My Favorite Destinations of 2019

And why they should be on your list for 2020

It’s no secret that I traveled a lot in 2019. I visited all 48 connecting states, 29 national parks (some more than once), and I’ll be ending my year in Southeast Asia. So many of these places made a huge impact on me as a traveler, a writer, and a solo person, but only a few can count as my favorites. Those places left a mark on me that I will never be able to shake, and I think I’ll spend my entire life trying to return to them as many times as I possibly can. This is a list of my absolutely favorite spots I visited during 2019, and why you should add them to your 2020 bucket list.

4: Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia instantly drew me in as I drove around its loop road for the first time. Before visiting Acadia, I had no idea that you could experience pine trees and ocean in one spot, an experience I only ever saw here and in Olympic, WA. Acadia was also a bit of a sentimental stop for me, since it marked the halfway point in my trip around the country. Acadia is an absolutely mind-blowing place. It’s so unique in its landscape, is home to some crazy wildlife, and it’s one of the northernmost national parks in the continental US.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Acadia is an absolutely beautiful spot that isn’t too crowded with tourists right now. It’s amazing for overlanders, since it’s nearby one of my favorite free camp spots I’ve ever stayed at, and has a little something for every type of traveler, from tourists who just want to drive the gorgeous road and look at the views, to climbers who want to do some crazy bouldering, to hikers who want to climb a mountain. There’s even a beach in the park that leads you to the Atlantic Ocean.

Acadia National Park, ME

3: Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower is one of the most unique things this country’s landscape has to offer. Devils Tower was formed by what used to be a volcano, and is now a sacred place for Native Americans and a popular climbing spot (just make sure you get your permit first!). Devils Tower is located in the American Grasslands, and is home to wildlife such as prairie dogs. The park contains about 8 miles worth of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to view the tower.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Devils Tower is definitely living in the shadow of its Wyoming brother and sister: Yellowstone and the Tetons. It’s a smaller park, but it’s so unique compared to the rest of this country’s landscapes. Don’t miss an opportunity to experience it, especially now that the prairie dog populations are doing really well.

Check out my free guide to Devils Tower!

Devils Tower, Wyoming

2: The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of those places you have to see at some point in your life. It’s incredibly vast, and has far more to offer than many people think. I had some incredible wildlife encounters here, and completed one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done, the South Kaibab Trail. The Grand Canyon is so much more than people give it credit for because of its popularity with tourists, and honestly, was an emotional experience. I’d dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon for a long time, which is part of the reason it was the site of my first solo trip, all the way back in March. Regardless of emotional attachment though, make sure you visit, especially if you’ve never been to Arizona.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

The Grand Canyon is just going to get more crowded as travel becomes more accessible. Make sure you see it before it’s completely crowded with tourists, and, who am I kidding? It’s the Grand Canyon! If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to. I promise it’s more than you think.

Access my free guide to the Grand Canyon HERE!

View from Mather Point in the Grand Canyon, Arizona

1: Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier is hands down my favorite place on Earth right now. From the towering mountains, wildlife you can’t find anywhere else, perfect campground, and of course, glaciers, Glacier National Park is popular for a reason. This is one of the largest national parks I’ve been to, and also one of the most popular. It’s located right on the Canadian border, and no matter where you go, the views are more than you could have ever dreamed them to be. Here, you can spot waterfalls, mountain goats, and grizzly bears, and complete my favorite hike in the world, Grinnell Glacier. (Tip: Many Glacier, where the hike is located will be under construction in 2020, so make sure you plan accordingly)

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Let’s face it, Glacier’s glaciers are melting. The sooner you make time to go see them, the better. Right now, there was still ice in August, but as the years go on, the amount of glaciers in the park is dwindling, so make sure you see them before it’s too late.

View from the High Line Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

2019 was a game-changing year for me in terms of travel. I visited some of the most beautiful places in the United States, and its inspired me to expand and maybe cross some borders next year, in 2020. Tune in next week to hear my 2020 travel goals, and get inspired to add to your own list in this new decade!

