Skip to content
Lita of the Pack
  • Home
  • DestinationsExpand
    • USA
    • US National Parks
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico
  • Travel Guides
  • Plan Your TripExpand
    • U.S Road Trip Map
    • Banff Itinerary E-Book
    • Travel Planning Services
  • Work With MeExpand
    • Contact
  • About
Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok YouTube
Lita of the Pack
Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok

let’s head west

I’m California Dreamin

From iconic national parks to enchanting beaches and sun-soaked deserts, California offers some of the most diverse outdoor travel in the U.S. This page brings together my best California itineraries, road trips, and travel guides to help you plan with confidence.

california national parks

YOsemite
Joshua Tree
Death Valley
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Redwoods
more CA national Parks

Explore Northern California

  • couple standing in front of van with falls
    California · Camping · Yosemite

    Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park: Lodges & Campgrounds

  • Girl walkign through redwoods
    National Parks · Redwoods

    The Perfect Redwood National Park Itinerary

  • pacific coast highway road trip cover; me standing in front of coastline
    California · Road Trips

    15 Unmissable Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway

  • Me standing in front of a tall tree; sequoia national park in winter cover
    California · National Parks · Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    Visiting Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park in Winter

More northern california posts

Explore Southern California

  • woman standing in lake manly with reflective sunset at death valley
    California · Death Valley

    Why You Need to Visit Lake Manly at Death Valley Right Now!

  • two people standing at fonts point
    California · Travel Guides

    5 Best Things to Do in Anza Borrego

  • girl walking through the cacti in Joshua Tree
    California · Joshua Tree · National Parks

    The Perfect 3 Day Joshua Tree Itinerary

  • Woman standing on the top of Golden Canyon in Death Valley for the Death Valley National Park Guide
    California · Death Valley · Hiking · National Parks

    Your Complete Death Valley National Park Guide

more southern california posts

let's connect

ON INSTAGRAM

@litaofthepack_

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. • • • • • #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. • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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. • • • • • #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 • • • • • #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 🎉🎉 • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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! • • • • • #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. • • • • • #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 • • • • • #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 • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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. • • • • • #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? • • • • • #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 • • • • • #alaskalife #alaskaadventure #lakeclarknationalpark
Who’s going to Glacier this year? Since 2021, Gla Who’s going to Glacier this year? Since 2021, Glacier National Park has run reservations for the Going to the Sun Road and other areas of the park. This year they are getting rid of the system. Here’s what to expect: 🚙 Traffic will be consistently bad throughout the day. The earlier you get to the park, the more likely you will be to get parking at popular spots in the park. Be patient! 🍃 With more people in the park at peak times, you’ll find that trails may get really crowded. Please remember to still stay on the trails, give the uphill hikers the right of way, and again have patience. 🅿️ Logan Pass now has a 3 hour parking limit! This should make it easier to find a spot at one of the notoriously hard parking areas 🚌 There are free shuttles that you can take along the Going to the Sun Road! They come every 30 minutes or so. However, even these may have longer wait times with more people there. 🚍Logan Pass will have express shuttles that you can get reservations for ahead of time! This is a big win! The moral of the story: pack your patience, get places early, and remember to always respect the park and the wildlife. Do you think getting rid of reservations is good or bad? • • • • • #glaciernps #glaciernationalpark
Follow on Instagram

Explore

  • Blog
  • Hiking
  • National Parks
  • Road Trips

Blog

  • U.S. Map
  • Banff E-Book
  • Travel Planning
  • Fave Gear

Info

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

Keep up with us

Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok YouTube

© 2026 Lita of the Pack · Theme by 17th Avenue

Scroll to top
What are you looking for?
Search
We use cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.