Tag: family road trip

Skyline Drive: A Scenic Alternative to the Blue Ridge Parkway

Skyline Drive is a great option for those looking for a serene, scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains offering a quieter, less-traveled route compared to the Blue Ridge Parkway

The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway through the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia gets a lot of attention for its breathtaking mountain views drawing over 16 million visitors annually. But did you know there is an equally stunning ride with fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe?

Skyline Drive in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah National Park and its many attractions is a perfect alternative. Skyline Drive offers spectacular views, abundant wildlife, and the opportunity to explore a quieter, less-traveled route through the northern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stretching 105 miles, this scenic drive offers all the charm of the Blue Ridge Parkway with unique highlights that set it apart. Here’s why you should skip the Parkway and explore Skyline Drive instead.

Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Skip the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quieter experience on Skyline Drive

Explore stunning views at a laid-back pace

Skyline Drive is a dream come true for those who want to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains without the congestion that can come with the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park offering 75 scenic overlooks that offers views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling Piedmont region to the east.

To relish the views, the route’s slower speed limit (35 mph) encourages you to take your time and truly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more opportunities to pull over, take photos, and fully immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty.

Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Best scenic overlooks

These overlooks are spread across different sections of Skyline Drive

The best scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park known for their panoramic mountain and valley views include the following top spots:

  • Range View Overlook (Mile 17.1): Offers a sweeping view down the Blue Ridge to Stony Man Mountain including Jenkins Mountains, Gimlet Ridge, Massanutten Mountain, and the Alleghenies beyond.
  • Hogback Overlook (Mile 20.8): The longest overlook in the park providing views of the Shenandoah River, Massanutten Mountain ridges, and the valleys of Overall Run and Mathews Arm.
  • Buck Hollow Overlook (Mile 32.8): A great spot for sunrise views including Skinner Ridge and the town of Sperryville.
  • Hazel Mountain Overlook (Mile 33.0): Known for views of Buck Ridge and Hazel Mountain with interesting exposed granodiorite rock formations.
  • Spitler Knoll Overlook (Mile 48.1): Curves along with the road overlooking Page Valley and the Shenandoah River with views of Stanley town and Blackrock Mountain.
  • The Point Overlook (Mile 55.5): A favorite for its iconic Shenandoah landscape with rolling ridges and Shenandoah Valley views especially stunning at sunset.
  • Rockytop Overlook (Mile 78.0): Offers a rugged panorama of the South District mountains and is particularly beautiful during fall foliage.
  • Big Run Overlook (Mile 81.2): Features the scenic valley of Big Run with views of Rockytop Ridge, Rocky Mountain, and Brown Mountain.
  • Crimora Lake Overlook (Mile 92.6): Offers a view of Crimora Lake framed by Turk Mountain and Rocks Mountain plus Wildcat Mountain in the distance.

These overlooks provide a diverse range of vistas facing both east and west allowing visitors to enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and expansive mountain scenery throughout the park.

Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Skyline Drive offers beautiful hikes

Scenic overlooks and access to Shenandoah’s trails for every type of traveler

For those who enjoy hiking, Skyline Drive has access to over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park including portions of the international Appalachian Trail (Hiking the full international Appalachian Trail would be like hiking on steroids as the complete trail covers 2,400 miles).

Skyline Drive offers a variety of beautiful hikes suitable for different skill levels showcasing stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and diverse natural scenery.

Some of the best hikes accessible directly from Skyline Drive include:

  • Mary’s Rock via the Pinnacle (7.2 miles, moderate): This hike follows a spectacular section of the Appalachian Trail offering expansive and frequent panoramic views culminating in a 360-degree vista from Mary’s Rock summit. The trailhead is at Pinnacles Picnic Area (Mile 36.7).
  • Hawksbill Summit (2.2 miles, easy): The easiest route to Shenandoah’s highest peak featuring a rare spruce-fir forest and a man-made observation platform with nearly 360-degree views. Trailhead is at Mile 46.7 on Skyline Drive.
  • Stony Man Loop (3.7 miles, easy): A loop trail that climbs to cliffs 3,000 feet above Shenandoah Valley with multiple overlooks and historical points. The trail starts near Skyland Resort at Mile 41.7.
  • Loft Mountain Loop (2.9 miles, easy): A family-friendly hike to a large rock outcrop with wide-open views starting at Loft Mountain Wayside (Mile 79.5).
  • Rose River Loop (4 miles, moderate): Known for several beautiful waterfalls along the trail, this loop starts at Fishers Gap Overlook and is especially photogenic, ideal for those interested in waterfall photography.
  • Dark Hollow Falls (1.4 miles, moderate): A popular short hike to a scenic waterfall although the return climb is steep. It is one of the most visited trails but offers rewarding views.

Additional hikes like Sugarloaf-Keyser Run Fire Road, Lewis Springs Fall Loop, and trails connecting to the Appalachian Trail provide more options for exploration.

These hikes offer a mix of mountain summits, waterfall views, and forested trails, making Skyline Drive a prime destination for hikers seeking both easy strolls and moderate challenges amid stunning scenery.

Mule deer along the Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Skyline Drive offers wildlife viewing opportunities

An estimated 200 to 1,000 in the park, mostly active at dawn and dusk

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities amid its protected wilderness and scenic Blue Ridge vistas. Here’s why it stands out and what you can expect:

  • Diverse wildlife habitat: The park encompasses 200,000 acres of forest, streams, and meadows that provide a lush habitat for a variety of animals. Commonly spotted species include white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, red foxes, and numerous songbirds. The park’s efforts to keep roadsides uncut encourage wildflowers and natural growth that support this rich biodiversity.
  • Best viewing times and locations: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to see wildlife as animals are more active then. Big Meadows (around Mile 51) is especially known for frequent deer and black bear sightings as these animals come out to feed in the open spaces. Pulling off at any of the 69 scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive can also provide chances to spot wildlife in the valleys and forests below.
  • Birdwatching paradise: Spring is ideal for birdwatching with many songbirds preparing to breed and raptors hunting or nesting along the ridgelines. Trails like the Limberlost Trail (Mile 43) offer excellent birding opportunities with species such as warblers, flycatchers, and owls present.
  • Safety and etiquette: Wildlife may dart across the road unexpectedly so it’s important to drive cautiously and watch for animals. If you want a closer look always pull completely off the road and remain inside your vehicle to avoid disturbing the animals or putting yourself at risk. Feeding wildlife is prohibited to protect both visitors and animals.
  • Ranger programs and visitor centers: The Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center (Mile 51) offers information and ranger-led programs that can enhance your wildlife viewing experience with expert guidance and insights.

In essence, Skyline Drive is not just a scenic mountain road but a vibrant wildlife corridor offering visitors the chance to observe and appreciate the natural inhabitants of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a safe, respectful, and immersive way.

Warning: Because of bear sightings in the area, ensure your food is stored correctly in your vehicle and campsite to avoid unwanted encounters.

Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Best campgrounds along Skyline Drive

Each campground offers a unique blend of amenities and natural beauty

If you’re looking for the best campgrounds along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and nearby areas, here are top recommendations that combine beautiful natural settings, access to hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities:

Big Meadows Campground

  • Why choose it: Big Meadows is the largest and most popular campground in Shenandoah National Park, centrally located at Mile 51 on Skyline Drive. It offers over 200 campsites with a mix of tent and RV sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and easy access to popular hikes like Dark Hollow Falls and the Appalachian Trail.
  • Standout features: Its proximity to the Byrd Visitor Center and ranger-led programs creates a vibrant atmosphere. The campground has running water, showers, restrooms, and a dump station nearby.
  • Advantages: Great for families and first-time campers with plenty of shaded sites and well-maintained facilities. The large number of sites means more availability especially in shoulder seasons.
  • Drawbacks: Can get busy on weekends and holidays so arriving early or booking ahead is recommended.

