This week we're in Yosemite National Park exploring my favorite spots for a Winter visit. We'll enjoy the yearly Firefall phenomenon, hike up to Lower Yosemite Falls, enjoy a sunrise at Tunnel View, and so much more.

Elk Meadow & Trillium Falls - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Located in Northern California, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park was established to protect some of the oldest redwood trees on earth...and today we're exploring two special spots located inside the park, Elk Meadow and Trillium Falls.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls

Today we're exploring all the different viewpoints around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park. We'll be hiking the trails to the many waterfall overlooks of the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Lake Tahoe - Top 12 Attractions

This week we're taking a trip around Lake Tahoe to the top spots to visit. We'll be exploring state parks, historic sites, and beautiful viewpoints from both the California and Nevada sides.

Salmon Creek Falls - Big Sur

This week we're hiking to a beautiful Big Sur waterfall along CA Highway 1. Salmon Creek Falls flows just north of Ragged Point, nestled at the edge of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Los Padres National Forest.

Foresta Falls - Yosemite National Park

Today we're hiking to a less visited waterfall in Yosemite National Park in the small town of Foresta, California. The trail to Foresta Falls takes you down the old Foresta dirt Road along Crane Creek through a pine forest that has been badly burned from recent wildfires.

McWay Falls - Big Sur, CA

McWay Falls along Highway 1 is one of the most magical waterfalls in all of Big Sur, California. Located 35 miles south of Carmel inside of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along the central coast, this 80 foot waterfall is actually a tide fall during high tide (meaning it pours directly into the Pacific Ocean).

Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls - Yosemite National Park

Today we're in Yosemite National Park hiking up the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This is a popular and classic Yosemite waterfall hike along the Merced River. We'll also enjoy views of Yosemite Falls, Illilouette Falls, Emerald Pool, Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and the Silver Apron as we hike up the Mist Trail and back down the John Muir Trail.

Black Swift Falls at Ragged Point - Big Sur, CA

Today we're hiking the steep trail down to Young Creek Beach to view Black Swift Falls near Ragged Point Inn and Resort. This short but strenuous hike offers magnificent views of the waterfall and California's Big Sur coastline.

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail - Lake Tahoe

Today we're hiking to Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls in the South Tahoe area. This trail offers beautiful views of Emerald Bay State Park from the Desolation Wilderness, and leads you to a bridge that stretches over the easily accessible Upper Eagle Falls.

Lower Yosemite Falls - Yosemite National Park

Today we're taking the easy hike along the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail in the Yosemite Valley during the Winter season. This Yosemite National Park highlight is a must see, and easy to access year round. Not only will we see a rainbow at the base of the falls, but we'll go to the spot where John Muir built a sugar pine cabin.

Tunnel View Visitor's Guide - Yosemite National Park

Today we're enjoying some of the best views in Yosemite National Park at Tunnel View, made famous by Ansel Adams. Read the complete travel guide to plan for your next Yosemite family vacation, and see what it looks like in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter, as well as for sunrise & sunset. This is a perfect photography location for picturing El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall & Yosemite Valley.

Complete Firefall Visitors Guide - Yosemite National Park (2025 Update)

Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the 2025 Firefall in Yosemite National Park. This natural phenomenon occurs every February when light from the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall just right, giving the illusion that the waterfall is flowing with flames on the side of El Capitan. This visitor guide covers park reservations, parking information, and restrictions for the 2025 season.

Burney Falls - The 8th Wonder of the World

Today we're visiting Burney Falls, the "Eight Wonder of the World"...at least that's what President Teddy Roosevelt called this waterfall when he visited. While these falls aren't the tallest or largest in California, they may just be the most spectacular spreading out over 270 feet wide and roaring into a brilliant blue mist filled pool below.

Lower Glen Alpine Falls - Lake Tahoe

Lower Glen Alpine Falls isn't the largest waterfall in Lake Tahoe, but it is certainly one of the most unique and easiest to get to. Join me for a virtual tour of these falls, as we hike down and rock hop below the cascading waterfall above.

Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

Today we'll be taking in the sunrise and sunset views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley below from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. With road closures coming in 2021 and the park at limited capacity, make sure to visit this year.

Lovely Limekiln State Park

Today I'm hiking the trails of Limekiln State Park located along the legendary Big Sur coastline in California. Join me in exploring the forest with its massive redwood trees, historic lime kilns and a 100 foot waterfall.