It was supposed to be our short day. Just four miles downstream would take us from Kolb Camp, a scenic cliff-side beach in western Colorado, to听Rippling Brook, our next campsite. To our surprise鈥攐ur backs aching, hands torn, and noses sunburned鈥攖he day would be spent unpinning a very stuck听12-foot raft in a precarious, potentially deadly rapid.

I thought I was prepared for this trip, having completed three multi-week rafting adventures听down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, totaling more than 70 days collectively. But this was my first trip down its sister river, the Green. We targeted the famed Gates of Lodore, a 43-mile whitewater stretch on the Green River, that carves through dramatic canyon walls and is surrounded by mountains soaring skyward to 9,000 feet in elevation. It spans , beginning in Colorado and ending in Utah.

In August, I spent five nights on this section with 19 other boaters鈥攁nd we spent too many hours unpinning boats. Despite the carnage, I found this stretch of the Gates of Lodore to be a perfect adventure for would-be canyon boaters.

New to Canyon Boating? Gates of Lodore is a Perfect Entry

If you鈥檙e intimidated by the long, multi-week aspect of a Grand Canyon rafting trip, and the extremes that a desert river trip entails, the Gates of Lodore is a perfect introduction to whitewater. Whereas a private Grand Canyon rafting trip encompasses 277 miles, spanning up to 26 days, the Gates of Lodore is comparatively short. Completing the full stretch takes anywhere from three to five days.

Because of its fame, obtaining a permit for the Grand Canyon is highly competitive. And on a Grand Canyon trip, challenging rapids can be found throughout most of the river stretch. High points on the Grand Canyon can span up to 8,000 feet in elevation鈥攎uch higher than the tallest peaks in the Gates of Lodore. Access points for emergency bail-outs can be much more difficult in a deeper canyon.

Boaters are less likely to encounter these hurdles in the Gates of Lodore.

鈥淕ates of Lodore is a fantastic stretch to do with a large group because all the difficult rapids are in the first ten or so miles, and then you have stunning scenery with easier water for the rest of your trip. Three pinned rafts in five miles is a great icebreaker for 20 mostly strangers,鈥� Greg Doctor, our trip leader, told 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别.听

Doctor said that despite our group’s setbacks and accidents, the only major disagreement our party had was what music to play.

鈥淚t was sort of a dream trip in that we had crystal clear water with fun rapids backed by giant desert sandstone walls, all with perfect weather,” he added.

While Indigenous groups have lived in the region for thousands of years, the river was largely introduced to the Western world when geographer John Wesley Powell ran his famed descent in 1869, shortly before becoming the first person to document rowing the Grand Canyon. A member of Powell鈥檚 group named the Gates of Lodore after the English poem, 鈥淭he Cataract of Lodore,鈥� originally written by Robert Southey in 1820. It reads:

And so never ending, but always descending
Sounds and motions for ever and ever are blending
All at once and all o’er, with a mighty uproar
And this way the water comes down at Lodore

鈥淧in It to Win It鈥� Quickly Became Our River Crew鈥檚 Motto

Although Gates of Lodore is a perfect introduction to canyon boating, this section is also rowdy and fun for experienced boaters. This became apparent after our group popped the floor of one of our rafts, which later resulted in multiple pins.

A 鈥減in鈥� happens when a raft gets physically trapped against an obstacle in the river, commonly a rock. Because the current is pushing directly against the boat, often thousands of cubic feet per second, the immense pressure makes it incredibly difficult to continue downstream.

How do you unpin a raft? The rescue system, often referred to as a pin kit or z-drag, is a complex arrangement of pulleys and lines that provides humans with a mechanical advantage against the force of the river.

During our five days boating through the Gates of Lodore, we encountered two major pinning locations: the Birth Canal at Triplet Falls, as well as Huggy Bear Rock at Hell鈥檚 Half Mile.

Rapids are based on a class system, with Class V being the hardest and most hazardous, often characterized by the most technical features. Rated a Class III, Triplet Falls is about 12 miles downstream of the put-in, and has been the site of . The rapid is surrounded by canyon walls rising 1,200 feet or more above the river and features an undercut wall that can easily trap a body.

So-named for the three large boulders that make the dangerous feature, Triplet Falls is one of the most technical rapids on this section. During a low water trip like ours, the rapid is a bony rock garden that could easily bump a raft off its line. After navigating it, boaters must face the Birth Canal, a narrow slot between two large, undercut boulders. All hands on deck and five hours later, we successfully got the raft unpinned.

Mikey Wrobel, a Colorado-based Class IV+ guide with seven years of experience, said his boat was pinned in large part because the raft鈥檚 floor popped on the first day. With little buoyancy and a heavier-than-usual load, moving dynamically through the current was difficult.

鈥淚 just kept telling myself that it鈥檚 not if I pin, but a matter of when鈥攁nd that day was my day. Three pins and a popped floor on the first day, I feel like most people would throw in the towel,鈥� Wrobel told 国产吃瓜黑料.

鈥淭he pin at Triplet Falls was mentally and physically straining, but everyone on this trip was amazing, and everything turned out okay,” he added.

Our second mishap happened at Hell鈥檚 Half Mile, a Class IV rapid close to a quarter-mile long. Large boulders clog the entrance of the rapid with a mid-stream rock named 鈥淟ucifer,鈥� notorious for pinning boats. Our wrap actually occurred at a much less devious-sounding feature鈥擧uggy Bear. It鈥檚 at the bottom of the rapid, right where you think you鈥檙e in the clear, and greeted one of our boats with open arms. This unpin took about an hour or so, and we were able to run the rest of the rapid鈥攁nd the river鈥攗nscathed.

We pinned, we partied, and we truly embraced all that this unique landscape had to offer.

A Duality of Intimacy and Isolation

The success of a trip depends on the capability of your team. Over the course of our multiple pins, our crew bonded and battled its way through the canyon.

We also made sure we adhered to the basic advice for running rivers. Make sure you’re equipped with the right gear and prepared to handle disaster should it strike. In rapids, always wear your personal floatation device (PFD) and helmet. Know how to use your gear, especially if you carry a throwbag, and practice humility. Rapids are potentially life-threatening situations and should be taken seriously.

鈥淔ind mentors, take a swiftwater rescue course, and never forget that humans cannot breathe underwater. Be humble鈥攔iver running is for fun; it is not a bicep measuring contest,鈥� said Doctor, who is also an emergency physician with special interests in wilderness medicine and drowning resuscitation.

Both intimate and isolating, a multi-day river trip allows for a deeper connection to the surrounding environment while offering near-complete isolation from the external world. This dynamic of connectedness and disconnectedness on the river has stood the test of time.

During his journey down the Green River, Powell described the special light unique to a canyon, writing that 鈥渁t noon the sun shines in splendor on vermilion walls鈥� and the canyon opens, like a beautiful portal, to a region of glory.鈥�

鈥淭his evening, as I write, the sun is going down and the shadows are settling in the canyon鈥� and now it is a dark portal to a region of gloom, the gateway through which we are to enter on our voyage of exploration tomorrow, what shall we find?鈥� he continued.

That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today. As any boater can attest, a river trip is one of those truly primitive experiences where one can completely disconnect from the world and enjoy the presence of those around in a largely inaccessible, yet breathtaking, landscape. For some, it鈥檚 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For others, it鈥檚 a way of life. It鈥檚 up to you to choose.

The post Can鈥檛 Commit to a Month Rafting the Grand Canyon? Meet Its Sister River. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Bikepacking might be the perfect adventure. Ride bikes, sleep outside. It鈥檚 like bike touring, only dirtier since you鈥檙e camping and carrying all your gear on your bike, as opposed to staying in lodges and relying on your credit card for sustenance. I鈥檝e been bikepacking for almost 20 years now, and continue to be entranced by its charm. Pedaling into the wilderness gives you a chance to experience more of the landscape than when you鈥檙e powered by foot. In some cases, you can get further away from civilization.

A few years ago, a bikepacking trip through Idaho became one of my favorite adventures. I linked together a handful of different backcountry hot springs while traversing some of the state鈥檚 most rugged singletrack, pedaling more than 70 miles. I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to cover half of that distance in that amount of time on foot.

Here are seven of the best bikepacking routes in America, some of which I鈥檝e pedaled myself, while a few others remain firmly affixed to the top of my to-do list.

1. Singletrack and Waterfalls, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina听

Distance: 64 miles
Duration: Two to three days
Highlights: Singletrack descents, backcountry streams

With roughly 300 miles of singletrack and twice that distance in gravel roads, in North Carolina allows you to create all kinds of loop options.听I recommend starting your journey at The Hub, a bike shop and beer garden at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest on 276, so you can get any last minute provisions you might need before you leave and finish the adventure with a beer when you鈥檙e done. Also, you can incorporate some of the forest鈥檚 signature singletrack, waterfalls, and swimming holes.

Follow the route of the mountain-bike race and you鈥檒l hit a highlight reel of the area鈥檚 singletrack over 64 miles of trail and gravel. There are plenty of options to extend or shorten the route, too, but this is a solid introduction to what the mountains have to offer and 64 miles is the perfect two- to three-day adventure. Pisgah鈥檚 singletrack is technical and the climbs are steep, so don鈥檛 overestimate your ability in this forest. For instance, this route gains more than 10,000 feet of climbing. As a rule, I tell people to double the amount of time they think it will take them to pedal a mile in these mountains.

is about as flowy as Pisgah gets, with fast berms and plenty of rollers, while Black Mountain is a long, technical descent that draws cyclists听from all over the country. Bring a fly rod and you can fish tight mountain streams, like North Mills River. There are good swimming holes on Bradley Creek, adjacent to Yellow Gap Road, too.

Where to camp: (from $35 a night) is a developed campground site along the river of the same name and is located near the start and finish of this route, but there are plenty of primitive, free campsites throughout the forest, especially on the gravel Yellow Gap Road, which helps form the backbone of this route.

2. Flint Hills Trail State Park, Kansas

Distance: 96 miles point to point
Duration: Overnight or more
Highlights: Tallgrass prairie and farmland

When it鈥檚 finished, the will run 118 miles off-road from Osawatomie to Herington, making it one of the longest rail trails in the country. The last 20 miles or so are still a work in progress, but bikepackers can zero in on the 96 miles that are open from Osawatomie to Council Grove, offering a crushed limestone path that gets you away from traffic while passing through the largest expanse of tall grass prairie still standing in the U.S. The trail is open to bikes, foot traffic,听and equestrians, so you might share space with the occasional horse.

The route only gains 1,880 feet along its entire length, so you can cover a lot of miles quickly, but you could also take your time and explore the small towns and rivers along the way. In fact, you can treat this as a civilized version of bikepacking, pedaling from coffee shop to ice cream shop.

The terrain is mostly farmland and rolling hills, but you can expect to pedal across several bridges, cruise along the Marais Des Cygnes River, which has the occasional bluff to shake up the view, and even pass a cave that outlaw Jesse James supposedly used as a hideout. There are inns, bike shops, restaurants, and campgrounds as it cruises through ten听small towns, making this one of the most beginner friendly bikepacking routes in the country.

Where to camp: is roughly in the middle of the trail, offering great camping and access to the 4,000-acre reservoir. There are more than 240 sites to choose from in half a dozen different loops. Try to score a primitive site in the Waucondah Primitive Campground near the marina ($21 per night).

3. Olympic 国产吃瓜黑料 Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington听

Distance: 65-mile out and back
Duration: Overnight
Highlights: Old growth forests and Lake Crescent

Another ongoing recreation path, Washington state’s听Olympic Discovery Trail will be a cyclist鈥檚 dream one day. When it鈥檚 finished, the rail-grade trail will run for 130 miles from Port Townsend to the coast along the northern flank of the Olympic Peninsula. It鈥檚 currently about half done but bikepackers can enjoy the fully completed , a 25-mile singletrack alternative to the main path between the Elwha River and Lake Crescent. Combine it with the 11-mile , and you have a scenic 66-mile out and back in and around Olympic National Park. The terrain could double as the Forest Moon of Endor, the home planet of the Ewoks in Star Wars, with giant old growth evergreens, moss-covered everything and fields of tall ferns covering the forest floor. The route also skims the northern shore of Lake Crescent, an 11-mile long lake surrounded by green peaks within Olympic National Park.

The route is a mix of paved rail trail (Spruce Railroad Trail) and buff single and double track (Olympic 国产吃瓜黑料 Trail), ideal for either a hard tail mountain bike or gravel bike with fat tires. I rode the Olympic 国产吃瓜黑料 Trail and some adjacent gravel and paved roads on a gravel bike while camping听nearby, but it鈥檚 an ideal route for bikepacking with two developed campgrounds on the edge of Lake Crescent. If you hit it during the summer, you can even take a cool lake plunge; there鈥檚 a bridge over an inlet on Lake Crescent that makes for a cold, refreshing plunge that locals call the Devil鈥檚 Punchbowl.

