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!

How My First Trip in the Van Really Went

An Anecdote From A Full Time Solo Traveler

On December 11, 2019, I set out toward the desert in my new (to me) campervan. I bought the van in October, following my 48 state, 3 month, solo journey. This journey changed me, and inspired me to keep going, traveling by road full time.

National Parks are safe and sacred places to me, and Joshua Tree is the park I know the best of the 33 I’ve visited in my young life. It’s only 3 hours from my hometown, so it made sense, in the beginnings of winter, to head there, instead of my van’s namesake, Sequoia.

I had to do a test run before I headed off on a plane to Southeast Asia for the rest of the winter, because upon returning home in mid-January, I’d be hitting the road for good almost immediately.

Sequoia on the BLM

This was my first stay on BLM land. BLM land is free to camp on, and is run separately from Forest Land and Park Land by the Bureau of Land Management. Joshua Tree has BLM located at the south entrance, near the Cottonwood Springs visitor center (one of the only places with flush toilets in the park, for those of you who are planning a trip out there).

My experience on the BLM was amazing. There are tons of designated spots there, it’s free to camp, and you get a fire pit. There are no toilets, so I was more than thankful to have the toilet in my van. I didn’t have my propane for my van stove yet, so I broke out the old camp stove that traveled with me all over the country, and made lunch with a view of my California desert mountains in the distance. My first day consisted of yoga, filming a van tour for my YouTube channel, and, once the sun went down, catching up on all my friends’ videos I’d missed out on while I was working.

My view of the BLM land, facing the park

It was a chilly night, but with three blankets and my windows covered in reflectix, I was plenty warm, and woke up to the sun peeking out over the mountains and through a crack in the window covers.

The real adventure would start just a couple hours later. I made breakfast, I got dressed, I got everything all ready to go, and then… the van wouldn’t start. It wouldn’t even turn over. And the oil light was on. I was calm about it, I’d run into issues on the road over the summer (like locking my keys in the car), so I know that there wasn’t a universe where this didn’t work out. My first instinct is always to ask my neighbors. Only one family was awake, and they didn’t have oil, which was obviously the problem, so my next response was to call AAA.

Cholla Cactus on Ryan Mountain

The first lady I got on the phone was incredibly nice, made sure that all I needed was oil, and told me to hang tight until a dispatcher would call with an arrival time. It wasn’t until he called me that any of this became a problem. My whole day came crashing down with one sentence: “We don’t bring oil.”

I was frustrated at this point because the first person had made it sound like getting me oil wouldn’t be a problem. So, he told me he’d talk to his supervisor and call me back. When 20 minutes had gone by without a phone call, I hopped back on the phone with AAA, and did exactly what every millennial bone in my body didn’t want to do: asked to speak to a manager.

After about 20 minutes more of back and forth with her, explaining that I couldn’t pay for a tow (which is also, not actually complimentary), and that I was alone in the desert, she paused, and said, “let me see what I can do.” I was put on hold, and eventually, when she got back on the phone she asked what kind of oil I needed. By some miracle of the universe, her dispatcher in Indio had decided to make an exception for me, and would be bringing me oil as long as I could reimburse him.

Road through Joshua Tree, near the Yucca Valley entrance

Long story short, he showed up, and I was still able to make it into the park to hike Ryan Mountain. But the moral of the story is, carry extra everything if you have an older vehicle. I don’t know how I got so lucky to get on the phone with such nice people in the end, but it’s something my other overlanders out there should be aware of.

The first night was amazing, the next day could’ve been a disaster. But it wasn’t, because everything works out the way it’s meant to work out, and I was able to drive through the park still, and feel a little bit at home again.

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For more about this little vanlife breakdown, I will be coming out with a video of the whole thing, plus a bit of a guide to Joshua Tree in a couple weeks on the Halle’s Wandering Soul YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a video!

My Top 10 Favorite US States

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my bio announces that I’ve been for 49 of the 50 US states. Because of that, two of the most common questions I get on basically every platform are “what state are you missing?” and “what are your favorite states?” Well, the one I’m missing is Alaska, and there’s a maybe chance that it might be in the plans for 2020 (but nothing’s official yet). The harder question to answer is which states are my favorite, and the reason for that is because the US is so diverse. Every state has something unique to offer, but there are 10 that stand out above the other 39 I’ve been to.

