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!

Where You Should Go As a First Time Visitor: West Coast

PART ONE

This month, Jared, Lassen, and I are staying put to build our new tiny home on wheels, and while I’ll be writing a big post at the end of this giant adventure talking about the whole process, I decided to start a new series while we wait, talking about some of the states I know well, and leading up to a bigger project I’ve been working on in the sidelines. The goal with this series is to talk about the ONE place you should visit if you’ve never been to a state or region. A lot of you are planning road trips, or simply planning domestic travel in general, so if you’re looking for the best place to see what a state has to offer, you’re in the right place. For the first installment of this series, we’re gonna talk about my absolute favorite part of the country: the West Coast, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington.

Olympic National Park, WA

Southern California: Joshua Tree

I decided to split California into two sections because the north and the south are so drastically different from each other. Southern California is known for three things: beaches, cities, and desert. While I could have easily picked a beach for this, I truly think the Southern California desert is one of the most unique places in the country, so, let’s go to one of my favorite National Parks: Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree is located about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, in adjacent to the towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. It’s also less than an hour from the Salton Sea and Slab City. This unique National Park is home to the largest population of unique Joshua “trees” in the country. The trees are actually part of the agave family, and the oldest is over 300 years old!

What should I not miss?

·       Hike Ryan Mountain

·       Find the Hall in the Hall of Horrors

·       Walk through the Cholla Cactus Gardens

This unique desert is one of my favorite destinations in Southern California, and because of its proximity to other SoCal hotspots, you’ll be able to make a whole road trip out of it!

Northern California: Yosemite

Seriously, if you thought I’d pick anywhere else in NorCal for a first time visitor… you haven’t been to Yosemite! Yosemite is one of the three most famous National Parks in the country (the others being Grand Canyon and Yellowstone), and it’s a hiking, rock climbing, and sight seeing destination for travelers coming from all over the world.

Yosemite is known for its giant rock formations, or monoliths, including El Capitan (which you might recognize from documentaries like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall), and Half Dome. It’s also known for having the tallest waterfall in the Lower 48, which you can hike to the top of.

What should I not miss?

·       Drive up to Glacier Point

·       Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

·       See Mirror Lake (in the spring and summer only)

·       See Yosemite Falls

·       Watch the sunset from the meadows over Half Dome

Yosemite was the National Park that made me fall in love with National Parks, and I hope it does the same for you, first time visitor. Have fun, and keep an eye out for black bears!

Oregon: Mount Hood

I easily could’ve picked Crater Lake for this spot, but nowhere in Oregon captures the beauty of the Pacific Northwest quite like Mount Hood. Mount Hood is a National Forest (run by the USFS, not the NPS like Joshua Tree and Yosemite), and it’s home to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and of course, the famous mountain itself.

The Pacific Northwest is the best place to experience wild nature, and Mount Hood definitely has plenty of that. From opportunities to climb the mountain, to places to relax by the water, to more civilized excursions, like visiting the famous Timberline Lodge for some awesome views, this National Forest has a little bit of everything.

What should I not miss?

·       Trillium Lake

·       Tamanawas Falls

·       Timberline Lodge

Mount Hood is truly a Pacific Northwest destination that will give you the best of Oregon and keep you wanting to come back again and again.

Washington: Olympic

Olympic is truly the place that embodies everything Pacific Northwest. Here, you’ve got the coast, the forests, the mountains, the animals… everything you think of when you think of the PNW, Olympic has it somewhere within the Park boundaries.

Olympic is definitely a difficult place to get to, though, especially if you’re flying into Seattle, rather than driving from Oregon. You will have to either cross the Puget Sound by ferry or drive around it, and then you can decide which direction you’d like to loop around the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic is a huge National Park, but most of the park is wilderness and isn’t accessible by car. This makes it one of the best parks for backpacking in the entire country.

What should I not miss?

