Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
A third of the Jasper townsite was destroyed by a wildfire on July 24 and 25
The wildfire that has been ravaging Jasper National Park has destroyed a third of the popular tourist town of Jasper and officials say the flames could stay ablaze for months.
The wildfire in Alberta broke out a week ago on the same day that the world saw the hottest day ever recorded. As of Sunday night, officials said the fire tearing through Jasper and Jasper National Park has burned an estimated 79,000 acres, about 123 square miles.
“This is the largest wildfire recorded in Jasper National Park in the last 100 years and ensuring that residents and visitors are safe to return will take time,” officials said in an update on the Parks Canada website.
Late last week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that up to 50 percent of all buildings in Jasper had been destroyed by the flames. The latest numbers provided by the Municipality of Jasper indicate that out of the 1,113 structures within the town, 358—about a third—have been destroyed. However, “all critical infrastructure” in the town was “successfully protected,” officials said, including the hospital, library, and firehall.
Since a towering wall of fire roared through Jasper National Park and into the townsite on July 24, locals and tourists have been worried about the fate of noteworthy landmarks.
Just which sites are the most memorable or meaningful is subjective.
Officials began evacuating about 25,000 people from the park late on July 22 when a suspected lightning strike sparked a blaze in the forest more than 7.5 miles south of the townsite.
As the wildfire moves northeast of the townsite and continues to threaten structures, Jasper-lovers are understandably anxious about beloved spots in the park.
Although the Municipality of Jasper has done an initial account of buildings that are standing or destroyed, they gave the caveat that owners may need experts to take a closer look at their damage or stability.
Here’s what we know about how some popular sights have fared in the face of disaster.
But first, here’s more information about Jasper, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies:
Sixty years after carrying its first passengers up Whistlers Mountain, the operators of the Jasper SkyTram said tram stations at both ends are still standing. The tram’s website says an adventurer named William McGregor had the idea to install the cable car in 1960 after climbing to the summit.
It’s unclear when the longest aerial tram ride in Canada will be running again. An update on its website says fire did cross Whistlers Mountain and crews will have to assess the system before re-opening.
“It is important to note that this situation is constantly evolving and while we are grateful that our infrastructure remains, there is still a long journey ahead of us,” the website says.
Jasper the Bear
Jasper the Bear didn’t always live in Jasper. Artist James Simpkins created the cartoon character in 1948 and he became a regular feature in Maclean’s magazine who encouraged good environmental stewardship. Travel Alberta says Jasper National Park adopted the bear as its mascot in 1962. The original statue that once welcomed visitors to Jasper is at the top of the SkyTram. A Jasper replica is on Patricia Street in the townsite and still stands tall, according to photos shared on Friday by Parks Canada.
“This lovable icon continues to watch over his community,” a bear fan commented on the park’s Facebook post confirming his unscathed status.
Beginning as a tent city then a far more humble lodge, Jasper Park Lodge became more luxurious when The Canadian National Railway Company had a vision to build another in its series of grand hotels in Jasper. Now a sprawling property with a golf course and assortment of cabins, the lodge has hosted Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, among others.
On July 25, a Fairmont spokesperson said in a statement the property had been damaged by fire but the main lodge and most structures were still standing.
“While we will need time to assess the full scale of the damage and the timelines required for repair and restoration, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will re-open in the future,” a statement read.
Marmot Basin Ski Hill
The 1,720-acre ski area opened its first lift more than 60 years ago. In a Friday update on Facebook, Marmot Basin said the balance of the wildfire was below its lease area.
Marmot’s vice-president of marketing told the Edmonton Journal the hill’s facilities and lifts are intact.
“At this time assessment is still ongoing as to what, if any, damage the mountain has sustained. We are working with our partners at Parks Canada to better understand the status of our mountain,” said an update posted on Facebook.
The initial train station built in Jasper in 1913 would have been one of the first buildings in the settlement, says Craig Baird, a history enthusiast and host of the Canadian History Ehx podcast.
It was later destroyed by fire and a newer, larger train station on Connaught Drive was constructed in 1925.
The rustic building constructed in Arts and Crafts style is a Federal Heritage Building.
The municipality’s assessment of the townsite says the train station survived.
Jasper hostels
Hosteling International (HI) Canada had five hostels in the national park. In a July 28 statement, spokesperson Shelbey Sy said two of them had been destroyed by fire. She said the 157-bed hostel which opened in 2019 was at full capacity when the evacuation order came on July 24. The building had won a modular architecture award in 2020.
