Campsite Chronicles

A desert landscape at sunset showcases a vivid orange sky with scattered clouds, as silhouetted mountains frame the scene. The foreground features saguaro cacti and dry shrubs, embracing the tranquil beauty of sunsets and inviting you to believe in nature’s serene spectacle.
On an evening, where I was not expecting the sky to produce much of a sunset I was treated to quite a surprise while I was FaceTime with my oldest son in the evening.
Man with glasses in a desert landscape with cactus and mountains. Three inset images: 1) Maha Ganapati Temple in Arizona, 2) Interior of Dwarf Car Museum showcasing vintage cars, 3) Stunning sunset over desert. Text: "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver. Shea's Rapid Recap #41.
In the Sonoran Desert National Monument, I've experienced a mix of serenity and excitement, from visiting a stunning Hindu temple to exploring a dwarf car museum and sunsets!
In the Sonoran desert landscape at sunset, a vibrant sky with wispy clouds sets the scene. A cholla cactus stands in the foreground, surrounded by sparse desert vegetation. Distant mountains silhouette against the colorful horizon as scattered saguaro cacti dot this enchanting scene of sunsets and serenity.
As the evening began to set in, the wispy clouds in the sky hinted that we might be in for a spectacular sunset, so I headed into the desert in an attempt to capture its beauty.
A desert landscape with a large cholla cactus in the foreground surrounded by dry shrubs and scattered rocks. Rolling hills with sparse vegetation are in the background under a clear blue sky. A lone saguaro cactus is visible in the midground.
Join me as I wander through the stunning Sonoran Desert! Discover hidden life, unique landscapes, and the mesmerizing quartz that shapes this captivating terrain. What will I find next?
A small camper and black SUV parked on gravel beside a solar panel and folding table at sunset. Two tall cacti stand nearby in the stunning Sonoran Desert against a backdrop of orange, pink, and blue sky. Text reads "The Hiking CEO, Shea Oliver" and "Shea's Rapid Recap #40.
After an awesome couple of weeks in the Ironwood Forest National Monument and some fabulous trips into Tucson, I headed to one of my favorite spots from last year.
Sonoran Desert National Monument Round Three img_1641
Just like last year, the weather refused to cooperate south of Tucson, and I headed further west into one of my favorite places from last winter and found an even better camping spot.
Close-up of a man wearing glasses and a green cap, with the text "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" in a badge. Behind him, photos of religious and historic artifacts, including a statue, capture Tucson's essence. The text reads, "Shea's Rapid Recap #39: San Xavier del Bac Mission, Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center.
With a rainy day on tap, I headed into Tucson to visit the San Xavier Del Bac Mission, the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center, and ate an Indian Taco that rocked!
A man wearing glasses and a cap smiles at the camera with a desert landscape in the background. Text reads, "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver. Shea's Rapid Recap #38. Exploring Ted DeGrazia's Artistic Legacy in the Sonoran Desert." Inset images spotlight Ted DeGrazia's artwork and a gallery interior.
After hanging out in the Ironwood Forest National Monument and not touristing very much, I decided it was time to head into Tucson and needed southwestern art fix.
As the sun descends over the Ironwood Forest, the desert landscape comes alive with color. A tall saguaro cactus stands prominently on the left, surrounded by sparse vegetation. The sky, a gradient of blue and orange, casts its warm glow on scattered clouds and mountains in the background.
While I was out taking an evening walk, I decided to try to capture some southwestern sunset photos. Mother Nature wasn't as cooperative this evening as she is some evenings.
A person with curly hair and glasses grins while holding a black Crockpot, dreaming of making exotic dishes like Pineapple-infused recipes. They are indoors, with a wall of stickers behind them, including a garlic design. The Crockpot's control knob offers settings for warm, low, and high.
Join me as I reveal a delicious twist on ramen using my trusty crock pot! With unique ingredients like pineapple juice and coconut, this dish promises a tasty culinary adventure.
An off-road vehicle with a roof tent is parked in the vast desert landscape of Ironwood Forest. Sparse bushes and majestic cacti rise under a clear blue sky, casting long shadows on the rocky, dry ground as the sun dips low.
After kick-ass day of visiting The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and errands done, I found a good spot to spend the next week or so with cactuses nearby.
A smiling person in a KU cap stands outdoors amid desert vegetation under the bright sun. Inset images showcase miniatures and museum exhibits. Text reads: "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver, Shea's Rapid Recap #37, Ironwood Forest National Monument & The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
After marginal night, sleep in the Wishing Well RV park, I had a spectacular surprise waiting when I visited a museum, focused on miniatures and then headed to the Ironwood.
A dusty parking area at Wishing Well RV Park showcases an off-road vehicle towing a small teardrop camper. In the background, various RVs and trailers are parked. A large tree stands against a clear blue sky with a few clouds, while power lines and a utility pole are visible to the right.
I needed a place to stay near Biosphere 2, where I could refill water containers and take a long, hot shower. I stopped here and got one of the few spots available next to the office.
The image captures a man smiling with RVs and mountains behind him. Inset photos showcase the verdant beauty of Biosphere 2's triangular panels and lush gardens. Text reads, "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver, Shea's Rapid Recap #36, Visiting Dripping Springs and Biosphere 2.
After two peaceful weeks in Dripping Springs, I headed south toward Tucson, stopping and spending a good portion of the day at the spectacularly interesting Biosphere 2.
A man sporting glasses, a cap, and a hoodie is in the foreground at night. Beside him are images of an old sign, a man savoring tacos, and a mining memorial with equipment. The text reads "Shea's Rapid Recap #35: Mammoth Deterioration, Tacos, and a Mining Memorial.
After a few days of productive work and dripping spring, I needed to pick up an Amazon delivery and decided to visit Mammoth, where I found some very interesting destinations.
Collage of images featuring the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Site ruins, Miami Historic Downtown Bullion Plaza sign, Taco Ranchito restaurant, and ornate church interior. "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" logo and text: "Shea's Rapid Recap #34" bring these vivid glimpses to life.
After a few days of working and enjoying the desert, I needed water, a shower, and a little exploring, so I headed into Globe, Arizona, and checked out several interesting locations.