scenic destinations - RVing with Rex

Bartlett Lake: Desert Stillness and Slow Travel by the Water

Where desert roads lead to unhurried days and quiet shorelines

Tucked into the rugged beauty of the Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix, Bartlett Lake feels like a place discovered rather than visited. Often called “Arizona’s best-kept secret,” this desert reservoir invites RV travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into the rhythm of sun, water, and open space. Just under an hour from the city, the journey itself becomes part of the experience as pavement gives way to desert vistas dotted with towering saguaros and distant mountain ridges.

Created by the damming of the Verde River, Bartlett Lake stretches across 2,815 acres of boatable water—larger than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined. Yet despite its size, it retains a sense of calm that rewards those who arrive without an agenda. For RV travelers embracing slow travel, this is a place to stay awhile. Morning light reflects off glass-still water, afternoons unfold under vast blue skies, and evenings bring desert silence broken only by wind and wildlife.

This article builds on the foundation laid in Bartlett Lake A Sonoran Desert Oasis moving beyond first impressions to explore the deeper rhythms that make this lake especially meaningful for RV travelers. While its size and beauty are undeniable, Bartlett Lake reveals its true character over time through unhurried mornings along quiet shorelines, slow drives beneath towering saguaros, and evenings when the desert sky fades gently into darkness. By lingering longer, RV travelers discover not just a scenic destination but a place where the principles of slow travel come naturally inviting you to settle in, look closer, and experience the Sonoran Desert at its own unspoken pace.

Bartlett Lake *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A natural playground at your own pace

Adventure when you want it, stillness when you need it

Bartlett Lake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities but its true charm lies in the freedom to choose your pace. Some days invite exploration—boating across open water, paddleboarding along quiet coves, or fishing in search of smallmouth bass, carp, or catfish. Other days call for something simpler: a chair in the sand, a good book, and nowhere else to be.

The Bartlett Lake Marina makes it easy to enjoy the lake without rushing. Pontoon boats, kayaks, and jet skis are available to rent and even a party yacht offers a playful way to experience the water. Yet many RV travelers find the greatest reward in slowing down—watching reflections shift across the surface or drifting quietly as the desert reveals itself.

Shoreline camping on Bartlett Lake *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Shoreline camping and the RV advantage

Where your campsite becomes your front-row seat to the desert

One of Bartlett Lake’s greatest gifts to RV travelers is the freedom of shoreline camping. Large sections of the western shoreline welcome dispersed camping allowing you to park close to the water and immerse yourself fully in the landscape. There are no crowded campgrounds or rigid schedules—just open desert, star-filled skies, and the comfort of your home on wheels.

Wildlife sightings add to the sense of connection. Mule deer move quietly through the brush, bald eagles circle overhead, and coyotes call in the distance. Saguaros stand like silent sentinels while mesquite and ocotillo reflect the subtle beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

A lake shaped by history and time

Waters that have sustained life for generations

Since the completion of Bartlett Dam in 1939, the lake has drawn anglers, explorers, and travelers seeking refuge from the desert heat. Indigenous peoples once described the Verde River’s waters as “sweet,” a fitting tribute to a landscape that continues to nourish both wildlife and those who visit with intention.

For anglers, Bartlett Lake remains legendary. State-record fish including a seven-pound smallmouth bass and a massive 37-pound carp have been pulled from its depths. Even if you never cast a line, simply watching the early morning mist lift from the water offers its own quiet reward.

The slow travel experience at Bartlett Lake

Not just a destination, but a place to linger

Bartlett Lake isn’t about checking off attractions—it’s about rediscovering the value of unstructured time. For RV travelers, it offers something increasingly rare: space to pause without distraction. Here, the days unfold naturally. You wake with the sun, follow curiosity instead of schedules, and end the evening under a sky filled with stars.

In a world that moves quickly, Bartlett Lake reminds us that travel doesn’t have to. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys happen when you simply arrive—and stay awhile.

Wildflower season at Bartlett Lake

Where slow travel meets the desert in bloom

Wildflower season arrives early at Bartlett Lake often beginning as soon as late January and building through February and March. For RV travelers who follow the seasons rather than the calendar, this fleeting display rewards those who linger. Desert hills that appear muted at first glance suddenly come alive with color, transforming familiar roads into scenic corridors of yellow, orange, purple, and white.

The drive in becomes part of the experience. Along Bartlett Dam Road, rolling hills glow with clusters of golden brittlebush and vibrant California poppies. But the true highlight is North Lake Road where spring arrives in quiet abundance. Here, sweeping patches of poppies and lupines blanket the desert floor including the rare and beautiful white poppies that make this area especially memorable. For those traveling by RV, it’s worth slowing to a crawl—or pulling over entirely—to absorb the moment.

