Top 5 Things to Do in New River Gorge

Are you looking for the ultimate adventure opportunity in the Appalachian Mountains in one of the most underrated destinations in the country? Welcome to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the newest National Park in the United States, and home to one of the oldest rivers in the world (despite its misleading name).

New River Gorge is located in wild and wonderful West Virginia, and is home to some of the most unexpected landscapes on the eastern side of the country. When you picture West Virginia, you might not picture rushing class five rapids, towering sandstone cliffs, and a multitude of waterfalls and wildlife, but you’ll find all of that and more in New River Gorge National Park.

I had the privilege of working as an Assistant Climbing Guide in the park during the summer of 2022, which means I got to spend all of my free time climbing, exploring, and enjoying unexpectedly wild West Virginia. Here are the top 5 things you should make sure you do during your trip to New River Gorge.

Know Before You Go

There are a couple things you should know ahead of your visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This is all my advice for navigating this park for the first time.

The weather in New River Gorge is unpredictable. Always assume it’s going to rain even if the weather isn’t calling for it. This is considered a rainforest, and showers can come quickly and come down hard. That being said though, summer is absolutely the wet season when it comes to rain. If you’re a rock climber looking for the driest time of the year to visit, we call Fall “send season” for a reason.

Dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere in New River Gorge as long as they’re kept on a leash. Feel free to bring well behaved dogs with you on trails, to the crag, or to picnic areas, and always make sure you have an extra poop bag on you so we can keep our wild spaces wild.

New River Gorge is not your classic National Park where you’ll enter through an entrance station and be within the park the rest of your time. New River Gorge is a park that’s interspersed with neighborhoods, Highway 19, and the adorable town of Fayetteville. The official National Park boundaries are the quarter mile of space surrounding the New River itself. Everything else is still considered “The Gorge” though, and is just as worth checking out while you’re there.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Since New River Gorge National Park is known for the New River, you can’t skip out on going whitewater rafting during your time here. You’ll want to book a trip with one of the local outfitters and the most popular company to raft with is Ace Adventure Resort, although you can’t go wrong with any company that’s going to get you safely on the water.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to keep in mind that there are some age restrictions on the river. If you have young children, you’ll probably want to look into rafting the Upper New River, which only goes up to Class III rapids. Teenagers love the Lower New River, which goes up to Class V. Some companies even offer all day trips that will include time to swim in the river, lunch, and an overall longer adventure.

If you’re visiting in the fall and have a party of people over 16 years old, you might consider the biggest adventure available in the New River Gorge area: rafting the Gauley River. This rafting trip includes some of the most intense Class V rapids in the country (possibly even the world). While this river isn’t within New River Gorge National Park boundaries, it is part of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, also managed by the NPS. The Lower Gauley is slightly less intense if you’re not sure about embarking on the ultimate Upper Gauley adventure.

Rafting on the Lower New just before Fayette Station

Go Hiking

There are lots of hiking trails available in New River Gorge National Park and they all lead to somewhere beautiful. You can pick up a trail guide in the visitor center, but these are some of the most popular trails for finding the best views in the park.

(trail classifications and ratings are my own, based on the available terrain in the area)

Endless Wall Trail

Endless Wall is easily the most famous view in the park. Here, you’ll eventually reach Diamond Point Overlook, where you’ll gain views of some of the rapids and rafters below. This trail is dog friendly, and there are two parking lots. I recommend parking at the first one you’ll pass as you come from Highway 19. You’ll have the opportunity to make the trail a loop by hiking parking lot to parking lot, and if you park at the first lot, the section of this loop that will have to be along the road will be downhill rather than up (unless that’s your thing!).

Endless Wall is about 3 miles round trip, and I would classify this hike as easy.

Long Point Trail

Long Point is the other trail where you’ll gain some million dollar views of the park. Here, you’ll gain views of the famous New River Gorge Bridge and this is one of the best places to catch the sunset in the park. The trail starts off fairly flat and then starts to gain some elevation and rocks on the path toward the viewpoint.

Long point is about three miles round trip, and I would classify it as moderate.

Glade Creek to Kates Falls

Glade Creek is easily my favorite trail in the park, but it doesn’t lead to some incredible viewpoint. Instead, you’ll hike deep into the forest, along the rushing Glade Creek, to the stunning Kates Falls. This trail is fairly flat but long, so be prepared for at least a half day on trail with no cell signal. I recommend parking at the Lower Glade Creek Trailhead as the Upper Trailhead lot is 4x4 access only. Hiking to the falls from the Lower Glade Creek lot is about 9.2 miles one way, and I would classify this trail as difficult. Make sure you keep an eye out for the sign to Kates Falls on the left once you’re about a mile and a half from the bridge, and prepare for flooded trails and creek crossings—trekking sandals would be a great choice for this trail!

