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If You Really Want to Visit a National Park, Skip the Big Ones

Paddleboarding in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park | Getty Images

America’s larger parks are attracting major crowds. Here’s where to avoid them

As summer creeps into full swing and cities across America do the dance of easing, and then reinstating, COVID-19 restrictions, people are clamoring to be someplace — anyplace — besides their own homes. While there is no form of travel that’s perfectly safe right now, there are certainly more responsible options than others for scratching the itch.

National parks, in all their wide-open space, are more befitting a socially distant vacation than, say, resort towns or theme parks. But even vast wilderness expanses have potential for riskier areas — visitor centers, for one, and popular trailheads near main parking areas. And then there are the mosh pit-like crowds at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful or the scenic drive at Zion National Park, which has been so popular since reopening that the park had to cap access at 6:30 a.m.

Now more than ever, then, this is the time to visit some of America’s lesser-known national parks. Steering clear of the millions of tourists at Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring new territory provides a sense of discovery, with the added benefit of having the trails mostly to yourself. The adventure doesn’t stop at park boundaries, either, as these less-famous parks are often surrounded by bucolic communities and smaller cities rich with their own charms, including destination-worthy restaurants, unexpected speakeasies, and a chicken-fried Texas saloon.

As enticing as all this sounds, it’s important that travelers tread carefully in and around all national parks, since these smaller gateway communities are not equipped to handle a potential outbreak brought in from visitors. It’s a double-edged sword for small businesses that rely on tourism dollars to survive, which is why it’s important to maintain the same caution on your road trip as you’ve maintained at home; just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can put your face masks in storage. Wherever you are, social distancing and rigorous adherence to health mandates are of the utmost importance, in order to support these communities while keeping them safe.

So, with safety top of mind, here are some alternative parks to consider for your 2020 summer escape, and, of course, the best places to eat — to go, dine-in, or dine-out — nearby.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The boardwalk at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Judging by the fact that Congaree sees about 3 percent of the annual visitors of parks like Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain, it seems many people don’t even know this South Carolina park exists. Located in the middle of the state, the swamp-like terrain feels part Everglades and part Redwood, with the tallest trees east of the Mississippi and labyrinthine waterways ripe for paddling. The park’s most popular attractions, like the Boardwalk Trail, remain closed, but visitors are able to canoe or kayak on Cedar Creek, a narrow waterway that weaves through hardwood forest so tall and dense that it blocks out the sun, which is perhaps why hooting owls can be heard at all hours of the day. For easy hiking, out-of-the-way trails like the River Trail and Oakridge Trail are currently accessible. The park is within 20 miles of the state capital of Columbia, a small city with quality food and drink to be had.

Where to Eat: Before paddling through Congaree, it’s important to fuel up with a hearty breakfast, like tequila-spiked pancakes. Novelty breakfast is the bread and butter of the Black-owned 27 Pancakes food truck, which is operating on weekends only for the summer due to the pandemic. Chef-owner Joy Eggleston is a veritable Willy Wonka with pancake batter, offering classics (e.g., buttermilk, blueberry) alongside more whimsical and savory offerings, like a shrimp-and-grits pancake made with a grits batter, plump baby shrimp, and jalapenos, or the aforementioned tequila pancake, an almond-flour flapjack glazed with a blend of honey, maple syrup, and tequila reduction. Follow 27 Pancakes on social media to check its schedule.

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The Starlight Theatre saloon in Terlingua, outside Big Bend

Big Bend National Park, Texas

About four and a half hours southeast of the closest major airport, in El Paso, this sprawling west Texas park has plenty of room (nearly 1 million acres, in fact) to spread out and explore, from Chisos Mountains hikes and soothing hot springs to the Santa Elena Canyon, a vast chasm offering shaded respite along the meandering Rio Grande. Due to its sheer size, geographic diversity, and faraway locale, this is the perfect park to immerse yourself in for a week, with plenty of sights and activities to keep you busy and enthralled. The surrounding communities are rich with character but low on crowds, like the dusty ghost town of Terlingua, which is emerging as a tranquil artist’s enclave, and the peaceful riverside town of Lajitas, where a goat serves as mayor.

Where to Eat and Drink: The star attraction in Terlingua is the Starlight Theatre, a lively contrast to a town filled with graves and derelict homes, both belonging to miners who succumbed to mercury poisoning or mining accidents in the early 1900s. The spacious saloon, known for its thoughtful riffs on gamey West Texas flavors, like chicken-fried wild boar strips with beer gravy and tequila-marinated quail in blueberry-balsamic sauce, is operating with dine-in and bar service at 50 percent capacity, and has added takeout as well as periodic live music performances.

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The famous cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde national park

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

In lush southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is once again beckoning visitors itching to hike, drive along the Mesa Top Loop Road, and marvel at the park’s famed cliff dwellings, elaborate structures and communities built centuries ago by Puebloan peoples. At just over 50,000 acres, the park is the perfect weekend getaway, renowned for its mesa-skimming scenic drives and hiking trails that make you feel like you’re traipsing through the clouds, surrounded by panoramic views of the Colorado valley. The arty gateway town of Mancos is small, but surprisingly abundant with galleries, cafes, and restaurants, which have navigated new methods of operation.

Where to Eat: Absolute Bakery & Cafe is a beloved community hub for locals and tourists alike, who pregame before Mesa Verde with avocado omelets, chicken Florentine, Cubano sandwiches, and house-baked pastries like cherry strudel, pumpkin brownies, and coconut-walnut blondies. Since COVID-19, the cafe has extended its service to seven days a week (up from six) in order to serve breakfast and lunch to go, along with take-and-bake meals like pot pie, quiche, and lasagna perfect for cooking up in the RV. It’s also started nightly pizza dinners for takeout, made with sourdough crusts and rotating toppings like asparagus pesto, Hawaiian, and pepperoni. The cafe strongly encourages guests to wear masks, and it’s stocked with hand sanitizer stations.

Matt Kirouac

Kerouac’s restaurant in Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Located along U.S. Route 50, a highway so desolate that its nickname is “The Loneliest Road in America,” and next to the tiny town of Baker, Great Basin National Park is the ultimate park for social distancing. Aside from the people you travel with, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter other humans here at all. This Great Basin region of eastern Nevada, sandwiched between the Sierra Nevadas and Wasatch Mountains, is a place of extremes — from the skyscraping tip of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park (and second highest in Nevada) at 13,065 feet, to the craggy passageways within Lehman Caves and the gnarly looking bristlecone pines, the oldest trees on Earth, some nearing 5,000 years of age. Best of all? With under 200,000 annual visitors and 77,000 acres worth of diverse terrain, you’ll find plenty of solitude among the epic environs.