To help you start planning an epic 2020 trip, check out my ebook: Around the States in 90 Days.

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is among my favorite places on Earth. It was the site of my first ever solo trip, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the Earth’s natural wonders, but it’s far more than just a hole in the ground.

At the bottom of the canyon is the Colorado River, flowing between the two main rims of the canyon. The Grand Canyon is home to a huge amount of wildlife, from elk to marmots to California condors, and it is the second most visited national park in the country.

I visited the Grand Canyon solo for three days during my last ever spring break. This was not only the perfect place for a solo trip due to the fact that it feels incredibly touristy and safe, but it was an absolutely beautiful place to visit alone. Being solo for this trip allowed me to really take it in, and this is a place you really have to be present for.

Being alone also allowed me to see most of the South Rim while I was there, which is the most popular section of the park to visit. This is your guide for planning your own trip.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links

View from the South Rim in March

So… there’s more than one rim?

Yes! The two main sections of the park are the North Rim and the South Rim. The South Rim is open year-round, and is located, well, further south, which means it’s a little warmer. The North Rim closes in the winter months and off season because it’s located at a higher elevation, and generally reopens in May. This elevation difference is so great, I’ve heard stories of people waking up to snow in the summer!

Most of this article will be about the South Rim, as it’s far easier to access for tourists.

Canyon wall on the South Kaibab Trail

Getting to the park

The South Rim is incredibly easy to access. It has that classic “pay at the gate” type of entrance most large national parks have ($35 to enter, or America the Beautiful or other interagency pass). The closest town to the South Rim is Tusayan, and if you don’t want to drive, you can park your car in town and shuttle into the park (highly recommended during busy weeks, such as holidays and spring break).

I hear a lot of questions about visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas, and I just want to put it in here that the South Rim is a 5 hour drive from Vegas. It is not super accessible. You can visit the West Rim, which is not part of the national park, and is home to the glass Grand Canyon skywalk. This is a cool thing to do, but it is not the national park, and will not give you that classic experience.

View as you approach Skeleton Point on the South Kaibab Trail

Staying in (or near) the park

I’m a traveler who prefers campgrounds, so when I visited, I stayed in Mather Campground because it was the only one of the two on the South Rim that was open in March (yes, March is still considered winter!). I reserved my site 3 months in advance (during that good ol’ government shutdown, remember that?), so I’d recommend booking a site as soon as you decide you want to camp in the park. Hopefully, you’ll be greeted by a herd of elk, like I was (which you can see in THIS VIDEO)—just make sure you give them their space! There is also a hotel in the park, and a second campground open during peak season (summer months) called Desert View.

There is also a campground in the North Rim if you choose to experience the northern side of the park. It is called North Rim Campground and is first come first served ONLY for 2020.

If you can’t book a spot in the park, no worries! Like I mentioned before, the town of Tusayan is an awesome place to stay because you can shuttle into the park from your hotel. The town of Williams is about a 45 minute drive from the park, which also has plenty of hotel and Airbnb options.

Marmot hanging out next to Skeleton Point

What is there to do?

I’ve heard tons of people say that they’ve gotten bored at the Grand Canyon, but the truth is, there is so much to see and do! If you’re not a hiker, there are plenty of sightseeing areas to explore.

You can walk part of the Rim Trail, which is a flat, 13 mile long stretch with views from the top of the South Rim. Most people only do a couple miles and stop at various viewpoints. A great place to start is behind the visitor center, at Mather Point (different from Mather Campground). Here, you’ll get some of the best views from the South Rim.

It’s also always useful to make a stop at the visitor center. This is where you can get all of your questions answered and explore the museum to learn more about the park. Here is also where you can find out information about various ranger programs.

