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.

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Travel Versus Vacationing: The Biggest Difference in Tourism

When I first started expressing a want to travel full time, I got a slew of people responding with “but you can’t just be on vacation all the time,” and it got me thinking. And the truth is, my life is not a vacation—far from it! Just because you are in a different place than your “home” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re vacationing. This idea was solidified when I visited Thailand with GIVE Volunteers, and my guide, Mike, asked us what the difference was between a vacation and travel during a discussion of responsible tourism.

Because the thing is, there are vast differences in these types of tourism. What I do on the day to day is extremely different than what I used to do as a teenager when my family and I would take a week long trip to Hawaii in the summer. And there’s nothing wrong with either type of tourism—they’re just different, and they’re for different people.

Glacier National Park, MT, USA

What is a vacation?

Many people confuse any type of travel with being on vacation because that’s what’s become normal in the classic 9-5 lifestyle. For many people, the only times they get to travel at all are for vacations: breaks from work and the normal life they live at home. A vacation is just that: a break. During a vacation, many people will get a resort hotel room, and center their trip around relaxing. Or, some people will take to adventure sports, exploring, cooking classes, museums, etc, but the thing is, it’s still their way to unwind and relax after a year of working hard.

Ba Kao Lam, Thailand

Why is full time travel not a vacation?

When you travel full time, your whole life becomes exploring new places. It becomes as normal as the hobbies you would have at home, like hiking, beachgoing, or yoga. The difference is that, we are doing these things in new locations all the time. For my personal full time travel lifestyle, travel also includes working multiple jobs from my computer (this platform being one of them), cleaning my house (well, van), walking the dog, grocery shopping, and all those things you do at home. The only thing is that we’re getting groceries from different stores as we move along, and walking our dog on different trails every day. We aren’t taking a break from anything—life is still happening as normal, just on the road.

Sop Chem, Laos

The Realities of Vanlife

I wrote a whole piece about this recently, but the thing is, people tend to romanticize traveling full time as a dream lifestyle, but I think the reason for that is that they associate travel with vacations. The reality is, I sit down for hours a day, working on projects for my personal platform, and for clients, to be able to fund this lifestyle from the road. It’s not easy, and it’s certainly not glamorous, but I also wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Conscious Travel

There has also been a lot of talk recently about responsible tourism. This is something I’ve talked about a lot on here, but I think the thing is, when you think of exploring a new place as purposeful travel versus a passive vacation, you might find yourself traveling more consciously, truly learning about the places you’re visiting, and making a connection with that land. Of course, you can do this while vacationing too! All I’m saying is to leave the resort for a bit, try to experience a new culture, and remember, travel is the best way to connect with the world.

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?

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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?

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The Realities of #Vanlife

Like many people, I fell in love with the idea of vanlife after watching youtubers, discovering documentaries like Expedition Happiness, and following tons of vanlifers on Instagram. The media does an amazing job of making vanlife look like everyone’s dream life, but now that I’ve lived on the road for over a year, it’s time to make that obligatory “realities of vanlife” post.

The truth is, vanlife is not all good views and campfires, there are a lot of layers to vanlife that a lot of people never talk about. Between working long hours to be able to sustain my life on the road to driving out of our way to get WiFi when we need it, to the van being an absolute mess more than 50% of the time, #vanlife really resembles real life a lot more than people think.

This past week, we encountered every vanlifer’s nightmare: a two day mechanic visit. My van, Sequoia, is over 20 years old, and it was about time that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced. This was not only a huge financial setback, but it was also a huge wake up call because of the time it took to fix. This van is our home, and without it, things can be very stressful. We were lucky enough to have family to stay with for the night, but if we hadn’t, things might have gotten even more costly.

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The thing is, at this point, vanlife is just life. It is different than normal house life, but it’s just the way we currently choose to live. We’re used to the complications and frustrations, but it’s important to highlight those things because not everyone who loves the idea of vanlife will actually like living the vanlife.

Vanlife is dusty

We’re living outside. The thing a lot of people don’t understand about vanlife is that we aren’t living in the van—we’re living out of it. We spend almost all of our time outside, especially when there are friends around, which means the floor of the van is almost always dirty, the rug can always use an extra shake, and dog hair hides in the trickiest of places. Vanlife is not a luxury lifestyle. It’s truly the dirtbag movement of the 21st century, and while social media makes it look like the dream life, it’s super important to highlight the fact that this is a dirty lifestyle. You won’t be showering every day or even every other day, your feet will always be dirty, and you’ll always have to move stuff around to make room for life.

