Impact craters are created when an object flying through space impacts the surface of a larger body (a planet or moon). The Moon, which has almost no atmosphere, is covered with impact craters so large and well-preserved that they are visible from Earth. Our planet has few that are easy to see from the surface […]
Lava tubes are a type of cave created by molten volcanic lava. For that reason these caves are found in areas of past or present volcanism. Hawaii has many lava tubes to explore as it’s one of the most active volcanic lands on the planet. The western states, which have hundreds of volcanoes and cinder […]
Before heading out to explore a cave or lava tube, make sure you have all you’ll need at the car and with you for the trip. This packing list is for a day-trip that is not steep or technical (no ropes needed). A light source and backup lights (headlamps are best to avoid head injuries) […]
Trees often live longer than us humans, but the oldest individual living trees on the planet currently are just several thousand years old. The oldest species in the US are hardy Great Basin bristlecone pines located in and around Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the California White Mountains and giant sequoias located in Sequoia National Park. If […]
The Mojave Lava Tube is part of Mojave National Preserve east of Barstow, CA. The tubes are near a cinder cone that is part of Cinder Cone National Natural Landmark. To get here turn east onto Kelbaker Road from the town of Baker on I-15. Then turn north onto the Aiken Mine Road.
The pinnacle of all castles in America has to be Hearst Castle on the central coast of California. It is truly jaw-dropping even when compared to many much older castles scattered about Europe. If you haven’t taken a tour at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, then add it to your bucket list now. Having seen […]
Most Washingtonians know the five main volcanoes in their state, Rainier et al. Each is visible from somewhere along the Interstate 5 corridor, the main north-south route west of the Cascade Mountain Range. But when we were researching volcanoes in Washington we were surprised to discover that there are many more. Several have been active […]
Rock domes are in and of themselves unique, but we wanted to find the most unique domes in the country. Almost everyone has seen or taken pictures of iconic Half Dome as it stands tall in one of the most popular national parks in the US. But there are many other geologically created domes around […]
Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It stands out as the grandest canyon on the planet, not just the United States. Yet the US has many outstanding canyons, valleys, gorges, and gulches. So which are the grandest canyons in America? Rafting in Hells Canyon We set out […]
Topographic maps of mountains typically don’t change much over the years. Even volcanoes are unlikely to change for thousands of years (with the exception of receding glaciers these days). Mount St. Helens is a different story. When it blew on May 18th 1980, the topography of the mountain and the entire landscape around it changed […]