The rustic, off-grid Athabasca Falls hostel which accommodates 40 people was also destroyed, Sy said. The organization is unsure of the status of its other three wilderness hostels in the park.
“The wildfires burning in Jasper National Park have been devastating and HI Canada is only one of many affected by this,” she said.
A Haida totem pole is one of the first sights that greet Jasper visitors coming from the east. But the creation in place now isn’t the first one. Jasper’s original totem pole was repatriated to Masset, B.C., in 2010.
Jasper commissioned artist Jaalen Edenshaw and his brother to carve a replacement which was erected in 2011. They took inspiration from a story connecting their Pacific Northwest village to the Rocky Mountains.
“Two Haida brothers were traveling … by canoe down south from Haida Gwaii, got curious about what was inland, so they kept walking inland and crossed the Rocky Mountains,” said Edenshaw who said one brother stayed in Jasper while the other returned to Maliseet.
The fire spared the new totem, according to the damage map shared by the municipality.
Maligne Canyon
Among well-loved natural destinations in the park is Maligne Canyon—a 0.75-mile-long limestone deposit that dates back 365 million years. The site includes a restaurant and several bridges, fences, and rails to keep visitors safe while touring the gorge which is up to 180-feet deep.
As of July 28, Parks Canada was still working on an inventory of attractions and structures in the park outside of the townsite.
“We have been working hard to be able to get the same accuracy of information for areas outside of the town and a map is being developed,” an update read.
Assessors saw no visible damage to the Athabasca Hotel, another one of the oldest buildings in Jasper. Baird said the edifice which locals called the Atha B started as a rooming house in 1916 and expanded to a hotel in 1928.
It’s distinct from many other aged small-town hotels that have been repurposed for apartments, he said.
“It looks very much how it would have looked about 100 years ago,” Baird said.
Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
It was a lengthy journey for the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum Society to find space appropriate for precious archives and exhibits. The building on Pyramid Lake Road was completed in stages in the 1990s, its website says. Baird says its home to artifacts such as arrowheads and musket balls owned by fur trade-era explorer David Thompson.
“They also have the canoe of Curly Phillips who was a very famous guide in the Jasper area and promoted environmental stewardship and the Jasper area for for many decades,” Baird said.
The municipal assessment said the building appears undamaged.
This 781-site behemoth is the largest of the park’s campgrounds and recently received a major overhaul. Whistlers was closed to campers in 2019 and 2020 for construction of new shower houses and bathrooms, main office, dead tree removal and campsite improvements. The project cost nearly $49 million.
Parks Canada hasn’t made public any information yet about the condition of its Jasper campgrounds.
“The status of Parks Canada campgrounds has not yet been confirmed. We will share this information when we are able to,” said an update published on July 27.
L&W Restaurant
A long-operating Greek restaurant in the townsite has been destroyed by fire.
On its website, L&W restaurant says it began in the 1970s as a single-room kitchen in the back of a gas station. Its building had a distinctive glass front in the dining area.
The Jasper Fitzhugh 2024 Readers’ Choice awards rated it the best casual dining, best family-friendly dining and best Greek restaurant in town.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stargazing in summer doesn’t get much better than July and August when the Milky Way arcs across the horizon after dark and if you get your timing right dozens of shooting stars can be seen as the Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight on Sunday, August 11 through Monday, August 12, 2024.
It happens once a year as Earth busts through the dust and rocks left in the inner solar system by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As they strike the atmosphere, they vaporize, causing a streak of light in the night sky for a fraction of a second.
Everyone should be able to see the Perseids. However, unchecked light pollution means that you will have to travel at least 25 miles from an urban area to see any but the very brightest meteors.
You can use a Light Pollution Map for that but an easy way to make sure you’ll be in a dark place where artificial lighting is reduced and controlled—even outright banned—is to visit a Dark Sky Place.
The best way to experience a meteor shower is to go camping, staying up all night to catch the show—which will this year be best in the smaller hours of August 12 through dawn. However, be sure to reserve your camping and lodging now and certainly do not plan to travel at the last minute—you’ll be one of thousands and likely be turned away.
According to the American Meteor Society, the spectacle could produce up to 100 meteors per hour as debris from the shower’s parent comet, Swift-Tuttle strikes earth’s atmosphere creating the effect of shooting stars that could be visible for up to several minutes. Thanks to the comet’s above-average size, NASA says the Perseids produce more fireballs which can have subtle blue and red hues than virtually any other shower.
Weather permitting and in areas without light pollution this year’s Perseids could put on an exceptional display between midnight and early morning from August 11 to 13. That’s because around midnight each night, the waxing gibbous moon will slide beneath the horizon eliminating lunar light that diminishes stargazing.