Camp isn’t always a good view

While we love a good view, and definitely wouldn’t shy away from driving up some sketchy dirt roads to reach one worth sharing, not every night is spent at an insta-worthy camp spot. So often, we’re staying in parking lots: or Walmarts, Cabela’s, and rest stops next to highways. Whenever we’re in cities for errands, or even tricky areas like Olympic National Park, it’s easier to stay in a safe parking lot than risk being kicked out just for parking in a prettier area. But the good news is, parking lots are usually not that far from somewhere beautiful to go right when we wake up for a good breakfast view.

Vans are tiny homes to the next level

The tiny house trend is still going strong, but the thing with having a van as your tiny house is, vans are really tiny. Most of them are less than 80 square feet and most of that space is taken up by the bed (aka the most important place in the house). Van living requires you to be an extreme minimalist. It’s a sacrifice for travel to give up having lots of material things. We watch TV on a computer or phone screen, only own the clothes that fit, and have to wash dishes more often, but the small space is still home, even when we’re in the most foreign places.

Van chores suck

Seriously. Van chores suck. And with such a small space, we’re doing them all the time. Dishes are hard to wash in such a small sink, water is complicated to fill, and grey water smells… horrible. Don’t even get me started on black tanks. If you want to live in a van, you have to prepare to get down and dirty because you can’t call a plumber when your sink won’t drain. Instead, you might end up with a floor full of grey water to mop up.

But Vanlife is wonderful

But, despite all of this, vanlife truly is the dream life. It is ultimate freedom, it is adventure, and it is beautiful. We find ourselves in the most stunning and unique places, and even though vanlife can be a little stinky, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s my life, and it’s what I need at the moment, so even though my floor is dusty, and I definitely need to get rid of a few shirts, at least I have a cool view or two in my future.

Backpacking in Wyoming's Last Wilderness

When you go on your first backpacking trip, nothing can prepare you for the pain. In your hips, in your legs, the mental discomfort of forcing yourself to reach a destination your body doesn’t think you can reach. You will be carrying a good fraction of your body weight and fueling yourself with dehydrated food.

For my first backpacking trip, my boyfriend, Jared, convinced me to venture with him into one of the Lower 48’s last true wildernesses: the Bridger Wilderness. We planned on 15 miles a day, something only experienced backpackers can do. I’m a hiker. I’ve been hiking for about 4 years now, but I haven’t carried a 30+ pound pack on my back over the long distances I usually hike in a day. Starting out, I suddenly felt connected to Cheryl Strayed, realizing that I couldn’t possibly make it 15 miles when it took me twice as long to cover a mile than it would with just my normal day pack on.

By the time we made it to Eklund Lake, there was talk about stopping, less than halfway to our original goal of Titcomb Basin. We were here to experience the Wind River Range, some of the last untouched wilderness in the country. You can’t drive to the Winds. There are no roads that lead here. The closest many people make it is Photographer’s Point, about 4.5 miles in, where the day hikers usually stop.

The view from Photographer’s Point

But I didn’t want to stop at Eklund Lake. I wanted to feel like I accomplished something, and in my brain, that meant at least making it to Seneca Lake, which is often used as one of two base camps for the Titcomb Basin (the other being Island Lake).

Finally at Seneca Lake

With hundreds of people on the trail, we didn’t see any wildlife except the scattered ground squirrels and chipmunks, and baby birds screaming for food in the trees. I had hoped to see a moose or a bear (from a distance), something that would make this place feel more wild than the parks I usually hike in, but the truth is, the journey itself was what made it wild. At no point did we know how far we’d walked, or how much further we’d have to walk. By the time we made it to Seneca, the avocado I’d packed and meant to eat for lunch suddenly became the best thing I’d ever tasted, but I was still craving potato chips or something other than the sugary protein bars I’d packed due to the last minute decision to go on this trip in the first place.