Kates Falls

Paddleboard on Summersville Lake

One of the most beautiful places in New River Gorge National Park is Summersville Lake, which is located about a thirty minute drive from Fayetteville. Here, you’ll find hidden waterfalls, climbers deep water soloing, and one of the best sunsets in the park (from the water of course).

Rent a paddleboard or kayak or bring your own to explore this huge and warm lake in the summers, just make sure that you bring a personal floatation device (PFD) for every passenger on your board or boat.

Be aware that some years, in the fall, the lake does get drained, so make sure you check the park website for updates.

The view from Diamond Point on the Endless Wall Trail

Go Rock Climbing

Other than whitewater rafting, climbing is the most popular sport to do in the New. Rock climbers from all over the world travel here, and many end up staying, because of the beautiful Nuttal Sandstone walls, incredible trad routes, and fun sport climbs. There’s even a good assortment of boulders for anyone who’s not stoked on rope climbing.

If you’ve never climbed before, there are outfitters who can take you on your first climbing trip—gear included! I personally worked for Ace Adventure Resort, but other climbing outfitters include Adventures on the Gorge and Appalachian Mountain Guides.

Another great resource for climbing (other than Mountain Project and the local guide book), is the local climbing shop: Waterstone Outdoors. Every employee here is super knowledgeable and wants to help you get on the rock as soon and as safely as possible.

Hal Homel lead climbing in New River Gorge National Park

Explore Fayetteville

There’s a reason Fayetteville is known as the “Coolest Small Town.” Downtown Fayetteville, West Virginia is super cute and has a lot to check out. Other than Waterstone Outdoors, our local climbing shop, there’s a huge assortment of places to visit like the Hobbit Hole, which is the antiques shop, the Great Googly Moogly, which is the local crystal shop, and restaurants like Cathedral Cafe and The Takeout.

Overall, there is so much to see and do in New River Gorge National Park and its surrounding areas, so make the most of it, get out of your comfort zone, and try something NEW.

Your Guide to Visiting National Parks Solo

National Parks are some of the country’s most accessible and abundant nature focused destinations, but for a lot of solo travelers, they’re often intimidating. National Parks seem to be full of unknowns, opportunities to get lost, and no cell service… oh my. But, for many, like myself, National Parks are places of refuge. Personally, National Parks are some of the easiest places to visit as a solo traveler, once you know how to do it.

So, who am I, and why should you listen to my advice about this? My name is Halle, and I’ve been to 51 National Parks, most of them solo, and some more than once. I’ve been solo traveling since March 2019 and traveling full time since June 2019. One of my friends on TikTok even refers to me as the National Park Queen (since I’ve been to so many), this is genuinely my area of expertise.

These are all my tips for navigating and visiting your first National Park… as a solo traveler.

New River Gorge National Park

Go to the Visitor Center

When I first arrive at any National Park, I always make sure to do two things that are going to help my trip tremendously: get a park map, and go to the visitor center to ask a seemingly ridiculous amount of questions.

At most big parks, you’ll be offered a park map when you go through the entrance station, but at smaller parks that may not have an entrance station, you’ll want to grab one of these at the visitor center as well.

Then, I ask all my questions. These include:

I’m only here for one (or two or three) day(s), what should I absolutely make sure I see and do?

How do I get there if I lose cell service?

Where can I walk my dog? (many National Parks do not allow pets on trails)

Where can I refill water?

Where can I camp? / Is the campground full yet?

These questions will help you get your bearings and might lead to other things you need to know as well. Rangers are experts on their park, so don’t be afraid to ask them anything so that you have all the resources you need to have a safe and fulfilling trip.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Know The Basics Ahead of Time

I always visit the National Park Service website before my trip even starts so I have some basic information prior to arriving. The things I’m looking for when I visit the website include the absolute basics and then any information that might affect my plans in the park. It’s important to know these things ahead of time so that you aren’t caught off guard without cell service.

Basic information I want to know is:

-Admission fees and tour fees

-Where my pet can go

-Visitor Center hours

-Expected weather while I’m there

When it comes to information that may affect my plans, I’m usually looking for closures and timed entry regulations. I want to know if there are any roads closed for construction or weather, if there are any trails closed for various reasons that I might have been trying to hike, if there are climbing restrictions, seasonal restrictions due to weather or animal protection, and if admission to the park requires timed entry (like Yosemite and Rocky Mountain). This is also a great time to check if the hike you want to do requires permits (here are my tips for the Angel’s Landing permit system in Zion!) and if there are any environmental concerns you should be aware of (like harmful algal blooms in Zion’s water, which could be toxic if you or your dog drinks from the river).