For a closer connection, the Palo Verde Trail offers one of the most rewarding wildflower walks in the region. The trail traces the shoreline, placing hikers between the cool shimmer of the lake and a vibrant tapestry of desert blooms. Fairy duster adds bursts of pink, blue phacelia brings soft violet hues, and evening primrose, yellow throat gilia, and cream cups create a layered palette beneath the towering saguaros.

On warm winter mornings, this trail becomes more than just a hike—it becomes a reminder of why slow travel matters. With nowhere else to be, RV travelers can walk without rushing noticing the small details: the way sunlight passes through a petal, the quiet hum of pollinators, and the stillness of the lake beside them. These are the moments that cannot be scheduled, only discovered by staying long enough for the desert to reveal its seasonal secrets.

Why is Bartlett Lake known as Arizona’s best kept secret?

Unique combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and relative seclusion compared to other lakes near Phoenix

Bartlett Lake is known as Arizona’s best kept secret because it offers a stunning and serene desert oasis experience that remains relatively undiscovered by the wider public despite its proximity to major cities like Phoenix. Several factors contribute to this reputation:

Hidden gem status: Bartlett Lake is tucked inside the vast Tonto National Forest providing a tranquil setting framed by rugged mountain views, iconic saguaro cacti, and diverse wildlife, which feels both remote and untouched.
Less crowded and spacious: Compared to more popular lakes in the Phoenix area, Bartlett Lake has a larger surface area (about 2,815 acres) offering more open water and sandy beaches where visitors can spread out and enjoy water sports or relaxation without heavy crowds.
Variety of recreational activities: Bartlett Lake supports boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming with well-equipped marinas renting everything from kayaks to party yachts. This wide range of activities appeals to both adventure seekers and families looking for a peaceful getaway.
Accessibility yet seclusion: Located just an hour northeast of Phoenix, Bartlett Lake is easy to reach but still feels like a secret retreat often kept close to locals’ chests preserving its quiet charm and making it a true hidden paradise.
Natural beauty and conservation: Its crystal-clear waters, scenic desert-alpine landscape, and ongoing conservation efforts maintain the lake’s pristine environment enhancing its appeal as a special, well-preserved destination.

These elements combine to make Bartlett Lake a beloved but under-the-radar spot, earning it the title of Arizona’s best kept secret.

Geography and formation of Bartlett Lake
Along the Verde River within a rugged desert landscape

Bartlett Lake was formed in 1939 with the completion of Bartlett Dam named after Bill Bartlett, a government surveyor. The reservoir stretches over 2,815 acres when at full capacity and boasts a shoreline of approximately 33 miles. Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Sonoran Desert, Bartlett Lake is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Tonto National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the US is often said to be the perfect alternative to the more popular Saguaro National Park thanks to its gorgeous desert landscapes combined with alpine scenery and lakes.

The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and lush desert vegetation including iconic saguaro cacti, ocotillo, and palo verde trees. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,798 feet offering moderate temperatures compared to the lower desert areas. This elevation also provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert scenery.

Hike the desert trails around Bartlett Lake

A quiet, underrated spot with beautiful trails

Beyond lake activities, Bartlett Lake offers several trails that range from quick strolls to more moderate efforts each with rewarding views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Two standout treks are the Bartlett Reservoir Trail and the Jojoba Trail.

The Bartlett Reservoir Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trek that’s rated as moderate. Expect a mix of rocky and sandy terrain with cactus forests and occasional wildflowers in spring. This is a favorite for hikers seeking solitude as it tends to be less trafficked than other Phoenix-area trails.

The shorter Jojoba Trail is an easy 2.3-mile trek that follows the shorelines and passes through desert grasslands and shrublands. It’s great for beginners, families with kids, or anyone who wants an easy walk with frequent views of the water. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers and desert birds. Just be mindful of snakes on both trails especially in the warmer months.

Camp under the stars on the shoreline

An amazing way to enjoy the quiet of the Sonoran Desert, stargaze with minimal light pollution, and wake up to serene lake views

For those who prefer camping under a sky full of stars, Bartlett Lake’s dispersed shoreline camping offers a quiet and accessible way to experience nature.

Dispersed shoreline camping basically means there are no designated campsites. The most popular spot is Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area, a primitive camping area where tents, RVs, and vans are welcome right up to the water’s edge.

There are no developed campgrounds or hookups here but that’s part of the appeal. It’s important to note that camping is first-come, first-served, and visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal.

Camping requires a pass like the Tonto Daily Pass which is $8.00 per vehicle or the Annual Discovery Pass which can be purchased online or at participating vendors throughout the region. You can also buy a Tonto Fee Machine Pass from an automated machine found at certain locations like Cave Creek Ranger Station, Desert Vista Overlook, and Jojoba Boat Launch.