Where to Eat: An homage to the ultimate road-tripper, Kerouac’s Restaurant is a seasonal restaurant open May through October at the Stargazer Inn in Baker. Due to COVID-19, the restaurant is only offering counter service this year, with food and drink available to go or for dining on the homespun front patio. The menu reads like a hit list of American comfort classics, sure to satisfy after a long drive or a long hike. Think pesto-mushroom pizzas, spicy chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, oatmeal cranberry cookies, and even strawberry-rhubarb Moscow mules.

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Grassy rolling hills in Wild Cave National Park

Hotel Alex Johnson / Facebook

The rooftop deck at Vertex Sky Bar in Rapid City

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Western South Dakota is well known for iconic parks and monuments, like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore, but for those looking to eschew crowds, Wind Cave is a good choice for a day trip. Though the cave itself — a dense maze of jagged calcite formations, like needle-looking frostwork, and boxwork, a rare grid-shaped feature found in almost no other cave on Earth — is currently closed down, the park has many miles (and some 30,000 acres) of peaceful prairie hikes, rolling hills, and meadows strewn with wildflowers so vibrant they look like fields of confetti. Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot bison, prairie dogs, elk, and the rare black-footed ferret.

Where to Eat: As the urban hub of western South Dakota, Rapid City’s got an impressive food scene despite its small size and population. An hour’s drive from Wind Cave, head to the bi-level Vertex Sky Bar atop the historic Hotel Alex Johnson to drink in the Black Hills views while drinking in the rosé, or dine at Kōl, which reopened for reservations-only dine-in service with tables spread six feet apart, for wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and roast chicken. In the morning, downtown’s Harriet & Oak cafe reduced seating and limited the amount of time customers can linger to two hours, which is still enough to enjoy a trendy latte and some oh-so-Instagrammable avocado toast. Curbside pickup and online ordering is also available.

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Lost Lake campsite at Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

On the northern border of Minnesota lies Voyageurs National Park, a tranquil landscape of lakes and islands, where loons replace the din of city sirens. Up here, in the heart of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s easy to maintain social distance for a few days, considering a third of the 250,000-acre park is, well, water, and most activities involve kayaks, canoes, and fishing.

Where to Eat: It doesn’t get more quintessential Minnesota Northwoods than the Rocky Ledge, a cabin-like restaurant on the tree-lined shores of Kabetogama Lake, with a penchant for Minnesota specialties like wild rice casserole. And in case you weren’t able to reel in your own catch on the lake, fear not: the restaurant offers fry-bread fish tacos and breaded walleye sandwiches to make up for it.

Matt Kirouac

The tap lineup at Superior Bathhouse

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

For travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience over, say, a backcountry trek, Arkansas’s historic Hot Springs is a tiny city park that’s ideal for an afternoon stopover. Anchored by ornate bathhouses utilizing the region’s famed thermal waters, the town is nicknamed “The American Spa,” and it’s been enticing visitors for more than a century. Bathhouse Row is the heart of the park, lined with steaming water fountains and palace-sized buildings with intricate Gilded Age architecture. While you may not be able to take a traditional bath quite yet, visitors can hike up the gentle slopes of Hot Springs Mountain, whose summit affords vista views of the bright-green Ouachita Mountain range, and then imbibe that spring water at the rare brewery located within a national park.

Where to Eat: Superior Bathhouse, located in one of the former bathhouses along Main Street’s Bathhouse Row, has reopened for limited counter service. Visitors are required to wear masks, unless they’re eating (beer cheese dip and sweet potato-beet sandwiches are excellent choices), or drinking one of the beers brewed on-site — e.g., hazy blood-orange I.P.A., honey-basil kolsch, oatmeal stout — made with Hot Springs’ thermal waters. To connect with the Southern soul of Hot Springs, head to Emma Lee’s, a warm and welcoming dining room wafting with aromas of buttery peach cobbler, beef roast, and fresh cornbread. The family-run restaurant is the dream of owner Courtney Sanders, who pays homage to his grandmother Emma Lee with her most beloved recipes. The restaurant is still offering curbside pickup along with limited dine-in service on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. No matter what’s on deck for the day, be it thick slabs of smoky brisket and candied yams or mac and cheese served bubbling-hot under a golden-brown crust, this is the kind of restaurant that’s sure to warm hearts during a time when it’s needed most. Masks are required for entry, but customers can remove them while seated.

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The rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Badlands, petrified wood, roving bison, and wild horses make it clear what endeared President Theodore Roosevelt to this tranquil part of the country, where you’re more likely to encounter chirping prairie dogs on your hike than people. Split into two main north and south districts, each worth visiting for a day or two, the 70,000-acre park feels like the quintessential Wild West, with the Little Missouri River zig-zagging through fields of verdant grassland and eroded sandstone formations that look like super-sized sandcastles. Medora is the tiny home of the park’s popular south unit, but nearby Dickinson is a small city with an array of independent options.

Where to Eat: There’s really no better way to kickstart your day than with a blackberry pancake latte and a sticky caramel roll, and the Brew, a former church-turned-coffee shop, delivers on both fronts. Later, unwind with a sweet and spicy jalapeno honey beer and a Badlands pizza, made with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and ricotta, at Phat Fish Brewing. The brewpub is open for dine-in seating, with spaced-out indoor tables and a sprawling patio with a grassy lawn. It’s also offering take-and-bake pizza kits and bottled beers to go.

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An overlook at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

With its blissfully warm temperatures, lush forests, and wildly diverse terrain, Colorado is popular for outdoorsy recreation, but rather than queueing up at crowded Rocky Mountain National Park, try the lesser-known Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The state’s least visited national park, Black Canyon is open for hiking along both the north and south rims, with trails that’ll get you unnervingly close to the breathtaking canyon and the raging river far below. Both sides of the canyon are worth visiting, so be sure to carve out at least two or three days to thoroughly explore. Since the only way to the north rim is driving all the way around the southern end of the canyon, it requires some added travel time. For fearless hikers, the park also has a few steep trails down to the canyon floor, which is a nice way to get out of the sun, since the canyon is so tall and narrow that it’s almost constantly shrouded in its own shadow. Nearby, the town of Montrose is the entry point to the park’s southern rim, which has the most trails and scenic viewpoints.

Where to Eat: It’s not often a speakeasy offering craft cocktails and charcuterie platters can be found on the outskirts of a national park, which is what makes Phelanies a special find. Accessed down an alley off one of Montrose’s main streets, the spacious lounge has gone alfresco for the first time, adding a patio and expanding its menus to include more food (like Korean barbecue pulled pork and duck wontons) and seasonal cocktails, like honeydew margaritas and the timely COVID Reviver No. 19, a Corpse Reviver riff with gin, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, lemon, and a CBD tincture. Guests are asked to wear masks any time they’re not seated, and limit movement around the bar except for necessities like bathroom runs.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Brandywine Falls Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Sandwiched between the nearby cities of Cleveland and Akron, hugging the crooked Cuyahoga River for some 30,000 acres, Cuyahoga Valley provides a literal breath of fresh air for Ohio city-dwellers seeking to escape the traffic for the day and replace it with dense green forests, babbling creeks, and 70-plus waterfalls. While popular sites like the Brandywine Falls boardwalk remain closed, there are still opportunities for hiking along miles of woodland trails, horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking.

