Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the grave of John Wesley Hardin in El Paso, Texas — the final resting place of one of the most infamous gunslingers of the Old West. Known for his violent reputation and turbulent life, Hardin remains a controversial and fascinating figure in frontier history. Standing in a quiet cemetery, his grave feels stark and reflective. The calm surroundings sharply contrast with the chaos and bloodshed often associated with his name, offering a sobering reminder of how even the most notorious lives eventually come to rest. If you’re interested in Wild West history, outlaw legends, or meaningful off-the-beaten-path stops, this is a powerful place to visit while exploring El Paso. 📜 Who Was John Wesley Hardin? John Wesley Hardin was one of the most feared gunslingers of the American frontier, known for his violent temper and the many killings attributed to him. His life was marked by constant conflict, lawlessness, and eventual imprisonment. Despite his reputation, Hardin’s s...

Simba and I visited Lincoln Park, also known as Chicano Park, in El Paso, Texas — a powerful community space filled with vibrant murals celebrating Chicano culture, history, activism, and identity. Every wall tells a story here, blending art with social history in a way that feels deeply personal and proudly communal. Walking through the park feels like moving through an open-air gallery where color, symbolism, and lived experience come together. It’s not just a place to see art — it’s a place to feel it. If you enjoy meaningful public art, cultural landmarks, and spaces where history is expressed visually and emotionally, Lincoln Park is an essential stop in El Paso. ✊🎨 Art That Speaks for a Community The murals at Lincoln Park reflect themes of heritage, resistance, pride, and unity. Many pieces honor Chicano history, local leaders, cultural traditions, and ongoing struggles for visibility and justice. Together, the artwork transforms the park into a living record of identity and re...

Simba and I visited Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas — a powerful and peaceful park that tells the story of a long-running border dispute between the United States and Mexico that was ultimately resolved through diplomacy. Today, this meaningful site stands as a symbol of cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared history along the border. What feels like a calm urban park on the surface holds a deep and important story beneath it. Wide green spaces, monuments, and cultural buildings come together to honor a rare moment when dialogue and agreement reshaped a border — and relationships — for the better. If you’re interested in borderland history, international cooperation, or places where history and reflection meet, Chamizal National Memorial is well worth a visit. 📜 The History Behind Chamizal National Memorial For decades, the Chamizal area was at the center of a complex border dispute between the United States and Mexico caused by shifts in the Rio Grande. After years o...

Simba and I visited the Space Murals Museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico — a unique and often overlooked space-history stop that blends bold outdoor art with a surprisingly deep indoor museum experience. What first looks like a quick roadside attraction quickly reveals itself as a meaningful and educational visit. Outside, the site immediately grabs your attention with a towering water tank painted in vibrant space-themed murals, along with large rocket displays that hint at southern New Mexico’s deep ties to space exploration. But the real story begins once you step inside. If you enjoy hidden museums, space history, or unique roadside stops that offer more than meets the eye, this place is absolutely worth the visit. 🎨🚀 First Impressions: Murals and Rockets The massive water tower covered in colorful space murals is impossible to miss. Against the desert sky, planets, astronauts, and cosmic imagery turn a simple structure into a landmark that feels playful and inspiring. Nearby rocket...

Simba and I stopped to check out the Recycled Roadrunner Statue in Las Cruces, New Mexico — a fun and creative roadside sculpture built entirely from recycled metal and found materials. Larger than life and full of personality, this roadrunner captures the spirit of the Southwest while transforming scrap into striking public art. Bold, playful, and unmistakably desert-inspired, the sculpture stands as a reminder that creativity can come from almost anything — even discarded metal. If you enjoy quirky public art, roadside attractions, or discovering creative landmarks while exploring the desert, this is a great quick stop in Las Cruces. 🎨 Turning Scrap into Southwest Style The Recycled Roadrunner Statue is made up of welded metal parts, reused materials, and industrial scraps that come together to form a dynamic and expressive figure. Up close, the details really shine — gears, plates, and metal textures all working together to give the sculpture motion and character. It’s a perfect bl...

