It was somewhere around the third or fourth storm on the tenth day of my first attempt at the Colorado Trail that I began to question my sanity.

I was drenched nearly to my internal organs, my pack probably five or 500 pounds heavier than before the sky began throwing its endless tantrum. So much hail had come down over the prior days that it felt like I鈥檇 been trapped in an endless paintball loop with a sadist, my skin raw from the relentless assault. I fantasized about leaving the trail, chucking my gear into the nearest trash can, and making a new life as a used bookseller in some quaint Colorado town. I could take up knitting. Tend to a garden. Plan the kind of vacations where you remain mostly horizontal.

Then a burly wind gust blew through my daydream, shoving me to the ground, and I began to cry.

This was supposed to be fun鈥攐r at least, that鈥檚 how I pitched it to my hiking companion, MacGyver, who I鈥檇 met while trekking the Pacific Crest Trail. I spent two years working on a guidebook for the PCT, hiking the first thousand miles multiple times in multiple seasons, and I craved a fresh path; MacGyver just figured that hiking sounded better than not hiking.

The Colorado Trail (known as the CT to its faithful and the syllable-averse) promised to fulfill our simple requests. Its roughly 486 miles, cast on a squiggly diagonal across the Centennial State, connect Denver to Durango via a rollercoaster route of single track and dusty roads. The trail contours around slopes thick with aspen and wildflowers, passes through forests rife with conifers and chanterelles, plunges across creeks and rivers, skirts crystalline lakes, and ascends a handful of high mountain passes. After so much time spent in California’s deserts and Sierra splendor, I wondered if a different landscape could equally stir my soul.

In parts, the CT delivered. As MacGyver and I began our southbound hike just outside Denver, we marveled at the newness of it all. Back home, the Sierra鈥檚 highest reaches exist as white-grey moonscapes constructed of angular granite; here, the mountain passes unfurled in soft carpets of tundra, greener and lusher than anything I鈥檇 experienced in California. The forests felt older, denser, and delightfully mysterious, the kind of places where you might stumble across a fairy flitting about a smattering of toadstools. Sure, there were marmots and pika and deer scampering around as they were back home, but for the first time in my life, I also watched moose lumber across the trail, quietly munching on the abundant vegetation not far from where we froze in awe.

For each of these fresh wonders, however, the CT seemed to deliver an equal number of fresh hells. We discovered quickly, for instance, that the trail’s architects were seemingly unaware of the power of the humble switchback. I wrote in my journal:

“It is a violent, aggressive trail. When it goes up, it does so at an exhausting grade. Almost worse, it does the same on the way down. The jolting pain of each step, usually tangled in wet tree roots or sharp rocks, is an assault on the body.”听

MacGyver chose to address such rudeness by rocketing up each incline like a wayward bull; I preferred to suffer slowly, muttering a litany of curse words to score the misery. It was no surprise to either of us when one of MacGyver鈥檚 knees simply quit bending at the two-week mark of our journey.

Our tally of complaints grew by the hour. The trail lacked the 鈥渨ow鈥� factor of the High Sierra鈥檚 alpine vistas. The route was frequently lined with stubby, stabby plants we referred to as 鈥渧iolent pines.鈥� Other hikers were nearly nonexistent (I didn鈥檛 mind; poor MacGyver, however, had been conditioned to the PCT鈥檚 summer camp social air and began talking to me鈥攐r at me鈥攏early nonstop in the vacuum of humanity). The forest was filled with terrifying, Blair Witchian structures. The water tasted of a gently bovine essence. And we were constantly dodging bicycles, especially during the Breckenridge 100, a century race near the ski town that partially converges with the CT. It was an added insult to the parade of injuries when, after hours of jumping downhill to avoid being run over, my body decided that it would clear itself of all contents in a manner not unlike colonoscopy preparation.

Then there were the storms, which came in multiple waves almost every day. Once, while camping with friends at Kenosha Pass, the sky morphed from sunny to angry in an instant, burying our tents, campfire, and dinner in a rage of hail. Another day, after MacGyver left the trail to rest his battered knees, I experienced five separate thunderstorms that drowned everything so thoroughly that I was forced to pitch my tent in the smallest puddle I could find.

And, of course, there was the storm that knocked me off my feet. Resting on the ground, pack against the wet dirt, I cried. I sniffled. I wailed. And then I screamed.

I eventually staggered to my feet and began walking, faster and angrier, sadder and more weirded out than I’d ever felt on a trail. When I caught up to MacGyver, he looked at my tear-soaked cheeks and asked, “Are you ok?”

I answered, “No, I am not.”

We walked in silence and I ruminated. Halfway in, the Colorado Trail had tested not just my physical limits, which I welcomed, but also my emotional ones鈥攁nd I wondered if it had nudged them a bit too far. This is, of course, one of the realities on any long hike: the further you walk, the deeper you go. You鈥檝e just got to be ready for a little soul excavation along the way.

MacGyver and I didn’t finish the trail that summer. His knees wouldn’t allow it, and neither would my cat sitter, who texted that she couldn’t handle my feline鈥檚 rather aggressive affections and could I please come home. We were both subtly relieved.

In the months that followed, however, we sent a volley of texts, their contents growing progressively more deranged:

鈥淚鈥檓 never hiking the CT again.鈥�

鈥淭hat was as bad as I鈥檓 remembering it, right?鈥�

鈥淚 dunno鈥擨鈥檓 not a quitter. CT this summer?鈥�

鈥淎ctually, let鈥檚 yo-yo the CT? Double the fun!鈥�

鈥淚 might be a masochist, but I miss the CT.鈥�

So MacGyver and I returned the following summer, battle-worn soldiers lured by the siren call of grassy peaks and shimmering aspen, munching moose, and a touch of amnesia, strangely excited for the pummeling to come. Just as soon as we鈥檇 begun the mental and physical preparations, however, the 416 and Burro fires erupted, scorching over 54,000 acres near the trail鈥檚 southern half and derailing our plans for a glorious completion. We settled on hiking the 160-mile Collegiate Loop at the CT鈥檚 midsection, named for a parade of fourteeners strung across its heights.

We hitched to the loop鈥檚 southern end and began wandering its heavily forested eastern stretch with a bit of delusional optimism that was quickly tamped by the same hot and dry conditions that primed the wildfires鈥� spread. Instead of the previous summer鈥檚 monsoonal drenching, we were sunburned and eternally thirsty, loading our packs with six liters of water any time we found a running source. 鈥淚t鈥檒l get better when we鈥檙e on the western side,鈥� one of us would utter from time to time. 鈥淵es, it鈥檒l get better,鈥� the other would reply, with a strong lack of conviction.

(It did not, in fact, get better.)

Wildfire smoke poisoned the air. We were intimidated by a trio of crabby moose. I was nearly flattened by a mountain bike. During a side quest to climb a pair of fourteeners (Mount Belford and Mount Oxford) with some Denver pals, I grew dizzy and nauseous, barely tagging one peak before stumbling back down to my tent only minutes before a multi-hour storm soaked the area. Then, the rotten cherry on top: my lightweight pack, overburdened with water and ill-equipped for the task, created a patch of chafe that eventually bloomed into an open wound. Despite MacGyver鈥檚 best efforts at playing medic, it was once more time to call it quits.

As before, I wasn’t exactly sad to leave. But this time, it wasn鈥檛 because I was ready to go; it was because I not only figured we鈥檇 be back, but also knew that somehow, I鈥檇 gotten exactly what I鈥檇 come out here for. Not just the moments of sublime beauty, time with my thoughts, and endless conversation, but also the difficulty, the chaos, the opportunity to peel back yet another layer of my humanness and examine what lay beneath. The suffering and the enlightenment, so deeply intertwined along this trail.

On our final morning, I slowly dismantled my tent, whispering goodbye to the pain and the penance, but also the pines and peaks and moose and magpies. I moved on pensive autopilot until my foot lodged under a large rock, sending me sailing, my pack a bully’s hand pushing me into the dirt. My wool tights ripped at the knee; my flesh scraped from the same. I rolled over and watched the blood come. And then I laughed. The tears that followed weren’t ones of sadness or anger or frustration, but of knowing: the trail always provides鈥攁s long as you鈥檙e willing to accept a bit of suffering.

Shawnt茅 鈥淩ustic鈥� Salabert has happily suffered through thousands of miles on other long trails, including the John Muir Trail / N眉眉m眉 Poyo, Backbone Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail, and has nothing but glowing words for the latter in her guidebook .听 She鈥檚 a contributing writer for Treeline Review, a recurring guest on the Rock Fight podcast, and has written about national parks, urban ecology, and the outdoor industry for 国产吃瓜黑料. Her next book, to be announced later this year, takes an unconventional look at a trail that has treated her a whole lot better than the CT ever has.

The post Why I Couldn’t Resist the Colorado Trail鈥檚 Cursed Charm appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Sure, you might feel a little party-pooped after the busy holiday season, but right now is the best time to drum up ways to fill your 2023 festival card. To help, we鈥檝e pulled together our top picks for some of the most fun, varied, and can鈥檛-miss outdoor and outdoor-oriented experiences across the United States over the next 12 months. Whether you鈥檙e an adventure junkie, a culture vulture, a music nerd, a party animal, a diehard foodie, or a parent of toddlers, we promise t丑别谤别鈥檚 something entertaining here for everyone.

JANUARY

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

Saint Paul, Minnesota听 / January 26 to February 5

Launched in 1886, in jubilant defiance of a bunch of visiting East Coast journalists who ripped on the state capital as an uninhabitable midwestern Siberia, this 鈥攖he oldest wintertime festival in the U.S.鈥攊s a raucous celebration of the season. Ruled by an appointed King Boreas, and Aurora, Queen of the Snows, and backed by a royal court of nearly two dozen equally fantastic characters, the carnival has a vaguely Nordic, sorta Greek mythological backstory to get lost within, if that鈥檚 your thing. But really, all you need to know is that Minnesotans take their winter fun seriously and are seriously competitive. If you want to play along, lace up for an icy running series, angle for bass and walleye during an ice-fishing tournament, scour the streets in a citywide scavenger hunt, join an all-ages jigsaw-puzzle contest, and flex your follicular prowess in a burly beard competition. If spectating is more your thing, enjoy a casual stroll through Vulcan Snow Park to admire frosty sculptures on display.

Sundance Film Festival

Park City, Utah / January 19 to 29

An offshoot of the Sundance Institute, the creative-arts nonprofit founded by legendary actor-director Robert Redford, this isn鈥檛 just the largest indie film fest in the nation, but one of the most venerated, awash in Oscar bait. While offerings run the topical gamut, it has always featured plenty of adventure-oriented and environmentally conscious gems鈥�An Inconvenient Truth premiered here in 2006, and critically acclaimed documentaries like Chasing Ice, Crip Camp, and Meru have followed suit. Offscreen, a plethora of panels, parties, and meet and greets round out the action, and nearby resorts offer a powdery alternative to hours in the theater. While this year鈥檚 event is the first in-person gathering after a pandemic-driven two-year hiatus, you can also screen entries from the comfort of home鈥攁lthough you鈥檒l be a lot less likely to bump into, say, Issa Rae or Jason Momoa when you get up for popcorn.

Honorable January Mentions:

• in Breckenridge, Colorado / January 23 to February 1
• in Ouray, Colorado / January 19 to 22
• in Aspen, Colorado / January 27 to 29

FEBRUARY

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

Anchorage, Alaska / February 23 to March 5

Known to its faithful as the or just Rondy, this tradition began in 1936 to mark the arrival of fur-trading season and give folks a way to shake off some cabin fever. While you can still eyeball (and purchase) an array of pelts during its three-day trade fair, this is your chance to interact with locals in lively ways over ten days. Find a spot to watch any stage of the multiday World Championship Sled Dog Race, get out there and try to beat Dasher and Dancer in a footrace during the Running of the Reindeer, or sidle up to see a bag-flinging throwdown at the Alaska Cornhole Championships. For something quirkier, strap on a pair of classic metal snowshoes for a chilly softball tourney, or wrangle your best wrangle your best toilet-on-skis (people are literally plopping toilets and outhouses onto a pair of skis for this race) and go for gold in the World鈥檚 Largest Outhouse Race.

Fire and Ice Winterfest

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho / February 4 to 5

If you鈥檙e the kind of person who enjoys chugging Fireball and getting cozy in the sauna after a day spent frolicking in the snow, make a beeline for southeastern Idaho to experience both extremes of the temperature scale. The Polar Bear Float involves donning a wacky costume, then settling in on an inflatable for a brisk quarter-mile cruise down the Portneuf River. Luckily, opportunities abound to thaw out and relax with cozier pursuits, such as wine-tasting events, a torch-light ski run, and a fire-dancing show. To experience the best of both worlds, however, brave souls strip down to their Speedos for the Running of the Bulls, a mad dash through town that ends, mercifully, with a sizzling soak at the natural hot-spring pools.

Honorable February Mentions:

• in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania / February 2
• in Saranac Lake, New York / February 2 to 12

MARCH

Flash Foxy Climbing Festival

Bishop, California / March 17 to 19

What was created in 2016 as a small gathering for female rockhounds has evolved into a celebration of community and climbing that now includes genderqueer, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people. The main draw of this is, of course, the excellent climbing scattered around the eastern Sierra鈥檚 jaw-droppingly scenic Payahuunadu region (also known as the Owens Valley), with clinics and workshops offered for all levels of experience. The event maintains deep ties to the local Bishop Paiute community and area businesses and organizes beneficial stewardship projects such as crag clean-ups.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, D.C. / March 20 to April 16

Banish the winter blahs with a trip to witness the vibrant emergence of spring, as nearly 4,000 cherry-blossom trees around our nation鈥檚 capital hit their pretty peak in a massive explosion of pink and white blooms. A 2.1-mile loop around the Tidal Basin reservoir puts you right in the floral action, but peel yourself away to revel in the sights and sounds of the PetalPalooza arts and music shindig, admire a different kind of colorful display at the Washington Monument鈥檚 Blossom Kite Festival, and check out various cultural happenings around town that celebrate the long history of goodwill between the U.S. and Japan. In fact, the seeds of this whole petal-peeping gala were planted way back in 1909, when Yukio Ozaki, mayor of Tokyo, gifted 2,000 trees to Washington, D.C., to honor the countries鈥� growing friendship.