Looking for more on Arizona lakes

You should check those out, too.

Want to discover more lakes in Arizona? These lists showcase serene oases and remote getaways.

Bartlett Lake: What you need to know before you go

What you need to know whether you’re camping, hiking, boating, or just spending the day

Bartlett Lake is the second largest lake near Phoenix behind Lake Pleasant and is known for its clear waters, scenic desert-alpine surroundings, and extensive recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and water sports.

Location: Maricopa County, Arizona within Tonto National Forest
Coordinates: 33°49′32″N 111°37′32″W
Type: Reservoir formed by damming the Verde River
Surface Area: 2,815 acres—larger than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined
Maximum length: Approximately 12 miles
Average depth: About 100 feet
Maximum depth: Around 174 feet
Water volume (maximum capacity): 178,186 acre-feet
Shoreline length: Approximately 33 miles—though shoreline length is not a precisely defined measure
Surface elevation: 1,798 feet above sea level
Catchment area: 6,160 square miles
Dam: Bartlett Dam, a concrete multiple-arch buttress dam, 308.5 feet tall and 823 feet long, constructed between 1936 and 1939
Primary inflow and outflow: Verde River
Managing agencies: Salt River Project and the U.S. Forest Service for recreation management

Cave Creek Info Center and Ranger Station contact and opening times

Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Contact: (480) 595-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday. 8 am-4:30 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday

Non-campers can stay in a hotel in the nearby Arizona resort town that lives up to its unusual name: Carefree, located about 22 miles from Bartlett Lake. Plus, there are a few smaller cities nearby to book a hotel including Cave Creek and Rio Verde.

Towns/city near Bartlett Lake

Nearby cities and towns and their driving distance from Bartlett Lake:

Phoenix: ~57 miles southwest
Scottsdale: ~46 miles southwest
Carefree: ~22 miles east
Cave Creek: ~24 miles east
Glendale: ~5 miles southwest

Summation and reflection

Where the desert lingers long after you leave

For RV travelers seeking more than the usual campfire fare, The Cove at Bartlett Lake offers a welcome change. This casual lakeside spot serves up classic comfort food—burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, fries—while its patio frames sweeping views of the lake’s glassy waters. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day on the water or a long hike, allowing you to savor both the flavors and the scenery without lifting a finger.

But Bartlett Lake is more than a meal with a view. Its striking combination of blue waters, sandy shorelines, and dramatic desert mountains creates an alpine-desert oasis unlike any other in Arizona. From quiet mornings spent along the shore to sunsets that ignite the surrounding peaks, the lake rewards those who travel slowly and take the time to notice. As David W. Toll reminds us, “The Arizona desert takes hold of a man’s mind and shakes it” and Bartlett Lake is the perfect place to feel that stirring—a gentle nudge to slow down, reflect, and let the desert leave its mark.

For RV travelers, this is not just a stop on a route—it’s a destination that invites lingering, observation, and the kind of unhurried presence that slow travel was made for. Bartlett Lake is unforgettable because it asks nothing of you except to arrive, pause, and take it all in.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Scenic Byways across America Await Exploration

On the road again

On the road again
Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

“On the Road Again” is easily considered Willie Nelson’s signature song. On a flight together, Nelson was asked by the producers of the Honeysuckle Rose film to write a song about touring to be used as the movie’s theme song. By the time they had landed, the lyrics to “On the Road Again” had been composed. The song rolled up to No. 1 in 1980 and earned a spot in the Grammy Song Hall of Fame.

Scenic Byway 12 © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

There are many aspects to travel. We go to places we’ve never been because we want to be surprised. We travel to see new sights and experience fresh things. We seek new places that might teach us about the world and ourselves.

Creole Nature Trail © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

While your plans may be for travel to a specific destination, a road trip need not be limited to getting to one location as fast as possible. Throughout America there are National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads, ready to introduce you to memorable adventures off the interstate while driving toward your primary destination.

Blue Ridge Parkway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The two road designations include a collection of 150 diverse tracks identified by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as possessing intrinsic qualities that make each route particularly worthy of a driving experience.

Alabama Coastal Connection (Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge) © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A National Scenic Byway designation recognizes roads with one (or more) of six attributes contributing toward a unique travel experience. They must be scenic (natural and manmade), natural (undisturbed beauty), historic, recreational, archaeological, or culturally significant.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

All-American Roads meet the same criteria, but must also feature multiple qualities of national significance. Also, All-American Roads must be considered worthy as stand-alone destinations.

