Off the beaten path but not lost | Family RV Life, Jeepin’, and Travel

We spent one day at two of the most underrated national monuments in Arizona, and it completely blew us away. Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument sit along a 35-mile scenic loop road just north of Flagstaff. One entrance fee covers both parks. The landscapes could not be more different. And together they tell one of the most fascinating connected stories we have come across in our years of full-time RV travel. In this episode, we walk you through both parks from the ground up. We cover the history of the Sunset Crater eruption and the Ancestral Puebloan communities who lived through it, the two types of lava you will find on the trails, and every hiking trail at Sunset Crater Volcano. Then we drive the loop to Wupatki and take you through the 104-room Wupatki Pueblo, the blowhole, the ancient ball court, Wukoki Pueblo, the Citadel, and Lomaki. We also share our experience boondocking at Cinders OHV area right next door. This is a great one for families planning a stop near Flagstaff. Full show notes and links: thefaiolas.com/168 Connect with us Leave us a voice message: thefaiolas.com/message Email: hi@thefaiolas.com

After seven years on the road, we've been in the right place at the right time and the wrong places at the worst possible times. Right now we're sitting in Flagstaff at 57 degrees, two days after leaving Yuma, where it was over 100 degrees. Same state. Same month. Completely different world. In this episode, we break down seasonal RV travel, sharing real stories behind what works and what doesn't, no matter what time of year you're hitting the road. In this episode: Full show notes and links: thefaiolas.com/167 Connect with us Leave us a voice message: thefaiolas.com/message Email: hi@thefaiolas.com

The Blue Angels hadn't performed in Yuma in nearly 40 years, and we were there for their comeback. We spent a hot March Saturday at the 60th Annual Yuma Air Show at MCAS Yuma, and it delivered in every way. In this episode, we talk about the historic Blue Angels return, jaw-dropping facts about how they fly, and all the other performers that made this one of the best free family events we have ever attended. Tora Tora Tora with pyro, the USMC F-35B demo, Ace Maker Airshows, a jet-powered '57 Chevy, skydivers, warbirds, and so much more. We also give you our honest family review: what worked, what didn't, and exactly what to bring if you plan to go in future years. In this episode: Full show notes and links: thefaiolas.com/166 Connect with us Leave us a voice message: thefaiolas.com/message Email: hi@thefaiolas.com

We're back with a full debrief on the 2025 sugar beet harvest season in Grafton, North Dakota. In this episode, we break down everything from the day-to-day grind of 12-hour shifts to the wild weather that kept everyone on their toes (warm start, buckets of rain, hard freezes). We share the numbers from four seasons of harvest work and a walk-through of what different job roles actually look like on the ground. You'll hear details about what makes beet harvest both grueling and worth it from the overtime pay structure, the completion bonus, the free RV site, and the friendships that keep us coming back year after year. Plus, we already have our 5th season locked in. In this episode: Full show notes and links: thefaiolas.com/164 Connect with us Leave us a voice message: thefaiolas.com/message Email: hi@thefaiolas.com

2025 was supposed to be predictable. It wasn't. This year threw us curveballs we never saw coming—a Jeep accident, wildfires that rerouted our plans, a job loss, and more pivots than we can count. But through all the chaos, 2025 became one of our most grounding years on the road. In this episode, we're sharing our honest 2025 year-in-review—the setbacks, the lessons, and one habit that changed everything. Full show notes and links: thefaiolas.com/164 Connect with us: Leave us a voice message: thefaiolas.com/message Email: hi@thefaiolas.com

Tucked deep in the Elk Mountains, Crested Butte is a colorful mountain town with serious backcountry charm — and in this episode, we’re taking you just beyond the pavement to explore its best alpine loops. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/163 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

In this Road Note, we’re sharing one of those classic RV oops moments—the time we almost drove off with the slide still out. 😅 Whether you’re a newbie or a full-time pro, we hope this gives you a chuckle and a little peace of mind that you’re not alone in those facepalm moments. Send us a voice message at: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

