Category: national parks

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national parks travel

A Memorable One Night Backpacking Trip to Santa Cruz Island 

Channel Islands National Park encompasses a small five-island archipelago and the expanse of ocean that surrounds them, off the coast of southern California. This rugged yet enchanting landscape is home to one-of-a-kind plants and animals– found nowhere else on the planet. The rustic charm and cultural identity of the Channel Islands make this national park unique in the midst of California’s impressive array of national parks. Located approximately 12 miles off the coast, Santa Cruz is the easiest of the islands to reach. Not only that, it tends to have the most amenable weather as well as the most opportunity for recreational exploration… all the best ingredients for memorable backpacking escapades.

What makes Santa Cruz Island extra special? The remote and wild island may not have any restaurants or concessions, but it boasts quite the seascape. The Pacific ocean is an alluring backdrop to the unforgettable island coastline— the perfect amalgamation of tranquility and pristine panoramas that make for the ideal backpacking adventure. In addition to the natural beauty, Santa Cruz is historically and ecologically meaningful as well. Santa Cruz was once home to the Chumash Indians and remains the only home of the island scrub-jay-only as well as some small island foxes. We were lucky enough to see both while we were there– as well as lots of yarrow, fennel, and California sage bush! 

Fast Facts About channel islands National Park

Size: 249,561 acres

Visitors: 328,746 visitors (data from 2023)

Distance from LA: 1-1.5 hour drive + a ferry ride

Became a National Park: March 5th, 1980

Highest point: Diablo Peak at 2,450 ft (on Santa Cruz Island)

Fun Fact: in 2023 there were 23,881 visitors that camped in the backcountry

While I’ve done my fair share of camping before, this was my first non-Army backpacking trip for pleasure. Having a tent, sleeping pad, and jetboil is fancy digs!! The rolling 1,500ft total climb certainly wasn’t easy peasy but the untouched, remote wilderness is hard to beat and so very worth the sweat equity. 

Ferry Ferry, Quite Contrary 

The rather remote nature of the park means a little extra time and coordination is necessary to plan your arrival. The ferry to Santa Cruz Island is operated by Island Packers. The ferry departs from Ventura Harbor and takes a little over an hour to reach Scorpion Cove. While this is the more popular of the two stops, you’ll want to sit tight a little longer. The ferry waits ~20 minutes to allow everyone time to disembark before cruising to its second destination. About 30 minutes later, you’ll find yourself at Prisoner’s Harbor. Overall you can expect the ferry time to be about 2 hours. 

important notes: 
  1. you MUST bring all the water you anticipate needing with you onto the ferry because there is no water available at Prisoner’s Harbor and there’s definitely not a tap at the back country campground. 
  2. On the ferry, fuel and water cannot stay in your pack → the packs get stacked, so you don’t want the water bursting. Your water should be either in bladders (place in the back of the boat you can store it) or you can also bring gallons and distribute it when you arrive on the island. 
  3. When you check in for your ferry, they give you physical tickets to get on the ferry both ways aka do not lose your return ticket!!!
  4. Double check your return time!! Some of them are only 30 min off from one another, but you have to get on the right time (aka actually aim for 30 min early) or else there won’t be enough room for everyone. You don’t want to get left behind! 
These Boots Were Made for Walking 

Once everyone’s off the ferry, it’s time to get those packs all ready to go! If you plan to bring extra water (to consume after you’ve returned but before you depart on the ferry again) there are fox boxes to store your water in to ensure it’s safe from the wildlife. Just for planning and packing purposes, one gallon of water per person per day is recommended. 

Del Norte is a backcountry campground a little over 3 miles from the Harbor. Getting there requires navigating a bit of a rolling hill landscape as you’ll find yourself climbing, descending, and climbing again, for a total elevation gain of around 1,000’. There’s only 4 campsites, and even in April, it was warm enough that we were glad to have the two campsites in the shade! Reservations are required in advance… it’s a bit too long of a trek to be a first come first serve campsite! Reservations are easiest to make online (link here), but you can also call to reserve a campsite (877) 444-6777. 

Campfires are prohibited, but jetboils are very much allowed, so it’s still very possible to enjoy a nice hot dinner. The picnic tables make for a breezy spot to relax and play cards together. It’s a lovely spot to spend the evening together, and perfect for stargazing into the night.

Prisoner’s Harbor and Del Norte exude peace and make it easy to imagine what a simple life would have been like hundreds of years ago. The simplicity can be quite the reprieve from the every-day hustle and bustle, but it also means you’ll need to bring EVERYTHING you need with you. This is by no means an inclusive packing list, but here’s a handful of things you’ll be glad to have with you regardless of the time of year!

Packing Up and Packing Out

When morning rolls around, it’s time for a spot of breakfast and then packing everything back up! The trail to the Del Norte campground is an out and back, so you shouldn’t feel too worried about getting lost on the way back— it should all be rather familiar to you. 

If you’re wanting to take the path less traveled, there is an option to come back a different way, if you are so inclined (we highlighted this below). Just in general downloading the trail on AllTrails was nice to have, just as a safeguard against any accidental wandering off the intended path. 

Keep on Keepin’ On

Once you make it back to Prisoner’s Harbor, take a little break and enjoy a snack because you’ve got more hiking on the itinerary! The ferry should be back by 11am at the latest, which is worth noting because there’s a naturalist aboard that will lead a guided hike (pro-tip: sign the waiver right after you buy your ferry ticket so you don’t have to worry about this later)!

The hike is along the Pelican Bay trail, and is less of a hike to a specific destination and more of a let’s-enjoy-the-journey hike. This can be a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife! We saw a small Island fox while we were on this hike– this fox only exists on Santa Cruz Island!! The Island Scrub Jay is also found only on Santa Cruz and is more commonly seen around Prisoner’s Harbor! 

Shippin’ Out

The ferry typically leaves to head back a little after 3pm, so even if you explore along the Pelican Bay trail, you’ll find yourself with a little extra time. We just went down and relaxed in and by the water, but if you bring a snorkel mask, there’s a kelp forest along the shoreline worth exploring. While sea kayaking is a popular activity on Santa Cruz, this is more commonly pursued on the east side of the island, near Scorpion’s Cove. 

Before you know it, it’ll be time for the ferry to head back to the mainland, so soak up all the secluded serenity while you can! Keep your eyes peeled as you head back— we spotted a mama whale and her calf on our way back…. an incredible experience!! 

Alternate Options

While we found the one-night backpacking trip to be a perfect sampling of Santa Cruz, here’s a few other ideas for folks a little less inclined to backpack or camp overnight. 

  1. If you hop off the ferry at Scorpion Anchorage, you’ll want to check out the Potato Harbor Overlook hike. This out-and-back hike clocks in at just over 5 miles, with 660’ of elevation, making it moderately challenging, but nothing too tricky. Definitely worth the effort to take in the gorgeous vista! 
  2. Have you ever been sea kayaking? Santa Barbara Adventure Company is the only company on Santa Cruz Island that offers guided kayaking trips. This is another Scorpion Anchorage stop, and it’s the perfect way to take in the iconic caves of the Santa Cruz coastline. Depending on your comfortability in a kayak, there’s a few different options regarding length of time out on the water. They also offer snorkel rentals and guided snorkeling tours! 
  3. Island Packers doesn’t just ferry people back and forth, you can opt for a nice day trip adventure with them. After departing from Ventura, you cruise into the Painted Cave, experiencing one of the biggest sea caves in the world. The colorful cave is named for the naturally occurring pigmentations, derived from various rock types and algae that make up its walls. The cave is also home to varied sealife as well– keep your eyes peeled for seals! After the cave exploration, the boat will head over to Prisoner’s Harbor to do the Pelican Bay trail hike (same one we did!). From there you’ll get to head back to Ventura. 
the memorable Prisoner's harbor with a simple dock and the hilly green backdrop
final thoughts

Santa Cruz Island, particularly Prison’s Harbor, is an almost-untouched sliver of California’s coastline that calls back to a bygone era of symbiosis between nature and the Chumash Indians that once inhabited. The wild island and its impressive seascape make for an amazing backpacking trip– you won’t regret making the trek out! 

Our friend made a lil vlog of our memorable backpacking adventure— check it out here!

If remote, warm island parks are your jam, we sure to check out Dry Tortugas National Park the next time you’re near the Florida Keys! 

written by Kayla 

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Fort Irwin, California. When she’s not fixing up folks up in the emergency department, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside. She also has quite the green thumb and keeps all her plants alive… not just surviving but thriving! Before moving to CA, Kayla was stationed in Washington for a few years, where she discovered her her love for camping and the general woodland-fairy ambiance she exudes while out adventuring. Still rather new to the southern California region, Kayla is in her desert-girl era, exploring her new state with gusto.

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national parks travel

The Most Memorable Day at Gateway Arch National Park 

Does an urban national park sound like an oxymoron? While national parks usually embody sprawling, untouched wilderness, the Gateway Arch breaks the mold as it celebrates the Westward expansion of the United States. This eye-catching memorial is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, designed by architect Eero Saarinen. There were over 170 unique designs; however, his particularly memorable design was chosen and has stood the test of time since its inception in 1963. 

St. Louis is home to the one and only Gateway Arch National Park, making this park much easier to reach and robustly experience than others in the repertoire. While it might not take your breath away quite like the staggering beauty of some of the other larger, more natural parks, there’s a certain charm to the historic reminder of our country’s growth. While eager history and architecture buffs would likely be keen to make a day of it, for most, a half day is the perfect amount of time to allot for visiting the Gateway Arch National Park. 

Fast Facts About GATEWAY ARCH National Park

Size: 91 acres

Visitors: 1,618,774 visitors (data from 2022)

Became a National Park: Feb. 23, 2018

Highest point: the top of the arch is 630 ft high — interestingly it’s also 630 feet wide from leg to leg

The upside of the park’s small stature is that it’s rather easy to get the full experience in a half-day visit. We swung through driving back up to Wisconsin, and this was baby Xavier’s first national park visit. While he *technically* visited Indiana Dunes, Rocky Mountain, and Olympic National Parks in utero, the Gateway Arch made for a very un-intimidating first national park for us to visit with him. I must say, he’s a hard man to impress… he had the audacity to try and sleep through the whole thing!!

Park vs Monument… the NPS tea

The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States, but that begs the question… why is it a national park and not a national monument? There’s not a great answer for this name change and corresponding national park designation, as they were decided upon in Congress. Interestingly, the National Park Service did have something to say on the matter submitted a statement to the hearing on the legislation for the name change that said:

“… the National Park Service strives to provide consistency in the naming of park units. To better align with the standard nomenclature for units of the National Park System, we recommend that Congress re-designate the unit as “Gateway Arch National Monument.” National parks contain a variety of resources and encompass large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources. The existing 59 designated national parks protect at a minimum thousands of acres each, and some span millions of acres. At only 91 federal acres, we believe that the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is too small and limited in the range of resources the site protects and interprets to be called a national park.’”

This makes Gateway Arch National Park the only urban national park in the repertoire– certainly unique, but also setting an interesting precedent for future designations. Will this remain the only smaller, more urban national park or will others join its ranks in the years to come? Only time will tell! 

When To Visit

While the most popular time of year to visit is in the spring and summer months, we stopped by on a beautiful day in January and very much recommend a mid-winter visit. There were no lines to deal with, and even on a more frigid day, so much of what you come to see is indoors, so the time of year is less important. 

TIME TO EXPLORE

Depending on where you’re coming from, getting into the arch may be a bit counter-intuitive. If you head over right from the designated parking garage, you won’t have any problem wandering to the west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. If you’re out walking along the river, the entry point is *not* in the base of either arch; however, you can exit from the arch legs, which sometimes confuses people. 

Tickets

Upon entering the building, the ticket counter is easy to spot. If you plan to visit in the spring or summer months – especially on a weekend day, you should consider purchasing your tickets in advance, to ensure you’ll be able to make it up!

Security 

With your ticket in hand, the next step will be going through security. Think of a more-relaxed version of TSA. You’ll have to empty your pockets and step through a scanner, but no one is going to make you dump out your water bottle. As an important note, no weapons, including pepper spray and fixed-blade knives (except fold-out pocket knives with a blade size less than 4″) are allowed, so if you keep pepper spray on your keychain or in your purse, you’ll want to make sure that stays in the car. Even if you don’t plan to take the tram ride, you will still need to go through the security checkpoint to get to the museum, cafe, documentary movie, and gift shop areas. 

Museum of Westward Expansion 

The museum is quite lovely to wander through, and rather engaging for visitors of all ages with its interactive displays and exhibits. Not only are there exhibits detailing the nuances of westward expansion in US history, but there’s a rather interesting section about the arch architecture. It’s fun to see the runner-up designs and learn more about the unique tram system that carries visitors to the top. Depending on how early you arrive before your tram time, you can explore the museum before or after you ride… or both! 

a memorable museum exhibit, demonstrating the history of the icon Gateway arch
Tram 

Once you’re through the museum, the lower level space opens up, and you can head on down to get your tram ticket scanned. As the group awaits the arrival of all its participants, everyone is provided a boarding pass of sorts for their individual tram. Each tram can hold up to 5 people, but man oh man would that be a snug fit to put five grown adults in one tram car. I’m not sure how things go over the summer, but it was definitely nice that groups were more dispersed.

After everyone in the group has arrived, there’s a short background history of the arch provided, and then everyone is led over to their assigned tram. The ride up goes quickly, only taking a couple minutes. 

The windows at the top are a little small, but it’s rather amazing to peer out of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis and realize you’re doing so from the top of the arch. Everyone has ample time (about 8-10 minutes) to look around, read some of the signage, and take a picture or two, and then it’s time to head back down. The descent is just slightly speedier than the ascent, and in no time at all, your back– boots on the ground! 

Once you’ve ridden the tram, it’s worth a couple minutes of your time to pop back into the museum and read about the unique transportation system constructed to carry people up the arch… it’s one of a kind! 

The Extras 

We really enjoyed reading, watching, and listening in the museum, but if you’re keen to learn more, there’s a documentary movie you can check out (showtimes here). While tickets aren’t free, it’s likely the cheapest movie ticket you’ve bought in a while! You can also head over to the gift store to collect your passport stamp and pick up any mementos you might desire. There’s a little virtual reality experience you can check out as well– looks like something that could be fun for kiddos. 

There’s a cafe if you’re feel pecking, but it’s worth noting, the upside of being an urban national park is that there’s a whole bunch of dining options within easy walking distance

The Old Courthouse 

Once you’ve had your fill of arch exploration, you can head over to the courthouse. What is so special about this courthouse? It was the site of not one but two cases that became formative to the cultural landscape. In 1847 Dred and Harriet Scott, an enslaved couple, sued for and were granted their freedom. This case went through appeals and ended up going before the Supreme Court, which overturned the original verdict, stating that since slaves were property they didn’t have the right to sue. BIG YIKES. This case is reflective of culture in the United States at the time and is thought to be one of the precipitating factors of the Civil War.

It’s also where Virginia Minor and her husband sued for her right to vote. She went on to become a huge advocate for suffrage rights for women. 

The historic courthouse is currently closed as it undergoes a multi-million dollar renovation project. That being said, it’s set to be finished by 2025, and should be quite impressive whenever it’s completed. 