Simba and I stopped in Las Cruces, New Mexico to check out the World’s Largest Chile Pepper Sculpture — a bold roadside landmark celebrating the region’s deep chile-growing heritage. Standing tall and impossible to miss, this massive pepper captures the pride, flavor, and personality of southern New Mexico in one fun stop. It’s quick, playful, and perfectly suited for a road trip pause — the kind of landmark that makes you smile and grab a photo before hitting the highway again. If you enjoy quirky roadside attractions, Southwestern culture, or unique photo stops, this one is absolutely worth pulling over for. 🌶️ Celebrating Southern New Mexico’s Chile Culture Chile peppers are a huge part of life in southern New Mexico, and this oversized sculpture proudly reflects that identity. From local cuisine to festivals and traditions, chile is woven into everyday culture — and this landmark turns that heritage into something larger than life. The sculpture’s size and simplicity make it both...

Simba and I stopped at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Mission Church in the tiny desert town of Hachita, New Mexico — a quiet, weathered church standing as a reminder of the area’s past. Though no longer active, the building still carries a strong presence, rising gently from the open desert landscape that surrounds it. With very little around it and almost no sound except the wind, this small mission church feels reflective and still — a place where history lingers quietly rather than announcing itself. If you enjoy abandoned churches, quiet desert towns, or off-the-beaten-path history, this stop is well worth a pause. 🏜️ A Church That Tells Its Story in Silence St. Catherine of Siena Mission Church once served the local community of Hachita, a town that has seen much busier days. As the town faded, the church remained — weathered by time but still standing with dignity. The simplicity of the structure, combined with its isolation, gives it a powerful presence. It doesn’t need resto...

Simba and I took a detour out to the Shrine to the Perfect Man in Columbus, New Mexico — a striking and unfinished replica of the tomb of Indian spiritual teacher Meher Baba, standing alone in the desert. Built decades ago by a devoted follower, this unusual structure rises quietly from the New Mexico landscape, blending devotion, mystery, and isolation into one unforgettable roadside stop. With its stark silhouette, weathered paint, and open desert surroundings, the shrine feels both eerie and peaceful. It’s the kind of place that invites quiet reflection rather than explanation. If you enjoy hidden history, abandoned architectural oddities, or unique spiritual landmarks, this stop is well worth the journey. 🕊️ The Story Behind the Shrine The Shrine to the Perfect Man was created as a replica of Meher Baba’s tomb in India, built by a follower who wanted to honor his spiritual teacher far from the crowds. Though unfinished, the structure stands as a lasting expression of faith and ded...

Simba and I pulled over in the desert near Deming, New Mexico to explore The Triangles — a remote and unusual site marked by a pair of massive concrete triangular shapes set directly into the earth. Part art installation, part mystery, and part desert curiosity, this stop feels like something you’d only stumble upon while wandering far off the beaten path. Surrounded by open desert and silence, the shapes feel intentionally placed yet open to interpretation, blurring the lines between art, landscape, and imagination. If you enjoy weird roadside stops, unexpected art in wild places, or exploring remote desert curiosities, this one is absolutely worth the drive. 🏜️ What Are The Triangles? The Triangles consist of two large concrete triangular slabs rising from the desert floor. Stark, geometric, and unnatural against the organic landscape, they immediately grab your attention. There’s no grand explanation on site — just the shapes, the desert, and the space to wonder. The simplicity of...

Simba and I stopped at Cabinetlandia near Deming, New Mexico — a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roadside oddity made up of a single weathered cabinet with three drawers sitting alone in the desert. Simple, strange, and oddly charming, this tiny stop proves that sometimes the smallest attractions leave the biggest impressions. Set against the wide-open New Mexico landscape, the cabinet feels surreal and intentional, like a quiet statement placed in the middle of nowhere. If you enjoy obscure roadside stops, minimalist oddities, or unexpected moments on the open road, Cabinetlandia is well worth a quick pull-over. 🏜️ What Makes Cabinetlandia So Fascinating At first glance, Cabinetlandia is just a cabinet in the desert — but that’s exactly the point. Its isolation, simplicity, and contrast with the surrounding landscape invite curiosity and interpretation. There’s no sign explaining it, no grand reveal. Instead, it quietly exists, encouraging visitors to pause, look closer, and decide for them...