The Perseids appear near the Perseus constellation which will climb higher in the northeast-east sky throughout the night. (Download a stargazing app beforehand if you need help locating Perseus.)
Seek out a viewing spot with as few overhead obstructions as possible such as a hillside above the treetops, a sprawling desert, or an open field. While the bulk of activity will happen eastward, keep your eyes peeled across the sky for any Delta Aquariid meteors.
It’s important to know that unlike the powerful May 10, 2024 aurora show which was so strong it dazzled Americans in the lower 48 with colorful ribbons in even the most light-polluted cities you can’t watch the Perseid meteor shower just anywhere. In addition to clear skies with few clouds, you need to set yourself up in a spot with minimal light pollution as city lights can obscure all but the most powerful meteors.
To help you find those dark skies and make the most of the year’s grandest meteor shower, I’ve picked eight of the best national parks for Perseids peeping. Read on for my recommendations of exactly where to watch within each park as well as educational ranger-led events taking place.
The Grand Canyon is lauded for its ancient rock layers but in recent years its nightscapes have become just as beloved. According to ranger and dark-sky advocate Rader Lane, stargazing is now the park’s most popular programming with a special celebration for the Perseids.
The Grand Canyon which is certified as a Dark Sky Park by light-pollution authority DarkSky International will host astronomical events at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim from August 9 to 13 beginning at 9 p.m. In addition to watching for meteors and admiring the Milky Way, guests can enjoy laser-guided constellation talks led by rangers.
To chase the Perseids on your own hit the South Rim Trail or snag a spot at the Desert View Campground and then stroll to the adjacent Desert View Point to watch for fireballs with an otherworldly backdrop of the Elephant and Cardenas Buttes.
2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
What makes Voyageurs great for national-park aurora hunting—massive lakes with open, unobstructed sky views—sets it up for ideal Perseids watching, too. More than a third of this Dark Sky-certified park is actually water with front-country lodging and backcountry island camping promising picturesque shooting stars that reflect off glassy lakes.
Pre-game the Perseids with the Voyageurs Star Party which takes place in the evenings from August 8 to 10. Scheduled experiences include telescope sessions, expert-led stargazing, and paddling under the stars (and potentially a few meteors).
Come Perseids peak, Voyageurs National Park suggests basing yourself at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or the Meadwood Road Day Use Area near the Ash River Visitor Center for ideal sky watching.
An alternative for seclusion beneath the stars is camping on the islands that dot the park’s backcountry. Just make sure to avoid any spots with forested obstructions to the northeast-east sky. Campsites like Peary Lake, Namakan Island, and Sexton Island are all great; permits are required for backcountry camping (from $16) with canoe rentals available from the park (from $14).
Alien-like sedimentary rock shapes at Badlands look even more extraterrestrial beneath a star-dotted sky. From this remote park over 7,500 stars are visible on a given night according to the park website with skies dark enough to admire the Milky Way and the Perseids.
Badlands which is being considered for Dark Sky International certification runs a nightscape program every evening at 9 p.m. at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater throughout the month of August including during the August 11 to 13 Perseids peak. Guests can take a gander at the heavens via telescopes while listening to the park’s night-sky experts.
Many overlooks and open grasslands offer stellar meteor-shower views, too. Ed Welsh, an education specialist for Badlands National Park suggests the Fossil Exhibit Trail and Door Trail areas in the park’s north unit which are farthest from city lights. The Pinnacles Overlook and Big Badlands Overlook are good plans as well.
If you’re craving particularly impressive starscapes, head to the nearby Badlands Observatory less than 30 miles from the north unit’s Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a small-group tour of the night sky at 9:30 p.m. (from $29.70).
4. Glacier National Park, Montana
With virtually no light pollution, Glacier National Park—open all day and night—is a stargazing oasis. It’s also the first Dark Sky-certified park project to cross international borders encompassing Glacier and its northern neighbor, Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.
Skies here are about as inky as the Mountain West gets making it the perfect setting for catching a meteor shower. And the spectacle will be enhanced by astronomical programming on August 11, 12, and 13; the “Half the Park Happens After Dark” event which begins at 10 p.m. at the Apgar Visitor Center includes astronomer-led sky tours and telescope experiences.
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Enjoy a clear, unobstructed night sky in remote Great Sand Dunes, a Dark Sky-certified park that’s also open around the clock. Grab a towel and walk into the dunes to rest on the sand and patiently watch Perseus.