Mathews Arm Campground

  • Why choose it: Located at Mile 22.2, Mathews Arm is a leafy, family-oriented campground with 165 sites including tent and RV spots. It’s quieter than Big Meadows and offers a peaceful forest setting with picnic tables and fire rings.
  • Standout features: It has a dump station and water hookups for RVs plus easy access to hiking trails for a more secluded experience.
  • Advantages: Less crowded, great for campers seeking a quieter stay while still being close to Skyline Drive’s scenic attractions.
  • Drawbacks: Limited showers and no hookups for electricity; sites are mostly first-come, first-served with some reservations available.

Loft Mountain Campground

  • Why choose it: The southernmost campground on Skyline Drive at Mile 79.5, Loft Mountain offers 207 sites perched at 3,400 feet with panoramic mountain views. It’s ideal for those wanting a mountaintop camping experience.
  • Standout features: It includes tent-only sites, RV sites, coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store nearby. Trails to waterfalls and wilderness areas start right here.
  • Advantages: Spacious, scenic, and less congested than Big Meadows, perfect for campers who want both convenience and natural beauty.
  • Drawbacks: Higher elevation means cooler temperatures and potentially more wind; no electric hookups.

Lewis Mountain Campground

  • Why choose it: The smallest campground in the park with about 30 sites, Lewis Mountain caters mainly to tent campers and hikers including Appalachian Trail through-hikers.
  • Standout features: Offers a rustic, peaceful setting with cabins available for those seeking basic shelter.
  • Advantages: Ideal for campers wanting a quiet, back-to-nature experience with close trail access.
  • Drawbacks: Very limited amenities—no hookups, no dump station, and sites are close together.
Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Nearby private and state park campgrounds

  • Riverside Camping (Shenandoah, VA): Offers RV hookups, showers, and family-friendly amenities with a convenient location near the park.
  • Shenandoah River State Park Campground: Highly rated with spacious sites, hiking, picnic areas, and boat launches along the Shenandoah River, suitable for RVs and tents.
  • Shenandoah Valley Campground LLC: Family-oriented with playgrounds and dog parks, great for those wanting more developed facilities outside the national park.
Skyline Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Best times to visit Skyline Drive

Every season offers different experiences and stunning scenery

One of the best things about Skyline Drive is that it’s beautiful year-round. Each season brings its own charm making it an appealing destination no matter the time of year. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, you may visit during certain months over others.

Even though the Blue Ridge Parkway is considered America’s most beautiful road in October, Skyline Drive easily rivals it. In the fall, the treeline along Skyline Drive comes alive with brilliant displays of autumn foliage, attracting visitors from all over to see vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold blanket the mountainsides. The peak of fall foliage usually occurs in mid-October making this an ideal time to visit if you want to catch nature’s stunning seasonal glow.

Spring is another beautiful time to explore Skyline Drive as the park bursts into bloom with wildflowers like trillium, mountain laurel, and azaleas. The cool temperatures and fresh spring greenery provide the perfect backdrop for hiking and photography.

With warmer temperatures, summer is a great time for camping and outdoor activities. But if you’d like to see a snow-dusted version of the Blue Ridge Mountains with clear, crisp skies, then winter is your best bet.

In short, Skyline Drive offers all the adventure and biodiversity that come with the Blue Ridge Parkway but with a more laid-back and tranquil atmosphere.

Worth Pondering…

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home
Take me home, country roads.

—John Denver

Plan your RV Road Trip on National Planner Day, August 1: When, Why, Where, and What

It’s time to lift the jacks and hit the road RVing

National Planner Day is on August 1 and has reportedly been celebrated since 2018 by planner lovers. The day is to celebrate their love of planners and the positive impact that they get from using them.

Some of us started the habit of using planners from an early age. It later developed from keeping track of classes or assignments in school to making detailed plans at work or for your business and tracking progress for personal goals.

Planners have various formats including digital planners and paper planners. In an earlier post I focused on available digital RV trip planning tools.

It is said that taking notes on paper makes you learn and retain more than using a device. Handwriting forces you to process your thinking fully and creates more and better memory cues for recalling.

Driving the Skyline Parkway in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

In today’s post I focus on using paper and pencil (or pen) to plan your next RV road trip.

You’ve spent countless hours and many late nights zombie surfing the Internet, grabbing ideas from other RVers who have documented trips they took years ago. You feel armed with all the tools you need to excite and inform your crew on what your big adventure will entail and you feel sure everyone will eagerly jump on board with the crazy, awesome idea.

Everyone’s opinion matters and the more reasons you have for starting the trip the more you will likely see and do.

This might be the way your story begins but for many getting their travel companions on the same page for small decisions can be a major task. So, the idea of everyone jumping onboard with such a big decision may be more of a dream than reality.

I know it might be tempting to plan every detail, make a beautiful PowerPoint presentation, and then showcase your ideas to everyone involved. However, once you’ve made up your mind and completed basic research, the best way to spark the spirit of adventure in others is to include them in the planning process.

Allowing your traveling crew, no matter how big or how small, to help plan the next adventure is the best gift you can give them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how engaged they become. Giving each person the ability to express his/her ideas, wants, and needs will enable everyone’s bucket lists to showcase a few checked boxes. 

Driving the Davis Mountains in Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Here’s how: Grab two pieces of paper, a road atlas, and your favorite pencil (or pen).

Gather everyone involved and get ready to plan. There are four big questions to steer you in the right direction when starting your trip planning process: When, Why, Where, What.

When?

You shouldn’t assume everyone is ready to pack up and leave tomorrow. You may be ready to hit the road hard but others may need extra time. Also, if Mom is thinking about a year-long trip and Dad thought you were only going for two weeks, it’s better to know everyone’s expectations up front.

Take your first piece of paper and fold it in half vertically. Write the word “WHEN” on the top of the left side in bold capital letters. If you are not traveling solo, divide the page into horizontal segments based on the number of people involved and write their names in each box.

Hold a meeting and ask each person when they would like this trip to happen. This will include when they want to start, how long they want it to last, and when they would like it to end. Make sure to write detailed answers in everyone’s box. Allow them to pick specific dates, months, or even seasons if they have a preference. The more information you have the better.

Why?

On the right side of your first piece of paper, write the word “WHY” in bold capital letters. Going around the table ask each person the same question. “Why should we take this trip?” Have each person answer the question however they want and write it on the right side of the paper in their box.

After they’ve answered the question, help them elaborate on their answer. Try to encourage them to think deeper into their explanation and explore multiple reasons for such an amazing trip.

Everyone will have different reasons why they think you should take the road trip and that’s okay. Everyone’s opinion matters and the more reasons you have for starting the trip, the more you will likely see and do.

Where?

Take out your second piece of paper and fold it in half vertically. Write “WHERE” in bold capital letters on the top left side. Then divide the paper into four horizontal segments writing “NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST” at the top of each of the boxes on the left side.

Take out your atlas, turn to the main map of the country and allow each person to name a state they would like to visit and write it down in the correct box. 

Continue around the table one by one to form a list. If more than one person names the same state, write it down for each. Even if they name the same state, this doesn’t mean they wanted to see or do the same things.

Driving Arizona’s Apache Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What?

Deciding what to do is the best part of planning and arguably the most fun.
Make sure to spend extra time on this question to fully ignite everyone’s imagination and dig into exactly what your crew wants to do on their trip. After you have a substantial list of states, you’ll need to direct attention to finding out what to do in each place selected. Was there a particular landmark they thought would be interesting?

Is there a relative they want to visit? Finding the “WHAT” for each location can be as simple as driving through the area or more detailed with specific landmarks, local attractions, and events.

On the right side of your second piece of paper, write the word “WHAT” in bold capital letters. Starting with the first state on the list, turn to its page in the atlas, so you can decide which places in this state are the most interesting to everyone. Write down one specific place or activity for each line where the state was written down. Continue to find fun things for each state named until all additions have been researched.

Finding “WHAT” can take quite a bit of time. If your travel companions become antsy especially if you are dealing with young children and short attention spans take a break or better yet split your list into different days.

