Explore the Wild Wonders of the U.S. West — Nature-Focused Travel Guides, Trail Stories, and Photography.
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.
my Latest Articles
Check out the Adventures Beyond the Pictures
Click the slider below or explore my entire gallery here.
Discover how magical Fairbanks is during the wintertime. Fairbanks has an extreme continental climate, but this shouldn’t deter you from visiting as with the extremes come unique experiences: soaking in hot springs surrounded by snow and ice, dog sledding through a winter wonderland, experiencing the northern lights, or witnessing extraordinarily long sunrises and sunsets at these northern latitudes. In this article, I’ll share everything I learned from my trip to Fairbanks during the cold season, my favorite activities (mostly outdoors!) that you shouldn’t miss, and all the essentials you need to know.