For a particularly space-like night, head roughly 30 miles west of the park visitor center to the quirky UFO Watchtower—a roadside attraction dedicated to chasing extraterrestrials with an on-site tower, exhibit, and campsite (from $20).
Closer to the small town of Del Norte, you might opt for a night in the Frontier Drive Inn’s 3D-printed adobe-style Skylos rooms which look up into the open night sky.
Zion leaves visitors slack-jawed at all hours but nighttime is extra special—especially when shooting stars and fireballs soar overhead. The Dark Sky-certified Park is open 24 hours and one of the favorite places to enjoy wide-open views is the Pa’rus Trail, accessible from the park visitor center and the South Campground. This area may be closer to the town of Springdale but in 2023, the community actually became DarkSky-certified.
The Park Service recommends viewpoints like Lava Point Overlook and Wildcat Canyon Trailhead along Kolob Terrace Road for stargazing, too.
7. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Remote barely begins to describe Wrangell–St. Elias, one of the least visited and largest national parks in the country. This isolation may make getting here hard—expect long transit times from Anchorage via car and bush plane—but when the midnight sun begins to wane and the park’s dark, starry nightscapes reappear you’ll appreciate the effort.
While minimal light in small park towns like McCarthy promises stunning Perseids sightings, your best bet is to get into the park’s wilderness. For that, try an overnight backpacking trip on the Root Glacier with St. Elias Alpine Guides (from $580). This outing includes crampon hiking across the paper-white glacier then sleeping on it surrounded by not one but four mountain ranges.
This park’s desert landscape is a mecca for those in search of dark skies particularly for the Perseid meteor shower so book a campground well ahead and expect crowds.
Boasting some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park, an International Dark Sky Park offers many visitors the chance to admire the Milky Way for the first time in their lives.
On a clear night and moonless, you should have no problem viewing the stars from anywhere in the park. However, light pollution from surrounding communities does impact Joshua Tree’s night skies so some areas of the park are darker than others.
There are four designated stargazing areas. They are the parking lots of Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Stay awake and within 20 feet of your vehicle and enjoy the show.
Park your RV or pitch a tent, roast some marshmallows, and spend the night under the stars in one of Joshua Tree’s nine campgrounds. Cottonwood Campground has the darkest skies.
Leave No Trace principles are just as important after dark; stick to the designated trails and viewing areas, pack out all that you bring in, and turn off your flashlight once you’ve arrived at your viewing spot to ensure others can enjoy the sights, too.
Worth Pondering…
Look! Nature is overflowing with the grandeur of God!
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.
If you’re one of those for who planning has become something of an obsession then National Planner Day is for you!
Obsession or not, National Planner Day is a great time for RVers to plan their next road trip. There are many excellent digital RV trip planning tools available. They help you find campgrounds, great boondocking spots, and wonderful sights and experiences along the way. Even more importantly, they can help to ensure you have a safe arrival at your destination. The best part is that these days many of the best RV trip planners come in a convenient app so they’re right at our fingertips, wherever and whenever we need them.
Sure, plugging your destination into Google Maps can usually get you to where you’re going but following a direct route on smartphone navigation apps might mean you miss terrific sights along the way!
Enter RV trip planners. These apps or websites let you plan every detail of your trip. For example, you can search for campgrounds using a trip planner, noting pricing, amenities, and more.
An RV trip planning site can also help you find sightseeing opportunities along the way adding a lot of value to your road trip experiences.
RV trip planners are also useful for routing your trip. Some trip planners let you enter height, weight, and length specs for your RV. They’ll then automatically determine a safe and convenient route for you to take—no worrying about steep grades, low overpasses, or bridges that can’t support your rig.
Finding the services that RVers need is another important aspect of RV trip planner apps. Whether it is fuel, propane, repairs, dump stations, or other RV-specific services, many trip planners include the ability to locate them.
What to look for in RV Trip Planner apps
Not all RV trip planner apps are created equal. For the best plan, these are the must-have features:
Campground planning
A trip planner that lets you plan your stays in detail is essential. If you wait until the last minute to find an RV park, you may be out of luck. I generally recommend booking your RV park stays in advance and a reliable trip planner makes identifying where you plan to stay (so you can get it all booked) a lot easier.
But even if you like to leave your exact planning to a last-minute whim, a planner app can be even more important since they provide a vast database of potential places to camp.
Scenic opportunities
I also recommend looking for a trip planner that helps you find scenic stops along the way. When you’re driving long distances, you pass so many incredible sights. If you use a regular GPS, you could miss something outstanding simply because you’re not aware that it exists.