An awesome tip for this stage of planning is to whip out the computer and Google each place so everyone can see pictures of the area and attractions and further their interest through visual stimulation.

Scenic lookout along the Patchwork Scenic Byway through Dixie National Forest in Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Congratulate Your Progress

If you’ve managed to have your group answer all four of these questions honestly and everyone is still smiling, or at least still interested, you can count your planning session as a success. You’ve managed to gather all their needs, wants, and high expectations in a fun and engaging meeting where everyone had input.

Then get ready to take the information you’ve collected and read through it a few times. Give yourself time to fully absorb and consider what each person wishes to accomplish on this trip. At this point, you’ll need to plan the starting and stopping points and then detail how you’ll hit your destinations along the way and for how long.

It’s important to keep all your travel companions in the loop. Avoid letting the flow of information drop off after the initial meeting is over. Keep everyone up-to-date with the progress of the trip. Show them your rough drafts and itineraries and allow them to help you modify the route if changes are necessary.

Good luck in your travel planning and stay positive even when you hit roadblocks. All your organization and attention to detail will pay off with happy campers and unforgettable RV experiences. Hopefully, we’ll see you out there on the road.

Worth Pondering…

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

—Benjamin Franklin

Where (and Where Not) to Road Trip This Summer

Driving costs, lodging prices, and traffic safety were all factors in a new study

With the summer season rolling in, it is safe to say that every traveler feels a pull toward the next destination. Whether it’s the beach, the mountains, or a national park it doesn’t matter. What matters is quite literally hitting the road and going to the discovery of a new place.

According to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance website, most Americans are looking forward to a road trip this summer with 75 percent of American adults planning to take some sort of road trip with around 33 percent planning to travel more than 250 miles from home.

Experts are pointing out that the reasons behind such an increased interest in summer road trips have to do with financial decisions and budgeting.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

“All indications are there is a significant increase in those planning a road trip versus flying or going to a resort destination,” Dr. David C. Miles, Executive Professor at Northern Arizona State University, said in a statement. “High credit card debt along with high-interest rates on credit cards and 31 percent inflation over the last three years are forcing families to explore new and different ways to vacation this year. The road trip is a logical choice yet provides fun and value and multiple options.”

Deciding to take a trip is the easy part, though. Picking a destination and affording everything you want to pack into your itinerary is more difficult. Fuel prices are one thing to worry about for example. They’ve remained high this year with the national average price of gas at over $3.46 per gallon with diesel fuel currently averaging $3.80. On top of that you’ll need to consider accommodations, activities, and dining, all of which are affected by inflation.

For this reason, WalletHub analyzed all 50 states across the country and came up with an ultimate ranking of the best and worst states for a summer road trip. Researchers took into consideration 32 key metrics that could affect travelers on the road. Those include driving costs, lodging prices (including campgrounds), traffic safety, weather, and even fun activities, among others.

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Texas rocks the road trip rankings

According to WalletHub’s latest ranking, the best state for a summer road trip is none other than the Great State of Texas! Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to pack up the car or RV, grab some snacks, and hit the open road. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, affordable adventures, or safe travels, I’ll break it down for you. 

So, let’s dive into why Texas is the ultimate road trip destination and explore other top states that offer unforgettable summer adventures.

Texas: The road trip champion

Everything is bigger in Texas including its appeal as the top state for summer road trips. Texas offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities to suit every traveler’s taste. From the vibrant nightlife in Austin to the serene beaches of Padre Island, there’s something for everyone. The scenic Hill Country with its rolling hills and charming wineries makes for a picturesque drive while the historic Alamo in San Antonio offers a glimpse into the past.

Don’t forget to check out the quirky roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and the mystical Marfa Lights. Texas also boasts some of the best BBQ joints and Tex-Mex cuisine in the country ensuring that your taste buds are just as satisfied as your sense of adventure.

Whitehall, New York © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Affordable adventures across the states

While Texas reigns supreme, other states also offer incredible road trip experiences without breaking the bank. New York and New Jersey stand out with their mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. In New York, you can explore the stunning Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes region while New Jersey offers beautiful coastal drives and charming small towns.

For budget-conscious travelers states like Virginia and North Carolina provide excellent value with affordable accommodations, low gas prices, and numerous free attractions. Virginia’s historic sites and North Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are perfect for those looking to explore without overspending.

Safety first: Secure and scenic routes

Safety is a top priority for any road trip and WalletHub’s ranking also considers this crucial factor. New York and Delaware are among the safest states for summer road trips with well-maintained roads and low crime rates ensuring a worry-free journey.

Texas with its extensive highway system and friendly locals also scores high on safety. The state is known for its hospitality and you’ll find plenty of help and amenities along the way. Whether you’re driving through bustling cities or remote desert landscapes, Texas ensures a secure and enjoyable trip.

So there you have it, folks! Texas tops the charts as the ultimate state for summer road trips offering a perfect blend of adventure, affordability, and safety. Whether you’re exploring the expansive landscapes of Texas, discovering the historic charms of Virginia, or enjoying the coastal beauty of New Jersey, there’s a road trip destination waiting for you. So, get your playlist ready, pack your bags, and set out for an unforgettable summer journey. Happy travels!

Holmes County, Ohio © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Top 10 overall ranked states for summer road trips

  • Texas
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Idaho
  • Wisconsin
  • Florida
  • Wyoming
  • Minnesota
  • Virginia
St. Martinsville, Louisiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

In-depth analysis of the key metrics

Average gas prices

Lowest

1. Mississippi

2. Colorado

T-3. Louisiana

T-3. Oklahoma

5. Arkansas

Highest

46. Oregon

47. Nevada

48. Washington

49. Hawaii

50. California

Best state vs. worst state: 2x difference (Mississippi vs. California)

Roosevelt State Park, Mississippi © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Price of camping

Lowest

1. Mississippi

2. Wyoming

3. West Virginia

4. Arizona

5. Illinois

Highest

44. Maryland

45. Alaska

46. New Jersey

T-47. Washington

T-47. California

Best state vs. worst state: 3x difference (Mississippi vs. California)

Utah Scenic Byway 12 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Scenic byways

Most

1. Oregon

2. California

3. Utah

4. North Carolina

5. Washington

Fewest

46. Wisconsin

47. Rhode Island

48. Hawaii

49. Delaware

50. Connecticut

Worth Pondering…

People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.

—Saint Augustine (354-430)

Scenic Road Trips with Unforgettable Stops along the Way

Road trip! Arguably the two sweetest words in the English language, right?

If the United States is good at one thing when it comes to infrastructure planning, it’s probably the highway system. Originally founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the U.S. Highway system is the backbone for domestic trade and travel and has almost become a cultural phenomenon for the country.

Van life, car culture, and road trips aren’t uniquely American but they are easily folded into the highway-centric lifestyle of most Americans. In fact, taking road trips isn’t even for the destination; it’s for the travel itself!

Today, we are all about celebrating the journey over the destination and a road trip is the epitome of that. Let’s take a look at some of the most scenic road trips in the U.S. plus some of the best stops along the way.

There are a ton of roads and scenic highways in the U.S. and it isn’t possible to include them on every list. Here’s my take on some of the most notable (in no special order), doing my best to spread them across the country in a way that includes the major regions. Let’s get started!

Blue Ridge Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous drives in all of the United States, potentially the world. In fact, it’s more than just a road; it’s a journey through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina and is absolutely gorgeous. From north to south, it’s America’s longest linear park and one of the most popular destinations for campers, hikers, and day trippers.

Tip: Take the trip during peak season in the fall for some of the best views of your life.

The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It is at a high elevation most of the way and passes along rocky ridges, stunning valleys, and through some of the best forest land and farms along the east coast.

On top of the scenery, it’s a fantastic way to learn about the culture of Appalachia since there are countless towns, parks, museums, and attractions it takes you through or near on the journey. The Parkway spans 469 miles and can be driven in about 12 hours, but you’ll want to take your time and explore some of the best stops along the way.