Sedona Mountain Bike Festival

Sedona, Arizona / March 3 to 5

Not that you need an excuse to pull out your mountain bike, but t丑别谤别鈥檚 no better place to bid adieu to the dreary gray of a long winter than the sun-soaked red rock of Sedona. A loaded schedule of group rides at this presents the perfect opportunity to explore the nearly 250 miles of world-class singletrack laced throughout the nearby Coconino National Forest, with many trails launching straight from town. At night, kick back with your new dirt-covered besties in a craft-beer garden, settle in for a film screening, or boogie down at a concert. Ride hard, party hard.

Honorable March Mentions:

• in Estes Park, Colorado / March 17 to 19
• in Denver, Colorado / March 3 to 4
• in Tahoe City, California / March 2 to 12
• in Boise, Idaho / March 22 to 26

APRIL

Gathering of Nations Powwow

Albuquerque, New Mexico / April 27 to 29

Once a small, hyperlocal celebration of culture, the has grown to become the largest powwow in North America, drawing upward of 700 tribes from the United States and Canada. While the traditional drummers, singers, and dancers are all Indigenous, everyone is welcome to enjoy festivities that include contemporary music, an extensive arts and crafts market, a Horse and Rider Regalia parade, and the Miss Indian World pageant, which is less a contest than a means of preserving and elevating Native heritage. Come here hungry鈥攖he food court brims with tasty bites, including favorite dishes like mutton stew and fry-bread tacos.

High Water Festival

North Charleston, South Carolina / April 15 to 16

Held at the bucolic Riverfront Park on the banks of the Cooper River, and helmed by the Carolinian alt-country duo Shovels and Rope, this intimate indie-music is now in its fifth year. The lineup is small but mighty, with an emphasis on rootsy, homegrown sounds and regional acts. This year鈥檚 marquee names include Wilco, Angel Olsen, Big Boi, Orville Peck, and Lucius. Low Country cuisine shares top billing; if you鈥檙e feeling adventurous, sign up for an oyster-education class and learn how to shuck and slurp the briny mollusks.

Vermont Maple Festival

Saint Albans, Vermont / April 28 to 30

Looking for something sweet, sticky, and traditional as heck? Tap (ahem) into the all-ages fun at this 50-plus-year-old of 鈥渢he official flavor of Vermont.鈥� The good stuff takes center stage, of course, with cooking and maple-syrup contests, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in divine confections. This is also an active event, where you can lace up for the 8.5-mile Sap Run, stroll through a maple-themed art show, enjoy kid-friendly entertainment at Taylor Park, and tour a family-run sugarhouse that boils up liquid magic from nearly 30,000 local trees.

Honorable April Mentions:

• in Carbondale, Colorado / April 20 to 23
• in Wilkesboro, North Carolina / April 27 to 30
• in Monterey, California / April 20 to 23

MAY

Dominion Energy Riverrock

Richmond, Virginia / May 19 to 21

The western U.S. steals a lot of the outdoor-rec thunder, but this massive music-and-adventure sports serves it up hot in the Mid-Atlantic. Spread across various parks and trail systems along the roiling James River, Riverrock cranks up the fun with a stacked schedule of trail races, climbing contests, mountain-bike competitions, and fishing tourneys. You can also peruse art installations, take in an indie-rock-heavy concert lineup, watch doggos catch some vert at the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs event, give back through stewardship events, stretch out with some yoga, or try your hand at activities including kayaking and slacklining.

Mountainfilm

Telluride, Colorado / May 25 to 29

If t丑别谤别鈥檚 one word that appears more times than you can count on the website, it鈥檚 鈥渋nspiring.鈥� But honestly, that鈥檚 an apt descriptor. Once focused squarely on mountain-based adventure storytelling, the festival has grown into a much broader showcase for indie films from around the world that uplift spirits and spark thought and action. While screenings pop up around the country, it鈥檚 worth showing up in person for the flagship event to bask in the (sorry) inspiring company alone. Past speakers have ranged from environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill to groundbreaking climber Lynn Hill, acclaimed climate author Bill McKibben, and Arctic photographer Subhankar Banerjee.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

New Orleans, Lousiana / April 28 to May 7

Don鈥檛 let the name fool you鈥攜ou don鈥檛 need to own a single Miles Davis record to enjoy this It might sound like sacrilege, but even though the lineup usually includes a pretty stellar top billing (last year The Who, Willie Nelson, and Lionel Ritchie headlined), the true heart of this musical bacchanal beats on its smaller stages and in tents, where local legends and knockout upstarts abound. Sway to the good vibes at the gospel tent, get down at the larger stages to regional icons like Big Freedia and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and if you鈥檙e feeling frisky, wander over to the Fais Do Do area and let someone sporting a crawfish-patterned outfit guide you on the dance floor. Between sets, fuel up on a smorgasbord of southern delights that might just be the best grub on offer at any music festival in the States.

Honorable May Mentions:

• in Buena Vista Lake, California / May 24 to 29
• in Damascus, Virginia / May 19 to 21

JUNE

GoPro Mountain Games

Vail, Colorado / June 8 to 11

For most folks, the word Vail is probably synonymous with epic powder days or back bowls, but the prove that playtime in the Rockies shines just as brightly in the summer sun. Pros and amateurs alike compete in almost a dozen different disciplines鈥攎ountain biking, climbing, paddle sports, trail running, fly-fishing, and even disc golf鈥攁ngling to nab a share of the $130,000 kitty. But the fun isn鈥檛 limited to humans; adventure pups can test their mettle in trail runs, swimming events, a DockDogs Big Air competition, and a slew of canine-friendly parties. In the evenings, the Mountains of Music concert series draws rootsy headliners; last year鈥檚 picks included Gov鈥檛 Mule, Grace Potter, and the Wailers.

Waynestock Outdoor 国产吃瓜黑料 and Music Festival

Fayetteville, West Virginia / June 8 to 11

This which kicked off in the late 1990s as nothing more than a bunch of friends (including, you guessed it, a guy named Wayne) enjoying an annual rafting trip, is now a celebrated jamboree, a mash-up of a backyard Bonnaroo and an adventure-sports summer camp. A ticket snags you a spot at a communal campsite, where festivities involve nightly bonfires, local brews, and an assortment of regional bands that tend toward the jammier side of things. During the day, choose your own adventure, with options on or near the New River Gorge. Set off on your own or sign up with local guides to tackle the area鈥檚 famed whitewater, rip through the forest along endless singletrack, or rope up to ascend one of the estimated 3,000 routes lining the steep sandstone cliffs. They don鈥檛 call it the Endless Wall for nothing.

Honorable June Mentions:

• in Manchester, Tennessee / June 15 to 18
• in New York, New York / TBD
• in Milwaukee, Wisconsin / June 22 to July 8
• in Telluride, Colorado / June 15 to 18

JULY

Lumberjack World Championships

Hayward, Wisconsin / July 20 to 22

Each summer, flannel-clad masses flock to a tiny lumber town in the Wisconsin Northwoods to get their Paul Bunyan on at this of all things timber. It鈥檚 high profile enough that major TV networks often stream the action, as the Olympics of the Forest draws an international field of ax-wielding competitors vying for a share of a roughly $50,000 pot in woodsy tests of agility, precision, and brute strength. T丑别谤别鈥檚 chopping and sawing, of course, but the biggest treat for spectators might be watching folks speed-race up 90-foot-tall cedar poles or attempt to outlast their nemeses in a wet and wild log-rolling competition.

Newport Folk Festival

Newport, Rhode Island / July 28 to 30

Held at the idyllic harborside Fort Adams State Park, this historic pays homage to the countless forms of American folk music. That doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檙e in for pure plucking; after all, this is the festival where Bob Dylan plugged in to go electric for the first time, much to the annoyance of purists. The original iteration featured icons like Pete Seeger, Odetta, and a then teenaged Joan Baez in her debut performance. Some of the legends still pop up today鈥攁nd part of the fun is that they鈥檙e not always announced in advance. Last year鈥檚 event featured a surprise festival-closing appearance by Joni Mitchell in her first performance in over two decades. Grab tickets early; they often sell out before the lineup is revealed.

Honorable July Mentions:

• in Chicago, Illinois / TBD
• in Roswell, New Mexico / June 30 to July 2
• in Huntington Beach, California / July 30 to August 7

AUGUST

Maine Lobster Festival

Rockland, Maine / August 2 to 6

There might be no better place in the world to stuff your face with an ocean鈥檚 worth of crustaceans than this on the North Atlantic seaboard. Put down stakes at the seductively named Main Eating Tent, where thousands of pounds of fresh Maine lobster are served every which way鈥攂oiled in butter, swirled into a bisque, stuffed into gooey mac and cheese, spread across a toasted roll, and more. If you鈥檙e feeling creative, live out your best Iron Chef fantasies as part of the amateur seafood-cooking contest. Then take a break at the Marine Experience Tent, where you can handle and learn about local sea critters, or cheer for your favorites at a pageant where competitors vie for the coveted title of Sea Goddess. Shake off the lobster overload by signing up for the 蹿别蝉迟颈惫补濒鈥檚 fun-run series, or try your luck at the International Great Crate Race, where participants attempt to blast across a line of wobbly floating boxes without tipping into the drink.

Refuge Outdoor Festival

Carnation, Washington / August 18 to 20

Held at Tolt MacDonald Park in the mountain-ringed, river-cut Snoqualmie Valley east of Seattle, this celebrates the diverse experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in the outdoors, although it鈥檚 open to all. The events on tap honor the myriad ways we find connection in nature, with a schedule that carves out equal space for those who crave adrenaline or those who would rather seek a quieter experience. Tons of traditional recreation activities are on offer, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, stargazing, and birding, but attendees can also get their groove on at a silent disco or join an array of workshops on outdoor skills, poetry, and spirituality. Just like with any campout, however, the secret sauce is the community formed around the campfire each night.

Honorable August Mentions:

• in Milford, Connecticut / August 19
• in San Francisco, California / August 11 to 13
• in Cascade Locks, Oregon / August 18 to 19
• in Telluride, Colorado / August 16 to 21

SEPTEMBER

Afropunk Festival

Brooklyn, New York / TBD

Inspired by a 2003 documentary film of the same name that explored Black punk-rock culture, this transcends boundaries to celebrate Blackness in all its forms. While you鈥檒l still spot plenty of guitars on stage, the eclectic lineup has formerly included genre-busting performers like Erykah Badu, the Roots, H.E.R., Doechii, and Janelle Monae. Between sets, indulge in a massage, stretch out in a yoga class, join a meditation practice, shop in a massive craft market, take a drum lesson, or just post up with a drink and admire the mind-blowing fashions on parade.

Aloha Festivals

Oahu, Hawaii / TBD

Forget winter break鈥攖he best time to visit Hawaii is in September, when the archipelago vibrates with aloha spirit during a monthlong, statewide of culture and heritage. While dozens of events happen around the islands, the three signature happenings take place in Honolulu. The Royal Court Investiture kicks things off in old-school style with a coronation that pays homage to Hawaiian nobility of yore. Choose a lei, browse traditional crafts, and snack on tasty grindz (street food, in Hawaii) at Waikiki Hoolaulea, a massive block party that shuts down the beach鈥檚 main drag. Head back later for the Floral Parade, where in a centuries-old practice, P鈥檃u听riders pass by on horseback, their long skirts billowing in a blaze of color.

Ohana Festival

Dana Point, California / September 29 to October 1

You might not be able to hear them over the music, but the crashing waves of the Pacific serve as backdrop for this three-day of sun and sound, held at SoCal鈥檚 Doheny State Beach. The lineup is usually pretty heavy on indie and alt-rock鈥攚hich should come as no surprise, since it鈥檚 curated by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder.. Considering that last year鈥檚 headliners included Stevie Nicks, Jack White, and Pink, however, the offerings are eclectic enough to give most festival-goers a reason to head-bob. Train your ears on something a little different at the Storytellers Cove stage, where conservation-minded adventurers, artists, and athletes share inspiring tales; past speakers have included freediver Kimi Werner and pro surfer Greg Long. At the end of the day, your ticket dollars go to an array of local and national nonprofits working toward environmental and social justice.

Honorable September Mentions:

• in Custer State Park, South Dakota / September 28 to October 1
• in Denver, Colorado / September 21 to 23
• in Monterey, California / September 22 to 24

OCTOBER

Dirtybird Campout

Modesto, California / TBD

If you always wanted to attend summer camp as a kid鈥攁nd don鈥檛 mind doing it a few decades later鈥� your chance. This rowdy bacchanalia, with every action set to a backdrop of thumping music, is something like what you鈥檇 get if you crossed Wet Hot American Summer with an EDM festival. Campers are faced with a wide array of ways to pass the time, from traditional camp activities (see: capture the flag, kayaking, archery, making friendship bracelets) to those that are a bit more inventive, such as twerking classes, drag shows, lap-dancing contests, and an opportunity to wake and bake with your favorite counselors at the Ganja Garden.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

San Francisco, California / TBD

Funded by a banjo-loving venture capitalist who just wanted to bring a little finger-plucked joy to Bay Area music lovers, might just be the best darn absolutely free, completely noncommercial concert event in the world. While acclaimed folk stars like Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, and Buddy Miller have graced its stages, the 鈥渉ardly鈥� in the fest鈥檚 name alludes to the fact that the genres aren鈥檛 limited to just bluegrass. Grab some friends, spread out a blanket, and settle in for a series of sonic delights. Past artists have included Henry Rollins, Big Freedia, Elvis Costello, and M. Ward.