Riverboat Rides

Not exactly a park experience, but you can take in the Mississippi River and view the Arch from the water on a riverboat cruise. The boats are a callback to a bygone era, when steamboats ruled the river and drove local commerce. We visited on a beautiful January day, but it wasn’t quite let’s-take-a-riverboat-cruise warm, which is why the riverboat tours only run March through November.

If you’re passing through town, you could definitely see the Gateway Arch in a few hours, but if you’re looking to make a day of it, this would be a perfect way to savor the Arch and get to know a bit more about St. Louis and the history of the hard-working river.

Gateway Arch National Park is not only an impressive architectural monument, but it serves as an important memory to the westward expansion of our country and journey we took as a nation to get here. It’s certainly worth stopping by if you’re in St. Louis or road tripping nearby. Due it’s rather urban stature, it’s hard to compare the ~natural beauty~ of a man-made arch to some of astounding feats of nature at other parks; however, the very nature of this ‘park’ is a memorable memorial to the country’s growth that houses many of the nation’s most alluring national parks!

If you’re looking for your next national park adventure and you enjoy a national park with a little extra historical significance, Dry Tortugas National Park might tickle your fancy. This old fort can be found about 70 miles off the coast of the Florida keys, making it rather remote but incredibly picturesque.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

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national parks travel

One Full Day Exploring in Olympic National Park 

The Olympic Peninsula, a veritable cornucopia of ecosystems in western Washington, is home to the one and only Olympic National Park. This unique park houses a rainforest, wilderness beaches, sub-alpine forests, rugged glaciers, and breathtaking lakes, making it rather one of a kind. One could easily spend a few days here, exploring all the nooks and crannies of the peninsula, but sometimes time is of the essence. If you have limited time to spend exploring in Olympic, we have the perfect itinerary for you… but rest up and pack your snacks because it’s going to be quite the action-packed day! 

Washington is home to three national parks— Olympic being the most-visited, with 2,432,972 visitors in 2022. It boasts 73 miles of wilderness coast, over 3,000 miles of streams and rivers, and 60 glaciers. For eager outdoorsmen (and women) the park has 611 miles of trails to scout out, which still leaves the other 95% of the park as a designated wilderness area. The medley of sights, sounds, climates, and creatures is truly amazing. 

Fast Facts About OLYMPIC National Park

Size: 922,651 acres

Visitors: 2,432,972 visitors (data from 2022)

Distance from Seattle: 85 miles — 2.5 hour drive

Became a National Park: June 29th, 1938

Highest point: Mount Olympus at 7,980 ft

Busiest month to visit: August — 634,516 visitors

two sisters in the Hoh Rainforest at the end of a long day exploring in Olympic National Park

Sister Kayla currently lives in near-by Tacoma, so she’s had the opportunity for a bit more robust exploring, but my arrive-a-couple-days-before-our-friend’s-wedding timeline didn’t leave much wiggle room in the ‘ole itinerary. As always, a little bit of adventuring is better than no adventuring! Here’s as much as we could cram into ~24 hours in Olympic National Park. 

Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

In the northern mountains of the Olympic peninsula, you’ll find the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and trailhead. There’s more than one hike on the docket for today, so you don’t want to burn too bright too soon. If you just want to stretch out your legs, there’s a few meadow loop trails that let you meander without getting too taxing. Perhaps you’re feeling ready to take on the day?! The Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge hike is 3.4 miles long with 826ft of elevation to climb. Not exactly easy peasy, but the panoramic views are a most amazing way to start the day. 

Unfortunately we visited in June 2023, and the Hurricane Ridge area of the park was temporarily closed as the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge burned down in May 2023. This temporarily changed operations in this region of the park, but the park has since re-opened. Currently, only 430 vehicles are allowed access at the Heart O’ the Hills Entrance on Hurricane Ridge Road. If you’re stressing about making it into the park, there is a shuttle service that runs, even as the park hits the 430 vehicle limit. You can find out more about the shuttle stops and cost here. 

Even though the Hurricane Ridge area of the park has opened back up, it’s not quite fully operational at this point. The infrastructure is still limited, so don’t plan on stocking up on gift store swag or snacks at this visitor center… think porta-potties and big self-sufficiency energy. You can find more information and recent access updates here. 

Crescent Lake

Heading west in the park will bring you to Crescent Lake and all the fun that awaits. There’s a few different spots to go hiking here, and they’re all great options. The Moments in Time trail clocks in at 0.7 miles with only 9 feet of elevation, so this is going to be perfect for anyone that’s looking for more of a walk than a big time hike. If you enjoy hiking but aren’t in the mood to tackle serious elevation, the Devil’s Punchbowl trail will be a nice 2.5 miles with just under 140 feet of elevation. 

Now, if you’re looking for a real kick in the pants, Mount Storm King is the hike for you. It’s a little over 4 miles round trip and tackles 2,100 feet of elevation. What makes this even more exciting? The 4 miles is an out and back trail, so it’s really ~2 miles each way, with the first (and last) 0.5 miles being flat. For those of you math wizards, that means you’re going to crush over 2,000 feet elevation in 1.5 miles making it *not* a hike for the faint of heart.

Once you start going uphill, you pretty much don’t stop climbing until you reach the viewpoint… with the last portion of the hike being steep enough that there’s ropes in place to help weary hikers haul themselves up. That being said, the view at the top really is rather spectacular— more than worth the grueling climb. I did it while I was pregnant, so you definitely can crush it!!! 

Rialto Beach

The next stop on the adventure route here is Rialto Beach. You can always pack your favorite floaties, but it’s not likely you’ll find yourself using them. Even when we visited in the middle of June, it was still rather chilly and overcast. You’re much more likely to be rocking gore-tex boots and rain pants! 

Don’t let that slow you down– the beach really does have an ethereal sort of charm. Still feel like your legs have some energy left in the tank? Take a walk on the beach! If the tides are in your favor, you might even make it up to some cool rock formations on the north end of the beach via the Hole-in-the-Wall trail (3.3 miles out & back). 

Hoh Rainforest & Campground

Continuing south but also a bit inland on the Peninsula, you’ll find the Hoh Rainforest. As you make the trek out to the rainforest, you’ll be able to watch the climate and topography change yet again. This is the last stop on the itinerary for the day… with a bit of a chose-you-own-adventure option. What do you consider a full day… sun-up to sun down, or a full 24 hours? If you have the time to stay the night, we do recommend popping a tent and hunkering down for the night. While the line for entry to this part of the park can get quite lengthy, arriving later in the day should help avoid peak wait times. 

We stayed at campsite #70, and like the locale. Not necessarily the most private or secluded campsite, but it was along the river and nice and close to the bathroom— without being so close you have to worry about all the bathroom foot traffic. The campground is also an easy walking distance to the Hoh Visitor Center, so it was nice to set up camp and then go wander on over.

Extra things to know:

As an added bonus for any Twilight fans out there, getting from Rialto Beach to the Hoh Rainforest involves driving through Forks, WA. Yes, that’s right— the town in the Twilight series isn’t made up… it’s a real place out on the Olympic peninsula. While we didn’t catch a glimpse of any vampires, it’s always fun to feel like you’re in the pages of a book. 

If you’re planning to swing by the grocery store, you might find yourself out in a bit of a food desert. The Forks Outfitters Thriftway is about the only grocery store you’re going to find as you go from the beach towards the rainforest, so either make sure you have everything you need for dinner before you leave Port Angeles, or plan to snag food at this local stop. 

HOT TIP

As an aside, if you’re ever trying to snag a campsite on short-ish notice in a national park, the app ‘Campflare’ is a lifesaver. Campgrounds can fill up months in advance, and you can’t always count on the limited release (i.e. available 2 weeks, 1 week, 4 days out) sites to be available because those can go snatched-up-in-seconds FAST. 

You input the campground you’re interested in staying at as well as the dates you’re looking for, and you will get notified immediately if a campsite becomes available. We’ve only recently discovered this app ourselves, but we’ve had good luck with snagging campsites at both Rocky Mountain and Olympic National Parks. A friend was able to luck into three consecutive nights at the same campground in Glacier with only ~2 weeks notice. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but it is rather helpful to know about!

waking up to find Kayla under her sleeping pad instead of over it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Spruce Nature Trail & Hall of Mosses Loop

To round out a cool 24 hours in the park, sneak in one final hike before you hit the road. While Olympic is home to glaciers, they remain remains rather elusive on this trip as the 35 mile round trip hike to Blue Glacier from the Hoh Visitor Center isn’t exactly one-day-itinerary material. Instead, the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) and Hall of Mosses Loop (0.8 miles) make for a nice morning walk before you head out for the day. Even if your legs are feeling tuckered out from all the hiking the day before, both trails combined tackle less than 110 feet of elevation, so it truly is just a walk as opposed to a grueling climb.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and the dynamic duo of sister time plus a new park makes for a very fast day of adventuring indeed. Olympic National Park has an amazing array of beautiful scenery to take in. It’s so worth making time to visit on your next trip out to Washington. Have time for more than one park? Head over to the iconic Mount Rainier next, to check out some outstanding day hikes.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

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national parks travel

An Action-Packed Three Day Itinerary in the Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park is nestled in northern Colorado, just an hour and a half outside of Denver. With miles of scenic drives, countless alpine lakes, and mountains galore, you’re practically guaranteed gorgeous views and unforgettable days. With so much to see, an action-packed itinerary is all but guaranteed! Make sure you pack your sturdiest hiking boots and your favorite trail snacks because there’s so much adventuring to be done.

How much time do you need to explore? Depends on how much time you have! Since the park is relatively short drive from Denver, it’s totally possible to make a day-trip out of it. That being said, if you’re coming from out of town to really explore the park, we recommend at least three days. This will allow you to tackle a couple big hikes and traverse the different regions of the park.

Fast Facts About Rocky Mountain National Park

Size:  265,807 acres

Visitors: 4,434,848 visitors annually (data from 2021)

Highest Elevation: 14,259 feet at Long’s Peek

Camping: there are five campgrounds in the park, which welcomed 110,586 tent campers and 55,326 RV campers in 2022

Hiking: 355 miles of trails in the park

National Park Initiation: Established in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson

Rocky Mountain is huge and does have a truly beautiful range of landscapes, so three days gives you enough time to explore all the different areas of the park and really appreciate the topography. Regardless of the time of year you visit, you are sure to be blown away and humbled by the magnitude of mother nature in this charming pocket of Colorado.

photo of the Rocky Mountain National Park at the east entrance to the park, awaiting eager visitors and an action-packed itinerary

Getting into the Park: Timed Entry Permits

what is it?

From May 26th through October 22nd Rocky Mountain operates with a timed entry system, to better regulate visitors to the park. The purpose of the timed entry program, is not to limit the overall quantity of visitors into the park, but rather to help spread out everyone’s arrival throughout the day. Systems like this are in place at a handful of different parks to help diffuse traffic and crowding in high season. If you are visiting outside these dates, you won’t have to worry about any entry permits!

Rocky Mountain’s timed entry system has two options: either ‘Park Access’ or ‘Park Access +’. Bear Lake Road hosts a handful of rather popular hikes that increase the traffic to this area. If you are interested in visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, you will need to secure a Park Access Plus reservation, which will grant you access to everywhere in the park. If you’re not terribly keen on the hikes off Bear Lake road, the Park Access reservation will get you anywhere in the park, besides the Bear Lake Corridor.

The ‘Park Access’ permit is required for those arriving between 9am and 2pm. The ‘Park Access +’ pass is required for visitors accessing the park areas after 5am and before 6pm. If you plan to arrive outside of these hours, you will not need to worry about snagging an entry permit.

It’s worth noting, if you’re planning a multi-day trip to Rocky Mountain, you will need a Timed Entry ticket for every day you plan to be there.

how do i get it?

Both the Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are released on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can reserve your timed entry passes online here. The reservations become available according to the following schedule:

Planning a last minute trip and not seeing much available for entry times? Don’t fret! The parks system retains 40% of the available Park Access and Park Access+ timed entry permits to be released first-come, first-serve starting at 5 p.m. the night prior. For example, if I’m hoping to visit the park on June 5th, the remainder of the passes become available on June 4th at 5pm.

Camping

Rocky Mountain has five different campgrounds dispersed throughout the park, and they are POPULAR! There’s an online reservation system in place to help facilitate campsite booking, which is pretty user-friendly. Campsites open up 6 months in advance, and they go fast— especially for holiday weekends throughout the summer.

To help the last-minute-camper, they do a limited release for a handful of campsites, so there’s still hope you might be able to snag a campsite 2 weeks or 1 week out. We’ve also used the app Campflare before to help snag campsites people cancel. You set the campground, campsite type, and dates, and it will notify you immediately if something becomes available. Awesome resource!

Glacier Basin

Glacier Basin campground opens in late May and stays open until mid-September. If you’re planning to do lots of exploring and hiking in the Bear Lake area of the park, this campground will have you perfectly situated for all of your alpine lake and waterfall adventures. You can scope out availability as well as more information here.

Longs Peak

This campground has limited availability for use due to its higher elevation and increased snowfall. It typically opens mid-summer and closes in early fall (dates vary here more than the other campgrounds). You can check here to see if the campground is open yet. It’s worth noting, this is the only first come, first serve campground in the park (i.e. will not be available for online reservation).

If you’re keen to stay near the Long’s Peak trailhead but find the campground still closed, there’s other options! While staying in Estes Park wouldn’t be too lengthy of a drive, the Dao House is only 7 minutes away form the trailhead. This is super convenient if you’re looking to streamline an early morning hike. We stayed at the hostel-part of their lodge, in lieu of camping, but they have “normal” hotel rooms and cabins available as well. We really enjoyed it!

Moraine Park

The Moraine Park Campground is the only campground you’ll find open year-round. That’s right, if you feel like riskin’ it for the biscuit during the winter season, you’ll be able to bunk down in Moraine Park. You can find more information as well as availability here.

Timber Creek

Timber Creek Campground is the only campground on the west side of the park. It’s perfectly situated between the Alpine Visitor Center and Grand Lake, making it a nice spot to base out of for all your west-side exploring. Timber Creek opens in late May and closes up shop in late September. You can check out availability here.

Aspenglen

Just past the Fall River entrance to the park, the Aspenglen Campground opens in late May and hosts eager campers until late September. As you might imagine, this spot provides easy assess to the Fall River area trails. This campsite has the convenience of being close to Estes Park, on the more-popular east side of the park, while being a bit smaller and more secluded than Moraine Park and Glacier Basin. You can find campsite information and availability here.

We tent-camped on site A in the A Loop and loved the little slice of peace and calm (with amazing bathrooms nearby). Definitely recommend!

just so ya know

If you have a camping reservation for Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, or Timber Creek Campgrounds, you do not need an additional timed entry permit to enter the park. A timed entry permit is included with your campground reservation— you will be permitted in the park beginning at 1pm. The Aspenglen and Glacier Basin campgrounds will provide ‘Park Access+’, while those staying at Timber Creek Campground will have ‘Park Access’ (see map above for access location differentiation). If you plan to arrive any earlier than that, you would need to snag a separate, additional entry pass.

If you’re more keen to explore the backcountry, all of those wilderness permit reservations can also be made on recreation.gov here.

