Outdoor Adventures in The Western United States & Photography

Outdoor Adventures

Arches National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion National Park, Great Basin National Park, San Francisco, Batteries to Bluffs Trail, Pacific Coast, Canyonlands National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Point Reyes National Seashore, Mori Point, San Francisco to Colorado Trip

San Francisco to Colorado Road Trip Through Utah & Nevada (Late Spring Guide)

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Birding, Lychens, Monterey Cypress, Whale Watching, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters

Guide to the Best Short Hikes at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Birding, Lychens, Monterey Cypress, Whale Watching, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters

Mori Point, Rockaway Beach, Birding, Harbor Seals, Whale Watching, Wildflower Hikes

Mori Point Wildflower Hike: Admiring Coastal Habitat Restoration along the Pacific Coast

Mori Point, Rockaway Beach, Birding, Harbor Seals, Whale Watching, Wildflower Hikes

Hey there, and Welcome!

I’m Vanessa, a German girl living in California, where I’ve fallen deeply in love with the natural beauty and diversity of the Golden State — and the entire Western United States. I’m the one-woman-show aka the writer and photographer behind Venture Beyond the Picture.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for travel guides, real tales from the trails, and photography that celebrates wild landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and the quiet beauty of nature.

I hope what you find here helps you plan your adventures across the Western U.S., capture the outdoors through your own lens, and spark new inspiration.

About

my Latest Articles

Photography

Jun 11, 2025

10 Stunning Forest Photography Subjects (With Practical Tips!)

Jun 11, 2025

Ever been wowed by the serene beauty of a forest but ended up with a photo that screams cold green nightmare? You’re not alone! Forest photography is a unique challenge—light shifts, shadows play tricks, and the sheer depth can overwhelm your frame. There’s a saying about not seeing the forest for the trees—and that’s exactly how it feels sometimes in the woods. So many details hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to capture their magic. This article aims at inspiring you to explore those details and help you create photos that truly reflect the forest’s unique vibe.

Jun 11, 2025

Outdoor Adventures

Jul 15, 2025

High Dune Hike: The Essential Trail at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Jul 15, 2025

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. I know — strong claim — but this place is truly unique. The hike to High Dune offers the perfect introduction to the vast dunefield, striking a great balance between effort and reward with breathtaking views of rolling sand dunes and the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In this article, I’ll take you on a hike into the dunes, weave in some story time and life lessons inspired by the sand, and share the essentials to plan your visit.

Jul 15, 2025