Routing Tips
It’s nice to have an RV trip planner that helps to guide you on the road. For example, being able to find big-rig-friendly fuel stops can be a big help especially for RVs that require extra room to maneuver. And having the option to find an RV-safe route including overpass heights, bridge weight limits, and propane restrictions is also high on the list of priorities for RV trip planners.
Following are some great RV trip planners that offer most or all of the must-have features.
1. The Dyrt PRO
The Dyrt offers free access to their huge database of RV parks and campgrounds either on their website or through their app (both iOS and Android). You can see all of the detailed information available on each location along with any user-submitted photos and reviews making choosing a place to stay that much easier.
There’s also The Dyrt Magazine (accessible from their website) which offers plenty of educational and entertaining articles that help you get the most out of RV life. And you can enter their regular contests to win all sorts of great camping gear.
But the real power of the app/website comes when you upgrade to The Dyrt PRO. The biggest advantage you’ll get by doing that is access to their Trip Planner. It’s great for RVs of all sizes since you have the option to select your vehicle type and enter the relevant specifications (height, length, fuel economy, etc) and provide input on route-specific options (like avoiding ferries, tolls, or highways).
You start by picking your starting and ending points and you can then plan your trip from scratch adding all of the stops/waypoints you want. Or you can let The Dyrt recommend a trip for you… which is a great way to get started. Just tell the app how long you like to drive in a day and it will create a starting itinerary choosing highly-rated RV parks for the stops along your route. From there, it’s easy to add in the rest. You can even use it to find fuel stops big enough to accommodate your rig.
Once you’re done planning your trip, you can download maps for offline access (great if you don’t have cellular coverage the whole way) and even export the route to Google Maps for easy navigation throughout the drive.
The Dyrt PRO’s RV trip planner is the newest entry to the field and doesn’t have as many features as some of the others later in this list. But that’s actually one of the reasons to like it. In just a few quick clicks you can have a suggested route with intermediate stops laid out for you. It’s super quick and easy to get started using and isn’t as intimidating for people who aren’t all that tech-savvy.
In addition to the Trip Planner, upgrading to PRO also gets you map overlays for BLM, US Forest Service, and National Park Service boundaries. For anyone who likes to get off the beaten path a bit, knowing that you’re safely within the bounds of a BLM area can be a huge help.
Last, but certainly not least, are discounts. The Dyrt PRO enables you to take advantage of reduced rates at participating RV parks and campgrounds saving you between 10 percent and 40 percent on your stay. Just a couple of nights of savings easily pays for your whole year of access to PRO. But the savings don’t stop there…PRO access also comes with discounts on outdoor- and camping-related gear from well-known brands.
Letting The Dyrt PRO plan your trip for you is a breeze. It’s a great alternative to spending hours scouring the internet for the best campsites. With The Dyrt, you can automatically find top-rated RV parks on your route. You’ll save time and, most importantly, you’ll know you’re heading for the best park for your situation, with all the amenities that are most essential for your needs.
RV Trip Wizard has been around for a while now and has always been a fantastic tool. It’s a web-based trip planner offering a comprehensive set of features to make planning your next RV trip as easy and rewarding as possible.
Like The Dyrt PRO Trip Planner, RV Trip Wizard lets you build out a trip. Its map-based interface makes it easy to browse around an area you’re planning to visit, locating RV parks (with reviews that are powered by CampgroundReviews.com), overnight parking options, fuel stops, rest areas, dump stations, and more. And RV Trip Wizard is great at helping you to find fun and interesting things to see and do along your route.
As part of your trip planning, if you enter the details of your RV (height, length, weight, etc), your driving preferences (avoiding tolls, average distance/time traveled per day, etc), and your expense preferences (camping fees, average fuel cost, etc), RV Trip Wizard will give you everything you need to ensure your trip will be on budget and won’t leave you exhausted from having traveled too far.
The only potential downside to RV Trip Wizard is that it’s SO complete. It can take a while to get your bearings and figure out how to use everything that it offers. Fortunately, they have a built-in feature tour and access to tutorial videos to help you figure it all out.
All of that, alone, would be well worth the annual cost. But because RV Trip Wizard is a part of the RV Life Pro suite of tools, it gets even better. For the same price, you now get access to even more.
First up and perhaps most valuable for helping improve your next RV trip, is the RV Life RV Safe GPS. Taking into account all of the same RV details you can use in RV Trip Wizard, the RV Safe GPS will provide you with a route that avoids low overpasses, propane-restricted tunnels, steep grades, and bridges that your RV might be overweight for. And because of the integration between the two, you can plan your whole trip in RV Trip Wizard and access that trip from the RV Safe GPS so you know you’ll get everywhere safely.