·       Rialto Beach

·       Hoh Rainforest

·       Hurricane Ridge for sunset

·       Obstruction Point (if you’re not scared of heights)

·       Crescent Lake

Olympic is easily one of the most unique National Parks in the country, and one of the places you’re sure to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest in its rawest form.

If you’re a first time west coast traveler, you have so many amazing landscapes to look forward to. So, why not start with one of these and go from there? If you’re looking to travel soon, but have no idea where to start, check out my new consulting services outside of Patreon for new travelers looking to plan a one time trip.

Top 5 Underrated Destinations of 2020

Despite 2020’s strange circumstances when it came to travel, the magic of vanlife is that I still got to see quite a bit of the country. We passed through more than 15 states on our way from California to Kentucky, between mine and my boyfriend, Jared’s family. Even though we dealt with COVID-19 closures, restrictions, and stress, there were still quite a lot of places that truly stood out to me. I have a whole list of places I’d love to return to one day, but I’ve complied my top 5 underrated destinations for you to add to your list for future travel.

Ranch horses in the Alabama Hills

The State of Idaho

Idaho is seriously one of the most underrated places in this country. From unexpected mountain ranges to flowing waterfalls to abundant hot springs, Idaho has natural beauty around every corner. Idaho is located in the west, in between Oregon and Washington on the coast and Montana and Wyoming inland. It’s known for its potatoes but it is so much more than that!

City of Rocks, ID

Places worth seeing:

·       Sunbeam Hot Springs

·       Stanley

·       The Sawtooth Mountains

·       City of Rocks National Reserve

·       Craters of the Moon National Monument

Sawtooth Mountains, ID

Badlands National Park, SD

This is an interesting one because I actually visited the Badlands in 2019 too, but didn’t like them nearly as much as I did this time. I recently wrote a whole post on the Badlands so I don’t feel like I need to go into too much detail, but the Badlands are spectacular. They are located in western South Dakota, and are home to animals such as coyotes, pronghorns, bison, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, and more.

Places worth seeing:

·       Yellow Mounds

·       Roberts Prairie Dog Town

·       Toadstool Rock

Alabama Hills, CA

The Alabama Hills were actually the first place we chose to live during quarantine in the vans. Located just outside of Lone Pine, CA in the Eastern Sierras, the Alabama Hills are located on BLM Land, which means free camping, lots of hiking and climbing, and stunning views. The Alabama Hills are known as the “Whitney Portal—” the gateway to Mount Whitney, the Lower 48’s tallest mountain. Because of that, you’ll get both desert rock formations and mountain views when you visit this iconic spot.

Places worth seeing:

·       Mobius Arch

·       Whitney Portal (drive or hike to the Whitney trailhead, depending on the time of year. If you’re up for it, and the trail isn’t snowed over, it’s 11 miles one way to the summit!)

·       Death Valley (This famous National Park is only an hour away and worth the day trip)

Hiking the road up to Whitney Portal

Crested Butte, CO

We spent about a month in Colorado, and while I loved so much of the state, Crested Butte will always stand out to me as my favorite. Famous for being a ski town in the winter, Crested Butte is surrounded by mountains such as Gothic Peak and Crested Butte itself. This area is home to some incredible wildlife such as elk and bears, and mountains that resemble those of Glacier National Park. This is the first place I heard an elk bugle, so in the fall, make sure you keep an ear out!

Places worth seeing:

·       Gothic Peak Trail (even if you don’t make it to the top, the views are pretty incredible)

·       The town itself (the town of Crested Butte is adorable and reminded me of places like Telluride)

·       Crested Butte (this towering formation is hard to miss, and you can hike or bike to the top if that’s your thing)

Mount Hood National Forest, OR

I’d wanted to visit Mount Hood for a really long time, but I didn’t realize how incredible it would really be. This is a place to climb mountains, swim in lakes, dip your toes in an ice river, and camp with a view! Mount Hood is easily my favorite National Forest in the country, only rivaled by the Sawtooth and Wind River Wildernesses. Mount Hood is also full of waterfalls, stunning pine trees, and dog friendly trails.