Entering the wild

By the time we reached mile 17 over two days, my knee injury decided to scream at me. The last thing I wanted was to walk anymore. But we had to keep going so that we didn’t have to spend another night in the tent. So we kept going, and when we returned to the van, I collapsed on the bed and was so thankful for my tiny home on the road. I was so thankful that I could return to the trailhead and be home. But my body still hurts, even as I write this little recap. My hips are still bruised from carrying my pack, my legs are still sore, and yet, I’m inspired to go again. Not now, but eventually.

-HWS

City of Rocks: Idaho's Unexpected Dog Paradise

Last week, we had the privilege of exploring, in full, one of the most beautiful states in the country: Idaho. Idaho is incredibly underrated, so I went on a mission to find the most beautiful places in the state. We explored the Sawtooths, saw Shoshone Falls, and even witnessed a meteor fall over the highway during one of our drives, but the one place that truly stands out to me when it comes to Idaho is a small natural reserve right on the Utah state line called City of Rocks.

City of Rocks is a National Park Service run site that is known for its rock climbing, historical significance, and giant natural features. But on top of that, it is also one of the most dog friendly NPS sites in the country. Dogs are allowed everywhere with their owners here, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. So this means that all hiking trails and rock climbing areas are ones where your pup can hang out with you.

This was such a relief to us. We love the National Parks, but it’s hard to visit them with a dog sometimes. We find ourselves skipping a lot just because we don’t want to leave our border collie, Lassen, in the van, especially during the summer when it’s so hot. We were more than happy to hike with him on leash during our time there because we feel that it’s a privilege that he’s allowed at all.

City of Rocks quickly became a super memorable place for me, and it’s one that I think everyone should add to their western US bucket list. So, tell me, after you read this post, has Idaho made your must-see list yet?

The Twin Sisters

A little bit about Leave No Trace

Before visiting any park, it’s important to remember our Leave No Trace Principles. More detail on this can be found in these two articles: HERE and HERE, but the general rule is to leave the place better than you found it and respect those around you. That respect also goes for the park itself, and the rules they have in place. While this is a dog friendly park, that doesn’t mean your dog can run the place. The largest violation of rules and LNT principles the park encounters is people letting their dogs off leash. It’s important to respect their leash rule, and keep your dog under control, so that dogs can continue to be allowed in the park in the future.

View from the visitor center at City of Rocks National Reserve

A City of Geology

City of Rocks is a fairly small park that is often explored in conjunction with its sister park: Castle Rocks State Park. City of Rocks is free to visit, but is made up of a long, unpaved loop road that will take you to all of the sites. Camping is available in the park, but they do take reservations (so check recreation.gov before visiting if you plan on camping in the park).

The park is made up of endless iconic rock features, the most noticeable being the Twin Sisters. While they are not really twins (the one on the left is much older), they are still a must see within the park, and one of the best places to stop for a photo or lunch.

As you drive through the park, you’ll also come across what is known as their “Inner City.” This is where you’ll drive through the most rock formations, and where you can stop and see rocks such as Parking Lot Rock and the Window Arch.

This park is known for its climbing culture, so if you’re a climber, plan on spending a few days out here, weather permitting. With endless routes to climb, you’re sure to be in climbing heaven.

Window Arch in City of Rocks National Reserve

A Deep History

City of Rocks is home to over 6 miles of the historic California Trail, upon which over 200,000 people traveled between the times of the Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. This place was a landmark for those passing through, and throughout the park, you can see their signatures still staining the rock in axle grease, so keep an eye out as you drive the park’s loop, and see which names you can find throughout your trip.

(disclaimer: please do not add your name to the rocks. It is disrespectful to the park’s history and violates park rules and Leave No Trace guidelines. If you cannot respect the place you are visiting, please choose to visit virtually instead).

Putting Idaho on the Map

Idaho technically does not have any National Parks with Park status. It holds a small sliver of Yellowstone, but as most of the park lies in Wyoming, it’s hard to give Idaho its credit. That being said, Idaho has so many beautiful NPS sites that hold Monument or Reserve status, such as City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon, and Hagerman Fossil Beds. Idaho is full of natural wonders, and is so much more than just a farming state. If it isn’t on your list yet, it absolutely should be.