Kenai Fjords National Park

Take a Hike!

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a park and it’s a sport you can definitely do solo! Ask a ranger what hikes would be best for your skill level and go explore. Be honest about your hiking experience though, and don’t be afraid to pick up a trail map or only do a shorter trail if you’re new to hiking alone.

New River Gorge National Park

Make Friends

I love meeting people in the places I visit. Making friends is easy when you stay in campgrounds, and oftentimes you’ll be able to connect with someone who might be down to go on an adventure with you. Making friends on your solo travels is part of what makes solo traveling so fun and memorable. So don’t be afraid to go say hi, as long as you feel safe doing so!

Badlands National Park

Stay in Touch with an Emergency Contact

When solo traveling, especially in a place that may not have cell service in it like many National Parks, it’s important to choose an emergency contact to stay in touch with, in case anything happens to you. I often recommend sharing your location with a friend or family member, but also letting them know your plans. Text someone the name of the trail you plan on hiking before you leave cell service, as well as when you expect to return to cell service. Leave them instructions on what they should do if they don’t hear from you in that window of time, so that if you get hurt, they can call for help.

I also do recommend getting certified in Wilderness First Aid if you have the means to. I personally am a Wilderness First Responder and this makes me feel a lot safer and more prepared for longer and more remote trips.

Wind Cave National Park

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

You’ll see it everywhere on my website: GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!

Do something that scares you just a tiny bit. Whether that’s taking the cave tour, going and making friends, swimming in the alpine lake you hiked to, or simply taking the trip at all, get out of your comfort zone. It’s going to lead to some incredible memories.

Navigating Zion’s New Angel’s Landing Permit System

Zion National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the National Park System, and Angel’s Landing is one of the most popular trails in the park. Starting on April 1, 2022, hikers are going to be required to have a permit to hike Angel’s Landing, which is an attempt to help increase safety on the trail, as well as promote further conservation efforts of this landscape.

Angel’s Landing is a hike that requires technical skill to complete, but because of its popularity, many people end up getting injured or worse while attempting this hike. The hike starts off with 27 steep switchbacks for a mile, and then turns into a portion of the trail where you need to use chains that are installed on the sides of the trail so that you can ascend the rest of the way. The chains are there to help you pull yourself up the rock, but also to prevent falling because there are steep drop offs on one and sometimes both sides of the trail. The trail does get extremely congested, and requires groups to take turns ascending and descending the trail as they hike. The entire hike is about 5 miles long, and gains about 1,500 feet in elevation on the ascent.

Understanding the new permit system

This is going to be the first year that Angel’s Landing has a permit requirement for hiking. For this year at least, the National Park Service (NPS) is only going to issue permits via a lottery system, similar to Yosemite’s Half Dome permit system.

At the top of Angel’s Landing, surrounded by the usual crowds

You can apply in advance for permits by choosing a few dates you would like to hike Angel’s Landing. You can apply for advance permits via recreation.gov or choose to enter the daily lottery instead.

The Day-before Lottery is similar to the advance lottery, but will only be an application for people trying to do the hike the day after they apply. You have to apply the day before you want to hike, between noon and 3pm Mountain Standard Time.

No matter which lottery you choose to enter to try and score a permit, it does cost $6 to apply for a permit. The good news is, that money goes back to the NPS to keep places like this going!

Getting on the trail

In the busy season, you will need to take a free shuttle to the Grotto, which is where your trailhead will be. A ranger might check your permit here before you start the trail, or they might check for permits at Scouts Lookout, at the top of the switchbacks.

You can still hike to Scouts Lookout without a permit.

It’s recommended that you have proper gear for this hike. As someone who has summited Angel’s Landing twice, I recommend hiking boots, a backpack (so you can keep your hands free), and a water bladder that holds at least 2 liters of water. In the summers, you’re going to want to carry about 2 liters per person for this hike.

Now, you’re ready to hit the trail! Make sure that you leave no trace, be safe, and have fun!

Learn more at NPS.gov

How to Visit Channel Islands National Park

California is home to 9 stunning National Parks, more than in any other state, including Alaska. 8 of these are accessible by car, but Channel Islands, off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA is a little harder to get to. When you visit Channel Islands, you’ll have 5 beautiful islands to choose from, and 2 harbors you can sail out of. This is bound to be an amazing day trip or camping trip, so here is everything you need to know about getting to Channel Islands National Park.

Dogs are not allowed on the islands.