Amish Country Byway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

“These roads are truly unique,” says Doug Hecox, a spokesman with the Federal Highway Administration. “They are special routes that offer unequalled ways to enjoy different facets of America. Sadly, too few people know they exist.”

Colonial Parkway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

To get your “personal mental engine” started thinking about the possibilities, here is a sampling of these federally recognized routes to whet your appetite for adventure as you get “on the road again.”

Scenic Byway 12

State: Utah

Designation: All-American Road

Length: 123 miles

Scenic Byway 12 takes you to the heart of the American West. This exceptional route negotiates an isolated landscape of canyons, plateaus, and valleys ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. This All-American Road connects US-89 near Panguitch on the west with SR-24 near Torrey on the northeast. It is not the quickest route between these two points but it is far and away the best.

Creole Nature Trail

State: Louisiana

Designation: All-American Highway

Length: 180 miles

Often referred to as “Louisiana’s Outback,” the Creole Nature Trail is a journey into one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses.” Alligators, over 400 bird species, marshlands teeming with life, 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing, crabbing, and Cajun culture await discovery along this route through the marshes of Louisiana.

Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway

States: Colorado and Utah

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 512 miles

If you have children interested in dinosaurs, this route encompasses one of the best areas in the world to find dinosaur fossils and for the public to see what paleontologists have uncovered. Key attractions include active quarries where you can watch paleontologists search for fossils embedded in stone, backcountry sites where you can view dinosaur fossils and footprints, and museums that display fossils, replicas, and information about dinosaurs. Nearby “side trips” include Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Blue Ridge Parkway

States: North Carolina and Virginia

Designation: All-American Road

Length: 469 miles

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic roadway offering stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals and providing a variety of recreation opportunities for enjoying all that makes the Blue Ridge Mountains so special.

Santa Fe Trail and Historic Byway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway

States: Colorado and New Mexico

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 565 miles

The Santa Fe Trail was one of America’s first trade routes. Operating between 1821 and 1880, it was critical to westward expansion, and remnants can still be seen along the byway. The byway partially follows the route and passes Fort Union National Monument where 170-year-old wagon ruts are still visible. Other points of interest include stage stops, trading posts (Brent’s Old Fort), pictographs, and the longest dinosaur track in North America.

Alabama Coastal Connection (Fort Gaines) © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Alabama’s Coastal Connection

State: Alabama

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 130 miles

This route and the waterways it follows are significant to the state of Alabama and the region for many reasons. Among them are the National Historic Landmarks of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, the protected lands of the Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Gulf State Park, beaches and sand dunes, salt and freshwater marshes scrub forests, freshwater swamps, and uplands.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

State: South Dakota

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 68 miles

This byway will lead you on a delightful adventure as it winds its way around spiraling “pig-tail” shaped bridges, through six rock tunnels, among towering granite pinnacles, and over pristine, pine-clad mountains. Highlights include Mount Rushmore, Harney Peak, Sylvan Lake, the Needle’s Eye, and Cathedral Spires rock formations.

Amish Country Byway

State: Ohio

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 76 miles

Discover the cultural and historic treasures of the Amish and northern Appalachian people as you drive around the curves and over the hills of the pastoral countryside. Experience simple living and sustainability along charming country roads, taking you to a bygone era still present, manifest in the people and their lifestyle.

White Mountain Trail

State: New Hampshire

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 100 miles

The White Mountain Trail offers New England’s most rugged mountain scenery as it travels through three historic “notches” or mountain passes. Views abound of villages and unspoiled National Forest. Stops include views of Mount Washington and the grand Mount Washington Hotel, mountain cascades, wildlife, and the Appalachian Trail.

Great River Road © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Great River Road

States: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 3,000 miles

This byway twists and turns through 10 states as it meanders vertically through the center of the nation. It follows the entire route of the iconic Mississippi River from its Minnesota source at Lake Itasca to where it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Along the byway, there are thousands of places to visit, and more than 70 official interpretive centers such as museums and historical sites, as well as charming, small river towns and one-of-a-kind mom and pop restaurants.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway

States: Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

Designation: National Scenic Byway

Length: 180 miles

The 180-mile Journey Through the Hallowed Ground byway corridor from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello, Virginia is “Where America Happened.” It is said that this three-state route spanning Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia holds more historic sites than any other in the US. It was an active transportation route during the Revolutionary War, a critical transition zone for the Underground Railroad, and a key battleground during the Civil War.