Trillium Lake

Places worth seeing:

·       Trillium Lake

·       White River

·       Cooper Spur (if you feel like climbing a mountain)

·       Timberline Lodge

·       Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls

While 2020 wasn’t the adventure we thought it would be, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to be seen. How many of these places have you visited? How many are on your bucket list?

Everything We Did in Upper Peninsula, MI

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is truly like another state. It had been on my list for a long time—since before I even went on my 48 state, 3 month road trip. The Upper Peninsula, or UP, is a place that has been recommended to me by so many people over the years, and as we (me, Jared, and our dog, Lassen), make our way toward Kentucky to work on a new van, it was finally time to go the extra mile to explore the UP.

The UP is located in between Michigan, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron—aka it’s super isolated. It’s so far north, its weather patterns mimic those of Canada, rather than its surrounding states, and the lakes are so big they give off a chill of their own. The best time of year to visit is the fall season, specifically the second half of September, since that is when all the leaves are changing colors! We spent almost a week in the UP, so here are all the things we did while we were there.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Keweenah Peninsula

The first thing we did in the UP was drive even further north. That’s right, the Upper Peninsula, has an even smaller peninsula! It’s called the Keweenah Peninsula, and it sticks up straight into Lake Superior. The biggest town closest to the tip is called Copper Harbor. It’s a super adorable little boat town, and if you have a vehicle with 4WD you can make it to the tip of the peninsula! We do not, so we stayed in town! During our time on the Keweenah Peninsula, we searched for fall leaves, happened upon a waterfall, and visited Hunter’s Point Park where we did some light hiking and enjoyed the views of Lake Superior.

Keweenah National Historic Park

This is actually on the Keweenah Peninsula too, but it’s worth it’s own little section here! This unique National Park is home to a multitude of historic buildings all throughout the Peninsula, including a mine and a lighthouse. During a drive up to Copper Harbor, you’ll pass multiple opportunities to experience the unique history of this part of the United States.

Somewhere on the Keweenah Peninsula

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks was actually on my original route for my 48 state trip, but I decided to skip it due to the lengthy hours it would take for me to get up there and the lack of boondocking in the area. This time around though, we were able to spend two days exploring the lakeshore, its waterfalls, and its cool rock formations! This is the ideal place to hike among fall leaves, kayak on the crystal clear waters of the largest lake in the world by surface area, or just enjoy a beach on a clear day.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Know Before You Go to the UP:

Weather: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is remote. And it’s very cold. No matter what time of year, make sure you bring a good jacket for your trip up north!

How to get there: To get to the UP, you can either drive straight through from Wisconsin, or cross the Mackinac Bridge for a $4 toll from mainland Michigan (the Mitten).

Cell Signal and WiFi: Cell service is limited on the Keweenah Peninsula, so make sure you download Google Maps before your visit.

Souvenirs: Before you leave, make sure you pick up a bag of wild rice—it’s native to this part of the country, so make sure you get it in a place where it’s authentic!

The UP is a place I definitely want to return to in the future (but maybe when it’s a little warmer!). It’s stunningly beautiful in a way I did not expect, and there’s something worth seeing around every corner. The UP should truly be on everyone’s bucket list—is it on yours?

My Travel Must-Haves from Summer 2020

As travelers, we’re always looking for new companies that are making travel easier, inspiring us, or giving back to the places we love. This summer, I discovered so many brands doing just that, and got in touch with some old brands I love! Even during this largely travel-less year, there’s never been a better time to stock up on my travel must-haves for your next trip, so you’re ready to go, as soon as borders open again. These are my favorite brands changing the game for travel this past summer!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you decide to make a purchase (so you’d be supporting TWO amazing platforms—yay!)