The Ferry

The ferry is the main way people travel to Channel Islands National Park. While you can take private boats out, the official ferry for Channel Islands National Park is Island Packers. They sail out of both Ventura Harbor (which is the larger harbor, and is closer to LA), and Santa Barbara Harbor (which is further from LA). Tickets are $63 per person, round trip for a day trip, and about $80 per person, round trip if you’re planning on camping on the island you choose. On your ferry ride, you’ll likely see animals like dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

The Islands

There are 5 islands you can choose from when visiting Channel Islands National Park. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because we went in the winter, only certain islands were accessible. Each island is known for some thing unique. For example, Santa Cruz is known for the endangered island fox and the sea caves!

Anacapa Island is known for the famous Inspiration Point and is also one of the islands that’s more accessible in the winter. Santa Rosa Island is California’s second largest island, and is home to over 100 bird species. San Miguel Island is smaller, and is home to the fossils of prehistoric pygmy mammoths and the caliche forest. Santa Barbara Island is the park’s smallest island, but is home to marine mammals and kelp forests that snorkelers love.

Camping on the Islands

Since you can’t drive to the Islands, the only way to camp on the islands is to backpack. You’ll have to carry all your gear, water, food, and shelter with you. Camping gear must be stowed on the ferry, which you’ll get back once you get to the island. There is a designated campground on the island you choose, and you have to camp there in order to preserve the land elsewhere. Island Packers asks that you book your campsite with the NPS before booking your ferry ticket.

Other Island Activities

There is a lot to do at Channel Islands National Park, but most people who were on our ferry chose to hike or kayak. You can rent kayaks at Ventura Harbor if you don’t own one. We hiked to the Potato Harbor Overlook, but there are other trails you can choose from. Each island has its own hiking guide, and you’ll receive a list of trails and a map when you check into your ferry. Other popular activities on the islands are kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife photography. Or you can just explore!

Your Guide to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the Big Three National Parks in the US, with Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon being the other two. It’s a top tourist attraction in California, and it’s the site of documentaries such as Free Solo, The Dawn Wall, and Valley Uprising. It’s a rock climber’s paradise, and it’s home to huge rock monoliths such as El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s a destination that’s on nearly everyone’s bucket list, but if you’ve never been, it’s quite an overwhelming park to plan a trip to. This is your complete guide, to help you plan your Yosemite camping trip, vacation, or something in between.

The Basics

Yosemite is located in Northern California, and is closest to Sacramento. It spans over 1,200 square miles. It’s most easily accessible from the west entrance. The east entrance through Tioga Pass closes for snow between November and May/June. It costs $35 to enter per car, or the use of an America the Beautiful Pass. You will need a car to get from the entrance station into the Valley, but in a normal operation year, there is a shuttle you can take around the park. Overall, pets are not allowed on trails, but please check NPS.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets for more information on where your dog can accompany you so that you can make the decision of whether you want to bring your dog with you to the park.

What time of year should I visit?

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls (Yosemite falls is the tallest waterfall in the lower 48), so if your goal is the see the falls, spring is going to be your best bet, after the snowmelt. But, that’s not to say that other times of the year aren’t amazing times to visit. Winter is ideal for avoiding crowds, but the park does get super snowy. Winter is also the only time of year you can see the annual Fire Fall at Horsetail Falls (February). Summer will be the warmest but also the most crowded season, however, it’s not too late to see the waterfalls this time of year. In the Fall, the waterfalls are mostly dried up, but this is the only time of year that you can see the trees changing colors, which is a unique sight to see in this park.

Where should I stay?

If your goal is to stay in the park, you’ll have quite a few choices. If you want to camp in the park, I suggest making reservations on Recreation.gov as soon as you start planning your trip. Upper Pines is my favorite reservable campground in the park, but any of them will do. If you can’t get a camping reservation, I love the community at the walk up campground Camp 4. This is the famous climber’s camp, and it’s only $6 per person.

If you’re not super into camping, there are quite a few lodging options within the park. The Ahwahnee, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the Wawona Hotel are three hotel options within the park. If you want a glamping experience, Housekeeping Camp or Curry Village are great options.

If you can’t get a spot in the park, there are plenty of hotels and even a hostel in the nearby town of Oakhurst.

What should I not miss?

When people ask me this question about Yosemite, I have a list of my go-to spots for first time travelers. If you’re entering the park from the west side, make sure you make a stop at Glacier Point on your way either in or out of the park. Once you’re in the Valley, make sure you see Lower Yosemite Falls, and if you’re a hiker, hiker to Upper Yosemite Falls. If you visit in the Spring or Summer, make sure you go see Mirror Lake. Seeing the giant Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove is a must-see for anyone who’s new to the Sierra Range. For hikers, Vernal and Nevada Falls are a great combo of hiking destinations to fill a day with. Of course there is so much to see in the park, but if you can’t fit anything else, make sure you catch the sunset over Half Dome one night.