Where to stay: is a National Park Service campground with 84 tent sites on the western edge of Lake Crescent ($24 a night). You鈥檒l need reservations between May 15 and September 15 (which can be tough to get) but it鈥檚 first come/first serve outside of that window.

4. Idaho Hot Springs Route, Boise National Forest, Idaho

Distance: 70-mile loop
Duration: 3-4 days
Highlights: Hot springs!

The 国产吃瓜黑料 Cycling Association is a nonprofit that develops safe, long-distance bicycling journeys all across the country. The majority of these routes are paved, but they have made a few exceptions such as . This 518.5-mile loop through central Idaho has access to over 50 hot springs, and has two path options鈥攐ne that traverses dirt roads and another that travels via lonely singletrack.

Several years ago, I rode a 70-mile loop that combined a piece of the main route and a singletrack option around the tiny towns of Featherville and Atlanta. It was a hard three to four days of riding, but each night ended with a soak in a backcountry pool of 100-plus degree water. You can recreate my adventure by combining the main route through Featherville with the , which passes through the historic and tiny mining outpost of Atlanta.

Much of the route follows the Middle Fork of the Boise River and Willow Creek, both of which are gorgeous backcountry streams. The terrain is tough, with long gravel road climbs and sinuous singletrack. Climbing to the top of Decker Creek Summit (8,800-foot tall) is a beast of an endeavor that involved a lot of hike-a-bike for me and my partners. But the 10-mile long downhill that followed is one of the longest and most enjoyable descents of my entire life. You鈥檒l also have the chance to soak in several hot springs along the way. My favorite? Chattanooga Hot Springs, near the mining outpost of Atlanta, features a piping hot waterfall tumbling over a tan cliff into a shallow pool at its base.

Don鈥檛 attempt pedaling this route without buying both the Main Route and Singletrack Option maps from 鈥攏ot only will you be supporting a worthy nonprofit, but the maps will give you the best beta available with information about the various hot springs, general stores and terrain challenges throughout the adventure.

Where to stay: You鈥檒l be choosing your own primitive campsites along this route, which travels within Boise National Forest. Choose a site with an established fire ring, and plan to pitch your tent along the rivers, which will give you the best chance of flat terrain.

5. Coconino Loop, Coconino National Forest, Arizona听

Distance: 240 miles
Duration: Seven days
Highlights: Slick rock, canyons galore

The is 240 miles of singletrack and dirt roads through the canyons and peaks of Northern Arizona, combining some of the best trails and most spectacular terrain around Flagstaff and Sedona. It鈥檚 a difficult loop that hosts a bikepacking stage race that鈥檚 part of the burly , but serious mountain bikers should definitely put this route on their to-do list. Yes, you鈥檒l climb 28,000 feet during your journey, but half of the route is made up of some of Arizona鈥檚 best singletrack, from the fast, flowy descent on the Arizona Trail into Flagstaff to the grippy slick rock that surrounds Sedona.

Go-getters will knock out this massive loop in four days during the stage race, but it鈥檚 best suited for a week-long epic, which will also give you time to hang out in Flagstaff and Sedona. The terrain is tough and you鈥檙e tackling serious elevation in the desert, so slower is probably better. The hike-a-bike up Mingus Mountain, which climbs 4,000 feet in 10 miles, is legendary. Don鈥檛 do this ride in the summer, as it鈥檚 too damn hot. But fall is perfect, and be sure to have the capacity to carry enough water for each day on the trail, especially if you鈥檙e taking your time between the towns, as finding fresh water in the desert can be tough.

Where to stay: There鈥檚 primitive camping throughout the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests throughout much of this route, but you鈥檒l also have the chance to snag a hotel room or two, like the (from $100 a night), in the small town of Williams, which sits on Route 66.

6. The Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota听

Distance: 100 miles
Duration: Four days
Highlights: Badlands scenery, remote terrain

The badlands of North Dakota earned their name ages ago, first by the Native Americans who lived in the region, and then by the European explorers that stumbled upon the landscape of canyons and buttes after traveling across the benign midwestern plains. I understand the hyperbolic nomenclature; I wouldn鈥檛 want to settle here either after passing through acres of fertile grasslands. But we have mountain bikes now, and pedaling through the gorges and cliffs created by ages of erosion sounds like a blast. And that鈥檚 exactly what you鈥檒l get to do if you bikepack the 100-mile section of the 听between the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The mostly singletrack route drops into deep creek drainages and climbs to the top of a multitude of听buttes with moments of respite that offer long-range grassland views and the occasional stand of aspens for shade. Bighorn sheep and elk have been reintroduced to the area, so keep your eye out for wildlife.

Logistically, the Maah Daah Hey is pretty straightfoward: Multiple trailheads and access points give you the chance to create a distance and duration that suits your schedule, and there are established campgrounds with drinking water and safe places to pitch a tent throughout. While there鈥檚 water and camping to be found throughout, you鈥檙e in the middle of a complex of public lands so don鈥檛 expect any gas stations or restaurants along this route. You鈥檒l need to bring all your gear and food with you. Offshoots of the trail allow you to create loops and check out nearby points of interest, like the Ice Caves, which are large overhangs in sandstone cliffs that have been known to hold ice into summer.

Go during the fall, which will make the stream crossings easier because of lower water. Or the summer when it鈥檚 warm enough that you鈥檒l look forward to the deeper stream crossings.

Where to stay: There are nine along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, spaced roughly about 25 miles apart. Magpie Campground ($10 per night, first come-first serve) has good shade and is close to the Ice Caves Trail, so you can ditch your bags and pedal without all the weight for that excursion. Regardless of which campground you choose, the night skies in this area are reported to be legendary.

7. Kokopelli Trail, BLM, Colorado and Utah听

Distance: 145 miles
Duration: Three days or more
Highlights: Canyons and the Colorado River

It鈥檚 hard to say what is the ultimate O.G. bikepacking route, but the , which runs from Fruita, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, is definitely in the conversation. It鈥檚 a classic, old–school route that combines mostly dirt road with some spicy singletrack through a mix of sandstone canyons and dusty plateaus along the Colorado River. There are moments of brilliant singletrack, particularly at the beginning near Fruita where the trails are buff, and the end near Moab where big slickrock and singletrack descents are earned, but mostly you鈥檙e pedaling lonely dirt roads with grand views of the La Sal Mountains on the horizon and the Colorado River below. While I鈥檝e never ridden the Kokopelli from end to end, I鈥檝e ridden bikes in this area multiple times and I鈥檓 always blown away by the scenery.

This is remote backcountry, so you need to be totally self-sufficient. Bring plenty of water (a lot of cyclists听will cache water along the route) and a filter in case you need to pull from the Colorado River. There鈥檚 no food either, so pack what you want to eat. Plan this ride for spring or fall to make the most of mild weather. It would be near suicidal to attempt this big of a ride in the summer.

Finishing an epic adventure in the town of Moab is always fun, especially when the crescendo of the adventure includes ripping down the , an 11-mile technical descent with听drops and epic views into the Castle Valley. There鈥檚 no shame in walking pieces of this trail, especially with a loaded down bike.

Where to stay: The majority of the route passes through Bureau of Land Management terrain, so you鈥檒l have a mix of primitive, backcountry sites and established campgrounds throughout. , after you enter Utah, has half a dozen first-come-first-served sites on the Colorado River ($20 a night).

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. Bikepacking is hands down his favorite adventure and is constantly planning his next route. He recently wrote about the best swimming holes in our national parks.

The post 7 of the Best Bikepacking Trips Across the U.S. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Ever come across an incredible place to stay that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn鈥檛 it be something to stay there?听We do, too鈥攁ll the time. Welcome to听Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

A few months ago, I started noticing footage of what looked like landspeeders straight out of Star Wars romping through the sagebrush desert in my feed. When I found out these sci-fi-themed vehicles were cruising through the Utah desert, just a few hours from where I live, I knew I had to check it out.

My desire to visit initially stemmed in part from the fact that I鈥檝e seen every Star Wars film ever made, from the good (A New Hope, 1977), to the bad (Attack of the Clones, 2002), to the ugly (Rise of Skywalker, 2019). But contrary to what I originally assumed, OutpostX isn鈥檛 purely a Star Wars-themed resort鈥攊t also draws inspiration from dystopian times and escapism. The resort bills itself as a 鈥渃inematic, off-grid sanctuary鈥� set in 鈥減ost-apocalyptic鈥� times where you can get 鈥渁way from the BS of society.鈥�

This weird mashup of themes made me want to go even more, in part because it piqued my curiosity, and also because my favorite genre of literature and film is dystopian fiction. It鈥檚 my preferred way to make sense of our current borderline dystopian times.

And what better occasion to visit a dystopian desert resort than my 10th wedding anniversary? After all, my husband Casey is the one who enrolled me in his quest to watch the full Star Wars oeuvre. So on a four-day trip in honor of our decade-long marriage, we dedicated one night to an off-the-grid stay at OutpostX. We booked a Viking Tent and headed to the unincorporated town of Beryl.

Getting to OutpostX

Barrelling along dirt roads forged through the sagebrush, we passed a handful of strange industrial facilities, abandoned trailers, and illegally dumped sofas. But when the dirt road narrowed, the ruts grew deeper, and we failed to notice any of the signs bearing the letter 鈥淴鈥� we were told we鈥檇 see pointing the way, I scrolled through the 16-20 texts I鈥檇 received from OutpostX post-booking for answers. There, I found a warning I鈥檇 missed earlier:

鈥淎lso, WARNING, if you are coming from the Cedar City direction please be sure to take the route via Hwy 56 through Newcastle and Beryl Junction. Google sometimes suggests another route that is nearly impassable.鈥�

We had taken the 鈥渘early impassable鈥� route. Luckily, Casey and I are accustomed to nearly impassable routes, since we often camp in dispersed off-road sites in our backyard of the Uinta Mountains. My husband鈥檚 4WD truck easily tackled the grooves and sand, though if it were raining, that sand would have become tire-gripping mud. For us, the impassable route proved quite passable and even rustic in a fun way. That said, a feeling that we were barreling toward an experience reminiscent of Fyre Fest 2017 began to creep in.

As we kicked up dust, we tuned in to the four-part OutpostX podcast that the resort recommended we listen to before arrival. It recounts the resort鈥檚 fictional creation tale, but we found the narrative difficult to follow. It involved something about an extraterrestrial nuclear war, two long-lost brothers named Naa and Maa, and their efforts to rebuild a community called Namaajin (aka, OutpostX), 鈥渨here hope is the blueprint.鈥�

While the story made little sense, it certainly set the mood for what we found upon arrival. Circular white canvas tents embellished with cryptic symbols encircled what appeared to be a dried lakebed, toward the center of which stood an actual bed. A series of earthen caves and outbuildings resembling those of Tatooine rose from the scorched earth landscape. Star Wars-inspired landspeeders (referred to as sand cruisers at OutpostX) crawled over the hardened, parched, and cracked ground. We had arrived in a far and distant Berylian land.

Escapist Ambience: 4 Stars

If you manage to make it to this corner of Beryl in one piece, you will find that OutpostX has deftly turned acres of unwanted, barren lands into a whole vibe. The fanciful art-like objects and weird structures transport you to the sets of Star Wars, Mad Max, and maybe even Planet of the Apes, if you swap the apes for snakes. The entire resort is solar-powered, so panels decorate the outbuildings and outskirts of the premises.

Around mid-afternoon, you can channel the energy of a character in Dune as the daily wind picks up and coats you in a layer of dried lakebed dust. After enduring the evening gusts and cooking dinner over the fire鈥攖here are no dining options at OutpostX鈥攎y husband took a picture of my dirt-streaked face. I looked like I had lost a battle with Sarlacc, the sand-bound alien of Return of the Jedi.听

Cast of Characters (i.e., Staff and Guests): 4 Stars

As we were puzzling over where to check in upon arrival, a guy in a sand cruiser approached. Later, we would learn this was Danny, the maintenance guy. The check-in process was to look back through the many texts OutpostX had sent me to find my tent number, then drive up to it and enter. Danny added that we could 鈥渄o whatever you want鈥� while staying here.

Two or three times during our stay, arriving guests approached Casey and me, asking if we knew how to check in. In general, the staff at OutpostX are fleeting and unidentifiable, since they are dressed in plainclothes and look like the lot who would opt to live in a trailer in the middle of nowhere for weeks at a time.

That said, Danny was very helpful when it came to fixing our unit鈥檚 swamp cooler. The other upside of scarce staff is that we were truly held to no rules during our stay. Beryl, Utah is lawless country and if you want to cruise through the desert after hours with a cold one, no one will stop you.

Our fellow guests came from lands far and wide. License plates on cars hailed from California, New Mexico, Washington, Colorado, and Utah. A European throuple inquired with Danny about the availability of the pottery wheel. A Latter-day Saint bachelor party made PG-rated quips as they grilled monstrously large steaks over the fire, while partaking in the complimentary soda. A Southeast Asian influencer struck poses on the bed located in the lakebed for pictures鈥攖his same group also opted to pay the upcharge for 鈥渨ardrobe.鈥�

For $20, guests can rent a dystopian-style wardrobe during their stay to get into character in the Berylian universe. Think baggy robes, belted tunics, and scarves in earth tones. As we watched some guests bounce on the trampolines in costume at twilight, we decided we had made the right choice in foregoing the wardrobe add-on.