Reversible clothes from Splice Clothing:

Splice Clothing has been a huge game changer for me. This amazing female owned and designed travel brand works to create reversible travel clothing so that you can pack half the amount of clothes for twice the outfits. Not only are her clothes super functional (doubly so), but they’re also super cute and amazing quality! I personally live in the Phoenix Reversible Joggers, and they not only fit me like a glove, but they’re also water resistant and easy to remove stains from (seriously these are the best pants you’ll ever own). I also have the Cairo Reversible Poncho, which has been amazing for these cooler days we’ve been having. Splice is all about packing lighter, which means easier travel (no baggage claim), and less stuff to worry about, so you can have more fun on your trip!

Shop Splice Clothing here:

Wearing the Cairo Reversible Poncho and Phoenix Reversible Joggers in Yellowstone

Clothing that gives back from The Wanderful Soul

The Wanderful Soul is another female owned business doing great things. Every single design in the shop is created by the owner of the business herself, and every quarter, she donates money to a great cause! This past summer, she focused on the National Park Service, and this upcoming Fall quarter, her focus will be climate change! She even has eco friendly designs in her shop! I personally love everything she creates, and my favorite shirt of hers is the National Parks Founding Fathers Tee (pictured). She also just added an amazing packing list to her shop, so that you can plan out exactly what you need before your next trip. If you’re looking to support an awesome female owned business doing the most, definitely check out The Wanderful Soul at the link below!

Wearing the National Parks Founding Fathers Tee in the Lamar Valley

Shades for your next adventure from Tifosi Optics

I’ve loved Tifosi for a long time, which is why they had to make this list. Tifosi is an adventure sunglasses company that makes shades for all types of outdoor exploring (or city exploring if that’s more your thing). They’re durable, made to stay on your face, and some styles even come with polarized lenses. My favorite style for hiking is Swank and my favorites for chillin’ or city dwelling is Svago (pictured). These are seriously the best sunglasses you’ll ever own, and you will not regret adventuring in them (the lenses even make everything look extra beautiful!).

Shop Tifosi Optics here:

Wearing the Svago glasses in Crystal Champagne in the Sawtooth Mountains

Travel just isn’t the same without the right gear, and these brands know what’s up when it comes to getting you the perfect travel gear for your next trip. So whether you’re planning to head somewhere tropical, somewhere in the mountains, or somewhere in the city, make sure you have some awesome gear with you before you hit the road!

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!

Colorado’s 4 National Parks, Ranked

For the past 3 weeks or so, my boyfriend, dog, and I have been traveling around Colorado. Colorful Colorado has so much to offer in terms of nature, and while we’d both been before, there were definitely a couple firsts this time around. Colorado is home to 4 beautiful National Parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde, along with tons of Forest land, state parks, and other NPS designated sites worth visiting. Each one is completely unique from the last, and they each have their own highlights. Now that I’ve been to all 4 Colorado Parks, it’s time to rank them, so that you can best plan your own trip to one (or four) of Colorado’s iconic National Parks.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

#4: Mesa Verde National Park

While we loved all four Colorado Parks, someone has to be number four. The thing about Mesa Verde is, it’s about the history. You truly need to take the time to read each plaque as a way to understand what it is you’re looking at so you can appreciate the fantastic building skills of the ancient Puebloans. I love learning about history and culture, and MesaVerde is almost like a beautiful outdoor museum. The only reason it’s at the bottom of this list here, is because we visited during 2020, and the tours to go inside Cliff Palace were not running. We didn’t feel like we were able to get the full experience at Mesa Verde, so we’re looking forward to when we can go back and experience it in full (hopefully in cooler weather too.

Mesa Verde National Park

#3: Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is truly a spectacular park. It is one of the steepest and narrowest canyons in the world, and its dark color is what gives the park its name. Here, you can explore by driving the 6 miles of road to the many (dog friendly) overlooks, including Painted Wall and Cedar Point, and drive down into the canyon via the East Portal Road, so you can experience the Gunnison River for yourself. If you’re more adventurous, score a permit to hike into the canyon on one of the three wilderness routes: Gunnison, Tomichi, or Warner. And remember, just because this park ranked #3 doesn’t mean I didn’t like it, I just liked the next two even more!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