Here are my top 10 US states:

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

10: Minnesota

When I reached Minnesota on while I was traveling over the summer, it was one of the northernmost destinations I had on my list. I was heading to Voyageurs National Park, which was located right on the Canadian Border. When I was driving north, I remember feeling like I’d finally accomplished something. Minnesota was one of the prettiest states I’ve been to. The entire thing is lined with pine trees, and the highway to the national park was one of the most unique drives I’ve done. The trails in the national park often overlook lake Kabetogama, and provide views of Canada on the other side. The people in Minnesota were also super nice, and made it really easy to enjoy my time there.

Lake Kabetogama, Voyageurs National Park, MN

9: Washington

This was a strange one to put on this list for me. While it’s incredibly similar to Oregon in terms of its landscape, it had a very different energy. Washington has a bit of a spooky vibe, and it turns out, it’s actually known for UFO and ghost sightings. The national parks here are absolutely gorgeous. Olympic is super unique, and is home to multiple different landscapes: from mountains, to lakes, to beaches, to rain forests. North Cascades is a unique free park interspersed with national forest land. Mount Rainier is home to glaciers, an impressive mountain, and tons of wildlife. Washington does have a ton to offer, but it’s a very different feeling than the other PNW state, which I’ll get to later on this list.

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Shore Section, WA

8: Maine

Maine is actually going to be the only eastern state on this list. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the east coast, it’s just that most of the east coast is known for their cities, and I’m a nature girl. I absolutely loved Maine though. As I drove into Maine, I saw my first “moose crossing” sign, and it was the first time I saw pine forests since leaving Colorado nearly two months prior, so it’s got a special place in my heart for that reason. Maine really is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a mixture of pine forests and ocean, and Acadia National Park is a gorgeous and unique small park. The people were nice, everywhere was beautiful, and it had some of the best early morning sunrises I’ve ever seen.

Acadia National Park, ME (and the Atlantic Ocean)

7: Utah

I absolutely loved Utah. It’s home to five incredible national parks, including Bryce, which holds the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. The entire state feels a bit like a national park though, and the highways bring you through green mountains, big cities, and rolling farmland. The entire state, from bottom to top is absolutely gorgeous, from the national parks in the southern half of the state to the mountains you can see from something as simple as a Starbucks in Logan.

The famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

6: Wyoming

I’ve written about Wyoming a few times now, and that just means it had to make it on this list. Wyoming is one of my favorite mountain states. Wyoming simply has some of the most unique landscapes in the country, from active volcanoes in Yellowstone, to long extinct ones at Devils Tower. This state is super diverse in its wilderness, morphing from the high mountains of the Tetons to the almost-desert of Fossil Butte in the southern part of the state. It’s also home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the country. Here, you can see bears (grizzly and black bears), moose, bison, eagles, elk, and even wolves. Needless to say, if you love nature, Wyoming is the place for you.

Bison hanging out in Yellowstone National Park, WY

5: Arizona

Arizona was actually the place I chose for my first solo trip. I went to the Grand Canyon solo during my last spring break ever, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Arizona is a beautiful state, and one that truly feels unique from its neighboring California landscape. Between its red rocks and the fact that its home to one of the Earth’s natural wonders, Arizona is one of the most beautiful southwestern states. Here, you’ll find classic saguaro cactuses, unique rock formations, and plenty of tourists, which just goes to show you that this state is just incredible. It’s popular for a reason.

This view will make you cry, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

4: Hawaii

Hawaii is an old favorite of mine. I’ve been traveling to Hawaii since childhood, and its landscapes never fail to blow me away. I’ve been to three of the four main islands, and by far, Maui is my favorite. Here, I have memories of learning to surf, eating too much shave ice, and jumping off of black rock into the reef and crystal blue ocean below. Hawaii is simply one of the best vacation destinations in the country, and while Maui is my favorite, the other two islands I’ve been to, Kauai and Oahu have been beautiful as well.

Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii (photo ca. 2012)

3: Montana

Montana is home to my favorite place on Earth, Glacier National Park. Glacier is an absolutely gorgeous mountain park that’s home to some of the only glaciers in the continental US. Here, I hiked my favorite hike ever: Grinnell Glacier. Other than Glacier National Park, Montana is actually gorgeous. As you enter the state from Wyoming, you’ll be greeted by Big Sky Montana, an open, vast expanse of land with, well, some of the biggest sky you’ve ever seen. I also had the privilege of staying a night in Bozeman, a cute little outdoorsy town surrounded by national forest land. Montana is truly a nature-lover’s paradise, and is more than worth exploring.

Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT

2: Oregon

I’ve been to Oregon three times now, and I’m actually writing this from an Airbnb in Portland. Oregon is such a beautiful state full of my favorite forested landscape, without the weird Washington vibes. It’s home to Portland, a quirky little PNW city, the Oregon coast, the outdoorsy town of Bend, the climber’s paradise of Smith Rock State Park, and of course, the deepest lake in the country: Crater Lake. Crater Lake was absolutely stunning, but also one of the coldest places I’ve been, so make sure you have the right gear! Oregon simply seems like it’s full of endless adventures, and it’s a place that I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of visiting.

Multnomah Falls, Portland, OR

1: California

Okay, so I might be biased, but my home state is the best state in the country. It’s so huge, and spans the most diverse landscapes within one state. Here, you’ll find desert, mountains, forests (including the world’s tallest trees, the redwoods), cities, and of course, beaches. California is home to nine national parks, including a volcano, and the state includes one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country: Highway 1 through Big Sur. California truly has a little something for everybody, no matter what you’re traveling for.

Glacier Point, Yosemite, CA

Coming up with this list was actually super hard. I love everywhere I’ve been for different reasons, even the places I say I hated. The thing is, traveling gives everyone a unique experience, and we have to appreciate it for that. Every destination is going to leave a different impression on every traveler, and the US is home to such uniqueness that everyone is bound to have their own unique experience.

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To read more about the 48 contiguous states, make sure you check out my complete road trip route in my new ebook, dropping December 1, 2019 in the shop!

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.

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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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The Most Unexpected Bucket List Landscapes in the US

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Let’s just get one thing out on the table: the US is huge. Because of its size, this one country is home to tons of crazy landscapes, from the tundra of Alaska (which is still on my list) to the volcanoes of Hawaii. Really, the US is home to some incredible, insane, unexpected landscapes you can’t find anywhere else. These are worlds you might think you’d find way up in Canada’s Northern Territories, in the deserts of Africa, or even, maybe, an alien planet?

Here are the most unexpected destinations in the US, which you should probably add to that bucket list after you’re done reading this.

(Disclaimer: 100% of these spots are run by the National Park Service. There’s a reason these spots are protected land, so please, if you visit, make sure you keep them as pretty as when you arrived).

Glacier National Park, Montana

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

I know I’ve talked about it on the blog before, but it’s such a cool place, it can’t not make this list (don’t worry, it’s the only repeat destination on here). Devils Tower is truly one of a kind. It’s the only rock formation like this in the world and attracts huge numbers of rock climbers, hikers, and sightseers to its park every year. Devils Tower is a sacred place for Native Americans, and you might see prayer flags as you hike around the park, especially close to the tower. This is also a great place to see wildlife (especially prairie dogs), as this part of Wyoming is right where the pine forests of this mountain state and the grasslands of the neighboring Dakotas meet. And, if you want to visit Devils Tower and the Badlands in one go, they’re not too far from each other!

Read more about Devils Tower HERE!

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Okay, I know Utah’s other National Parks are a bit more famous, but Bryce is absolutely mind-blowing. Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos—the strange rock formations that visitors describe as looking like either people or sandcastles (or both!). Advanced hikers have the chance to hike down into the hoodoos and experience them up close, but even if you don’t trust your hiking ability, there are plenty of fantastic views from the rim! This is one of the most unique desert landscapes out there, and is the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. They’re formed through a combination of plate tectonics, sediment deposition, and erosion, and their bright orange color lets them form a truly alien landscape.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington

While there are a couple temperate rainforests in the United States, the Hoh Rainforest in Washington’s Olympic National Park is the only temperate rainforest you can actually drive your car into. Complete with a campground, tons of interesting wildlife, and scattered rainstorms, this is truly a landscape to escape to. It honestly feels like you’re in a different country (or maybe the world of Jurassic Park?), and the temperature ranges from hot and humid to freezing cold in the winter. Located in the Pacific Northwest, it’s clear that this is a place that stands out amongst the surrounding mountains, coastline, and big cities.