Colonial Parkway

State: Virginia

Designation: All-American Road

Length: 23 miles

The Colonial Parkway not only illustrates the English colonial experience in America but is also an outstanding example of American parkway design. Retaining its original scenic and historic integrity to a remarkable degree, the 23-mile route connects the historic sites of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

States: California and Oregon

Designation: All-American Road

Length: 500 miles

Several scenic days await exploration along this route connecting Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, and Tule Lake National Monument. Crater Lake National Park is also on the route. The violent eruption of the Mt. Mazama volcano 7,700 years ago was 42 times as powerful as the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State. Lava flows sealed the bottom of the caldera, creating Crater Lake, the seventh-deepest lake in the world. Along the route, a 33-mile drive around the rim of the lake offers spectacular views.

The scenic byway also passes numerous mountain communities as it traverses the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Worth Pondering…

Life is a Highway

Life is like a road that you travel on
When there’s one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you’re going my way
I wanna drive it all night long
Come on. Give me give me give me give me yeah

—recorded by Tom Cochrane from his second studio album, Mad Mad World (1991)

RV Travel Bucket List: 20 Places to Visit Before You Die

If you don’t have a bucket list, I highly recommend you create one

While we’re often daydreaming of beaches in the Maldives and vineyards in Tuscany, there are plenty of amazing destinations in our own backyard. To help you with your bucket list, I’ve rounded up 20 places you have to visit in the United States before you die—in no particular order.

Mission San Jose © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

San Antonio Missions, Texas

Sure, you probably know about The Alamo in San Antonio, but it’s actually one of five Spanish missions found across the city that was established to spread Christianity and act as a refuge for Native Americans. The oldest is Mission Espada which was built in 1690, original frescoes are still visible inside Mission Concepcion, and the largest is Mission San José.

Canyon de Chelly © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly 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.

Great Smoky Mountains © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

Both a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and water tubing. Fall also offers striking foliage.

Santa Fe © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a charming town with a strong Native American influence. Pueblo-style architecture, a central plaza, and Loretto Chapel give the city a unique feel. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine are additional highlights.

Boston Freedom Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Boston Freedom Trail, Massachusetts

Boston played a major part in America’s independence and the city’s Freedom Trail passes through 16 historically significant locations. The two-and-a-half-mile trail takes visitors to Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution (the oldest commissioned ship).

Quartzsite © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Quartzsite, Arizona

Travel through this dusty outpost between April and November and you might wonder why this wide spot along Interstate 10 is such a popular snowbird destination for RVers. But visit in January and you’ll quickly see why: it morphs into a non-stop social event for RVing snowbirds.

Avery Island © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Avery Island, Louisiana

Avery Island is the home of Louisiana’s iconic hot sauce: Tabasco. See how it’s made during a factory tour, pick up a few souvenirs at the Tabasco Country Store, and tour the island’s Jungle Gardens.

Joshua Tree © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is a dreamy destination known for its distinctive-looking and namesake trees, big boulders that are ideal for rock climbing, and stellar stargazing opportunities. Visitors can drive through, hike around and camp, or horseback ride through the varied desert landscape.

Savannah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Savannah, Georgia

The distinctive Spanish Moss-draped trees, antebellum homes, and horse-drawn carriages help to give a relaxed and comfortable feel. Much of Savannah’s charm lies in meandering through the Historic District’s lovely shaded squares draped in feathery Spanish moss—all 22 of them.

Monument Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah

Monument Valley is one of the most enduring and definitive images of the American West. Eons of wind and rain carved the red-sandstone monoliths into fascinating formations, many of which jut hundreds of feet above the desert floor.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

If you doubt the Appalachians can hold their own with any other mountain range on the continent, travel this 469-mile stretch of road from Rockfish Gap, Virginia, to Swain County in North Carolina.

Mount Rushmore © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

This famous landmark depicts four American presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. The sculpture features the 60-foot heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Bryce Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon is best known for its concentration of hoodoos. The park was recently designated an International Dark Sky Park due to the great nighttime visibility and many astronomy-related programs on offer.

Charleston © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Charleston, South Carolina

The 1670-founded Charleston offers Southern charm with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic mansions in its well-preserved Historic District. Boutique shops and traditional Southern comfort food appeal to visitors.

Sedona, Arizona

If you delight in gazing at towering red rocks or driving through rugged canyons, then go to Sedona. If you admire exquisite art or are captivated by amazing architecture, then go to Sedona. Of all the places to visit in the Southwest, Sedona may be the most beautiful.

Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Arches National Park, Utah

Just outside Moab is Arches National Park, famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The most-photographed is the 52-foot-tall, freestanding Delicate Arch, plus the park has many other striking geological formations.

Okefenokke © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia

The Okefenokee offers so much, one could spend a lifetime and still not see and do everything. Spanish moss-laced trees reflect off the black swamp waters, while cypress knees rise upward from the glass-like surface. Here, paddlers and photographers enjoy breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.