Salmon Days

Issaquah, Washington / October 7 to 8

They say you can鈥檛 go home again, but try telling that to the thousands of Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon that swim back upriver each year to spawn in the cool waters of Issaquah Creek, east of Seattle. The whole town turns out to revel in their return with a that include a welcome parade, fish hatchery tours, fun runs, a DockDogs competition, and an aquatic-themed sidewalk chalk contest. If you can stomach the thought of noshing on these hometown heroes, the local Kiwanis Club also hosts a barbecue of alder-grilled salmon.

Honorable October Mentions:

• in Fayetteville, West Virginia / October 21
• in Ketchum, Idaho / October 4 to 8

NOVEMBER

Blk Out Retreat and Boulderfest

Chattanooga, Tennessee / TBD

Tiffany Blount founded the Black Girls Boulder climbing club as a way to create community and draw more Black women into the sport; the builds on that promise. Open to all, but centered on Black climbers of all genders, the beginner-friendly event takes place in and around the Crash Pad, an adventure-oriented hostel in downtown Chattanooga. Attendees can hop a shuttle to the Wauhatchie Boulders for guided climbing, attend outdoor-film screenings, share in a group dinner, pitch in with stewardship projects, and join conversations and workshops to build skills and open horizons.

Florida Seafood Festival

Apalachicola, Florida / November 3 to 4

Billed as the state鈥檚 oldest maritime event, of the fruits de mer takes place on the Gulf of Mexico, in a town that touts itself as the Oyster Capital of the Southeast. That鈥檚 good news for bivalve lovers, who descend in droves to shuck and slurp. Beyond that, choose from a range of gustatory delights like fried shrimp, crab cakes, steaming paella, and boiled crawfish. Take a break from stuffing your maw at a host of family-friendly events, including a parade, a blessing of the local fleet, the Redfish Run 5K, and Blue Crab Races, where the crustaceans make a mad dash for glory.

Honorable November Mentions:

• in Austin, Texas / TBD
• in Bishop, California / TBD

DECEMBER

Indio International Tamale Festival

Indio, California / December TBD

It鈥檚 best to arrive at this sprawling billed as the largest tamale festival in the world, with an empty stomach. Unlike food events where celebrity chefs draw big crowds, the stars here are everyday people, with street vendors and home cooks alike slinging thousands of sweet, savory, and salsa-smothered masa creations. It鈥檒l be tough to pry yourself away from their steamy wares, but a host of distractions provide (almost) equal temptation. Enjoy dozens of performers on stages scattered around town, cheer on masked luchadores competing in traditional Mexican wrestling matches, and try not to lose your lunch while whooping it up on an array of carnival rides. Stick around for the Mercadito de Noche, a night market that sparkles with holiday light displays.

Ullr Fest

Breckenridge, Colorado / TBD

Your local weather anchor might read the forecast, but only the mighty Norse god Ullr knows the score. Each year the wintry faithful don Viking helmets and raise a glass to praise his glory in hopes of a ski season for the record books. While the mythology might seem a little suspect, the partying is solid, especially when you consider the organizers鈥� 2022 quest to draw over 1,300 people to partake in the world鈥檚 longest shotski. There are also comedy shows, an ice-skating extravaganza, and a parade, where inventive float builders have a chance at a $1,000 prize. Remember, though鈥攖his whole thing is about honoring the mighty Ullr; be sure to toss a Christmas tree on the fest鈥檚 ritual bonfire to appease him so that your calendar may be stacked with endless powder days.

Honorable December Mentions:

• in Bozeman, Montana / December 7 to 10
• in Fort Lauderdale, Florida / TBD

Shawnt茅 Salabert is a SoCal-based outdoor and travel writer who generally prefers listening to sweet birdsong instead of thumping bass while out in nature. That said, she鈥檚 been a music festival nerd since the tender age of five, when she caught her first concert (Huey Lewis and the News) at Milwaukee鈥檚 55-years-strong Summerfest.

听

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We get it鈥攕ummer gets all the festival glory. But the celebrations don鈥檛 quit just because the temperature听drops. Toss on a few extra layers, then head out to stuff your face with tacos and tequila, shred on Sedona鈥檚 famed slickrock trails, or relive the 鈥�90s with Eddie Vedder and friends on the California coast. All that matters is that you鈥檙e having a good time.

September

Ohana Festival

Dana Point, California; September 30 to October 2

Pack sunscreen and a towel, then head over to SoCal鈥檚 Doheny State Beach and let Eddie Vedder be your host for the听 (from $159), three days of oceanside music curated and headlined by the Pearl Jam front man. As you might expect, his tastes run a bit guitar-heavy: other performers include Stevie Nicks, P!nk, and Jack White. Between sets, wander over to the Storytellers Stage to hear inspirational talks from conservation-minded adventurers, artists, and athletes. Past speakers have included freediver Kimi Werner and pro surfer Greg Long. Admission is steep, but part of the proceeds benefits park-loving nonprofits, including the Doheny State Beach Foundation and the San Onofre Parks Foundation.

October

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, New Mexico; October 1 to 9

Loosen up those neck and shoulder muscles, because you鈥檙e going to spend a lot of time gazing upward during the wondrous听 (from $15). Be sure to catch Mass Ascension daily at 7 a.m., when hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the morning sky. It鈥檚 equally magical when they鈥檙e illuminated at dusk. If your neck needs a break, hit the street fair鈥搒tyle concession area in search of green chile delights like chile-topped enchiladas and cheeseburgers, or watch the sawdust fly during daytime chainsaw carving demos.

Great American Beer Festival

Denver, Colorado; October 6 to 8

It鈥檚 all in the name, folks. When it launched in 1982, the听 (from $95) featured two dozen breweries; this year, at the festival’s 40th anniversary, attendees can sample more than 2000 suds. The paradox of choice is a bit head-spinning (or is that the alcohol?), but beerhounds in the know venture to the Heavy Medal booth to swig the 蹿别蝉迟颈惫补濒鈥檚 blue ribbon brews. To ensure you remember to eat a little something between sips, take cues from event veterans, who drape pretzels, beef sticks, and even hamburger buns around their necks like so many carb-laden Flavor Flavs.

Bridge Day

Fayetteville, West Virginia; October 15

West Virginia鈥檚 New River Gorge is well regarded as one of the premier climbing areas in the country. To some, it鈥檚 an even better place to catch some air. For almost 40 years, adventurous types have flocked to its 876-foot-high namesake bridge (the longest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere) for听, a celebration of gravity鈥攐r the defiance thereof. While the free event is best known for showcasing BASE jumpers, others take the opportunity to rappel or cruise down zip lines. For spectators, the views can鈥檛 be beat.

Warren Miller’s Daymaker Film Tour

Salt Lake City, Utah; October 28

Get ready to kick off the winter season with 73rd annual ski and snowboard film Daymaker. Take a journey from British Columbia to Greece鈥檚 Olympus Range, Alaska, and beyond. Come for the ski season stoke and leave with swag, signed posters from the athletes, including Marcus Caston, Mckenna Peterson, Cam Fitzpatrick, Lexi duPont, Connery Lundin, and more. Even better, 国产吃瓜黑料 Plus members get early access, first dibs at the best seats, and a custom tour poster. Can’t make it to Salt Lake City? Check out to find a screening near you.

November

BLK Out Retreat + Boulderfest

Chattanooga, Tennessee; November 4 to 6

On the heels of successful events like , Black Girls Boulder is launching their inaugural , which celebrates Black excellence in rock climbing. Admission to the retreat (from $49) includes lodging at the Crash Pad, a welcome night food truck ticket, gift bag, festival weekend pass, raffle ticket, transportation (within Chattanooga) or free parking, and a guided bouldering workshop.

Roam Bike Fest

Sedona, Arizona; November 4 to 6

Ladies, non-binary, and genderqueer femme cyclists, this one鈥檚 for you. Bring your own wheels or demo some of the raddest mountain bikes on the market during dozens of group rides on Sedona鈥檚 iconic sandstone slickrock. When you鈥檙e done living out your singletrack dreams, head back to听鈥檚 event headquarters at the for yoga, film screenings, workshops, dance parties, and a SHRED talks panel. Happy hour drinks (boozy and non-alcoholic) are optional; stoke is not.

Arizona Taco Festival

Scottsdale, Arizona; November 12 to 13

Taco enthusiasts, rejoice: heaven awaits at the听 (from $15), where nearly 50 restaurateurs will vie for your affection by slinging little bundles of tortilla-swaddled joy for three bucks each. You want hot sauce with that? There are 100 varieties on hand. Same goes for tequila. Oh, and t丑别谤别鈥檚 a lucha libre wrestling arena, a beauty pageant for chihuahuas, and, obviously, a taco-eating contest. Feeling brave? See if you have what it takes to out-sweat fellow capsaicin lovers in a pepper-eating showdown.

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Like many people, I assumed a lot about central California鈥檚听Death Valley National Park before visiting for the first time in 2015: that it was completely dry, utterly devoid of life, and composed of not much more than a shadeless expanse of sand. Had I known that the park stood in for the dramatic landscape of Tatooine in Star Wars, however, perhaps I would have thought differently.

From my very first hike in the park鈥攖o Darwin Falls, a year-round cascade that spills into a surprisingly verdant canyon鈥擨 learned that you can鈥檛 always judge a national park by its name. Death Valley is very much alive. In addition to the lengthy human history in this part of the Mojave Desert, the area is rich with wildlife, from mountain lions to mule deer, desert bighorn sheep to wandering burros.听The park is also home to several species of endangered pupfish that are endemic to its scant water sources.

While the floor of Death Valley itself is relatively flat, it鈥檚 hemmed in by the sharp rise of the to the east and the Panamint Range on the west, which contains the park鈥檚 high point:听the often snow-dusted . Far below these lofty ridgelines, the earth creases in endless waves of rock decorated in bold striations and bursts of color thanks to the abundant metals and minerals contained within. The landscape itself is far from barren鈥攎ore than 1,000 plant species populate Death Valley, from cacti and creosote in its lowest reaches to junipers and pines up high.

If t丑别谤别鈥檚 one assumption I did get right so long ago, it鈥檚 that Death Valley National Park is hot, vast, and remote. As long as you鈥檙e prepared鈥攕taying well hydrated, protecting yourself against the elements, and planning for limited gas, food, and sundries鈥攖his seemingly alien landscape is a wonder to explore.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Death Valley

Prepare your rig.

If you plan to cruise the park鈥檚 dirt roads, ensure your car is outfitted with听off-road tires and that you have spares; flats are especially common on the park鈥檚 gnarly 4×4 roads. Gas is available inside the park at Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells, and Furnace Creek, but carry extra if you鈥檙e venturing beyond the pavement. No matter where you plan to travel within the park, carry plenty of water and maps鈥攃ellphones don鈥檛 work in most of Death Valley, and GPS devices can prove unreliable.

Research听the park鈥檚 deep human history.

While it was designated a national monument in 1933听and a national park in 1994, Death Valley has a record of human habitation that stretches back an estimated 10,000 years. While much of the park鈥檚 current boundary encompasses the homeland of the , who have resided here for at least 1,000 years, they were largely displaced during the Gold Rush and subsequent decades. The park鈥檚 myriad ghost towns, along with historic sites like the , , and , document this influx of settlers and extractive industry.听Perhaps the most intriguing relic is . It鈥檚 currently closed due to flood damage, but you can book a ticket when it reopens for a tour of the building鈥檚 exquisite interior, complete with the fascinating tale of a grifter named Death Valley Scotty.

Pack your camera鈥攁nd set your alarm.

Desert light can veer from harsh to otherworldly in an instant. Early birds flock to to watch the sun paint the colorful badlands as it rises. The morning spread from Dante鈥檚 View is a worthy alternative. The centrally located form a dramatic backdrop at either end of the day.听Hike out a bit to lose fellow spectators and their footprints. Finally, make a golden-hour pilgrimage along scenic Artist鈥檚 Drive to , an explosion of color created by the oxidation of various metals and minerals embedded in the rock.

How to Get to Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is located in central California, pressed up against the Nevada border. The nearest major airport is Las Vegas McCarren, two hours from the park鈥檚 main visitor center at听. If you鈥檙e driving from Las Vegas, you鈥檒l pass through Death Valley Junction, a near-ghost town with a tiny population, before entering the park from the east. Those traveling from Los Angeles, 2.5 hours by car, can also cruise up scenic U.S. Route 395, entering the park from its听western entrance at Panamint Springs via CA-190 out of Olancha.听Or enter the park via NV-374 from Beatty, Nevada, a small town located two hours northwest of Las Vegas.

When听Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Death Valley?

Fall:听Starting听in late October, when camping season begins and the crowds have yet to arrive, temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees. Unless it鈥檚 your destination, avoid the annual听听during听the second weekend of November.

Winter:听The months of November to February brings cooler temps ranging between 40 and 77听degrees, along with potential snowfall at high elevations. Despite Death Valley鈥檚 general dryness, precipitation is most likely in winter. Because of the area鈥檚 topography, heavy rainfall can prove dangerous. In 2015, flash floods ripped through the park, trapping visitors and damaging infrastructure.

Spring:听March to early May听boasts the most ideal weather and, in wetter years, vibrant wildflower blooms, which usually peak around late March. It鈥檚 also the best time to view pupfish darting around the habitat they are named after. This is the most popular season in the park; while there are plenty of campsites to go around, a weekend arrival means you may have to drive around a bit to find a place to lay your head.