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington

Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii

Haleakala National Park literally looks like Mars. This was actually the first National Park I ever visited, and needless to say, I was blown away. From the long winding drive up the dormant volcano to the vast, red landscapes that feel like they don’t belong on the lush, green island of Maui, Haleakala is a landscape you truly can’t find anywhere else in the US, and perhaps nowhere else in the world. Haleakala is known for its sunrises, and often, tourists will take a bike tour to ride down the mountain just as the sun comes up over the Hawaiian horizon.

Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii (photo “vintage” circa 2012)

Glacier National Park, Montana

 Glacier National Park is hands down, my favorite place I’ve ever visited. This alpine landscape definitely deserves to be on this list as one of the most unexpected places in the US, simply because it’s not a landscape that you’d generally find this far south. Although many of the Glaciers are now melted, there are still a few that stand which are accessible by hiking trails. I wouldn’t recommend hiking to the glacial views, though, unless you’re an advanced hiker, as the trails that allow you to see the most intact Glaciers are quite long. There are accessible views of Jackson Glacier, though, along the Going to the Sun Road. The Going to the Sun Road offers some of the most beautiful views in the country (although it is often closed November through May), and is only accessible to vehicles less than 21 feet long.

There are three sections of Glacier: East Glacier, which is at a higher elevation and offers great views of St. Mary Lake and some of the first views of these incredible mountains, West Glacier, which is tucked away in the woods and close to the adorable town of Whitefish, and Many Glacier, which is where much of the glacial access is hiding, including the famous Grinnell Glacier trail.

I could go on about Glacier forever, but for now, it should definitely be added to your summer bucket list. It does get crowded, so get there early for a campsite, and plan on taking the shuttle around the park if you can to reduce car traffic. Most importantly, though, in this remote National Park, make sure that you respect wildlife—it’s everywhere, it’s beautiful, but wildlife is wild, and should be enjoyed from a distance.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Honorable Mentions:

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

 The United States is home to an incredible array of unique landscapes. From the deserts and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the melting glaciers of Glacier National Park, the diversity of the country’s landscape is one that’s hard to challenge. These are five places that should absolutely be on your adventure list— they’re sure to give you the wow factor you’re looking for in a National Park, and will inspire adventures to last a lifetime.

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Why I Travel Solo

“You’re going where by yourself?”

“That must be so lonely.”

“Why on Earth would you travel solo?”

Long story short, because I love it.

In the summer of 2019, three days after I graduated university, I loaded up my Kia Soul and hit the road for three months straight, living out of the back of the car, and driving to all 48 connecting United States. (More on this in “My Journey.”)

But, it didn’t start there. This wasn’t a spontaneous decision, although a lot of the decisions I made while on the road were. This trip was brewing for a long time, and the thing that sparked it the most was my Horrible Year of 2018. But of course, one bad year isn’t the reason I travel solo, it’s just a big part of why I hit the road at all. Traveling solo to me is an empowering experience, and a liberating one. As a solo female traveler, the road is a strange place to reside, but it feels like home now, and I don’t know if I would feel that way if I’d never made the decision to go it alone.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

I got tons of questions when I was on the road. One conversation I remember vividly happened at a private campground in Indiana that I ended up at because the National Park didn’t have a spot for me. The owner of the campground had talked to his wife who’d checked me in, and came up to me while I was making dinner, asking “You’re going all the way to Mammoth Cave by yourself? That doesn’t seem very safe.” By this time, I’d been on the road for two months and very much knew what I was doing. The solo thing didn’t feel strange to me, but it dawned on me that it was probably very strange to other people.

Mount Rainier National Park, WA

There are a ton of reasons I travel solo, and if you ask any solo female traveler their reasons, they might have some of the same ones as me, and some completely different ones, but the fact is, solo travel is an experience that’s unique to the person doing it.

First and foremost, solo travel is incredibly liberating. Have you ever been on a trip with someone and spent the entire time worrying about whether or not the other person is having a good time? Maybe you spend the whole trip just doing things they want to do so that you can sidestep any guilt you might have if you pick a spot and they hate it? Yeah, me too.

Traveling with friends can be great, truly it can. But for the long stretches of time that I like to go for, it’s an incredibly liberating feeling to be able to make all your decisions for yourself without another person to worry about.