OutpostX Facilities: 3 Stars

We found our yurt-style Viking Tent to be cozy, equipped with a queen-sized bed, chair, and sofa. When we first entered our tent, it was unbearably hot inside, but this was because our swamp cooler air conditioning unit was malfunctioning. Danny fired it up, and it cooled down quickly inside. There is also a space heater and heated blanket in the tents for winter stays.

While the tent charmed us with its bohemian decor, the downside of staying in a Viking Tent or renting one of the OutpostX tent or RV campsites is that you must share a communal bathroom and kitchen.

Two bathrooms featured toilets with a showerhead in the corner, and one bathroom was toilet-only. Dystopian indeed. While the bathrooms were clean upon our arrival Friday afternoon, conditions had deteriorated by the next morning, when we found a clogged toilet, no more clean hand-drying towels, and a dearth of toilet paper.

My other gripe with the bathrooms? A four-foot long snake that suddenly appeared as we were cooking dinner at the outdoor firepits, slithering around the communal area. Eventually, the snake disappeared into one of the bathrooms, never to be seen again. Each time I went to the bathroom thereafter, I acted like a cop entering a crime scene, rapidly conducting a full scan of the premises to ensure it was snake-free.

The communal kitchen similarly left a few things to be desired for the OutpostX tent camper. With no restaurant onsite, cooking is the only option. For $97 per person, you can add a 鈥渃ulinary experience,鈥� which includes ingredients and recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner鈥攜ou do the cooking.

If you鈥檙e staying in a cave, you鈥檒l have your own kitchenette. But if you鈥檙e in a tent, dome, or campsite, you鈥檒l use the communal kitchen and outdoor firepits. The kitchen is shaped like a narrow hallway, with a few hot plates, mini fridges, and the world鈥檚 smallest kitchen sink. There is also a mocktail bar consisting of a variety of half-empty bottles of syrups and flavoring agents, which I presume is due to Utah鈥檚 notoriously strict liquor laws. Due to the confined space and limited culinary infrastructure, we opted to cook our skirt steak tacos on one of the three outdoor firepits.

Otherworldly Amenities: 5 Stars

The greatest joy of a stay at Outpost X is cruising around the sagebrush-dotted salt flats in a sand cruiser. I challenge you to find a complimentary amenity as joy-inducing as this. Sure, the sand cruiser is really just a solar power-charged golf cart embellished with some spray-painted plastic panels to resemble a Star Wars landspeeder. And no, it does not hover or go faster than 10-12 miles per hour.

But it鈥檚 the best way to tour the fantastical yet desolate landscape. OutpostX鈥檚 greatest asset is that the whole place feels like weird installation art, plopped down in the desert. Objects strewn across the salt flat landscape include: A queen-sized bed, a whitewashed diving board, a weird tower thing, a playground-esque wooden structure with a hammock, a leather weight bench, and a giant wooden swing.

Dodging sagebrush well into dusk, we laughed like characters in a fantasy-themed video game. All in all, I estimate that we spent at least 25% of our time at OutpostX in a sand cruiser and I wouldn鈥檛 have wanted it any other way.

The next best amenity at OutpostX? 鈥淴 Spa鈥�: A series of hot springs, cold plunge pools, and saunas overlooking the salt flats. We soaked in the hot spring as the sun set and the air finally cooled. Randomly, a pottery wheel and free local clay are available to guests in a corner of this spa area. Apparently, there also used to be a mud bath, but a 10-year-old boy got stuck in it and had to be extricated by staff. Also, they couldn鈥檛 clean the mud so it became a health hazard.

Overall OutpostX Rating: 3.5 Stars

Would I invest in another trip to these scorched, strange lands? Maybe to see the look on my kids鈥� faces as they pilot a sand cruiser through the desert. But it might be better to consider a day pass ($40 per person; $149.99 for a family of up to six) to enjoy the sand cruisers and spa, then head to Cedar City for the night.

If there is a next time, I will pay considerably more and stay in a cave to have my own kitchen and bathroom. Or maybe I will buy out the whole property for $8,000 and throw the dystopian party of my dreams.

The post This Star Wars-Themed Desert Outpost in Utah Is As Strange As It Sounds appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

国产吃瓜黑料 editors know the importance of taking a break any time of the year, but summer trips hit different. Where are we traveling this summer? Some of us have plans to escape the heat waves in U.S. for winter in Cape Town, South Africa, which has no shortage of outdoor thrills within its city limits. Another editor is heading to one of Washington state鈥檚 most remote and quirky towns to cool off on alpine-lake trails. While others are taking a runcation through Chamonix鈥檚 glacier-dotted mountains, and exploring a sci-fi-themed desert outpost in Utah.

Haven鈥檛 dialed in your summer vacation yet? With our always-online days, it鈥檚 more important than ever to put your phone in airplane mode and get a dose of nature’s healing vibes. Even if it鈥檚 just for a few hours while you visit your closest national park (pro-tip: visit natural parks with swimming holes). As always, the most important thing is to simply get outside.

Here are the trips we鈥檝e booked.

Chamonix, France听

When I learned I鈥檇 be shipping off to Paris on assignment in late July鈥攁nd that I鈥檇 have a few extra days to myself once the work was done鈥擨 immediately started making plans to visit Chamonix, which lies听tucked amid glacier-encrusted peaks and serrated ridgelines in the heart of the French Alps. I鈥檇 always known Cham was a global climbing epicenter, but it wasn鈥檛 until last year that I learned it was a trail-running paradise, too. I was getting back into running at the time and stumbled upon about some of the best trails in the area. Now, I鈥檓 training for a 40-miler in Telluride this summer, and I can鈥檛 imagine a better place to sneak in some last-minute training. On the list: the Petits Balcons trails (I hear there鈥檚 a good ice cream shop along the way), and sections of the iconic Tour de Mont Blanc.

鈥擟orey Buhay, 国产吃瓜黑料 interim managing editor

Exploring Around Utah听

My home state of Utah never fails to amaze me. There are new destinations, trails, and campsites I鈥檓 constantly adding to my list and checking out for the first time. We鈥檝e been ticking off a number of staycations, including finally visiting the new sci-fi themed OutpostX resort in the sagebrush country of Beryl, Utah.

Loosely inspired by Star Wars films, OutpostX lets guests travel endlessly around the desert landscape by sand cruiser (kind of like the landspeeders in the film, except they don鈥檛 hover or go fast). Beyond this headline amenity, we got to marvel at installation art plopped down in the middle of a dried lakebed, stay in a bohemian-styled Viking Tent, and watch the sunset from an听onsite hot spring.

On the same trip, I also fulfilled a long-held dream of visiting , an aspen clonal colony that鈥檚 considered the world鈥檚 largest living organism. Each tree in this 9,000-year-old aspen grove is genetically identical and connected by a massive root system. We camped amid Pando and mountain biked around nearby Fish Lake.

Later this summer, we鈥檒l be spending a couple nights with friends up at Castle Peak Yurt in the Uinta Mountains. We鈥檒l be SUPing at nearby high-alpine lakes, where I plan to attempt the SUP jumprope challenge, then unwind听in the yurt鈥檚 cedar sauna.

鈥擬aya Silver, Climbing editor-in-chief

Cape Town, South Africa听

This summer I鈥檓 headed to Cape Town where it will be winter. I know escaping summer for winter sounds strange, but there will be fewer crowds and milder weather (and no heat waves). And I scored an incredible stay so I can visit friends. Years ago, I was in South Africa on safari, but this is my first visit to its coastal capital where there鈥檚 no shortage of outdoor thrills within the city limits.

From Cape Town鈥檚 defining Table Mountain which dominates the skyline, to the two oceans that meet here, the Atlantic and the Indian, dramatic nature emerges in every direction. While this is a place known for shark diving, I鈥檇 rather do a mellow dive in Cape Town鈥檚 kelp forest, the dreamy undersea world where My Octopus Teacher was filmed. I plan to drive one of the most jaw-dropping coastal roads in the world, Chapman’s Peak, which is a bucket list for many cyclists to ride as well.

At the , I鈥檒l try to spot an ostrich by the sea. And no trip to Cape Town is complete without seeing African penguins at Boulders and hiking up Table Mountain. While the sun sets here now before 6 pm, that doesn鈥檛 seem so bad if I can watch it from the top of Lion’s Head Peak, taking in the incredible view of the dazzling coast below.

鈥� Kathleen Rellihan, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and culture senior editor

Keystone, Colorado

Back in the mid-eighties, my father-in-law Tim bought a studio unit in one of the then-new condominium buildings at Colorado鈥檚 Keystone Resort. Nearly forty years later, the 500-square-foot space has become a godsend for my wife, my daughter, and me. It鈥檚 our sanctuary from the Mad Max-style driving chaos that occurs on Colorado鈥檚 Interstate 70 on most afternoons. We鈥檙e lucky鈥攚e don鈥檛 have to drive to and from Summit County every day, and can instead sleep overnight and wait for mellow periods to do our commute.

Ski trips to the Keystone condo are a breeze in the winter, but the place is even more magical in the summer. I鈥檒l admit, the condo has dulled my old desires for roughing it-style backcountry adventures. And no, a trip up to Keystone is hardly exotic or adventuresome. But traveling there with a young child takes a lot of the headache and stress out of a vacation. The hiking and biking trails start right out the back. The blue-green water of the Snake River is just a five-minute walk down the path. And yeah, there鈥檚 a pool and a hot tub. My wife has fond memories of family outings to the condo, and our five-year-old daughter is already making her own. This summer we are planning on a two-week trip to the condo in late July. I can鈥檛 wait for the trip to arrive.

鈥� Fred Dreier, 国产吃瓜黑料 articles editor

Nantucket, Massachusetts

This summer, I鈥檓 swapping my usual multi-day backpacking grind for something a little softer: a first-time trip to Nantucket (one of 国产吃瓜黑料‘s Best Summer Weekend Trips for 2025). I鈥檒l be staying on the west end where I plan to spend slow mornings biking the island鈥檚 35+ miles of paved paths, walking into town for a decaf coffee, and down to the beach with a towel slung over my shoulder. I鈥檓 hoping for daily ocean swims (maybe watching the surfers at Miacomet) and afternoons spent fishing.

There鈥檚 no summit to reach here, and that鈥檚 exactly the point. Lately, I鈥檝e been reminding myself that getting outside doesn鈥檛 have to mean high mileage goals or big objectives. Sometimes it just means following the coastline on two wheels, letting my phone battery go dead, and watching the sunset while eating oysters in the sand. I鈥檒l always love the mountains (and will spend as many summer weekends in them as possible), but this trip, I鈥檓 chasing a different kind of reset鈥攁nd letting Nantucket show me how good the mellow can be.

鈥� Sierra Shafer, 国产吃瓜黑料 editorial director, Lifestyle

Chanhassen, Minnesota

I鈥檓 planning to visit Paisley Park, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with my twin sister. While we鈥檙e听 both fans of Prince, she is a superfan. We鈥檝e (read: she鈥檚) always wanted to check out his massive home and studio which is nearly 65,000 square feet and rests on about nine acres of land. I鈥檓 excited to explore his 鈥渃reative sanctuary.鈥� I鈥檝e also never been to Minnesota before, and I鈥檓 more than ready to explore a new state that feels totally foreign to me.

We also want to check out in Saint Paul. I’m the outdoorsy twin, so this one is for me. The park is about a 30-minute-ish drive from Prince鈥檚 estate. There鈥檚 a scenic waterfall tucked away on the trails. The last waterfall I saw was near a cenote in Mexico in 2016. Before that, sometime in the early 2000s, I swam in a lagoon under a massive waterfall in Cura莽ao. I鈥檇 say I鈥檓 due for another waterfall.

Since we plan on renting a car, I鈥檓 more than happy to drive two hours south of Chanhassen to visit the Spam Museum. I鈥檝e never eaten Spam because the look of it repulses me, but I need to know why it鈥檚 so loved. Plus, I want to see how it鈥檚 made. Maybe, I鈥檒l taste some. But probably not.

鈥� Ayana Underwood, 国产吃瓜黑料 senior health editor

Stehekin, Washington

I鈥檒l be heading to one of Washington State鈥檚 most remote towns: Stehekin. Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, this mountain community is full of retired hippies, magic makers, and wanderers. With a permanent population of barely a 100 residents, there are no roads in, so outsiders (like me) must take the ferry to reach town. I鈥檒l first drive to Fields Point Landing in Chelan, then ferry across the lake to the middle of Stehekin where I鈥檒l begin my trek to Purple Point Campground where I鈥檒l camp.