Simba and I explored City of Rocks State Park in Faywood, New Mexico — an otherworldly landscape filled with massive volcanic rock spires rising dramatically from the desert floor. Walking through this park feels like stepping into a natural stone city, shaped over millions of years by volcanic activity, wind, and time. Every turn reveals towering formations, narrow passages, and unexpected shapes that make the landscape feel surreal and almost alien. It’s one of those places that instantly reminds you how creative nature can be. If you love strange landscapes, desert adventures, and state parks that feel completely unique, City of Rocks is an absolute must-visit. 🌋 A Landscape Shaped by Fire and Time City of Rocks was formed from volcanic ash that hardened and eroded into the dramatic spires you see today. Over time, weather and erosion carved the stone into columns, corridors, and clustered formations that resemble a city skyline rising from the desert. Unlike wide-open desert parks...

Simba and I visited the Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs in Arenas Valley, New Mexico — a beautiful and historic collection of rock carvings etched into stone by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. This short, peaceful trail brings you face-to-face with ancient artworks depicting animals, symbols, and stories that have endured across generations. Walking among these carvings feels both grounding and humbling. Set within a quiet desert landscape, the petroglyphs connect the present moment with a deep and powerful past. If you enjoy history, ancient mysteries, or meaningful outdoor experiences, this stop is truly unforgettable. 🪶 A Glimpse Into the Past The petroglyphs along the Dragonfly Trail were carved long before modern settlements existed in the area. Each figure and symbol reflects a connection to the land, wildlife, and beliefs of the people who once lived here. Rather than being behind glass or in a museum, these carvings remain exactly where they were created — allowing you ...

Simba and I stopped at the Wall of Bottles in Silver City, New Mexico — a wildly quirky roadside landmark built entirely from thousands of colorful glass bottles embedded into a long stone wall. What could have been just another wall has been transformed into something playful, artistic, and almost magical as sunlight passes through the glass. Tucked away and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, this spot is a hidden piece of folk art history that adds character and creativity to an everyday street. If you love weird art, roadside oddities, and unexpected discoveries, this is a must-see stop in Silver City. 🎨 What Makes the Wall of Bottles So Special The Wall of Bottles stands out because of its sheer creativity. Bottles of every color, size, and shape are arranged into patterns that catch the light and change throughout the day. As the sun moves, the wall seems to shift — glowing, reflecting, and creating new details with every step. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t need to liv...

Simba and I explored Mogollon Ghost Town, a rugged and remote former mining town tucked deep in the mountains of southwestern New Mexico. Once a booming silver-mining community in the late 1800s, Mogollon now feels frozen in time — with weathered buildings, quiet dirt roads, and layers of history clinging to the hillsides. Reaching Mogollon is part of the experience. The steep mountain roads and isolation make it feel like you’ve stepped far away from the modern world into a place where the past still lingers in every structure. If you enjoy ghost towns, mining history, and off-the-beaten-path road trips, Mogollon is an unforgettable stop worth the journey. ⛏️ The Rise and Fall of Mogollon Mogollon came to life during the silver mining boom of the late 1800s, quickly growing into a lively mountain town filled with miners, businesses, and hotels. When the mines eventually declined, much of the town was abandoned, leaving behind a rare snapshot of frontier-era life. Today, Mogollon stand...

Simba and I explored the Catwalk Recreation Area in Glenwood, New Mexico — a one-of-a-kind canyon trail where metal walkways cling to towering rock walls above rushing water. Originally built to support a pipeline, the Catwalk has been transformed into an unforgettable hike that winds through a narrow canyon filled with dramatic cliffs, flowing streams, and cool mountain air. This spot feels completely different from the surrounding desert landscapes of the Southwest. The shade, water, and vertical canyon walls create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and adventurous. If you enjoy scenic hikes, historic engineering, or discovering unexpected landscapes, the Catwalk is an absolute must-visit. 🛠️ A Trail Built on History and Engineering The Catwalk was originally constructed in the late 1800s to support a pipeline serving nearby mining operations. Rather than removing it, the structure was preserved and adapted into a recreational trail, allowing visitors to experience both natural bea...