Other great viewpoints work seeing are Yaki Point (known for being a great spot to view the sunset), and Yavapai Point (accessible from the Rim Trail).

It seems to just go on forever…

I’m a hiker, where should I go?

The Grand Canyon is huge for hiking. While there are trails rated difficult on both rims, the most famous trails in the park are Bright Angel and South Kaibab (there is also the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim). Both trails go to the bottom of the canyon, but you cannot go to the bottom without a backcountry permit.

The difference between the two is that Bright Angel is longer, but not as steep, which makes it the more popular of the two trails. South Kaibab is far steeper, but also far less crowded. I did a bit of Bright Angel on my first day in the park, but it was a bit too crowded for my liking. The next day I took the shuttle to South Kaibab (there is no parking lot—you have to shuttle), and it was far more enjoyable.

There are three stops before the river on the South Kaibab Trail: Ooh Ahh Point (great for families with kids), Cedar Ridge (perfect for moderate level hikers), and Skeleton Point (awesome for advanced day hikers). There is a similar set of rest stops along Bright Angel: Mile and a Half Rest House, Three Mile Rest House, and Indian Garden. Both big trails are out and back trails, and you will have to hike up the way you came, so bring water and plenty of food and plan accordingly.

Crazy rock formations out here

Phantom Ranch and Havasupai

If you’re at all on Instagram, you’ve heard of Havasupai: the famous blue waterfall in the Grand Canyon. And if you’re into hiking, you might’ve heard about Phantom Ranch and Phantom Campground. Both spots require a backpacking permit to visit, and permits to Havasupai are growing more and more difficult to get (and cost $150 per night per person). Please do not attempt these hikes without proper training and a permit.

While we’re on the topic of backpacking, it is also possible to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim, but you also need a permit to accomplish this. If you do plan on backpacking, please make sure you have the right gear, and a cold weather sleeping bag made for backpacking.

View from Mather Point

Anything else?

Of course, there’s so much more to experience, but these are the most notable, and with this information under your belt, you’ll be more than prepared for a trip to GCNP. The most important thing is to respect wildlife. Especially when larger wildlife like elk are present, it’s necessary to keep the Leave No Trace principles in mind and stay 25 yards away!

But above all, have fun! If you’re camping, make sure you have the right gear and you’ll have the best time—camping in the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite camping experiences. Make sure you carry water, but also carry a camera: this park will not fail to blow you away.

Leave your questions about the park below! I’d love to hear from you!

My Top 5 Favorite Campgrounds

Even though I do a lot of free camping in my vehicle, there’s something I absolutely love about staying in a campground. From the amenities to safety to that good campground getaway vibe, there’s nothing I don’t love about getting to stay in the middle of a beautiful place like a National or State Park.

I’ve stayed in so many campgrounds, I couldn’t even count them if I tried, but these are the five that have made the biggest impression on me. They put you right in the middle of some of the prettiest landscapes in the US, and they’re all incredibly unique. Of course, a lot of them are in more touristy places, but that doesn’t mean they’re not the best way to experience those places for yourself. So, pack a warm sleeping bag, tent, and some firewood, and let’s hit the road.

(To shop my favorite camping gear, head on over to MADERA OUTDOOR and get 20% your order)

Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT

5: Atl Atl Campground in Valley of Fire State Park, NV

It was so hard to put this one at number five, and the only reason I did is because if you visit in the summer like me, the potable water in the campground is too hot to drink. Atl Atl Campground is located right in the middle of Valley of Fire’s beautiful red rocks. It costs $20 for a site, and includes drinking water, showers, and after park hours access. The state park actually closes at sundown, and the campers are the only ones allowed to stay later than that. Each site comes with a parking spot, tent pad, and shaded picnic table (which is super necessary if you visit in June!). This campground will give you awesome views of the Nevada desert, and one of the prettiest sunrises you’ll ever see, if you can wake up for it.

To learn more about Valley of Fire State Park, head over to the Halle’s Wandering Soul YouTube channel to watch me explore the park.