Summer:听This season is for masochists鈥攁nd for those who either stick to the park鈥檚 highest reaches or stay put inside their air-conditioned vehicles. The heat index is relentless from May through October; highs rocket into triple digits and can hover there overnight. For this reason, park authorities close several campgrounds and caution against outdoor activities during the day.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

Camping

The park has听, four of which are free, with others starting at $14. All of them are first-come, first-served, except for the 136-site听 (from $16), which takes reservations between October and April. While Sunset (closed in summer) and Stovepipe Wells are the largest campgrounds, with 270 and 190 spaces, respectively, my favorite is the 92-site Texas Springs, which is centrally located and perched just high enough to offer great views of the surrounding area. is allowed in previously disturbed areas鈥攖he wilderness boundary is 50 feet from the park鈥檚 dirt roads. Be sure听to park your car听right next to the road to minimize impact.听If you鈥檙e planning a summer stay, be aware听that Texas Springs and Stovepipe Wells听close due to the oppressive heat and dangerous ground temperatures.

Hotels

During hotter months, you may want to skip the campgrounds altogether and check into within the park. The most affordable options include the family-owned听 (from $55), which has 23 motel rooms, one cottage, and tent cabins; the 83-room听 (from $144); and the (from $199), which has 275 rooms along Highway 190 next to the National Park Service visitor center. If you鈥檙e looking for something that鈥檚 more resort, opt for the recently refurbished (formerly the Furnace Creek Inn, from $359), a lush, Mission-style resort with 66 rooms and 22 casitas that defies the arid surroundings. T丑别谤别鈥檚 affordable lodging available outside the park in the town of Beatty and at the historic 听(from $90) in Death Valley Junction, but choosing to bed down farther inside the park will allow you to avoid a sleepy drive on either end of the day.

What to Do in Death Valley National Park

At 3.4 million acres, most of them designated wilderness, Death Valley is one of the largest national parks. That spaciousness means t丑别谤别鈥檚 plenty of room to roam鈥攂ut it also means you鈥檒l probably spend a lot of time blasting the AC in the car. If you plan to spend听several days here, schedule your activities by location.

Hiking

For the most part, it鈥檚 best to avoid hiking Death Valley in the hotter months. If you insist, a good warm-weather option is听, the park鈥檚 high point at 11,049 feet. Bed down at the ten-site Mahogany Flat Campground next to the trailhead听for an early start on the strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike. Keep an eye out for gnarled stands of ancient bristlecone pines along the way. Within a mile, the vegetation gives way to unobstructed views of the valley.听The meadow between Rogers and Bennett Peaks is a good place to camp if you want to break up the hike into two days.

Plenty more options abound if you hit the ground in late fall, winter, or early spring. The one-mile hike to 听is family-friendly, with a payoff less than half a mile into the high-walled canyon at a picturesque arch caused by erosion. You鈥檒l find the trailhead 13 miles south of Furnace Creek. Farther north, near Scotty鈥檚 Castle, offers a choose-your-own-adventure option with three very different trails: skirt the two-mile rim of the colorful depression that was听gouged out of the earth centuries ago by a volcanic explosion;听take a one-mile out-and-back that traces the western rim to its smaller adjacent crater, Little Hebe;听or descend to its sandy bottom. Just remember: what goes down must climb 600 feet听back up.

My personal favorite is the loop that winds through labyrinthine听. The trip offers varying routes that range in difficulty and is doable in as few as 4.2 miles, though it鈥檚 worth adding more miles to visit , the towering Red Cathedral formation, and the sharp folds of Death Valley鈥檚 dramatic badlands. Start at the Golden Canyon Trailhead, located two miles south of CA-190 on Badwater Road.

Overnight options abound for backpackers. One of the most iconic excursions is to Panamint City, an impressively intact ghost town that once boomed with prospectors mining its stores of silver ore. The steep, strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike begins along a crumbling roadbed in water-filled Surprise Canyon,听about an hour south of Panamint Springs.听Bring a map and expect scrambling, overgrown vegetation, and wet feet.

Driving

Death Valley boasts nearly 1,000 miles of roadbed. While many are accessible by passenger car, the possibilities expand if you鈥檙e rolling in a vehicle blessed with high clearance and four-wheel drive. Most who explore听beyond the pavement听and maintained dirt roads choose to do so in a jeep; rent one from , located near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

One of the most famous鈥攁nd famously difficult to access鈥攕pots in Death Valley is the , a dry lake bed dotted with large boulders that move during infrequent freeze-thaw conditions, leaving slug-like trails in the playa crust. It鈥檚 a long, rough drive to get here; tradition dictates a stop at mile 20听to hang a kettle at Teakettle Junction. Once you arrive, six miles later, tread very carefully鈥攑rints from humans and vehicles are not only unsightly听but can scar the Racetrack playa, which is especially delicate when wet.

Farther north, an equally long drive deposits you at the , thought to be some of the听tallest in North America. To the east, the narrow road in cuts through 27听miles of the towering Grapevine Mountains, located between the outskirts of Beatty and Scotty鈥檚 Castle Road in the park鈥檚 center. Keep an eye out for hikers and cyclists, and plan to stop along the way to visit the ghost town of 听and admire bighorn sheep and petroglyphs at Klare Spring.

One of the park鈥檚 standout features is also the lowest spot in North America: , a salt flat located 282 feet below sea level. For an exceptional vista that, on a clear day, includes , the tallest peak in the continental United States, cruise up to Dante鈥檚 View, an overlook perched high above the valley floor.

Cycling

听launches from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and leads to Harmony Borax Works, but if you want a grand adventure riding on pavement, consider bisecting the park east to west or north to south. Beyond that, pack a mountain bike (and fix-it gear, plenty of water, and current paper maps) to explore the park鈥檚 extensive network of dirt roads. The only limitations听are time, physical ability, weather (winter and early spring are ideal), and water availability (scarce). If you鈥檙e not so keen on going it alone, plenty of operators, from REI to local outfits, offer paid tours.

Stargazing

One of my favorite stargazing experiences happened during a late-winter evening at the site, where it seemed the entire galaxy opened up overhead. As it turns out, Death Valley is a听star nerd鈥檚 dream; with little in the way of light pollution, it鈥檚 been certified as a Dark Sky Park by the . Rangers lead frequent night-sky programs, but it鈥檚 pretty easy to enjoy the sights on your own鈥攋ust head anywhere that鈥檚 not obscured by canyon walls and look up. For a somewhat dreamlike experience, trek across the Mesquite Sand Dunes at sunset and stick around for the sky to open up. Just pay attention to your route鈥攊t鈥檚 easy to lose your way in the lunar landscape.

The Best Places to Eat and听Drink Around Death Valley听

You might want to pack a cooler鈥攊t鈥檚 slim pickings in this corner of the Mojave. Dining options are clustered around the Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs areas, including at the hotels.听The latter two offer relatively basic fare and unfussy settings, although the digs at Stovepipe Wells provide a bit more Western flair, especially at the . The , located in the town square area of the Ranch at Death Valley, cranks that theme up to eleven, with loads of atmosphere and fancier grub, and prices to match. Believe it or not, t丑别谤别鈥檚 also a poolside bar in听the park, complete with cocktails and cabanas, though it鈥檚 limited to guests of the Inn at Death Valley.

It鈥檚 worth a visit to Death Valley Junction on either end of your trip to order breakfast or lunch from the slim but well-curated menu at the historic , open fall through spring.

If You Have Time for a Detour

Speaking of Death Valley Junction, no visit is complete without a tour of the , lovingly restored by a dancer from New York听named Marta Becket who discovered the abandoned theater听building in the late 1960s while stranded in the tiny outpost with a flat tire. Though Becket died in 2017, the theater听continues to present films, concerts, and stage shows in her honor; tours are available year-round.

Another can鈥檛-miss is , a large and well-preserved ghost town located just outside Beatty, Nevada, whose population soared into the five digits before it shuttered in 1916. Among the remaining buildings are three unique bottle houses, made by embedding glass beverage听bottles听in听mortar, built听by a prospector named Tom Kelly, who gathered his materials from the dozens of saloons that once dotted the town. It鈥檚 not the only sign of artistry in the area鈥攖he down the road features a collection of massive sculpture installations that rise from the desert floor.

How to Be Conscious

In 2016, the endangered听tiny pupfish at made a big splash in the news when three men were arrested for trespassing in its protected enclosure. One of them decided to go for a drunken swim with the endangered-fish population, which numbers just over 100 in total, and landed himself a prison sentence after a dead fish was discovered in the pool. That鈥檚 all to say: don鈥檛 be that person.

Also, protect yourself by paying attention to the surroundings. Death Valley is pockmarked with thousands of shafts from abandoned听mines, and though the park has been working on it for a decade, it鈥檚 only been able to sign and barricade a portion of them.听Open shafts abound, so steer clear.

Editor’s Note: We frequently update this National Parks guide, which was originally published on Nov 6, 2019.

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It鈥檚 embarrassing to admit, but ten years ago, when I first started going to Joshua Tree National Park, I got lost. I鈥檇 been shuffling along, marveling at the sheer magnitude of the fractured monzogranite towers, when I realized that the trail had vanished. I clambered atop the nearest pile of boulders听and took stock of the situation: an endless, undulating desert sparkling in the midday heat鈥攁nd thankfully, a familiar beige ribbon in the not too far distance.

I offer this anecdote not to dissuade a visit, but to say that Joshua Tree is so mesmerizing that it鈥檚 pretty easy to get turned around out there. It鈥檚 also pretty听damn vast. Originally home to the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave,听Serrano, and Western Shoshone peoples, the park contains nearly 800,000 acres, more than a third of them designated wilderness, and many of those trail-free, a siren call to anyone who might enjoy a little desert solitaire.

But this is no lonely swath of sand. The whole place is riddled with snaking canyons, hidden oases, and bulbous rocks听hosting a variety of wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, jackrabbits, and the threatened Mojave desert tortoise. In addition, the Southern California park receives nearly three million visitors a year who fan across its dual regions鈥攖he more arid and remote Colorado Desert, to the east, and the higher-elevation and more heavily developed听Mojave Desert, to the west. The latter is where you鈥檒l find the highest concentration听of the park鈥檚 Seussian namesake, which is not a tree at all听but a monocot, a flowering plant that鈥檚 related to yucca.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Beware the spiky chollas.

During one of my earliest Joshua Tree hikes, a spindly segment of pencil cholla pierced through the thick rubber of my boot soles. Not long after plucking it out, I accidentally kicked a hefty wad of Teddybear听Cholla into my tender calf. This is to say: pay attention to your surroundings. Long sleeves and pants help prevent contact with pointy pests, but the importance of a kit featuring听a beefy set of pliers to pry off stems from shoes听can鈥檛 be underestimated.

Prepare to put your navigational skills to the test.

Despite all the thorny traps, my favorite way to experience Joshua Tree is to ramble cross-country; for this, a good map and solid backcountry听skills are crucial. Spend a day finding your way to Quail Mountain, the park鈥檚 high point at 5,814听feet, and nearby , neither of which have developed trails to their summits. The latter is named for a woman who lobbied Franklin D. Roosevelt to designate the area as a national park; while it was first protected as a national monument, Hoyt鈥檚 wish was granted in 1994, almost 50 years after her death. The peaks are located several miles west of the Hidden Valley Picnic Area as the crow flies; several established off-trail routes exist from the north and the east, so dig into some research and consult a topo map before committing to a plan.

Embrace the golden hours.

Joshua Tree is pure magic during the wee hours. Light pollution is minimal, so the night skies absolutely sparkle.听August is a stargazer鈥檚 delight during the Perseid meteor shower. Set your alarm to catch sunrise the next day.听The , located on Pinto Basin Road at听the park鈥檚 center, and 听(boasting sight lines to the glittering Salton Sea and beyond), farther west at the end of Keys View Road, are especially picturesque at this time.

How to Get There

The nearest airport is , located less than an hour from the park鈥檚 quiet south entrance off Interstate 10. T丑别谤别鈥檚 not much in this area besides tumbleweeds and highway traffic, but you’ll find听听seven miles from the park’s southern entrance. Its听62-site听听is a less in-demand听option than听lodging within the park听during high season (from the end of August through early June, when it accepts reservations only, from $25), and has several hiking trails. Detour to , 25 minutes southeast of听the airport,听for a thick date shake to sweeten the drive.

The small听but colorful community of Joshua Tree is home to the west entrance and its namesake visitor center, although the park鈥檚 most popular features are about a 30-minute drive into the park. It鈥檚 most frequently used by visitors coming from Los Angeles.听The 听from Los Angeles International听Airport听offers plenty of diversions; it鈥檚 practically required to stop and snap a photo beside one of the famous 鈥攜ou鈥檒l know them when you see them, especially if you鈥檙e a Pee-wee Herman fan.

The north entrance is located just below the city of听, known for its Marine Corps base and vibrant听public murals. Enjoy the sights, then cool down with a stroll through the shady and adjacent . During high season, use this entrance to avoid long waits, and pay park fees at the visitor center for even faster entry.

What鈥檚听the Best Time of Year to Visit Joshua Tree?

While hearty locals and curious visitors cruise the park year-round (even during its sultry summer season, when temperatures often hit 100 degrees),听crowds swell in the more temperate fall and spring months, which maintain a range听of 50 to 85 degrees, dipping only during the harshest winter conditions, when it can get as low as 35 degrees.

