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Great Fountain Geyser erupting, in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geothermal activity, is home to many breathtaking natural phenomena, including the famous Great Fountain Geyser. This spectacular geyser, known for its powerful eruptions, captivates visitors with its unique displays of nature’s force and beauty. Located in the park's Firehole Lake Drive area, the Great Fountain Geyser is one of the largest and most active geysers in Yellowstone, providing a stunning visual experience every time it erupts. Eruption Characteristics The Great Fountain Geyser is distinguished by its large and dramatic eruptions. Unlike many other geysers in Yellowstone, which have regular, predictable eruption intervals, the Great Fountain Geyser follows a less predictable pattern. Its eruptions can range from 150 to 200 feet in height, making it one of the tallest geysers in the park. These eruptions are typically powerful, often accompanied by a series of smaller bursts before the main eruption. The geyser's water expulsion can last anywhere from several minutes to over an hour, creating an impressive display for spectators. Eruptions tend to occur approximately once every 9 to 15 hours, though this interval can vary. The timing and size of each eruption depend on the geothermal conditions within the geyser's underground plumbing system. Visitors often rely on predictions by the park's rangers, but given the geyser’s somewhat erratic behavior, no eruption can ever be guaranteed. Great Fountain Geyser erupting, in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park Geological Features The Great Fountain Geyser, like all geysers, is a result of the specific geothermal environment in which it resides. Beneath the surface, magma heats underground water, creating immense pressure that eventually forces water and steam to the surface. The geyser’s plumbing system consists of a series of underground channels that regulate the buildup of pressure, leading to eruptions. The geyser's unique structure allows for its massive eruptions, and the shape and size of the eruption can vary depending on changes within the system. The geothermal features around the Great Fountain Geyser, including the Firehole River and surrounding pools, provide a vivid reminder of Yellowstone’s ongoing geothermal activity. The mineral deposits left by the eruptions form beautiful terraces and formations around the geyser, adding to the park's distinctive, ever-changing landscape. Watching an Eruption Watching the Great Fountain Geyser erupt is an unforgettable experience for those visiting Yellowstone. Visitors can often view the eruption from designated viewing areas that offer a clear sightline of the geyser and its surroundings. It’s best to check with the Yellowstone National Park website or local rangers for eruption predictions, as waiting times for an eruption can vary widely. Many tourists enjoy the unpredictability of the Great Fountain Geyser, knowing that each eruption is a unique natural event. In addition to the eruption itself, the surrounding landscape is a significant part of the experience. The geyser basin features colorful hot springs and steaming pools, which add to the sense of awe visitors feel when witnessing the eruption. For more, visit Yellowstone National Park.

From historic architecture to vibrant arts scenes, Utah’s downtowns are becoming cultural hotspots that draw visitors and locals alike. Cities across the state offer unique opportunities to experience food, art, music, and outdoor recreation, all set against Utah’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Salt Lake City’s downtown has emerged as a cultural hub with its thriving arts district, featuring landmarks like the Eccles Theater and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. The area also boasts the Downtown Farmers Market, where visitors can sample local produce and crafts every Saturday during the summer months. Salt Lake City In Provo, a blend of history and innovation creates a distinctive downtown vibe. Quaint shops line Center Street, offering everything from vintage clothing to locally made artisan goods. Music enthusiasts flock to Velour Live Music Gallery, a venue credited with helping launch the careers of bands like Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees.  Velour Live Music Gallery Ogden’s 25th Street, known as “Two-Bit Street” in its Wild West heyday, has transformed into a lively corridor of restaurants, breweries, and galleries. The area celebrates its roots with events like the Historic 25th Streetcar Show and the Ogden Arts Festival, which showcase the city’s creative energy. Historic Ogden’s 25th Street Park City, famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, features a bustling Main Street filled with galleries, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants. During the summer, visitors can enjoy live music at the Silly Sunday Market, an open-air event that captures the town’s eclectic charm. Silly Sunday Market Tourism officials note that Utah’s downtowns provide an accessible gateway to the state’s diverse culture and outdoor experiences. As the state continues to grow, its downtown areas are embracing their individuality while preserving the rich history and natural beauty that make Utah a destination worth exploring.