Where to Eat: The park is a convenient day trip from larger cities in Ohio, making it ideal for safe travel, since visitors are able to minimize their footprint without having to stay overnight. If you’re traveling from Cleveland, start your day with a fried ring of purple-hued blueberry cake, bursting with juicy, tangy flavor, from the Vegan Doughnut Company. Located in suburban Lakewood, the Black-owned bakery from sisters Kharisma and Kyra Mayo exhibits a penchant for vibrant, whimsical pastries, like a birthday-cake doughnut strewn with multicolored sprinkles and crushed Golden Oreos, or a vanilla-glazed variety decorated with chocolate chips and dollops of cookie dough. For now, the shop is open weekends only for to-go doughnuts. Later, after you’ve chased a few waterfalls in the park, wood-fired pepperoni and banana-pepper pizza is an apt pick-me-up, and you can get your fix at Sarah’s Vineyard and Winery. Housed in a timber-clad barn that doubles as an art gallery, the lofty restaurant and tasting room has reopened for dine-in, spread out its ample patio seating, added hand sanitizer stations by the entrance, and shifted its menu to heartier crowd-pleasers like pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, and pizza. Sit outside for sweeping vineyard views and pair your spicy pie with a carafe of sweet Ohio-grown Vidal.

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Rattlesnake Canyon at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

The world-famous caverns — brimming with stalagmites, stalactites, and a colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats so populous that they look like clouds of swirling black smoke on their nightly flights — are still closed to visitors, but the underrated hiking trails on the surface are well worth the excursion, especially for a morning or late-afternoon hike (the sun gets pretty scorching midday). With nearly 50 miles of trails through the peaceful Chihuahuan Desert, from Rattlesnake Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge, there’s plenty to explore, and plenty of opportunity to break away from crowds and convene with cacti and roadrunners.

Where to Eat: In the nearby town of Carlsbad, Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company reopened for dine-in service, with restricted hours and a patio. House-brewed beers run the gamut from a puckering grapefruit gose to creamy coconut porters, while the thin and crispy brick-oven pizzas are so popular they sell out regularly. They also offer gluten-free crusts, cauliflower-crust pizzas, and periodic specials like berry-studded dessert pizzas and New Mexican green chile pies.

A full-time RV traveler and freelance travel writer, Matt Kirouac is the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and forthcoming app.

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Paddleboarding in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park | Getty Images

America’s larger parks are attracting major crowds. Here’s where to avoid them

So, with safety top of mind, here are some alternative parks to consider for your 2020 summer escape, and, of course, the best places to eat — to go, dine-in, or dine-out — nearby.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The boardwalk at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Universal Images Group via Getty

The Starlight Theatre saloon in Terlingua, outside Big Bend

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Getty Images/EyeEm

The famous cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde national park

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Matt Kirouac

Kerouac’s restaurant in Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Grassy rolling hills in Wild Cave National Park

Hotel Alex Johnson / Facebook

The rooftop deck at Vertex Sky Bar in Rapid City

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Lost Lake campsite at Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Matt Kirouac

The tap lineup at Superior Bathhouse

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Getty Images

The rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Getty Images/iStockphoto

An overlook at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Brandywine Falls Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Rattlesnake Canyon at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

A full-time RV traveler and freelance travel writer, Matt Kirouac is the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and forthcoming app.

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svetlanawagner-blog · 5 years

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It only took a few hours of driving with no radio for our group to bond over inappropriate jokes. In the midst of one our laughing fits, we saw a blur of a building, when we yelled “PRADA!” in unison.

We spent five days exploring the best things to do in West Texas. It was enough to touch on the hot spots, but like most of our trips, it helped us feel out what we want to do when we revisit. Since we love our parks, we were most excited to explore Big Bend National Park. What we didn’t know was how much we would fall in love with the other areas of West Texas.

A big thank you to Travel Texas for hosting our trip and sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2019

All the Best Stops on the Ultimate West Texas Road Trip

Whether you’re into the great , art scene, food, or history & culture, there’s something for everyone.

El Paso

We started and ended our trip on the very west tip of Texas in El Paso. El Paso is located in one of the largest deserts in North America, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the city sits right along the border with its neighboring international city, Juarez. There are so many Spanish speaking folks in El Paso that you might want to brush up on your Spanish. We had one cab driver that only spoke Spanish, which made for a fun and scenic ride.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 days

one of the sunniest cities in the US (and the world) with roughly 300 sunny days a year.

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Franklin Mountains State Park – This is the largest urban park in the US. There are some great hikes, and you can also do guided hiking tour of old mines (make a reservation via their website).

El Paso Museum of Art – This is a free museum that carries a collection from the surrounding area featuring artists from both El Paso and Juarez. They have special exhibitions and a permanent collection.

Street Art – Even if you don’t stop by the museum, you should walk the area to see all the street art and murals.

Hueco Tanks State Park – Located about 45 minutes outside of El Paso is a giant playground for climbers. Even if you don’t climb, it’s a unique and beautiful landscape to hike through.

L&J Cafe – This local landmark has been around since 1927. Most visitors and locals in El Paso will point you to L&J for delicious Tex-Mex fare.

Salt + Honey Bakery & Cafe – Cute shop with delicious food and drink. Be sure to try the Salt + Honey everything, but especially the fries.

Taft & Diaz – Located in the Stanton House hotel, this upscale restaurant has a rotating menu. Don’t forget to look up, as there’s an art installation above you that dances from time to time.

Stanton House is a brand new, chic hotel. They have a great rooftop that gives you a view across the border, an art gallery inside, and beautiful rooms to make you feel at home. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Fort Davis

Fort Davis is set amongst the Davis Mountains, which is a sky island. The term refers to the fact that it’s an isolated mountain range surrounded by desert. With the highest elevation above sea level and cooler weather in Texas, it’s a favorite getaway amongst locals.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Davis Mountains State Park – Don’t miss the views from Skyline Drive. There are a few spots to check out – the peak is ideal for sunset and the end of the road is a great spot for sunrise.

McDonald Observatory – Gaze up at the stars from one of the darkest skies in the US. They have daily tours and hold Star Parties too.

Fort Davis National Historic Site – One of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars’ frontier military post. Keep an eye out for the resident horses and goat that freely roam in the area.