Pack Your Sack

An all inclusive packing list is difficult to detail at length as it truly depends on the time of year you’re visiting— as well as what trails you plan to hike. For example when we visited in late May, some trails were dry while others were rather muddy and others yet still had a couple feet of snow. Regardless, there’s a few staples that are nice to have:

A light jacket

Whether it’s cool at the summit or you’re just keen to ensure you stay warm on your snack/view break, you won’t regret bringing a little jacket along.

Trekking pole(s)

I didn’t used to feel like I needed these, but they can be SO CLUTCH when you’re tackling some serious elevation. I personally am more of a one pole gal, but pack whatever you need!

Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool will keep your feet warm when you need it to, but there’s so much more to it than warmth! They are generally a more supportive material to have hugging your foot for hours on end, and if you do find yourself with wet feet, merino wool will still keep you warm, even if you get it wet.

Layers

This is less specific, but generally speaking it’s nice to have a tank top + short sleeve + long sleeve + jacket outfit as opposed to just wearing one thicker shirt or jacket, just because temperatures can fluctuate throughout the hike. It’s nice to be able to adjust accordingly!

Hiking Boots

You’ll see plenty of people risking it all in their trainers, but we really recommend packing your hiking boots or at the very least trail running shoes to ensure you’re properly equipped.

Yak Trax

Even in the summer?! You’d be surprised! The Long’s Peak trailhead is up at over 9,000 feet of elevation, so the snow there will last well into June. The extra grip is a savior when you’re tromping through the snow!

Water Bottle

Water is a must! Get a bladder for your daypack or fill your reusable bottle up to the bring. It’s always better to be carrying a little extra water in your pack than it is to find yourself parched out on the trail. While you’re at it, maybe throw in a Gatorade too!

Snacks

We made multiple-times-a-day trips to the Safeway in Estes Park, so you don’t necessarily need to bring a full meal into the park, but you should definitely plan to bring some snacks along with you on the trail! Everyone’s summit snack of choice is different. We love a little trail mix and protein bar to power us back up, but there’s nothing like a pack of Gushers to reward yourself for a job well done.

Estes Park

Estes Park is the city just outside the east entrances to the national park. It is beyond convenient to have a bustling town nearby. It makes meals and hydration easier to stay on top of— plus there’s plenty of shops nearby if you happen to forget anything. Our only word of warning would be that it can get busy around there… like drive-around-for-30-minutes-trying-to-find-parking busy. There’s some awesome local breweries and restaurants tucked in there, but the local Safeway also makes for a close and easy spot if you’re hungry and need food NOW.

Day 1

The first day in the park can be a lot if you’re arriving from lower elevation. Everyone adapts to the changes in elevation differently, but regardless, it’s never a bad idea to make sure you’re drinking lots of water and paying attention to any symptoms you might be feeling.

The name of the game today is alpine lakes! First stop? Park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to hike out to see Alberta Falls & Mills Lake. The falls are just before you hit 1 mile, so it’s a nice way to enjoy beautiful views along the way.

Distance: 5.5 miles round trip

Elevation: 825 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Up next? The Bear Lake Loop! This short loop makes for a nice easy jaunt with a beautiful view. The ease of the hike makes it popular for visitors of all ages. If you’re feeling a bit nervous about being active at elevation, you could always starts with this nice warm-up before embarking on the Mills Lake loop.

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

Elevation: 40 feet

Difficulty: easy

You can choose or or you can go see them all! The trail to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake splits off right from the Bear Lake Loop trail, so this makes for an easy add on, if you still feel like you have some hiking left. The milage and elevation progressively increase the farther you go, with Emerald Lake being the farthest down the trail. Beautiful lakes— plus you get to pull away from the crowds on the Bear Lake Loop.

Distance: 1, 2.2, 3.6 miles round trip

Elevation: 225, 425, 605 feet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 2

Now that you’ve got your feet under you, get ready for an early wake up that will take you for an amazing ride. Parking at the Long’s Peaks trailhead, get ready to tackle the beautiful hike to Chasm Lake. We visited in late May (over memorial day weekend), and we were rathered humbled by the snow still on the trail. Even being prepared with trekking poles and yak trax, the snow just inherently makes things a bit slower going. Even at a slow pace, it was an amazing hike with waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and amazing alpine views.

Picture below is the junction overlooking Peacock Pond, just under a mile out from Chasm Lake. The combination of thick snow and sheer ledge in the remaining portion of the hike had us hesitant to finish the last leg, but it would be such a no brainer in late summer or early fall.

Distance: 8 miles round trip

Elevation: 2,550 feet

Difficulty: hard

If you’re feeling a little tuckered out after a longer hike, the game plan for the rest of the day is far more relaxing. Trail Ridge Road connects the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park to the west, with breathtaking sweeping views and a staggering elevation of over 12,000 feet. If you feel like you still have a little something left in the tank, you can tackle the short (0.6 miles) Alpine Ridge Hike at the Alpine Visitor Center. If you make it all the way to the end of the road, you can also explore Grand Lake!

Day 3

How frisky are you feeling today? A real choose-your-own-adventure situation awaits. If you’re a big time hiker and can crush big hike days back to back, the Sky Pond hike is a must-do. You’ll want to start early, parking at either the Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge Trailhead and get on your way. This is actually more than a hike as there’s a bit of scrambling required towards the end.

Distance: 8.5 miles round trip (from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead)

Elevation: 1,700 feet

Difficulty: Hard

If your legs aren’t quite up for another long hike, but still want to saunter around, the Beaver Mountain Loop will be perfect. This hike explores and overlooks the Fall River area of the park. There’s a couple lookout points that take small detours from the trail and are so worth popping off for. Beautiful vistas from a new vantage point!

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip

Elevation: 850 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

The Sprague Lake Loop really is a hike for anyone with its handicap accessibility and gorgeous sweeping views. Even if your legs are feeling a bit tuckered out from a morning adventure, this easy and relaxing hike is largely paved making it the perfect spot for an evening walk.

Distance: 1 miles round trip

Elevation: 40 feet

Difficulty: easy

Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing destination for anyone looking to spend some time immersed in nature. It has the unique ability to enthrall the casual visitor, while providing all the thrill adventure-seekers may be looking for. We hope you have an amazing time exploring this gem. Happy travels!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

The Six Best Day Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier towers above the skyline at 14,411 ft elevation and is a snow-capped, breath-taking vision of nature year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels travel to come experience the trails and the accompanying views. The transcendent peak is visible in the distance from over 100 miles away, and is a beautiful reminder of the vast topography within the park. The different regions of the park offer unique viewpoints of Mt Rainier. When you’re exploring someplace new, you want to be sure to make the most of your time. We’ve outlined the six best day hikes in Mount Rainier… the hardest part will be choosing which one to do first!

Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned wilderness explorer, there’s abounding beauty for everyone to savor. The views make hikes of any length fly by and steep elevations feel worth it. Grab your trekking poles and pack your bags!

Five Mt. Rainier Park Regions

It comes as no surprise that the landscape varies in different regions of the park. With over 250 miles of trails, there’s enough forests, rivers, lakes, and streams to stay enchanted for weeks. Before you get hiking, it helps to get your bearings. Due to the sheer size of the park, trails are sorted into five different areas.

  1. Sunrise — Northeast
  2. Ohanapecosh — Southeast
  3. Paradise — South
  4. Longmire — Southwest
  5. Carbon River & Mowich — Northwest

The mountain for which the park is named stands tall and impermeable in the center. There’s no way to drive through the center of the park, but there are ample trails to explore its surroundings.

Our Six Favorite Hikes
1. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail

The Sunrise area of the park showcases the impressive rocky terrain on the northeastern side of Mount Rainier. The Mt. Fremont hike was one of the first hikes we took in the park as continues to be a favorite, with its 360 degree views from the old fire tower lookout. While it wasn’t easy, we didn’t find it to be too overbearingly challenging at 6 miles with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation, and we felt we were rewarded in spades with both the magnitude of Mt. Rainier as well as the seemingly endless stretch of green valleys to the north. It boasts one of the best Rainier summit views in the park!

Mt. Fremont is one of the six best day hikes in Mt. Rainier national park with its sweeping views
2. Burroughs Mountain Trail

The Burroughs Mountain Trail also stems from the Sunrise Visitor Center and stretches 9 miles, tackling nearly 2,500 feet of elevation to climb the three Burroughs. Even if you don’t go the whole stretch you will be privy to beautiful views throughout, with the second Burroughs mountain, showcasing spectacular views of Mount Rainier as well as the Emmons Glacier. While wildlife spottings are never guaranteed, we’ve seen goats, marmot, and deer somewhat regularly. Last time we were in the park we even saw a bear. Definitely a trail for a hardier hiker, but so worth it!

3. Silver Falls Trail

A bit easier on the knees, the Silver Falls Trail in the Ohanapecosh region of the park is a very palatable 3 miles round trip. Compared to many other trails in the park, it’s relatively level, with about 500 feet of elevation gained in total throughout the hike. This makes it a more popular hike for families and hikers of all ages. The trail follows the Ohanapecosh River, and makes for quite the sight as the icy glacier water tumbles through Silver Falls. Another fun bonus, this is a loop trail (as opposed to going out and back along the same trail), so you will get to enjoy different forestry scenery on your way back.

photo via www.nps.gov
4. Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail Loop is in the, very aptly named, Paradise area of the park. This little slice of heaven is the most popular among visitors and for good reason. The colorful meadows and running streams are just as idyllic as they sound, and it’s equally beautiful as the warm hues of fall foliage roll in. As this trail is a loop, you have two options for your climb. If you tackle the trail clockwise, you will have a steeper but shorter journey up to the Panorama Point. If you’re keen on a more graded climb, you’ll want to tackle this trail counterclockwise. Regardless of how you get there, both the journey and the destination are worthwhile.

5. Mildred Point Trail

Making your way into the Longmire region of the park, set your sights on the Mildred Point via Comet Falls trail. This trail stretches almost 8 miles and climbs over 2,500 feet of elevation. Don’t let that intimidate you though! This hike is a true two-for-one special. About a mile and a half in, you’ll get to enjoy the enchanting waterfall at Comet Falls, followed by some heart-pumping switchbacks and a log bridge that will lead you to Mildred Point.

From your perch at the top of a meadow, you will have an unfettered view of the ever-lovely Mt. Rainier. You really can’t beat the diverse landscape of this hike with its rushing waterfalls, flowing rivers, charming bridges, and endless meadows… all with Mount Rainier as a stunning backdrop.

photo via www.nps.gov
6. Tolmie Peak Trail

Gotta save the best for last! At the end of a 15 mile-long dirt road you’ll find the beginning of the Tolmie Peak Trail, right alongside Mowich Lake. This hike exudes etherial beauty with its sweeping views of Eunice Lake, rolling alpine peaks, and a snow-covered Rainier. The cherry on top? Tolmie Peak houses another fire-tower lookout, which guarantees a panoramic view. This hike covers about 5.5 miles and over 1,500 feet of elevation, making it moderately difficult, but certainly doable!

But Wait, There’s More

The National Park Service Website has a complete list of trails, up-to-date trail conditions, and information regarding the various campgrounds. As an outdoor enthusiast, I generally love being outdoors, but I’m rather partial to a hike that ends in a gorgeous view. My favorite aspect of the AllTrails website is that you can see pictures other hikers have taken, to better grasp the hard-earned view you’re hiking out for. 

As a note: whatever trail you choose, be sure to stay on the trail— no creating new short-cuts! Even though it seems small, if everyone trampled the meadows a little, the collective damage would be massive.

Packing your Day Pack  

Can’t crush your hike without your day pack! There’s nothing like being stoked for an awesome day hike, only to realize half-way in that you don’t need half of what you’re carrying. Even worse is when you realize you forgot something crucial! Due to the snowfall Mount Rainier National Park receives every year, this list would be more extensive for winter months. We have you covered for all your late spring, summer, and early fall hikes.

Jacket—  this is top of the list for a reason… mostly because it will be unnecessary for a majority of your hike. That being said, chances are, if you plan to spend any extended period of time at the peak, you will likely be glad to have it. Additionally, if there’s any chance of rain, it’s also not a bad idea to bring a rain jacket along with you as well. The weather can change quickly. Rain jackets aren’t heavy and they’re well worth it when the heavens open!

Camera — whether it’s a DSLR or an iPhone, the view is definitely something you’ll be glad to look back on later! 

Trail map — you can either download a trail map from the NPS website or grab one from the trailhead, but it’s always a good idea to have a map with you. The trails are well-kept and the signage clearly dictates which paths to follow for desired destinations. That being said, we are big ‘safety first, safety always’ gals, so it’s always a good idea to have a map, just in case you get lost! 

example of the trail map for the sunrise area trails

Snacks — our go-to hiking snacks are dried mango, fresh fruits (in mason jars so they don’t get smushed) & veggies. Who doesn’t love a couple handfuls of homemade trail mix?? There’s nothing like reaching the viewpoint and sitting down to take it all in, with a tasty treat.

Water — for an approximately 6 mile hike, we usually take 20-40 oz of water per person, depending on the day. This is not including the water bottles we keep in the car to drink from before and after the hike. We always like to ensure we have more than enough water to stay hydrated, without carrying around extra weight. 

Sunglasses — while sunnies are always a good idea for hiking, Mount Rainier has snow year-round, and snow tends to reflect the sunlight, sometimes making it feel even brighter out. 

Sunscreen — as you climb in elevation, the breeze can keep you cool and make you forget the sun is still beating down on you. Even if you sunscreen up before you depart, you may want to re-apply!

Headlamp — not necessary for shorter most daytime hike, but if you plan in hiking around sunrise or sunset, you’ll be glad to have a headlamp. While cellphones have flashlights that might suffice in a pinch, it’s safer and easier to hike with your light hands-free.

Chapstick — while this won’t necessarily make or break your hike, chances are you’ll be glad you have it. A chapstick with SPF is a bonus.

The 411 on Furry Friends 

Generally speaking, Mt. Rainier is a no dogs allowed park. The exception? The Pacific Crest Trail stretches along the west coast of the country and cuts through the park. As such, this is a technical caveat since dogs are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail throughout its entirety. That being said, all other trails (including the ones above) and campgrounds do not permit any non-service animal pets. 

The best time of year to visit? Later than you might think. It all depends on the longevity of winter… or rather how cold the spring season is! We’ve gone hiking fourth of July weekend, and had to change plans on the fly due to snowy trails. Mid-to late summer and all throughout fall would be the best time to make an appearance.

written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Tacoma, Washington. When she’s not fixing up tiny humans on the peds floor, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside— or crushing a home improvement project, as she has recently purchased her first home! Since moving to Washington, Kayla has maintained a plant-based diet— a feat largely unattainable by any other sister, but she makes it look *almost* possible with her I-can’t-believe-these-are-vegan chocolate chip cookies.


Categories
national parks travel

Everything You Need to Know About the Kenai Fjords

The Kenai Fjords National Park maintains a unique topography with its frigid water and flourishing forest, interwoven around millennia old ice and snow. The crown jewel of the park is the Harding Icefield, with over 30 glaciers stemming from this remnant ice sheet. These historic glaciers carved out fjords, leaving behind the deep, narrow inlets the park is named for. Here the ice age lingers at the intersection of cautious exploration and intentional preservation. With such diversity, there are many ways to gain an appreciation for the pristine, immense wilderness, so we detailed everything you need to know about the Kenai Fjords, to help make the most of your time.