On my first day, I鈥檒 explore all the quirky things that make Stehekin unique. On day two, I鈥檒l climb up McGregor Mountain, an iconic spot that looms over the valley. It鈥檚 8-miles to the top, but I鈥檒l stop at the 7-mile mark where the trail ends since I have zero experience in rock climbing to make the summit.

Day three I鈥檒l hike Purple Creek Trail near the campground. It reaches out to just about 10 miles, but I鈥檒l stop at the 8-mile mark at Purple Pass. I鈥檒l bed down for the night and make the trek back the next day. Once back from my second day hike, I鈥檒l pack up my gear, grab a beer with friends, and hit the road back to Spokane.

鈥� Emilee Coblentz, 国产吃瓜黑料 packages editor

Southern Oregon

While my big adventure in Japan is coming this fall, summer will find me dipping in Oregon鈥檚 enchanting rivers which are, truthfully, a major reason why I moved here.

, a campground and farm in Cave Junction, has become an annual jaunt, and for good reason. With 60 campsites spread over 100 acres along the Illinois River, the land is the ultimate spot for a river rat respite (it’s also the top-rated in Oregon). Each year, Cedar Bloom plays host to the , but the opportunity to spend a few nights on this stretch of land sans thousands of other people is pretty special. Private beaches and swimming holes abound鈥攁nd not to get all woo-woo, but the energy is awesome.

Whether on the drive there or back (or both), I鈥檒l be pulling off I-5 to swim in the Umpqua, McKenzie, and Willamette Rivers. An explorer鈥檚 mindset is key here: pull up a map, trace the tributaries, keep your eyes open, and expect to find some of the most unreal swimming holes you鈥檝e ever seen or swam.

鈥� Calin Van Paris, Yoga Journal editor

Need more inspiration to plan your next summer adventure? Check out our picks for the best long summer weekend trips for 2025.

The post Where 国产吃瓜黑料 Editors Are Traveling This Summer appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There鈥檚 a new plan in Washington D.C. to auction off public lands, and this one involves millions of acres spread across nearly a dozen Western states.

The latest stipulation would require the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell off roughly 3 million acres by 2030.

On Tuesday, June 10, this plan was added to the draft legislation of President Donald Trump鈥檚 tax and spending megabill by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. Senate.

This sprawling piece of legislation, called 鈥淥ne Big, Beautiful Bill Act,鈥� passed the House of Representatives in early June, and is currently under debate in the Senate.

Sources told听The New York Times that two Republican lawmakers鈥擬ike Lee of Utah and Steve Daines of Montana鈥攚orked closely to decide on the plan.

Previous plans to sell off public lands have been met with public outcry. An earlier version of the Big, Beautiful Bill Act included a smaller selloff proposal, suggesting the liquidation of nearly 500,000 acres of public land in Nevada and Utah.

This provision was axed before the bill passed the House of Representatives, after backlash from the House鈥檚 Public Lands Caucus, a bipartisan group led by New Mexico Democrat Gabe Vasquez and Montana Republican and former interior secretary Ryan Zinke. Zinke called the measure his 鈥淪an Juan Hill.鈥� He has previously told 国产吃瓜黑料:听鈥淭he idea that you鈥檙e going to sell public land to get out of debt is folly.鈥�

This latest鈥攁nd substantially larger鈥攍and sale proposal was announced by Lee, who is the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Specifically, the reconciliation bill鈥檚 language dictates that 鈥渘ot less than 0.50 percent and not more than 0.75 percent鈥� of all BLM land be sold to the private sector, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. Identical language and percentages dictate the sale of National Forest land as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

The BLM manages 245 million total acres, and the the Forest Service manages 193 million acres. Under the plan’s rules, up to 3.29 million acres of public lands would be placed on the auctioning block.

Lawmakers have said the sale of public lands would raise funds for the federal government and clear land for housing development. The plan would put public lands in 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Zinke鈥檚 state, Montana, is the only Western state excluded from this updated proposal.

The that national parks, national monuments, and designated wilderness areas would be exempt from auction, and land near existing population centers would be prioritized. The bill also mandates that any public land sales must occur solely for 鈥渇or the development of housing or to address associated community needs,鈥� but it leaves the definition of these 鈥渁ssociated community needs鈥� up to the Secretaries concerned.

鈥淪enate Republicans have finally said the quiet part out loud,鈥� said , the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. 鈥淭hey want to put millions of acres of our public lands up in a fire sale, destroy the investments that have created thousands of manufacturing and clean energy jobs 鈥� including in their home states, and obliterate programs that lower energy costs for everyday Americans.鈥�

The plan received immediate criticism from nonprofit groups and organizations that work in conservation and outdoor recreation.

鈥淲hat some may see as a barren lot on a map on a Senator鈥檚 desk may actually be where a community hikes after work, rides their ATV, or teaches their kids how to hunt turkey or ride a bike,” reads a statement from Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a lobbying group for the outdoor recreation industry. “And once these treasured places are sold to private industry, they are gone forever, and in the case of this proposal, can be used for any purpose after ten years.”

David Willms, associate vice president for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation, called the plan “orders of magnitude worse than what the House proposed last month.”

鈥淢andating the fire sale of up to two-and-a-half million acres of public land violates more than a century of land stewardship, threatens wildlife and clean water, runs directly against widespread public opinion, and will not begin to solve either the budget crisis or the affordable housing crisis,” he said.

The post There鈥檚 a New Plan to Sell Off Public Lands. It Would Impact Millions of Acres in Western States. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I wasn鈥檛 introduced to the pleasures of lake life until my early 30s. Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, I was ocean obsessed. If the water didn鈥檛 have waves and leave me salt-kissed, I wasn鈥檛 interested. When I moved to Colorado 15 years ago, I was gripped by land-locked panic and started road-tripping to any body of water I could find. I soon discovered many of my favorite ocean sports (kitesurfing, paddleboarding, foiling) could be performed on lakes. And many of the lakes I visited were surrounded by wilderness trails that I could hike, bike, and run. Some shocked me with their Caribbean-esque beauty. Others awed me with their alpine backdrops.

While the jet-set flocks to Europe to see-and-be-seen on the glamorous shores of Lake Como, Italy, and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, the adventure set heads to the U.S., where lake life is blissfully more rugged than refined. America is blessed with nearly 3 million lakes. Everyone knows Powell, Placid, and Tahoe (for good reason), so I won鈥檛 be redundant. And I鈥檒l urge you to read 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Stephanie Pearson鈥檚 wonderful story on the overlooked playground of Lake Superior, which I have yet to visit. Based on my travels, these are nine lesser-known American lakes I highly recommend exploring this summer.

1. Bear Lake, Utah-Idaho Border

Why we love it: sparkling jewel is nicknamed the 鈥淐aribbean of the Rockies鈥� for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which owe their hue to an abundance of calcium carbonate deposits. At 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, the lake is almost perfectly split between Idaho and Utah. No longer a secret, its sandy shores can feel crowded in the peak of summer. But the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation purchased an additional 28 acres of land last March, adding 1,200 feet of shoreline to the west of the lake to ease congestion.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: On my first visit to Bear Lake, I spent my days paddleboarding, kayaking, and wake surfing off popular Rendezvous Beach at the south end of the lake. Rental companies and stock every imaginable toy from Sea-Doos to water trampolines. Over the border, ($20) two geothermal-heated pools are located right on North Beach and will warm you up after a windy day on the lake. Make time to explore beyond the shores. The surrounding area is home to fascinating caves, like 滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Paris Ice Cave, which never completely melts, and fantastic hiking spots, like , near Logan, UT.

Base: Conestoga Ranch lets you channel your Oregon Trail fantasies and overnight in retrofitted covered wagons that sleep up to six people (from $236). Located on the edges of the west side of the lake in Garden City, UT, one of the area鈥檚 main hubs, this Old West-inspired glamping resort has complimentary cruiser bikes, an onsite general store, and one of the best restaurants in town (they can also make picnics).

2. Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Why we love it: Almost completely surrounded by the northernmost section of the , this 8,270-acre lake is a mecca for anglers hunting muskellunge, known as the 鈥渇ish of 10,000 casts鈥� due to their elusive nature. It鈥檚 also a dream destination for boating, kayaking, sailing, and swimming and its shores are surrounded by hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The town of Morehead is known as the Muskie Capital of the South. Hire Gregg Thomas at and try to hook a fish that tops the state record, just shy of 50 pounds. Tackle a stretch of the 300-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail or trek the approximately six-mile out-and-back , which follows the shoreline and rewards hikers with an unbeatable view of Twin Knobs across the lake.

Base: On the south side of the lake, the has some 200 sites (from $31) spread out over 10 forested loops. Campers have access to a beach, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, plus a boat ramp and fishing dock. The site also has easy access to scenic, low-key hikes, like the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.

3. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Why we love it: The refreshing lack of shoreline development around Arkansas鈥檚 largest lake makes it still feel wild and untouched; it also boasts some of the cleanest waters in the country. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of forest and sprinkled with 200-plus islands, you can find a patch of wilderness all to yourself, even in the height of summer.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Fishing outfitter can help you hook whopper stripers and bass. This is also one of the few lakes that allows spear fishing. Lake Ouachita State Park hugs the eastern shores and its marina rents all the equipment you might desire. Kayak the 16-mile . The first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System features 12 exploration areas that shed light on the lake鈥檚 unique geological formations. You can also ogle many of these formations underwater while the lake鈥檚 30 dive spots.

Base: Lake Ouachita State Park has 93 campsites (from $16) and eight cabins (from $220), most overlooking the water. Or book a floating home from (from $3,000 for three days for up to 10 people).

4. Grand Lake, Colorado

Why we love it: Originally called Spirit Lake by the Ute Tribe, Colorado鈥檚 largest and deepest body of water is a Front Range gem in summer with its public beach, yacht club, and marinas. Hemmed in on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park, the area offers countless land-based adventures. And the tiny town of Grand Lake oozes old-timey nostalgia.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located steps from the historic downtown boardwalk, the Headwaters Marina rents pedal boats ($30 per hour), sports boats ($100 per hour), pontoons (from $140 per hour), and offers scenic, one-hour boat tours ($25). Family-operated is just in front of the marina and rents single and tandem kayaks (from $30 per hour). Rocky Mountain Park鈥檚 west entrance in Grand County is far less trafficked. The starts in town. It鈥檚 only .8 miles round-trip to reach the cascades. Continue another mile for awesome views of Mount Baldy and听 another 4.8 miles to reach Lone Pine Lake.

Base: Perched high above the water, has been welcoming guests since 1921. The cabins, originally purchased from the Sears Roebuck catalog, were recently renovated (from $185). It鈥檚 debatable which has the better sunset view: the porch swings or the hot tub and pool.

5. Green and Round Lakes, New York

Why we love it: These two mesmerizing jade-colored bodies of water form the heart of 1,955-acre Green Lakes State Park, located 10 miles east of Syracuse. Aquatic anomalies, both are meromictic鈥攁 rare condition where surface and deeper waters do not mix鈥攁nd contain calcium carbonate, which precipitates out of the water during late May to early June and settles to form white, reef-like structures on the shores. One of 28 National Natural Landmark sites in the U.S., Round Lake stands out for its border of old-growth forest (uncommon in the northeast).

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Green Lake, the larger of the two, has a sandy public beach with swimming access and a boat house that rents rowboats and kayaks (from $12 an hour). A network of showcase the park鈥檚 old-growth forests and gorges; birdwatching fanatics can try to .

Base: Green Lakes State Park Campgrounds has 137 campsites ($20-$39) and seven cabins ($115 per night, two-night minimum). Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance; non New York residents must pay a $5 fee. 听

6. Lake Jocassee, South Carolina

Why we love it: Nestled in the northwest corner of South Carolina, this fjord-like reservoir can only be accessed through Devils Fork State Park. Four Appalachian mountain rivers feed the lake, keeping its mirror-like waters remarkably clear and refreshingly cool. When I visited, I marveled at the solitude I found while angling for trout in a deep cove and paddleboarding past waterfalls that tumble into the lake.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located just outside of the park, Jocassee Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for groceries, boat rentals (from $400 for four hours), and wakeboards, tubes, and other water toys ($45 each). rents single and tandem kayaks (from $50 per day) and also offers to the best waterfalls ($125 for six hours). The park鈥檚 towering waterfalls鈥攕ome of the highest in the eastern U.S.鈥攕teal the spotlight, but if you arrive in early spring, you might see pinkish-white Oconee Bells, one of America鈥檚 rarest wildflowers.

Base: The park operates 20 cozy, one- and two-bedroom 鈥渧illas鈥濃�攆ully-furnished cabins with screened porches and waterfront views; all require a two-night minimum and some require a full week (from $275 per night). Campers can choose from 59 RV and tent sites, reserved online (from $32). For total seclusion, reserve one of the 25 sites in the park鈥檚 boat-in campground (from $40).

7. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Why we love it: The azul waters of Lake Mac appear like a reverie amid Nebraska鈥檚 corn fields. If it weren鈥檛 for the John Deere tractors dotting the talcum shores, you鈥檇 think you were in the Turks & Caicos. The state鈥檚 largest reservoir, located within the , is a 3.5-hour drive east of Denver. It鈥檚 one of my favorite summer 鈥渂each鈥� escapes for camping on the sand, wake surfing, paddling, sailing, and kite surfing.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The lake鈥檚 gateway town, Ogallala, is 20 minutes from the water. Make a pit-stop for supplies and a Nebraska-raised beef burger from excellent, locally-owned restaurant . rents ski boats and pontoons ($225 for two hours) as well as jet skis ($180 for two hours). offers rentals and instruction ($25 for two hours). Birdwatchers should bring their binos. The lake is home to some . Fishing enthusiasts descend here in July to compete in the .

Base: are required during peak season, May 20 through September 10. Non site-specific beach camping in 17 designated areas can be reserved 30 days in advance (from $20). Reservations for the five non-beach campgrounds can be made 180 days in advance (from $15). Last summer, I couldn鈥檛 score a site, but I was able to get a lakefront tent pitched ($33) on two-mile stretch of private shoreline. The recently renovated resort also has RV hookups (from $40) and motel-style rooms and cabins (from $124), plus kayak rentals, a general store, and a great restaurant that regularly hosts live music.

8. Clear Lake, Oregon

Why we love it: Boasting over 100 feet of underwater visibility, Clear Lake lives up to its name. This shimmering beauty was formed more than 3,000 years ago when a volcanic lava flow dammed the McKenzie River. A ghostly sunken forest lies beneath its cold, crystalline waters. Bounded by the Willamette National Forest, it鈥檚 a paradise for hiking and mountain biking.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: It鈥檚 of the best freshwater diving spots in the U.S. because it鈥檚 so clear and bottom-lined with ancient, petrified trees. Pack your 5 mill wetsuit (at least) as the water temperature averages 37 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rent gear and get intel at or in Bend. Get the lay of the land by hiking the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop Trail. The legendary is a must for mountain bikers, with 26 miles of singletrack winding through lava fields and old-growth forest along the eastern section of the lake. rents mountain bikes (from $55 per day) and offers shuttles ($35).

Base: The on the eastern shore has 34 campsites, plus a boat ramp and fish cleaning station for anglers (from $33). On the lake鈥檚 north edge, Clear Water Resort has yurts (from $90) and cabins (from $80) and rents glass-bottom tandem kayaks ($25 per hour).

9. Lake Willoughby, Vermont

Why we love it: Sandwiched between the fjord-like peaks of Mounts Pisgah and Hor in the Northeast Kingdom, this glacial-carved lake is often referred to as America鈥檚 Lucerne. Its translucent waters stretch five miles long and one-mile wide, making it ideal for paddling, boating, and wild swimming.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Earn your dunk after hiking the semi- strenuous, highly scenic 4.8-mile, out-and-back Mount Pisgah North Trail or biking the of Willoughby State Forest. The lake鈥檚 calm waters are a pleasure to paddle (see equipment deets below).

Base: is a little haven on the north shore (from $219). Ten log cabins each have two bedrooms, full kitchens, and porches (cabins 2-6 have the best lake views) and Clyde River Recreation delivers kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes right to the property (from $35 a day). On the south shores, Willoughby State Forest offers . If you need amenities, has RV Hook-Ups (from $52), tent sites (from $41), and cabins (from $81), equipment rentals, and a seriously good cafe that serves breakfast all day.

Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and converted lake lover. She has plans to spend a week at Caspian Lake in Vermont this summer.

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Bigger is not always better. While we spend plenty of time oohing and ahhing over larger mountain towns like Boulder or Chattanooga, there are dozens of smaller hamlets with fewer than 6,000 full-time residents that offer the right combo of amenities and quick access to some of the best spots for outdoor recreation in the country. Here are my favorite small adventure towns across the United States, from minuscule hiking and climbing outposts to bustling ski towns.

Bethel, Maine

Population: 2,730

Why I Love It

Bethel is the kind of town that makes you consider relocating. Tucked into Western Maine鈥檚 Lakes and Mountains region, the village itself is super walkable with an eclectic array of restaurants, while being surrounded by public land, from the peaks that make up the expansive White Mountain National Forest to the less-intimidating Community Forest trails accessed directly from town.

The slow-moving Androscoggin River passes through the village (prime tubing in the summer) and an ever-growing is attracting more and more mountain bikers.

Oh, and Bethel is flanked by two ski resorts. is the larger of the two, with more than 2,000 feet of vertical and 750 acres of terrain (not to mention a couple of heated lifts), while is the mom-and-pop ski hill we all wish we had in our backyard, with $39 lift tickets every day, a friendly uphill policy, and a solid mix of terrain to keep it interesting.

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Most people come to Bethel to ski Sunday River. If you鈥檙e looking for a challenge, head to Oz, a zone loaded with steep double black runs, or take Lollapalooza to Blind Ambition, an expansive gladed run on the edge of Jordan Bowl. Bring your mountain bike during the summer. Mt. Abram has lift-served terrain, but you can hit a number of trails directly from the edge of town. is a fun, flowy three-mile loop in the center of the Bethel Village Trails on the south side of the village.

Where to Eat

has a genius cocktail menu, as well as a seafood chowder that hits just right on a cold winter night. If you鈥檙e looking for something more casual, Steam Mill Brewing has burgers and a rotating New England IPA on tap.

Where to Stay

The will put you on the southern edge of the village, within walking distance of restaurants, and direct access to some of the town鈥檚 most loved mountain bike trails (from $126 per night).

Book Bethel Resort

Stowe, Vermont

Population: 5,230 or 745

Why I Love It

Quite simply, Stowe is the East Coast鈥檚 best ski town, especially this winter as Stowe Mountain Resort has enjoyed 329 inches of snow (and counting) at the time I鈥檓 writing this article, and then you have the New England charm of the village itself, with its steeples, covered bridges, and brick federal architectural style. And all of this sits in the shadow of the massive Mount Mansfield State Forest and Smugglers鈥� Notch State Park.

Not cool enough yet? How about an aggressive and progressive local population that鈥檚 worked to preserve more than for public use while building out a growing system of singletrack and nordic trails that can be accessed straight from town. Is Stowe still a sleepy hamlet tucked into the hills? Yes and no. The village still feels small, but it can be expensive, and it can get crowded, but that鈥檚 the proverbial price you pay for being the best ski town on the East Coast.

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In the winter, you鈥檙e obviously skiing Stowe, which is one of the East鈥檚 best resorts, with more than 2,000 vertical feet of drop, and 653 skiable acres split between two mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.When the snow melts, combine a slice of the and the for an eight-mile loop that climbs the 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield via a 2,000-foot climb that includes some ladders and scrambling before reaching the treeless summit, where you can see the surrounding Green Mountains and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Mountain bikers should pedal the Stowe Recreation Trail, a six-mile paved path along the What River, to access , Stowe鈥檚 signature trail network with 12 miles of purpose-built singletrack. Make sure you hit the mile-long Florence, considered by many the best flow trail in the northeast. And listen, everyone should make a point to visit Stowe during fall, when the weather is crisp and the hardwoods are popping off in a barrage of reds, yellows, and golds.

Where to Eat

is incredibly hip, incredibly good, and incredibly crowded, but get on the waitlist and when it鈥檚 your chance, order the Vermont cheddar fritters and their smash burger and listen to the DJ spinning from a wall of vinyl. And if you鈥檙e in Vermont, you have to stop by the and pick up a four pack of the beer that put the brewery on the map, Heady Topper.

Where to Stay

Stowe has resorts attached to the ski hill and quaint bed and breakfasts, but check out the new cabins and lodge rooms at a few miles outside of town, with direct access to Stowe鈥檚 Recreation Path. The lodge has its own bar, pool, and hot tub and a grassy lawn overlooking the West Branch of the Little River (from $151 per night).

Book Outbound Stowe

Silverton, Colorado

Population: 713

Why I Love It

Sitting at 9,300 feet in elevation, Silverton is a former gold and silver mining town that has found new life as a basecamp for outdoor adventure, thanks to the surrounding San Juan Mountains鈥攁 hotbed of skiing in the winter and alpine adventure in the summer. If you鈥檙e standing in downtown Silverton, you鈥檙e within and 15 miles of seven of Colorado鈥檚 14,000-foot summits.

The entire town is a National Historic Landmark with buildings erected in the late 1800s that still retain their Wild West vibe. Greene Street, the main road through the heart of town, is the only paved street in the municipality. I鈥檝e visited Silverton during the winter, on my way to ski the backcountry terrain in the San Juan mountains, but I鈥檓 dying to get back in the summer and early fall to check out the growing network of mountain bike trails and see the aspens surrounding town turn gold.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Experience the best of the San Juans in summer by hiking the , located in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. The eight-mile out and back passes through meadows packed with wildflowers before delivering you to a trio of high-alpine lakes that are known to house rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The hike tops out at 12,000 feet in elevation, but you can climb higher by picking up the Continental Divide Trail above the lakes.

The local bike club, the Silverton Singletrack Society, is in the process of building out 30 miles of singletrack in a system called that you can pedal to from town. The first six-mile loop has just opened, offering a steep climb before releasing you to a 1,000-foot, flowy descent.

If you have the skillset, I highly recommend skiing , which is like no other ski 鈥渞esort鈥� in the country. A single chairlift rises from a warming hut, from the top you can skin out to a cornucopia of backcountry lines, all of which demand expert-level skiing. If that鈥檚 not enough terrain, Silverton Mountain also offers heli-bumps from the top of the chairlift.

Where to Eat

has great IPAs as well as a full menu, from cauliflower tacos to pizzas loaded with sausage and bacon.

Where to Stay

The has 15 modern rooms in a multi-story building that once housed a gas station, ballroom, and lodge hall. The hotel sits in the heart of downtown and every booking comes with a $10 drink credit in the lobby bar (private rooms from $176 per night; bunks in the 10-bed bunk room from $75 per night).

Book Wyman Hotel

Highlands, North Carolina

Population: 1,110听

Why I Love It

Highlands, which is one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Mississippi (elevation: 4,118 feet), has been a mountain escape since the late 1800s, originally attracting wealthy travelers who flocked to the village for its clean air and pristine surroundings.

People today show up for the same reasons, and Highlands has grown into a cultural hub of the mountains, with a surprisingly robust art and culinary scene given its small footprint. Main Street is bustling with shops, galleries and restaurants, while the surrounding Nantahala National Forest offers fast access to hiking trails, mountain lakes, and waterfalls.

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Hiking Whiteside Mountain, a 4,903-foot peak named after the sheer, granite face that rises to its summit, is the must-do adventure close to town. The two-mile forms a loop that delivers you to the edge of this 700-foot cliff, one of the tallest in the eastern U.S.

You can actually drive your car behind Bridal Veil Falls, just outside of town, but for a more adventurous waterfall, head to Bust Your Butt Falls, a swimming hole just off Highway 64 on the Cullasaja River with a jumping rock and natural water slide at the base of the falls.

Where to Eat

You can鈥檛 turn around without stumbling into another fancy (and pricey) restaurant in Highlands, but I like for its to-go sandwiches and snacks that hit the spot on big hikes.

Where to Stay

Highlands has no shortage of high-end hotels and resorts, but I like the new , a 14-room motel that was recently renovated into a boutique stay where each room has its own typewriter and turntable with record collection (from $189 per night).

Book Outpost Inn

Kanab, Utah

Population: 5,200听

Why I Love It

You can鈥檛 beat Kanab鈥檚 location. Tucked into the desert of southern Utah, just north of the Arizona border, Kanab sits within striking distance of some of the Southwest鈥檚 most iconic landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park is an hour north, Zion National Park is 45 minutes west. If you鈥檙e looking to take a dip, Lake Powell is an hour east, and drive two hours south and you鈥檒l hit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The town itself is steeped in Hollywood history, as more than 200 Westerns were filmed in the canyons around town. Kanab itself has a bit of a Moab vibe (think adobe buildings and streets sprawling through the desert floor) but it鈥檚 far sleepier than its gateway cousin. And the food scene? Surprisingly impressive.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

So many parks, so little time. For something unique, head to where you can sand-board the 75-foot tall dunes, made of grains of quartz coated with iron oxide, giving them a pink hew. You can rent sand boards or sleds from the at the park ($25 per board).

Hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, considered the longest slot canyon in America. The is the fastest way into the gorge, a 3.4-mile round trip that delivers you to the canyon. From there, you can explore up or down the canyon to your heart鈥檚 content. The gulch is in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You鈥檒l need a for the day hike.

Buckskin Gulch is more than 12 miles long, and 200 feet deep at its low point. The walls are never wider than 20 feet during its entire length.

Where to Eat

Kanab is a legitimate foodie destination with a handful of restaurants that punch above the weight of a town this size. If you鈥檙e looking for a memorable dinner, head to , where the menu revolves around a series of small plates, from foraged local mushrooms to chili-rubbed beef sourced just across the border in Arizona.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels around town, but spend the night at , a glamping resort with geodesic domes that have king beds, their own kitchenette, and massive windows overlooking the red rock cliffs (from $170 per night).