Davis Mountain Scenic Loop – This 75-mile drive takes you through some of the best scenery in west Texas. It takes roughly two hours.

Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel – serves food, drinks, and sells small supplies.

Stone Village Market – A local market frequented by the residents and tourists. They also serve sandwiches made to order.

Herbert’s Caboose Ice Cream Shop – An ice cream shop built into an old caboose.

Indian Lodge – This picturesque hotel is tucked right into the mountains of Davis Mountains State Park. The white buildings beautifully contrast against the backdrop. There is a lot of history in this hotel and makes for a great home base. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Big Bend

Big Bend is made up of small communities, like Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Study Butte, and is known for Big Bend National Park and State Park. It’s named after the huge curve/bend in the Rio Grande and sits at the southern border of the state.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Big Bend National Park – This is the obvious highlight of the region, and there are three distinct landscapes: river, desert, and mountains.

Grapevine Hills Trail / Balanced Rock – This 2.2 mi round trip hike takes you to our favorite landscape in the park. Besides Balanced Rock, it has lots of other boulders to hop around on. Keep in mind that you have to drive 6 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. We were able to take a huge van and small sedan but had to take it slow. Also, watch out for the greater earless s, they are rainbow colored s and there were a lot of them on the trail.

Langford Hot Springs – A short 0.5 mile round trip hike takes you to a historic hot springs located at the Rio Grande.

Santa Elena Canyon – See one of the most iconic spots in the park. You can even get a backcountry use permit to paddle upstream and back.

Chisos Basin Loop – Gives you a great mini-tour of the Chisos Mountains. Do the loop counter-clockwise to get the best views.

Big Bend Ranch State Park – The rugged volcanic landscape sits just west of Big Bend National Park.

Terlingua Ghost Town – Home to the world’s first Chili Cook Off, and they still hold the event every year. You can explore a historic church, a beautiful cemetery, and meet the locals (and ghosts) that frequent the area.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding at the Lajitas Golf Resort – This resort has an 18-hole golf course and 4-star hotel, but it’s also where the local guides can take you SUPing along the Rio Grande.

Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon – One of the liveliest spots in town, they have live music and a wide selection of food. Get yourself a marg and thank me later.

Taqueria el Milagro – We stumbled across this spot on a night when everything else was closed. They graciously stayed open a little later for us and had AMAZING tacos.

Expresso Y Poco Mas – Local coffee and breakfast spot. Everyone seemed to know each other.

La Kiva Restaurant & Bar – We were supposed to eat here, but they happened to close early. It’s the nicer spot to eat in town.

Perry Mansion. We all got extremely excited when we pulled up to Perry Mansion. It just recently ropened after a renovation and only has 7 rooms. Great for a big group if you want the place all to yourself. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Marfa

We didn’t know much about Marfa besides the Prada art installation, which we learned isn’t actually in the town of Marfa. When we heard it was an artsy community we pictured desert art, like Salvation Mountain, but instead we found a slice of NYC in West Texas.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Ballroom Marfa – Their current show features contemporary artists we first saw at MoMa PS1 in NYC.

Presidio County Courthouse & The Central Fire Station – Beautiful and picturesque buildings right next to each other.

Chinati Foundation – We didn’t make it here on this trip, but you can see amazing contemporary art pieces here. From what we can gather from photos, it looks like a combination of Noguchi Museum and Storm King.

The Marfa Lights – At night you can spot mysterious lights that dance in the darkness south of US 90 between Alpine & Marfa. No one knows what they really are, and there are plenty of theories out there. Ask the locals to see what you can find out.

Prada Marfa – This is the most popular photo of Marfa on Instagram. This art installation is about 30 minutes from the city.

Pizza Foundation – Yummy pizza with indoor and outdoor seating. It gets busy on the weekends so call in early to put your order in.

Planet Marfa – Amazing local bar with a teepee and school bus on the property. Great place to meet locals and end the night.

Hotel Paisano – This historic hotel is centrally located and has GIANT memorabilia all over the place. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Map of West Texas

More Things to Do ___

To Do

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Essential Tips

Once you drive out to the smaller towns and regions, keep in mind that restaurants and shops close early and don’t necessarily keep their hours. If you plan on being out after sunset shooting, have a plan for your meals.

West Texas varies in temperatures since the elevation changes so much. During our May trip, we saw highs in the 90s and lows in the 40-50s, so always pack layers.

Regardless of where you are, you’ll be doing some walking so bring comfortable walking shoes. Here are our suggestions for best sandals for .

Water & sunscreen are a must. Sunglasses and a hat help too.

Outside of El Paso, WIFI and cell service are limited. Even places that have wifi are really spotty. Prepare to unplug.

If you’re in an older car, bring an aux cable so you can listen to music in the car. You’re going to have trouble finding it on the road. Also, if you need some tunes, check out our ultimate cross country road trip playlist.

What to Pack for Your West Texas Road Trip

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Best Places to Stay in West Texas

El Paso: Stanton House

Fort Davis: Indian Lodge

Terlingua / Big Bend: Perry Mansion

Marfa: Hotel Paisano or El Cosmico if you want to glamp in a teepee, yurt or RV. I personally would save glamping for fall / spring weather.

More Resources

Rand McNally Road Atlas – when you’re out of service, it’s always good to have a map. We’ve been using the Road Atlas ever since we were kids and still use them today on our road trips.

Matt Wilder’s Hueco Tanks Bouldering Guidebook

Lonely Planet: Texas Travel Guide

Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites

Have you been to any of these destinations in West Texas? Are we missing any must-visit spots?

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nationalparkposters · 3 years

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Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park

Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park offers nearly limitless opportunities for scenic driving, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife observation, and stargazing. Additionally, the Rio Grande borders the park for 118 miles providing options for half-day floats to extended excursion by raft, canoe, or kayak. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 61 National Parks — and Big Bend is one well worth the visit. I have explored many areas of the park — so I'm ready to help! So if this is your first time to the park, or your returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park! Scenic Drives 100 miles of paved roads and 150 miles of dirt roads connect the desert to the mountains and the river and offer exceptional ways to explore the park by vehicle. Here are the top five scenic drives — on paved roads! Chisos Basin Road – 6 miles A drive to the Chisos Basin is an excellent way to experience the transition between arid desert and cooler mountain habitats. As this scenic, winding road rises over two thousand feet above the desert floor, it offers breath-taking vistas of the mountain peaks and the erosion-formed basin area. The Chisos Basin has a visitor center, campground, lodge, restaurant, camp store, and access to miles of hiking trails. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – 30 miles A trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive highlights the geologic splendor Big Bend is famous for, and offers many scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and Tuff Canyon are all worthwhile stops. Continue the drive to the magnificent Santa Elena Canyon, where limestone cliffs rise 1,500′ above the Rio Grande. A short trail leads into the canyon Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village – 21 miles The drive to Rio Grande Village traverses ancient limestone and has marvelous vistas across the river to the magnificent Sierra del Carmen escarpment. In twenty miles, the road descends nearly two thousand feet. There are several worthwhile stops and highlights along the way. Dugout Wells includes a desert nature trail and a shady oasis, nice for picnicking and birding. A soak in the Historic Hot Springs is also a popular activity. Persimmon Gap to Panther Junction – 28 miles This road connects the north entrance to park headquarters at Panther Junction. From Persimmon Gap, the road descends a long, gentle, gravel slope to Tornillo creek and Tornillo Flat. The Rosillos Mountains rise to the west; to the east the Dead Horse Mountains dominate the skyline. Maverick Entrance Station to Panther Junction – 23 miles This drive, through striking desert scenery, has excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Several roadside exhibits describe wildlife that might be seen along the drive. Junctions for the Chisos Basin road and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive are located along this route. Hiking Day Hikes Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Desert Hikes The Chihuahuan Desert covers about 80% of the park and surrounds the Chisos Mountains. Bare, rocky ground and sparse vegetation are hallmarks of the desert, but there is plenty of life here. Look for termite nests along plant stems, exoskeletons of millipedes, animal scat, and rodent and reptile tunnels. Bird life is plentiful, especially in the morning; look for nests hidden in yuccas and cacti. In the spring, bluebonnets, paintbrush, bi-color mustard, desert marigold, yucca, ocotillo, and cacti blossoms add color to the desert landscape. Mountain Hikes The Chisos Mountains contain some of the most rewarding day hikes in Big Bend, especially during the summer months when it is too hot to hike at lower elevations in the park. It is not uncommon to see tracks and scat of black bear, mountain lions, and gray fox along Chisos Mountains trails. Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer, rock squirrels, whiptail lizards, spotted towhees, tufted titmice, and Mexican jays are also common in these mountains. River Hikes The Rio Grande creates a distinct environment in Big Bend National Park. Countless bird species can be found in the riverbank vegetation. The river provides water for many desert animals; look along the muddy shoreline for tracks, signs, and scat. Backpacking Backpacking in the Desert The most remote areas of Big Bend National Park are best left to experienced backpackers. Each year, park rangers respond to desert emergencies when hikers are not prepared for the heat and extreme conditions of the desert. Due to the complex topography and vague trails/routes, a topographic map and a compass/gps are necessary for some hikes. Not for novices, you will need to be fully equipped and physically prepared to pack your gear and water into the desert and camp primitively. River Trips Floating the Rio Grande Big Bend offers a variety of river adventures. Enjoy a day trip, or plan an extended float through spectacular limestone canyons. If you have the time and a spirit of adventure, you may want to consider a river trip. Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande can be an incredible experience. There are many possibilities including half-day floats or multi-day excursions. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep, where the sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days. As in other parts of the park, your ears may tell you more than your eyes. Listen for beavers crawling through the brush;you might catch a glimpse as one slides down the riverbank into the water. Turtles, especially red-eared sliders, often sun themselves on rocks and logs just above the waterline. Great blue herons and green kingfishers are just some of the many birds you may see flying along the river. Bicycling Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location. Over 100 miles of paved roads and 150 miles of backcountry dirt roads provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities. Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows outstanding panoramic views unobstructed by a windshield. It also allows the bicyclist to see and hear some of the smaller wonders of Big Bend from a more intimate viewpoint. Bird Watching Big Bend's position near the 100th meridian in the middle of the continent and along a migration route makes the park ideal for bird diversity throughout the year. Northern species migrate here for the warm winter climate, while birds from the tropics range this far north to breed in the spring. One of Big Bend's highlights, the Colima warbler, is a predominantly Mexican species that only nests in the United States in the Chisos Mountains from April to September. Fishing Sometimes visiting a National Park can seem as though time is not on your side and the pace of “have to see everything” takes over. Perhaps fishing, which might seem unusual in a desert park, could be just what the “ranger” ordered. This activity is less harried, relaxing, and most of all, edible. Fishing the Rio Grande is something that is fun for visitors of all ages. And best of all it's free, and requires no Texas fishing license. All that is required is a fishing permit which may be obtained at any open visitor center. So if a lazy day by the Rio Grande is something you might enjoy, ask a ranger about fishing opportunities here in the park Stargazing On the clearest nights, more than 2,500 stars are visible to the naked eye! Big Bend is known as one of the outstanding places in North America for stargazing. In fact, it has the least light pollution of any other National Park unit in the lower 48 states. One factor that makes this possible is simply the sparse human occupation of this region. Click here to see the Big Bend National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! Click here to learn more about Rob and The National Park Poster Project! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-big-bend-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

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instantdeerlover · 4 years

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If You Really Want to Visit a National Park, Skip the Big Ones added to Google Docs

If You Really Want to Visit a National Park, Skip the Big Ones

Paddleboarding in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park | Getty Images

America’s larger parks are attracting major crowds. Here’s where to avoid them

So, with safety top of mind, here are some alternative parks to consider for your 2020 summer escape, and, of course, the best places to eat — to go, dine-in, or dine-out — nearby.

Getty Images/iStockphoto The boardwalk at Congaree National Park Congaree National Park , South Carolina

Universal Images Group via Getty The Starlight Theatre saloon in Terlingua, outside Big Bend Big Bend National Park , Texas

Getty Images/EyeEm The famous cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde national park Mesa Verde National Park , Colorado

Matt Kirouac Kerouac’s restaurant in Great Basin National Park Great Basin National Park , Nevada

Getty Images/iStockphoto Grassy rolling hills in Wild Cave National Park Hotel Alex Johnson / Facebook The rooftop deck at Vertex Sky Bar in Rapid City Wind Cave National Park , South Dakota

Getty Images/iStockphoto Lost Lake campsite at Voyageurs National Park Voyageurs National Park , Minnesota

Matt Kirouac The tap lineup at Superior Bathhouse Hot Springs National Park , Arkansas

Getty Images The rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park , North Dakota

Getty Images/iStockphoto An overlook at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , Colorado

Getty Images/iStockphoto The Brandywine Falls Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park Cuyahoga Valley National Park , Ohio

Getty Images/iStockphoto Rattlesnake Canyon at Carlsbad Caverns National Park Carlsbad Caverns National Park , New Mexico

A full-time RV traveler and freelance travel writer, Matt Kirouac is the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and forthcoming app.

via Eater - All https://www.eater.com/2020/7/8/21311909/national-parks-reopened-texas-colorado-travel-road-trips-during-covid-19

Created July 9, 2020 at 01:26AM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 4 years

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20+ Famous National Parks in the USA that you Need to Visit – Part 1

Its May 2020, and the World is in lockdown mode, as COVID – 19, is spreading like wildfire everywhere. The silver lining is that Mother Nature is healing, and while the world heals from this Pandemic, as all of us Stay at Home, and maintain Social Distancing, it makes sense to make the most of this Quarantine Life by adding different destinations to your Post COVID – 19 Travel Bucket List. Which is why 20+ travel experts stepped up, and have contributed their suggestions about the Best National Parks in the USA, that I have curated and compiled for your ease in this USA Travel Bucket List – The Best USA National Parks.

