The national monuments in the West help preserve Indigenous heritage, coastal ecosystems, the prehistoric past, and other sites of historical and cultural significance. From fossils and fjords to craters and cliff dwellings, you can see many beautiful places and learn incredible history at the national monuments in the western United States.
Autumn in Colorado is a truly magical time of year. The air is crisp, opportunities to enjoy a warm beverage are plentiful (pumpkin spice latte, anyone?) and the changing aspen leaves dancing in the treetops and swirling through the air are breathtaking. We’ve put together a list of our favorite spots to enjoy fall colors in Colorado for you – happy leaf peeping!
Marine wildlife watching is an underrate national park activity. The impressive mountain ranges get all the attention, but the rich coastal waters of America’s seashores and oceanic national parks are full of wildlife that can be safely and responsibly observed year-round.
You may already know US national parks have a pretty rich history. But like a lot of history, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some national parks were not welcomed with open arms, a few barely made the cut at all, and many vulnerable communities were affected in the process. Nonetheless, 63 national parks exist today. The disagreements and hardships that occurred over America’s lush terrain were certainly not pretty but a complicated topic we must explore.
Did you know? America has some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany! Prost!
Stargazing is one of those underrated, often forgotten outdoor activities. In a world where extreme sports like skydiving and white water rafting get all the attention, we overlook the simple act of observing the incredible wonders of the world around us. Night skies educate us about our solar system while providing a dazzling display of wondrous light. The best places to stargaze in the US strike the perfect balance of serenity and spectacle, perfect for family bonding time, romantic outings or moments of self reflection.
Saddle up and grab your lasso! We’re covering everything you need to know about horseback riding in U.S. national parks. From what to wear to where to stay, you’ll have the horseback trail riding adventure of a lifetime whether you go riding for an hour or a week. Horseback trail riding is one of the best ways to experience all of the impressive beauty and natural splendor of America’s national parks.
The best towns and communities along the Appalachian Trail are full of Appalachian history and culture. Whether you’re thru-hiking the entire trail, exploring one portion for the day, or driving a route in the general direction of the AT, these mountain towns are worth exploring.
When traveling to National Parks and other awe-inspiring places in the Southwest United States, you also travel across the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage in the Southwest and Four Corners region on your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the land, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
Music and memory go hand in hand, so the best road trip playlists are packed with epic travel anthems. Listen to a little bit of everything, from classic rock to symphony orchestras during your next national park vacation.