Book White Camel

Patagonia, Arizona

Population: 789

Why I Love It

Start in Tucson, then head an hour south (almost to the Mexican border) and you鈥檒l find tiny Patagonia, a former mining town that鈥檚 just starting to transition into a bonafide adventure town. This one-street village is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, and sits within striking distance of two state parks鈥擯atagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek. But the real draw here is the myriad of gravel roads that extend from main street into the surrounding hills, traversing an endless sea of desert grassland.

You鈥檒l hear both Spanish and English spoken throughout town, which also sports the tell-tale signs of a modern mountain outpost (like at the coffee bar with weekend food trucks), but is still hanging onto its blue-collar roots (and rooms are still relatively cheap).

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

The 800-mile long Arizona National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state, can be found just outside of town. Head south for a meandering hike through rolling grasslands, or north and you鈥檒l tackle the Santa Rita Mountains, where steep climbs and granite peaks await.

But you鈥檙e probably here for the gravel riding, too. The options are endless, and the terrain is rolling instead of grueling, so plan for big-mile days. Start with the 30-mile Alto Ghost Town ride, which climbs through a series of canyons on its way to the ruins of a former mining camp. The undulating grasslands turn gold in the fall but form mesmerizing, shimmering waves regardless of when you ride through them. has rentals (from $125 per day).

Where to Eat

The has build-your-own pizzas, margaritas, and classy oil portraits of The King, while brews coffee in the morning, beer in the afternoon, and hosts rotating food trucks on weekends.

Where to Stay

Grab a spot in the nine-room hotel, which sits on main street within walking distance of everything, and has dedicated bike storage (from $125 per night).

Mazama, Washington

Population 200听

Why I Love It

There鈥檚 small, and then there鈥檚 Mazama, a hamlet in central Washington鈥檚 Methow Valley that has less than 200 year-round residents and a 鈥渄owntown鈥� that鈥檚 nothing more than a handful of businesses situated around a junction where two roads meet. But Mazama has everything you need鈥攆ood, beer, supplies, and a place to sleep.

More importantly, the town is surrounded by the , the largest network of nordic ski trails in the country (120 miles), all of which were created and maintained by a non-profit, also called . During the summer, there鈥檚 whitewater rafting on the Methow River, and trad and sport climbing on the Goat Wall, a 1,500-foot tall cliff overlooking the valley. Need more? Mazama is a gateway to North Cascades National Park, which has more glaciers than any park in the lower 48, and also happens to be one of the least visited parks in the country, with under 17,000 visitors last year.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

State Road 20, a.k.a. North Cascades Highway, closes from Mazama into the park during the winter, but come summer, the two-lane offers a beautiful 90-minute drive west over Washington Pass. The of the park offers the easiest access to Mazama. There, you鈥檒l find three reservoirs of differing shades of milky blue. Grab a canoe ($75 a day) from and explore the lake, which is surrounded by steep, green mountains. Or hike the 3.5-mile to a prominent point overlooking Diablo Lake.

If you make the trek during winter, cross country skiing is the ticket. There are 120 miles of nordic trails throughout the valley, all of which are groomed nightly. Crazy right? Mazama has its own trailhead, where you can kick and glide along the 11-mile , which has minimal gain but big-valley views.

Where to Eat

There aren鈥檛 a lot of options, but the has to-go sandwiches and snacks and is the best example of what a modern general store can be. The has a taproom and patio with views of Goat Peak, not to mention craft beer, rice bowls, and even sushi.

Where to Stay

The has lodge rooms within walking distance of the Public House (from $182 per night).

Book Inn at Mazama

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Population 2,900听

Why I Love It

In the 1800s, the New River Gorge area attracted lumberjacks and coal miners, as the river canyon was rich in both resources. Now, it attracts hikers, boaters, and climbers, and the New River Gorge has become one of America鈥檚 newest national parks.

The small town of Fayetteville has stood witness to it all, evolving into a world-class gateway community with a historic downtown square, and just enough in the way of restaurants and shops to keep visitors and locals satiated. Fayetteville still retains that sleepy, small town vibe, but just beyond the city鈥檚 borders lies some of the best outdoor recreation in the East, starting with the whitewater rafting and world-class climbing inside the New River Gorge. There鈥檚 also mellow paddling on Summersville Lake, mountain biking on the Arrowhead Trails, a hand-carved system built by Boy Scouts, and more whitewater action on the nearby Gauley River.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Most people show up to raft the , which runs for 53 miles through the heart of the 1,000-foot deep canyon. The river is typically broken down into two day-long runs. The Upper New is more family friendly, with 13 miles of class I-III rapids, while the Lower New has big hits that reach class IV plus.

The whitewater is exciting, but the climbing is actually better, with more than 1,500 established routes along the sandstone walls that loom over the river below. And that doesn鈥檛 even include the growing number of bouldering problems found in the gorge. The climbing isn鈥檛 easy (grades top out at ) but will put you on the right route if you鈥檙e looking for a guide (starting at $130 per person).

Where to Eat

Fayetteville鈥檚 downtown square sports a handful of restaurants. Operating out of a former church just off the square, has been the town鈥檚 go-to for breakfast and lunch for decades. If you ride a couple of hot laps on the flowy , make sure to stop by the for a cold beer and a brat (or taco) served al-fresco in their beer garden.

Where to Stay

The New River Gorge supports several adventure outposts, where you can find cheap campsites or luxury cabins. I like , which has options spread across a 350-acre campus with its own restaurants, a pool, and a stunning view of the gorge itself (covered platform tent sites start at $49 per night).

Book 国产吃瓜黑料s on the Gorge

McCall, Idaho

Population: 4,066听

Why I Love It

The obvious draw to McCall is the skiing. The small town sits in the Cuddy and Salmon River Mountains of Idaho, collecting 300 inches of snow a year, with quick access to three ski resorts, Tamarack Resort, Brundage Mountain, and the aptly named Little Ski Hill, which has night skiing and just a T-bar for a lift.

But then you also have Payette Lake, a 5,000-acre beauty surrounded by green peaks and full of trout that have been beckoning anglers since the 1800s. Not to mention, whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork and Main Fork of the Salmon, and a growing portfolio of mountain bike trails, as well as ample hiking trails in Payette National Forest and Ponderosa State Park. Begin stacking all of these attributes up and it becomes obvious that the draw to McCall is鈥�everything.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Many will argue that has the best powder in Idaho, so skiers should head there during a winter visit. The mountain has almost 2,000 acres of front-side terrain to explore, but it鈥檚 the 18,000 acres of backcountry that you can access via the resort鈥檚 that are the real gem here (starting at $575).

Bring your bike in the summer as McCall is rapidly becoming a , earning a Silver Ride Center designation from IMBA, with a diverse suite of trails that鈥檚 rapidly approaching 500 miles large. Head straight for , a golf course resort that鈥檚 gone all-in on mountain biking with 17 miles of fast, flowy descents, some of which are packed with wooden features, all accessed via easy-to-climb fire roads or shuttle ($30 per rider).

Where to Eat

McCall is a bustling adventure town with plenty of options for a good meal, but has award-winning lagers to go along with their fried wild salmon and chips.

Where to Stay

takes modern Scandinavian-inspired design and puts it into a 1970s-era motel built with local timber. And the rooms walk out onto an expansive lawn with games and fire pits (from $131 per night).

Book Scandia Inn

Bigfork, Montana

Population: 5,249听

Why I Love It

At first glance, Bigfork is a lake town, sitting on the edge of the massive Flathead Lake, which has 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. And it has plenty of kayaking and fishing for those that are water inclined. But it鈥檚 also a hiking town, with quick access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Flathead National Forest, and numerous state parks.

Want a little adrenaline? Bigfork is also the basecamp for whitewater adventures on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. Oh, and Bigfork is just an hour from the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. So is Bigfork a lake town? Yes, but it鈥檚 also so much more.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Head to the of Flathead National Forest, a 15,000-acre tract within the Bob Marshall Wilderness featuring more than 20 alpine lakes. Hike a 6.6-mile loop combining the (#717) and the Picnic Lakes Trail to the rocky summit of the 7,000-foot Mount Aeneas, where you鈥檒l find views of the Jewel Basin lakes below, and the ridges of Glacier National Park on the horizon. You鈥檒l occasionally find mountain goats on the summit too. Bring a flyrod and try to land one of the cutthroat or rainbow trout that thrive in the Picnic Lakes on the back end of the loop.

Flathead Lake has six state parks that protect its shoreline and the islands in the middle of the water. Paddle two miles across the lake from the boat launch in Dayton, Montana, to , a 2,165-acre state park in the middle of the lake that鈥檚 only accessible by boat. Instead of cars, you鈥檒l see feral horses and bighorn sheep. has kayak and paddleboard rentals (starting at $40).

Where to Eat

has views of the lake, 16 beers on tap, and a large pub-food menu that includes a burger topped with jalape帽o poppers. So, yeah. Yum.

Where to Stay

is an all-inclusive dude ranch on 2,000 acres running along the shores of Flathead Lake. You鈥檒l get access to the property鈥檚 15-mile private mountain bike trail system, canoes, hikes, and horseback rides to backcountry breakfast (starting at $5,103 a week). If you鈥檙e looking for less of a financial commitment, has cabins and Airstreams, all of which come with private access to the lake (from $210 per night).

Book Hotels in Bigfork

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He鈥檚 been lucky enough to live in a few of America鈥檚 most fun (and expensive) adventure towns, and recently wrote about the country鈥檚 best mountain towns. He also recently wrote about the best national parks for spring break trips.听

The post The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

On Sunday, that the iconic Fiery Furnace hiking zone would be closed until further notice due to staffing shortages.

In February, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) fired National Park employees and rescinded job offers for another 5,000 seasonal workers. Although the government reversed course on the temporary workers a few weeks later and a federal judge ordered the reinstatement of national park employees last week, most of those have been placed on paid leave, while national parks like Arches are still working to fill the temporary positions that manage day-to-day operations within park boundaries.

Best known for its towering sandstone slot canyons and semi-technical terrain, the Fiery Furnace garnered so much attention in the 1990s that park officials put a permitting system into place to ensure that no more than 75 people could enter the area per day.

In a normal year, Arches National Park receives nearly 2 million visitors. The park relies on seasonal employees to accommodate hikers and monitor the Fiery Furnace hike. However, both ranger-led programs and self-guided trips in the area are staff-intensive according to the park, which has left officials with no choice but to close the hike.

Karen Hanker, a spokesperson for Arches National Park told Backpacker that the park鈥檚 鈥渓imited team is doing visitor services, staffing the front desk, giving guided tours, etc.鈥�

Given the volume of visitation right now we鈥檙e at a level where if we don鈥檛 have our seasonal workers to help us manage the front desk and issue permits, we have to put our full time workers toward the basics,鈥� Hanker said. As a popular destination for spring break travelers, traffic starts to grow in March and April. Fiery Furnace generally opens on Presidents Day. Usually the park would offer permits at this time of the year, but without their usual team, there simply aren鈥檛 enough resources.

In addition to requiring more staff members to support permitting and ranger-led programs through Fiery Furnace, Hanker ,鈥淭here鈥檚 also the search and rescue component.鈥�

鈥淪hould something happen to someone in the Fiery Furnace, we would need to provide support,鈥� she aid. 鈥淩escues are incredibly staff intensive anywhere in the park, let alone a place as geologically complex as the Fiery Furnace.鈥�

The trail through Fiery Furnace takes hikers across slickrock and through canyons where it can be difficult to see a path. Without many conventional trail markers on the Fiery Furnace hike, it isn鈥檛 uncommon for visitors to become lost in the area. Staffing shortages not only make standard park operations challenging, but they also render officials unable to help in rescue situations, since a single rescue for a sprained ankle could require 10 employees.

The Fiery Furnace is also a beloved canyoneering area due to its technical terrain. It鈥檚 that same terrain that makes rescues in the area so complicated.

Even with federal orders are in place to reinstate employees across the NPS, many national parks face housing shortages, which can make the hiring process challenging even in normal times. With their future at the agency uncertain, some of those impacted by the layoffs have also acquired other jobs. (This week the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to to reinstate federal employees.)

鈥淥nce our seasonal staff are here and trained we look forward to resuming normal spring operations, including opening Fiery Furnace,鈥� Henker said. Officials aren鈥檛 yet sure when they鈥檒l be able to revert to normal operations.

With temperatures rising in the meantime, the park hopes that visitors will choose safe replacement activities.

鈥淲e appreciate [it] if folks can do their research about their plans and choose an activity that鈥檚 safe and appropriate for them. It can still get hot in spring, and with fewer folks to respond to calls it is important for visitors to look out for themselves and to avoid needing a rescue,鈥� Henker said.鈥�

Additional reporting by Frederick Dreier at 国产吃瓜黑料

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The modern world is not quiet. Or maybe I should say:听people are not quiet. I live in a small mountain town, which you might expect to be an entirely peaceful habitat. But from my yard, throughout the day, I can hear cars on the interstate, kids playing, delivery trucks backing up鈥攊t鈥檚 a constant barrage of background noise that has become so much a part of our lives. I鈥檓 actually uneasy when I experience truly quiet situations.