Scroll down and find the Best National Parks in the USA specially for the Nature lovers and Adventure junkies, as suggested by travellers and travel experts themselves. in alphabetical order.

As this travel blog was getting too lengthy to read, I divided it into two parts. So once you have gone through these set of USA National Parks, make sure to check out the Part 2, the link of which has been shared at the end.

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Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the smaller national parks in the USA but also one of the most popular ones, located in northern Maine. Mostly made up of islands, the terrain is varied throughout the over 49,000 acres included in the park. Visitors will see the ocean’s craggy coastline, mountains, coniferous and deciduous forests, lakes, and ponds while they visit.

The greater Bar Harbor area is visited most in the hottest summer months of July and August and has plenty of other vacation options after you’re done exploring Acadia. It’s easy to spend a week in the area between the national park, the lumberjack show, ocean tours, museums, and downtown exploration. The ocean water remains chilly even during the warmest sunny days, leaving most swimmers flocking to the lake instead.

Hiking is popular with a variety of day hike trails at different difficulty levels, but even more folks love riding bikes. There is a network of “carriage roads” separate from the car roads so people can bike in peace from trailhead to trailhead and visit the different attractions without worrying about traffic; you can also take horse-drawn carriage rides on them!

The park’s famous Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places to see the sun rise on the east coast, making it a popular sunrise hike destination. Another hot spot is Jordan House, which features a fancy restaurant and manicured garden alongside a well trafficked trail around the pond, both of which give a beautiful view of the mountains and famous Bubble Rock formations. Another hike will take you to a quintessential Maine tourist attraction, a lighthouse!

View from Cadillac Mountain | Flickr | Peter Rintels

Acadia is great for nature lovers because of the wildlife; the park is home to black bears, moose, deer, salamanders, and lots of birds. It’s not common but sometimes whales can even be spotted off the coast! Some trails close seasonally because of nesting falcons and there are several wildlife spotting tour operators on land and in the water. There are a few areas of the park that have accessible tidepools, opening a whole new world of water exploration to see crabs, sea stars, and other tidepool life.

Acadia is great for adventure lovers because there are some thrilling hikes. Both Precipice and Beehive trails are challenging for adults, involving heart pumping cliffside trails and iron rungs to climb and hang on to. Thrill seekers will love the tricky trails that lead you to expansive views over the entire park! If that isn’t thrilling enough, book a rock climbing lesson that has you rappelling down over the ocean near Otter Cliffs or Great Head. Before you go, read more tips on visiting Acadia National Park here!

By Stephanie Woodson | Explore More Clean Less

Big Bend National Park

A unique thing about Big Bend National Park – It has three distinct areas: the River, the Desert, and the Mountains, and each area has its own best-known features.

Santa Elena Canyon is no doubt a must-visit in the River area. Located on the west side of the park, there’s a hiking trail here that leads you to the mouth of the canyon. You must do this moderate, 1.7 mile round trip trail. The south part of the canyon belongs to Mexico and it’s just a few yards away! Visitors also enjoy canoeing in the Rio Grande. You must arrive no later than 9 a.m. to secure a parking spot.

If you want to catch a Milky Way, the Balanced Rocks at the Desert area will give you an amazing experience. You must start early in the morning or around midnight, depending on what months you visit the park. However, we visited the Balanced Rocks in the late afternoon. Our dog was with us and dogs are not allowed on any trails. There’s no way we could leave the dog in a tent by himself or just with our son to catch the Milky Way. To get here, you must drive on an improved dirt road for 6 miles to the Grapevine Hills Trailhead. Then follow the easy 2.2 miles round trip trail where in the last quarter of the trail you need to climb steep rocks to get to the Balanced Rocks. Views from the boulders are just amazing!

Lastly, the prettiest part of the park, the Chisos Mountains. This is where the thorns of the desert give way to evergreens like pinyon pine and juniper, oak, and bigtooth maple, quaking aspen, and Douglas fir in the higher, moister area. Weird, isn’t it? Although these mountains only covered 2% of the park, it is a favorite for visitors especially during the summer months. If you can’t hike a must-do Lost Mine Trail or Window Trail in this area, do the Window View Trail instead. This easy 0.3 mi round trip will give you excellent views of the mountain peaks surrounding the Chisos Basin.

Big Bend National Park is in a remote part of southwest Texas. Check supplies before leaving the closest towns. Cell phone service is unreliable, and some park roads may require four-wheel drive. Like I mentioned above, dogs are not allowed on any trails. It will be hard to hike together because someone has to stay in the car with the dog. For a pet-friendly park with spectacular views, go to Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle. The second biggest canyon in the country.

By Umiko Buhl | Two World Treasures

Bryce Canyon National Park

While all of the Utah National Parks are incredible, there is something special about Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, pillars of rock formed from a unique mix of plate tectonics, large temperature swings, and thousands of years of erosion. This climate and rock composition results in a landscape that isn’t truly rivaled anywhere else on Earth.

The rim of the canyon is easily accessible for all ages and while the views from above can be spectacular, true adventure lovers will want to get up close and personal with Bryce’s famous rock formations with a hike through the canyon itself.

Descending into Bryce Canyon feels like landing on an alien planet, filled with red rock pillars, towering trees, tunnels, and a maze of trails to explore. If you’re up for a challenge, I recommend starting at Sunset Point and descending to the canyon floor via Wall Street and then taking the “Figure 8 Loop” that follows a combination of the Navajo Loop Trail, Peekaboo Loop, and Queen’s Garden Trail before ascending the canyon at Sunrise Point.

If 7 miles in a high elevation national park feels like a bit too much, you can cut out Peekaboo Loop and try out the very popular Navajo / Queen’s Garden Loop. Be aware though that this shorter trail is often much more crowded and has less to see than Peekaboo. If you really want to escape the crowds, you can also check out the aptly named Fairyland Loop Trail, which is about 8 miles of strenuous hiking.

If you do plan to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, which is one of the most unique national parks in the USA, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience. First, Bryce gets very crowded even in the off season. Avoid them by venturing further from the main areas of the park and starting your day early. Second, dress in a lot of layers. When we visited, the temperature swung about 40 degrees between sunrise and the daily high.