Photo Credit: Krupasindu Sahoo The biggest thing happening here is underground Yellowstone National Park isn’t just a pretty place to hike—it’s one of the most active, unpredictable, and low-key chaotic landscapes in the country. Beneath the scenic overlooks and wooden boardwalks, the park is constantly moving, steaming, erupting, and evolving. If it feels alive, that’s because it kind of is. Yellowstone sits on top of a massive volcanic system, which sounds dramatic (and it is), but mostly shows itself through geysers, hot springs, and steam vents scattered across the park. Old Faithful still does its thing on schedule, drawing crowds like a natural headline event, while nearby geysers randomly pop off just to keep things interesting. Then there’s Grand Prismatic Spring—blazing with unreal color bands that look filtered but aren’t. The heat-loving bacteria around it literally paint the landscape, turning science into art. Above ground, Yellowstone runs on wildlife energy. This is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where animals still move like they’ve got full control. Bison roam wherever they want, often stopping traffic without apology. Wolves prowl the Lamar Valley, reshaping the ecosystem just by existing. Elk, bears, coyotes, and moose all play a role in a daily cycle that’s been happening long before humans showed up with cameras and trail maps. Watching it unfold feels less like sightseeing and more like tuning into a live nature feed. Water also does a lot of heavy lifting here. Yellowstone Falls crashes through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with a force that hits before the sound does. The canyon walls glow yellow, orange, and red, especially in the golden hours, proving the park’s name wasn’t random. Rivers cut through valleys, lakes stretch toward the horizon, and thermal runoff turns streams into swirling shades of blue and green. And then there’s the hiking—boardwalks and backcountry alike. You can stroll past bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents in sneakers, or disappear onto miles of trail where cell service drops and your only notifications are birds and wind. Every turn feels like a different park: alpine forests, open meadows, rocky cliffs, wide-open skies. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, just with more bison. What really makes Yellowstone hit different, though, are the quiet moments in between the chaos. Steam rising at sunrise. A sudden wildlife sighting that stops everyone in their tracks. The realization that the ground beneath you is warm, moving, and shaping itself in real time. Yellowstone isn’t frozen in history—it’s constantly becoming something new. So what’s really going on inside Yellowstone National Park? A lot. It’s wild, it’s active, and it refuses to be predictable. And that’s exactly why it still pulls people in—generation after generation—looking for something real, untamed, and way bigger than a screen.

Tucked into the northeastern stretch of North Dakota is a destination that feels like it was handcrafted for travelers who crave fresh air, big fish, migrating waterfowl and even bigger hospitality. Welcome to Devils Lake  — a sprawling, scenic wonderland that lures anglers, hunters and nature lovers from across the country.  The name might sound ominous, but Devils Lake is anything but. With over 180,000 acres of water , including connected upper-basin lakes, it’s a paradise for outdoorsy types in every season. Whether you're casting for walleye in a flannel shirt or tracking geese with a thermos in hand, this place delivers the kind of outdoor magic you won’t find just anywhere.  At the heart of it all is Woodland Resort , a family-run lodge that’s been the anchor of adventure here for more than 35 years. “My wife and I opened Woodland Resort back in 1988,” says Kyle Blanchfield, owner and lifelong advocate for Devils Lake. “We were kind of the original pioneers on the lake — lodging, restaurant, bar, marina, boat rentals, we were the first to bring it all together in one place.”  Woodland Resort And they’ve been perfecting the experience ever since. Woodland Resort shines particularly bright in the fall and winter. “That’s when we cram in the best hunting and fishing of the whole year,” Kyle says. From world-class walleye fishing to guided waterfowl hunts, visitors get a front-row seat to the best of North Dakota’s wild side. “Our fishing packages, especially the ones with the Perch Patrol guide service, are popular because they’re turnkey,” says Kyle. “People just show up — we handle the lodging and meals, and the guides take care of the rest.”  Fall fishing  in Devils Lake is especially legendary. Mornings are brisk enough for a hoodie, but by midday, anglers are stripping down to t-shirts as they reel in walleyes, northern pike, perch and the occasional white bass. The fish are just cooperating that time of year. It’s some of the best fishing all season  And it’s not just about what’s in the water or the sky. The Devils Lake community  is warm, welcoming and ready to share its secrets. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your roots or a first timer exploring the Upper Midwest, this is the kind of place that gets under your skin — in the best way.  So, pack your tackle box, grab a thermos, and say yes to that spontaneous long weekend. “I’d challenge people to put Devils Lake on their fall list,” says Kyle. “It’s a world-class fishery with world-class facilities and a whole lot of heart.”  Ready to reel in your next great adventure? Devils Lake is waiting.   For more information on Devils Lake, ND , please visit their website at https://www.devilslakend.com  OR be directed to Devils Lake via Unplug Magazine’s website.

