Geological Formations

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries Tagged with Geological Formations

A man in a sunhat stands before a tall saguaro cactus, speaking with his hand raised. Three inset photos show cactus blooms and the wonders of Saguaro National Park. Text reads: “Shea’s Rapid Recap #53: Hiking and Unleashing the Wonders of Saguaro National Park.”.
Join a captivating journey through Saguaro National Park, uncovering the fascinating world of saguaro cacti, mining history, and unexpected desert discoveries! Plus a presidio!
A man in a hat and backpack is framed by a smartphone outline, standing among rocky formations at Chiricahua National Monument. Sunlight streams through the rocks. Text reads: "Break Free of Negative Influences," "Insightful Reflections," and the monument's name.
Hiking in Chiricahua National Monument prompts reflection on life’s influences. Consider who and what shapes your life, and make conscious choices about your path and your life.
A man in a sun hat and glasses smiles outdoors amid nature. Inset photos show rocky landscapes, a park sign, and Chiricahua National Monument. Text reads: “Shea’s Rapid Recap #51” and highlights The Hiking CEO, Shea Oliver.
Join me on an unforgettable hike through Echo Canyon in Chiricahua National Monument, where nature's stunning rock formations tell silent stories of resilience and beauty.
A man in a wide-brimmed hat and glasses stands outdoors among trees, embracing nature. Four inset photos highlight Cochise Stronghold, a historic wooden structure, a scenic mountain view, and a cave. Text reads: "Shea’s Rapid Recap #50" and "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver.
Explore Cochise Stronghold’s history and stunning landscapes in Southeast Arizona, discover hidden pictographs, and discover if a for-sale historic mercantile is for you!
A scenic mountain sunset frames three photos: a miner underground, vibrant blue minerals, and an old mining street. Text highlights the Queen Mine Tour, Bisbee Mining Museum, and eating with locals. “The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver” logo is featured.
Exploring Bisbee: Queen City Mine tour, rich mining history, a funky downtown, and savoring delicious Mexican food at Las Tochas. A perfect blend of adventure and taste!
A tall saguaro cactus stands in the Sonoran Desert landscape surrounded by dry shrubs. In the background, rocky hills rise under a clear blue sky, creating a typical arid environment. Perfect for hiking, the sun casts bright light, accentuating natural textures and colors.
I meandered into the Sonoran desert from my campsite and did something I hadn't done before, even though I've camped in this area several times and often wandered the desert.
A man wears a green cap with "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" logo, surrounded by cacti in the Sonoran Desert with rocky hills behind. Inset photos capture him savoring a sandwich, and navigating a rocky path. Text reads, "Shea’s Rapid Recap #33, Back on the Road for 2025 and in the Sonoran Desert.
I'm back on the road and to the Sonoran desert after leaving Colorado and driving for two days, with a few stops along the way to eat and explore the El Malpais National Monument.
A panoramic view of Salt River Canyon reveals a rugged landscape with steep, layered rock formations and sparse vegetation. The distant ridges and cliffs are bathed in bright sunlight, casting shadows that highlight the natural contours against the vibrant backdrop of a clear blue sky.
During what seemed like a long stretch of driving, I suddenly came upon an unexpected descent into a canyon that had some very stunning and spectacular views.
Scenic view of La Ventana Natural Arch in a rugged canyon landscape. This stunning feature is part of El Malpais National Monument, surrounded by steep cliffs in shades of tan and orange. In the foreground, green trees thrive among scattered rocks under a clear blue sky, enhancing the arch's grandeur.
Although this wasn't much of a hike, I knew I wanted to stop and see one of the largest natural arches in New Mexico while I passed through the El Malpais National Monument.
Under the clear blue sky with wispy clouds, the sandstone bluffs at El Malpais National Monument create a breathtaking landscape. The arid terrain features light brown and dark orange tones that highlight the textured, weathered rocks, while shadows emphasize their rugged contours and natural arches.
I didn't realize that I'd be driving through the El Malpais National Monument as I headed toward Arizona, but when I saw the signs, I knew I could add another national site to my list.
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Portaging a train over a mountain? Yes, we have! It was a short-lived, fascinating business model captured by the Park Service. And I also took an underground boat tour of a cave!
A person with curly hair and glasses snaps a selfie while climbing the Silver Cliffs. Dressed in a gray long-sleeve shirt, they sport a surprised expression. Below lies a paved path, informational signs, and a small platform amid lush greenery with the shimmering Lake Superior in the background.
Since I met Lynn and Eric on a climbing trip with Erik's brother, it should come as no surprise that we had to go and find an absolutely spectacular place to get up on the rock.
The exhibit display features an informational panel about Pipestone National Monument, a sacred place and spiritual practice, accompanied by a pipe and pipestone specimen. The text highlights "A Sacred Place Pipestone A Spiritual Practice.
Visiting Pipestone National Monument is an amazing experience. For generations, Native Americans have quarried the Redstone here to make pipes, and they still do today.
A stretch of grassy Kansas Plains leads to the tall, rugged Monument Rocks under a clear blue sky.
Rising like a castle on the middle of the Kansas Plains, Monument Rocks stood out in the plains as a much needed confirmation for those on the Smoky Hills Trail in the 1800s
A solitary, flat-topped butte stands in the middle of a vast, grassy plain under a partly cloudy sky in the Pawnee Buttes National Grasslands.
Hiking the Pawnee Buttes Trail was the first hike on this leg of my wanderings, and it held an unexpected and wonderful surprise at the end with a dinner invitation and new friends!
The image portrays the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A stone sign engraved with "Carlsbad Caverns National Park" is flanked by desert plants. Buildings equipped with solar panels stand in the backdrop under a cloudy sky, as a brick-paved path guides visitors into the descending darkness of the caverns.
Finally! After the long and painful days of terrible weather in the desert, I had a reservation for the self-guided tour and planned to explore the caverns and enjoy the windless world.