Alaska is home to eight national parks, and the Kenai Fjords is arguably the most accessible park in the state, only two and a half hours away from Anchorage— Alaska’s largest city. Not only does the park itself have a worthy draw, but the Kenai Fjords are the beloved backyard of Seward, a popular fishing town on the Kenai Peninsula. Between the two, this pocket of Alaska is a must-visit for anyone keen to experience the beauty of pristine, immense wilderness!

Fast Facts About the kenai fjords National Park

Size:  607,805 acres

Visitors: 411,782 visitors (data from 2021)

Distance from Anchorage: 130 miles — 2.5 hour drive

Became a National Park: December 2nd, 1980

Most unique feature: the Harding Icefield — over 30 glaciers stem from this icefield!

While park stretches into a vast expanse, we did our best to explore as thoroughly as possible. From float planes to kayaks to good ole fashion boots, we set out to see everything there was to see. Below we have detailed your hike options, all of the various tours available in the area, and ways to ensure you catch a glimpse of the unique wildlife — as well as all the tips and tricks to ensure you have the best time.

Up, Up, and Away  

Nothing like catching a bird’s eye view! Due to the expansive nature of the park as well as the hardiness of the topography, a plane tour can be a fantastic way to experience the lay of the land, from a bird’s eye view. We were headed to the Seward area via Moose’s Pass, so we stopped by Scenic Mountain Air for a float plane tour. The hour-long jaunt explored the south-central Kenai Peninsula. From our vantage point, we were able to see the Harding Icefield, Chugach Mountains, endless lakes and waterfalls, as well as a handful of wildlife sightings. My favorite spot to see was Bear Glacier Lagoon and the many icebergs it houses.

If you’re looking for a flightseeing option a bit closer to Seward, Seward Air Tours is a small plane experience with eight different tour options to choose from. If you’re keen to chopper through the skies, Seward Helicopter Tours offers not only a flight tour but they also have an option to go dog sledding over a glacier. While we didn’t do this in the park, we did something similar near Girdwood at Punchbowl Glacier and can attest that it is so beyond cool. 

These Boots Were Made for Hiking 

Having already appreciated the park from above during our float plane tour, we were excited to explore with our boots on the ground. The hiking options in the park are limited to the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail and the Harding Icefield Trail. Basically you get to choose between very easy or very challenging.

Trekking out to the Harding Icefield is a 9.2 mile out and back trail that tackles over 3,600 feet of elevation. During the summer months there can be ice and snow on the trail, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Even in later summer or early fall months, consider bringing spikes if you plan to walk on the icefield once you arrive. This rugged trail is prime real estate for all kinds of wildlife sightings, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! 

If you arrive at the park around 10am or 2pm, park rangers lead walking “tours” along the Exit Glacier Overlook trail. While the 2.2 miles of trail doesn’t take that long to hike, they provide additional commentary and insight regarding the park, evolution of the glacier, and local preservation. No advanced registration is needed, and there’s no cost associated with the walking educational opportunity. 

For travelers that live by their own set of rules, the trail is easily navigated independently and the views are just as spectacular! As you walk out to the glacier overlook viewpoint, you will notice low-profile makers with years on them. These denote where the glacier extended to at various points throughout history. It’s one thing to hear how our glaciers are melting but another to see the receding line for yourself. Regardless of whether you go with a group or explore solo, the Exit Glacier is humbling to experience. 

Whatever Floats Your Boat 

Exploration by land, by air, and next up: by sea! We went adventuring with Major Marine Tours and loved it. Their Kenai Fjords Wildlife tours run for four hours, six hours, seven and a half hours, or eight and a half hours. We opted for a four hour tour (mainly because we were going as a family and our dad doesn’t always fare well on boats). While the longer tours will dive deeper into the park, we felt four hours was a perfect amount of time to see glaciers, fjords, and an outstanding breadth of wildlife. Our favorites were the puffins, humpback whales, seals, and mischievous otters. It was so thrilling to see these guys out in the wild. 

What to expect? Upon entry on the boat, each group was assigned to a “home base” table, to store their things at and use as they pleased. In addition to the tables, there was ample space inside the boat as well as on the decks for people to observe as they pleased. And observe we did!! The captain was fabulous and any time we were near any sort of wildlife that may be of interest, he would linger (at an appropriate distance) to ensure everyone had an opportunity to see. They had snacks and drinks available for purchase, but you can also bring your own food and drink on board with you as well. 

Major Marine Tours boat in the dock: good to show you everything you need to know about the Kenai Fjords
Paddle Powered 

For a more immersive boating experience, hop in a kayak! If you’re not a big kayaker, it can certainly feel intimidating to be out in such a tiny boat; however, it is immensely serene to feel so small in the magnitude of nature’s magnitude. The interaction with nature is so much more intimate, with curious harbor seals popping their heads up a couple feet from your kayak– checking out what you’re up to. 

We embarked on this adventure through Miller’s Landing, and wholeheartedly recommend them! Full disclosure, we suited up for a dusk kayaking trip to Bridal Veil Waterfall, so technically we stayed within the confines of Resurrection Bay and didn’t quite make it into the national park waters; however, this was more than enough adventure for us. They do offer all kinds of full day kayaking trips for more committed paddlers. Regardless of your paddling destination, it is humbling to experience the fjord environment and wildlife in this way. 

The 30-Second Scoop on Seward 

The Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center is actually located in the heart of Seward, making it very centrally located; however, not where you might expect to find it. Be sure to stop in and chat with a park ranger, stamp your national park passport, and collect any park mementos. While it’s not the true visitor center, the Exit Glacier Nature Center is a visitor center-like building near the trails in the park, so it’s not completely wilderness out there!

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you have loads of restaurants to choose from. The Lone Chicharron Taqueria is going to have some fantastic tacos, while Gold Rush Bistro boasts an impressive bowl of clam chowder. Sweet Darlings has chocolates and gelato that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re looking to crack open a cold one, Seward Brewing Company is an awesome local craft brewery. 

Sampling different restaurants was easy because Seward is pretty compact. The main populus of the city stretches about a mile and a half long and is rather walkable. However, if you struggle with mobility impairments, Seward has a free shuttle to aid in transportation (and exploration!).

A majority of Alaska’s national parks are reachable only by bush plane and/or boat. Not only are the Kenai Fjords a breathtaking reflection of the wilderness Alaska is hailed for, but the accessibility of this park only adds to its charm. Any additional plane or boat trips taken once you arrive only add to the fullness of the experience.

If you’re eager to encounter more of Alaska’s astounding natural beauty, Denali National Park and Preserve is less than five hours outside of Anchorage, and boasts grandiose heights as the highest peak in North America. You won’t regret adding this mammoth park to your Alaskan bucket list. Happy travels!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

Making the Most of Your Time at Voyageurs National Park 

Explore the boundary waters up at Voyageurs— Minnesota’s only national park! With over 218,000 acres, there are endless nooks and crannies in this forested wetland. The network of rivers, streams, and lakes account for approximately 40% of Voyageurs National Park, however, much of the remaining land is accessible only by water. The interconnected waterways create a mosaic for eager visitors to explore. Whether you’re keen for a day out on the water or intrigued by the Northern lights, here’s to making the most of your time at Voyageurs.

This is a perfect spot for a relaxing long weekend adventure, enjoying nature. From our favorite campsite to maximizing your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, we’ve got the scoop on this aquatic maze.

Enough Visitor Centers to Go Around

First stop? The visitor center! Voyageurs actually maintains three different visitor centers in distinct regions of the park. Rainy Lake is the farthest north and is the only visitor center open year-round. Kabetogama Lake and Ash River are both open seasonally, from May through September. Each center has its own boat launch, so the assorted locations help visitors access the various areas of the park with ease. Regardless which one you visit, be sure to get your national park passport stamped!

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Much of Voyageurs is either water or land only accessible by water. This means a boat is pretty essential to getting the full Voyageurs experience. From kayaks and canoes to pontoons and wakeboarding boats, you’ll see a variety of fun being had. We did a bit of a road trip adventure up to Voyageurs, and didn’t want to deal with a trailer when we were exploring some of the more touristy cities, so we just strapped a canoe to the roof of the car! 

Perhaps you’d rather not deal with the hassle of bringing your boat along or maybe you’re keen to have someone else drive the boat– regardless, you have some options. If you’re interested in learning some fun facts while you float, the national park service offers a few different tours to help everyone explore. Otherwise, a comprehensive list of local guides and rentals can be found here. 

Hiking 

While Voyageurs isn’t hailed as a hiking destination, there’s a couple of hikes worth exploring.  If you’re up near Rainy Lake, the Oberholtzer Trail is an easy, under two mile hike that will allow you to experience nature from a different perspective. Closer to the Ash River Visitor Center, you can wander through three miles of aquatic ecosystem views on the Blind Ash Bay Trail. These hiking trails are a great way to enjoy a bit of solitude as well as some potential birdwatching if you’re lucky! No doggos allowed on the trail though, so you’ll have to rock this walk by yourself or with some human pals. 

Unique Sights

Each pocket of the park has its own little adventure that awaits. Just north of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, you’ll find Little American Island. You can take a self-guided tour and see mentos of an old mining era. About five miles north of the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and only accessible by water, you will find the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Originally created by Jack Ellsworth, the garden is a collection of unique rock sculptures and formations, surrounded by thousands of colorful blossoms.

Most easily accessible by the Ash River Visitor Center, Kettle Falls is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Canadian border. This part of the park is home to a historic hotel. Their motto is “Tough place to get to….. But well worth it once you get there!”

Camping 

Voyageurs is pretty unique in that all campsites are accessible exclusively by watercraft. You can make your camping reservation online, which is not only convenient but also a fab way to scope out all the various sites. Voyageurs doesn’t have a campground so much as it has loads of unique individual campsites. We stayed at Sphunge Island West, which is a little over a mile and a half from Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.

If you don’t have a motorized boat and plan on canoeing, this is a perfect site as it’s a very reasonable distance to traverse with all of your camping stuff on board. There was only one other campsite on the island, and with no overland path to reach them, you really do feel like you have a little lake island to yourself. Most importantly, our campsite’s beach faced north, so we had a perfect view of the northern lights in the evening. Not all campsites are so ideally located, so be sure to investigate your campsite thoroughly before making any final decisions. As a bonus, pets were permitted at this campsite, so we were able to bring our dog! 

As a note: While canoe voyages greater than 1.5 miles are beyond feasible, it’s worth noting, there are other motorized boats out tubing and zooming around. When we were in the ‘open bay area’ if you will, it made me grateful we picked something as close as we did. It would have been doable, but I would have been a bit nervous to embark on a much longer canoe trip, with all our backpacks and camping stuff in the boat. 

Northern Lights

Voyageurs is certainly home to serene, natural beauty; however, if you have spent any amount of time adventuring around on lakes before, you might be looking for the extra-special-something to make this experience unique. While it’s impossible to guarantee, visiting Voyageurs when there’s a high likelihood of the aurora borealis making an appearance will take your usual lake-life experience to an ethereal level. 

The University of Alaska in Fairbanks has an aurora forecast website that monitors geomagnetic activity to provide predictions of when the northern lights are most likely to make their appearance. We found this to be rather beneficial as we were planning our trip. When we arrived, we stopped at the visitor center and spoke with the park ranger, and she recommended the My Aurora Forecast app as a way to more closely monitor your likelihood of seeing the lights, in real time. It gives you a pretty accurate prediction for when you might get some magical dancing light action. 

making the most of your time at Voyageurs by staying up for the northen lights

For us, watching the Northern lights dance across the sky was the ultimate highlight of the trip. While the lights tend to be more common to see in the winter months, we visited in early September and were treated to a wondrous light show. Happy travels and best of luck chasing down the magical aurora borealis!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

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national parks travel

Eight Unique Adventures To Have in Denali National Park 

Denali National Park and Preserve is home to not only the highest peak in North America but abundant wildlife as well. If you visit in the summer, the nearly endless daylight provides ample opportunity to maximize your exploration time. When you’re heading to a park as massive as Denali, it can be daunting to plan your trip. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, we’ve compiled a list of unique adventures to have, to make the most of your time in Denali National Park.

While the national park system certainly caters to the outdoorsy, adventurers of any tenacity can enjoy the beauty of the park. From breath-taking hikes to picturesque plane rides and all the sled dogs in between, you won’t regret visiting this humbling reflection of nature’s boundless might.

Fast Facts About Denali National Park

Size:  6.1 million acres

Visitors: 427,562 (data from 2022)

Distance from Anchorage: 240 miles — 4 hour drive

Became a National Park: February 26th, 1917

Most unique feature: Mount Denali reaches up 20,310 ft, making it the highest peak in North America!

As with any national park, nature’s beauty shows off in a surreal way. Below we have detailed eight unique activities to allow you a robust Denali experience. Denali National Park is a perfect embodiment of the stark, Final Frontier allure Alaska is known for. Here’s to happy adventures!

1. Hike Horseshoe Lake Trail

Depending on where you’re departing from, getting to Denali can be a way. If you’ve spent a couple hours in the car, and are looking for a nice hike to stretch your legs out, the Horseshoe Lake Trail is a perfect option. It’s an awesome hike for everyone in the family to get out and enjoy nature. 

Two miles goes by quickly, with all of the sweeping views. On this particular hike, we crossed paths with another group that saw three moose traipsing through. While we missed seeing them on our Hourseshoe jaunt, we ended up seeing at least one moose every day we were in the park and the surrounding Healy area!

2. Conquer the Mount Healy Overlook

The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a perfect hike to start the day with– the early bird gets the worm, and the early risers get an empty trail! We were after it by 7am, and didn’t see anyone else out on the trail until we were heading back down the mountain! The 7 miles and over 2,700 feet of elevation was an energizing kick in the pants. Once we made it to the top, it was hard to want to head back. Looking out at the horizon was as beautiful as it was peaceful.

While any hiker could certainly crush this route, the elevation and length kept some of the less outdoorsy members of our family away. Not a terribly technical hike but just lengthy… and the elevation a little cumbersome if you’re from the flatlands of Florida!

3. Grab a Bite at Morino Grill

When you’ve tuckered yourself out and need a bite, be sure to stop by the Morino Grill. It’s the only restaurant in the park, so they run the monopoly on sustenance for hungry hikers. The menu has all the hearty staples, so there’s bound to be something to hit the spot– especially since they maintain gluten free and vegan options.

It’s conveniently located next door to the Visitor Center, so it’s easy to get your national park passport stamped and snag any park mentos. Alaska’s tourism runs year-round, but the large majority of visitors arrive over the summer, so the Morino Grill is closed through the winter season.

4. Explore Denali from a Bird’s Eye View

Denali National Park and preserve stretches out to cover over six million acres. With such a vast magnitude, it’s impossible to see everything by foot. To expand your exploratory reach, a flightseeing tour can take you to new heights! This kind of aviation adventure was a humbling way to observe the magnitude of the Alaskan mountain range, see Denali up close, and appreciate the complete isolation of the Alaskan wilderness. While it’s guaranteed to be a breathtaking view regardless of what plane or helicopter you’re in, we explored with Talkeetna Air and could not recommend them more!

We actually landed on a glacier and were able to appreciate the immense landscape from the ground up. It is beyond humbling to realize how truly isolated one can be in the snowy Alaskan range– even in summer. 