As if those two tools weren’t enough, you also get access to Maintain My RV. It’s a great way to track all of your RV’s maintenance needs and get notified about upcoming tasks so you make sure you don’t miss anything.
A favorite thing about RV Trip Wizard is the fact that you can customize it to show all of the features that are most important to you. Being able to find dump stations, rest areas, and overnight camping/parking is very convenient. And a terrific bonus to all of that is the sightseeing aspect of the app. Many other trip planners focus on only the big picture but RV Trip Wizard takes care of the little details that make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
And, even better, the fact that RV Trip Wizard is now a part of the RV Life Pro suite means that one subscription gets you access to even more: RV Trip Wizard, RV Safe GPS, Campground Reviews, and Maintain My RV. And who knows what else will be added to the package moving forward?
Roadtrippers is the last of the full-fledged RV trip planning tools. To start, you can sign up and use the tool for free if you only want to plan trips with no more than 5 stops/waypoints. It means you can take your time and figure out if Roadtrippers is the right tool for you.
Another great feature of Roadtrippers is the fact that it’s available on the web AND as an app (available for iOS and Android). So you can use the device that works best for you at the time but still have access to your trip planning wherever you need it.
The trip-planning features that Roadtrippers offers are straightforward and easy to use. Just plug in your start and end points, adjust the slider for how far off your route that you’re willing to drive for points of interest (the map will show a shaded area that extends beyond your planned route so you can see what falls within that distance), and begin exploring. As you scroll along your route, you can zoom in and out to see what’s there to see and do.
You can also add overlays to show camping, popular attractions, points of interest, food and drink, and more. Search for services including fuel stations, rest stops, and other auto/RV services.
As you continue to build your itinerary, it also shows your estimated travel time, mileage, and fuel costs for the entire trip. Adding a stop is simple and with reviews and ratings for campgrounds you can easily find the best places to stay.
Just like with the first two tools I listed, though, there’s more power to be had if you pay for their subscription level service called Roadtrippers Plus. In addition to allowing you to create longer trips with more than 5 waypoints (up to 150), the upgrade offers offline maps, live traffic updates, additional map styles, discounts from their travel partners, and no ads.
One of the unique features you get by upgrading is Trip Collaboration. It allows you to work on a trip with anyone you’ll be traveling with even if they don’t have Roadtrippers Plus (though they will need to sign up for the free level account). Now all of your travel companions can participate in the planning adding/editing/deleting waypoints so that your final itinerary has something for everyone.
But because Roadtrippers is now a part of Roadpass Digital (by the way, Roadpass Digital used to be called ToGo RV), subscribing to RoadTrippers Plus also gets you access to Roadpass Pro. That brings with it the ToGo RV Safe GPS app and access to a favorite trip-planning tool: OvernightRVParking.com.
If you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, having to stop at an RV park or campground for the night can be a pain (checking in, hooking up, and undoing it all the next morning) and unnecessarily expensive if you just need a safe place to park for the night to get some sleep. So having options like Walmart lots, truckstops, Cabela’s, Cracker Barrels, Bass Pro Shops, and many other easy-in-and-out stops for the night can be an essential part of helping you get safely get to where you REALLY want to go.
OvernightRVParking.com has one of the largest databases of those options and since they confirm the details with locations added to the list, you can rest assured knowing you’re allowed to park overnight.
By itself, Roadtrippers is an amazingly powerful RV trip planner that’s also surprisingly easy to use. The fact that you can sign up and use the tool completely for free (upgrading to Roadpass Pro let’s you plan trips of up to 150 waypoints) means there’s no reason NOT to use it. But if you need (or just want) more great features, upgrading definitely brings a lot of value from improvement to Roadtrippers itself (more waypoints, offline maps, live traffic, etc) to the extra value that comes from the other Roadpass Pro apps (RV Safe GPS and OvernightRVParking.com).
Campendium isn’t an RV trip planner tool like the other programs on this list but it’s still worth including it here. While it includes a comprehensive listing of both private and public campgrounds, Campendium’s true strength is in the unmatched treasure trove of boondocking locations it’s amassed over the years.
If you’re planning a trip and you want to include some great boondocking spots, Campendium will serve you well. Even if you only intend to boondock occasionally using Campendium can cut down on your overall expenses. Even just a few nights at a free campsite can save you hundreds of dollars. And since Campendium is free (although you can become a Community Supporter in order to remove the ads displayed throughout the site), you really don’t have anything to lose.