Elephant Butte Lake A Hidden Oasis   If you want to unplug in a time warp, head down I-25 to Exit 79. Blink, and you might miss it—but that would be a mistake.  Truth or Consequences, New Mexico—known as T or C—is a funky desert town of about 6,000, roughly 120 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Its history stretches back to prehistoric peoples who built pit houses and pueblo-like dwellings along canyons feeding the Rio Grande. The river still flows, and linger long enough, and you can feel the echoes of the past.  Hot Springs Through the Ages   For centuries, Native Americans gathered at mineral hot springs that bubble from a rift along the Rio Grande. Even Apache warrior Geronimo is said to have soaked in these healing waters.  In 1916, the Elephant Butte Dam created New Mexico’s largest lake just upstream from T or C. Before 1950, the town was called Hot Springs. That year, radio host Ralph Edwards challenged towns to rename themselves after his quiz show Truth or Consequences . Hot Springs accepted, and T or C was born.  Adventure Around Every Corner   For adventurers, T or C delivers. Elephant Butte Reservoir is famous for record-breaking bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, white and black bass, and stripers. Fifteen miles south, Caballo Reservoir and Percha Dam State Park offer shaded camping along the river. Spring and summer bring rafting on the Rio Grande, while hiking trails abound—from two-mile lakeside loops to weeklong treks on the Continental Divide Trail in the nearby Gila National Forest .  Cliff dwellings at Gila National Forest Soak It All In   The true treasure, however, is the hot springs. Temperatures range from 98 to 115 degrees, with 38 trace minerals and a neutral pH of 7. Mineral-rich and naturally germ-resistant, the waters soothe both body and mind. Some spas play soft music, others burn sage, and some let you soak under the open sky.  Our favorite is Riverbend Hot Springs , where you can watch the Rio Grande flow past Turtleback Mountain at sunset. Private and communal pools are available, and there’s RV access. Picture yourself immersed in healing waters, the desert stretching around you, feeling the same peace that pueblo people experienced centuries ago.  Hillsboro, New Mexico T or C is a revelation for those seeking a place off the beaten path to unwind. Adventure, history and relaxation coexist here, making this desert oasis a true hidden gem.   UNPLUG. Magazine Contributing Writers Ben and Wyn Bio:  Ben and Wyn are midlife nomads uncovering the secrets of rural America. Follow their adventures @nomadhermit.substack.com , @ruralexplorers @ benwyn.ru ralexplorer

Whether it’s a weekend in the woods, a weeklong backpacking trek or an overnight hike, outdoor cooking can be simple, satisfying — and surprisingly gourmet with the right recipes and equipment. In 2025, outdoor kitchen gear has evolved, from lightweight backpacking stoves to rugged cooksets that make preparing meals under the open sky almost as easy as in your own kitchen. Here’s how to elevate back-to-basics meals on the trail without fuss . Gear That Makes Cooking Outdoors Easier Great meals start with great tools. For fast hydration and boiling, the MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove  remains a backpacking favorite. It’s ultralight (about 2.6 ounces), boils water quickly and fits in the smallest day pack. For slightly more control — including simmering — the Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System   combines power and convenience, letting cooks boil water and prepare sauces or stews in a compact, efficient package. Campers who want a full kitchen setup should consider the Coleman Cascade 3‑in‑1 Camping Stove . Its multiple cooking surfaces let you fry, sauté and grill, making everything from breakfast burritos to camp-fire fajitas possible. Meanwhile, the Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo  offers a cost-effective all-in-one kit ideal for smaller groups or beginner outdoor cooks. Cookware matters too. A reliable pot like the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot  or lightweight titanium set like the Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset  brings versatility without adding extra weight. For those cooking for groups, a more substantial option like the GSI Glacier Stainless Base Camper  offers multiple pot sizes for meals big and small. Don’t forget utensils and accessories: tools such as the OXO Outdoor 4‑Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set  make stirring, flipping and serving far easier. Breakfast Made Simple Mornings are minimal outdoors, and breakfast should be too. A classic, no-frills start is instant oatmeal  — just add boiling water from your stove. For more protein, cook scrambled eggs with pre-chopped veggies  in a shallow pan, like a Foldable Titanium Frying / Baking Pan , over low heat. Season with salt and pepper, or add cheese for extra flavor. Another easy breakfast is breakfast burritos . At home, pre-assemble tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, and spices. Wrap them in foil and heat them on your camp stove in the morning. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup. One-Pot Lunches on the Trail For lunches on hikes or at camp, one-pot meals  are trail favorites. Pour instant couscous  into a bowl with dried vegetables, olive oil and hot water; let stand five minutes, then fluff and eat. Couscous is lightweight and brings energy to your midday break. Another easy option is tuna or chicken wraps . Keep pouch tuna or chicken, tortillas, and condiment packets on hand. Mix tuna with mayo or mustard, add seasonings and vegetables, and wrap for a hearty on-trail lunch. Camp-Fire Dinners That Impress Dinners can be just as easy — and more delicious than freeze dried meals. Foil packet meals  are a go-to solution: combine bite-sized potatoes, carrots, sliced sausage, olive oil and seasoning in a foil packet and cook over coals or a grill surface. The result is a flavorful, mess-free entrée that requires just one piece of foil and minimal cleanup. On cooler nights, a hearty chili  is hard to beat. At home, cook ground meat, beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chili seasoning in a pot. Freeze or refrigerate and reheat over your camp stove. Serve with tortillas or crackers for a filling meal. Backpackers on lighter trips can make a quick bean chili  with canned or rehydrated beans and taco seasoning. Snacks and Sweet Finishes No outdoor menu is complete without snacks. Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars are easy to pack. For a sweet camping treat, try banana boats : slice a banana lengthwise, fill with chocolate chunks and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and heat until gooey. Tips for Outdoor Cooking Success Plan meals ahead and pack ingredients smartly  — pre-chop veggies, pre-mix seasonings and use ingredients that don’t spoil easily. If cooking on a campfire, make sure coals are hot and stable  before placing cookware atop. Boil water safely before adding to meals, especially for instant foods. With the right gear and simple recipes, cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a chore. From quick breakfasts to satisfying dinners, eating under the open sky can be one of the highlights of any adventure.

The Arboretum At Flagstaff, by Michael Marcinko Let’s start with a trail that’s right in town — Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve  (3920 N El Paso Flagstaff Rd). It’s lowkey one of the best spots for an easy adventure. You’ll walk along riparian areas (fancy word for “green spots with water”), spot basalt cliffs, and find ancient petroglyphs carved by the Northern Sinagua people. It’s only a few minutes from downtown, which makes it perfect if you want to sneak in a quick hike before brunch or just need a little nature reset without a full-on backcountry mission. Picture Canyon, by Michael Marcinko If you’re ready for a bit more action, Fatman’s Loop Trail  is your go-to. It’s about 2.5 miles and wraps around the eastern slope of Mount Elden. Expect pine forest, cool rock formations, and the kind of views that make you say “okay, Arizona, I see you.” Want something a little more immersive? Head up to the Kachina Trail  near Arizona Snowbowl. It’s around 5 miles each way, winding through aspen groves and spruce-pine forest with peeks at the San Francisco Peaks — Arizona’s highest mountains. In the fall, the aspens go full gold, and honestly, it feels like walking inside a postcard. Humphreys Peak, ,by Michael Marcinko Humphreys Peak: The Big One If you’ve got stamina and snacks, Humphreys Peak Trail   is the ultimate Flagstaff flex. It’s the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The trail starts from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot and climbs about 3,300 feet over 10 miles round trip. It’s a grind — rocky, windy, and totally worth it. The summit views stretch across the whole state, sometimes even into Utah and New Mexico. Just remember: it’s alpine terrain, so layer up and start early. Afternoon lightning storms are no joke at that elevation. Aspen Loop , by Michael Marcinko Chill Vibes: The FUTS & Lake Mary Not every day needs to be a summit day. The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS)   has around 59 miles of paved and dirt trails running through town — perfect for biking, walking, or just vibing. You can hop on right from downtown, wind through pine forests, and end up near a local coffee shop without ever touching a main road. If you’re craving lake views, Lake Mary Road  is where locals go for mellow rides or picnics. Upper and Lower Lake Mary are both great spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just hanging by the water watching elk wander by at sunset. Flagstaff might just be that place. Lockett Meadow, by Michael Marcinko Flagstaff is basically Arizona’s outdoor playground — alpine peaks, lava flows, forest trails, and lakes all within 20 minutes of each other. Whether you’re chasing summit views or just want to chill under the pines, this town delivers. So yeah — if you’re looking for a mountain escape that’s high-altitude, low-stress, and full of trails that make your camera roll explode, Flagstaff might just be that place. For more on Flagstaff, AZ, visit https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/?gad_source=1 Photography courtesy of UNPLUG. Magazine's Photojournalist Michael Marcinko To see more of Michael’s work check out his website   @ michaelmarcinko.com

