If you’re wondering what there is to do in South Dakota, look no further than Badlands National Park! When it comes to hiking bandlands, the rock formations found in the area, you have complete freedom to “open hike” within the park boundaries. You can literally explore wherever you want! Check out the Notch Trail badlands or the Door Trail badlands or swing by the Pinnacles Overlook. On you way to or from the park, make sure you also stop at Wall Drug for the most touristy souvenirs. Proof that there’s more to do in South Dakota than you may have thought!
Wyoming may have beautiful parks to the West, but the East side of the state is home to the remarkable Devil’s Tower National Monument. Part Native American sacred site and part hiking paradise (especially the Tower Trail), this monument reaches to the sky, taller than anything else around it. Its unique rock face means climbing Devils Tower is also a popular pastime for rock climbers. If you’re near the South Dakota border, make sure you check out Devils Tower!
hiking and climbing Devils Tower National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park isn’t just a cool place to hike. Once you rent a sand board or sand sled, it becomes one big playground for people of all ages! Hike to the top of High Dune or Star Dune and sled the rest of the way back down on gear that can slide up to 40 mph! It’s definitely one of the most memorable stops in Colorado!
Boulder, Utah is nothing like you’d expect. This tiny dot on the map is filled with outdoor adventures and some of the best food in the entire state, despite only being home to about 250 people. Make sure you explore the restaurants in Boulder Utah including the famous Hell’s Backbone Grill. Fuel up with fresh, locally-sourced food before you drive the Burr Trail Road to Singing Canyon or take in the views on Highway 12. If you’re in Utah, you need to check out Boulder!
Capitol Reef National Park is a sight to see in Fruita Utah. Home the the waterpocket fold, a literal wrinkle in the Earth, the canyons and rock formations you can see on the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or while hiking the Hickman Bridge trail are stunning. Make sure you also take the time to explore the fruit orchards in between hiking and exploring. This unique national park has something for everyone!
When traveling through Utah, you’ll most likely stop in the small town of Moab. Despite its size, there are so many things to do in Moab including shopping, amazing food and plenty of outdoor adventures. The hiking in Moab is also on point whether you explore the National Parks in the area or head to Dead Horse Point State Park. No matter what you plan on doing, Moab is your perfect home base in Utah!
Despite being so close to Arches NP and Moab, Canyonlands National Park doesn’t really get the credit it deserves. This stunning Park is filled with views of deep canyons, rock spires and fins, and towering mesas. You’ll even find arches like the iconic Mesa Arch. Hiking Canyonlands National Park and the district of Island in the Sky Utah will also lead you to amazing stops like Upheaval Dome and the Grand View Point Overlook which provides panoramas of the horizon for miles!
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah may not be very well-known, but it should definitely be a place you consider checking out. The most popular hikes of the Three Sisters Trail and the Goblin’s Lair Trail will introduce you to thousands of the unique rock formations in the area that actually look like gnomes or goblins protecting the valley. It’s an other-worldly landscape that is open for you to explore!
Hi, I’m Laura
I’m an ad agency creative and travel photographer who fully believes in hiking and National Parks as a way to solve any problem in life. I hope I can share with you my love for adventure and trying new things through excursions and day trips whether you’re in the most tourist-filled city or driving through the middle of nowhere.
Upcoming Destinations: Sweden and Norway
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State and National PArks
Florida Popular Posts
When most people think about Miami, the first things that come to mind are beautiful people, crazy nightclubs and the party atmosphere stereotypically associated with South Beach. However, there is so much more to experience in and around Miami and Fort. Lauderdale and these are 6 things you cannot miss.
When looking for a unique experience in Miami, consider a self-guided walking tour of Little Havana! This colorful and bustling stretch of the Calle Ocho street is filled with restaurants, shops and gorgeous murals. From the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame to Domino Park Little Havana, the streets are booming with Cuban culture at every turn.
There are countless activities on the Florida Coast but snorkeling Key Largo is especially fun. Traveling 5 miles off the coast, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of marine animals and fish and afterwards you can have dinner and drinks in the relaxed beach atmosphere of Key West, making for a perfect day of vacation.
California Popular Posts
If you’re looking for an amazing outdoor day tour from San Francisco, look no further than Point Reyes hiking! The Point Reyes National Seashore is a massive preserve that sits on a peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The best hikes in Point Reyes will reward you with endless views, animal sightings and some unique historical landmarks. Check out Point Reyes on your next trip to Northern California!
In the middle of California, in an area spanning the size of Rhode Island, you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park, home to surreal landscapes and a zen desert atmosphere. During the day you can hike through seemingly endless rock formations, while at night there are countless stars and planets visible in the panoramic sky. Learn more about the best hikes and how to stay safe during your unforgettable excursion to Joshua Tree.
Stepping back in time can be a fun way to spend part of your vacation. Pioneertown in the desert of California will make you feel like you’ve walked into the 1800’s with an Old West saloon, horse stables, and an old main street. You’ll expect a cowboy and tumbleweed around every corner.
If you’re looking for stunning views and overlooks in Colorado, look no further than all the things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison! This National Park not only has viewpoint after viewpoint of the steep, sheer canyon that falls 2000 feet below you, but is also home to wilderness explorations such as fishing or rock climbing. When it comes to Black Canyon of the Gunnison hiking, there are easy and accessible trails along the North and South Rims, or more strenuous multi-day hikes into the canyon. It’s an awesome Colorado stop!