Fall

Prime time begins in October, when temperatures downshift from summer鈥檚 triple-digit highs and visitors begin to pour in. You鈥檒l likely have to jockey for parking at most established trailheads, so arrive early in the day. Campgrounds also fill up quickly, at least over the weekends, so have a backup plan鈥攕ay, or springing for a hotel room鈥攊f you鈥檙e rolling up without a reservation.

Winter

The months of December and January听are mercurial: one day you鈥檙e playing lizard on a sunny rock, and听the next听you鈥檙e swaddled in a pile of down. Layers are key. Biting winds, rainstorms, and snow showers aren鈥檛 uncommon, but the upside for those prepared for the finicky elements is that cold temperatures and precipitation keep the shoulder season鈥檚听larger crowds at bay (though you won鈥檛 be completely alone on trails or at camp).

Spring

Thanks to abundant wildflowers and mild temperatures, spring is the most popular season in Joshua Tree.听Joshua trees begin sprouting their creamy blossoms in February, and bright splotches from blooming cacti and wildflowers鈥攊ncluding the desert lily, sand verbena, and ocotillo鈥攄ot the desert floor through April.

Summer

A visit between May and September grants more solitude听but not without significant cost: temperatures often top 100 degrees. Come prepared with ample water, protective clothing, and perhaps even an umbrella or shade structure for your campsite. And take it easy鈥攈eat-related illnesses are common and sometimes prove fatal.

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

In the Park

Snagging a campsite in Joshua Tree is a competitive sport during peak seasons; no day of the week is easy, though the odds improve midweek. The Indian Cove, Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, and Cottonwood Campgrounds (from $20) are Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank are first-come, first-served (and some, including Belle and Ryan, with the latter two closed during the summer (from $15). My favorite of these is , a small and somewhat remote campground that鈥檚 a 20-minute drive from the park鈥檚 Twentynine Palms entrance on Pinto Basin Road. From camp, it鈥檚 a short walk along a half-mile nature trail to find excellent sunrise views at nearby Arch Rock. Dirtbags frequent the more centrally located for its proximity to primo climbing at massive Intersection Rock. Expect to make friends if you have climbing gear lying around.

Beyond the Park

If you strike out in the park, t丑别谤别鈥檚 (from $15), about 20 minutes north of the main entrance. It鈥檚 an affordable option that lacks the park鈥檚 iconic boulder piles but makes up for it with a small, serene fishing lake. Alternatively, you can set up on a checkerboard of BLM parcels scattered just below the southern entrance, off of Cottonwood Springs Road and Interstate 10. For less sandy digs, book a room at the charming (from $138), or bunk down in one of ten themed rentals at (from $115), something of a summer camp for adults thanks to amenities that include an archery range, Ping-Pong table, and mini-golf course. Both are a ten-minute drive from the park鈥檚 west entrance. Twentynine Palms boasts far more lodging. The (from $140) is one of its most unique, with lush landscaping, rustic cabins, colorful adobes, and an organic garden that鈥檚 harvested for an on-site restaurant. And Instagrammable Airbnb rentals abound along Highway 62, from rustic desert cabins听to geodesic dome houses.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Joshua Tree National Park

While driving around to ogle Joshua Tree鈥檚 iconic rock formations is a noble pursuit in itself, this playful landscape is best experienced on foot.听Be sure to pack in all the water you鈥檒l need,听because听t丑别谤别鈥檚 very little available in the park beyond at the visitor centers and . And download any maps or apps ahead of time as听cell service is effectively nonexistent.

Hiking

The around Barker Dam, located off its namesake road in the north side of the park, is a family-friendly option that passes one of Joshua Tree鈥檚听few watering holes, a pond that nurtures plant life and rises听during winter rains, which makes it one of the best sites to view migrating birds. At the dam site, look for an inscription in the concrete and a spiral-shaped trough below, remnants of the area鈥檚 cattle-ranching history. Farther ahead, an obvious turnoff leads to a cave decorated with petroglyphs.

Ten minutes south, on Park Boulevard, the popular to Ryan Mountain leads to can鈥檛-miss views of the park鈥檚 western half, including the massive boulder piles that form the Wonderland of Rocks. For more solitude, depart from on the park鈥檚 quieter western edge for a 6.3-mile out-and-back hike to the summit of Warren Peak, a craggy promontory that offers front-row views of two SoCal听gems鈥擲an Gorgonio Mountain and Mount San Jacinto, often snowcapped from fall through spring.

Of course, no Joshua Tree experience is complete without a trip through its gold-loving past. The moderately difficult to Lost Horse Mine, located off Keys View Road, features the well-preserved remnants of a听successful mine that听generated the modern equivalent of $5 million worth of gold and silver ore during its heyday听as well as听expansive vistas across the park鈥檚 southernmost reaches. For a longer alternative, set up a car shuttle to day-hike or backpack the 16-mile roundtrip Boy Scout Trail, which skirts the impressive Wonderland of Rocks and offers a side trip just over a mile from its southern terminus to visit Willow Hole, a seasonal water source and wildlife draw that rings its famed tree.

Climbing

The rock here is world-famous鈥攁nd famously sandbagged鈥攕o听check your ego before chalking up. Winter and spring offer the grippiest rock, but that iconic grit will also chew the flesh right off your fingers, so pack plenty of tape and antibiotic ointment.

While it doesn鈥檛 have much to offer sport climbers, the park boasts thousands of slabby boulder problems and crack-laden trad routes spread far and wide.听A听bike, car, or opposable thumb is necessary to get around. The Hidden Valley area is popular, due to its proximity to its namesake , but no matter where you climb, bring plenty of sun protection, approach shoes, and a level head.听Runouts are common,听as are surprisingly spicy walk-offs.

Robert Miramontes鈥檚听 is the book to carry if you鈥檙e dragging a crash pad.听 rents well-worn copies. For more hands-on instruction, consider taking a class or springing for a private guide from . You can also snag beta from rangers and fellow dirtbags at the Climbers Coffee听sessions offered weekend mornings at during the high season.

Horseback Riding

While riding across an exposed, waterless desert isn鈥檛 for everyone, well-prepared equestrians (including those who hire the knowledgeable guides at , from $135 for 90 minutes) will be able to access over 250 miles of 鈥orse-friendly paths, including a 37-mile chunk of the much larger California Riding and Hiking Trail, which stretches from Black Rock Campground in the park鈥檚 northwest corner to its north entrance near Twentynine Palms.

Bird-Watching

Pack your binoculars, bird nerds. Thanks to its location along the famous Pacific Flyway migration route, the park hosts over 250 species of songbirds, waterbirds, and raptors. Year-round, you鈥檒l likely spot听quail, roadrunners, egrets, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and bald eagles. But visit in spring for max avian stoke.

Cycling

While singletrack is off-limits, bikes are allowed on all of Joshua Tree鈥檚 public roads. Stick to the dirt roads听for more solitude and adventure. Queen Valley Road, which begins just south of the , is a relatively chill cruise that leads to the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine. Lock your bike at the trailhead and hike in 1.5 miles to view the remains of historic stone buildings and mining equipment.听Farther west, climb some 400 feet on remote Eureka Peak Road to reach its eponymous summit and excellent views. Check in with the folks at for additional recommendations and rentals.

Where to Eat and Drink Around Joshua Tree

The community of Joshua Tree, ten minutes north of听the park鈥檚 west entrance, is small听but mighty when it comes to eats; plus, everything is within walking distance of the town鈥檚 sole stoplight. I鈥檝e spent more mornings than I can count hunched over a strong cup of joe (roasted by ; snag an excellent bag of beans at their storefront across the road) and a plate of salsa-slathered eggs and polenta at .

For lunch听I pull up a stool (and order a pint), then sink into a portobello burger at the . For lighter fare, it鈥檚 over to the听听for a smoothie. On the rare occasion I鈥檓 not scarfing dinner by headlamp, I head straight to (these multitasking entrepreneurs also own a convenience store next door) for a belly full of curry.

Twentynine Palms offers a more expansive selection of eateries, including fast-food joints you won鈥檛 find in the town of Joshua Tree. Skip those in favor of , a cozy and creative eatery with Caribbean-inspired food听located on Mesquite Avenue; it鈥檚 also a great place to hammer away at your keyboard if the need should arise. You don鈥檛 need to be a guest to enjoy an evening at ; grab a seat at the poolside bar and restaurant for cocktails and upscale comfort food, much of it crafted from its听on-site garden.

If You Have Time for a Detour

South Entrance

If entering from the south, it鈥檚 worth the mileage to drop 30听minutes down to the Salton Sea, a highly saline (and rapidly disappearing) lake formed accidentally at the turn of the 20th century when the Colorado River flooded an existing irrigation system. T丑别谤别鈥檚 a visitor center and campground on its north shore at the , which offers great bird-watching, with several hundred species of feathered friends making their way through on their winter migrations. Forty minutes southeast of here sits , a vibrant folk-art installation with religious overtones and pop-culture connotations. The site served as a听backdrop for a memorable scene in the film adaptation of Into the Wild.

West Entrance

The long stretch of Highway 62 between Morongo Valley and Twentynine Palms offers plenty of diversions and deserves at least a full day of your itinerary. Heading east, begin with a saunter around the lush , a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway and part of the , to enjoy the very rare sight of desert wetlands. From there, drive ten minutes to caffeinate at 鈥檚 rustic , then veer north听a few minutes more to sit a spell at the rustic , equal parts dive bar, BBQ joint, and world-class music venue (I highly recommend making dinner reservations and scoring show tickets as its听outdoor stage is unforgettable, no matter who鈥檚 playing). Farther north, in tiny Landers,听make an appointment well ahead of time to align your chakras to the dulcet tones of a sound bath at the (from $50), a domed structure that sits on a geomagnetic vortex in the Mojave Desert. Closer to the park鈥檚 Joshua Tree entrance, trace a series of dusty roads to arrive at the (free of charge, open sunrise to sunset), an immersive homage to its namesake creator, who used discarded materials to concoct fantastical sculptures.

How to Be Conscious

Judging from the news coverage of vandals running amok, you鈥檇 think Joshua Tree was overrun with trash and criminals. While some damage has occurred over the years, the impacts were mitigated by local groups, including and the , which听take stewardship seriously, and aside from occasional sprays of graffiti, most visitors do听as well.

The park鈥檚 ecosystems are fragile, so enter with a spirit of respect, and research seasonal restrictions. If you venture off-trail, take care to avoid trampling underfoot. This dark and delicate crust, which traps rainfall and provides structural stability, is comprised of living organisms and can take years to rebuild once crushed.

In more well-traveled areas, look out for climbing and overnight-camping restrictions, which are frequently enacted to protect nesting raptors and desert bighorn sheep听as well as听allow wildlife unfettered access to precious water resources. On the subject of climbing: any bolting, even the replacement of existing hardware, requires permits, and power drills are not allowed in the wilderness. The place is packed with traces of human history鈥攑etroglyphs, pictographs, shelters, mines, mills, and beyond, which endure damage over time just from human touch.

Editor’s Note: We frequently update this National Parks guide, which was originally published on Oct 28, 2019.

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When I moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, a row of Mexican fan palms lined the street in front of my apartment complex. They were impossibly tall and perpetually arced in the breeze鈥攁 postcard view, I suppose, except for the frond missiles that constantly battered my car.

I鈥檝e come to love the city鈥檚 less iconic (and belligerent) tree species so much more: The cluster of pines that scent my favorite picnic spot. A sprawling oak that dominates a friend鈥檚 front yard. The gnarled ficus along one of my regular running routes. And my new favorite: a spindly desert willow that a friend and I sunk into the sun-baked dirt across from an elementary school one morning last October.

This wasn鈥檛 some guerrilla gardening stunt; we had volunteered to make arboreal tributes听for an organization that partners with a slew of nonprofits and the City of Los Angeles to plunk roughly 20,000 trees in the ground each year. Most of these are gifted to residents, but the remainder are 鈥渟treet trees,鈥� like our dear desert willow, installed in a public right-of-way to provide cooling shade, reduce greenhouse gases, capture stormwater, create habitat, and improve the quality of life for all Angelenos.

鈥淭here are so many great things that trees do for us. They鈥檙e really our superheroes,鈥� says Rachel Malarich, . She was appointed in 2019 by Mayor Eric Garcetti to help achieve the leafier goals of his an ambitious plan to supercharge the city鈥檚 climate resiliency over the next few decades. Last year was and in California history. It鈥檚 predicted that if we do nothing at all to mitigate the effects of climate change, the number of days that rocket above 95 degrees Fahrenheit in Los Angeles County will triple in the decades to come.

Malarich鈥檚 first (and most headline-grabbing) task was to coordinate by the end of 2021. The pandemic slowed things, so that target stretched to 2022; as of press time, more than 65,000 trees have been planted. But Malarich and her team have a much bigger charge: create a more equitable urban forest in L.A. is concentrated in just five census blocks, containing only 1 percent of the city鈥檚 population. Unsurprisingly, these areas tend to be more affluent and whiter than parts of the city with little tree cover. The city鈥檚 plan would double tree canopy over the next six years in the city鈥檚 areas of highest need鈥攏amely low-income communities and communities of color that are disproportionately affected by climate change.

L.A. isn鈥檛 the only city working to create a more equitable canopy. In 2017, the parks and recreation department in Portland, Oregon, committed to a five-year racial-equity plan that includes tree planting and expanding parkland. , in Tennessee, launched in 2018 as a public-private joint venture aiming to add 500,000 trees to Davidson County鈥檚 urban forest by 2050. And in 2020, groundwork began for the City of Philadelphia鈥檚 first-ever urban-forest strategic plan.