Axle Grease Signatures on the rocks

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How To Visit A National Park With Your Dog

One of the largest misconceptions about domestic adventure travel in the US is that dogs are not allowed in National Parks. National Parks are public land that is run by the National Park Service, meaning, they have a lot more restrictions that other types of public land that are run by the Bureau of Land Management or US Forest Service. Because of the fact that these restrictions are fairly well known by visitors, it’s often rumored that you can’t bring your furry friend along on your adventure. But, that couldn’t be less true! Dogs are absolutely allowed in National Parks, it’s just a matter of finding out exactly where they’re allowed during your visit.

Hanging out at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

Why are there restrictions on pets in the parks?

There are a few reasons for the restrictions on dogs in National Parks, but the main one is that dogs are not part of the natural environment. Their presence has the power to disrupt the ecosystem because they can pollute areas with their poop, eat plants, and scare animals off that would normally be present in an area. For this reason, it’s really important to respect these regulations so that we can preserve these areas for future visitors. That being said, there are areas in each park where dogs are allowed, so let’s explore those areas!

Exploring Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

Where are dogs normally allowed in National Parks?

In pretty much all parks, you can guarantee that dogs are allowed in parking lots and picnic areas. In some parks, there are dog friendly trails to hike, so check each park’s website before visiting. They are often allowed on dirt roads, and can enjoy viewpoints with their owners.

To find the pet friendly areas in each park on the park websites, go to Plan Your Visit > Basic Information > Pets.

Taking a walk along a dirt road in Mount Rainier National Park

What parks are more dog friendly than others?

Some National Parks are more dog friendly than others. The two most popular dog friendly parks are Acadia and North Cascades, but there are quite a few that you can take your furry friend to when you really do your research. Zion has a dog friendly trail, and Olympic has dog friendly beaches. Crater Lake is a great option since most of the park is only accessible by car.

It’s also worth looking into visiting National Park Service sites that don’t have National Park designation, such as monuments, preserves, and recreation areas. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has dog friendly beaches, and City of Rocks National Preserve is known as a dog friendly park. This will allow you to use that National Park pass you love, while letting your dog tag along.

Taking a walk near the visitor center in Crater Lake National Park

What is the Bark Ranger Program?

Similar to the Junior Ranger Program, the Bark Ranger program is a free program for all the fur babies who come along on a National Park adventure. This program allows dogs and their owners to learn exactly where their dog can and can’t go in the park, and allows your dog to get sworn in as an official Bark Ranger. They will also receive a special Bark Ranger badge to wear on their collar or leash and take home as a fun souvenir.

Watching the sunset in Olympic National Park: the first park to create their Bark Ranger Program

Visiting a National Park with your dog will be a different experience than you’re used to, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one. There truly is so much you can still see and do with your dog to make it a worthwhile visit, and once you learn the rules, you’ll get to see the Parks through your dog’s eyes, which can be magical in its own way.

#RecreateResponsibly and Irresponsible Tourism

Since quarantine began back in March, many full time vagabonds, outdoorsy folks, guides, climbers, etc… have been begging for campgrounds, trails, and parks to reopen. And now that they are, many of us are finding that things are not turning out the way we imagined. The outdoors have always been my safe space, my place for finding myself close to nature, dipping my toes in rivers, and hugging trees. I live and breath Leave No Trace, and have personally told people in National Parks to stop littering, or nicely explained to them why they should stay on the trail. As lovers of the outdoors, it’s what we do, to keep these places beautiful, and the way we found them (or better).

Death Valley National Park, CA

But since lockdown began in early spring, and with US citizens on further lockdown from the rest of the world, many people are taking to the road and exploring their own country for the first time during the summer months when they would normally be traveling overseas. This has lead to an influx of visitors in National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, trails, and even dispersed camping areas that full time vanlifers and nomads depend upon. This makes for a complicated decision. Of course I’m all for more people getting to explore the outdoors, and learning to see value in these places, but the problem is, it is clear that that value is not being seen by these visitors. Many of these people are leaving piles of trash that the National Parks can’t clean up due to understaffing, using the restroom in places they shouldn’t (leading to a shutdown of National Forest dispersed camping… again), and simply overcrowding areas that are normally a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

What is #RecreateResponsibly?

