Blog author Morgan Burke in Gates of the Arctic National Park

About Morgan Burke

Hi, I’m Morgan Burke—born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and someone who came to photography and the outdoors a little later than most. Thanks for stopping by.

Growing up in the Midwest, mountains, glaciers, and long backcountry hikes weren’t part of my world. I was focused on work, stuck in a routine that eventually pushed me to the edge of burnout. So I hit reset: I quit my job, sold almost everything I owned, and booked a last-minute flight to New Zealand.

I didn’t realize then how much that decision would change my life.

New Zealand’s mountains and glaciers slapped me awake in the best way possible. Being out there—with a camera, no real plan, and more fresh air than I knew what to do with—completely shifted my perspective. It sparked a love of exploring wild places and documenting them through photography.

Since then, I’ve been working my way through every U.S. National Park. All 63 of them. From the quiet valleys of West Virginia to the raw, icy expanse of Alaska, each one has shown me something different and worth sharing.

This blog is where I put those experiences: the photos, the routes, the practical tips, and the honest stories behind them. No manufactured inspiration—just what it looked like, felt like, and taught me.

If you’re here for planning help, for the photography, or just to follow along, welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get outside.