Photo courtesy of VisitCentralPA.org MILTON, PA - The new  Susquehanna River Valley Outdoor Recreation Guide  is now available, inviting local residents and visiting explorers to discover the best of Central Pennsylvania’s outdoor experiences. This visually engaging, magazine-style publication showcases everything that makes the region a premier outdoor destination - from hiking and cycling to fishing and paddling, and from caves and caverns to campgrounds and golf courses. Designed to inspire exploration, the guide also makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to plan their next adventure. Building on the content found in the annual  Official Guide to the Susquehanna River Valley , the Outdoor Recreation Guide takes a deeper dive into the area’s diverse recreational offerings. Readers will find answers to questions such as: Which regional waterways are best for paddling? Why is the area becoming a hotspot for off-roading enthusiasts? Where are the best home bases for outdoor adventures in the river valley? These insights and more are featured throughout the guide’s pages. The Susquehanna River Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise “Each year, we see more visitors seeking outdoor adventures, and our region offers an ideal mix of scenic beauty, challenging terrain and a wide variety of exceptional outdoor experiences," said Judy Machesic, Interim Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB). Machesic noted that the region continues to earn national recognition for its outdoor recreation assets. Penns Creek is celebrated as an award-winning trout stream, while the Susquehanna River itself is a bucket-list destination for anglers nationwide. Faylor Lake has been ranked the #14 disc golf course in the world, and attractions such as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) in Coal Township and the unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley gravel cycling race in Union and Snyder counties draw riders from across the country. “The Outdoor Recreation Guide is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents,” Machesic added. “Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking to spend more time outdoors, this guide will help point you in the right direction.” For more information about the new guide or about outdoor adventures in the region, visit  VisitCentralPA.org  or contact the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at 570-524-7234. Free copies of the  Susquehanna River Valley Outdoor Recreation Guide  are available at the SRVVB office, 2733 State Route 45, Suite 2, Milton; at literature racks throughout the region; and  online .

Photo credit: Anton Werner Volcán de Fuego is not a backdrop. It is an active, unpredictable system in constant motion, and working near it demands preparation, tolerance for failure and a willingness to return empty-handed. For photographer and explorer Anton Werner, that uncertainty is not a drawback. It is the reason he keeps coming back. Werner first encountered Fuego while traveling on a tight budget through Central America, searching for volunteer opportunities. He arrived in Antigua, Guatemala, with no particular interest in volcanoes. That changed when he saw images of Fuego erupting. “This feeling of being up close to one of nature’s greatest powers just had a stranglehold on me,” Werner said. “I got a little bit obsessed with volcanoes. It’s a very humbling experience to be standing on a volcano while it erupts in front of you. In a way, it’s grounding — a sensation I think many people seek in the outdoors.” The scale and frequency of Fuego’s activity made it clear this was not a rare event but an ongoing process. Werner wanted to see it firsthand, and to photograph it on his own terms. Learning the Terrain Werner’s first close exposure came not from Fuego but from nearby Pacaya, which at the time was active enough to allow close access to surface lava. The experience reshaped how he approached landscape photography. To me, it feels like a campfire, you're just drawn towards it and can sit next to it for hours... That times a hundred is what an active volcano feels like to me. Like nature's version of a cinema. After that trip, Werner began organizing returns to Central America, volunteering in Nicaragua and Guatemala, repeatedly positioning himself near active volcanic systems. Fuego stood out quickly. Its eruptions are forceful, regular and visually complex. For Werner, it became a working site rather than a one-time destination. He has returned often enough that the terrain, approach routes and sightlines are now familiar. That familiarity allows him to plan shots that rely on precise positioning rather than luck alone. Video credit: Anton Werner The Climb Reaching Fuego requires climbing neighboring Acatenango, where most overnight shoots are staged. Base camp sits at roughly 3,550 meters, with Acatenango’s summit near 4,000 meters. There is no gradual approach. The terrain is steep, loose and physically demanding in both directions. Hiking a volcano can be a lot less fun than it might seem .  