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  • Where to Stay in the North Cascades: Campgrounds & Hotels
    North Cascades · Washington

    Where to Stay in the North Cascades: Campgrounds & Hotels

    Did you know the North Cascades are one of the least visited parks in the country? This remote destination is often covered in snow, but in the summer it becomes a playground for wildlife and adventure lovers….

    Read More Where to Stay in the North Cascades: Campgrounds & HotelsContinue

  • guy standing in a cave with mooney falls behind him
    Backpacking · Havasupai · Southwest

    How To Train For Havasupai: Beginner Friendly Guide

    So, you just won the elusive Havasupai permits, but you’ve never backpacked before. Now what? Luckily, I’ve got you covered with a simple, beginner-friendly guide on how to train for Havasupai, so you feel confident on the…

    Read More How To Train For Havasupai: Beginner Friendly GuideContinue

  • The Best Outdoorsy Gifts for the Adventurer in Your Life in 2025
    Gear Guide

    The Best Outdoorsy Gifts for the Adventurer in Your Life in 2025

    Every year, my friends and family ask me the same question: “What do I get someone who’s always hiking, road tripping, camping, or flying across the country for their next adventure?” So I finally put together my…

    Read More The Best Outdoorsy Gifts for the Adventurer in Your Life in 2025Continue

  • Girl staring out at Boquillas Canyon in Big Bend
    Big Bend · Southwest

    The Perfect 2-3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary

    Big Bend feels like another planet where golden sunsets turn the mountains golden, stars cover the sky, and silence stretches for miles. It’s a wild park with tall, rugged mountains, the arid dessert, and dinosaur fossils 🦖….

    Read More The Perfect 2-3 Day Big Bend National Park ItineraryContinue

  • Iceland

    Why An Iceland Ice Caves Tour Belongs on Your Bucket List

    Every winter, Iceland’s glaciers transform into shimmering blue cathedrals of ice, and for a few short months, you can actually step inside them. Walking through the Iceland ice caves feels otherworldly the light dances, the air hums,…

    Read More Why An Iceland Ice Caves Tour Belongs on Your Bucket ListContinue

  • woman on paintbrush canyon trail, looking up and smiling
    Grand Teton · Hiking

    Grand Teton’s Most Underrated Hike: Paintbrush Canyon Guide

    Walk through vivid scenes of rugged mountain peaks and peaceful meadows with views of glistening lakes below. The Paintbrush Canyon trail in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most serene and underrated hikes, a perfect…

    Read More Grand Teton’s Most Underrated Hike: Paintbrush Canyon GuideContinue

Older Posts >

Meet Lita

Meet Lita
hello!

I’m an avid traveler and former full-time van lifer who spent three years exploring the U.S. and its National Parks. When I’m not planning trips or writing itineraries, you’ll find me hiking with my husband. I’m here to help you seek adventure, spend more time outdoors, and make the most of every trip.

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ON INSTAGRAM

@litaofthepack_

It’s time for a re-introduction! There are some It’s time for a re-introduction! 

There are some new faces around here and it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. 

Bonus facts you may know: 

📕I love reading and read about 2 books a week. 

🔥 I’d prefer to be hot than cold! 

🏔️ Even though I grew up loving the beach, I’m more of a mountain girl these days. I love time spent at an alpine lake! 

📝 I’m pretty type A, I love to plan things, and I spend hours researching places and things to do! 

🫂We are super close with our families and spend 2-3 days a week seeing them. I’ve had a standing family dinner with my extended family every Tuesday since I was a young kid! 

🍿 Although I’m not a movie buff, my family loves them and I try to see all the Oscar contenders every year. 

🎾 I mentioned being a sports fan, but I also love playing sports. I grew up playing tennis, basketball, and softball. Now, I play a lot of tennis and pickle ball. 

🥰 I’m usually an optimistic individual, but things lately have definitely made that harder. 

Many of you have been here for a while, but even still did any of these surprise you? Tell me about yourself! 
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#travelcreator #travelcontentcreator #gettoknowme
Colors of the Wind is still very relevant today Colors of the Wind is still very relevant today 

Another day, another repost. But I just can’t stand by and watch humans being terrorized, removed from their families, and locked away all because of the place they were born. 

Now more than ever we need to stand together against this. 
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#saveourpubliclands #abolishice
How are we feeling right now? Every day I feel li How are we feeling right now?

Every day I feel like things get worse in the US. 

I had to repost after the tragic events this week in Minnesota. As a reminder, law enforcement should NEVER kill civilians. 

Rest in peace Renee Good

I know we will get past this. We need to raise our voices and band together. 