Anything else?

Yosemite is home to tons of wildlife, so to keep them and you safe, make sure that you use bear boxes whenever camping, and try not to leave food in your car. Yosemite bears are smart and can break into vehicles. Bear spray is not necessary in the park, unless it makes you feel better, since there are no grizzlies in Yosemite, but they do want your food, so make sure you don’t sleep with anything in your tent that smells like food.

Also, remember that no national park is an amusement park, so you’re responsible for your safety on the trail, your food, and to keep your area clean of all trash. Wear proper footwear when on the trail, and bring water, even if it’s cold outside.

Top 5 Most Dog Friendly National Parks

We love traveling with our furry friends, but as a lot of people who like to travel in the US know, most National Parks aren’t super dog friendly. There are a few we’ve found since traveling with our border collie, Lassen, that we’ve loved due to the dog friendly trails. It’s made it easier to travel with him, and we all have so much fun getting to see the sights! These are our top 5 dog friendly National Parks.

Don’t miss the BARK Ranger program at many of these parks—a goal to educate dog owners on where their dogs can and can’t go in the park. Parks with BARK Ranger programs are specified below.

Great Sand Dunes, CO

If you’ve been following a while, you’ll know that we loved Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a fairly large park, and the whole main area of the sand dunes is completely dog friendly. Your dog has to be on a leash, but we don’t mind! Lassen was able to climb to the top of High Dune with us and run with us down the sides of the dunes. We loved how dog friendly this park was, and so did Lassen!

White Sands, NM

White Sands National Park, NM is very similar to Great Sand Dunes. Dogs are allowed all over the dunes as long as they’re on a leash, which made this the perfect sunrise park for us. We love being able to take Lassen along on adventures, so it was great to not have to leave him in the car to experience the park. White Sands is also part of the BARK Ranger program.

Petrified Forest, AZ

While Petrified Forest is a small park, and one of the least visited, it’s also one of the most dog friendly. Lassen was able to come everywhere with us. Most of the trails in this park are paved, so as long as your dog is on a leash and stays with you on the trail, they’re allowed to accompany you throughout your entire trip through the park. Petrified Forest also has a BARK Ranger program where you can get a free treat for your dog.

Olympic, WA

Olympic was actually the park that coined the BARK Ranger program! Olympic is a huge park, and while not all of it is dog friendly, many of the beaches are! This was where Lassen first saw the ocean. Our favorite beaches to take our dog to were Rialto and Ruby Beach. Your dog is also allowed around Crescent Lake and on the Spruce Railroad Trail.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, CO

While your dog can’t hike down into the canyon with you, this is the perfect National Park to take your dog to if you’re a sight-seeing type of traveler. Dogs are allowed to join you at all of the park lookouts, even the ones that are unpaved. Lassen and I had a great time driving to each viewpoint while Jared did a bigger hike into the canyon.

It’s unfortunately very hard to get a picture of a dog with a canyon you have to get very close to the railings of to see. But I promise he loved it!

Honorable Mentions:

City of Rocks National Reserve, ID

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, NE

How to Travel to The Outdoors During the Pandemic

As winter comes in close, many states and cities are beginning to shut down again. Traditionally, winter is the second most popular time to travel. So many people have given up holiday travel, visiting family, and even bigger trips that would normally take place during breaks from school or PTO from work. And with grey skies and colder temps, we might be feeling the travel blues a little more than we did even last spring.

I know we can’t go very far, but the outdoors are always going to be there, even if it is cold out. So, this time, let’s grab our warmest jackets, maybe invest in some waterproof hiking boots, and head to the outdoors, adventure can be closer than you think!

Try Out a Local Hiking Trail or Nature Center

As long as you have a mask ready to go whenever you pass other hikers, hiking is a great way to feel a sense of adventure, even if you have to stay close to home. Even for those of us who live in cities, hiking trails and nature trails are never that far away. The app All Trails (not sponsored, I just actually love this app) is great for finding hikes near you that you might not have heard of before.

Hiking trails can consist of much more than just hard trails that are there to send you to mountain peaks—many cities have nature centers and arboretums to explore, just so you can get out of your house for a little bit and explore something new. These usually have very easy trails accessible to all levels and unique plants and wildlife to experience, even if you’re stuck in your own city.

Favorite Nature Centers and Arboretums for me include the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, OR and the Cincinnati Nature Center in Cincinnati, OH.

Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, OR

Visit Your Local State Parks

Another great option if you’re looking for a slightly bigger adventure is to see what the restrictions are at your local state parks and choose one of those to visit as a day trip! There are over 10,000 state parks throughout the US, and many are actually located near cities, so even if you think you can’t get away from it all, there is probably a great option for you! And the thing is, there are so many state parks, there’s more than likely one you haven’t heard of yet! State parks are a great option that allow you to have a more local outdoor adventure, learn about your local native wildlife and plants, go on a hike or two, or have a picnic outside. State parks can be huge, but they can also be small enough to explore in just a day. These are great options for anyone looking for an awesome day trip adventure!

My favorite California state parks (where I’m from) include Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Topanga State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. My favorite state parks outside of California are Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and Itasca State Park in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: all state parks will have different restrictions and closures, and every state is different. Please check conditions before heading out.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park, CA

If You Live Near a National Park, Go For It!

I do want to start off this section by saying: PLEASE don’t travel more than 3 hours to visit a National Park right now. If you live nearby, and the park is open, by all means, go for it. Unwind, social distance, go on a hike, have a picnic. But if you have to travel across multiple state lines, wait a little longer so that you don’t put anyone in danger. National Parks are tourist hotspots, and the point of this post isn’t to increase tourism, it’s go give people options for spending time outside safely.

National Parks are amazing. They’re my favorite thing about the US, and they’re home to some of the best landscapes in the country. And the good news is, they’re not limited to the “Big 62.” These parks are simply the ones with “Park Status,” but the thing is, there are over 300 more parks that are listed as National Rec Areas, National Monuments, National Reserves, National Historic Sites, and more! (National Forests are NOT part of the National Park System). Each park will have its own restrictions, but if you live nearby, it might be a good option to visit for a day trip and take a hike or go on a scenic drive just to get out of the house for the day.

Always check the National Park Service for updates on closures!

My favorite National Parks that are near big cities are:

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Los Angeles, CA

Mount Rainier National Park: Seattle, WA

Rocky Mountain National Park: Fort Collins, CO

Grand Teton National Park: Jackson, WY

Colorado National Monument: Grand Junction, CO

Indiana Dunes National Park: Chicago, IL

Santa Monica Mountains National Rec Area, CA

Create a Vacation In Your Backyard

Seriously, I’m not joking about this one. If none of these options are feasible for you, create your own mini vacation by getting outside in your own backyard! That way you don’t even have to leave your house. If you live somewhere where it’s warm this time of year, plan an at-home yoga retreat by looking up yoga videos on YouTube and guided meditations on your favorite app (mine is Insight Timer—again, not sponsored, but I did get to test this app for a job, which was pretty cool!). Make some tropical smoothie bowls and give yourself time to rest (even if you don’t live in a warm climate)—believe me, we all need it!

If you live somewhere where it snows in the winter, spend time outside building snowmen (yes, even if you don’t have kids, it’ll make you smile, I promise), and drink your hot coffee, tea, or chocolate on the porch to clear your head every morning.

It’s also never a bad idea to invest in a fire pit and roast some marshmallows, tell stories, play music with your family, and pretend you’re camping, even if you just go inside and sleep in your own bed!

In the meantime, you have tons of time to start thinking about your next big adventure! Make sure you go ALL OUT this time!

This pandemic is hard on all of us, but just know that there are options nearby for anyone living anywhere to be able to get outside, clear their head, and recenter, at least a little bit. Tell me in the comments what your favorite local places are, and share this post with friends and family who are missing travel a little extra right now.

Top 4 Most Spiritual Places in the US

Since college, I’ve been what some might call “into spirituality,” and in my travels around the US, I’ve come across quite a few places where the energy is high, and it’s exceptionally easy to connect to the earth. These are places full of local legends, spiritual awakenings, and metaphysical connections, and I love coming across places like these when I’m traveling, so I decided to compile a list of my favorites so far, so if you’re looking to get away from it all, one of these places might be for you.

(I’ll likely create more of these later on, as I explore more places around the world. This piece is centered around the Continental US)

Joshua Tree, CA

1: Sedona, AZ

There’s no question Sedona had to be on this list. Sedona is known as a spiritual vortex—a place where the spiritual energy is high, and healing is possible. Sedona has many points that are specifically known as Vortexes, and these areas are known to help aid in meditation and self exploration. You’ll also find spots like metaphysical shops and health food restaurants in town for the full experience. The people of Sedona are as interesting as the land, and you might just run into people selling sage (but please don’t buy from anyone who isn’t of Native ancestry), meditating, doing yoga, or handing out Sedona heart rocks.

Some of the most powerful places in Sedona for experiencing the Vortex magic are:

·       Boynton Canyon

·       Cathedral Rock

·       Airport Mesa

·       Bell Rock

Sedona is a great place to ground yourself, be one with the desert, and spend some time under the stars, and if you’re not into spirituality, it’s worth going just for the views.