Blue Ridge Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Some of the most notable stops along the way include:

  • Natural Bridge (Milepost 61.6)
  • Peaks Of Otter (Milepost 86)
  • Mabry Mill (the most photographed site on the parkway) (Milepost 176.1)
  • Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213)
  • Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4)
  • Little Switzerland (Milepost 334)
  • Mount Mitchell, the highest peak on the east coast (Milepost 355.4)

Read more:

Route 66 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Route 66

Route 66 is pretty much THE symbol of America’s spirit of adventure and freedom. It was one of the first national highways for motor vehicles in the United States, established in 1926, and it ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California covering a total of 2,448 miles.

It crossed eight states and three time zones, all the while passing through some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. It also connected some smaller towns and rural communities that otherwise would have been isolated from the rest of the nation.

Route 66 became an icon in American popular culture. It had nicknames like the Mother Road and the Main Street of America. Many people drove along Route 66 during the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II when a huge country-wide migration to the west began. Later, it became a popular destination for tourists, bikers, and road trippers who wanted to experience authentic Americana along the way.

Route 66 was gradually replaced by the Interstate Highway System, however, and the last section of Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. That being said, many parts of the original route still exist and are preserved as historic landmarks or designated as scenic byways. While the stops along the highway are mostly icons now, the drive itself is incredible unique and showcases tons of landscapes only found in those portions of America.

Route 66 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Some of the most notable stops along Route 66 are:

  • The Art Institute of Chicago (Illinois), the starting point of Route 66 where you can see a sign that says Begin Historic Route 66
  • Chain of Rocks Bridge (Missouri)
  • Cadillac Ranch (Texas)
  • Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
  • Wigwam Motel (Arizona)
  • Santa Monica Pier (California): The end point of Route 66 where you can see a sign that says End of the Trail

Read more:

Scenic Byway 12 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Route 12 Utah

Route 12 in Utah is a 124-mile highway that runs from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park passing through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area along the way. Essentially, this trip is an outdoorsy person’s absolute paradise plus you get to drive on some incredibly scenic roads.

During the drive, you get incredible views of red rock formations, canyons, mountains, forests, deserts, and rivers. It takes about three hours to drive without stopping, but you’ll want to stop often. Many people even spend a week or two and take the time to hike and camp all around the parks nearby.

Scenic Byway 12 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Some of the must-see spots along Route 12 Utah are:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park (Garfield County)
  • Red Canyon (Garfield County)
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park (Kane County)
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Garfield / Kane Counties)
  • Calf Creek Falls (Garfield County)
  • Boulder Mountain (Wayne / Garfield Counties)
  • Capitol Reef National Park (Wayne County)

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Worth Pondering…

Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.

—Confucius

Tales from the Road: Best Road Trip Ideas

Choose your own adventure through stunning national parks, Arizona’s Red Rock Country, and the Deep South

Who doesn’t appreciate winding drives through the lovely countryside? But for a truly memorable road trip choose a location and route that aligns with your passions.

To help, I’ve put together itineraries for specific interests from a national parks tour to a spiritual journey to a southern odyssey.

Bryce Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Stunning national parks

Where to: Utah

I have a hundred favorite road trips but I always come back to Utah and the “Mighty Five” which is what they call the five magnificent national parks you can visit on a loop around the southern part of the state.

Itinerary: Starting from anywhere on Interstate 5, the first park to visit is Zion, the oldest and arguably most beautiful park in Utah and that’s a big statement. Zion is huge and mystifying and you understand immediately why it awed early travelers who left these rock faces and canyons with place names like Angels Landing and the Great White Throne.

Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Many visitors combine Zion with a trip to Bryce Canyon which is more of a pocket park. Stare down into the park’s stunning natural amphitheater—the technical term used by geologists (rather than a canyon)—to discover fanciful windows, jutting daggers, chiseled spires, and exquisite bracelet-thin archways seemingly erupting from the fantastical landscape.  

Because of the park’s smaller size, you can achieve a lot here in a day or two. Several novice trails by the park’s main entrance offer a glimpse of the area’s glorious mountain scenery and profusion of flora and fauna.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

If you continue north from Bryce there’s Capitol Reef, the second largest of the Mighty Five but one that too often gets overlooked. Its most recognizable feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long monocline warp (or step-like dip) in the Earth’s crust. These tilted sandstone layers eroded over time to form an extraordinary landscape of serrated peaks, surreal domes, deep-slot canyons, and mesmerizing formations that straddle different elevations and ecosystems.

Canyonlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest and you could spend days getting lost in the 527 square miles of river canyons and mesas but the Island in the Sky area is the most accessible. Pick almost any spot and just gawk at the miles of mesas and sandstone cliffs.

The town of Moab is a fantastic base for exploring this area. It’s considered the adventure center of the Southwest because there is so much to do: bike riding and hot-air ballooning and biking and its proximity to Canyonlands and Arches.

Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The park’s 18-mile-long Scenic Drive showcases an array of delicate sandstone arches, deep gorges, rock catacombs, and open valleys among other natural wonders. The most recognizable red stone monoliths and monuments have official names and monikers but sometimes it’s best to skip the guide books and maps in favor of finding a trailhead and letting the awe-inspiring landscape stir your imagination. Balanced Rock needs you to get up close to take a look. The boulder on top resembles a mushroom cloud.

Plan your trip to the Utah parks with these resources:

Cathedral Rock, Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A deeper consciousness

Where to: The healing energy spots of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert

Sedona is a well-known hotbed of energy—one that’s conducive to both meditation and healing—and this is one of the reasons 4.5 million travelers flock here annually. That and the region’s red rocks: stunning sandstone formations that jut upward thousands of feet and change colors from orange to rust to crimson as the sun passes through the sky.

Airport Mesa, Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The desert areas have been a sacred space for centuries for Indigenous populations and you can still experience the mind-body power of those rituals and ceremonies in whatever way you choose even if it is simply by driving and noticing what’s around you.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Sedona is a city of psychics, tarot readers, reiki healers, and crystal dealers. Retail stores like Center for the New Age cater to a very specific kind of tourist: those drawn to the area for its supposed metaphysical and spiritual assets. According to these truth-seekers, Sedona is one of the world’s greatest hotspots for psychic energy: whirling and vibrating, creating portals that enhance consciousness. The energy is that strong—so overwhelming that juniper trees twist and bend themselves over it. 

Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Itinerary: Even if you’re not an adherent of the New Age movement, plan on visiting at least one of Sedona’s famous vortexes. They’re at some of the most gorgeous spots around town. Vortexes (the proper grammatical form “vortices” is rarely used here) are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to spiritual healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Believers identify four primary vortexes: Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa.

Bell Rock, Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Built into the red rocks, The Chapel of the Holy Cross was actually inspired by a visit by Marguerite Brunswig Staude to the Empire State Building. It overlooks Sedona and despite it being a Christian place of worship it’s believed to be full of vortex energy. Either way, it’s a stunning place to visit.

Plan your trip to Sedona with these resources:

La Fayette Square, Savannah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The Deep South

Where to: Savannah to Charleston road trip

Driving from Savannah to Charleston is pretty straightforward. If you’re starting in Savannah, you’ll take I-95 North to US-17 North. But along the way, some interesting stops are worth a visit.

Historic River Street, Savannah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

I recommend several days in Savannah before beginning the drive to visit attractions like Forsyth Park, the Bonaventure Cemetery, and the River Street waterfront area.

Itinerary: Just a 15-minute drive north of Savannah, you’ll find the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This 30,000-acre wildlife refuge is home to birds, alligators, and other marsh-dwelling flora and fauna. You could easily spend an entire day hiking, biking, and kayaking at this nature-lovers paradise.

St. Helena Island © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Next, you’ll drive about an hour northeast to St. Helena Island, South Carolina. St. Helena Island is the perfect place to immerse yourself in natural beauty and learn about Gullah culture.

In the center of the island, surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oak trees, you’ll find the Penn Center, a 50-acre historic district comprising 25 historic buildings and structures.