The hashtag #recreateresponsibly popped up amongst National Parks, outdoor gear companies, and outdoor enthusiasts a few months ago, when parks were starting to open up again, with the goal of teaching people how to recreate in a world where COVID exists. However, many of the suggestions that went along with the original Recreate Responsibly list mirrored those already reflected in the popular Leave No Trace list that outdoor enthusiasts follow. The new suggestions however, included choosing less crowded destinations, keeping 6 feet from other people, and working to make sure that you are maintaining a healthy environment for the communities you might be visiting.

We are all familiar with social distancing, but the amount of people me and other outdoor lovers have been witnessing at normally empty spaces is a huge problem. Why is this a problem, you might be asking. Well, read on.

Sequoia National Park, CA

Why People Are Ruining the Outdoors

Crowds are something we all have to deal with, especially in the summer months. But the fact is, more people = more litter, more poop (sorry, but it’s true), and less of an ability to social distance.

It’s okay to be new to the outdoors. In fact, I welcome it, as long as you are willing to learn to respect it. There is a very specific etiquette that comes with visiting outdoor spaces, and while most people might not already be familiar with it, it’s easy to learn and execute.

The problem is, people are treating these places like Disneyland. They’re bringing in and leaving trash, they’re creating crowds and lines, and they’re approaching animals like they are visiting a petting zoo. It’s important to remember that these places are wild. Incredibly wild. They don’t follow the rules of your domesticated world, so it’s important to learn to respect them, so that you can get the most out of them.

When people don’t respect these places (and each other while visiting them), it makes it easy for the government to decide that they need to close them down again, thus making things more difficult for those of us who actually depend on them to survive.

Yellowstone National Park, WY

What is Leave No Trace?

I actually have a whole blog post about Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, so I’ll make this quick! Leave No Trace is the guidelines for recreating in the outdoors, and it is what #recreateresponsibly is based on. There are 7 LNT principles:

1: Plan ahead and prepare

2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3: Dispose of waste properly

4: Leave what you find

5: Minimize campfire impacts

6: Respect Wildlife

7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

And to add a few for COVID times: Wear a mask when in a crowded area, stay 6 feet away from others when possible and safe (ie: it wouldn’t involve anyone falling off a cliff), and avoid crowded parks and trails if you can. However, these lie in the “respect others” category in my opinion.

When people don’t follow these guidelines, it makes it really hard for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Because of course, these are public lands—no one is forbidden from exploring them—however, it is important that you treat these places with respect, so that they can stay to be explored by others for years to come.

Congaree National Park, SC

Why #RecreateResponsibly is Being Aimed at the Wrong Crowd

Answer these questions: are you an outdoorsy person? Do you follow outdoor brands such as REI, Backcountry, Merrell, or Patagonia on Instagram? Do you follow any National Parks on Instagram?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, likely, you’ve heard the term Recreate Responsibly thrown around in your internet world in recent months. You might even be getting tired of hearing it because you know not to litter and to stick to less popular trails. You even have local secrets that have always been empty… until now. And the reason for that is, Recreate Responsibly is being aimed at the wrong group of people.

Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

The people who need to learn to recreate responsibly are those who are new to the outdoors, those who have never visited a National Park before, those who are venturing out for the first time. We welcome these people in our favorite outdoor spaces. I firmly believe that it’s hard to think about preserving our environment when you don’t have a connection with the outdoors, so welcoming newcomers is something that I’m all for—it will teach them that nature has something for them to love. But without the proper education, it’s hard for people to treat these places any different than if they were visiting a local zoo.

When you enter a National Park, you are often handed a map, and sometimes a flyer with Park information. Would it be so hard to add the LNT principles to that flyer? Would it help the problem? And what about National Forests, BLM Land, and the backcountry? These are questions that I’m not sure I have the answer to, but it’s important to consider them. More education is absolutely needed when it comes to keeping our wild spaces wild, and therefore, keeping them accessible to both those who have always loved them, and those who are discovering them for the first time.

Badlands National Park, SD

If you are planning your first trip to a National Park, and want some help getting prepared for your trip so that you too can #RecreateResponsibly, reach out to me on Patreon. I offer trip planning services that can help you to be prepared for anything the outdoors might throw your way. Click the button below to sign up so we can start chatting!