San Juan County Road 2 winds through ghost towns, waterfalls, and mining ruins, and it also links Cinnamon and Engineer Pass. You will see some of the best views in the San Juans. In this episode, we share our favorite stops along the way — from Maggie Gulch to Animas Forks — plus other spur trails that make this route unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your own Alpine Loop adventure or just love Colorado mountain history, San Juan County Road 2 is the perfect blend of beauty, accessibility, and backcountry charm. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/162 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Engineer Pass in Colorado is one of the highest and most dramatic sections of the Alpine Loop—and it definitely tested our nerves. In this episode, we share what it was really like to drive Engineer Pass after warming up on Cinnamon. We discuss the differences between the two trails, the ghost towns and historic stops along the way, and why this Jeep Badge of Honor trail is worth the challenge. From Capitol City to Rose’s Cabin, the history here is just as breathtaking as the views. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/161 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Ready for a ride through Colorado’s high country? In this episode, we take you over Cinnamon Pass, one of the most scenic stretches of the Alpine Loop. At 12,640 feet, this rugged trail connects Lake City to the ghost town of Animas Forks and serves up a mix of switchbacks, mining history, and jaw-dropping mountain views. We share what to expect on the road, when to visit, and tips for making the drive safely. 👉 Listen now and start planning your own trip through the San Juans! 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/160 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

In this episode of Off the Beaten Path but Not Lost, we take you to Lake City, Colorado — a small mountain town with a big reputation for adventure. Lake City is known for its peaks, ghost towns, and staging for the legendary Alpine Loop. Lake City is the perfect launch point into the San Juan backcountry. We’ll share our first impressions, what makes this town so unique, and why it should be on your must-visit list in Colorado. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/159 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

In this Road Note, Kylie and Lexie give us a behind-the-scenes look at their latest RV adventure, running their own booth at the campground craft show! Every Saturday, the campground has a small craft show, and these two have fully embraced their roles as creative kidpreneurs. From their own 3D printed custom designs and handmade earrings to slime and custom stickers, they're making, selling, and managing it all themselves (no help from Mom and Dad!). 🎧 Got a young entrepreneur in your rig? We’d love to hear about what they’re selling! Send us a voice message at: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Welcome to our new mini-episode series, Road Notes — short, real-time check-ins from wherever the road takes us! In this Road Notes, Kylie and Lexie share their must-haves for staying entertained, comfy, and snack-happy on the road. From cozy blankets to favorite snacks and screen-free boredom busters, they’re giving you a peek into their backseat bags. Got your own road trip must-haves? Share them with us at: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Can you really work full-time while living on the road? We share how working while RVing full-time actually works for us—from gear and internet tips to the balance of routine and adventure. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/158 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

July didn’t go quite as planned — but that’s just part of the RV life adventure. In this episode, we’re catching you up on everything from our Jeep accident update to exploring Gunnison and how wildfires forced us to pivot (again). We’re sharing favorite trails near Cortez and Gunnison and why sometimes Plan B turns out even better than Plan A. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/157 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Wondering if a Jeep is the right tow vehicle for RV life? Here’s how we flat tow ours, the gear we use, the mistakes we’ve made, and why it works for our travels. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/156 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

After more than six years on the road—and hundreds of nights off-grid—we’re sharing our take on boondocking in an RV vs. staying in campgrounds. From the freedom and views of dispersed camping to the comforts and community of RV parks, we’re breaking down the real pros and cons of each. In this episode, we talk about: Boondocking for beginners Our favorite spots for boondocking When we choose campgrounds over boondocking—and why Our top RV boondocking tips from years of experience Whether you’re brand new to RV life or ready to try your first night under the stars, this episode will help you find the balance that fits your travel style best. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/155 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

In this episode, we take you along for one of our favorite Arizona adventures — camping, boondocking, and off-roading through the Coconino National Forest! 🌲🚙 We share how we found the perfect boondocking spot on Forest Road 128, explored Forest Road 128 to Marshall Lake, Anderson Mesa via Winona Ranch Road, and celebrated Tony’s birthday with a full day of fun at Cinder Hills OHV. From wildlife sightings to steak dinners with a view (and even testing out our new Ironman 4x4 Bush Toilet 😄). 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/154 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

First-timer’s guide to Overland Expo West 2025—see what we bought, what we skipped, and what made the biggest impression. Rooftop tents, gear, and tips! 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/153 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message

Have you ever wondered what kids think about RV living? In episode 152 of our podcast, we decided to find out by handing the mic to our daughters and asking them a mix of real-life questions, honest reflections, and a few totally ridiculous scenarios. After six years of living full-time on the road, they’re basically pros and trust us, they’ve got opinions. 💬 Send us your favorite idea: thefaiolas.com/sayhi Show notes: thefaiolas.com/152 Website: https://thefaiolas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaiolas/ Send us a message: https://thefaiolas.com/message