It ’s not like hiking in the mountains. It’s either very steep uphill or very steep downhill Werner carries significant weight. Camera bodies, lenses, drone systems, food, water and batteries add up quickly. With a heavy kit like this, footwear is nonnegotiable. He wears boots that extend above the ankle to reduce injury risk and keep volcanic gravel out. “Another small thing I’ve come to enjoy is fingerless gloves,” he said. “Flying a drone with gloves doesn’t work, but keeping your hands warm is incredibly important for smooth shots.” Working in Volcanic Conditions Conditions on Fuego shift rapidly. During the dry season, fine dust infiltrates equipment. In the wet season, rain can arrive without warning. Werner relies on OX Expeditions, a company he first worked with in 2018, to handle logistics such as transport, food and accommodations. For equipment, he uses rain covers when leaving cameras exposed overnight and cleans gear frequently but accepts that long-term wear is part of the cost. Several lenses have been permanently affected by repeated exposure. Sun exposure at altitude is intense. Werner covers his face and neck to reduce burns and filter dust. He keeps his gear minimal but refuses to compromise on power, carrying up to 15 batteries across camera and drone systems, along with a large power bank. Water is entirely self-supported, and he typically carries four to four and a half liters for an overnight trip. At night, batteries are stored inside his sleeping bag to prevent cold-related drain. To Werner, comfort is secondary to reliability, knowing there is no resupply on the mountain. Video credit: Anton Werner Planning the Shot After years of repeated trips, Werner said he no longer needs to scout the terrain. “By now I know this volcano by heart,” he said. “I have many shots in mind that have formed just from being out there and getting inspired by the terrain... The main factor here is timing.” Shot ideas develop overtime through repetition and observation. Some frames require minimal setup, while others depend on variables that must align precisely. Weather and eruptions cannot be controlled. Celestial timing, however, can. Werner uses planning tools such as Photo pills to track the position of the sun, moon and stars. “With this I can plan certain shots ahead and just hope the weather and eruptions play along,” he said. “This uncertainty is the fun part. It makes things exciting.” If conditions fail to align, plans are abandoned quickly. Cloud cover, wind, fatigue or altitude sickness can all force changes. Werner approaches these moments pragmatically. If a primary shot becomes impossible, he pivots to lower-effort options or documents conditions instead. There have been many trips where no usable images were captured. You never know if you’ll get the shot you had in mind. There have been plenty of times I've come back from an overnight trip without having taken a single photo or video. Werner says sleep deprivation is often harder than the climb itself. Lava is visible at night, which means working late and waking early in cold, high-altitude conditions. "To see lava, you have to wait for nightfall, so you end up spending a lot of time shooting in the late and early hours of the day. This doesn't leave much time for sleep and the sleep you get isn't necessarily the best." He paces himself deliberately during the ascent, prioritizing long-term energy over speed. Arriving exhausted limits what can be done once conditions improve. Managing output over the full duration of the trip matters more than reaching camp quickly. Video credit: Anton Werner Chasing the Supermoon The image that motivated Werner’s most recent series was highly specific: a full moon rising behind Fuego during an active eruption, captured with a compressed perspective using a telephoto lens on a DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone. The window was limited. During his stay, only two full moons were viable. Weather volatility and unpredictable eruption timing made both attempts uncertain. “I try to involve natural conditions as much into my planning as I can... But, obviously, you’re out in nature, so a lot of times things don’t necessarily go as you had planned.” Werner committed an entire overnight trip to the shot. Contrary to experience, conditions aligned. The eruption occurred on schedule. Wind allowed stable flight. Visibility held. "I was honestly more surprised than anything by how smooth it went. I guess I was expecting the clouds to roll in, to crash the drone, the volcano stay silent... When it did end up aligning, I was just surprised." A second attempt during the following full moon produced an even larger eruption — minutes before sunrise erased visible lava. The timing margin was narrow. A delay of just a few minutes would have ended the opportunity. Photo credit: Anton Werner The Obsession Even with that in mind, Werner said he is drawn to shots that are difficult to obtain. The possibility of failure is part of the appeal. He describes the process as