Recently, I was camping alone in Utah, at the base of a canyon near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is several miles from the nearest road. The silence was all-encompassing. Occasionally, I could hear the wind move through a sandstone channel behind my campsite, but otherwise, there was no noise. The sound of silence was so far from my status quo that it was disconcerting. No bugs. No fire crackling. Just鈥e.

But we need that quiet in our lives. Studies show that experiencing even brief periods of silence can help lower , improve , and even stimulate . As the world becomes noisier, more people are in search of silence, with 鈥渜uiet-cations鈥� becoming one of the hottest trends in .

The good news? There are still places where you can go to find total quiet, or at least places where the only sounds you hear are from nature: birds, crickets, wind rustling trees.

is a non-profit that researches and certifies locations all over the world based on the decibel levels of background noise (background noise in certified quiet locations doesn鈥檛 exceed 45 decibels).听I selected some enticing destinations deemed Quiet by the organization and scoured our public lands, looking for broad swaths of wilderness that are located so far from noisy roads and towns that they鈥檙e bound to be silent.

Here are 9 hush-hush destinations for your next quiet adventure.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

There鈥檚 West Texas, and then there鈥檚 Far West Texas, a remote corner of the state near the Mexican border. Once you hit Far West, keep going, and you鈥檒l find Big Bend Ranch State Park, a massive (311,000 acres) swath of mountains, canyons, and desert along the Rio Grande. Together with its neighbor, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch makes up the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. The lack of ambient light pollution that delivers dark skies also means there鈥檚 a lack of ambient noise, contributing to quiet days. I spent several days exploring Big Bend Ranch on a mountain bike a few years ago and saw more road runners than people.

There are more than inside the park, some of which meander past old movie sets, Native American homesites, and the occasional oasis, not to mention more canyons and cacti听than I could count. Your best bet is to saddle up on a mountain bike ( has rentals from $50 a day) and pedal the 60-mile that combines singletrack, dirt roads, and dry creek beds to deliver you deep into the heart of the park. There are multiple bail-out options along the way if you don鈥檛 want to tackle the full route.

What to Listen For: The sound of a small waterfall (the Epic route passes by an oasis) and the neigh of feral donkeys that live within the park.

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

The last time I was in Olympic National Park, I was riding a bike, so I mostly heard the sound of my own heavy breathing as I tried to keep up with my group. But this is the park that inspired acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to create Quiet Parks International in an attempt to preserve peaceful places. It鈥檚 a big park with a diverse landscape that ranges from craggy coastline to glaciated peaks, so there鈥檚 plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of peace and quiet.

I鈥檝e spent near-silent afternoons paddling Lake Crescent with no soundtrack but my paddle strokes, and lonely stretches of beach offer opportunities to give yourself over to the sound of crashing waves. But it鈥檚 the Hoh Rain Forest, a 24-square-mile temperate rain forest on the west side of the park, that鈥檚 the most intriguing from a sonic experience. Giant old growth conifers rise towards the heavens while thick ferns and mosses blanket the forest floor, all combining to dampen sound.

The , an .8-mile loop near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, is the easiest way to experience the landscape, the trail’s namesake moss climbing the trunks of the trees throughout the area. If you want to explore further, hike a piece of the 17-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows, which offers a view of Mount Olympus. Most day hikers turn around at Five Mile Island, making it a that will definitely get you away from the crowds.

What to Listen For: The babbling Hoh River will, unsurprisingly, accompany you on the Hoh River Trail. Also, keep an ear out for bugles from the herd of elk that live in the rainforest. And then there鈥檚 the rain; Hoh gets 12 feet of it per year.

3. Mount Tabor Park, Portland

You don鈥檛 have to leave the city for peace and quiet. , a 175-acre park on the eastern edge of Portland, was named the country鈥檚 first by Quiet Parks International in 2023. Mount Tabor is a popular park, and during the certification process, acoustic engineers recorded background noise between 38 and 43 decibels, which is just below the threshold for what Quiet Parks International considers quiet. But Mount Tabor鈥檚 accessibility to such a large and diverse population gave it the edge for the final designation.

Mount Tabor itself is a dormant cinder cone volcano, the shape of which helps isolate background noise. So, if one section of the park is noisy, you can trek to the other side for a more subdued experience. The park鈥檚 53 tree species, including a dense Douglas fir forest, help absorb some of the ambient noise as well. Mount Tabor has six miles of official trail and nearly the same length of social trail. Hiking the mile-long Red Trail and looking for a quiet path into the woods is your best bet for silence.

What to Listen For: Children playing. It鈥檚 an urban park with playgrounds, and the sounds of children playing are among the best human-made sounds on earth.

4. Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska

The Niobrara River begins in Wyoming and runs more than 500 miles before joining the Missouri River, but a particularly gorgeous 76-mile stretch has been designated a National Scenic River thanks to its outstanding beauty. Here, the Niobrara passes through the Sandhills of Nebraska鈥攔olling mounds of sand dunes stabilized by permanent grass and grazed upon by elk鈥攚hile also carving a path through the occasional sandstone cliff. The river is fed by hundreds of natural springs, some of which tumble into the Niobrara as waterfalls. You鈥檒l find the 63-foot Smith Falls, the tallest plunge in the state, along this designated National Scenic River.

The Niobrara National Scenic River has also earned the distinction of being the first certified from the Quiet Parks organization. The best way to explore the river and experience the soundscape is from the hull of a canoe.听Most of the land surrounding the river is private ranch land, but the nine-mile stretch through the听 just east of Valentine offers a scenic and mellow run with the chance to hop out of the boat and hike the refuge.听 has canoe rentals (from $69).

What to Listen For: Waterfalls, the sound of your paddle in the water, and waterfowl overhead.

5. Dixie National Forest, Utah

The is huge, occupying almost two million acres of aspen-topped mountains and red sandstone canyons in Southern Utah. Maybe more important from a sonic perspective, those two million acres are buffered by Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, so the forest sits in the heart of a massive complex of public lands that has very few auditory distractions. I spent a week backpacking through Dixie and Grand Staircase and didn鈥檛 come across a single person outside of my small group. The only thing I heard was the wind whistling through the aspens and the occasional elk bugle.

Elevations in the forest range from 11,322 feet at the summit of Boulder Mountain to just under 3,000 feet, and the ecosystem shifts with the altitude. Up high, you鈥檒l find dense groves of aspens and evergreens and boulder-choked creeks. Down low is slick rock desert with narrow canyons and steep cliffs.

The Escalante Ranger District of Dixie has a robust trail system offering relatively easy access to solitude from the small town of Boulder. Pick up the Slickrock Trail northeast of town for a pleasant walk through a high-elevation spruce forest. If you really want to get away from it all (and you have solid route-finding skills), look south to one of the many canyons that drop from the ridge, traveling through a remote corner of the forest before entering Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

What to Listen For: The wind rustling through the aspen leaves at higher elevations is a delightful sound.

6. Green Bank and Spruce Knob, West Virginia

At least part of the joy of finding quiet places is embracing the notion of getting offline. No cell phones, no social media, no buzzing alerts on your phone鈥攖hat听disconnection is what makes the small town of Green Bank, West Virginia, so damn appealing. It sits in the heart of a 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone, which is a federal designation that bans all wireless tech. No radio, no cell service, no wi-fi. The rule is in place to remove any potential interference with the seven telescopes pointed skyward.

The Observatory is cool, but the Quiet Zone also encompasses some intriguing portions of the Monongahela National Forest, including 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, the tallest mountain in West Virginia. Hike the easy .5-mile Whispering Spruce Trail for a loop around the summit and views of Seneca Rocks, a fin-like sandstone outcropping that鈥檚 popular with climbers. If that nature trail isn鈥檛 quiet enough for you, hike deeper into the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry, where 60 miles of trail explores meadows, streams, and hardwood forests. Pick up the 5.2-mile at the summit and drop 1,000 feet of elevation off the ridge into fields of wild blueberries and huckleberries until you reach Seneca Creek.

What to Listen For: The wind whipping through the forest at the summit, so strong and constant that the peak鈥檚 red spruces have become deformed and only have branches and nettles on one side.

7. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest federally designated wilderness area in the lower 48 at a robust 2.37 million acres. That means if you鈥檙e standing in the heart of Frank Church, there isn鈥檛 a road or mechanical device within two million acres. Promising from an auditory perspective.

Most people experience Frank Church from the hull of a raft careening down the Salmon River, which is a bucket list adventure to be sure, but it鈥檚 not exactly the peaceful scenario we鈥檙e looking for here. I say lace up your boots and explore one of the primitive trails that traverse the Frank.

The hiking is tough (rangers recommend you carry a handsaw in case you need to clear any downed trees), but the offers an approachable entry into the wilderness. Pick up the trailhead at the Langer Monument on Beaver Creek Road and hike 2.1 miles to the aforementioned backcountry lake. The climbing begins immediately, gaining almost 1,000 feet in the first mile, but it levels out in a valley recovering from a previous wildfire. The lake itself is a 12-acre pond at the base of the craggy Roughneck Peak that is known to have feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout if you are so inclined.

What to Listen For: The sound of your fly smacking the water as you hunt patiently for one of the wild trout within the lake.

8. 100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

The 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail, running from North Georgia to North Maine, is arguably the most famous footpath in the world. Some 2,000 people try to hike the entire thing every year, but most of them give up before they hit Maine. That means they never get to experience the 100-Mile Wilderness, the most remote stretch of the entire A.T., with no paved roads or towns along its corridor. The terrain is a mix of backcountry lakes, craggy peaks, and dense hardwood forests, with steep climbs and a tread that is notoriously rocky and rooty.听 So why bother, you ask? For the chance to take cold dips in backcountry lakes, spy 360-degree vistas from peaks, and experience real solitude, which can be tough to find on the eastern seaboard.

You could hike the entire thing if you鈥檙e looking for an epic adventure ( can help with logistics like shuttles and food drops), but if you don鈥檛 have the requisite week to 10 days this sort of effort requires, I recommend heading to the portion of the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is a 1,600-acre tract owned and preserved by Maine Audubon that offers day hikers a manageable intro to the wilderness via a handful of short trails. Hike the 1-mile , which follows the shore of a pond before climbing to the rocky, dual-peak summits of Borestone Mountain. From there, you鈥檒l get a 360-degree view of the wilderness that, on a clear day, extends all the way to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the A.T.

What to Listen For: It鈥檚 an Audubon preserve, so listen for the 10 warbler species that call the sanctuary home. Peregrine falcons are also known to soar near the craggy peaks, and moose are commonly found near the lakes.

9. Deer Haven, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

If you want to get away from the noise of modern life, heading to South Dakota is a good start; the entire state has less than a million residents, many of whom are huddled in Sioux Falls. Exploring Badlands National Park will get you even further from any ambient noise, as the park鈥檚 steep canyons, tall buttes, and thick red clay have appeared inhospitable to humans since the Lakota gave the area the 鈥渂adlands鈥� moniker. But tough terrain often equals quiet, as few visitors venture into the park鈥檚 backcountry.

Start at the Conata Picnic Area and pick up the , an unmaintained game trail that leads for 2.5 miles through grasslands and between buttes to a cluster of juniper trees. Bring a tent and find a primitive site either in the prairie at the base of the buttes or tucked into the junipers.

What to Listen For: Keep an ear out for the hooves of the 1,000-strong bison herd that roams this section of Badlands.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

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No adventure compares to driving across the United States. I鈥檒l never forget my first coast-to-coast drive. It was two friends and me, post college, in a beat-up Subaru loaded with everything I owned. We took the long way home, starting in the farmlands of Vermont and making out-of-the-way pitstops for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains听of Tennessee, dining at legendary barbecue spots across Mississippi, and listening to live music in New Orleans. We drove west, climbed the highest peak in Texas, ate green chile in New Mexico, and stared into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Most nights, we slept in a tent and dreamed of where the next day would take us. When we finally crossed the California state line toward our final destination, I remember feeling like I wanted to stay on the road forever.

The cross-country road trip is an American rite, a true pilgrimage where you can plan only so much; the rest will unfold wherever the road goes. These three epic journeys have starting and ending points, as well as some spots that may be worth pulling over for along the way, but what you make of the trip鈥攁nd what you ultimately take away from it鈥攊s up to you.

We鈥檝e picked three routes on major highways that cross the country (for a Southwest specific guide, explore our seven best road trips of that region), but along the way, we鈥檝e provided suggestions for detours and byways that get you off the beaten path and out of your car to stretch your legs, experience local culture, and see the sights you鈥檒l be talking about all the way to your next stop. You鈥檒l pull over for things like meteor craters, giant art installations, and donuts. With visits to roadside national monuments, waterfalls, and hot springs鈥攁nd with stays at unique hotels, campsites, and cabins along the way, these road trips aren鈥檛 just a long drive, they鈥檙e an incredible adventure waiting to happen.