5. Visit the Denali Sled Dogs

Denali National Park remains steeped in its traditional roots and has maintained their pack of sled dogs since 1922. The temperature of the winter can make machinery unreliable, but the dogs thrive in the cold. They have the intuition a snowmobile lacks, which becomes life-saving in a white out or when avoiding dangerous ice. You can meet these hard working boys and girls at the kennels, just under two miles from the Visitor’s Center. Not only are there puppies to meet, but in the summer, you can pretend to drive a sled and learn more about the dog sledding culture. 

6. Mush in the Park

While the park dogs will take your for a ride in the summer, they’re busy working in the winter time, so if you want a mushing experience, tracking down Denali Dogsled Expeditions is a must! They’re the only company that currently is permitted to offer dogsledding tours inside the park premises.

As we visited in the summer, this wasn’t an option, but we did have the opportunity to dogsled elsewhere. We can attest that it’s big cool to be pulled through the snow by eight very eager dogs.

7. Spend a Night Under the Stars

Looking for a fully immersive experience? Go camping! Denali doesn’t house a lodge with sleeping accommodations for guests, so if you’re looking to spend the night in the park, you better pack a tent! 

There’s six campgrounds to choose from, with a whole world of backcountry camping available as well. The Riley Creek Campground is the closest to the entrance of the park and houses a shower and laundry facility— which can be rather nice at the end of a long day. As an additional bonus, the Riley Creek Mercantile is right next to the campground. It maintains a supply of items such as water bottles, bear spray, sunscreen, and such. They also sell sandwiches and some pre-packaged food if you’re in a pinch.

Some campsites can be booked in advance while others are first come, first serve only. You can find out more information about each campground here, to ensure you arrive prepared.

8. Bus or Bust!
Intra-Park Transit

There’s only one road through Denali National Park, so in order to mitigate traffic and parking snafus, there are free busses that transport visitors about 15 miles into the park, with their final stop at Savage River. If you’re keen to explore a bit further into the park, there’s an alternate bus options that will take you the rest of the 92 miles along Denali Park Road. This bus system has a nominal fee, depending on how far you plan to go. Both of these options are non-narrated bus rides, existing exclusively for transportation needs. As such, riders are free to disembark and re-board different buses as they please.

Narrated Tours

There’s a bus ride for everyone! For anyone less keen on transportation to a remote hike and more interested in a cultural history lesson, there’s a trained naturalist waiting for you. These tours run anywhere from 4 hours to 13 hours, depending on how deep into the park you’re looking to adventure. These bus options can be thought of as more of a paid tour— i.e. it will not stop at campgrounds and is not designed to ridden in a hop on/hop off style.

The Denali Park Road is 92 miles long, but landscape anomalies can close the road down, so be sure to check conditions out before you go.

two sisters in front of the Denali National Park and Preserve sign with eight unique adventures to be had in the park

Denali National Park and Preserve boasts some outstanding feats of nature, and we had such fun exploring the little slice we did. We stayed in this region for two nights and felt it was a perfect amount of time to explore the park and surrounding area. Our stop in Denali was part of a two-week road trip, exploring a beautiful sliver of the gargantuan state of Alaska. Check out the full itinerary here. Happy travels!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

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national parks travel

Discovering the Wild West in Arches

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 arches as well as a myriad of other astounding feats of nature. Conveniently placed near Moab, outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds find themselves drawn to explore the curious rock formations. Whether you’re planning an Arches-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret adventuring to Moab and discovering the wild west that Arches showcases with such grandeur.

Not only are the various arrays of arches just incredible to see and stand under, but the views from the park, with the La Sal mountains in the backdrop, are astounding as well. Arches National Park is an incredible testament to the power and simple beauty of nature.

Fast Facts About Arches National Park

Size:  76,519 acres 

Visitors: 1,806,865 (data from 2021)

Highest elevation: 5,653 feet at Elephant Butte

Distance from Moab: 13 miles — 20 minutes

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 240 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: November 12th, 1971

While you could totally spend a week in Moab, between Arches, Canyonlands, and all the other fun Moab is known for, one or two days planned specifically for Arches National Park is enough to hit the highlights and feel like you robustly experienced the park. We tend to enjoy an action packed day, so the ideal itinerary might vary from person to person. Fitness level, time of year, and one’s desired Arches bucket list are all going to be factors that dictate just how long you should allot for this astounding and fantastic park. Below we have detailed how to ensure you are allowed into the park, our favorite hikes, the best spots to stargaze, and the scoop on camping in the park— as well as a handful of tips and tricks to ensure you have the best time.

Securing Your Timed Entry 

Where to start? Let’s make sure you make it in the door! From 2009 to 2019, visitation to Arches grew over 66 percent, with most people arriving during the same peak hours each day. Due to this influx, the park has integrated an initiative to spread arrivals out (from 7am to 4pm) from April 1st – October 31st. The aim of the timed entry program is not to reduce the quantity of individuals visiting the park but to more evenly disperse their arrival throughout the day. 

What exactly does timed entry mean? Prospective park visitors can reserve a 1 hour slot in which they will enter the park. These openings range from 7am-8am to 4pm-5pm. It is important to arrive at the park within your window otherwise your entry may be denied. Taking a last minute trip and worried you won’t be able to get in? Additional tickets are made available at 6pm MDT the calendar day prior. If you are having technical difficulties and are unable to secure any timed entry tickets, your other option would be arriving at the park before 6am or after 5pm.

Hike It Out

We actually almost skipped the Delicate Arch Hike because we thought it would be overcrowded, and I am so grateful we didn’t. While the park is home to a myriad of arches, Delicate Arch just might be the most iconic. Not only is Delicate Arch massively impressive, but the La Sal Mountains in the backdrop make it a beyond picturesque view. My favorite moment in the park was standing under Delicate Arch, looking out at the mountains. If you only have time for one hike, this should be it!

The Devil’s Garden Hike is quite the catch-all trail as it leads to an array of different arches. We utilized this trail to go all the way down to the Double O Arch, stopping at the Dark Arch, Landscape Arch, and Navajo Arch along the way. The viewpoints were certainly beautiful, but this hike was worth doing just for the views of the horizon. We also found some of the climbing and scrambling to be fun and adventurous. 

It cannot be said enough, be sure you pack yourself enough water. Due to the long, unshaded nature of this trail, going earlier in the day is especially advisable, but if you are hiking in the afternoon, ensure you are prepared.  

Campgrounds 

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground available at Arches National Park. As such, its busy season is quite busy, and the 51 campsites go like hotcakes. Campsites can be reserved up to six month in advance between March 1 and October 31. In the low season, campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campground facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and everyone’s favorite… flush toilets!

Hankering for a Snack 

There is no lodge or restaurant in Arches, so be sure to bring along all the snacks and meals you might need. Arches’ close proximity to Moab makes tracking down sustenance daily easy. Grocery stores like City Market are the perfect way to make sure you have everything you need before embarking on your adventure. When you’re done exploring, nothing hits the spot like a cold treat on a hot day. There’s a handful of tasty-looking shops, but we can confirm that Moab Frozen Yogurt is a delightful little dessert desert oasis.  

Starry Eyed

On a clear night, you can see the stars almost anywhere in the park. Areas off the main road prevent the headlights or people coming and going affecting your night vision and photographs. The farther north you drive into the park, the darker the sky will be. We initially drove to the Petrified Dunes Viewpoint but found the light pollution from Moab to be disruptive, so we hopped in the car and drove a bit farther to the Balance Rock picnic area.

While these points aren’t terribly far from one another, it made a huge difference in visibility. The best spots to stargaze are at Balance Rock, just past Balance Rock at either the Windows section or the Garden of Eden, and at Panorama Point. 

If you have a flashlight or headlamp with a red light setting, bring it along! White lights can be harmful to your night vision, but the red lights are much more gentle. This is also respectful to any photographers out trying to capture pictures of the stars. Due to the long exposure necessary to photograph the stars, extraneous white light can be disruptive. If you have any star identification apps, they may be able to help you find constellations as well as the Milky Way.

As a note, Canyonlands National Park is about 45 minutes away from Moab, and therefore the light pollution of Moab. If you are a night owl with the evening flexibility, the stars will be even more amazing at its gold-tier International Dark Sky status.

How are Arches Made? 

To be considered one of the park’s 2,000+ official stone arches, an opening of at least three feet must exist. This hole can stretch in any one direction, and there’s no requirement for width. For this reason, many of the arches in the park are so narrow, you might walk right past them as though it’s just a small hole in a stone. 

The rock that makes up much of Arches is different layers of sandstone. Water takes advantage of cracks in rock surfaces and wears the sandstone down into fins. The park only receives 8-10 inches of precipitation per year. This doesn’t sound like much, but if the park were to receive too much more rain, the sandstone would potentially erode so quickly that the arches wouldn’t be able to form. The rain and snow that fall at Arches is a perfect quantity to erode the underlying rock at a sustainable pace to create the gorgeous sandstone arches. 

The picture below are from the Arches Visitor Guide, which provides a more thorough explanation. If you have any additional questions about arches or any other geological features, be sure to ask a park ranger. We happened upon one whilst out on the Devils Garden trail, and found she was a wealth of information regarding various questions we had accumulated along our hike. 

Pets

Everyone loves their furry friend, but pets can be quite disruptive upon entry into a new ecosystem. For this reason, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pet all areas in the park. The only places pets are welcome is on established roads or in parking areas as well as in the campgrounds and picnic areas. They are not allowed on any other trails, overlooks, wilderness areas, or in public buildings in Arches. (Service animals are the exception to these location restrictions.)

While Arches isn’t terribly pet-friendly, nearby Dead Horse Point State Park and the La Sal National Forest are both more accommodating. 

Planning Ahead 

The Elements

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach.  

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Come Prepared

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned! 

Layers, layers, layers!! Despite the scorching hot temperatures during the day, the early mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly– plus the temperature can vary by elevation or lack of sun exposure (i.e. deep in a canyon). Even when visiting the summer, be sure to pack a few warmer layers! 

A walking stick or trekking poles are never a bad idea. These are beneficial for any hike, but I was especially grateful to have mine when hiking Devil’s Garden!

discovering the wild west in Arches on the Devils Garden trail with the La Sal mountains in the background

While all national parks are home to outstanding feats of nature, Arches is perhaps the most uniquely mysterious. While science has a perfectly logical explanation as to how arches are formed, it still feels like nothing short of a miracle to stand under Delicate Arch, looking up. We hope you have a chance to make it out west and enjoy Arches in all its glory.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

Adventuring In Awe at Zion Canyon

Zion was Utah’s first national park, and its luster has endured as it continues to be the most visited park in Utah as well as one of the most visited parks in the national parks system, with over 5 million visits each year. This 148,016 acre park has range, with abounding hikes for all difficulty levels as well as canyoneering, rafting, and rock climbing. Whether you’re planning a Zion-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret adventuring in awe as you explore the diverse topography and wilderness that make this vast park an unforgettable gem.

Not only is the canyon astounding, but there are so many adventures to be had! There’s not many guarantees in life, but Zion Canyon is almost assuredly guaranteed to knock your socks off and leave you saying “WOAH“.

Fast Facts About Zion National Park

Size:  232 square miles

Visitors: 5,039,835 visitors annually (data from 2021)

Highest elevation: 8,726 feet — Horse Ranch Mountain

Distance from St. George Airport: 45 miles — 1 hour drive 

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 170 miles — 3 hour drive

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 300 miles — 4.5 hour drive

National Park Initiation: November 19th, 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson 

Zion is truly one of our favorite national parks. You can see pictures and have some appreciation for the magnitude, but there’s nothing quite like going and experiencing it for yourself. While all land protected by the National Park Service is important and beautiful in its own way, some parks are just most engaging to visit than others. Sometimes spending just an afternoon wandering around is enough to wet your beak and feel as though you saw the gist. That will not be enough at Zion!!! Unless you grew up with technicolor canyons in your backyard, you’re going to need at least two or three days to adequately explore Zion Canyon. Below we have detailed all of our favorite hikes, where to grab a bite, how-to’s for navigating transportation, where to bunk down, and beautiful drives— as well as all the tips and tricks that will ensure you have the best time.

Top Hikes

If you’re going to Zion, crushing a few hikes is a must. The sandstone cliffs are as exhilarating to hike as they are gorgeous to observe. With over 90 miles of trails available to explore, the opportunities for exploration are endless. Below we’ve detailed a few hikes that especially stood out, but a more comprehensive list can be found here. 

Angels Landing 

While views abound throughout the park, there are a few hikes Zion is renowned for. The first of which is Angel’s Landing. This steep hike was once thought to be inaccessible to humans, hence its name. In the time since, it has become a well worn path, with chains for anxious hikers to hold onto as they make their accent. 

Due to this trail’s popularity, crowding started to become an issue, so the park launched a lottery permit system for interested visitors to throw their hat in the ring. While this does make the hike safer by diminishing the overcrowding, it also means some hikers that truly wish to hike Angels Landing are unable to.

For those that don’t win it big in the lottery, hiking to the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail provides a pretty comparable view. If you are hiking all the way up to Angel’s Landing, you must start the hike in your given time window. For those hiking to Scout’s Lookout, we recommend getting an early start— especially if you are visiting in the summer months.

The Narrows

An equally iconic hike, the Narrows is an adventurous trek through the most narrow section of Zion Canyon. It feels surreal to hike through the gorge, with sandstone walls stretching up thousands of feet, but even more unique, over half of this hike is spent walking– or rather wading– through the Virgin River. In the spring, the melting snow can make the water flowing through the canyon too dangerous for hikers to endeavor, so be sure to check the flow rate to get an idea of the feasibility of going. The Narrows closes down if the river’s flow rate exceeds 150 cubic feet per second (CFS). 

OOTD

Even when the conditions are right, you want to be dressed to impress. Regular hiking boots aren’t going to cut it here, and depending on the time of year, you might be glad to have a pair of bibs as well. Equipment rentals, such as Zion Outfitter, will provide canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, a wooden walking stick, and dry pants (as necessary). If you are considering doing any substantial portion of the water-trek, we highly recommend either packing or renting this gear as it can make or break your experience. 

Hike it Out

Most park visitors hike the Narrows bottom-up, and this does not require a permit. Hiking from the bottom up means starting at Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9) and hiking as far as Big Spring. The beauty of the bottom-up hike is that there is no specific viewpoint you are hiking to, because hiking through the canyon itself is the view. This means you could spend an hour hiking or you could spend all day! A true choose-you-own-adventure kind of hike. 

An early start to the day is advisable. Due to the popularity of this hike, it will get crowded. The silver lining is that even in the middle of the day, the farther you hike into the canyon, the less people you will see.

Watchman Trail 

Easy to access from the Visitor Center, the Watchman Trail is an excellent trail to get your feet wet with. The overlook at the top boasts 360 degree views, including Temples and Towers, the lower Zion Canyon, and Watchman Peak. The proximity to the Visitor Center is convenient to ensure bladders are empty and water bottles are full before departing. This is especially important for anyone embarking on a mid-day hike because this trail has zero shade.

The lack of shade makes The Watchman a perfect choice for an early evening hike. With sweeping views of the canyon, it makes for an awesome sunset spot. It’s not a terribly long hike, so it’s generally pretty feasible to safely descend before dark. No one knows your body like you do, so always make sure you feel safe and comfortable with your hiking plan!