addictive, not because of the final image, but because of the sustained focus required to pursue it. Werner also acknowledges that outcomes are often secondary. The effort, planning, and execution are the primary motivation. In video production there’s a joke that the director says, ‘We’ll fix it in post," That’s every editor’s nightmare. It’s usually easier to fix things on location than in postproduction Success is not guaranteed, and he accepts that fully—many images and clips remain archived and unseen. Documentation, for Werner, is not always about publication but about the process of creating itself. “Sometimes it makes me a bit sad to feel like I’ve only seen some things through a screen. But in the end, I love being out there with a camera... If it wasn’t for my camera, I probably wouldn’t be out there in nature all that much.” Werner sees obsession as a functional tool — one that drives return trips, new approaches and creative problem-solving. Obsession and inspiration go hand in hand. If it weren't for the obsession of wanting to capture a specific moment, I wouldn't keep coming back. Familiarity with a single location forces innovation rather than repetition. In this way, Fuego has shaped his mindset. More than patience, Werner said Fuego has taught him acceptance. Conditions don't conform to expectations, even if for a beautiful shot. “Acceptance that things don’t always go my way. That in the end, I’m at nature’s mercy and my wants are secondary... There lies a beauty in that uncertainty... A feeling many people in the outdoors can relate to. It’s humbling.” The mountain humbles everyone eventually. And still, Werner returns. Not because Fuego promises anything, but because it never does. You can follow Anton Werner on Instagram at @anton.werner | You are warmly invited to see the latest updates on his projects there.

Submitted photo Utah does not ease you into the outdoors. It drops you straight into it. Red rock arches rise without warning. Slot canyons cut deep into the earth like secrets. Alpine trails climb fast and don’t apologize for it. For hikers, Utah isn’t a destination you casually check off. It’s a place you show up ready—or you learn quickly. From desert heat to snow-dusted peaks, Utah packs five national parks , dozens of state parks and thousands of miles of trails into one state. What makes it hiker–approved isn’t just the scenery. It’s the access, the variety and the fact that you can hike through completely different ecosystems in a single weekend and still be back in time for a late-night burrito run. Zion National Park gets the hype, and yes, it earns it. Angels Landing is still one of the most adrenaline-heavy hikes in the country, a narrow spine of rock with chains bolted into it and a view that makes your stomach drop in the best way. But the quieter trails—like Watchman or Emerald Pools—offer the same canyon glow without the full-body fear factor. Zion National Park Bryce Canyon trades vertigo for wonder. The park’s hoodoos look unreal, especially at sunrise when the rocks turn pink and gold. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail drop hikers into a maze of stone spires that feel closer to a fantasy game than real life. Arches National Park is where short hikes deliver maximum payoff. Delicate Arch may be the most photographed rock in Utah, but trails like Devils Garden stretch deeper into the park, weaving past fins, arches and views that feel endless. It’s proof that not every epic hike has to be all-day brutal. For those chasing cooler temps and fewer crowds, the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City delivers. Trails like Lake Blanche and Mount Olympus climb into alpine terrain with wildflowers, glacier-fed lakes and city views that remind you how close the wild still is. Arches National Park The Vibe Matters Utah hiking culture is low drama and high payoff. Trailheads fill early. Locals move fast and pack light. There’s an unspoken rule to respect the land, bring more water than you think you need and turn around if the weather flips. Desert storms and flash floods are real, not aesthetic. This isn’t about posting one photo and leaving. Utah rewards patience. Sunrise starts matter. So does knowing when to skip the popular trails and chase the less-tagged ones. Plan Smart or Pay for It Utah’s beauty comes with conditions. Summer heat in southern parks can hit triple digits. Winter brings snow and ice to higher elevations. Spring runoff can turn slot canyons dangerous fast. Permits are now required for some hikes, including Angels Landing, and reservations are common during peak season. But with planning comes freedom. The state is road-trip friendly, camping options are everywhere, and small towns near trailheads know exactly how to fuel tired hikers. Why It Sticks With You Utah doesn’t just offer trails. It offers scale. The kind that resets your perspective and makes your phone feel small. The kind that reminds you movement is still one of the best ways to understand a place—and yourself. You don’t leave Utah unchanged. You leave dusty, sore, sunburned and already thinking about when you’ll come back. For more, check out VisitUtah.com