Sunrise from Atl Atl Campground, Valley of Fire State Park, NV

4: Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park, WY

This is one of the most accessible campgrounds I’ve ever stayed in. There were nice and clean bathrooms and a dish washing station right across from my site, and I got a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground came with 2 free showers per night, laundry access, and it was nearby a café with WiFi access and a gas station. It felt like a little outdoor town in the middle of the Wyoming wilderness. The only downside was the price. I had to book ahead of time (like 6 months ahead of time), and it cost $35, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a budget, or if you’re a spontaneous traveler like myself. If price isn’t an issue, though, Canyon is located in North East Yellowstone, not too far from the Lamar Valley. You’ll pass Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on your way there from the Southern section of the park, as well as plenty of other sites like Yellowstone Lake and the Mud Volcano.

Canyon Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

3: Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon, AZ

While this campground doesn’t have the canyon views you might be dreaming of for your trip to Grand Canyon National Park, the wildlife is what helped this campground make this list. Within twenty minutes of checking in, a herd of about 20 elk came through the campground snacking on the trees. They would hang out there every day, and weren’t very afraid to be in the vicinity of people.

It’s super important though, that I drop a Leave No Trace warning here: please stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife. They are wild animals, and can react like so if provoked, which can put you and the animal in danger.

From Mather, there is a super convenient shuttle system that can take you around the park so that you don’t have to worry about finding parking at trailheads or the visitor center, so definitely make sure you take advantage of that! This was also my first solo camping trip, and I felt 100% safe in Mather.

Mather costs $18 to camp in.

For more information about Mather Campground and the Grand Canyon, head to the Halle’s Wandering Soul YouTube channel.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (unfortunately, not the view from Mather Campground, but the view from Mather Point instead)

2: Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park, CA

It was so hard not to put this at number one. This is one of the first campgrounds I stayed in that wasn’t part of a family camping trip, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. This is the famous climbers campground of Yosemite, and you might recognize it from documentaries like Valley Uprising. It’s walk-up only, meaning tents only, and you actually share a site with other campers. Each registered camper ($6 per person per night) will receive a bear box, but you’ll share your fire ring with the other campers in your site. This makes for an incredible environment of bonding with your neighbors, and has allowed me to make friends I still talk to. Camp 4 is accessible by shuttle, and is home to one of the toughest bouldering spots in the state.

View of Yosemite Falls from Near Camp 4, Yosemite National Park, CA

1: Rising Sun in Glacier National Park, MT

Glacier National Park is number one on pretty much every list of mine, but Rising Sun Campground was actually incredible. It was “hard side only” when I was there, which meant it was closed to tent campers, so make sure you check with a ranger before camping in any part of Glacier National Park. I loved Rising Sun because it was located in East Glacier, the side of Glacier with the best views. The other campground here, St. Mary’s, requires reservations, and the other campgrounds are located in either West Glacier or Many Glacier, which are a bit out of the way of the true Glacier experience (although you need to stop in Many Glacier during your trip here—it’s incredible). Rising Sun has its own shuttle stop, restaurant, gift shop, and shower access, and costs $20. The site came with access to flush toilets and some of the best tasting campground water I’ve ever had.

Sunrise view from Rising Sun Campground, Glacier National Park, MT

Camping is the best way to truly experience the outdoors. From the red deserts of Nevada to the towering mountains of Yosemite, there are beautiful campgrounds all over the country. While these are my absolute favorites, some honorable mentions include: Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree, Wooden Frog State Forest Campground in Minnesota, and Belle Fourche Campground in Devils Tower. So, grab your gear, hit the road, and get ready to spend a night under the stars.

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I am currently writing an ebook covering everywhere I traveled during my first summer on the road, due to launch in the shop on December 1, 2019. For more information about most of the places on this list, subscribe to my weekly newsletter so you can be the first to know when the book is available.