Tombstone © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tombstone, Arizona

Tombstone invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of the West’s most famous outlaws and good guys, the Clantons and the Earps. During its 1880s heyday, Tombstone, the “Town Too Tough to Die,” boasted 10,000 gunslingers, gamblers, prospectors, and prostitutes.

Newport © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Newport, Rhode Island

Nowhere in New England compares to the Gilded-Age splendor of Newport, a coastal town set upon cliffs dotted with some of the most spectacular mansions of the 19th century.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen National Park is one of few locations on Earth where you can see all four types of volcanoes—plug dome, shield, cinder, and cone. While Lassen Peak is the most famous, as well as the dominant feature in the park, there are numerous other—literally—hotspots to explore including mud pots, stinking fumaroles, and hot springs.

Worth Pondering…

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

—Goethe

20 Travel Bucket List Destinations

What is on your bucket list?

There are many people who have a bucket list. Sometimes it’s in the form of a vision board or a long list of things to do before they “kick the bucket”.

Are you one of them? Do you keep a bucket list with all the places you would like to visit and things you would like to see and do?

This list may inspire you to make your own bucket list or add to your existing list. Enjoy!

Saguaros in Saguaro National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Celebrate the desert in Arizona in a surprisingly vertical way

Tall, lanky saguaros are the state symbol. Saguaros grow very slowly. A 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. Saguaro can grow to be between 40-60 feet tall. When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3,200-4,800 pounds.

There are countless places to bring your RV in southern Arizona where you can get up close and personal with these amazing beasts.

Along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Discover the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies

If you love the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Montana you’ll absolutely have to tour the Canadian Rockies for stunning scenery filled with turquoise glacial waters and craggy mountain peaks. Be sure to visit Glacier National Park (Canadian version), Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Tour two deserts in one at Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a diverse area of sand dunes, dry lakes, flat valleys, rugged mountains, granitic monoliths, and oases. The park is home to two deserts: the Colorado and the Mojave.

Madison Square in Savannah *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Walk down the cobblestone streets of Savannah

Steeped in history, antebellum beauty, and architectural treasures, Savannah begs to be explored on foot and by trolley. Much of Savannah’s charm lies in meandering through the Historic District’s lovely shaded squares draped in feathery Spanish moss—all 22.

Zion National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Test your hiking limits at the Zion National Park

Zion is filled with impressive canyons, sheer cliffs, and wide expanses of slick rock. This is the type of place where you can take your hiking ability to the limit and beyond.

Carlsbad Caverns *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Find the beauty down under at Carlsbad Caverns

Have you ever visited a cavern? How about the cavern of all caverns? Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is not just a hole in the ground—it’s a mind-blowing hole in the ground. You will spend hours exploring the depths of this cave and come out full of wonder and awe.

Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Eat your way through the BBQ Capital of Texas

A trip to this flavor-packed smoke town should be on any food lover’s bucket list. Dubbed the “BBQ Capital of Texas,” Lockhart is one of the most legendary barbecue destinations in the world. The Big Three of BBQ are Black’s Barbecue (open since 1932), Kreuz Market (est. 1900), and Smitty’s Market (since 1948). You’ll consume a lot of meat so be sure to stop for breaks.

Organ pipe cactus in Organ Pipe National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Celebrates the life and landscape of the Sonoran Desert at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall characterize this Southwest region. Twenty-six species of cactus live here including the giant saguaro and the park’s namesake. This is the only place in the U. S. where the organ pipe cactus grows wild.

Tabasco Factory *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Tour Tabasco and Jungle Gardens

The Okefenokee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Discover a swampy wonderland in the Okefenokee

The Okefenokee is an area of swampland in southern Georgia. It is a maze of watercourses, cypress swamps, and swamp grassland. From the little town of Waycross there are boat trips into the swamp.

Appalachian Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

11. Show off your hiking skills on the Appalachian Trail

Enjoy an abundance of wildlife and plants. With 2,180 miles of trail, there are plenty of entry points.

Cumberland Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

12. Run amongst the wild horses on Cumberland Island.

Take the ferry from St. Marys to Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia and enjoy this quiet, charming island that’s protected by the National Park Service.

Wild Turkey Distillery Tour *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

13. Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

If you love traditional Kentucky bourbon aged in charred oak barrels, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is about as close to heaven as you’re going to get. The trail links distilleries including Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Wild Turkey.

Along Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway near Moab *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

14. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Moab

Mountain bike, hike, and climb your way around the stunning red rocks and then go to Moab Brewery for a cold one and some tasty pub fare.

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

15. Tour the Blue Ridge Parkway for 469 miles

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachians.