If you do go to see the sunrise, view it from Sunset Point or somewhere else along the trail, not at Sunrise Point (it gets overly crowded here because of its name). Lastly, if you plan to hike, come with the right gear including ample amounts of water, chapstick, good hiking shoes, and plenty of snacks. Check out our guide to spending a day in Bryce Canyon National Park for more information.

By Danielle Schleig | Wanderlust While Working

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Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is without a doubt one of the best US national parks for the adventure lover. One of the “Mighty Five” national parks located in Southern Utah, Canyonlands is often overlooked for its more famous neighbor, Arches National Park. While Arches is indeed beautiful, it’s not nearly as adventure-worthy. The majority of the arches are located right off of short, paved paths, and during peak times it can be nearly impossible to get away from the train of RVs swarming the park.

When deciding between Arches or Canyonlands, the adventure lover would do much better spending their time in Canyonlands, with its epic, sprawling views, hikes, and campsites yet with none of the people. During our hike, we only passed one other person on the trail.

There are four districts in the park: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers. Adventurers will love The Needles and The Maze districts, which require 4 wheel drive vehicles and more self-reliance. Many people camp in these areas. But even the more accessible Island in the Sky district offers plenty of adventurous hikes of varying lengths, difficulties, and features.

Explore Puebloan granaries, watch the sunset (or sunrise) through the famous Mesa Arch, or climb down from the mesa top into the expansive plateau. For a full day adventure, Murphy’s Loop is an 11 mile, strenuous trail that descends into the mesa, where you can stop for a picnic before continuing back up. Nature lovers will enjoy discovering the variety of desert flora and fauna along the way.

The best time to visit Canyonlands is in the spring or fall, as in the summer the brutal heat will make daytime hikes difficult or unpleasant. We visited in April and the weather was perfect. Just be sure to be prepared with snacks, water, and a picnic lunch. Canyonlands is quite a drive from the main road, and you don’t want to have to drive back out when you get hungry!

If you spend a few days in the area, you can stop in at Dead Horse Point on your way to or from Canyonlands. The sweeping landscapes from this viewpoint are unbelievable as the river winds its way through the canyon. This area is also a state park with a variety of hikes as well. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Canyonlands!

By Sam and Veren | Alternative Travelers

Crater National Park

Crater National Park is Oregon’s only National Park, and also one of the top National Parks in the USA for Adventure and Nature lovers, and no doubt it’s a stunning one!

Over eight thousand year ago, Mount Mazama erupted and left us with what Crater Lake is today – a gorgeous 2,000ft deep crater. There are plenty of things to do at Crater Lake including swimming, hiking, and camping.

Aside from that, even if you don’t want to get out of your car, Crater Lake is awesome. You can drive the 33-mile rim road and just hop out at the scenic viewpoints all along the way. But adventure is the name of the game here so here are a few favorites.

Plaikni Falls trail is just a 2-mile hike through verdant forest that leads you to a beautiful waterfall.

Garfield Peak trail is a 3.4 mile trail that’s moderately difficult and takes you to the top of a peak to give you some extra high and beautiful views of the lake below.

Cleetwood Cove Trail is more than just a trail. This hike is only about 2 miles round trip but is pretty steep. It’s also the only access to the lake. So you can come here to hike or if you’re brave enough, to swim too! The water will be freezing no matter what time of the year so, be prepared.

Wizard Island – That little island floating in the deep blue lake is Wizard Island and yes, you can visit it. Taking the Cleetwood Cove Trail is a must to get to the boat ramp and once you make it down, take the quick ride over, take a dip, or hike to the top of the island cone for more epic views.

Tips:

Camping is a great option as seeing Crater Lake in just a day will leave you wanting more. You could stay a few days and still not get to all the trails and spots you want. Mazama and Lost Creek are two of the most developed and popular campsites in the area. There’s also Crater Lake Lodge for those not into camping.

Keep in mind Crater Lake is very seasonal and during winter, many roads will be closed. You can always access the south entrance and take in the snowy views but the rim road will be closed as will many hikes.

By Nina Ragusa | Oregon Is For Adventure

Everglades National Park

If you love nature and wildlife, the Everglades National Park is one of the National Parks in the USA which you must visit! Located in southern Florida, only a couple of hours away from Miami, it’s home to one of the most beautiful eco-systems in the world.

Alligators, birds, bobcats… so many animals to see!

Most tourists don’t actually stop in the Everglades and just drive Alligator Alley to go from Miami to Sarasota or St Petersburg. But if you love nature, you will want to stop in many places.

The Everglades cover 1.5-million acres of tropical wetlands. This means that the best way to explore them is by boat! You will find many places along the way offering speed boat tours. They generally last about 1 hour during which a guide will take you around the Everglades. You will get to discover these beautiful and unique landscapes but also the wildlife. Have you ever dreamed of seeing an alligator in the wild? Then this is for you!

There are also a few walk/hiking opportunities in the Everglades. The most popular are Shark Valley and Flamingo Visitor Center.

That said, if you have time and want to go on a more authentic walk, I would definitely recommend going on one of the hikes with the park rangers. Every day, park rangers go into the swamp and offer a guided tour to visitors. You will discover many fun and amazing facts about the Everglades and its wildlife. Please be aware of the fact that you will be walking in water and mud though. Just head to one of the visitor centers and they will tell you everything you need to know.

Finally, if you want to go on a walk of a lifetime, you can head to Big Cypress Preserve and hit the Florida National Scenic Trail!

Alternatively, there are also many viewpoints along the way. You will get to see nice views and many alligators.

Finally, one of the best things to do is simply enjoying the road trip! US Route 41 is amazing and clearly one of the best road trips in the USA! It will take you from Naples to Miami through the best parts of the Everglades. This slower and free road is a better option than Alligator Alley if you want to enjoy nature along the way.

By Pauline Vergnet | BeeLoved City

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Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

If you are a nature lover, Colorado Springs is the perfect place for you. The Garden of the Gods is perfectly named because it is one of the most gorgeous natural places in the country. The Garden of the Gods was formed from evolution and erosion over billions of years. It reminds us how Earth continues to evolve over time, it is truly a geological masterpiece.

If you would like to know the history and how the rocks formed, there is a presentation that supplies the history of how the rocks were formed in the visitor’s center. Take a trip back through time before humans, animals, and even dinosaurs existed. The visitor’s center also has free exhibits about indigenous people that traveled through the park, continents, dinosaurs, and the evolution of Earth.

One of the best things about this US National Park is, it is free to everyone. Charles Perkins and William Palmer bought 480 acres of land, which included a part of the modern-day Garden of the Gods. When Perkins died in 1909 his family donated the land to the city of Colorado Springs, under the condition that the park would always be available to the public for free. Since then the park has been named a National Natural Landmark, and is visited by over 2 million people per year.