But it鈥檚 the sheer scope of L.A.鈥檚 effort鈥攚hich includes cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking research, and remarkable coordination between city government, countless nonprofits, universities, data scientists, and everyday citizens鈥攖hat makes it a vanguard. 鈥淭he city of L.A. is almost 500 square miles and spans so many social, cultural, political, and economic backgrounds,鈥� says City Plants executive director Rachel O鈥橪eary. 鈥淚 really do believe that if we can crack this nut in Los Angeles, we can do it anywhere.鈥�

The post How Los Angeles Is Leading the Urban Tree-Planting Revolution appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

While cutting lazy circles in the teal waters near 鈥檚 Scorpion Anchorage during my second-ever sea-kayaking experience, I made a rookie mistake. 鈥淲hat are some of the most memorable wildlife encounters you鈥檝e had at the park?鈥� I asked , a writer, photographer, and paddler who鈥檚 been guiding here for almost 20 years. He didn鈥檛 miss a beat. 鈥淲ell, probably the two encounters I鈥檝e had with great white sharks.鈥�

It鈥檚 a testament to the stunning beauty of these islands and the Pacific waters surrounding them that I only ruminated on his response for a moment. The idea of killer sharks existing in a place like this was akin to a villain in a Disney film to me; even they took on an unthreatening feeling. On this perfect spring day, fingers of feather boa听and giant bladder kelp swayed beneath my kayak. A squadron of California brown pelicans perched nearby on craggy Scorpion Rock, while peregrine falcons swooped down to ruffle their feathers. Fleshy harbor seals sunbathed on craggy听outcroppings as a bald eagle cruised a thermal above. Beyond it all, the yawning mouths of barnacle-crusted sea caves beckoned like geologic sirens. You better bet I answered the call.

Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of Southern California, provides visitors countless听pinch-me moments, but despite a fellow tourist听blurting out that she felt like she was living in a movie, I can assure you that everything here is quite real. Four of the park鈥檚 five islands (Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa) once existed as a single volcanic landmass that was partially submerged during a post-ice-age period of glacial melt, creating the chain we see today. Over time, the Chumash and Tongva people came to inhabit the islands, and their descendants remain connected to them over 10,000 years later.

Because the islands are isolated from the mainland, nearly 150 of the more than 2,000 species of plants and animals existing听across them听are found nowhere else in the world. The most famous of these is the island fox, an adorable听floof that鈥檚 roughly the size of a well-fed house cat. I鈥檝e never not seen one on Santa Cruz, where they roam Scorpion Anchorage and the nearby campground looking for discarded听snacks鈥攖hat is, if the massive (and surprisingly dexterous) ravens don鈥檛 get to them first.

When I asked Graham听why he鈥檇 spent almost two decades of his life connected to this place of tiny foxes and outsize听scenery, he responded that it was because he could experience the land and the ocean as they听once were鈥攂efore the 1980 creation of the national park, and before Spanish missionaries arrived in the 16th century and nearly decimated both the landscape and the Chumash and Tongva ways of life. I could tell that the Channel Islands had burrowed deep within his heart,听and I suspect that听after a visit, you might feel the same.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting

Get your logistical ducks in order. Unlike most national parks, this one is car-free鈥攚ell, except for the main visitor center, which is located in the harbor area of the park鈥檚 gateway town, Ventura, California鈥攕o you鈥檒l need to arrive via sea or sky. Most folks cruise over on the ferry (more on this shortly), and I recommend taking the earliest one you can schedule to maximize your island time. It鈥檚 not as crucial to strike out early if you鈥檙e camping, but you will need to coordinate carefully and book early听to ensure that campsites and boats are available on the same dates. Weekends fill up听quickly for both, especially in the warmer months. And I do recommend camping, especially if you鈥檙e visiting the two biggest islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, since t丑别谤别鈥檚 so much to see.

Pack everything you need鈥攜es, everything. Infrastructure is minimal across the islands. Unlike many other marquee parks, there are no restaurants, hotels, stores, and traffic… which is actually a huge plus. With the exception of the Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz and听the Water Canyon Campground on Santa Rosa, t丑别谤别鈥檚 also no potable water.听Plan to carry a gallon per day听per person if you鈥檙e traveling outside those areas. In addition, visitors should pack plenty of layers, a personal first aid kit, and food for the day. If you forget the latter, or if you want to supplement your stash, the Island Packers ferry听sell snacks and libations (including the adult variety) on board.

It鈥檚 wild out there. The islands sit on the southern side of the Santa Barbara Channel, and the shortest ferry crossing takes roughly an hour. It can get mighty windy out here, which creates chop, so anyone prone to seasickness might consider popping Dramamine before boarding. If you鈥檙e scanning for seabirds or marine life, the bow (or front) of the boat is the place to be鈥攂ut hang on tight, because it鈥檚 a wild (and often wet) ride. Once on shore, the weather varies from island to island, with the outer isles (San Miguel and Santa Rosa) most likely to be hammered by the wind. T丑别谤别鈥檚 not a lot of shade available, save for scattered stands that include oaks and rare Torrey pines, so good sun protection is a must. Finally, keep your distance from cliff edges (there are many), which are subject to erosion.

How to Get There

It鈥檚 about a 90-minute drive from听Los Angeles International听northwest to Ventura Harbor, where boats depart for the islands. Alternatively, 听offers service between LAX and听the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, located at the harbor front.

While runs private (and pricey) flights to听Santa Rosa听and San Miguel, most people travel via ferry. Island Packers, the official park concessionaire, runs frequent trips to Santa Cruz and Anacapa year-round (one hour each way)听and to the other three islands spring through fall (roughly three to four听hours each way, depending on conditions). The crew does a fantastic job of whipping up excitement about the national park听and its surrounding waters, and they often have a guest naturalist or ranger on board to answer any questions. In addition, they will often stop for wildlife sightings and may even pilot the boat into Santa Cruz鈥檚听Painted Cave, one of the longest sea caves in the world, if you鈥檙e in that听area. During a recent trip, we spotted a pair of humpback whales, along with a colossal pod of dolphins who were in cahoots with the pelicans, staging an elaborate routine to round听up fish for one another. Be sure to drop a few bucks in the tip jar (for the humans) on your return voyage.

Traveling between islands isn鈥檛 impossible, but it does require some logistical gymnastics. Island Packers offers occasional service between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, but otherwise听you鈥檙e rolling solo. Experienced boaters and kayakers who are equipped with proper safety and navigation gear can island-hop if the weather cooperates, but research landing and camping options ahead of time. There aren鈥檛 many,听and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. It鈥檚 also possible to pilot your own craft from the mainland to the islands, although you鈥檒l be traveling across major shipping lanes鈥攏ot an endeavor for the faint of heart.

When听Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Channel Islands?

Winter

Come December, it鈥檚 not just colder, hovering in the low sixties听during the day and the high thirties听at night, but also stormier, with the likelihood of rain and high winds increasing through March. The upside to a late-winter visit is that the islands practically glow with chlorophyll, and wildflowers add even more color鈥攎y favorite is the giant coreopsis, whose daisylike yellow blooms and feathery foliage cluster at the end of twisted, woody branches, giving it听a somewhat Seussian appearance. Mid-December also marks the beginning of the annual gray whale migration; scan the channel as you cross to see if you can spot their misty spouts.

Spring

As daytime temperatures rise to the high sixties听and听rain decreases in frequency, the greenery fades. But luckily, flowers continue to dot the landscape, and whales keep on swimming in the vicinity. Come April, seabirds鈥攊ncluding western gulls and California brown pelicans鈥攂egin nesting in earnest. This is especially obvious on the tiny island of Anacapa, where they usually kick back en masse until mid-August. Plan your visit to this mini听chain of three islets for any other time of year, unless you enjoy dodging poop missiles while accompanied by the dulcet tones of incessant squawking.

Summer

This is the most popular time to visit the islands, when air and water temperatures climb to their warmest, in the seventies,听and children听are out of school.听Weather conditions鈥攁nd thus听ocean conditions鈥攁re also typically at their calmest, creating excellent underwater visibility for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. The odds also increase for marine-wildlife sightings, since blue and humpback whales are migrating past the Channel Islands during听these听months.

Fall

Water temperatures reach their peak in early fall, which makes this the best season to take a dip if you鈥檙e so inclined. Autumn is also prime time to witness seabirds and elephant seals settling into their nests and rookeries around the park; just remember to give these island residents their privacy. By October, the infamous Santa Ana winds begin to pick up, blowing hard through January.

Where to Stay near Channel Islands

Campgrounds

A single walk-in campground is available on each of the islands, with the exception of Santa Cruz, which has two. To reach them, plan to hike anywhere from a quarter-mile to a full mile (and up a steep flight of stairs on Anacapa) with your gear. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance via ($15). It鈥檚 also possible to reserve space on several of Santa Rosa鈥檚 remote beaches from mid-August to December ($10). No matter where you intend听to snooze, book your ferry ticket first, since those get snapped up quickly.

Hotels

While there isn鈥檛 any brick-and-mortar lodging on the islands, you鈥檒l find a pair of chain hotels at the Ventura harbor, located only a mile from the ferry, with more scattered along the coast. I can vouch for the 听(from $170), which features serene landscaped grounds and what I can only describe as a hot-tub terrarium (trust me, that鈥檚 a good thing). Closer to downtown and its popular pier, the almost听beachside 听(campsites from $59; trailers from $175) features over a dozen quirky vintage trailers for rent, along with even more space to park your own (BYOT, if you will). For a more refined aesthetic, splash out for a stay at one of the two century-old Craftsman-style听cottages at the听听(from $127), a property built in 1910 that has long hosted Hollywood luminaries and others who appreciate historic architecture (and ocean views).

What to Do While You鈥檙e There

Hiking

Santa Cruz (Limuw听in the Chumash language) is the park鈥檚 most popular destination and its largest at 62,000 acres. Only 24 percent听of the island is accessible to visitors, however, since the Nature Conservancy manages the remaining acreage. T丑别谤别鈥檚 still too much to see in a day (or even two), so spend a night if you can. My favorite day hike is the 7.5-mile round听trip from Scorpion Anchorage to Smuggler鈥檚 Cove, climbing to the fox-filled grasslands atop the island before dropping down to a pebble-strewn beach littered with tide pools. On the north side of the island, it鈥檚 only a five-mile听round听trip to score an eagle鈥檚-eye view of the rugged coastline and brilliant blue waters at Potato Harbor; if you鈥檙e short on time, the two-mile Cavern Point Loop keeps you closer to Scorpion Anchorage while still offering a bluff-top vantage. For something less traveled, stroll the 4.5-mile Scorpion Canyon Loop, which serves as prime habitat for the bright blue island scrub jay, a species endemic to Santa Cruz.

The second-largest island, Santa Rosa (Wima), is also flush with trails. It might be tempting to park yourself on the pristine white sands that curl around Bechers Bay near the landing dock, but make time to听soak in the landscape. Day-trippers will be able to complete the 3.5-mile Cherry Canyon Loop, which follows a thin singletrack through its namesake gorge before depositing you atop a bluff with exceptional views of the coastline and rugged interior. If you鈥檙e staying longer, extend the route for a total of eight miles to tag 1,298-foot听Black Mountain and enjoy the 360-degree panoramas at听its summit. From the dock, it鈥檚 about 4.5 miles one-way to the mouth of Lobo Canyon, a winding slot of wind- and water-carved sandstone that travels roughly 1.5 miles before spilling out onto what feels like your own private beach.

San Miguel (Tuqan) is the park鈥檚 westernmost island, which means it鈥檚 susceptible to the gnarliest weather; windbreakers are all but mandatory. Due to possible unexploded ordinance (the Navy once committed the sacrilege of holding bombing practice here), unaccompanied visitors are restricted to a relatively small chunk of island鈥檚 northeastern quadrant near the ranger station. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 worth it to call ahead and听ensure that a ranger is available to guide the 16-mile out-and-back traverse to Point Bennett, where you can gawk at a gaggle of chatty seals and sea lions living their best lives at one of the most densely populated rookeries in the world.

Hiking opportunities are slim on tiny Anacapa (Anyapax) and Santa Barbara (Siwot). On the former, a 1.5-mile round听trip drops you at Instagram-worthy Inspiration Point, while a 2.5-mile out-and-back to Elephant Seal Cove on the latter treats you to a sweeping view of its namesake pinnipeds in beachy repose.

Backpacking

Limited campsites and potable water make backpacking a little tricky. On Santa Rosa, reserve a backcountry beach-camping permit, then strike out from the dock to hike 12.4 miles along the unpaved former ranch road that traces Water Canyon before reaching prime spots near the mouth of La Jolla Vieja Canyon. Dispersed camping is available along the beach; be sure to pitch your tent above the high-water mark. On Santa Cruz, book a spot at the remote, oak-dappled Del Norte backcountry camp. This lofty perch, with only four designated sites, is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner鈥檚 Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote if you use it as a waypoint during a 24-mile loop from Scorpion Anchorage.

Kayaking

Listen, I鈥檓 a hiker through听and听through, but the best experience I鈥檝e ever had at the park was sea-kayaking near Scorpion Anchorage. Unless you鈥檙e an experienced paddler, book a tour through 听(from $118), which provides knowledgeable guides like Graham, along with all the equipment you鈥檒l need for a few hours or a half听day on the water. If you are already one with the ocean, rent a kayak from 听(from $12.50 per hour) at least one day before your trip, or bring your own (contact Island Packers to make sure they have room on board; kayak transport is听$20 to $28 on top of your ferry-ticket price, depending on its size). Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you鈥檒l find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy鈥檚 Cove. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters, touring the outer islands is only recommended for the most experienced paddlers.