Historic Downtown Yuma *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

16. Winter in the sunniest city on Earth

With nearly 330 days of sunshine a year (4,300 sunny hours), Yuma, Arizona holds the world record for most recorded annual sunshine. All that sun comes at a price in the summertime though, because guess what? Yuma is also the hottest city in the nation. But you sure can’t beat that sunshine in the winter. Ask any snowbird who winters here!

17. Tour the Louisiana Outback

Life is everywhere along the Creole Nature Trail. Birds, mammals, fish, crabs, and alligators make their home in the four wildlife refuges that can be found along the 180 mile-long byways that make up the Trail.

The Big Tree after Hurricane Harvey *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

18. Discover a natural treasure that weathered a calamitous storm

With a height of 44 feet, circumference of 35 feet, and crown spanning roughly 90 feet, the Big Tree, massive coastal live oak has survived Mother Nature’s fiercest storms including Hurricane Harvey (August 25, 2017) for more than 1,000 years.

Mount Lemmon ski run *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

19. Ski above the Saguaros

Skiing in Arizona? Yep, down south. Tucson’s Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains is home to the southernmost ski runs in the U.S.

Bishops Palace in Galveston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

20. Come to the island

Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves. Or come to the island to go fishing or look for coastal birds. No matter what brings you here, you’ll find a refuge on Galveston Island. Just an hour from Houston, but an island apart!

Be daring enough to do what your heart desires and the memory of these places will forever hold a special place in your heart. Make your own RV bucket list and go where no one has gone before.

Worth Pondering…

I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list!

Sea to Shining Sea: 8 of the Best Destinations to Visit across the US

Interest in small towns and outdoor spaces is booming with crowd-wary folks drawn to wide open spaces and natural beauty

There was a time many decades back when I considered myself a camping expert. Setting up tents, cooking on a propane stove, and tearing down a campsite all came easily in those days. Over the years that interest waned and I become a devotee of the RV lifestyle. These days, nothing beats the comforts of our plush home-on-wheels after a day of exploring or hiking.

Badlands National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Regardless of your travel mode, here are eight of our favorite places to visit on a cross-country road trip that are appropriate for the summer of 2020. Remember to travel with caution, follow good health practices, and behave responsibly when outdoors or around other people.

The Black Hills *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota

When you think of tourism in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore probably rushes to mind. And, yes, there’s that. But also, there’s Badlands National Park with 244,000 acres of what could be described as a mix of Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire State Park all in one with magnificent native grasses that soften the rugged landscape. The entire area that includes the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park provides an incredible sense of openness and space—along with a compelling story of the land from prehistory to Standing Rock.

Cajun Country in Louisiana

Rôder (pronounced row-day) in Cajun French means to roam or run the roads and Cajun Country is the perfect destination for an extended vacation to rôder. Where else can you tour a rice plantation, a crawfish farm, a meat market, and a pepper growing facility before enjoying a dish that combines them all? Avery Island’s Tabasco Experience is perhaps the most well-known foodie attraction. And the area also has its own Boudin Trail. Don’t miss the opportunity to chow down on dishes like crawfish etouffee, cracklins, and gumbo.

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

Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina

It’s no wonder Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the U.S. There’s a ton to see and do—and the area is just a reasonable drive away for millions and millions of Americans. Many visitors come here to simply drive around and enjoy the view. For example, Cades Cove Loop Road is a scenic (and very popular) 11-mile loop that will give you a great introduction to what the Smokies have to offer.

Wolfeboro *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wolfeboro in New Hampshire

This city has a serious claim to domestic vacation fame as it’s considered the “oldest summer resort city in America”—Wolfeboro has roots dating back to the 1700s and is known not only for its shopping and dining but also for Lake Winnepesaukee. In addition to lazy days on the lake visitors must try the Maine lobster, eat clams with butter and crumbs, and lobster rolls.

Edisto Island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Edisto Island in South Carolina

Edisto Island features several gorgeous beaches but it’s an equally attractive destination for its beautiful plantations and quiet overall atmosphere. It’s secluded, historic, and relaxing—perfect for a quick getaway. Wildlife lovers will want to visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium to watch alligator feedings and learn about unique species of snakes, turtles, and other reptiles native to the region. If that seems a little too…slithery, try taking a drive through the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a 4,600-acre stretch of undeveloped beachfront.

Quilt Garden along the Heritage Trail in Nappanee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Amish Country in Indiana

Northern Indiana is home to nearly 20,000 Amish, a culture that remains true to centuries-old traditions even as the world around them changes at break-neck speed. A few days in Amish Country will introduce you to delicious made-from-scratch meals, amazing craftsmanship, delightful theater productions, tons of shopping, and horse-drawn carriage rides. You can take in the amazing works as you drive the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail.