Simba and I visited the Clifton Cliff Jail in Clifton, Arizona — one of the most unusual historic jails in the state, literally carved into the side of a steep canyon wall. Built in the early 1900s, this tiny stone jail once held prisoners high above the town, where escape was nearly impossible thanks to the sheer cliffs surrounding it. Perched dramatically above Clifton, the jail feels equal parts eerie, fascinating, and ingenious. It’s a striking reminder of how geography once played a major role in law enforcement across the Old West. If you enjoy abandoned places, rugged history, and strange architectural landmarks, this stop is a must when exploring eastern Arizona. 🧱 What Makes the Clifton Cliff Jail So Unique Unlike traditional jails, the Clifton Cliff Jail wasn’t built on flat ground — it was carved directly into the canyon wall. The rock itself became part of the structure, making it one of the most secure (and intimidating) jails of its time. With limited space, thick stone ...

Simba and I visited the Geronimo Surrender Monument near San Simon, Arizona — a quiet, remote desert marker commemorating the 1886 surrender of Geronimo. This moment marked the end of the Apache Wars and a major turning point in American Southwest history. Standing alone in the wide-open San Simon Valley, the monument is small and understated, yet it carries an immense historical weight. Surrounded by open desert and silence, it’s a place that invites reflection more than spectacle. If you enjoy hidden history, meaningful roadside stops, or places that tell powerful stories without crowds, this is a site worth seeking out. 📖 The History Behind the Monument The Geronimo Surrender Monument marks the location associated with Geronimo’s final surrender in 1886, effectively ending decades of conflict known as the Apache Wars. While the marker itself is modest, the event it represents reshaped the history of the region and the lives of countless people. Visiting the site helps put that hist...

Simba and I pulled off I-10 to check out Fraggle Rock , a curious desert outcropping just west of Lordsburg, New Mexico that’s been hand-painted with the name of the classic TV series. Simple, bold, and completely unexpected, this roadside oddity stands out against the flat desert landscape and instantly turns a routine drive into a memorable moment. It’s the kind of stop that doesn’t take long but perfectly captures the spirit of Southwestern road trips — wide-open roads, strange landmarks, and surprises you never planned on finding. If you’re into roadside curios, odd landmarks, or discovering the unexpected along the highway, this quick detour is well worth it. 🛣️ What Makes Fraggle Rock Such a Fun Stop Fraggle Rock isn’t a major attraction, and that’s exactly why it works. A single painted rock in the middle of the desert, it feels personal and playful — like someone left a small piece of pop culture behind just to make drivers smile. Against the wide New Mexico sky and open deser...

I put together a recap of my Arizona road trip — a mix of the places I explored and the landscapes I passed through along the way. From historic landmarks and offbeat attractions to long desert highways, mountain views, and wide-open spaces, this video captures the real feel of traveling across Arizona between destinations. Rather than focusing on just one stop, this recap brings together the in-between moments that make a road trip special — the driving, the scenery, and the sense of distance that defines Arizona travel. If you enjoy road trips, desert scenery, weird history, and discovering unique places across the Southwest, this recap pulls it all together in one place. 🗺️ What Makes an Arizona Road Trip So Special Arizona is a state made for road trips. The landscapes change constantly as you drive — deserts give way to mountains, open highways stretch endlessly ahead, and small towns and landmarks appear when you least expect them. This trip wasn’t just about the destinations, b...

Simba and I visited Agua Caliente Park in Tucson, Arizona — a quiet desert oasis known for its historic natural springs, palm-lined ponds, and peaceful walking paths. Tucked against the foothills, this park feels like a hidden retreat from the city, blending classic Sonoran Desert scenery with lush greenery and calm water features. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and simply enjoy the contrast between desert and water. If you enjoy tranquil parks, historic spring sites, or low-key outdoor stops, Agua Caliente Park is a beautiful spot to add to your Tucson itinerary. 🌿 What Makes Agua Caliente Park Special Agua Caliente Park has a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from most desert parks in Tucson. The spring-fed ponds reflect the surrounding landscape, while tall palm trees and shaded paths create a cool, calming environment that feels worlds away from the busy city. The park’s history as a natural spring site adds another layer of depth, ...