Snorkeling and Diving

Roughly half of Channel Islands National Park is underwater, with its boundary stretching a nautical mile out from shore;听a zone six nautical miles beyond that is protected as a national marine sanctuary. This makes the park鈥檚 waters an extraordinary place to view marine life. Channel Islands 国产吃瓜黑料 Company also leads beginner-friendly snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage, where you鈥檒l marvel at sunlit kelp forests brimming with sea life, including the neon orange garibaldi, California鈥檚 state marine fish. Experienced snorkelers and divers will also enjoy the biodiversity in the waters surrounding Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands. Wetsuits are recommended year-round. Snorkeling gear rentals are available via听Channel Islands 国产吃瓜黑料 Company (reserve equipment听before arriving on the island); divers can rent their gear听back on the mainland at , located in the harbor.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Around Ventura

Nearly every time I听take听an early ferry to the islands, I make a quick pit stop at the , just听a short walk听from the Island Packers office. It听serves a thick-as-your-arm Hawaiian-inspired burrito stuffed with pineapple and Spam. And ask about its lunch boxes to go. After your return, linger awhile at the harbor to replenish your carb stash at (start with the yuca mojo de ajo), nosh on seafood classics at , or cool off with the frosty Technicolor concoctions dished up at .

Slightly farther afield, even carnivores will find plenty听to sink their teeth into at the punk-inspired , which serves up hearty, meatless riffs on all-American classics. Opt for the听Mr. BBQ jackfruit sammy with a side of Nardcorn, a loose-kernel version听on elote. The same unassuming strip mall features the , a brunch joint whose bold claim to 鈥淭he Best Homemade Chorizo in Ventura鈥� I cannot deny. T丑别谤别鈥檚 even more to choose from in the heart of downtown. A local pal of mine is a fan of the curries at , another friend makes a habit of听stopping for a few island potions at , and I personally can鈥檛 wait to sample more of the fare听at tucked-away , the seafood-heavy California outpost of a Belizean gastropub. For a more casual experience, grab some local craft brews (more on this in a moment) and head to nearby San Buenaventura State Beach, where you can tuck into briny bivalves at the听.

If You Have Time for a Detour

Immortalized in song (press play on the Beach Boys鈥� 鈥淪urfin鈥� U.S.A.鈥� if you don鈥檛 believe me), Ventura is one of the world鈥檚 most iconic surfing locations. Grab your board and head to鈥攚ait for it鈥擲urfer鈥檚 Point, a popular break near the downtown pier; tamer waters roll in听a few minutes up the coast at Mondo鈥檚 Beach. Less than 15 miles north of downtown Ventura, , home to the annual Rincon Classic, draws experienced surfers to a trio of good breaks. If you don鈥檛 have a board, rent one from the old-timers at , which has been catering to听wave hounds since the sixties. If you don鈥檛 have the skills, learn from the crew at ;听they teach groms of all ages.

For a short stroll or run, check out pastoral , which slices through the mountainous foothills perched at the city鈥檚 northern edge. For something a little more adventurous, the rugged fans out to the north, with the rising from the Pacific just a half-hour to the southeast. Cyclists will find plenty to enjoy in both of these areas, but t丑别谤别鈥檚 also great cruising right in town along several paved routes, including the 12-mile Ventura Pacific Coast Bikeway and the 16.5-mile Ventura River Parkway. Rent your wheels (or schedule a tour) at .

Finally, book an extra night in your hotel (and secure听a designated driver) so that you can partake in samples offered by听the region鈥檚 many purveyors of adult liquid delights. While the central coast鈥檚 famed wine country isn鈥檛 all that far away, Ventura is better known for its craft-brew scene, which includes (which keeps several gluten-reduced beers in rotation), (whose Donlon Double IPA snagged a World Beer Cup award in 2018), and brand-new (whose Peelin鈥� Out incorporates locally grown tangerines). That said, I truly can鈥檛 wait until I can once again kick back and sip a dreamy, creamy Tux Nitro Milk Stout in the perfectly chill beer garden at 鈥檚 Colt Street headquarters, located just east of the harbor. Save room to visit the tasting room at , a distillery that uses overstock and less听than听perfect produce from area farms (and in the case of its agave spirit, plants that people no longer want in their yards) to conjure up a host of aromatic elixirs. Try its听Wilder Gin, which tastes like all of my favorite California plants decided to get boozy together.

How to Be Conscious

There are no trash receptacles anywhere on the islands, so pack out everything you brought along for the adventure, including fruit peels and pits. I carry a reusable zip-top bag along for this purpose, just as I do when traveling anywhere in the backcountry.

Wildlife is one of the major draws of a visit to the Channel Islands, and it鈥檚 important to give our furry, finned, and feathery friends ample space to live their lives in peace while we gawk in wonder. This is especially important when seabirds and pinnipeds are caring for their young, which is why beach camping is not allowed on Santa Rosa from January through mid-August. The park suggests giving a 100-yard berth to any nesting or pupping wildlife, since our presence can spook away the parent, leaving their eggs or young unattended and vulnerable. For this same reason, tamper your squeals of joy and avoid shining lights if you enter sea caves while kayaking, since animals enjoy cozying up inside.

You can also protect the park鈥檚 wildlife by storing food in critter-proof containers, such as hard-sided coolers or the lockers provided at campsites and picnic tables. The ravens, mice, and foxes here are bold and skilled, especially on heavily touristed Santa Cruz, where they鈥檝e evolved to learn how to open (and close鈥�so stealthy!) zippers. Graham听shared that a cunning avian thief once swiped his car keys, which he later discovered dangling from a dock halfway around the island.

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We鈥檇 all like to disappear deep into the backcountry for weeks. But life (and limited vacation time) has a way of preventing that. Enter the glorious three-day weekend, where 24 bonus hours can mean the difference between a quick car-camping trip and a full-on wilderness adventure. Here are nine itineraries that maximize fun听in backcountry areas that feel light-years from the city grind but are still close enough to home to execute,听thanks to that extra听PTO day.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Jump Off From: Seattle, Washington

Just an hour east of the Emerald City, the 394,000-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness serves up some of the finest scenery in the Cascades鈥攁nd that鈥檚 saying a lot. With a postcard-perfect landscape carved by glaciers,听pockmarked by freshwater听lakes, studded with granite peaks, and flush with wildflowers, you鈥檒l get whiplash trying to take it all in. Head north on the Pacific Crest Trail from Snoqualmie Pass to make the 33.8-mile round-trip hike to Spectacle Lake (yes, it鈥檚 deserving of the name), traversing the exposed Kendall Katwalk and passing by a parade of subalpine meadows and lakeside campsites en route. Mountaineers will have a field day (or three) plugging pro听and peak-bagging around the glacier-draped Enchantments, which can be accessed via a roughly 20-mile route between the Stuart Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads; set up a car shuttle at one end, or stick out your thumb to travel the eight miles back to where you started. Anglers have their pick of trout-filled riches along the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, including the piercing blue waters of Big Heart Lake, located roughly 7.3 miles in, which features good backcountry camping on its north shore.

The post Perfect 72-Hour Backcountry 国产吃瓜黑料s appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

With four different federal agencies overseeing 28 designations of protected areas amounting to more than 615 millions acres, it鈥檚 no wonder most Americans stick to marquee destinations, like national parks, and familiar wildernesses close听to home. That leaves so much left to be explored, which听can be daunting if you don鈥檛 know where to start. We鈥檝e got you: just start at the beginning of this decision tree, and click on the hyperlinked indicators by your answer to jump down to the next question鈥攐r go old-school and scroll to the corresponding letter and number combination. We guarantee that the听recommendations you arrive at听will be surprising鈥攁nd tailored to you.

What kind of experience do you want?

Adventurous!听Go to A1.

Chill.听Go to B1.

A1: OK, how hard do you want to go?

Just a gentle sweat, thanks. Go to C1.

Go big or go home! Go to C2.

B1: Cool. Seeing stuff or learning stuff?

Teach me your ways!听Go to D1.

Please, I鈥檓 on vacation.听Go to D2.

C1: How far out are you thinking?

Um, how close is the nearest bar? Go to E1.

Desperately seeking solitude. Go to E2.

C2: By land or by sea?

I was born with gills! Go to G1.

Landlubber here. Go to G2.

D1: All right. History buff or science nerd?

Blow my mind, nature. Go to F1.

The older, the better. Go to F2.

D2: Fine. Plants or animals?

Gimme that sweet, sweet chlorophyll. Go to H1.

I heed the call of the wild! Go to H2.

E1: Um, how close is the nearest bar?

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Philadelphia: Right next to the Philly airport is this 1,200-acre fishing and hunting preserve.

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico: Paddle through a mangrove forest, snorkel in crystalline waters, or cast a fly into a gemstone bay at , only a short drive from beachfront bars.

E2: Desperately seeking solitude.

Noatak National听Preserve, Alaska: Whether floating the Noatak River or trekking across the Arctic tundra, you鈥檒l have to yourself鈥攎inus some resident caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Ozark National听Forest, Arkansas: It鈥檚 easy to snag your own swimming hole in this mountainous, , which has dozens of waterfalls.

F1: Blow my mind, nature.

Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida: Pack a telescope and spend at least one night training your lens on some of the

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho: Keep an eye out for migrating pronghorn while traversing the caves, lava flows, and cinder cones dotting .

F2: The older, the better.

Chaco Culture 颅National Historical Park, New Mexico: Join a guided tour of the Ancestral Puebloan ruins at this , then bed down in the shadow of ancient cliff dwellings.

Grand Staircase鈥撀璄scalante National Monument, Utah: Gawk at fossil-stuffed, multihued rock layers stacked like prehistoric pancakes that trace 275 million years of human and geologic history.

G1: I was born with gills!

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia: Consult a tide table, then kayak across Cumberland Sound to pitch your tent at one of five campgrounds scattered around .

Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia: Though beautiful in any season, roars to life each fall when a series of dam releases whip up a heart-pounding brew of world-class whitewater.

G2: Landlubber here.

City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho:听Calling all climbers: rack up for more than 600 routes that roughly 28 million years in the making, located south of Pocatello, near the Utah border.

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Colorado and Utah: Set out from the northern 颅terminus of the 142-mile Kokopelli Trail, that runs from Fruita, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

H1: Gimme that sweet, sweet chlorophyll.

Big Thicket National 颅Preserve, Texas: Feel like you鈥檙e packing multiple trips into one at , which features nine distinct ecosystems, including lush cypress swamps.

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California: Wet winters create psychedelic spring wildflower displays across the rolling meadows of in California鈥檚 Central Valley.

H2: I heed the call of the wild!

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, New York: Forget people-watching in NYC鈥攂ird nerds should grab their binocs and scan for the hundreds of species that flock to .

National Bison Range, Montana: Pack a camera when visiting , which helped rescue its famous namesake鈥攐ur national mammal鈥攆rom the brink of extinction.

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It was the middle of the day in the middle of July the first time I visited , and the foolish act of stepping outside my perfectly air-conditioned car was a bit like being body-slammed by Satan himself. Still, as an experienced desert hiker, I loaded up with several liters of water, spackled myself with sunscreen, and hoisted my reflective umbrella before setting off for Delicate Arch, the famed听figure听of many a Utah license plate.

My sweat equity paid off, and for a few moments I had the place to myself鈥攑retty amazing, considering this is one of the park鈥檚 most iconic stops. Maybe it was the heat, but at first glance, the arch, perched on the edge of heat-seared nothingness, seemed like some otherworldly desert portal to another dimension. Except if you stepped through, you might run the risk of slipping off into a whole different kind of space.

Of course it鈥檚 not alien magic that carved Delicate Arch or any of the park鈥檚 other stunning formations but the decidedly more terrestrial power of seismic activity from the nearby Moab Fault, coupled with weather-caused erosion that鈥檚 been working for millennia to split, buff, crack, and carve this sandstone sculpture garden of sunset-hued arches, fins, and domes.

Before earning its spot as one of Utah鈥檚 five national parks in 1971, this fantastical landscape听spent over 40听years as a national monument. It was during this time that esteemed听writer and environmentalist Edward Abbey worked at Arches as a seasonal ranger, documenting听both his love for the area听and his disdain for people鈥檚 poor treatment of it in the classic Desert Solitaire. Abbey, whose reputation in recent years has become controversial for听the racist and sexist undertones in his writing,听spent only two years at the park, however; its original caretakers were first the Fremont people, followed by Hopi, Navajo, Paiutes, and Ute, who are still connected to this enchanting place today.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting听

Watch the mercury (and your H20 intake). During听my听first visit, I saw two people leave the trail on stretchers. Heat-related illness is a common affliction for those听who fail to respect both the weather and their own bodily needs. Park guidelines suggest consuming听a gallon of water per day year-round to stay hydrated during your time at the park,听and after I slurped down nearly three liters on a three-mile hike, I鈥檇 say that advice is听pretty spot-on. You鈥檒l find water at the and at the and trailhead. Shade is even harder to come by than water once you leave the car.

Enjoy鈥攁nd respect鈥攖he power of wind and water. The park鈥檚 incredible formations wouldn鈥檛 exist if not for the heavy-duty scouring power of Mother Nature at her most intense. Of course, these same erosive forces continue to shape Arches听today. Visitors have been stranded on trails and roads when flash floods inundate low-lying areas, and others have been gripped by quicksand after heavy rains. Sandstone fins (narrow walls that remain after surrounding rock has been eroded away)听are no place to be near during high winds听or when slicked with rain, snow, or ice. And sudden rockfall is more common than you鈥檇 think. doubled in size after dislodging a hefty boulder in 1940, belched up some of its innards in front of surprised onlookers in 1991, and disintegrated under the cloak of darkness in 2008.

