A Hidden-Gem Road Tripper’s 30-Day Hiking and Landscape Photography Circuit Across the USA

Hike the 5.3-mile round-trip route with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain through vivid red and orange sandstone formations. The cliffs are part of the Bearpaw Mountains and are especially suited to landscape photography. This is a short drive from St. George and convenient when visiting Zion National Park.

Take the 2.3-mile hike to the Vortex and its deep bowl. The route gains about 524 feet, has little shade, and stays exposed to the sun, so bring ample water. The creator visited at sunset and found the formation quiet; watch carefully for rattlesnakes and other desert wildlife.

Paddle toward the green-water cove on the Colorado River near Hoover Dam. The kayak journey takes roughly one to two hours each way when taken leisurely. Self-guided paddlers receive a map and route instructions with the rental. Go early or later in the day to avoid the larger Las Vegas tour groups.

Treat this as the most demanding route in the itinerary: the stated distance is 8.4 miles, but the creator experienced closer to 11–12 miles with substantial vertical gain, route finding, and Class 3–4 scrambling. The route reaches the Little Colorado River confluence and requires a multi-day permit, remote dirt-road access, and reliable emergency communication. Camp only with the required permit.

Explore the narrow clay slot formations on the two-mile Cathedral Gorge Trail and continue into Moon Caves, where the passages become too tight for a backpack. The eroded cathedral-like cliffs and deep ravines offer unusually graphic desert textures.

Use this southern California weekend-style camping base to explore rock formations, natural arches, hiking routes, and climbing areas beneath the Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney backdrop. The landscape resembles Joshua Tree in places, but the creator favored Alabama Hills for its mountain setting and quieter feel.

Photograph the vast salt crust either as dry hexagonal patterns or, after rain, as a mirror-like surface. The flats are west of Salt Lake City and are associated with high-speed land records and the annual Bonneville Speed Week in August. Stay on permitted surfaces and avoid driving on wet salt.

Visit this Great Salt Lake viewpoint for pink water, blue lake tones, trains, land strips, and distant mountains. It is described as especially rewarding for aerial photography, picnicking, and hiking.

Explore the 71,000-acre park for its herd of more than 1,300 bison, plus pronghorn, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and birds. Add hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnic areas, and rock climbing. Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are nearby additions, while Mount Rushmore is close enough to pair with the park.

Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or join a yoga or fitness class inside the 55-foot beehive-shaped limestone formation. The geothermal water stays around 90–96°F, and timed entry, changing rooms, showers, and a beach area are available.

Begin at Moloff’s Trailhead for the 7.9-mile hike with approximately 2,837 feet of gain through aspen, wildflowers, wildlife, rapids, and alpine scenery. The lake is near Ouray and requires driving the Million Dollar Highway. Pack a picnic or substantial snacks for the top.

Visit the volcanic ice caves and hike the accessible 1.8-mile round-trip route to the Bandera volcano summit. The ice caves are open year-round but were described as best in winter, when ice formations are at their peak. Explore the cinder cone, lava tubes, and lava fields.

Stop just off I-70 to photograph the three-tier waterfall: approximately 70 feet, 30 feet, and 40 feet. Explore the surrounding caves, hike around the falls, and consider camping or fishing in Rifle Mountain Park.

Hike the two-mile round-trip route to the 75-foot cascading waterfall and its overlooks. Bring a bathing suit and water shoes because visitors can walk on portions of the cascades and swim. Reserve the required permit in advance; same-day entry can sell out.

Climb and sled down the park’s dunes, which reach roughly 50 feet across more than three miles of sand. Sandboards and sand skis were unavailable to the travelers, but the park rented sleds inexpensively; rentals could be left in the box outside the visitor center after use. Stay through sunset.

Camp beside the Granite Dells and hike the seven-mile Peavine Trail for lake views. The reservoir also supports boating, fishing, kayaking, climbing, picnicking, and camping, but swimming is not allowed. The creator particularly enjoyed scrambling over the granite stacks.

Rent a kayak and launch before dawn to photograph the bald cypress and swamp scenery at sunrise. The lake supports kayaking through bayou and wetlands, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, including alligators, turtles, and many bird species. The nature trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip.

Take the 3.9-mile route through Jefferson National Forest to the swirling natural pool surrounded by rock walls. The short route is more direct, while the longer option adds route finding. Expect river crossings and no cell service; carry water shoes and an offline map. Do not enter during rain or when flash flooding is possible.

Hike the 3.5-mile round-trip trail to the narrow ridgeline viewpoint, gaining about 807 feet. This itinerary uses the hiking route rather than a technical climb. The quartzite cliffs rise roughly 900 feet above the Potomac branch and the area also contains more than 350 climbing routes.

Photograph the 12-mile rugged coastline at a relaxed pace, using the overlooks to capture sea stacks, arches, cliffs, and breaking waves. The half-mile Arch Rock Trail leads to a natural arch and nearby rock formations that resemble small islands. The corridor is particularly well suited to long exposures.

Visit the basalt columns beside Crowley Lake for a 4.2-mile route with approximately 515 feet of gain. High-clearance four-wheel drive can shorten the approach; otherwise expect to hike the access road to the beach. Walk between the columns and photograph waves against the volcanic formations. Bring bug spray because swarms of insects were reported near departure.