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Laurie J. Schmidt

Award-winning Freelance Writer

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Utah hiking

Desert Hiking: Essential Tips for Staying Safe

Hiking, Solo Travel, Utah · April 14, 2025

As a kid, I was terrified by a scene I saw in an old western movie: A cowboy died a slow death when he sunk in quicksand. It was typical …

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Utah Canyon Country: Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit

Hiking, Utah · February 24, 2025

When I first started exploring Utah canyon country in the 1990s, I always went during spring, summer, and fall, like most people. But one …

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Easy Day Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Hiking, Utah · October 9, 2024

Devils Garden Escalante

You’ve seen all the photos of southern Utah’s arches, natural bridges, and canyons, and you want an up-close look. Am I right? Well, I’ve …

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Escalante Canyons: A Wild West Story

Hiking, History, Utah · April 16, 2024

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) encompasses a vast region that covers nearly two million acres in southern Utah. The …

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