If you are looking to explore nature, the hiking trails will take you through 21 miles of picturesque views. The main trail is 1.5 miles long and is paved making it accessible for novice hikers, families, children, and ADA accessible. There are more advanced trails for experienced hikers and bikers. There are tours, jeep, Segway, trolley, and walking tours available to become more familiar with the plant and animal species in the park.

The steep and unique rock formations make this an oasis for rock climbers. Rock climbing is permitted here only with a permit and proper equipment. If you keep an eye at the tops of the mountains you may see bighorn sheep. Before leaving the park, stop by the balancing rock for the perfect Instagram photo.

This ecosystem is sensitive and must be preserved, only walk or bike on designated trails. The rock can easily be damaged, so it is recommended that you do not touch them. This will insure we will be able to enjoy this park for many years to come.

By Corritta Lewis | It’s A Family Thing

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park in the USA is a haven for adventure seekers and its reward for those that push themselves are great. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, all of which provide stunning views of glacial lakes and towering mountains, it can be hard to choose your favorites.

Hitting the trails is definitely the best thing to do in Glacier National Park, and here were some of my personal favorites.

Iceberg Lake Trail – A nearly 10-mile round trip gorgeous hike that takes you through breathtaking forests and lands you at Iceberg Lake, of course! I saw a bear within my first mile and then moose just a few miles later all before reaching the lake. The lake dazzles in turquoise and is backed by sandy colored mountains.

Swiftcurrent Trail – A 16-mile round trip hike that snakes along Swiftcurrent Lake. You can do a portion of the hike and still get great rewards if you’re low on time. At the least, you can make it to Red Rock Falls.

Cracker Lake Trail – Another stunning glacial lake awaits you here. You’ll pass small bridges, thick alpine forests, and meadows before reaching the milky blue Cracker Lake. There’s a camping location alongside the lake here if you want to spend the night.

Another must do is driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a stunning 50-mile drive weaving out and around mountain bends alongside lakes and rivers with glaciers in the distance. There are numerous areas to stop off at and even more hikes along this road to tackle.

Tips:

Camping is the best way to take in the park. There are tons of camping spots around the park but they do fill fast during high season, so try booking ahead or come early in the morning when people are getting up and leaving to nab a spot. My favorite spot was Many Glacier Campgrounds as it was right at the trailhead for many hikes including the ones I mentioned above.

Also, bringing bear spray is not a suggestion, it’s really a demand! There is high bear activity in this park and this is a small thing you can do to protect yourself during your hikes. Bring some with you as it’s more expensive to purchase in the park.

By Nina Ragusa | Where In The World is Nina

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the top USA bucket list items for many traveling to the States. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for the best-preserved geological wonders, making it a perfect haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

It has something for everybody – doesn’t matter if you are new to adventure and hiking, or if you just love the landscape, the Canyons will keep you hooked for more!

The Grand Canyon National Park in the USA, occupies a vast land surface – roughly about 4,926 km², and can be reached in many different ways. It has 3 main entrances – north, south and the west rim. (Many also believe there is an eastern gate to the national park).

The red rock with a multitude of layers and trenches of the Grand Canyon has been a fascination for many explorers for centuries.

The Grand Canyon north rim is a paradise for advanced hikers and overnight campers. Many hiking trails average about 6- 8 hours for a round trip at the northern rim. Most popular being the Kaibab trail.

The ruggedness of the canyons on the north rim, pulls both amateur and professional photographers to its cradle. However, it is not one of the easiest to navigate or access. For instance, the north rim is inaccessible during winters.

And taking a day from any of the nearby cities, may not be a feasible idea. The Grand Canyon north rim is located about 268 miles from Las Vegas, so approximately a 5-hour drive one-way – making it impossible for a day trip.

For accommodation at the north rim, consider camping overnight or stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim. This 2-star lodge offers a free shuttle to the Kaibab trailhead.

For a quick day trip from Las Vegas – Nevada or Sedona – Arizona, the west rim and the south rim, are much more easily accessible than the northern entrance.

Grand Canyon west rim is home to the popular tourist attractions – SkyWalk – and it is open all year round for visitors. It also has shorter trails, which are accessible for families with strollers, and can be done in 2 hours or less.

Las Vegas to the west rim is 125 miles, so it takes about 2.50 hours by car, one way. There are tons of day tours available from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon – west and south rims, to suit every traveler’s budget.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon has a similar story. It is accessible all year round and is more tourist-friendly with tons of day tours and helicopter excursions available.

For accommodation, book a room at the Hualapai Ranch or the Hualapai Lodge, located very close to the park entrance on the west rim.”

By Mayuri | To Some Place New

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Haleakala National Park

Maui screams adventure, whether you’re into finding hidden waterfalls or hiking into a volcano, you can find it all inside Haleakala National Park. Haleakala is the volcano that formed over half the island of Maui. There are 2 entrances to the park, the Kipahulu district and the summit.

The Kipahulu or coastal district can only be reached from the east side of the island about 20 minutes past the town of Hana. Here you can experience the dramatic coastline, volcanic inlets and several waterfalls!

Inside the park is a well-maintained campground complete with picnic tables, grills, and a restroom. The campsites are first come first serve and walkable to hiking trails and the pools of Ohe’o or commonly known as seven sacred pools.

Remember when I mentioned waterfalls? One of Maui’s most popular hikes starts here, the Pipiwai Trail. This 4-mile moderate hike takes you past ancient banyan trees, through a cracking bamboo forest and ends at the mesmerizing 400 foot Waimoku Falls.

Another way to explore the National park is by accessing the summit. A popular way to experience the summit is coming to witness the sun rise above the clouds, an experience that is truly out of this world. To catch sunrise, you must make reservations in advance here. If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping then opt for a sunrise bike tour. Tours provide you with bikes and after sunrise at the summit you coast down 26 miles of switch backs until you reach the town of Paia.

Rather keep your feet on solid ground? There are a handful of hikes that take you in, through or around the crater. My favorite hike inside the crater is the Sliding Sands Trail. This hike takes you down onto the crater floor and you will feel like you are traversing the surface of Mars. Red, orange, and purple hues will start to emerge in the background as you hike along the black volcanic rock. You’ll spot a rare plant called the silver sword which can only be found here or on Mauna Kea, the volcano on the big island. This is a strenuous hike so come prepared with sunscreen and water.

It gets cold at the summit, so dress warm, especially if you plan on camping at the Hosmer Grove campground. Haleakala National Park always leaves me wanting more.

By Jess | I’m Jess Travelling

If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out the Part 2 of the 20+ Best National Parks in the USA here.

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Best National Parks in the USA for the Adventure and Nature Lovers – Part 1 20+ Famous National Parks in the USA that you Need to Visit - Part 1 Its May 2020, and the World is in lockdown mode, as COVID - 19, is spreading like wildfire everywhere.

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