But we will persevere. 
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#uspolitics #reneegood #saveourpubliclands
Can you believe it? This was all shot on a gorge Can you believe it? 

This was all shot on a gorgeous backpacking trip in the Wind River area of Wyoming. 

The whole time I kept saying to myself that I couldn’t believe it! It was just astoundingly beautiful. 

Have you been to this part of Wyoming? 
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#windriver #wyomingadventures #wyominglife
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: We rang in the New Y WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: 

We rang in the New Year by flying across the country to California. ☀️☀️

My family rented a house for the week in Palm Springs, where we lounged in the pool, soaked up the sun, and played countless hours of pickle ball. 

Of course, while we were there we had to do some exploring and hiking. Plus, we took my parents to Joshua Tree for their first time, which was also truly special. 

It was a great week with lots of quality time together. 

How did you ring in the New Year? 
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#joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #palmspringsstyle
Anyone feel better when you’re out of service? I Anyone feel better when you’re out of service? 

I am admittedly someone that’s on their phone way too much. So getting out into the wilderness and getting off grid I always feel so much more at peace. 

Here’s to more moments in 2026 where I’m fully off grid. 
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#offgrid #travelmoments #getoutdoorsmore
Which are you going to first? #travelusa #usatra Which are you going to first? 

#travelusa #usatravel
Happy new year! Which one are you going to first Happy new year! 

Which one are you going to first? 

After traveling the country for three years, I’ve seen some gorgeous places at the perfect time of year. 

Here’s where you should go in 2026:

⭐️ Jan - Las Vegas, Nevada 
⭐️ Feb- Sedona, Arizona 
⭐️ March- Kanab, Utah 
⭐️ April- Kauai, Hawaii
⭐️May- Columbia River Gorge, Oregon 
⭐️ June- Asheville, NC
⭐️ July- Marquette, MI 
⭐️ August- Stanley, ID 
⭐️ September- Leavenworth, WA
⭐️ October- Adirondacks, NY
⭐️ November- Gulf Coast, FL
⭐️ December- Palm Springs, CA 
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#visittheusa #exploretheusa
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐✈️ (2025 WRAPPED): I tho WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐✈️ (2025 WRAPPED):

I thought it would be appropriate to spend the last day of the year recapping all of the amazing places we saw and things we did this year! 

We started the year watching the Northern Lights in Iceland, before I got to meet up with my blogging friends to explore the wonderful country of Morocco. 

Then, we focused on seeing more in the states: doing road trips to North Carolina, Connecticut, West Virginia and Virginia, exploring more of Washington and crossing off Dylan’s last state, Hawaii. 

In between all the big adventures there were plenty of wonderful small moments near home and times spent at home. 

Although this year was one of the hardest of my life’s with 4 surgical procedures and countless complications, it was still really good. 

I’m excited to see what next year brings! Happy New Years to you all 🎉🎉
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#wherewewentwednesday #happynewyear #goodbye2025
Every moment counts In this past year, I’ve slow Every moment counts 

In this past year, I’ve slowed down a lot and I’ve really focused on savoring every moment. Our life the past three years were so on the go. 

But the small moments matter too. And I’ve realized how beautiful they can be. 

Here’s to more small moments in 2026. What are you looking forward to in the new year? 
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#smallmoments #travelmemories #travelmoments
Have you done this road trip before? 🚗 One of my Have you done this road trip before? 🚗

One of my favorite road trips to go on is up the Oregon Coast. The rugged coastlines are absolutely stunning. 

Stops:

🌊 Samuel H Boarman Scenic Corridor- stop at the stunning Natural Bridge, hike in the dunes, and take in views 

🌊 Cape Perpetua- Another scenic area of the coastline, don’t miss out on Thors Well!

🌊 Newport- See the sea lions, visit the aquarium, and enjoy this adorable town

🌊 Tillamook- A can’t miss stop for all daily lovers! 

🌊 Cannon Beach- One of the most iconic areas on the coast, a can’t miss on any Oregon Coast road trip 

Save this for your next Oregon road trip and follow @litaofthepack_ for more US road trip advice! 
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#oregoncoast #oregonroadtrip #usaroadtrip
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 🎄🎄 Whether you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 🎄🎄

Whether you’re celebrating or not, I hope you spend this holiday season with people you love doing things that you love. 

Dylan and I will be spending the day with our families, eating good food, and being completely offline. 
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#merrychristmas #merryxmas❤️
Are you gonna make it?! Note: all of this footag Are you gonna make it?! 

Note: all of this footage is from January of 2024. I’ve heard it’s a bit less deep this time around 

🌧️ Lake Manly has reappeared at the driest and lowest place in the US after historic rains in California 

📍You’ll find Lake Manly at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park

‼️ This lake will most likely only be around for a few weeks, based on the weather. So, get there before it’s gone!