Hunting Island State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

From St. Helena, continue driving one island further and you’ll arrive at Hunting Island State Park. This State Park is known for having five miles of amazing beaches and a lighthouse that dates back to the 19th century. You can even climb the lighthouse stairs for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and wetlands. After visiting the lighthouse, you can spend time exploring the beach or head down to the Nature Center where you can learn about local wildlife.

Edisto Island © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Backtrack through Hunting Island and St. Helena Island to the coastal town of Beaufort. Next, we’re heading inland to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Sheldon Church dates back to the mid-1700s. Today, the ruins are hauntingly beautiful and surrounded by a lush landscape. The property is located right off Old Sheldon Church Road and has informational markers.

From the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, head northeast to Edisto Island. Edisto is a peaceful vacation island south of Charleston that’s perfect for a bit of relaxation.

Edisto Beach has long been a spectacular place to enjoy all of nature’s beauty while enjoying outdoor activities to keep your heart (and mind!) healthy.

Edisto Beach State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Head to Edisto Beach State Park to stretch your legs on one of the many hiking paths or visit the environmental education center to learn more about the island. The park has an impressive array of camping sites in oceanfront and maritime forest habitats and most can accommodate RVs, some up to 40 feet.

Botany Bay Plantation © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

If you want to see the South Carolina coast the way the original settlers did, take a step back in time to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve located adjacent to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the northeast corner of Edisto Island. The 3,363-acre preserve includes almost three miles of undeveloped, breathtaking beachfront.

Folly Beach © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The last stop on this Savannah to Charleston road trip is Folly Beach. Take a stroll along the Folly Beach fishing pier or spend some time meandering through the beachy downtown neighborhoods.

Charleston © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

After you’ve had your fun in the sun, head north for about 20 minutes and you’ll be in the heart of Charleston. You may have reached your destination, but the adventure isn’t over. Charleston has tons of things to see and it’s a great destination to explore for a few days. You won’t want to miss walking along the waterfront park or strolling past one of Charleston’s most colorful streets, Rainbow Row. Hop aboard a historic harbor cruise for a guided tour of the city or try some of the best local flavors on a guided food tour.

Plan your trip to the Deep South with these resources:

Worth Pondering…

If we set aside time each day to be in a peaceful environment, to walk in nature, or even just to look at a flower or the sky, then that beauty will penetrate us and feed our love and our joy.

—Thích Nhất Hạnh, Vietnamese monk and Zen master, How to Love

Family-friendly Road Trips Through Arizona

To help you plan your family-friendly road trip through Arizona, I’ve put together this list of awesome road trip stops. Keep reading to learn about my favorite spots and campgrounds along the route.

With its vast landscapes and colorful topography, the American Southwest is one of the best regions in the country to take an old-fashioned road trip—in fact, that’s the only way to see most of it. Arizona, specifically, is home to the only Natural Wonder of the World in the U. S., numerous national parks, picturesque state parks, and 21 American Indian tribes. So, what better way to spend spring break this year than packing up the kids for four family-friendly road trips through Arizona?

Lead Mead back of Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Since the possibilities for an Arizona road trip are endless, I’ve organized these family-friendly road trips into four paths. Each of these road trip routes includes a selection of my favorite stops. I’ve traveled along each of these paths—most more than once. There is truly something for every member of the family to be enjoyed in each of these road trips.

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon

There’s a lot to see in the northwest corner of Arizona where temperatures can be cooler than in the south. Start this tour from the border between Arizona and Nevada which is a short drive from Las Vegas.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lake Mead and Hoover Dam

Lake Mead was created in the 1930s by the construction of the 700-foot Hoover Dam which is worth a tour of its own to see how the massive construction was accomplished and its inner workings. Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers plenty of boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Related Article: Spotlight on Arizona: Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Birdwatchers take note: More than 240 bird species have been recorded here including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and burrowing owls.

Historic Route 66 near Kingman on the route to Oatman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Route 66 is a trip through history

Any road trip through Arizona must pay homage to the Mother Road—Route 66. It runs right through small towns (just like in the song) which have plenty to see and explore.

Arizona Route 66 Museum © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The shiny new Arizona Route 66 Museum, located in Kingman’s historic Powerhouse, traces the evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66 and the journeys of all who traveled the route over time—including American Indian tribes, members of the military, and Dust Bowl migrants.

Oatman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Once a gold-mining boomtown, Oatman hunkers in a craggy gulch of the Black Mountains, 28 miles southwest of Kingman along Route 66. Rising above the town is the jagged peak of white quartz known as Elephant’s Tooth. Often described as a ghost town, Oatman comes close to fitting the category considering that it once boasted nearly 20,000 people and now supports just a little over 100 people year-round.

Oatman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Though Oatman is only a shadow of its former self, it is well worth a visit to this living ghost town that provides not only a handful of historic buildings and photo opportunities but costumed gunfighters and 1890s style ladies as well as the sights of burros walking the streets.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Arizona Public Lands

For old-school nostalgia, make a stop in Seligman, “the Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” which inspired the look of Radiator Springs in the Pixar movie “Cars.”

Wigwam Motel © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Holbrook, also on Route 66 is a small town with plenty of classic vintage Route 66 motels and many historical landmarks like the famous Wigwam Motel and Petrified Forest National Park (see below).

Grand Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Explore natural wonders

There’s no way you can drive through Arizona without paying a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—the Grand Canyon. Over 4 million (4.5 million in 2021) people come from around the world every year to see the mile-deep, 18-mile wide canyon. It’s even more impressive in person than in photos.

Petrified Forest National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The idea of gazing over an old forest might pale in comparison to overlooking the vast Grand Canyon. However, this semi-arid grassland is a sight to behold too! In the Petrified Forest National Park, a variety of paleontological exhibits and petroglyphs awaits you. Visitors can choose to experience the park through hiking trails such as the Giant Logs Trail and the Painted Desert Rim or opt for a 28-mile drive.

Painted Desert © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Just south of the Arizona-Utah state line is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with some of the most spectacular trails and views in the world. The swirls of colors in the rocks make for some eye-popping photographs.

Related Article: The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: 16 Places to See & Things to Do

Colorado River from Navajo Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The two beautiful Navajo Bridges that span the Colorado River’s Marble Canyon may look identical but they were built more than 65 years apart. The first bridge opened to traffic in 1929 and was, at the time, the highest steel arch bridge in the world. However, it was not designed to carry modern-day traffic and its replacement was more than twice as wide opened in 1995. Rather than dismantling the original bridge, they left it in place to allow pedestrians to enjoy the spectacular view of the river 467 feet below.

Canyon de Chelly © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly (National Monument) has sandstone walls rising up to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present-day life of the Navajo who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor. The northernmost and southernmost edges are accessible from paved roads. The South Rim Drive offers the most dramatic vistas ending at the most spectacular viewpoint, the overlook of Spider Rocks—twin 800-foot towers of rock isolated from the canyon walls.

Related Article: Why Arizona is the Ultimate Road Trip Destination

Blake Ranch RV Park near Kingman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Campgrounds and RV parks along this route

With so much to explore, you may want to book a campground or RV park along the route. Here are some recommendations for places to rest your weary heads:

  • Blake Ranch RV Park and Horse Motel, Kingman
  • Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, Williams
  • OK RV Park, Holbrook
  • Cottonwood Campground, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle

Worth Pondering…

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons

Road Trip Inspiration

The summer of 2021 is going to be all about road trips

Many Americans and Canadians are planning their next road trip right now. Planning a trip is actually good for you. Nearly every respondent (97 percent) to a survey from Destination Analysts said having a trip planned makes them happier overall. Plus, 71 percent of respondents reported feeling greater levels of energy knowing they had a trip planned in the next six months.

A study recently released by the vacation rental house website Vrbo states, “Families are making up for travel time lost during the pandemic. According to Vrbo, 82 percent of families have vacation plans for this year, evidence of that pent-up demand for travel. Whether it’s by RV or auto, road trips are expected to be the number one vacation choice for most of us this year.

