Camping in Bryce Canyon Country with care and attention—and leaving without a trace—will not only make your experience more peaceful, it will also preserve that perfect spot for you for years of return trips.
Some towns carve out unique spaces for themselves as a true mountain destination. They have just the right vibe as you walk down the street, the perfect trails that you can easily find and enjoy on foot or on bike, and food so special that certain dishes will forever remind you of your time there. It takes history, the great outdoors, and intentionality on the part of the community to create a place that sticks out like this. And we just found a new one: Superior, Arizona.
“Adventure, elevated” is exactly right—and it’s exactly what we all want right about now. As you look into 2021 and beyond for your next getaway, raise your sights a little higher to Superior, Arizona.
These six southern Arizona state parks are just a few of many, and they’re all connected by legacy, legend, lore, and the great outdoors. We are highlighting these parks because they all are close to large communities, where you can pick up wifi and coffee for classes, client calls, and projects before and after escaping to the parks.
As America embraces #SweaterWeather and pumpkin spice lattes, southern Arizona state parks are a safe haven for those not yet ready to bundle up or face the freeze. This itinerary will take you through six parks that not only won’t have you reaching for a puffy coat, but will also pull you into their tales of lost gold, found secret caves, legends, and stars. Not all of these state parks offer overnight accommodations or camping, so we have noted nearby places to stay so you can make the most of your time in the parks, rather than on the road. This itinerary should take a week, with drive time around six hours total.
It’s one thing to see bison on the shoulder of the road; it’s something entirely different to stand on the shoulder of the road, hearing and seeing a pack of wolves communicate over your head. This is the difference between a self-directed tour and a guided Yellowstone wildlife tour.
Nothing is more enticing in the middle of an extended road trip than a long soak in some natural hot springs. Fortunately, the hot springs of Thermopolis are right in the middle of what may be one of the most beautiful road trip itineraries in the Rocky Mountain West. Hop on this route from any point – be it Bozeman, Jackson, or Rapid City – and enjoy the open road with the promise of soothing hot springs.
The fascinating geology of your Yellowstone experience certainly doesn’t end at the park gate. With 360-degree views, you can see all of Dubois, as well as three types of mountain building processes (volcanic, tectonic, glacial) from the town overlook.
Though your travel plans have been delayed, the wildlife of the world are going about their routines as usual, and probably enjoying a little extra personal space! We live in an amazing world where your connection to wildlife doesn’t have to be cut off any more than your connection with your human loved ones. It may not be a Zoom family dinner or a birthday party parade, but you can still go wildlife watching online, no binoculars necessary. Here are some of our favorites:
We found some great tools to aid your daydreaming as you follow the recommendation to “dream now, visit later.” Get a taste of these great towns by checking out their impressive virtual tours.
Start by strolling through Stockton, California. The virtual tour is easy to use, and it starts with an overview of town and then moves from one point of interest to the next under your direction. As you cover the sidewalks and streets between locations throughout town, you start to develop an understanding of the city. You can even enter some buildings to preview those experiences.