Zion Canyon Campgrounds 

There are two campgrounds in the Zion Canyon region of the park, which offer a combined 293 campsites for campers to choose from. 

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground, the slightly bigger of the two, is only a ¼ mile away from the South Entrance of the park. While tent and electric campsites are available year-round, group campsites are only available from March to November. Amenities anyone? All campsites have a space for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Due to Zion’s illustrious draw, campsites fill up quickly and this campground requires reservations year-round. Mark your calendar if you’re keen to camp here because campsites become available six months in advance… and they will go fast! 

South Campground

South Campground is similarly convenient in location, only a ½ mile from the South Entrance of the park. Available March through October, tent, dry RV, and group campsites are available by reservation. Making a reservation is important as this campground is routinely full. Taking a more spontaneous trip? These campsites become available for reservation 14 days in advance, so even if the Watchman campground is full months out, it’s possible to snag a gorgeous, centrally located campsite. Your campsite includes a space for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and a fire ring.

Both of these campgrounds are alongside the Virgin River. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center upon arrival to check the water quality as bacteria blooms can be toxic.

Zion Lodge 

The Zion Lodge is located in the middle of the park, placing guests in the heart of the excitement. The longstanding lodge can be found on the National Register of Historic Places as it was built in the 1920s and has withstood the test of time… and fire! Abounding in historical character, the Zion Lodge offers 76 rooms, six suites, and 40 cabins for visitors to choose from. We loved the historic character of our little cabin abode.

The Scoop

Providing a robust experience, the Lodge also offers narrated tram ride tours late spring through fall. These tours traverse Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, showcasing keystone areas of the park with a colorful commentary throughout. As a note, this tram ride differs from the free shuttle rides.

If you’re more invested in zipping around, creating your own adventure, bikes are available to rent as well mid-March through November. Safety first, safety always! When you rent a bike, it will also include a helmet, safety vest, and bike lock. Additionally, all bikes are conveniently equipped with a front basket, safety lights, and a bell, so you will be prepared for all situations! 

A huge perk of staying at the Zion Lodge is that you are permitted to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive up to the Lodge (a restricted area to all other park visitors late spring through fall). This access is allotted via a code, which must be provided for gate entry. Why does this matter? If your Lodge reservation check-in is Monday at 4pm, but you wanted to arrive at the park and hike before your check-in time, you are able to park your car (for free) at the Lodge for that entire day. It is also convenient to be able to come and go from the park as you please without reliance on the shuttle.

The Shuttle Scuttle 

To minimize traffic through the park in busy months shuttle services run from March to November both in the park itself and in the adjacent town of Springdale. Both shuttles have nine stops. The shuttle in the park takes visitors to various areas in the park itself, while the Springdale shuttle transports people staying or parking in town up to the park entrance.

The Springdale shuttle service is more necessary than one might think due to parking in Zion typically being full by 8-9am. In the months the shuttles are running, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, so using the shuttle system is the fastest way to maneuver through the park– unless you’re keen to rent a bike! There are a plethora of shuttles running, so one is never waiting too long for their ride.

Staying hydrated throughout the day is incredibly important. Water-bottle refilling stations can be found at shuttle stops 1,2,5,6, and 9. 

Taking It Low & Slow

Many of Zion’s most popular hikes can be found along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; however, this section of the park only makes up a portion of the national park. Directly after crossing over the Canyon Junction Bridge a left turn will lead to the limited access scenic drive; however, if you continue straight, the road becomes Zion Park Boulevard also known as the Mount Carmel Highway. This winding road leads to some absolutely breathtaking views of the canyon. If you have time, you will not regret taking this drive.

Good Eats

In the Park

The lodge is centrally located in the park at shuttle stop 5, and features a couple restaurant options. The Castle Dome Cafe serves coffee and light breakfast bites in the morning as well as burgers and hot dogs and french fries throughout the afternoon. Some local microbrews can be found in the beer cart on the cafe’s patio.

The Red Rock Grill can be found within the main lodge itself, and it makes for a perfect spot to rest your weary legs while you chow down, with a variety of delicious plate options. We both devoured 1/2 pound burgers after hiking Angel’s Landing, and I can honestly say a burger has never tasted better!

Zion Canyon Village

Just outside the entrance to the park, you will find the Zion Canyon Village. This locus has a handful of places certainly worth visiting either on your way into or out of the park.

Happy Camper Market is a small scale grocery store, with everything you might need for your day’s adventure. When we hiked the Narrows, we planned to hike just about the whole thing, so we knew we’d be out past lunchtime. The pre-made sandwiches were a perfect mid-day meal. They also have a wide array of sports drinks if you need a little post-hike hydration.

Right next door, the Zion Canyon Brew Pub has both a restaurant as well as a beer garden area for weary hikers to rest their bones. While we didn’t sample any food here, we can recommend stopping by for a beer.

Sunset & Stargazing

The Zion Human History Museum is just north of the Visitor Center, and its patio provides great sunset views overlooking Bridge Mountain and the East Temple. Once the sun has set, the patio continues to serve looks, with expansive night sky stretched out above you. If you’d rather take a stroll as you take in the heavens, the Pa’rus Trail is an excellent option for both sunset and star gazers. Canyon Junction Bridge was once a lovely spot to watch the sun set, but it now has signs up prohibiting pedestrian loitering (park rangers will patrol the area around sunset to make people move). As mentioned above, the Watchman trail viewpoint makes for a panoramic view of the evening sky.

Despite all the rush of snagging a top notch sunset spot, Zion’s grandiose topography prevents visitors from actually watching the sun settle into the horizon. The sunset hour still affords enviable views as the cotton candy colored clouds and watercolor sky make for a gorgeous backdrop to the tangerine canyons as the sunlight fades. 

Zion goes to lengths to preserve the dark night sky that makes for excellent stargazing. Due to this dedication, there is very minimal outdoor lighting to illuminate your path, after the sun sets. If you’re planning to be out after sunset, be sure to bring a flashlight with you. 

adventuring in awe through ion canyon on the pa'rus trail
views a long the Pa’rus Trail

Kolob Canyon

In the northwestern corner of the park, you will find the Kolob Canyons. This part of the park clocks in at just under an hour and a half away from the southern entrance to the park, making it a less densely visited area. The Kolob Canyons are narrow slot canyons, permeating the Colorado Plateau, creating breathtaking peaks and cliff sides. 

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the Kolob Canyon experience, there is both hiking and camping available. The Lava Point Campground is open May through September, as weather permits. This campground sits over a mile high at 7890 feet elevation and has six primitive campsites available for reservation. This reservation system is newer and interested explorers should make a reservation over the phone at 877-444-6777. The campground lives up to its primitive description with only pit toilets and trash cans available to campers. 

Pets 

Everyone loves their furry friend, but pets can be quite disruptive upon entry into a new ecosystem. For this reason, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pet all areas in the park. The Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Visitor Center, is the only trail that permits pets. They are not allowed on any other trails, wilderness areas, shuttles, or in public buildings in Zion. (Service animals are the exception to these location restrictions.)

It’s important to bring water for yourself, but keeping your pet hydrated is equally important. The water in Zion is not always safe to drink though, so be mindful of what your pet laps up! 

Planning Ahead

The Elements

Be sure to check the weather before you go hiking– especially if you plan to hike a slot canyon, like the Narrows. Even little rain can be dangerous because water levels rise exponentially faster, making flash flooding a real risk. The National Weather Service monitors ten park areas in southern Utah for likelihood of flash flooding and issues each one a flash flood potential rating. Checking for likelihood of flooding as well as keeping an eye on imminent weather is super easy to do, and just might save your life! 

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach.  

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Come Prepared

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned! 

While Angels Landing is the only hike that requires a permit, activities such as canyoneering, backpacking, rock climbing, and rafting all require permits as well.  

Layers, layers, layers!! Despite the scorching hot temperatures during the day, the early mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly– plus the temperature can vary by elevation or lack of sun exposure (i.e. deep in a canyon). Even when visiting the summer, be sure to pack a few warmer layers! 

A walking stick or trekking poles are never a bad idea. These are beneficial for a multitude of hikes, none more-so than hiking through the Narrows. With the water moving around you, a walking stick increases your base of support and makes undesirable plops into the river less likely.

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but no picture truly captures how immense Zion Canyon is. The national parks system protects some of the most beautiful niches of the country, and Zion is a crown jewel in this collection. Let us know what you think of this immense testament to nature’s grandeur.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

Mesas, Mazes, Rivers, and More at Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park, a nearly 337,600 acre desert in southeastern Utah, is known for its rugged landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. As the largest national park in Utah, it boasts four distinct regions of the park, each with its own exceptional topography. With panoramic overlooks, towering spires, and a plethora of remote canyons scattered throughout, Canyonlands has range. Whether you’re planning a Canyonlands-only trip or hitting up all the national parks in Utah, you won’t regret exploring the unique landscape in this diverse desert wilderness: from mesas to mazes and everything in between. 

Below we will detail the three districts of the park, the best hikes, beautiful drives, and some excellent camping options— plus some of our best tips and tricks for making the most of your time at Canyonlands!

Fast Facts About Canyonlands National Park

Size:  337,570 acres

Visitors: 733,996 visitors annually (data from 2019)

Highest elevation: 7,180 feet — Big Pocket in the Needles District

Distance from Moab: 30 miles — 35 minute drive

Distance from Salt Lake City: 250 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: September 12, 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson 

The Districts 

Canyonlands has three separate districts that combine to form a truly diverse park— in addition to the two rivers that create the boundaries of each district (these rivers are considered a fourth district). Whether you’re excited to explore renown hikes or keen on a slice of remote silence, you’re sure to find adventure in this primitive desert ecosystem. 

Island in the Sky 

The ‘Island in the Sky’ district is aptly named as the mesa rests on a sandstone pedestal. Sheer cliffs elevate this district over 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Island in the Sky is the most popularly visited district, largely due to its proximity to Moab. 

Hikes & Sights

Whether you’re planning on spending a few hours here or a few days, there’s a myriad of overlooks and hikes to explore. The Mesa Arch Trail is a short, easy hike to a unique arch with a picturesque background. It also makes for a great spot to watch the sun rise! The Grand View Point Trail is an awe-inspiring hike with constant views for the entire nearly 2-mile hike. Similar in length and oftentimes less crowded, the White Rim Overlook Trail showcases a panorama of canyons with the La Sal mountains as a backdrop.

If you’re keen on mountain biking, the White Rim Road is an illustrious path for any biker up to the challenge. While the road can get rather steep and strenuous in some places, you will be afforded spectacular views in spades. The harder you work for it, the more rewarding it is!

For those with mobility-impairments that make long walks challenging, the Green River Overlook provides stunning perspective, without any wear and tear on the joints. Or perhaps take it all in from your car. Grand View Road stretches about 19 miles and makes for a meandering exploration of Canyonlands, coasting past many popular viewpoints!

Camping Out

There is no lodge in the park, so if you want to stay in the park, plan on camping. The Island in the Sky campground, Willow Flat, is open year-round and offers 12 sites, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Looking to get a room with a view? The gorgeous Green River Overlook is adjacent to the campsite. The nightly camping fee is a very reasonable $15 per site, and sites fill quickly in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Campground amenities include toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground. While there is no water at the campground, drinking water can be found outside the visitor center. 

The Needles 
Exploration station

Needles makes up the southeast corner of Canyonlands. It is named for the colorful spires that proliferate this region of the park. This part of the park is best suited for visitors with a bit more time on their hands as it’s a bit further of a drive from Moab than Island in the Sky— farther, but worth the drive! The extensive trail system in this district offers abundant opportunities for day hikes and overnight trips. Driving up to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook is an easy way to check out the northern part of the district, while hiking the Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail is a breathtaking way to explore the more southern region. 

Camping Out

The Needles Campground is open year-round and has 26 individual sites as well as 3 additional group sites. The nightly camping fee for an individual site is $20. Spring through fall, visitors can reserve individual sites and group sites, but the remainder of the year, these sites are first-come, first-served. This campground has toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground to facilitate your camping experience.

The Maze 

You won’t find a Visitor Center in the Maze as this part of the park is remote and all roads are unpaved. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must if you want to come exploring out here. Bring your patience and best boy-scout skills, because being self-sufficient in the outdoors is important to staying safe in this region of the park. This is no joke– the Maze is where Aron Ralston was stuck and his determined survival inspired the movie 127 Hours!

The most historically remarkable hiking in the Maze is to Horseshoe Canyon, renown for its historic yet beautiful American Indian rock art. Hikers make the seven mile trek to the ‘The Great Gallery’ to observe the intricately drawn, life-sized figures that act as a living memory to a bygone civilization. While we weren’t quite hardy enough to make the trip, it seems like a surreal experience to take in this slice of history. 

The Rivers 

The Colorado and Green rivers wind through Canyonlands, slicing through centuries of sandstone to separate the park into its three distinct districts. These rivers are generally calm, flowing south until they intersect at The Confluence. Both the Colorado and Green rivers are ideal for a canoeing or kayaking adventure— before they meet at the Confluence. Once combined, their subsequent flow through Cataract Canyon creates a world-class stretch of white water rapids. The rapids range from class II to V, giving adrenaline junkies quite the rush with its powerful speed. Unless you are very confident rafting, it’s always best to explore white water rapids with a guide!

from mesas to mazes the colorado river has carved through this desert landscape

Star Light, Star Bright

Staying in Moab and hoping to catch a glimpse of the starts? Canyonlands will provide the best views in the Moab area. While it is a bit more of a drive than nearby Arches, this extra distance means even less light pollution from near-by Moab. The starry night skies are actually so pristine, the park received a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park designation.

Pets 

Pet-companion trailblazing is limited at Canyonlands due to the sensitive desert ecosystem and extreme temperatures. Pets must be on a leash at all times when outside a vehicle, for everyone’s safety. Pets are welcomed at the developed campgrounds in Island in the Sky and The Needles districts and along paved roads. It is not permitted to bring your pet with you on any of the hiking trails or to the overlooks. While the backcountry does tend to be less populated, pets are also unwelcome on the backcountry rivers and roads.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach.  

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong. Sustained exposure will leave you burned!

If you’re keen on a bit more information, but don’t want to sift through the National Park Service Website, the Visitor Guide is an awesome resource with everything you need to know about Canyonlands in one place.

Canyonlands provides a cornucopia of opportunity for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, back country camping, rafting, or biking, outdoor recreation abounds. What adventure are you most intrigued to pursue out in this desert wilderness escape?

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.


Categories
national parks travel

Capitol Reef: Making the Most of a Beautiful Desert Oasis

Capitol Reef National Park is the youngest of Utah’s five national parks, with its inception in 1971. The south-central desert park is home to an impressive, nearly 100-mile Waterpocket Fold. This wrinkle in the earth’s crust breathes life into high desert ecosystems and some enduring historic orchards. Whether you’re planning a Capitol Reef-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret exploring the immense sandstone canyons and savoring breathtaking panoramic views that make this desert oasis unique. With so much to explore in this expansive yet underrated park, making the most of your time is a priority!

Not only does this area boast unique geography, but it’s also steeped in rich history. From historic farming practices to trails named after infamous outlaws, Capitol Reef remains intriguing.