The United States and Canada are made for road trips with beautiful scenery and wide-open spaces, making it easy to socially distance along the way. To kick off the Year of the Road Trip, I’ll feature a special itinerary focusing on bucket list destinations that feature some of the most spectacular locations as well as some lesser-known places yet to be discovered.

Icefields Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A Scenic Drive of a Lifetime

Linking Lake Louise with Jasper is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet—the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Icefield Parkway is a 145 mile stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields, and vast sweeping valleys.

Columbia Icefields © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in huge valleys of thick pine and larch forests.

Just as the name implies these glaciers or “fields of ice” are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. They are 80,000 acres in area and 328 to 1,197 feet in depth and receive up to 23 feet of snowfall per year.

Glacial Skywalk © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Glacier Sky Walk, opened in May 2014, is a unique experience that puts you on a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet over the Sunwapta Valley. The entire experience starts with a walk along the Discovery Trail. If you are not into heights, you can still view the Sunwapta Valley from a look-out point nearby.

Okanagan Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Taste Your Way through the Okanagan

Imagine a valley floor filled with a 90 mile-long lake, wildlife including bighorn sheep, cougars and rattlesnakes, rainfall of fewer than 12 inches a year but with the greatest concentration of wineries and orchards, you can imagine. The Okanagan Valley is the heart of British Columbia’s grape-growing region and boasts more than 130 licensed wineries. An ever-changing panorama, the valley stretches over 150 miles, across distinct sub-regions, each with different soil and climate conditions suited to a range of varietals. 

Okanagan Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Two towns are standouts for their concentration of vineyards and wineries: Oliver (named for long-ago British Columbia Premier John Oliver) and Osoyoos (which shares a name with one of seven Okanagan tribes (called “bands” in Canada); pronounce it “oo-SUE-yooze”. Together the towns boast 39 wineries that extend from the lush valley into the semi-arid mountains that surround the area. Prior to the development of the wine industry, almost all of the agricultural land in the Oliver area was planted first to ground crops and later to fruit trees such as cherries, apples, apricots, and peaches.

Add to this the Okanagan’s natural beauty (it’s a hallowed summer-vacation spot for Western Canadians), its wide range of non-wine-related things for the whole family to do—from riding the century-old Kettle Valley steam train and swimming in those pristine lakes to biking and hiking, and its lush orchards selling juicy peaches and cherries on the roadside—and you’ve got a wine-country experience like no other.

Okanagan Wine Country © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Before becoming a wine destination, the Okanagan was a family holiday spot, best known for its “beaches and peaches”—the lakes with their sandy shores, boating, and waterskiing as well as the countless farm stands offering fresh produce and fruit. The beaches and peaches—and cherries, apricots, and apples—are still there, and the Okanagan still welcomes families. But now the RV also comes back loaded with cases of wine.

Wells Gray © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Land of 41 Breathtaking Waterfalls and Counting

Wells Gray is not as highly acclaimed as Mount Robson or the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. And having been there, I have no idea why. I mean… this place is awesome!

Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Guiding businesses offer horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater-rafting, fishing, and hiking. The history enthusiast can learn about the early homesteaders, trappers, and prospectors, or about the natural forces that produced Wells Gray’s many volcanoes, waterfalls, mineral springs, and glaciers.

Wells Gray © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Many people head to Wells Gray for the lakes, but there are also over 40 named waterfalls in the park. Many of them are in remote corners of the park, but eight of them are easy to reach from the Clearwater Valley Road.

So you might be wondering: Why are there so many waterfalls in the same small area? And how did they form? It turns out the waterfalls in Wells Gray use the same secret formula as another favorite waterfall destination, Iceland: volcanoes + glaciers = waterfall magic.

Wells Gray © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The whole Wells Gray area is part of a massive volcanic complex that dumped lava over the landscape, which hardened into lava rock called basalt. During the last ice age, glaciers covered the basalt. When the volcanoes erupted underneath the glaciers, the ice melted, causing huge floods that carved deep river canyons.

Seven of the Park’s waterfalls originate on the Murtle River, but perhaps none are more famous than Helmcken Falls, and the very reason Wells Gray Park exists. The fourth largest waterfall in Canada, Helmcken cascades 462 feet to the canyon below. The fact you can access it just steps from the road is really an added bonus. The viewing platform hangs over the lip of the canyon providing a panoramic view of the Murtle River tumbling in the distance. For an up-close-and-personal view of the falls, strike out on a one-hour hike along the Rim Trail where you’ll find waterfall views seen mostly by birds.

Bakersfield Gate © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ever Walked the Streets of Bakersfield?

Despite its size, Bakersfield, California, is a large small town. It has the conveniences and amenities of a large urban area, but visitors comment on others smiling and saying ‘hello.’ With music, festivals, outdoor activities, performs arts and sports, there are ample activities for visitors to explore and reasons for a return visit.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bakersfield’s historic and primary industries are oil and agriculture. Oil was discovered in 1865; by 1870 more than 600 people called Bakersfield home. In the 1930s, Bakersfield saw a surge in population from those fleeing the Dust Bowl. In 2013 Kern County produced more oil than any other county in America. Kern County is a part of the highly productive San Joaquin Valley and ranks in the top five most productive agricultural counties in the U.S. Major crops for Kern County include grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, alfalfa, cotton, and roses.

The city gained fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the Bakersfield Sound, an electric guitar-driven subgenre of country music that commercially dominated the industry for more than a decade. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam were its best-known stars.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Buck first recorded “Streets of Bakersfield” in 1972 and re-recorded it in 1988 as a duet with Dwight Yoakam, again hitting No. 1.

Opening in 1996, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is a must-see for visitors to Bakersfield. The all-in-one restaurant, museum, and music venue spotlights the rich history of the Bakersfield Sound and the career of Buck Owens. The Palace is home to countless items of memorabilia from Owens’ early days to his time as co-host of Hee-Haw and his final years as a living legend. Until his passing in 2006 Owens would perform each weekend for fans that came from across the globe to pay homage to the star. 

Blue Bell Creamery © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

This way to the Little Creamery

Founded in 1907 as the Brenham Creamery Company, Blue Bell began operation making butter. In 1911, ice cream for local consumption began production. Ice cream distribution was limited to the small town of Brenham in the Brazos River country of south-central Texas about 70 miles west of Houston. As transportation improved, distribution expanded. The company name was changed to Blue Bell Creameries in honor of a Texas wildflower in 1930. A reproduction of one of the first route trucks, a 1932 Ford, sits outside company headquarters.

Blue Bell © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The rest is history! Blue Bell ice cream flavors are often the exciting grand finale to any celebration. The products are now sold in 22 states according to its website. That’s quite a change for a company that still promotes itself as a small town business selling a locally produced product. “We eat all we can and sell the rest,” one of the company’s favorite marketing slogans says.

Blue Bell © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The century-old, Brenham-born brand offers a wide variety of ice creams, sherbets, and frozen snacks. Ice cream flavors include 25 classic year-round options like cookie two-step, mint chocolate chip, and pistachio almond. As well as rotational limited-time flavors like fudge brownie decadence, spiced pumpkin pecan, and confetti cake. And yes, I’ve tried them all!

Worth Pondering…

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

—Lewis Carrol

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your National Park Vacation

Transportation tips, camping advice, and other details you need to know

Summer is almost here and for many, that means it’s time to start planning that long-awaited road trip. With 237 million visitors in 2020, national parks are some of the most popular destinations as they provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature while being socially distanced at the same time. But there are nuances that can make or break your visit to a national park and they don’t reveal themselves until you’re actually there—which can be too late.

Shuttle stop at Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

At Zion National Park in Utah you may find yourself surrounded by crowds packing into shuttles; the vibe more theme park, not nature at its best. A visit during the offseason is a completely different experience. Arriving before peak-season shuttle service begins allows you to tour the park in your own vehicle. Camp on-site, roll out of bed early for hikes and experience the Zion you imagine—tranquil and sublime. 