Campendium also lets you find dump stations and other overnight places to park. You can filter your campground search based on several factors including hookups, rig length, campground type or amenities, and policies (like pet-friendly parks or 55+).
Campendium is the go-to resource for finding remote boondocking sites. They have thousands of users which mean a steady stream of current, helpful reviews and photos. Both the website and the app are clean and easy-to-use making it easy to find exactly what you want.
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for yet, I have one more favorite RV trip planner for you: Allstays Camp & RV. Again, this isn’t an actual trip planner where you can map out an itinerary for your trip. But Allstays Camp & RV is a great choice for finding RV parks, truck stops, rest areas, dump stations, supplies, RV service, and even low bridges.
You can read reviews from other users and see campground photos. And the feature that makes it especially easy to find what you want is the ability to filter for a campsite based on specific amenities: tent sites with showers; RV parks with a club discount, 50-amp electric and LP; or even truck stops with a Subway.
Also, the listing data is stored locally on your phone which helps to reduce data usage and prevent slowdowns when you’re in a remote spot with bad cellular coverage. The map still needs to load wirelessly but information about all of the locations (campgrounds, truck stops, dump stations, etc) is still accessible even if the map won’t load.
The app itself is free and provides access to a resource that can help you find locations not listed in other apps.
If you prefer doing your trip planning on your laptop/desktop computer, Allstays Pro may be for you. It’s not free (currently it requires a subscription of $34.95/year) but it does offer some advantages over the free website version and even the app.
Allstays says that Pro is faster than the app and website, has no ads, offers better privacy, allows full-screen maps, can be used offline with Google Earth, provides more filters, has layers for traffic, and offers over half a million search combinations.
While the five apps/services listed above are the primary, go-to apps for RV trip planning there are still others that are worth discussing. These are apps that, while they may not technically be trip planners, are incredibly helpful for planning a trip and to use while you’re on the road.
Boondockers Welcome
RV parks, boondocking sites, and overnight parking spots are all great. But sometimes you just want something a bit different. How about staying (legally) on someone’s private property instead? And for FREE (other than the annual subscription to Boondockers Welcome)?! That’s what Boondockers Welcome is all about.
Hosts offer their available spot in their driveway, the back yard, or wherever they have space. And while Boondocking is, well, part-and-parcel with the whole point of the service, many hosts offer electrical hookups or water if it’s available.
Harvest Hosts
Another non-traditional option, Harvest Hosts focuses on providing access to unique overnight experiences at wineries, breweries, farms and orchards, museums, and other attractions. Again, other than the annual membership cost, you don’t pay camping fees to stay at a Harvest Host location. Instead, they ask that you patronize the host’s business. Which, considering the variety of locations that are available, isn’t all that much of a hardship!
Stock up on some farm-fresh cheese? Sure thing! Buy some wine? Don’t mind if we do! And our RV is right over there, so we don’t even have to drive home.
Gas Buddy
No trip is going to last very long if you don’t fuel up every now and again. And while the trip planner apps will show you fuel stops along your route, if you want to make sure you’re saving money when you fill up, then Gas Buddy is for you.
Even if you’re driving a diesel and you’ve heard about those programs that are supposed to save on fuel at truckstops, you may still pay less by using GasBuddy to plan your fuel stops. That’s because truckstops charge some of the highest prices in any given area. So getting a discount on a highly inflated price may seem like a big savings, when it might not be.
If it sounds like having multiple apps is a lot to manage, it’s actually pretty easy. While they’re all great, each app has its own strengths and once you get used to them you’ll have a good idea of which apps make the most sense for your travel style and the type of trips you like to plan.
Using an RV trip planner helps you to have a much more enjoyable and safer trip. You won’t have to worry about finding fuel stops, points of interest, or RV parks. Any of these apps and websites can help you in planning the best RV trip possible.
For millions of years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the Colorado Plateau forming this expansive, awe-inspiring landscape that we call the Grand Canyon. And it certainly is grand. Words cannot describe what it is like to gaze across the Grand Canyon for the first time.
Grand Canyon National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers an unforgettable experience for RVers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your RV adventure.
This segment of nature’s highways needs to address the elephant in the room… the Grand Canyon. In 2023, Grand Canyon National Park came in second as the most visited park in the U.S. (4.7 million) just edging out Zion (4.6 million) but way behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park (13.3 million).
The area’s numbers are impressive. Through the 1.2 million acres, the Colorado River carved the Canyon 277 miles long, 18 miles at its widest, and over one mile deep. Three distinct areas define the park: Colorado River/Canyon Floor, North Rim, and South Rim. The South Rim attracts 90 percent of visitors.