Simba and I checked out The Eyes of the Future , a striking outdoor art installation in Tucson, Arizona that instantly stops you in your tracks. Featuring a towering pair of sculptural eyes staring out across the desert landscape, this surreal landmark turns an ordinary Tucson day into something truly memorable. Set against the wide Arizona sky, the installation feels equal parts art, mystery, and curiosity — the kind of place that makes you pause, look twice, and wonder what story it’s trying to tell. If you enjoy bold public art, unexpected roadside stops, or exploring Tucson’s more unconventional attractions, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎨 What Makes The Eyes of the Future So Unique The Eyes of the Future stand out not just because of their size, but because of how they interact with their surroundings. From different angles and lighting conditions, the sculptures seem to change expression, giving the illusion that they’re constantly watching the desert around them. It’s a p...

Simba and I visited San Pedro Chapel in Tucson, Arizona — the oldest standing church in the state, dating back to the early 1700s. This small adobe chapel sits quietly on the edge of downtown, often overlooked by passersby, yet it holds centuries of Arizona history within its thick earthen walls. Despite its modest size, San Pedro Chapel is one of the most important historical landmarks in Arizona, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s early Spanish and mission-era past. If you enjoy discovering hidden history and meaningful places that tell deep stories without crowds, this stop belongs on your Tucson list. ⛪ The History of San Pedro Chapel San Pedro Chapel was built in the early 18th century and is considered the oldest standing church in Arizona . Constructed from adobe, its thick walls were designed to withstand desert heat and time — and they’ve done exactly that for more than 300 years. While Tucson has grown around it, the chapel remains a quiet reminder of the area’s earlie...

Simba and I hiked the Babad Do’ag Trail in Tucson, Arizona — a rugged desert route tucked into the Tucson Mountains that feels far removed from the city. This trail winds through rocky terrain, washes, and canyon walls, offering classic Sonoran Desert scenery and a peaceful, less-traveled hiking experience. If you enjoy desert hikes, hidden Arizona trails, and exploring nature with your dog, this trail is a great one to add to your list. 🌄 About the Babad Do’ag Trail The Babad Do’ag Trail winds through classic Sonoran Desert terrain, showcasing volcanic rock formations, towering saguaros, and wide-open desert landscapes. The rocky paths and canyon sections give the hike a rugged feel while still being approachable for most hikers. Even though it’s close to Tucson, the trail feels quiet and remote — perfect for anyone looking to escape crowds and enjoy a slower-paced desert hike. 🐾 Hiking with Simba Simba was completely in his element on this trail 🐕. From navigating rocky sections t...

Simba and I stopped at Mule Pass near Bisbee, Arizona — a quirky roadside landmark that has puzzled travelers for generations. Perched along the old route over the Mule Mountains, this small pull-off famously claims to mark the Continental Divide… even though it technically doesn’t. That contradiction is exactly what makes Mule Pass such a fun and memorable stop. Before the construction of the Mule Pass Tunnel, this winding mountain route was the primary way travelers crossed between Bisbee and the surrounding desert. Today, the pass feels quiet and overlooked, but it still carries layers of road-trip history, early travel routes, and a touch of roadside mythmaking that fits perfectly with southern Arizona’s character. Standing there, with mountain ridges stretching out in every direction, it’s easy to imagine early motorists grinding their way over the pass long before modern highways made the journey easier. Whether the marker is geographically accurate or not, Mule Pass represents a...

Simba and I explored the one-of-a-kind town of Bisbee, Arizona — a historic mining community tucked into the Mule Mountains and filled with steep streets, colorful staircases, old mining relics, and a creative, slightly eccentric vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Once one of the richest mineral sites in the world , Bisbee has transformed from a booming copper town into a living blend of Wild West history, art, and small-town character . From hillside neighborhoods stacked along narrow roads to vintage storefronts and murals around every corner, Bisbee feels like a mix of open-air museum and lived-in storybook. It’s the kind of place you don’t just see — you wander , soak in, and remember. 🎥 Watch the Video Join Simba and me as we stroll through Bisbee’s historic streets, climb its stairways, and take in the views, textures, and stories that make this desert mountain town so unforgettable. 👀 In This Video You’ll See - Wandering through Bisbee’s narrow streets, stairways, and hillsi...