A Visitor's Guide to Mount Rainier National Park

Home to three National Parks, Washington State is a nature-lover’s dream destination. From the sprawling mountains of the North Cascades to the hidden rainforest of Olympic, there’s something for everyone in this Pacific Northwest state. But there’s one National Park that stands out as a crowd favorite when it comes to Washington, and that’s Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier is the most glaciated mountain in the lower 48. This park stays cold well into the summer months, and attracts visitors of all ages to come and explore its forests, climb to its peak, and discover its secret lakes and waterfalls created by snowmelt. In the summer, you can spot beautiful wildflowers and incredible wildlife as you explore the park, and still experience the same snowy landscapes as winter visitors in some areas of the park.

We recently spent the holiday weekend in Mount Rainier and explored the best areas of the park. Here is my guide to help you plan your visit.

The view from an overlook accessible from a trail near the Sunrise Visitor Center.

First things first…

Mount Rainier is located about 2 hours south of Seattle, WA, and is bordered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Gifford-Pinchot National Forests. These areas are home to animals such as black bears, marmots, elk, and deer, so be on the lookout for any creatures as you drive through the park!

The entry fee for Mount Rainier is $30 per vehicle or the America the Beautiful Pass. During COVID-19, Mount Rainier is doing fee collection.

Pets are allowed to join you during your visit, but they are limited to certain areas of the park, such as parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic areas. There is a dirt road in the Sunrise section of the park where you can walk your dog. Dogs are not permitted on park trails.

There are two campgrounds in the park, White River and Ohanapecosh, but there are also tons of boondocking and dispersed camping spots in the nearby forests.

Mount Rainier National Park

Sections of the park

There are five main sections of the park: Ohanapecosh, Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, and Carbon River. Each section has something unique to see and do.

In Ohanapecosh, experience old growth forests, deep canyons, and gorgeous views! We didn’t spend too much time in this section because the road was closed ten miles in due to winter damage.

The Longmire area leads into Paradise, which is the subalpine area in the southern end of the park. Longmire is where the park’s founders stayed during their time in the area, so this is an important area to stop and experience on your way up to the subalpine!

On the way from Longmire to Paradise there are plenty of amazing views to see!

In Paradise, you’ll find yourself up next to the mountain. Here, you’ll be able to experience the subalpine in the southern side of the park, much of which stays snowy well into summer. Here, we were able to do the Nisqually Vista Trail, a small snow hike that leads to a glacial view of Nisqually Glacier.

The Carbon River section is located in the Northwest corner of the park, and is known for being the park’s temperate rainforest. This area is generally cool and rainy, and is a great place to experience some of the most unique Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Mount Rainier is perfect for solo travelers looking to get out of their comfort zones!

Sunrise is our personal favorite section of the park. Here, you’ll reach elevations of 6,400 feet and might meet animals like black bears and marmots. Here, there are plenty of hiking trails that are accessible in early summer, despite the snow, just make sure that you know your hiking level! This is one of the best places to see Emmons Glacier.

Sunrise at Sunrise Point is an incredible experience

Best underrated things to do

While Mount Rainier is known for hiking and mountaineering, there are plenty of really underrated things to experience! These are our favorite things we did during our time in the park.

Get up for sunrise… at Sunrise

Sunrise in the PNW is incredibly early, but you’ll never experience a sunrise like the ones from Sunrise Point in the park. Here, you’ll be above the clouds and get incredible and almost private views of Mount Rainier as soon as the sun comes up. In early July, we got up at 4:30 to drive from the park entrance to Sunrise Point for sunrise at 5am.

A secret no-name lake in Mount Rainier National Park with the famous mountain hiding behind some clouds

Search for hidden waterfalls and lakes

While it is still a hike, it’s not a long one to find the best secret lake and waterfall. The Glacier Basin Trail that starts in White River Campground is home to tons of small yet beautiful waterfalls, and if you’re brave enough, a secret glacial lake with no official name that might take a little bit of effort to find!

Drive up to Tipsoo Lake

This part of the park is free to visit and has an beautiful reflective lake perfect for catching views of Mount Rainier, experiencing some July snow, and having a picnic in the picnic area. The drive up here also has views that can’t be beat!

The view of Mount Rainier from Tipsoo Lake in July

Mount Rainier is truly an incredible National Park to visit, and easily the best in the state of Washington. Home to one of the tallest mountains in the country, this is a site that can’t be missed during your time in the Pacific Northwest. From wildflower to wild animals, to awakening your own wild self, Mount Rainier is sure to give you experiences you won’t soon forget.