Sedona is located on Honanki and Palatki land and you can visit the ruins of their old dwellings during a visit.

Learn more about Sedona, AZ here:

Cathedral Rock Hike, Sedona, AZ

2: Devils Tower, WY

Devils Tower is most recognizable from its movie role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and while you (likely) won’t run into any extraterrestrials at this famous National Monument in Wyoming, you might find yourself connecting to the earth a little more than usual here. And the good news is, the devil is no where to be found either. Most importantly, Devils Tower is a Native American holy site, known to the Cheyenne as Bear Lodge. Other tribes such as the Mandan and Arapaho refer to it as Bear’s Hat and Bear’s Tipi respectively, and many Native Americans have used it as a site for ceremonies and rituals for centuries.

As this is a holy site for Native peoples, it is important to respect that during your visit. Do hike around the tower and appreciate its beauty and energy, but don’t touch prayer flags and other holy objects left around the tower.

Learn more about Devils Tower here:

Devils Tower National Monument, WY

3: Mount Shasta, CA

Mount Shasta is an incredible site to see, but it’s also one of the most significant spiritual centers in the world. Many spiritualists know Mount Shasta as Mother Earth’s root chakra, and some connect it with legends of ancient Lumeria, whose people supposedly live beneath the mountain today, waiting for the earth to experience a spiritual awakening. Many people flock to Mount Shasta to experience growth, healing, and finding their life’s purpose, and when we went to fill up water at a local spring, there was talk from locals about it being the water of the gods. The energy is strong here, and in town, you’ll find plenty of metaphysical and crystal shops to explore.

Mount Shasta is also home to many legends from Native tribes, including the Shasta, Wintu, and Modoc tribes just to name a few.

If you aren’t sure about spirituality, don’t fret, Mount Shasta is still worth the visit, and a dip in Lake Siskiyou can’t be beat.

Hiking in Mount Shasta, CA

4: Joshua Tree, CA

My first trip to Joshua Tree was in 2018, and if you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know that it’s one of my favorite places in California. On our way to that trip, a friend of mine said “there’s a special desert magic in Joshua Tree,” and she was right! From the dark sky zone level stars, to the silhouettes of Joshua Trees in the sunrise light, there truly is magic here. On top of that, this National Park actually does have its own vortices, just like Sedona, and is known for spiritual and healing retreats.

I personally love to visit Joshua Tree for the solitude, the rock scrambling, and that old desert magic, but it’s not uncommon to find yoga and meditation retreats here.

Joshua Tree is located on Serrano, Mojave, Cahuilla, and Chemehuevi land.

Learn more about Joshua Tree here:

Secret view in Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Honorable Mentions:

·       Moab, UT

·       Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

·       Mount Hood, OR

Spirituality can mean something different to everyone, but when it comes to finding places with strong energy that allow for the best connection to the earth, you can’t go wrong with these. So whether you’re just looking to get away from it all, or maybe plan a retreat for people looking to heal, these spots should be on your list. (And if you’re just a traveler looking for adventure, you can’t go wrong with a visit here either!)

Where To Go As a First Time Visitor: Rockies

The Rocky Mountain States hold some of the highest elevation in the country, and some of the most beautiful landscapes. From sprawling mountains, to deep thermal pools, this section of the country is on so many people’s bucket lists. From Colorado to Montana, we’re going to explore exactly where you should head if you’ve never been to the area before, so that you can experience the best the landscape has to offer.

Glacier National Park, MT

Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is easily one of my favorite states. There is so much to do, and so many beautiful places to see, but for a first time visitor looking to get the most out of a visit, I’d say don’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park. The Rockies are located in Northern Colorado, and have some of the highest elevation roads in the country. These mountains are home to bears, moose, and more, and are full of winding trails, rivers, pine trees, and everything else you picture when you think of Colorado. Stay in Estes Park and explore the Stanley Hotel (where they filmed The Shining), and the rest of those mountain town vibes when you’re not in the National Park.

Things to do:

·       Go to the Alpine Visitor Center and hike the Alpine Ridge Trail (12,000 feet)

·       Go to Bear Lake

·       Hike Hallett Peak (for advanced hikers only due to the elevation)

·       Do the Scenic Drive

When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, be aware of the elevation and oxygen levels. Elevation sickness is not uncommon here, so don’t attempt any hikes that are out of your athletic ability.

Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park

There’s no question: you cannot go to Wyoming for the first time and not go to Yellowstone. Yellowstone is not just the National Park—it’s all the surrounding mountain towns, and it’s become a vacation destination. Yellowstone is known for its thermal pools, abundant wildlife, and the famous Yellowstone Falls. There is so much to do just in this park and its surrounding areas, so I’d suggest planning at least a 4 day trip, perhaps even a week if you can take the time.