Glacier National Park, MT

When you don’t have another person with you, you’re able to learn more: about yourself, about life, about the world. I had to do things on the road I never would’ve experienced had I not been alone. I had to troubleshoot and make decisions on my own and listen to my gut more than I ever would’ve with a partner, and for that, I’m super grateful.

Solo travel allowed me to figure out parts of myself I think I was missing after that Horrible 2018 and allowed me to fall in love with this nomadic lifestyle. Being kinetic is something that felt so right to me, as if to say “no wonder you felt so stuck when you were in school! You’re meant to be moving!” And I never would’ve found that little bit of my soul—my wandering soul—had I not been alone.

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, WA

Now, you’re probably wondering: what possibly could’ve happened in 2018 that prompted her to take off around the country by herself for 3 months with an insane goal? Plenty. Plenty happened.

2018 started with my dog passing away unexpectedly. A few months later, the last summer break I’d ever have started off with a breakup with someone I never should’ve been in a relationship with in the first place, and then a few months after that, I started one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs I’ve ever worked. And a slew of other things.

If you’ve read My Journey, then you’ll know that the trip that started it all had been in the back of my head for about 5 years before I actually left on it. And it was at the beginning of that summer of 2018 that I decided I was going to do it alone, and in a year, instead of waiting any longer.

Congaree National Park, SC

And when I did finally do it, I experienced some of the most beautiful places of my life. From the hot Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, to the swamps of Congaree National Park in South Carolina, to the icy cold of Glacier National Park in Montana, I’ve gotten to see some of the most unreal landscapes in the country, and all because I made a decision for myself to prioritize my own happiness.

Just the prospect of traveling alone was an act of stepping out of my comfort zone, and that in itself was one of the most empowering decisions I ever made.

Shenandoah National Park, WV

Traveling alone can be scary. It can be stressful. It can be lonely. But despite what plenty of people told me before I left, I never once felt unsafe, and the reason for that is that I listened to my gut about everything I did. If you trust yourself, solo travel can be a freeing experience, rather than one of mystery and the danger everyone projected onto me prior to leaving. Solo travel is scary in the way that any new experience is, making you so aware and present of everything happening around you, in the best way.

So, if you haven’t traveled alone, or haven’t even thought of traveling alone, this is for you: make that first move. Hit the road, book the flight, choose your first destination. The world is waiting to show you what you’ve had hiding inside you all along.

Your Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Local visitors and out of town tourists alike are drawn to this mysterious place hiding out in Southern California’s desert for many reasons. Whether it’s trees that look like they’re straight out of The Lorax, rocks just begging to be scrambled and climbed on, or the Milky Way waiting to come out of hiding in this designated dark sky zone, Joshua Tree National Park truly has something for every type of traveler, from the hiker to the artist.

Joshua Tree is the park that I’ve spent the most time in so far. Part of the reason for that was its proximity to my old university, but even after graduating, I still find myself pining for the dry, expansive landscape of the California desert more often than I’d expect, considering I’m such a lover of mountains. Joshua Tree truly comes with a certain type of desert magic, and it’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss during your next trip to California.

Hemingway, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

So… where exactly is Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree is located between Yucca Valley, CA and Twentynine Palms, CA, and is about an hour from the Inland Empire. It’s nearly exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, if you draw a triangle between the three, Joshua Tree being the most inland. Joshua Tree is also located nearby other famous California road trip destinations, such as the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and Salvation Mountain.

What is a designated dark sky zone?

There are only a few spots in the US that are considered “designated dark sky zones,” Joshua Tree being one of the most famous, but what makes them different from other areas where there’s simply low light pollution?

Well, the basic idea is that it’s really low light pollution, and it’s protected land. So, these areas are specifically set aside in a way that ensures that light pollution like we have in many major cities can’t reach them, allowing for incredibly dark nights, and incredibly clear stars. Many people have their first views of the Milky Way while staying in Joshua Tree National Park, and photographers love playing with light here: the contrast between the strange silhouette of the Joshua Tree and the bright stars up above creating dream-like landscapes one usually only finds in children’s books.

Joshua Trees off the side of the road near the Yucca Valley park entrance

Hiking Joshua Tree

If you’re a hiker, like myself, it’s important that you visit Joshua Tree prepared for a couple things: most of their trails are fairly flat, it’s easy to get lost, and there’s no potable water in the park. While there are marked trails, no one will yell at you for going off trail here to explore, as long as you don’t damage the plants or rocks, but make sure you know your way back—most of this beautiful desert looks very similar!