Driving White Sands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

How to get around national parks

There’s no way around it, you’ll absolutely need wheels to explore. National parks can cover vast swaths of land and some, like Yellowstone, stretch across multiple states.

When planning your park visit, take time to look at maps of your destination on the National Park Service website. These maps generally do a good job of letting you know how many miles separate different points and sometimes include time estimates for traveling between various park entrances.

Numerous days are needed to explore Canyonlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Give yourself multiple days to explore

As you study maps, you may notice that national parks have distinct areas. Sometimes they connect but sometimes they don’t. You may also be surprised to find you could lose most of a day moving between them.

Although Canyonlands is one park, it’s divided into four regions—three districts (Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze) plus the Green and Colorado Rivers that divide them up. It takes hours to travel from one district to another so most people focus on one area per visit.

It can take two hours to drive between Island in the Sky and the Needles; plan on six hours to the Maze. Most people only make it to Island in the Sky but experienced trail drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles may also want to experience the remote beauty of the Maze. If that’s you, plan for multiple days.

Pinnacles National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

When driving to Pinnacles National Park, keep in mind that there is no road that connects the east and west entrances of the park. The shortest route from the east entrance to the west entrance (or from west to east) is through the town of King City on US 101, a drive of just under two hours.

But at Joshua Tree National Park in California, two deserts run into each other. It’s hard to tell the difference unless you know that the park’s namesake trees don’t grow in the Colorado Desert but their Seussian forms scatter the Mojave. Absent that indicator, though, the transition between the neighboring ecosystems is seamless as you drive along the main park road.

Joshua tree in the national park of the same name © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Check vehicle restrictions if you’re driving an RV

Some national parks are suitable for RVs. Arches, White Sands, and Joshua Tree are easy to explore in an RV as the elevation gain is gentle and it’s easy to stop at overlooks and points of interest along the way. Other parks may NOT permit large vehicles in certain sections, especially roads with switchbacks and hairpin turns. If renting, you may want to reconsider the size of the RV as it may mean a must-see feature will have to come off your itinerary.

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park is a great example. There, all vehicles (including any attached trailers) can only be up to 21 feet long and 10 feet tall which is smaller than most RVs. 

No matter what park you’re visiting, a small RV makes it easier to park at trailheads where designated spots for RVs are scarce or non-existent. Going small just might save you from having to skip the hike of your dreams.

Camping in Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tips for staying inside national parks

Among the most convenient, immersive ways to see a national park is to camp in it. Doing so makes it easier to go on early morning hikes or do some stargazing. There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service—there are over 130 park units to choose from.

The majority of the 500 campsites in Joshua Tree are available by reservation. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and can be booked on recreation.gov. Reserving a site is highly recommended. The park offers five campgrounds including Black Rock (99 sites), Cottonwood (62 sites), Indian Cove (101 sites). Jumble Rocks (124 sites), and Ryan (31 sites). Be aware that not all campgrounds have water or a dump station.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Pinnacles Campground is accessed only from the east side of the Park as there are no connecting roads between the two entrances of Pinnacles. The campground offers tent and group camping along with RV sites. Each tent and group site has a picnic table and fire ring. Most RV sites have electrical hookups and share community tables and barbecue pits. Water is located throughout the campground. Oak trees provide shade at many campsites. Coin-operated showers and a dump station are available.

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground at Arches National Park. You can reserve campsites for nights between March 1 and October 31. During this busy season, the campground is usually full every night. Between November and February, campsites are first-come, first-served. If you’re unable to snare a reservation at Devils Garden, you’ll need to look for an RV park in nearby Moab.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Zion National Park has three campgrounds. South and Watchman Campgrounds are in Zion Canyon. The Lava Point Campground is an hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road. There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. Situated at 7,890 feet, Lava Point Campground is typically open May through September, as weather allows.

South Campground and Watchman Campground (for reservations call 877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov) are near the south entrance at Springdale. This part of the park is desert. There are few trees to provide relief from the heat. Some campsites get shade for part of the day but many get no shade at all. Summer temperatures exceed 95 degrees; staying cool is a challenge. From mid-March through late November the campgrounds are full almost every night.

Potwisha Campground in Sequoia National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Accommodations outside a national park

While staying on-site is a unique experience, your road trip can still be amazing if you stay off-site. For best results, give yourself more time than you think you need. If you choose to stay in a charming town near your chosen park, you’ll need to account for travel time between the two plus the wait time to enter the park itself.

Grand Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Always bring food 

Given the amount of time you’ll spend inside your chosen park, there’s no guarantee you’ll find something to eat. At some parks, you’ll be lucky to locate a protein bar at the visitor’s center while others have their own grocery stores. So whether you’re staying on-site or traveling by car, make sure to bring a packed cooler and extra food. If you’re touring in an RV, stock the fridge. Even if you find your park has provisions available, you probably won’t want to spend precious time standing in line at the register when you could be out there becoming one with nature.

Heavy snowfall in the Sierras closes Lassen Volcanic National Park during winter © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Timing your visit

Expectations go a long way toward a great first experience and timing is the key. Seasonal closures happen and you’ll also want to check for any permits or waiting lists for iconic hikes. About a week before your planned visit, scan the websites for the parks you’ll be touring for any park alerts. Even if you can’t time your trip for when your chosen park is fully open, its beauty will still shine through—just a glimpse is enough to know you’ve visited a special place on Earth.

Worth Pondering…

The national parks in the U.S. are destinations unto themselves with recreation, activities, history, and culture.

—Jimmy Im

The 16 Best National Parks for Families to Explore this Spring

Following the past pandemic winter hibernation a national park adventure is one of the best family vacation ideas for spring

During April and May, national parks tend to be less crowded and cooler then during peak summer travel which means plenty of outdoor space to stretch out and burn off energy. As an added bonus, April brings National Park Week (April 17-25, in 2021), an annual celebration that includes FREE admission and special junior ranger programs for kids.

Spring is prime time for wildflowers, to spot baby wildlife, hit the hiking trails, and enjoy seasonal waterfalls. Here are 16 of the best national parks in spring throughout the United States. These exceptional public lands will help you reconnect and reboot.

Saguaro cactus in bloom © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Spring is the perfect time to visit Saguaro before the triple-digit summertime temperatures descend on the Sonoran Desert. The region’s giant saguaro cactuses are an iconic symbol of the Southwest and families are bound to see plenty of them along hiking trails and driving routes through the east or west section of the park. The greatest diversity of spring-blooming cacti species can be seen in April. The cactus show continues as the abundant prickly pears bloom in early May followed by saguaros from mid May to mid June.

Grand Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Visitors will find cooler spring temperatures at Grand Canyon with even a chance of snow on the Rim. The possibility of rain and snow, combined with more breezes and skies clear of haze and smog (that tends to drift from Las Vegas and Southern California) makes spring an ideal time to see the canyon in all its drama and beauty.

New River Gorge National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia

In January 2021, New River Gorge was elevated to national park status focusing national attention on the natural beauty of one of West Virginia’s most beloved playgrounds. The New River is one of those places that gets under your skin and stays with you especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. Spring at New River Gorge means whitewater through deep canyons, the perfect backdrop for thrilling family rafting trips.

Shenandoah National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Spring at Shenandoah National Park brings blooming wildflowers and trees, flowing waterfalls and migrating songbirds. Only 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah is an easy escape from the bustle of the city. A park hallmark is Skyline Drive, the scenic byway that runs 105 miles north and south along the mountaintop ridge. To escape any April showers, duck into Luray Caverns, located just outside park boundaries for a cave exploration filled with towering stone formations and massive caverns.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Each spring, the hollows of Great Smoky Mountains National Park bloom with ephemerals such as trillium, lady slipper orchids, bleeding hearts, violets, and other native flora. For 71 years wildflower enthusiasts have enjoyed the show during the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (May 8-16, in 2021). Later in spring, synchronous fireflies light up the woodland glens (dates vary year to year).