The Music Lover鈥檚 Journey: Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington

Route: Interstate 90

Distance: 3,051 miles

This northern route across the U.S. follows Interstate 90 from east to west, passing by major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But you鈥檒l also touch on some of the country鈥檚 coolest wild spaces, like the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Inspire your road trip playlist by checking out the outdoor music venues and festivals throughout this route.

Pitstop: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Hop on Interstate 90 in Boston and point it west. Your first stop is the Berkshires, a mountainous region filled with charming small towns 120 miles west of Boston. Go for a hike in , then pick up a tangleberry pie or farm-fresh apples from market in Great Barrington. In Stockbridge, the is worth a stop to learn more about American painter Norman Rockwell, who lived in the area, or check the performance calendar at , home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for major touring acts in this pastoral outdoor music venue. It鈥檚 worth the 30-mile detour off the highway to North Adams to post up for a night or two at (from $194), a revamped motor lodge that hosts guided hikes, live music, and pop-up dinners.

Must See: Niagara Falls, New York

Peel off the highway in Buffalo, New York, for a visit to , America鈥檚 oldest state park and home to its three namesake waterfalls. Grab a yellow poncho and a ticket ($14) to view the falls from below at the observation decks.

Pitstop: Saint Charles, Iowa

Take a detour to visit Saint Charles, Iowa, home to the four-day held each August on a 350-acre plot of grassland. This year鈥檚 headliners include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. You can camp on site during the festival and hop a free shuttle into nearby Des Moines. If you can鈥檛 make the show, Des Moines still delivers, with 800 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike, including the paved 25-mile , a converted rail-trail with an iconic bridge that鈥檚 lit up at night over the Des Moines River valley. rents bikes.

Pitstop: Black Hills, South Dakota

There鈥檚 tons to see in the Black Hills of South Dakota, including famous highlights like and , as well as lesser known gems like the third longest caves in the world at or the annual buffalo roundup each September in . Grab donuts for the road from , a famed roadside attraction. Stay in a canvas tent among ponderosa pines at (from $179), outside the town of Keystone.

Stretch Your Legs: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

It鈥檚 not far off I-90 to reach , a geologic monolith with deep roots to indigenous cultures in the northern plains and the country鈥檚 first national monument. Parking and trails can be crowded here, so skip the main lot and hike the 1.5-mile instead鈥攊t鈥檚 less busy and still has good views of the tower.

Pitstop: Bozeman, Montana

Post up at the (from $189) in downtown Bozeman, which has on the property. Stroll Main Street, then take a walk up through Burke Park, a few blocks away, for a nice view of town. It鈥檚 about an hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the north entrance to , known for its geysers and 2.2 million acres of wilderness. If you鈥檙e on the road for music, the in nearby Big Sky takes place in early August.

Pitstop: Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho

Home to Lake Coeur d鈥橝lene as well as dozens of smaller lakes, you鈥檒l want to stop in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho, for a swim or a paddle. rents kayaks and paddleboards. on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille has cabins and campsites (from $48), a , and access to 45 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Must See: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington听

Music听breaks up the drive, and there鈥檚 no better place to see live music outdoors in this part of the country than the in Quincy, Washington. There鈥檚 on-site camping during shows and an upcoming lineup that includes Billy Strings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Stretch Your Legs: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to stunning alpine lakes on Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour outside of Seattle on I-90. You鈥檒l need a $5 to access most of the hikes in this area. The 2-mile follows the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. For a more stout climb, the 8.5-mile roundtrip hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a real gem.

Final Stop: Seattle, Washington

Celebrate the end of an epic journey by watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and dipping your toes into Puget Sound from Seattle鈥檚 . Stay in the heart of downtown at the (from $189) and you can browse fresh produce and maker鈥檚 stalls outside your door. The 10-mile paved sits right along the waterfront. Want more live music to cap off your trip? The is downtown Seattle鈥檚 coolest music venue.

The Best National Parks Road Trip: San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.

Route: Interstate 80 and Interstate 70

Distance: 2,915 miles

Travel across the heartland of the U.S. on this iconic route along I-80 and I-70, passing through stunning western mountain ranges like California鈥檚 Sierra Nevada, Nevada鈥檚 Ruby Mountains, Utah鈥檚 Wasatch, and Colorado鈥檚 Rockies. You鈥檒l visit the great national parks across southern Utah听and hit cities like Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, before landing in the country鈥檚 capital.

Pitstop: Lake Tahoe, California

Depart San Francisco on Interstate 80 heading east, leaving the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin a steady climb toward the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range.听, in the roadside town of Auburn, has good burgers and homemade pies for the road. Lake Tahoe is your first stop, a short but worthy departure from the highway. Stay at the new听 (from $138), which opens in March, and you鈥檒l be steps from the lake. Rent bikes at听 to pedal the world-class singletrack along the听 or grab a paddleboard from听. Don鈥檛 miss dinner at the newly opened, featuring eclectic dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.

Pitstop: Ruby Mountains, Nevada

听There鈥檚 not much on Interstate 80 as you cross Nevada between Reno and Salt Lake City鈥攅xcept for the Ruby Mountains, which spike straight up from the desert floor of the Great Basin. In the winter,听 offers heli-ski access to 200,000 acres of rugged terrain. In the summer, there鈥檚听. Stay at Ruby Mountain Heli鈥檚听 or one of their two mountainside yurts (from $190).

Must See: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For a national park detour, consider visiting听, which has one of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing. Near the entrance to the park, the听 make for a great overnight stop and snack resupply station.

Pitstop: Moab, Utah

In Salt Lake City, you鈥檒l say goodbye to Interstate 80 and head south to meet up with Interstate 70, but not before spending time to explore the Mighty Five national parks that made southern Utah famous: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. You could spend weeks here鈥攐r just a couple of days. Be sure to book a self-guided or ranger-led hike in the slot canyons of the in Arches National Park and get a permit to hike the exposed rocky cliffside of in Zion National Park. (from $129) makes for a great base camp, or there鈥檚 .

Stretch Your Legs: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Get back on I-70 and make your way into Colorado, where scenic Glenwood Canyon makes for a stunning drive along the Colorado River. The paved parallels the highway for over 16 miles, making for an easy biking or running destination. Afterward, stay for a soak in the . A new 16-suite boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 is opening near the hot springs this summer.

Pitstop: Breckenridge, Colorado

Spend the night at (from $320), which opened in early 2025 at the base of Peak 9 at, home to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking come summer. Stroll the charming Main Street of downtown Breck and don鈥檛 miss a visit to the , a 15-foot-tall wooden art installation now located on the town鈥檚 Trollstigen Trail.

Must See: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

It鈥檚 not exactly on the way, but this adventure clearly detours for national parks, so make the trek north to Rocky Mountain National Park, a quiet, snowy paradise in the winter and a fishing and backpacking mecca in the warmer months. The short hikes to and Cub Lake are popular among families. For experienced mountain travelers, Longs Peak is the park鈥檚 most famous 14er鈥擟olorado Mountain School leads guided treks to the peak. Stay overnight in Denver before you head into the plains: (from $189), the country鈥檚 first carbon positive hotel, opened in Denver鈥檚 Civic Center Park late last year.

Stretch Your Legs: Monument Rocks, Kansas

There鈥檚 a on an 80-foot easel鈥攐ne of three in the world鈥攙isible from the highway in the town of Goodland, Kansas. Then, pull over for 50-foot-high fossil rock outcroppings and limestone spires on the Kansas prairie at , which is on private land that鈥檚 open to the public south of Oakley, Kansas, right off I-70. 国产吃瓜黑料 of Topeka, you can visit the , a former school site that commemorates the historic end of racial segregation in public schools.

Pitstop: St. Louis, Missouri

Next stop on your national park tour? The of St. Louis. You can ride a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch, walk the palatial grounds beneath the architectural wonder, or admire the arch from a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The (from $149) is housed in a historic shoe company building and has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city. is a public market with a food hall, retail shops, and live music, and don鈥檛 miss brunch amid a plant nursery at the city鈥檚 .

Pitstop: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio听

Ohio has but one national park and it鈥檚 worth the detour to visit: has paddling along the Cuyahoga River, 20 miles of multi-use pathways along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and 125 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. There鈥檚 no camping within the national park but has tent camping (from $40) nearby or the (from $200) is within the park and on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Final Stop: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

End your national parks tour of the U.S. with a visit to the . The C&O Canal follows the Potomac River for 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It makes for a great walk or bike ride. Pitch a tent at one of the free hiker or biker campsites or pull your car up to one of a handful of drive-in sites (from $10). Or you can stay in a (from $175) along the canal.

The History Buff鈥檚 Tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, California, to Charlottesville, Virginia

Route: Interstate 40

Distance: 2,696 miles

This pilgrimage sticks to one highway only for most of the way: Interstate 40, which starts in the Mojave Desert of California and crosses the southern portion of the U.S., over the Rocky Mountains and through the Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains. It traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Much of the western route parallels the historic U.S. Route 66, so it feels like a throwback to another era, a perfect journey for those who love learning about our nation鈥檚 past.

Pitstop: Mojave National Preserve, California

听You can watch a drive-in movie, visit a ghost town, or hike through lava tubes in . You can鈥檛 miss a visit to , an hour away, for stellar stargazing, rock climbing, and 300 miles of hiking trails. Stay in an adobe bungalow at the centrally located (from $195), which has an on-site farm, restaurant, and picnic lunches to go.

Stretch Your Legs: Lake Havasu, Arizona

will deliver you a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the , once a major tributary on the lower Colorado River and one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest.

Pitstop: Flagstaff, Arizona

Post up at the (from $109) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then go explore the sights around Flagstaff, including , an hour and a half north. The 3-mile , along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, makes for a mellow stroll. The on Route 66 in Flagstaff used to be a historic taxidermy shop and is now a popular bar for country music and line dancing.

Must See: Meteor Crater National Landmark

Yep, you鈥檙e pulling off the highway to see this: The most preserved meteorite impact site on earth is right off I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. For a $29 admission at the , you can sign up for a guided hike of the crater鈥檚 rim.

Stretch Your Legs: Continental Divide Trail; Grants, New Mexico

听You鈥檙e passing from one side of the Continental Divide to the other: Might as well get out of the car and go for a trail run or hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses Interstate 40 near the town of Grants, New Mexico.

Pitstop: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take a detour off I-40 in Albuquerque to spend a night or two in Santa Fe, the highest elevation capital city in the U.S., which sits at 7,000 feet in the high desert. Splurge on a night at (from $645), a full-service retreat in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. For art and history buffs, the and the are well worth a visit.

Must See: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

You鈥檝e already seen the actual Grand Canyon, so now it鈥檚 time to see the Grand Canyon of Texas, in , 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The park has camping and cabins, an 800-foot-deep canyon, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor stage where actors perform a Texas musical.

Pitstop: Hot Springs, Arkansas

You鈥檒l come to Hot Springs for the historic bathhouses and modern-day spa resorts. At , you can soak in one of two original bathhouses. Want to learn about some of the country鈥檚 most infamous criminals? , in downtown Hot Springs, has exhibits on Al Capone and Owen Madden. The (from $169) is housed in a centrally located historic building. Don鈥檛 miss: is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water for its beers.

Must See: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

If you鈥檙e into geologic history, add a visit to Arkansas鈥� , where you can dig for minerals and gems in a 37-acre field on an eroded volcanic crater. (And yes, notable diamonds have been discovered here.)

Pitstop: Nashville, Tennessee

From the music scene to the foodie paradise, you might never want to leave Nashville. Stay in one of eight suites in a 19th century mansion at (from $306), where wood-fired pizzas are served in the backyard. The currently has exhibits on Luke Combs and Rosanne Cash. Go for a walk or run in or take a guided bike tour of the city鈥檚 murals and street art with .

Pitstop: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you can hike to waterfalls like Mouse Creek Falls or Mingo Falls, fish for brook trout, or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September. The coolest place in the park to sleep? The (from $189), located atop Mount Le Conte and accessible only via foot. Open from March through November, the lodge requires at least a five-mile hike to reach. Bookings for this year are mostly snatched up already, but you can get on the waitlist or plan ahead for next year.

Final Stop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Your trip finale comes in the form of ditching Interstate 40 in exchange for a meandering drive along the , a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. You鈥檒l stop to see Whitewater Falls, the east coast鈥檚 tallest waterfall at 411 feet, and the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness. Stay nearby at (from $175), which opened in the mountain town of Highlands in 2024 with a supper club and Nordic spa. They鈥檒l also book you outdoor excursions, ranging from rock climbing to fly fishing.

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor who loves long drives, even when her two children are whining in the backseat. She has recently written about Airbnb treehouses, the most beautiful long walks in the world, and the 10 vacations that will help you live longer.听

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