Kerrville *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Texas Hill Country

The small towns and two-lane roads westward of Austin make up the heart of the Texas Hill Country. There you will find the unexpected gems of Texas—rivers that wind through stands of bald cypress trees, shimmering lakes, limestone canyons, and rustic German towns with such names as Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Boerne, and Kerrville. Round as a giant Easter egg, Enchanted Rock sits half-buried in the hills north of Fredericksburg. It’s a half-mile hike to the top, but for an unforgettable experience.

Sedona in Arizona

Seeing the iconic red rocks of Sedona will simply take your breath away. You will be awestruck by the majestic crimson rock formations and perhaps feel the energy for which this area is known. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, four wilderness areas, and two state parks this is a landscape built for adventure. Put simply—there is no other place on earth like Sedona

Bottom line

There are hundreds—if not thousands—of amazing places to visit across the country. This list is far from exhaustive, but it encompasses eight well-loved popular destinations that could keep us busy for years to come.

Worth Pondering…

From wonder into wonder, existence opens.

—Lao Tzu

Southwest Destinations with Awe-Inspiring Scenery

The Southwest is a fascinating and awe-inspiring place to explore

America’s southwest is home to lots of jaw-dropping scenery—how do you decide where to go and what to see? If you’re thinking about an RV vacation in this majestic region, you may want to consider one or more of these especially spectacular destinations.

Sedona, Arizona

It’s no secret that Sedona is home to some of the most jaw dropping scenery in the country. Known as Red Rock Country for the colorful red rock formations that dominate the landscape, Sedona is a popular destination for photographers, nature lovers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Sedona is home to hundreds of miles of trails, some easy, some difficult, yet all loaded with magnificent views of the surrounding million year old ancient rocks.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Carlabad Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

As you pass through the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, filled with prickly pear, chollas, sotols, and agaves, you might never guess there are more than 300 known caves beneath the surface. The park contains 113 of these caves, formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. This includes Lechuguilla Cave, the nation’s deepest and fourth longest limestone cave at 1,567 feet

Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah

Monument Valley is one of the most enduring and definitive images of the American West. Eons of wind and rain carved the gargantuan red-sandstone monoliths into fascinating formations, many of which jut hundreds of feet above the desert floor in a scene that’s remained untouched for centuries. The isolated red mesas and buttes surrounded by a vast, sandy desert have been filmed countless times for movies with nostalgic images that are sure to be familiar for John Wayne fans.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bisbee’s beauty is at least in part due to its quirky character, charm, and street art. This colorful, historic mining town, nestled a mile high in southeastern Arizona’s Mule Mountains, is a funky artists’ haven filled with Victorian homes that are perched precariously on steep hillsides. Many of its eclectic bungalows can only be reached by climbing steep stairways built into the picturesque mountainside.

Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona

Lake Powell *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

One hundred fifty years ago, John Wesley Powell described Glen Canyon as a “land of beauty and glory” and named it for its many glens and alcoves near the river. About 100 years later the canyon was flooded by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River forming a lake named for the one-armed explorer. With 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell offers boating, kayaking, and fishing amid rugged red rock canyons and mesas.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Step back in time at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Steep canyon walls cradle hundreds of ancient pueblo ruins. A Navajo Indian community still inhabits the canyon floor herding sheep during the summer. Two self-guided drives follow the rims of the canyon. At the end of the South Rim Drive, take in the sights from the popular Spider Rock overlook, featuring the park’s signature geological formation.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Visitors to Mesa Verde can retrace the ancient footsteps of the ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the park’s magnificent cliff dwellings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the U.S., with more than 4,500 found within its boundaries, including Cliff Palace which contains 150 rooms.

Arches National Park, Utah

Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other in the world. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Many come to the southwest to visit the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Brilliant colors and unforgettable panoramas make it one of the most popular attractions in the U.S. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep.

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah’s Zion National Park offers some of the most beautiful vistas and hiking opportunities in the Southwest with spectacular rock formations, towering cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, valleys, and deserts. The Narrows, a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall and the river, sometimes 20 to 30 feet wide, is one of the park’s highlights. The Narrows can be viewed by hiking the easy, paved Riverside Walk for a mile from the Temple of Sinawava.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Water and wind over millions of years have carved the plateau into the park’s distinctive red rock pillars, called hoodoos, into the park’s series of natural amphitheaters. Bryce Canyon National Park awes visitors with spectacular geological formations and brilliant colors. The towering hoodoos, narrow fins, and natural bridges seem to deny all reason or explanation. Hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in the amazing geography. Day hikes range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 11-mile round-trip adventures.

Worth Pondering…

The West is color. Its colors are animal rather than vegetable, the colors of earth and sunlight and ripeness.

—Jessamyn West