Fast Facts About Capitol Reef National Park

Size:  243,921 acres

Visitors: 1,226,511 visitors annually (data from 2019)

Highest elevation: 8960 ft — in upper Deep Creek drainage near Billings Pass

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 220 miles — 3.5 hour drive

National Park Initiation: December 18th, 1971 by President Richard Nixon 

Below we have detailed our favorite hikes, beautiful drives, stargazing walks, where to bunk down, and an unexpected spot to grab a snack— as well as all the tips and tricks that will ensure you have the best time.Where to begin? Start by getting your boots dusty! There’s nothing like a hike to take in the sights and put yourself in the heart of nature.

Top Hikes

What’s a visit to a national park without a hike? Capitol Reef has dozens of hikes to choose from in the various regions of the park. We have highlighted a couple we loved and thought maximized hiking time— plus one on our list to tackle next time we visit. 

The Cassidy Arch Trail is a nice afternoon challenge, with an elevation gain just shy of 700 feet. It offers gorgeous views of not only the Cassidy Arch but of the waterpocket fold as well. Hiking to a viewpoint is always rewarding, but this hike showcases dramatic views the whole time! A few spots along the trail can be a little hard to follow, but the cairns placed throughout ensure no one wanders too far from the trail.

The Grand Wash Trail is an easy flat trail, with virtually no hiking to be done. With minimal elevation change, this long walk, is probably about as kid-friendly as it gets here. Easy to find, it starts from the same parking lot as the Cassidy Arch Trail. The Grand Wash Trail has been likened to the Narrow hike in Zion… without the water. It will make travelers of any size feel tiny in comparison to the staggering canyon walls. 

The Navajo Knobs Trail is one of the more strenuous hikes in the park, clocking in at a little over nine miles round trip and over 2,100 feet of elevation. While we didn’t have time to explore this stretch, the trek appears to more than worth it— delivering spades of top-of-the-world feels.   

Scenic drive 

If you’re less inclined to hike, perhaps a scenic road trip is more your speed. Capitol Reef offers a virtual “guide” of sorts, available on their website. This 8 mile drive takes about an hour and a half and takes visitors through some of the park’s highlights. Be sure to pull the webpage up before you leave (service can get spotty), so you can read a little background information and history on various spots along your drive. 

Perhaps you don’t have time for the full scenic drive but want to sneak in one last view before you leave? Two miles west of the Visitor Center, Panorama Point and Gooseneck Point stand 800 feet above the Sulphur River. These viewpoints showcase the millions of years of erosion it took to carve out the canyon. 

If you are going for an evening drive, you have certainly picked the correct place. Capitol Reef is a designated International Dark Sky Park due to the opportunity to experience near-pristine night skies. Visitors can snag night sky charts from the visitor center, to aid in stargazing. No gatekeeping the best stargazing spots— a list, organized by district, can be found here. 

panoramic view of the Waterpocket fold from the Cassidy Arch Trail in the desert oasis that is Capitol Reef National Park

Camping 

Capitol Reef National Park does not have a lodge or restaurant, so if you want to eat, pack a lunch, and if you want to sleep, bring a tent! There are three campgrounds in the park: one developed and two primitive. The campgrounds are each found in a different district of the park. 

Fruita Campground

The Fruita Campground is located in the Fruita Historic district, and it is open year-round. It is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. This campground might just feel like a slice of heaven, surrounded by historic orchards, with the Fremont River running nearby.

In this campground, there are 71 sites. Each site has a picnic table and either a fire pit or above ground grill (a handful have both), but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups. There are restrooms with running water and flush toilets; however, there are no showers. Campers visiting from March 1st to October 31st must make a reservation— up to 6 months in advance to ensure availability. For the remainder of the year, all campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Cathedral Valley Campground 

The Cathedral Valley Campground is exactly where one might imagine it, in the Cathedral Valley District— at the northwestern-most point of the park. This campground has six sites, each with their own picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. As this is a primitive campground, there is no cost or need for reservations. Campsites are available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s important to note, access to this campground requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, and is occasionally inaccessible due to recent weather. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to ensure you don’t encounter any undue surprises.

Cedar Mesa Campground 

The Cedar Mesa Campground is found in the Southern Waterpocket district, about 25 miles south of the Visitor Center. Up at a cool 5,500 feet elevation, this campground has five sites, each with their own picnic table and fire-grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. As this is a primitive campground, there is no cost or need for reservations. Campsites are available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis. Usually two–wheeled vehicles are able to access the Cedar Mesa Campground, it too will occasionally become inaccessible due to weather. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to ensure you don’t encounter any undue surprises.

Special Programs

Capitol Reef National Park offers a handful of programs to facilitate visitors’ exploration. Program availability fluctuates given time of year and current staffing. Check out the visitor center or campground bulletin boards for more details upon your arrival.

Kids and adults alike can learn more about the geologic story of Capitol Reef in a 30 minute Geology Talk from a park ranger. Guided hikes are less of a plan-in-advance adventure, and more of a see-if-it-works-out option. Hour and a half long hikes are led to various locations in the park, but be sure to stop by the visitor center for schedules and meeting points. 

Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way? Its International Dark Sky Park designation makes this a world class spot for stargazing. These tours usually run about thirty minute and are typically offered near the new moon, to maximize the dark sky. As the moon waxes back to its full muster, Full Moon guided walks are offered. These tend to be a little longer, running about an hour and a half. 

Orchards 

Capitol Reef is home to a few gorgeous orchards, bearing cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, and apples. Trees in bloom are always beautiful but in the middle of the desert, these fruit trees feel like an oasis. 

In the late 1800s, Latter-Day Saints planted thousands of trees in the fertile Fremont River Valley. The remaining trees are remnants of this pioneer community in Fruita, making these historic orchards the bearers of heirloom fruits. These orchards remain ignorant of current farming practices as they are maintained year-round with historic cultural irrigation practices, pruning, pest management, mowing, planting, mapping, and grafting. Prioritizing the robust preservation of these orchards remains an important goal for Capitol Reef National Park, as Fruita has been fondly nicknamed “Eden of Wayne County”. 

making the most of your time at Capitol Reef includes visiting the beautiful orchards and seeing all their blossoms
Snack Time

When the trees are bearing fruit, park visitors are allowed and encouraged to pick the fruit. You will know an orchard has ripe fruit, ready for harvest when you see a “U-Pick Fruit” sign. 

Fruit pick from the orchard must be paid for, but this done with ease with a self-pay station, scale, and fruit price list located near the entrance of the orchard. Caring for these orchards with historic farming practices is a time intensive job, so all proceeds of fruit picked is invested back to support the preservation of these historic orchards. 

Respect Mother Nature

A couple tree-care kindness reminders: do not climb the fruit trees or hang hammocks between them. While the unattainable apple at the top of the tree always looks the most delicious, you do not have to climb the tree to reach it. Ladder and pickers are available to help with the just-out-of-reach sweet treats. Additionally, an orchard sounds like the perfect place to string up a hammock and take a nap, but this is not permitted as fruit trees are easily damaged. If you are interested in learning more about these beautiful, historic orchards, you can do so here. 

The 411 on Four-Legged Friends 

In Capitol Reef, pets are permitted, but they are only allowed in the developed areas of the park, and must always be on a leash. Wonder what is included in this list of developed areas? More than you might think! Pet are permitted on the trail from the visitor center to the Fruita Campground, on the Fremont River Trail, in unfenced or unlocked orchards, in the Chestnut and Doc Inglesby picnic areas, in campgrounds, within 50 feet of roads (paved and dirt) open to public vehicle travel, and in parking areas open to public vehicle travel. Pets are not welcomed on other hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach.  

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong and sustained exposure will leave you burned!

Ridin‘ Dirty

If you are going down to Utah for a national parks tour, you won’t be disappointed to have rented a higher clearance car. We were able to get by with a sedan, but if we were to do it again, we would have a higher clearance car— especially for this park! Of the five parks in Utah, we found Capitol Reef to be the most rural.

Capitol Reef is visited less than some of Utah’s other illustrious parks, but that’s what makes it a perfect spot. With over 1 million people visiting annually, you will certainly see other visitors exploring , but the remote nature of Capitol Reef limits the crowds. Be sure to add this technicolor desert escape to your bucket list!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

Bryce Canyon: Home of the Hoodoos

Bryce Canyon is Utah’s second most visited national park, with over two million visits annually. Bryce is known for its extensive collection of hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and scenic tree lines. The unusual landscape is, at times, almost other-worldly. Not only is this park a feat of natural beauty, but this is also an amazing spot for star-gazing as the light pollution is negligible so far from a city. Whether you’re planning a Bryce-only trip or hitting up the Utah Big Five, you’re sure to be impressed with this testament to nature’s alluring artistry. With the largest collection of hoodoos in the world, this truly is the home of the hoodoos. 

I hope your boots are made for walking because there are truly endless sights to behold. Even if you’re not typically an early riser, you won’t regret peeling yourself out of bed to catch the sunrise over the amphitheater. It might just be the most breathtaking way to see the park!

Fast Facts About Bryce Canyon National Park

Size:  35,835 acres

Visitors: 2,354,660 visitors annually (data from 2022)

Highest elevation: 9,115 ft at Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 270 miles — 4 hour drive

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 275 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: February 25th, 1928

Below we have detailed all of our favorite hikes, all the best viewpoints, how-to’s for navigating transportation, and where to bunk down— as well as all the tips and tricks to ensure you have the best time.

Top Hikes

Regardless if you are planning on spending a few days or a few hours at Bryce Canyon, you will be able to hike your heart out! We have detailed a couple hikes we enjoyed, but you can find a complete list of hikes arranged in order of difficulty here. 

The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is the most popular trail in the park, but for good reason. The expansive scenery will leave you at a loss of words, while the towering canyon walls are staggeringly tall in a way that truly puts the magnitude of Bryce Canyon into perspective.  

The Rim Trail makes for a beautiful Sunrise hike. We woke up early and watched the sun rise at Inspiration Point and walked up to Bryce point as the sun began striking the hoodoos. This portion of the hike was perfect for our early morning hike, but the trail stretches 11.0 miles, stretching the perimeter of Bryce Amphitheater from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point.

the home of the hoodoos showcases a beautiful sunrise at Inspiration Point

Viewpoints

There are so many fantastic viewpoints that allow one to admire Bryce Canyon in its entirety. The rim along the canyon varies in elevation but is 9,100 feet at its highest point. This vantage point affords breathtaking views of unique scenery. The first few miles on the Main Road will take you past the Bryce Amphitheater, which overlooks, perhaps, the most iconic area of the park. There are four different viewpoints of Bryce Amphitheater, and any given stop is sure to delight. We’ve detailed a few of our favorite viewpoints in the park, but if you have time, be sure to check them all out!

From Bryce Point, we were able to delight in a water-color-esque sunrise, which makes for an enticing start to the day. While Sunrise and Sunset Point are not far from one another, Sunset Point offers a glimpse at the Thor’s Hammer rock formation. It’s important to note, while there is both a Sunrise and Sunset point, only the sunrise is visible in the part. The sunset creates an etherial watercolor painting in the sky, which is certainly beautiful in its own right, but the sun sinking into the horizon is not visible from Sunset Point.

Rainbow and Yovimpa Points are at the very southern end of the park, giving way to the Grand Staircase and an array of truly remarkable cliffs. At over 9,000 feet, this area has the highest elevation in the park, making it a delightful crow’s nest for observation. 

Campgrounds 

There are two campgrounds found in the Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition to these two areas, rugged backpackers are able to go backcountry camping along the Riggs Spring Loop and Under the Rim Trail. Camping along the trail requires attaining a first come, first serve permit, up to 48 hours in advance. The largest difference between backcountry camping and setting up camp at one of the campgrounds is the availability of “amenities” such as flush toilets, trash collection, etc. 

The North Campground can be found right across the street from the Visitor’s Center, so it’s hard to miss! This campground has 100 sites that are spread out over 4 loops. If you are planning to go camping May 27th through October 1st, you must make a reservation, up to six months in advance. If you are planning to visit October 2nd through May 26th, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

The Sunset Campground can be found not far from Sunset Point. This campground boasts 99 sites, divided into 3 loops– one of which is primarily for RVs, the other two, tent-camping only. This campground is available on a first come first serve basis April 15th through October 31st, and is closed throughout winter (i.e. the rest of the year)

Fees for campsites at either campground are the same, ranging from $20-30 per campsite depending on how you are camping– tent vs RV. 

The Lodge 

If your idea of rustic accommodations are less tent and more log cabin, the Bryce Canyon Lodge is the place for you. The lodge and cabins were built in 1925, and the exterior of the buildings has undergone minimal change in the time since they were built. These historic accommodations are available to visitors mid-spring through late fall. Due to its convenient location inside the park, rooms go quickly. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance.

photo via www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/lodging

Shuttle 

Bryce Canyon operates a free shuttle around the Bryce Amphitheater, from April 1st to October 23rd. No advance reservation required. The shuttle runs from 8am – 6pm with extended hours until 8pm from May 14th to September 25th. If you want to plan your inter-amphitheater shuttling, you can track the shuttles here. 

When the park gets crowded, this can be an awesome way to maneuver around without the classic fear of not being able to find a parking spot. This is also super helpful to any over-eager-turned-quickly-humbled hikers that might want a bit of a lift back to their car.

Pets 

In Bryce, pets are permitted, but they are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. The only “trails” they can go on, is the half mile section of Rim Trail that connects Sunset and Sunrise Points and the shared-use trail around Bryce Amphitheater. Only service animals recognized by the ADA are allowed to adventure off-pavement with their adventurous owner. Regardless of how good your good boy (or girl!) is, pets must be leashed at all times when in the park. 

If you were really feeling rather keen on a longer hike to tucker a doggo out, Red Canyon is not far, and its dog friendly trails afford their own charming views of the mysterious-looking hoodoos. While this Canyon area is not a National Park, it is managed and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. 

Park Entrance Fees & Passes 

Pass Type Cost
Single Vehicle

(Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle for 7 consecutive days—  aka keep your receipt if you plan to come back!)		 $35
Single Pedestrian or Bicycle

(Children under 15 years old are free; Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		 $20
Single Motorcycle

(Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		 $30
America The Beautiful Annual Pass

(entry into 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all National Parks) 		 $80*
Entrance fees are waived on Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, for the first day of National Park Week, for the one year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, for National Park Service Birthday, for National Public Lands Day, and for Veteran’s Day. 

* Free to past and current members of the military. See if you qualify here.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

If you have some walking poles, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring them along. Not a must-have item but they certainly might come in hardy for some of the more rugged hikes.

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach. Bryce Canyon is up at over 8,000 feet of elevation, so keep that in mind.

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned! 

Park Logistics

Don’t stress if you’re running a bit late for the sunrise. While the time for the sunrise is set according to when it rises over the horizon, the sun must rise a bit further to be visible over the mountains in the distance. This provides a nice cushion— especially if you’re trying to catch the sunrise over the summer.

If you’re keen on a bit more information, but don’t want to sift through the National Park Service Website, the visitor guide is an awesome resource with everything you need to know about Bryce Canyon in one place (including a map).