Top 5 Southern National Parks

With temperatures dropping in most of the country, some of the only spots you can hit without being bombarded by snow are along the southern strip of US destinations. From Southern California to the Southwest to the Deep South, there are plenty of options for the nature lover during these cold months.

It’s important to remember though, that these states do get cold, just, maybe not quite as cold as the rest of the country. Pack warm, quality gear, and remember to leave no trace.

Shop my favorite camping gear at MADERA OUTDOOR and get 20% off your purchase.

(Disclaimer: I unfortunately haven’t visited any of Florida’s National Parks. While I’m sure they’re beautiful, I’ve committed myself to only writing about places I’ve personally been to and experienced)

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Deep South

When we think of the South, we often picture that little strip of states between Florida and Texas. While there aren’t a ton of National Park Service Sites here that actually have National Park Status, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is one not to be missed. This small park includes both natural areas and a downtown historic district. It got its name from the historic bath houses in the town, and when you stay in Gulpha Gorge Campground, you’ll get the best of both worlds. With trails that lead straight from the campground to the historic district, you’ll get to experience everything this little hidden gem has to offer.

Dead Chief Trail in Hot Springs National Park, AR

Texas

Texas is absolutely huge, but it’s only home to two National Parks. While Guadelupe Mountains contains the highest peak in Texas, the park that has to make this list for me is Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is one of the most unique landscapes I’ve encountered (for a list of other bucket list landscapes, click HERE). From the Rio Grande River on the Mexican border to the Chisos Basin mountains up at higher elevation, this desert park is expansive and diverse with hidden gems around every corner (hello, hot spring)!

Big Bend National Park, TX

Southwest

The Southwest has got such a huge collection of National Parks, I can’t pass it up on this list. Since we’re moving westward, I’ll start with the first real cave I ever explored: Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns is one of the coolest caves in the country, and is so big, it feels never-ending when you’re walking through its passages. It honestly feels like a different world, and depending on what type of explorer you are, you can either hike into the cave or take the elevator. It’s also a great place to see wildlife: every night at sundown, you can sit in the amphitheater to watch the bats fly out of the cave! Check the park website for the cutoff time for admission to the cave prior to visiting, as it varies by season.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Of course, I couldn’t leave Arizona off this list. While it’s at a higher elevation, which can make it the coldest park on this list, the Grand Canyon should not be passed up. While you might think it’s overrated due to its fame, there’s no place like Grand Canyon National Park. From snow on the trails in the winter months to fantastic wildlife spottings, and incredible views, Grand Canyon National Park is one of my personal favorite places on Earth. Within an hour of arriving in the park and checking into my campsite at Mather Campground (the only campground open in the off season), I was visited by a herd of about twenty elk passing through to have their lunch. This park never stopped amazing me with everything it has to offer, and everybody’s visit to the Grand Canyon is so unique, you just have to see it for yourself.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Southern California

Of course, if you’re looking for warm weather this time of year, California is surely on your radar. While Joshua Tree National Park does get cold (and sometimes gets snow), it’s certainly a more pleasant experience than any of the snowy mountain passes in Northern California. Joshua Tree National Park is known for its tall agave relatives, known as Joshua Trees, which look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. It’s a climbing hotspot, and it’s far more pleasant to visit in the winter than the summer (when temps reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the regular). Plan ahead when coming to this popular park, and if you want to read more about Joshua Tree, head over to my complete guide I wrote HERE.

Want to include Joshua Tree in a longer road trip itinerary? Shop trip itineraries below to see where the road can take you!

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

From the expanse of desert in Big Bend and Joshua Tree to the lengthy cave of Carlsbad Caverns, there’s plenty for the nature-lover to explore in the cold months of the year that won’t be covered in thick blankets of snow. All of these National Parks are unique from each other, and you won’t be disappointed by any of them. Just remember, it’s important to keep these spaces natural, so explore safely, and leave no trace.

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