Blue Ridge Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is among the most scenic drives in the Eastern U.S. Designed to “lie gently upon the land,” this national park corridor stretches from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offering scenic mountain views and ample hiking opportunities along the way. Expect to find a mix of wildflowers and tree blossoms including dwarf iris, tulips, violets, and various species of rhododendrons and dogwood trees. Craggy Gardens (MP 364.6) has a particularly spectacular rhododendron bloom in late spring.

Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Zion National Park, Utah

Opt for the family-friendly Riverside Walk and look for early blooming wildflowers such as desert marigold, slickrock paintbrush, and western columbine. You just may catch a glimpse of baby animals including wild turkey chicks, mule deer fawns, and bighorn sheep.

Cedar Breaks National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

Located north of Zion, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a 10,000-foot hidden gem, a wide red rock amphitheater similar to Bryce Canyon. Spring arrives later at this higher elevation but when it does, the meadows blaze with the brilliant colors of wildflower blooms. Be sure to hike to Spectra Point to glimpse the oldest tree in the park—a Bristlecone pine estimated to be 1,500 years old.

Mesa Verde National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Tours of the cliff dwellings begin in May but early spring travelers won’t miss out since cliff dwelling structures like Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House can be viewed at overlooks year-round. Prior to June, the park is quieter with fewer crowds and moderate temperatures. A less-visited nearby site, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument has the highest concentration of Native American archaeological sites in the U.S.—more than 6,300 including cliff dwellings, kivas, petroglyphs, and sacred springs.

Big Bend National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Big Bend National Park, Texas

One of the least-visited national parks, Big Bend is a perfect place for physical distancing. Springtime at Big Bend National Park means cooler temperatures, wildflowers, and plenty of migrating birds. And Big Bend is a great place to explore the Rio Grande River which is framed by sheer canyon walls.

Congaree National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park preserves 11,000 acres of old growth bottomland hardwood forest with some of the largest trees (of their kind) in the United States. The sun and water reflect the trees creating a complex world of depth, light, and life.Cypress knees spring from the swamp like forest stalagmites.The story of spring in Congaree, is the trees, water, flowers, light, and life working together to bring you something entirely new, entirely special.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Above ground, the yucca bloom, cacti send out yellow arms, and mescal plants blossom across the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Below ground, stalactites line cave ceilings and decorative rock formations keep youngsters enthralled along the Big Room Trail. Carlsbad Caverns is famous for its bat flight program and the Brazilian free-tailed bats make their migratory journey back to the park in late spring.

Joshua Tree National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Summer gets hot in the desert but spring is the perfect season to visit. With its location within 1,200 square miles of Mojave and Colorado deserts, spring is prime time at Joshua Tree. Not only will you enjoy milder weather, you might also be treated to spectacular springtime displays of lupine, poppies, and Joshua tree blooms.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Spring is a time to enjoy sunshine and snow at Lassen Volcanic. The Manzanita Lake and Southwest Areas of the park remain accessible by car all year. Snow clearing on the park highway (which closes to through traffic in the snowy, winter season) begins in the Manzanita Lake Area in late March or early April. It takes two months on average to clear and open the 30-mile park highway. The snow clearing process is largely dependent on the depth of the winter snowpack and spring weather.

Canyonlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah

Arches and Canyonlands are colorful siblings that are great to visit any time of year but to avoid the high heat of summer the best time to visit is now. Spring-time activities run the gamut in these two parks. Hiking is the main attraction with endless miles of trails. Some of the more popular hikes in Arches lead to Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Park Avenue, and the Windows Section. In Canyonlands explore the Island in the Sky with its trails to Whale Rock and ancient granaries on Aztec Butte. Longer treks in the Needles District can fill several days and more. Spring also is a time of renewal, and you can see this in the blooming flowers.

Worth Pondering…

April is a promise that May is bound to keep.

—Hal Borland

The 6 Best Road Trips to Take in the Midwest

Hit the road and discover the Midwest

From Great Lakes and rivers to rolling hills, wide-open plains and lush forests, there’s plenty to discover in the Midwest. Whether you’re up for a summer vacation, week-long road trip, or a Sunday drive, set a course for the middle section of the United States and get out there to explore some of the most diverse scenic terrains in the country. Here are six Midwestern journeys of varying lengths and distances worth considering.

Remember to travel with caution, follow good health practices, and behave responsibly when outdoors or around other people. As always, be safe, have fun, and enjoy!  

Amish Country Byway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ohio’s Amish Country Byway

Take a break from the fast-paced world of smart phones, computers, and demanding schedules and enjoy the “simple life” found on the Amish Country Byway in Ohio. At first, you may feel as if time is standing still, but you’ll soon discover that the Amish folk are highly enterprising and productive. They have simply chosen to maintain their traditional beliefs and customs, continuing a lifestyle uncomplicated by the ways of the modern-day world.

Amish Country Byway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

As you travel the Amish Country Byway, sharing the road with horses and buggies, you will experience first-hand the Amish way of life. You will also take in plenty of beautiful scenery and have a wide variety of recreational opportunities to pursue.

McAllister Covered Bridge, Parke County © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Indiana’s Covered Bridge Tour

Explore Parke County (aka the Covered Bridge Capital of the World) on well-marked driving routes. Parke County has 31 historic bridges, many built in the 1800s and still in use. They’re especially charming nestled amid fall foliage and autumn is a great time to hike or go on a horseback ride at Turkey Run State Park.

Neet Covered Bridge, Parke County © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Five well-marked driving routes, each about 30 miles long make finding the bridges and exploring easy. Each covered bridge comes with its own unique past.

Downtown Wapakoneta. Ohio © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ohio’s Neil Armstrong Scenic Byway

The Neil Armstrong Scenic Byway celebrates the early years of Neil Armstrong’s life with special emphasis on the time period in which he obtained his pilot’s license. In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon. Prior to that, his early interest in flying was cultivated in his hometown of Wapakoneta. Armstrong was so determined to fly that he successfully attained his pilot’s license before his driver’s license.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The byway route through downtown Wapakoneta retraces the route of his homecoming parade after returning from the moon. Some of the storefronts have changed but several of the sights appear largely as they did during Armstrong’s boyhood.

Badlands Loop Scenic Byway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

South Dakota’s Badlands Loop Scenic Byway

Anyone who’s ever made the patriotic pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore comes away impressed by the otherworldly Badlands geography, a scope of grassy stretches and startling rock buttes, mounds, and peaks. Throughout the 39-mile SD Highway 240 journey between Wall and Cactus Flat across Badlands National Park, 16 designated overlooks provide opportunities to stop and marvel at the surreal views.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

If you choose to stop and hike, keep your eyes peeled for appearances by the indigenous wildlife—buffalo, prairie dogs, mule deer, and antelope, to name just a few. The Minuteman Missile Visitor Center and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are great spots to load up on helpful maps and advice. 

Along the Amish Heritage Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Indiana’s Amish Heritage Trail

Traveling along lively Main Streets and scenic backroads you’ll find surprises at every turn and soon discover why it was voted the top USA Today Reader’s Choice and editors of LIFE consider it one of “America’s Most Scenic Drives.”

The Old Bag Factory, Goshen © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

This scenic winding loop takes you through the communities of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa, and Shipshewana. Discover stunning views, historical sites, and Amish heritage along the scenic backroads. Explore country lanes dotted with inviting Amish-owned shops showcasing handcrafted and homemade.

Covered Bridges Scenic Byway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ohio’s Covered Bridges Byway

The Covered Bridges Byway in Ashtabula County (also known as the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour) is an especially beautiful way to take in some of Ohio’s back road scenery and discover some charming covered bridges along the way. You can drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route which features a total of 19 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. It’s perfect for a leisurely scenic drive or a weekend road trip in northeast Ohio.

Worth Pondering…

It’s not just a drive.

It’s an experience.