#2: Great Sand Dunes

I absolutely love Great Sand Dunes. It’s like a spiritual escape to me. Walking barefoot on the sand at sunrise—there’s nothing better! Great Sand Dunes is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The entire dunes area is considered wilderness, and the park is home to animals like horned toads, bears, and tiger beetles. The sand can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer during the day, but in the evenings and mornings, it’s pleasant, and even meditative to walk on. We particularly love this park because of how dog friendly it is. Much of the dunes area is an area where dogs are allowed, and there are a few trails where they are welcome too!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

#1: Rocky Mountain

There’s no question Rockies had to be #1. This enormous park is located in northern Colorado, and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the state. From towering mountains to stunning lakes and rivers, no trip to Colorado is complete without seeing the Rocky Mountains. While I personally didn’t spend a lot of time here (it was too risky to visit this time around due to the fires), I’d still say it’s near the top of my list of parks I need to revisit. This green park is known for the presence of bears, moose, and other large alpine animals you’ll only find at this elevation.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is wild in itself. It’s quickly become one of my favorite states in the country, and the National Parks here are truly something that can’t be compared to! Which one is highest on your list?

Want help planning your Colorado road trip? Subscribe on Patreon and ask me anything!

Why Great Sand Dunes is the West’s Most Underrated Park

As we travel through Colorado, I’m slowly falling in love with a state that, last year, I thought was only meh. Having only really explored the northern part of the state last year, I hadn’t really experienced everything this unique place has to offer. Colorado is the last stop in the Western States before you reach the flat Midwest, but that means it has more to offer than most other states. Colorado is part mountains, part plains, and part southwest all rolled into one. Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. You don’t hear a lot about this park. It isn’t in any way on the same level as, say, Yellowstone or Yosemite in most people’s eyes, but as soon as we arrived, it quickly made it onto my top ten list of National Parks I’ve visited so far.

Great Sand Dunes was my 36th National Park, and it’s easily one of the most unique. This is why Great Sand Dunes is the most underrated National Park of the West, and why it should top your bucket list.

The Tallest Sand Dunes in North America

Great Sand Dunes is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching over 700 feet above sea level. These dunes stretch far into the distance and are the main attraction in the park. People bring sleds, sand boards, and even skis to experience these unique slopes. While we didn’t have any of these, we still had the time of our lives hiking up the dunes barefoot, and then running down in this low impact environment (perfect for me, who is healing a knee injury). The views at sunrise and sunset are incredible, and the sand is cool as long as you don’t visit in the middle of the day.

A Unique Ecosystem

Great Sand Dunes is more than just sand. In the distance, as you climb the dunes, you’ll see a clear view of stunning mountains, which adds a whole other level to this park. Some of the park is actually alpine zone, which is home to animals like bears and mountain lions. This section of the park is accessible by foot only, which makes it one of the most remote places you can visit within Great Sand Dunes. If you visit in the late spring and early summer, you’ll get to experience the creek that runs through the dunes, creating a unique beach far away from the ocean. The thing to remember is, no National Park is only known for its main attraction, so it’s important to give the rest of the park a chance too!

It’s Dog Friendly

Many National Parks have heavy restrictions when it comes to bringing your dog along for the adventure, but Great Sand Dunes is one of the most dog friendly parks in the country. While they don’t have a Bark Ranger Program, Lassen, our border collie, was able to do everything we wanted to do while in the park. There are a couple trails he could go on, and he was allowed up with us through the first high ridge of dunes. This meant we didn’t have to leave him behind for our sunset or sunrise hikes. Not to mention, he loved it! Running on the sand with us was some of the best fun I’ve seen him have in a long time.

It Isn’t a Popular Park

Both times we entered the park, we got parking right away. This isn’t a super popular park which makes it perfect for those wanting to get away from the crowds and be in nature. Great Sand Dunes is an extremely underrated place in the Western states. So, tell me, is it on your bucket list yet?

If you want help planning a road trip through the west, or even just through Colorado, subscribe to me on Patreon and get access to all sorts of road trip planning resources, including me becoming your personal road trip planner!