The park feels crowded, but it actually isn鈥檛. Relatively speaking, Arches is a fairly compact park (at roughly 76,000 acres), with very few named routes. This means that viewpoints and trails (not to mention front-gate traffic) can often feel jammed. You can still beat the crowds, however, by going the extra mile鈥攍iterally and figuratively. Set the timer on your coffeepot and commit to arriving before dawn. Not only is it absolutely awe-inspiring to watch sunrise light up the sandstone (along with the La Sal Mountains to the southeast), but it鈥檚 also a smart way to sneak in some solitude on the park鈥檚 most popular trails. I also recommend going deep and striking out on Arches鈥� network of unpaved roads. Developed areas make up only a tiny portion of the park鈥檚 acreage, and t丑别谤别鈥檚 so much more to see once you leave the pavement behind.

How to Get There

Arches is located off听U.S. Route 191, just north of the adventure outpost of Moab, which is centrally situated听near Utah鈥檚 border with Colorado. Those who fly听can land at tiny (about 15 minutes north of the park entrance), (about an hour and a half east), or the much bigger (three and a half hours northwest). Bus and train service will take you as far as Green River, a quiet burg known for its paddling access and tasty melons, some听45 minutes from Moab. No matter which option you choose, you鈥檙e still going to want a car, which you can rent in any of the places listed above. While you can pay for a to cart you around, there is no public transportation inside the park.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Arches National Park?

Winter

Snow isn鈥檛 uncommon during the winter months when temperatures hover in the forties during the day and routinely dip below freezing at night. But if you鈥檙e prepared with the proper gear, it鈥檚 a real treat to see the vivid red-rock landscape all iced up like a somewhat psychedelic gingerbread cookie. Another upside for your efforts? This time of year is when the park experiences its lowest visitation and you鈥檙e most likely to snag a site at its sole campground.

Spring

Welcome back, humans! Between the thawed-out trails and crowd-drawing events like the , an annual off-roading get-together that involves four-wheelers tackling听the backcountry, prepare to jostle for space at popular viewpoints and on shorter trails, as well as for lodging and dining in town. Still, it鈥檚 hard to beat Arches this time of year鈥攖he mercury begins to rise, with daytime highs topping off in the sixties听and seventies, and tiny wildflowers start to sprout from the desert crust.

Summer

Despite my aforementioned Delicate Arch adventure, I maintain that the best way for most folks to experience Arches in the summertime is from inside an air-conditioned vehicle or toward听nightfall, when temperatures slide into the sixties. That said, I鈥檝e seen just as many people crawling along its trails in July as I have in March鈥攖hat is, a lot. I can鈥檛 say it enough: carry lots of water and drink said water, no matter what kind of activity you鈥檙e doing in the park. And come prepared for the monsoon season, which is marked by intense thunderstorms prone to causing flash floods; this season听begins in July and can last through September.

Fall

Sweet relief! Temperatures dip back down to mirror springtime conditions, and luckily, come November, the hordes听begin to do the same. Darkness arrives more quickly this time of year, but that just leaves more time for stargazing; consider signing up for a to maximize the experience.

Where to Stay in and near Arches National Park

Camping

The only听lodging option inside the park is the ($25), a slickrock-flanked oasis at the end of the park鈥檚 main road. Reservations are available and recommended via Recreation.gov March through October and are available up to six months in advance; its 51 sites are first come, first served for the rest of the year.

If you strike out, however, there are plenty of other options scattered around the greater Moab area, including an endless parade of stuffed with equally endless amenities. Feeling fancy? Ramp it up a notch (or several) with a glamping experience at Moab鈥檚 outpost (from $300), located about seven miles north of the park entrance.

For more rustic surrounds, bunk down at one of 26 different BLM camping areas dotted around the area, all of which are first come, first served (from $10), except for the reservoir-adjacent 听($20), which requires advance reservations from March through mid-November. While the picturesque sites dotting the Colorado River are always full, I鈥檓 partial to the ones scattered along the more remote Kane Creek Road, tucked beneath sheer walls of red rock. If you pitch a tent听at 听($20), it鈥檚 only a short walk to enter its namesake gorge, where idyllic swimming holes provide the perfect escape from summer heat (and Arches crowds).

Hotels

I鈥檓 not sure what the exact hotel-to-resident ratio is in Moab, but it鈥檚 gotta be pretty high. That said, it鈥檚 still competitive to snag any of the more 鈥渁ffordable鈥� options in town, especially on a weekend, especially during high season, and especially if you鈥檙e coming through at the last minute. I once stayed at a cheap chain motel in Green Valley鈥攁 soul-draining 45 minutes away鈥攁fter making such a poor planning decision myself.听In Moab, I have a certain affection for the (from $16), a sort of ramshackle collection听of traditional bunkhouse dorms, private rooms, and extremely simple log cabins located on the south end of town. If someone else wanted to foot the bill, though, I鈥檇 happily shack up at the dreamy (from $780), an upscale resort nestled along the Colorado River about a half-hour east of the park. Families dig the (from $200), a roadside motel right in the heart of town that鈥檚 been jazzed up with retro decor, an arcade, and a waterslide. (from $153), a colorful selection of condo-like suites, is also centrally located (and generally quieter). Closer to the park entrance, the听 (from $120) is a more traditional midrange hotel featuring a pool, playground, coffee bar, and surprisingly robust breakfast buffet.

What to Do

Sightseeing

Get the lay of the land by cruising听the park鈥檚 18-mile , which rolls past a handful of pull-outs and overlooks that showcase the most fantastical examples of this wild landscape. A spur marked by signage听for the park鈥檚 鈥攕o named for the portholes that have been gouged from the rock鈥攊s worth the trip听as well.

Day Hiking

Yes, it鈥檚 worth the hype鈥攜ou really should see Delicate Arch while you鈥檙e at Arches. You don鈥檛 have to make the somewhat strenuous three-mile round-trip to do so (although it鈥檚 a great hike); instead, bypass the trailhead and drive a little farther down to a pair of viewpoints. The lower one is only 50 yards from the parking lot along an accessible path, while the upper one rewards a half-mile climb with a closer look.

Another accessible and very worthy stop is the gravity-defying , which can be seen from its parking lot or from a 0.3-mile loop, roughly half of which is paved. Nearby, the Windows Area is an extremely popular stop, especially at sunrise, when you can scamper around the back side of North Window to look through and spot Turret Arch bathed in alpenglow. The mile-long , which connects its namesake overlook with the , is a quieter option (though just as beautiful)听at sunrise and sunset.

Deeper into the park, the impossibly thin (1.8 miles round-trip), the longest such span in North America at 306 feet, is a must-see. If you鈥檙e feeling adventurous (and aren鈥檛 afraid of heights), continue past this point to complete a 7.9-mile loop of the Devils Garden area; the route听travels across vertigo-inducing sandstone fins and requires good navigation skills. My favorite bang-for-your-buck hike, however, is a deceptively diverse 2.6-mile loop that links together , . Depart from the trailhead located across from site 39 in the campground (limited parking is available) to enjoy relative solitude, along with some fun slickrock and canyon travel.

Backpacking

Between the sparse trail system, lack of natural water sources, and fragile terrain (more on this shortly), backpacking in Arches is not as common as it is in other marquee parks. That said, it is possible鈥攁lthough you鈥檒l need听excellent navigation and route-finding skills, the capacity to carry a lot of water (and carry out your waste), and a general air of self-sufficiency. Highly experienced hikers who are also comfortable with exposed scrambles, canyoneering techniques, and traditional map-and-compass navigation might consider hopping on what鈥檚 known as the , whose unmarked northern terminus is located in the park鈥檚 northwest corner on Salt Valley Road. Less an established path than a series of recommended routes, this 800-mile (give or take) adventure winds through some of Utah鈥檚 most stunning public lands and traverses the Grand Canyon before reaching its southern end point at Zion National Park鈥檚 Weeping Wall.

Climbing

The good news is that there is climbing in the park, most of it on trad routes with fairly easy approaches. The bad news is that nearly all of the established routes are closed from March through August to allow raptors to breed in peace. If you decide to rope up outside of that time frame, keep in mind that unlike the popular area about an hour south of Moab, the sandstone here is very crumbly; avoid climbing on wet rock.

Driving

While you can鈥檛 go off-roading (or use off-highway vehicles) anywhere in the park, you can get off the beaten path by tooling around its quiet interior via a somewhat slim network of unpaved roads, one of which鈥擲alt Valley Road鈥攊s accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles. This route travels between the Devils Garden area and the park鈥檚 northeast boundary; a 2.6-mile round-trip near the latter deposits you at , situated听in the fantastically lumpy Klondike Bluffs. If you have four-wheel drive, make time to visit Herdina Park, an even more remote area home to several arches and zero crowds. Keep an eye on the weather no matter where you drive, and stay off backcountry roads right after a rain, when they turn into wheel-swallowing mush.

Cycling

Moab is arguably one of the best mountain-biking destinations in the U.S., but you can鈥檛 get your fix inside the park, where it isn鈥檛 allowed. That said, you can still cruise along any of its roads. Just know that you鈥檙e going to share space with a lot of cars if you stick to pavement; making the steep, narrow, winding climb from or descent听to the visitor center is not without its risks.

If you want to see at least some of Arches from your saddle, hit up the BLM鈥檚 area directly to the park鈥檚 west; it听offers a nice variety of trails with great views into the park, including a portion of Courthouse Wash and the Klondike Bluffs. If you鈥檙e visiting without a rig, rent one from the knowledgeable folks at . During my most recent visit, I grabbed a full-suspension beauty from the shop听and joined an excellent guide from (from $85), who very (very) patiently helped me feel more confident navigating over rocks after I got a little too excited and suffered an epic wipeout at听the beginning of our ride.

Canyoneering

While a handful of canyoneering routes exist in the park, the most popular by far is a journey through what鈥檚 known as the , an unmarked sandstone labyrinth that requires sticky-soled shoes, a good sense of balance, and an even better sense of direction. While it鈥檚 possible to for a self-guided trip ($3 to $6 via Recreation.gov), it鈥檚 better to buy a ticket for a ranger-led tour ($10 to $16) unless you have previous experience navigating the mazelike canyons or are traveling with someone who does. (Note: The Fiery Furnace has been closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.)

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Around Arches National Park

While the park itself doesn鈥檛 contain any type of food service, Moab offers a decent variety for its size. In addition to the much larger City Market, picnickers can stop by the to grab health-conscious goodies along with made-to-order deli items. Early risers should swing by to grab some solid coffee and a sandwich or burrito to go. (I鈥檓 partial to the green-chile-studded Wescial.)

Lunchtime throngs听gather in the center of town at , a bright yellow rig whose cheesy treats are on offer right next to a wider selection of wheeled delights at the . For something slightly heartier, grab a banh mi听and a yuzu limeade at , or tuck into one of 鈥檚 drool-worthy crispy chicken sandwiches. Go ahead and scoop up a few of the bakeshop鈥檚 decadent pastries while you鈥檙e there; resistance is futile.

Dinner is, of course, prime time for carbo-loading. Join fellow adventure junkies at the family-friendly for some hearty calorie bombs, or loosen your wallet a hair and settle in a few blocks down at , a Neapolitan pizzeria whose sublime pistachio pie (complete with the most wonderfully chewy gluten-free crust I鈥檝e ever had the pleasure to eat) will live rent-free in my mind for eternity. Not feeling like Italian cuisine? Get your noodle (or rice) fix at , where the chefs manage to elevate classics like pad thai and massaman curry.

If You Have Time for a Detour

Listen鈥攊t鈥檚 not if you have time for a detour, it鈥檚 that you鈥檇听better make time for a detour. Moab is听a fantastic base camp for enjoying all the region has to offer.

The most obvious side trip is one to neighboring Canyonlands National Park, about a half-hour southwest from Arches鈥櫶齰isitor center (although long lines might strand you on the entrance road for much longer). This section of the park rises like a wedge above the snaking Colorado and Green Rivers, whose tight bends carve striking canyons over 2,000 feet below. Cruise to to take in the stunning scenery. For a more听illuminating perspective on the local landscape, set out at dawn for the short hike to cliffside , which absolutely glows at sunrise; just know that you won鈥檛 be the only person jockeying for the perfect photo.

The same road that leads to Canyonlands, State Route 313, will also steer you toward , whose namesake overlook is worth the price of admission (from $20). But you鈥檇 be remiss to simply gawk and go; instead, leash up Fido to enjoy the roughly seven miles of trail that trace the rim, or saddle up to pedal the park鈥檚 network of beginner-to-intermediate-level mountain-bike trails. More experienced riders should head farther north on State Route听313 to the , a slickrock paradise best known for its namesake loop, a 17.5-mile, view-soaked roller coaster.

Although it鈥檚 incredible to scope the mighty Colorado River from high above its waters, make time to get down to听its level by driving all 44 eye-popping miles of State Route 128, most of which runs directly next to the iconic flow. Dip off the main drag for side trips to ogle鈥攐r even climb鈥攖he postcard spires of and ; a 4.5-mile trail weaves throughout the latter. If you want to get even closer to the river, consider launching your own craft or booking a guided rafting trip (the will steer you right).

If you鈥檙e short on time and can鈥檛 fit any of these lengthier options into your schedule, make tracks for , where a three-mile round-trip hike will deposit you on a slickrock slope beneath this gawk-worthy natural wonder.

How to Be a Conscious Visitor

No matter what you choose to do during your visit to Arches, tread lightly. Stick to the park鈥檚 established trails and roads.听If you do go off-trail, travel only on rock and soft sand surfaces to avoid damaging the plentiful cryptobiotic soil, a living crust that helps tiny desert plants stay rooted and听retains moisture in the parched ground. Rock art is found throughout the park; if you are lucky enough to encounter some, appreciate it from afar. Finally, resist the urge to turn the park鈥檚听actual arches into your own personal jungle gym. As you鈥檝e no doubt learned, Mother Nature doesn鈥檛 need any assistance on the erosion front.

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