🍃 Remember to leave no trace when you visit and walk carefully 

Follow @litaofthepack_ for more national park advice 
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#lakemanly #deathvalleynps
Are you gonna make it?! Note: all of this footag Are you gonna make it?! 

Note: all of this footage is from January of 2024. I’ve heard it’s a bit less deep this time around 

🌧️ Lake Manly has reappeared at the driest and lowest place in the US after historic rains in California 

📍You’ll find Lake Manly at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park

‼️ This lake will most likely only be around for a few weeks, based on the weather. So, get there before it’s gone!

🍃 Remember to leave no trace when you visit and walk carefully 

Follow @litaofthepack_ for more national park advice 
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#deathvalleynationalpark #lakemanly #deathvalleynps
Anyone else need a little inspiration going into t Anyone else need a little inspiration going into the New Year? 

I feel like a broken record a bit. But this past year has truly tested me in so many ways. It was a very hard year.

But I love this way of looking at things. 

I hope this next year is a new beginning. Where life begins to feel happy again and we find the path we were went to be on 

Do you feel yourself reflecting on this last year as it comes to an end? 
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#newyearnewyou #2025recap
Have you been to Muir Woods yet? 🌳🌳 Before you vi Have you been to Muir Woods yet? 🌳🌳

Before you visit please remember to leave no trace, stay on all trails, and treat the forest with respect. 

Over the years, Muir Woods has implemented a reservation system for parking, because the parking lot can get super crazy. 

But, if you hike into Muir Woods, then you can enter without trying to get a reservation.

The hike is 4 miles round trip and gains about 1500 feet elevation, so you have to be prepared!

But, it’s a great way to see these beautiful trees. 

Would you do it?
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#muirwoods #muirwoodsnationalmonument #dipseatrail
➡️ Share this reel to get the word out TODAY! A d ➡️ Share this reel to get the word out TODAY!

A dangerous amendment proposed by Senator Mike Lee (Amendment 3972) could be voted on as soon as today.

⚠️ If passed, this amendment would:
- Weaken long-standing protections for our national parks and public lands
- Cutting requirements for staffing, including park rangers
- Getting rid of language preventing sales, opening the doors for public lands to be sold 

Once public lands are sold, they’re gone forever. This isn’t hypothetical. it’s happening right now, and it’s moving quickly.
We still have time to stop this, but only if people speak up today.

📞 Call your senators and urge them to vote NO on the Lee Amendment (3972).

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

💬 You can say something simple like: “I’m calling to urge the senator to vote NO on the Lee Amendment 3972. Our national parks and public lands must remain protected.”

Our national parks belong to all of us. Please don’t scroll past this.

#saveourparks #nationalparksusa
➡️ Share this reel to get the word out TODAY! A d ➡️ Share this reel to get the word out TODAY!

A dangerous amendment proposed by Senator Mike Lee (Amendment 3972) could be voted on as soon as today.

⚠️ If passed, this amendment would:
- Weaken long-standing protections for our national parks and public lands
- Cutting requirements for staffing, including park rangers
- Getting rid of language preventing sales, opening the doors for public lands to be sold 

Once public lands are sold, they’re gone forever. This isn’t hypothetical. it’s happening right now, and it’s moving quickly.
We still have time to stop this, but only if people speak up today.

📞 Call your senators and urge them to vote NO on the Lee Amendment (3972).

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

💬 You can say something simple like: “I’m calling to urge the senator to vote NO on the Lee Amendment 3972. Our national parks and public lands must remain protected.”

Our national parks belong to all of us. Please don’t scroll past this.
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#nationalparks #saveourparks #saveourpubliclands
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: Throwing it back to w WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️:

Throwing it back to warmer days. A few years ago, Dylan and I went to Türkiye to see one of our closest friend’s home.
 
It was a magical trip, where I completely fell in love with the country. We ate the most delicious meals, relaxed by the sea, and took a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

I’ll always remember that trip as one of the best I’ve been on. 

Have you been to Türkiye yet?
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#wherewewentwednesday #türki̇ye #cappadoccia
Have you been on an airplane in Alaska? We took Have you been on an airplane in Alaska? 

We took a small plane from Anchorage to Lake Clark and little did we know we’d get the most scenic flight we’d ever been on! 

There were only a few of us on the flight so it almost felt private. We were flying through the mountains and honestly getting close enough at times that I got nervous.

But, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and I’ll never forget it 
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#alaskalife #alaskaadventure #lakeclarknationalpark
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