It’s been a year of adventure and making new friends. For our last post of 2016 we thought we would highlight our top 20 stops in North America this year. This could be a city, attraction, park, site, hike, etc.; anything. We feel so lucky to have been able to see this much in such a short time. We have focused so much on international trips that we missed a lot that the US has to offer. With some of these places we didn’t even know that they existed and randomly came across them while driving. I should mention that we have only been on the western third of North America. Denver was the farthest east we went. Many were on our bucket lists and lists we thought we would never get to. While working in the corporate world I had a huge list of places that I didn’t think I would get to because I wouldn’t have enough time in a lifetime. I no longer have that list and it is a great feeling.
So here are our top 20 in no particular order.
1. Grand Canyon – Arizona
2. Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass) – Utah
3. Ice Lake Trail – Colorado
4. Great Sand Dunes National Parkm – Colorado
5. Crystal Mill – Colorado
6. Oneonta Gorge – Oregon
7. Glacier Bay National Park – Alaska
8. Grand Tetons National Park – Wyoming
9. Denali National Park – Alaska
10. Haystack Rock – Oregon
11. Tumalo Falls – Oregon
12. Pioneer Cabin Trail – Idaho
13. Mt. Democrat – Colorado (14er!)
14. Horseshoe Bend – Arizona
15. Zion National Park – Utah
16. Emerald Lake (Yoho National Park) – Canada
17. Lake Morraine (Banff National Park) – Canada
18. Johnston Canyon Cave – Canada
19. Buena Vista – Colorado
20. Cripple Creek – Colorado
We also have an Honorable Mention. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. I had wanted to see this place, but it logistically it was difficult from LA. It was a must since we were so close to it when we were at Zion. Their work his is nothing but remarkable. The hours and dedication that the people there put into it is humbling. I couldn’t believe how many animals they had. It was hard being there as I wanted to adopt so many. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, donkeys. It is any animal lovers sanctuary. All the tours are free. They have some “celebrity” animals there. You might have heard of the Missouri 500 or the Vick-tory dogs. It is worth the side trip.
Check out our blog posts for further information, or just ask! Let me know what some of your favorites were so we can add them to our list!
33andfree 
You guys did go everywhere! It’s fun to see the highlights again. Looking forward to seeing where you go in 2017.
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Us too lol. Hopefully we cross paths at some point!
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I totally agree about Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! it is my heaven on earth. I’ve only been once, but planning on going back.
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Us too! Would love for our next fur family member to be from there.
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Great pictures… you have quite the life. Surprised you knew about, and got out to Crystal. That’s my #1 place.
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Thank you! It was research and luck!
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Beautiful photos! I love all of the, but that sunset in #10 might be my favorite. Keep up the amazing photos!!
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Thank you very much!
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The lakes in Canada are so pretty. I really need to make time to visit.
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Crystal Mill had a LOT more water when you were there (my Crystal Mill shots will be published in tomorrow’s blog post). I must say that I’m a little disappointed that your stay at Twin Lakes with me didn’t make the top 20. 😉
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That is a different list and you’re no. 1!!!
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Great list, but I’m a little sad not to see Montana on the list! I lived there for 3 years and it was absolutely stunning! If you’ve never been you should definitely hit up Glacier national Park! 🙂
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We didn’t get as much time as we wanted there or get to see what we wanted. We had 2 days Missoula (2 different trips), 1 day whitefish, 1 day Glacier NP. They were mostly drive through.
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Aw that’s a shame! It deserves a longer vacation! I lived 20 minutes from Whitefish!
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Nice it was beautiful. We were there a little longer but we got rained out a couple days and then I got sick! It is definitely in our list to get back too?
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The places you guys list are amazing, but what’s really stunning is how you’ve captured the beauty in your photos. Great work, and great list. Best Wishes!
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Thank you so much!
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ohhh, I want to go the best friends sanctuary! We were there in Kanab and ran out of time!!
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It is definitely worth it next time. Showing support to this amazing places makes you feel so good! It was hard not leaving with any of them.
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I did leave a donation, but only toured the gift shop. Glad you got to see it while you were there!
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