gov.

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Ever stumbled upon a natural wonder that feels like a well-kept secret? That's exactly what awaits at Spence Hot Springs, tucked away in New Mexico's breathtaking Jemez Mountains.

Nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest just outside Jemez Springs, these thermal pools offer a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. After a quick 0.4-mile hike across the Jemez River, you'll discover a series of warm, soothing pools cascading down the mountainside. The main upper pool accommodates about a dozen people, while smaller pools below create a natural multi-tiered spa experience. Perhaps most intriguing is the small cave adjacent to the main pool – a natural sauna where the warm water makes a perfect retreat from the mountain air.

My midweek visit revealed the stark advantage of weekday exploration. With the place nearly to myself, I could fully appreciate the tranquil sounds of flowing water and the pristine mountain surroundings without distraction. The water temperature feels like a comfortable, warm bath, perfect for soaking tired muscles while taking in panoramic views of the national forest. While not scalding hot, the springs provide a gentler thermal experience that many find more enjoyable than intensely hot springs elsewhere.

Visitors should note the limited parking (approximately eight spaces), potential weekend crowds, and the importance of responsible stewardship. Remember not to ingest the spring water, pack out all trash, and respect clothing requirements due to the springs' proximity to public areas. These simple courtesies help preserve this natural treasure for future explorers.

Have you experienced New Mexico's hot springs? Share your story in the comments below and subscribe for more hidden gems across the Southwest's magnificent landscapes. If you're planning your first visit to Spence Hot Springs, I'd love to hear how it goes!

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Step back in time with me as we explore the ancient wonders of Tsankawi at Bandelier National Monument. This remarkable archaeological site offers a rare window into the lives of ancestral Puebloan people who made these cliffside dwellings their home centuries ago.

Walking through what was once a bustling central plaza, I discovered pottery fragments scattered across rocks—tangible connections to those who lived here long before us. As tradition dictates, these artifacts remain undisturbed where they were found, preserving both archaeological integrity and respecting native beliefs that removing such items means taking ancestral spirits with you.

The cave dwellings themselves tell fascinating stories of ingenuity and adaptation. Natural cavities in the cliff face were skillfully enlarged and enhanced with smoke-blackened ceilings and plaster walls for insulation and strength. Imagine climbing ladders as your daily commute, moving between different levels of these vertical neighborhoods! From inside these ancient homes, perfect viewing portals frame distant landscapes, including snow-capped mountains—the same views enjoyed by residents hundreds of years ago.

Perhaps most moving are the petroglyphs etched into stone surfaces throughout the site. Spirals, directional markers, human figures, and handprints speak across time, though their exact meanings remain mysterious. When my hand perfectly matched an ancient handprint carved into rock, I felt an intimate connection spanning centuries—two humans touching across time.

Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, indigenous culture, or simply appreciate breathtaking landscapes with rich histories, Senkawi offers something truly special. Join me on this journey through time, and remember to respect and protect these precious sites so future generations can experience the same wonder. Have you visited any ancient dwellings? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

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Step into the ancient world of Bandelier National Monument through this immersive backpacking journey along the Rito de las Frijoles (Bean Creek). What begins as a simple overnight trek quickly transforms into a fascinating exploration of natural wonders and human history nestled in north-central New Mexico.

The trail winds through diverse ecosystems where riparian habitats meet towering cliff faces, creating an ecological treasure trove. Wildlife thrives here - from elusive mountain lions and black bears to the more visible evidence of beaver dams transforming the creek into serene pools. Perhaps most captivating are the ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, including the remarkable Alcove House perched 140 feet above the canyon floor, accessible only by wooden ladders anchored to the cliff face.

This wilderness adventure isn't without its challenges and humorous moments. Watch as I navigate multiple creek crossings, filter water from natural sources, and face the classic backpacker's dilemma of unfamiliar gear as darkness falls. The journey culminates with a spectacular ridge-top hike offering panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains still capped with snow. Whether you're planning your own Bandelier trip, seeking backpacking insights, or simply enjoy virtual adventures through America's natural and cultural treasures, this trek offers genuine wilderness experiences alongside practical tips for your next outdoor excursion.

Join me on this journey through ancient landscapes, and give this video a thumbs up if you enjoyed coming along. Subscribe for more trail adventures as we continue exploring the hidden corners of America's wild places!

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Craig the Natural Medic explores the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico, discovering ancient rock carvings etched into volcanic basalt across three distinct canyon areas.

• Piedras Marcadas Canyon features hundreds of petroglyphs on a 1.5-mile trail showing animals, humanoid figures, and handprints
• Ancestral Pueblo people created the Rio Grande style petroglyphs between 1000 BC and 1700 AD
• Boca Negra Canyon, considered the "birthplace" of the monument, has the famous Macaw petroglyph showing evidence of ancient trade networks
• Rinconada Canyon offers a 2.2-mile trail with the highest concentration of petroglyphs and displays the area's unique geological history
• The volcanic basalt formed approximately 200,000 years ago when volcanoes erupted and created the West Mesa
• The monument preserves an estimated 23,000 petroglyphs that hold spiritual and cultural significance for modern Pueblo peoples
• Visitors should bring water, wear appropriate clothing, and be mindful that park areas close at 5:00 PM

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