Of their marked trails, there’s really only one that truly gains any elevation: Ryan Mountain. Ryan Mountain is an awesome hike with truly amazing views, but as there’s no potable water in the park, make sure you bring enough on your back if you’re there in the hot season.

That feeling you get when you summit Ryan Mountain and there’s still snow on the ground

There are other flat trails in the park as well, and plenty of rock scrambles to climb if you’re sick of just wandering through the desert! Some other notable trails include the Boy Scout Trail (16 miles out and back, or 8 miles one way) and the Cholla Cactus Garden trail (only .25 miles of family friendly trail through a spot where tons of cacti grow). Of course, there are plenty of other trails, out to old mines, abandoned ranches, and rock scrambles, so be safe, choose a trail right for your ability, and get hiking!

Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Sightseeing in Joshua Tree

If you’re not a hiker, there are tons of sites to see that don’t involve tons of energy exertion. These are also great places to stop if its too hot out to hike! Some favorite sites are Skull Rock, Oyster Bar, Hemingway, and Hall of Horrors.

While Hemingway and Hall of Horrors are known as rock climbing and scrambling spots, they’re still only a short walk from the parking lot, and feature cool rock formations to photograph. If you are looking to scramble though, Hemingway is more known for bouldering and climbing, while Hall of Horrors is full of fun rock scrambles and hidden caves.

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Camping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a super popular park, so if you’re going on a long weekend, or really any weekend except in the summer, my advice would be to get there early! I’ve personally camped in three of the park’s campgrounds: Jumbo Rocks, Belle, and Ryan. All three are beautiful and offer very different experiences! Ryan is definitely closest to the sites, but as Belle is a bit harder to find, it tends to be a bit quieter. Both are first come first served.

Most campgrounds in the park are first-come-first-served, but Jumbo Rocks is available for reservation, and is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park due to its proximity to, well… huge rocks! On top of that, it’s by far my favorite of the three I’ve stayed in. The rocks are perfect for late-night scrambling and provide fantastic views of the stars away from the noise and light down below. It’s also home to one of the most famous photography spots in the park (pictured below).

Go on a treasure hunt for this famous spot in Jumbo Rocks Campground

What to be prepared for…

Like I said earlier, there’s no water in the park, so bring at least one gallon per person per day, and more in the hot season. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated 40 miles away from the Yucca Valley entrance (the only place with potable and running water).

It’s also either incredibly hot or incredibly cold, so check the weather before your trip.

The park is also home to tons of wildlife, if you know where to look! I’ve spotted tarantulas, giant hawks, snakes, lizards, jackrabbits, and tons of mischievous chipmunks!

There is a $25 entrance fee at the gate as well, so if you plan on visiting more than 3 National Parks within the next year, I suggest purchasing the $80 Interagency Annual Pass or Lifetime Senior Pass (for adventurers ages 65+).

When’s the best time to go?

Personally, since I’m a winter girl, I’d say go in the cold season. While it does still get below freezing in the winter here, I’d rather have to use more blankets than sweat through my sleep. It starts getting hot around late April, and cools down starting around November, so anything in that winter season would be perfect in my book, as long as you bring enough firewood and warm clothes! It does snow in Joshua Tree if it gets cold enough, though, so check the weather, or the Joshua Tree official Instagram, and be prepared with chains if needed.

If you insist on going in the hot season, know that it’s not just hot, it’s incredibly hot. There’s next to no shade in J Tree land, and I’ve found myself climbing rocks to find caves to hide in during the heat of the day. In the hot season, the only time you’ll have for exploring is early morning and evening. For a summer visit, I’d suggest getting one of the nearby Air BnB’s instead of camping, so that you have some AC to escape to!

Joshua Tree in February is beautiful, but chilly!

Joshua Tree truly is a unique place to visit, and has amazing sites hidden around every bend. If you’ve never experienced the California desert, this is a great place to start. This is truly one of my favorite spots in California, and the National Park I’ve spent the most time in (and for good reason). Whether you simply want to take pictures with the cool trees, or insist on staying up late to stargaze, Joshua Tree will not disappoint, and its strange desert magic will keep you coming back again and again.

If you want to learn more about Joshua Tree and how you can fit it into a huge California road trip, check out my ebook: Exploring California’s Interior.