Things to do:

·       Go see the popular spots: Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful

·       Spot wildlife in the Lamar Valley

·       Walk the boardwalk at the Norris Geyser Basin

·       Go to Artists Point and take photos of Yellowstone Falls

Like at any National Park, please respect the nature when visiting Yellowstone. Stay on the boardwalks, don’t climb over guardrails, and please, DO NOT APPROACH WILDLIFE.

Montana: Glacier National Park

I have a whole post you can read about Glacier, but there truly is no better place to visit if you’re visiting Montana for the first time. Glacier is an incredible landscape full of wildlife, mountains, and of course, glaciers. This national park is also home to the famous Going to the Sun Road, which connects east and west Glacier on one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the country.

Things to do:

·       Hike to Grinnell Glacier (hard)

·       Hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook (easy)

·       Drive the Going to the Sun Road (not open to vehicles over 21 feet long)

Learn more about Glacier at the link below:

The Rocky Mountains are an incredible landscape full of beautiful national parks and tons of wildlife. This is an area I could spend months exploring. Not sure where to start when planning your trip? Head to the shop to schedule a phone call with me and allow me to plan your trip for you!

Your Guide to Visiting Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Badlands. One of the most ominous sounding parks is also one of the most surprisingly beautiful. I’ve visited Badlands National Park twice, and I’ve been lucky (and unlucky) enough to experience every bit of its natural wonder. The Badlands are located in western South Dakota, and are made up of desert rock formations that resemble jagged peaks. This place can be both miserable and beautiful, and as one of the most unique places in the country, it deserves to be on your bucket list (during the winter perhaps).

Why are they called the Badlands?

Well, simply because of the terrain. The Lakota people called what is now Badlands National Park “mako sica” (“land bad”) due to extreme temperatures, jagged terrain, and the area’s lack of water. Personally, I can attest that these lands can indeed be very bad, but they can also be very beautiful. During my first visit, it was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but I was rewarded with the prettiest desert sunrise I’ve ever had.

The Basics

Badlands National Park is located within driving distance of two other amazing NPS sites: Wind Cave and Devils Tower (one of my personal faves). There is an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, or the use of your America the Beautiful Pass. It is often incredibly hot in the park, and there aren’t a lot of places to fill up water. One of the best places to find clean drinking water is at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center near Interior, SD.

Can I bring my dog?

A common misconception is that dogs are not allowed inside National Parks at all—this is not true! The only thing is, Badlands isn’t the most dog friendly park due to the fact that it’s so hot much of the year, and dogs are not allowed on any of the trails. A good rule of thumb is that your dog is allowed anywhere your car can go. We hung out with Lassen for a bit at the picnic area near the visitor center, and for most of the day, he hung out in the van until we got back to camp where he got an extra long walk and a game of frisbee.

I’m a first time visitor… what should I do?

Badlands is about to majorly blow your mind! My ultimate first stop for you has to be Roberts Prairie Dog Town. It’s five miles down a dirt road on the Wall, SD side of the park, but it’s so worth it. You’re guaranteed to see prairie dogs, but also, where prairie dogs live, lots of other animals do too! We saw Pronghorns, Bison, and even a coyote stalking the Pronghorn herd!

Then, I’d drive down the scenic road. Stop at as many viewpoints as you want, but don’t skip the Yellow Mounds for some cool colors! Once you reach the visitor center, turn left, and head up to Notch Trail (the famous one with the giant ladder) for a hike you’ll always remember!

End your day with an incredible sunset, or wake up early the next day for sunrise (or both!).

What else should I know?

There is pretty good cell signal within the park, and gas stations less than ten miles outside the park on the Wall side.

Make sure you stay at least 100 yards from all wildlife, especially Bison, and watch for rattlesnakes when on the trails.

Badlands is a “free hike park.” This means that you can actually walk anywhere you want, even if there’s no trail. This is one of the only parks that’s like this, so have fun, but be careful. When I asked about this, the ranger I spoke to said, “Your only limitations here are gravity and wildlife.”

There are 3 options for staying in the park: the Cedar Pass Lodge, Cedar Pass Campground, and Sage Creek Campground. You can make reservations for Cedar Pass online. Sage Creek Campground is located in the backcountry but is accessible by car, and is free to stay at.

Pack out all trash! There are trash cans at many of the overlooks around the park. Please use them instead of leaving trash in the wilderness. If a trash can is full, please take your trash home with you.

The Badlands is an incredible park full of surprises. From wild animals of all types to vibrant colors, to views you won’t forget, the Badlands is a unique and simply underrated park.

To work the Badlands into an incredible road trip that reaches all 50 states, tap the button below!