The hoodoos and spires that abound throughout the canyon are almost miraculously formed by rain, snow, and ice. If you have questions about anything, be sure to ask a park ranger for a more in depth explanation! They are truly an awesome resource.

While sunrise and sunset are generally known to be beautiful times of day, this is especially true at Bryce Canyon. The way the sun reflects across the hoodoos and spires makes it beyond worth-it to stay in the park to witness this kaleidoscope of color.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
national parks travel

Taking in Beautiful Crater Lake

Despite the state of Oregon being a cornucopia of etherial, natural beauty, it is home to only one national park: Crater Lake. Approximately 7,700 years ago, the 12,000-foot-tall volcano known as Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, forming the 1,943 foot deep Crater Lake. This is the deepest lake in America! Crater Lake has become renown for its beautiful, illustrious blue color, as the lake’s water comes directly from snow or rain, making it one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the world. Teeming with wilderness adventures year-round, a visit to Crater Lake is a must!

RIM DRIVE 

The Rim Drive stretches in a 33 mile loop, encircling Crater Lake. It boasts 30 overlooks, with each highlighting a different view of the lake, a remarkable geologic formation, or a noteworthy environmental feature.

While some of these stops have exhibits with information about the view, most of the pullouts do not have signage… just hypnotizing views with hundreds of shades of blue. Definitely leave yourself lots of time to drive around, because it’s rather hard not to stop at every pullout along the way!

ADVENTURES AWAIT

Summer/Fall

Lake Tour

This tour is a two-hour cruise. During this time, guests will circle the perimeter of the lake, affording up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and the sparkling depths of the lake itself. As the beautiful views abound, a ranger will share information about the Crater Lake’s history, geology, and culture.

The tour starts at the Cleetwood Cove Boat Dock on the north side of Crater Lake. To access the dock visitors must to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, one of the park’s steepest trails. The trail is 1.1 miles long and has a 700-foot elevation change.

Reservations can be made here.

Fishing

There are two species of fish that live in Crater Lake: Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. These fish are actually not native to the lake, so visitors are encouraged to fish. You don’t need a license and there’s no limit on how much you catch!

Visitors may fish along the shoreline any time, as permitted by the weather. The shoreline is reached via the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Trail.

Important to note: fishermen and women must use artificial bait, so as to not inadvertently introduce an outside species to the lake.

Hiking

While there are no hiking trails that encircle the lake, there are 16 day-hike trails in addition to five longer backcountry hikes. The hikes are stratified in categories of easy, moderate, and strenuous to ensure hikers of all fitness levels are equipped for outdoor adventure.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico up to Canada, and a portion of this trek crosses through Crater Lake National Park. The main trail primarily stays on the outskirts of the park, so you would only really find this trail if you were looking for it.

Winter/Spring

Skiing

The park features a variety of marked and unmarked routes for bold cross-country skiers. Adventure enthusiasts can choose a route through forests, along West Rim Drive, or to Vidae Falls along the East Rim Drive.

Crater Lake provides a park newspaper that provides an annual update on ski trails. Certainly worth checking out as you plan your wintery adventure.

While no ski equipment rental is available in the park, it can be rented along the way as you drive in. Call Waldron’s in Roseburg, OR at 541. 672. 8992 or Blackbird in Medford, OR at 541. 779. 5431 (Blackbird pricing available here) to reserve a pair of skis.

SnowShoeing

Never been snowshoeing before? New to Crater Lake? Trek through the snow with a Park Ranger and enjoy an off-trail exploration through the snowy forests and meadows along the rim of Crater Lake.

No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. The snowshoes are provided free of charge, and there is no cost for the tour (besides the cost of admission into the park).

These tours are available Saturdays and Sundays, December through April. Advance reservations are required. For more information or to sign up, you can call the park’s visitor center at 541. 594. 3100.

even in the middle of July, there’s snow on the ground!

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

When to Come

Generally speaking, the best months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September. Even in these summer months, you will see snow on the ground. If you’re planning to be in Oregon in October or June, you may want to check out the Crater Lake operations or alerts pages to ensure the roads are open. This part of Oregon receives an annual average of 42 feet of snow, so the Rim Drive roads are seasonally closed for the winter season. 

Visitor’s Center

Crater Lake maintains not one, but two visitor centers. The Steel Visitor Center is open year-round, whereas the Rim Visitor Center is only open in the summer months (May 22-October 31st). In 2021, the Rim Visitor Center was temporarily closed down due to COVID. Additionally, the Steel Visitor Center will also be closed through the end of 2022, to complete renovations to the building structure.

SLEEPS 

Crater Lake Lodge

Open mid-May to mid-October, the Crater Lake Lodge boasts 71 rooms, in a picturesque chalet overlooking Crater Lake. Pets are not permitted. To make a reservation, you can either call (866) 292-6720 or do so online.

The Cabins at Mazama Village   

Seven miles south of Rim Village, you’ll find Mazama Village with 40 cabin units available for visitors. They are open late May to late September. Pets are not permitted. To make a reservation, you can call (866) 292-6720 or do so online.

Mazama Campground   

The Mazama Campground has 214 sites available for tents and RVs (50’ maximum). There are some electric hookups available for RVs. Campsite amenities include restrooms, potable water, a gas station, food storage lockers, and a dump station. This campground is open early June to late September. To make a reservation, you can either call (541) 594-2255 ext. 3 or do so online.

DOGGOS

Pets on leash are allowed on paved roads and parking lots that are free of significant snow. Leashes must be no more than 6 feet in length, and only one pet per walker is allowed. 

Areas to Walk in Summer and Fall

The 1/4-mile paved promenade at Rim Village (excellent views here!)

Through the campground loops at Mazama Village. 

The following trails: Godfrey Glen Trail, The Lady of the Woods Trail, The Grayback Drive, and The Pacific Crest Trail (note: these trails do not offer any views of the lake).

Areas to Walk in Winter and Spring

Throughout these seasons, the most popular place to walk a dog is the Rim Village parking lot.

Pets are allowed only on one park trail: the Pacific Crest Trail, which is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Pacific Crest Trail is open year-round to pets, whether it is covered by snow or not.

Pets are not allowed on other park trails, off-trail, or on unplowed roads. They are also not allowed inside park buildings, including Crater Lake Lodge and the Mazama Village Cabins. Service animals are exempt from these regulations. Service dogs are allowed on park trails and also on boat tours.

GOOD EATS

Whether you’re looking to grab a snack for your hike or to rest your weary legs while you eat, you have a few different options for chowing down while you’re visiting Crater Lake. With three restaurants and a general store, all your bases will be covered. Hours do vary based on time of year, so check here to ensure you’ll be able to properly fill your belly (or your car!). 

Rim Village Café

This spot in the southwest rim of the lake serves grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.

Annie Creek Restaurant

This restaurant can be found in Mazama Village, near the Annie Spring entrance to the park. They sell grab-and-go sandwiches and salads for lunch, but they also serve pizza, burgers, and other entrees for dinner.

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room

Crater Lake Lodge offers casual dining with a lake-view setting. Due to the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, meals at the Lodge are currently only available for Lodge guests.

Mazama Village Store

This general store sells groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.

beautiful view of Crater Lake

ENTRANCE FEES & PASSES

Pass Type Summer Cost*Winter Cost*
Single Vehicle Fee

(Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle for 7 consecutive days—  aka keep your receipt if you plan to come back!)		$30$20
Single Pedestrian or Bicycle

(Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		$15$15
Single Motorcycle

(Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		$25$15
America The Beautiful Annual Pass

(entry into all National Parks) 		$80$80
America The Beautiful Annual Military Pass

(see if you qualify here) 		$0$0
* Summer is May 22nd-October 31st. Winter is November 1st-May 21st.

We hope you have a lovely time taking in this gorgeous reflection of nature’s beauty. If you are exploring the national parks throughout the Pacific North West, be sure to check out Mount Rainier next!

written by Hannah

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes. 

Categories
national parks travel

A Full Day of Fun at the Hawai’i Volcano National Park

The Hawai’i Volcano National Park (HVNP) is a breathtaking display of the power a volcano holds within. If you are planning a trip to Big Island, a visit to HVNP is a must! You will be blown away by the diverse microbiomes waiting to be encountered. From lava craters, forests, to seemingly endless stretches of rocky terrain, to the picturesque coastline, everything in this park radiates the allure of nature.

The Hawai’i Volcano National Park is home to two unique volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano. Not only are these feats of nature impressive in size, they also represent a special part of Hawaiian culture. Kīlauea maintains a large crater at its summit named Halemaʻumaʻu, which is said to serve as the body and home of Pelehonuamea or Pele. Pele is regarded a Hawaiian volcano deity and respected as the creator of the volcanic landscapes that make up the Hawaiian archipelago.

Below we have detailed everything you need to know to make the most of your day in the park! From the best trails to the prettiest drives and all the tips and tricks in between to ensure you make the most of your very volcano day.

Scoot Your Boot This Way

When booking your rental vehicle for Big Island, some spots require four wheel drive, but you will not need it to visit the Hawai’i Volcano National Park! All roads in the park are two-wheel drive friendly, so you should be able to visit regardless your ride.

When you are planning your Big Island adventure, the two regions people tend to stay in are Hilo and Kailua-Kona. From Hilo, HVNP is about a 45 minute drive southwest via Highway 11. Departing from Kailua-Kona, the drive is a bit longer, clocking is at a little over 2 hours, taking Highway 11 southeast.

Hawai'i Volcano National Park
Visitor Center

When you arrive in the park, the visitor center should be your first stop. It functions as an excellent starting point to make a game plan, empty your bladder, and lather on the sunscreen. There are interactive maps and park rangers available to help direct you wherever you need to head.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

Next up? Continue along Crater Rim Drive and park near the Kīlauea Iki trail or the Thurston lava tube (Nāhuku). These areas are close to one another and easily walkable, so snag a parking spot wherever you can. The lava tube isn’t anything too crazy, but it’s worth checking out just to experience how dark it gets down there— plus it’s wild to think lava once rush through the underground tube you’re standing in.

Across the road from the lava tube is the beginning of the Kīlauea Iki trail, which will lead you down to the floor of the Kīlauea Iki Crater. As the name suggests, this trail takes you down into the Kīlauea Iki Crater, beware… if you make the 400 foot climb down into the crater, just remember you have to get back up! It doesn’t take long to wind your way down to the crater floor, and from there, the trail is marked with cairns, or small stone piles, to keep visitors on track.

Keanakākoʻi Overlook

Just putting your walking shoes to work, your next stop will be driving to the Crater Rim Drive trailhead and wandering out to the Keanakākoʻi Overlook. Not only does this perch provide a glimpse at the Keanakākoʻi Crater, but it affords a spectacular view of Kīlauea. Kīlauea is an active volcano that intermittently erupts, most recently from September 2021 to December 2022. While this view would be interesting any time, walking out to this viewpoint is a MUST when Kīlauea is erupting. How many erupting volcanoes are you going to see in one lifetime?!

Chain of Craters Road 

In what seems like a world away, the 20 mile drive out to the southern sea cliffs is beyond scenic as the landscape changes drastically before your very eyes. From the jungle-esque tropics near the visitor’s center, to the endless span of volcanic rock, to the stunning blue of the ocean crashing into a wide swath southern coastline, the drive out to the Hōlei Sea Arch is its own delight. 

Once you’re there, a short walk will take you to the Hōlei Sea Arch, serving as an example of both the ocean’s power and nature’s sculpting. The dynamic surf makes for a hypnotic view as the crashing waves slowly erode the southern coastline. Vastly differing from the desolate beauty of prolific lava-rock topography elsewhere in the park, the endlessness of the ocean offers a stark contrast to the seemingly ceaseless gray of the volcano. Being rather set apart from the more popular areas of the park, it’s easy to consider skipping a visit to the Hōlei Sea Arch, but you have to remember the drive itself is as amazing as the coastline views themselves.

Kīlauea Eruptions

Kīlauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi. This makes re-visiting the park from year to year a treat as the topography undergoes progressive changes due to the intermittent activity. Before you visit, it’s never a bad idea to check the eruption conditions… many visitors find themselves eager to see the etherial plumes of gas and steam by day and the eery lava glow after dark.

Man’s Best Friend

National parks are notoriously picky about dogs being allowed on the scene. Yes dogs are allowed in some areas throughout the park, as long as they are on a 6-foot leash. Pets are welcome…

  • In all parking areas and surrounding curbs (excluding Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground)
  • On Crater Rim Drive in areas open to vehicles
  • On Chain of Craters Road down to Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs
  • At the Nāmakanipaio Campground
  • On Mauna Loa Road (ccasionally referred to as “The Strip Road”)
  • On Highway 11
  • At Kīlauea Military Camp (on paved roads, parking areas, and at the picnic area)

Pets are unfortunately prohibited in all of the undeveloped areas of the park, including all designated wilderness and all front-country/backcountry trails.

If you are planning on taking your doggo with you, they will have the highly coveted honor of becoming a bark ranger of the Hawai’i Volcano National Park if their two-legged human friend stops by the Kīlauea Visitor Center with them.

Before You Go, You Gotta Know

Hawai’i Volcano National Park is generally on the rainier side of Big Island, so come prepared for precipitation. Even if the weather looks nice, it won’t hurt to throw a light rain jacket in your pack.

The weather can change in the blink of an eye. Pouring one minute and scorching hot the next. Be sure to wear sunscreen! If your fair-skinned, sunnies and a hat will be your friend.

You don’t need hiking boots to wander around, but you will want sturdy shoes. Especially if you plan to go on any longer hikes!

Expect limited parking. Many parking lots are full after 10 a.m. If there are active eruptions going on, this will only make the park more popular.

Speaking of eruptions, if you opt for some late afternoon hiking, consider sticking around until after dark. The park is gorgeous during the day, but the volcano takes on a whole new dimension of beauty, watching it erupt at night.

Hawai’i Volcano National Park Entrance Fees & Passes 
Pass Type Cost
Single Vehicle Fee

(Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle for 7 consecutive days—  aka keep your receipt if you plan to come back!)		$30
Single Pedestrian or Bicycle

(Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		$15
Single Motorcycle

(Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)		$25
Hawai’i Tri-Park Annual Pass 

Can also be used at Haleakalā National Park and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
(unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in the same car)		$55
America The Beautiful Annual Pass

(entry into all National Parks) 		$80
America The Beautiful Annual Military Pass

(see if you qualify here) 		$0
Entrance fees are waived for Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, the first day of National Park Week, the one year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, the National Park Service Birthday, the National Public Lands Day, and Veteran’s Day.
Onto Your Next Great Adventure

If you loved the volcanic landscape in the Hawai’i National Volcano Park, Mauna Kea is the next must visit stop on your Big Island road trip (our action-packed one week itinerary here). Big Island is comprised of six volcanoes, but Mauna Kea is both a volcano as well as the tallest mountain on Earth. Definitely worth checking out!

Note: To the best of our knowledge we tried to spell all Hawaiian names correctly, with their intended diacritics. We apologize for any slight inconsistencies or incorrect spellings.

written by McKenna

If you look up diva in the dictionary, you will find a picture of McKenna Lee. Loud-mouthed and overly opinionated she may have the biggest personality (read: attitude) of us all. McKenna is in college at FSU, but her passion lies in her small business Mack Swimwear and running her small group through church.  She lives for days spent in a bathing suit, and tries to go surfing in every new beach town she visits. 

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