On Interstate 40 Exit 165 at Williams, Arizona, State Route 64 takes you north 59 miles to the South Rim Visitors Center. Keep in mind that parking is limited.
If coming from the north, Fredonia, Arizona, to North Rim Visitors Center is 74 miles via U. S. Highway 89A to Arizona Route 67, aka Grand Canyon Highway.
Staying in the park
All campgrounds within the park are booked well in advance.
Mather Campground
Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. There are 327 sites. Each includes a campfire ring/cooking grate, picnic table, parking space, and room for up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles. There are flush toilets and drinking water throughout the campground. No hookups are available; however, there is a free dump station. Most RV spaces are pull-through. Pine loop is a tent-only area where generators are not permitted. Campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Trailer Village RV Park
Trailer Village RV Park is the only in-park RV campground with full hookups (sewage, water, and electrical with 30 amp and 50 amp sites available) at Grand Canyon National Park. It is open year-round and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance.
At the East Entrance, Desert View Campground offers a peaceful setting with 49 campsites. 30 feet combined total length is the maximum length for RVs. Due to high demand, Desert View Campground now requires advanced reservations.
Campsites for the 2024 season are by reservation only through recreation.gov. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance for the 2024 season that runs from Saturday, April 13 through Sunday, October 13, 2024 with the campground closing for the season on Monday, October 14, 2024. Desert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping during peak season and does not have a wait list or call back system.
North Rim Campground
Open from May 15 through October 15, 2024, the North Rim Campground is located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The canyon’s rustic and less populated North Rim is home to abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon. The facility is at an elevation of 8,200 feet with pleasant summer temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Due to the popularity of the Grand Canyon National Park you should make reservations up to 6 months in advance.
Forestry campgrounds
South Rim: Tusayan Mountain, a National Forest campground is open May 13 through September 30, 2024. No hookups. Located 9 miles south of Village. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.
North Rim: De Motte Campground, a National Forest campground is open mid-May to mid-October, 2024. No Hookups. Located 7 miles north of the park boundary. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.
Before you go, download the NPS app to your phone or tablet. This provides an excellent overview of everything you need to know.
Visitor centers, information desks, and museums
There are four visitor centers: South Rim, Verkamp’s, Desert View, and North Rim.
Note: If you arrive when a visitor center is closed, trip planning and hiking information is available outside through a series of sidewalk signs.
South Rim Visitor Center
This is the main visitor center located in Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get a sense of the park watch the park’s 20-minute orientation film, Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder. Afterward, browse through the exhibits.
You can walk a short distance from there to Mather Point, the quintessential photo-op location. Be prepared for many others positioning for the same. Alternately, you might stroll a few hundred yards either way along Rim Trail—good views, fewer folks.
From here you can catch the free shuttle (Blue Route) through Market Plaza to the Village and Verkamp’s Visitor Center.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Located in the Village Historic District, Verkamp’s Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is frequented by visitors who arrive on the train, Verkamp’s features exhibits about the history of Grand Canyon Village and a museum store.
It is named for John Verkamp who set up a souvenir tent for tourists in 1898 which the family later expanded into the present site. The center leads you through the history of the Village community. From here, walk out to the Trail of Time for a stroll through the geologic history of the canyon.
For a historical tour through the Village, open the NPS app to Grand Canyon National Park and select Self-Guided Tours, Full Steam Ahead (for download info, see above). Begin at the train depot for a 1 to 2 hour walking audio tour.
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This restored building was a family home, auditorium, and photography studio. As you enter the upper level there is a shop with books, gifts, and souvenirs. Photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb helped turn the Grand Canyon into a national icon. Kolb Studio was an early tourist destination. Celebration of Art Exhibit: September 15, 2024-January 20, 2025.
Desert View
The easternmost visitor center of Grand Canyon National Park presents a unique structure, the Watchtower. Originally designed as a rest stop for visitors, the site gives you a different look at the eastern part of the canyon especially through the reflectoscopes. A few steps beyond one can gaze down the canyon to the Colorado River’s Big Bend, its sharp 90-degree turn from its southward course toward the west.
Desert View Watchtower Retail Store (View Room) is open daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The upper floors of the tower are open most days from 8:20 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. There is ticketed entry. A National Historic Landmark, the Watchtower was constructed in 1932. The design by Mary Colter is based on the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Southwest. Cultural handicraft demonstrations take place in the View Room during spring, summer, and fall.
A few miles down the road finds the Tusayan Pueblo Ruins and Museum dedicated to 10,000 years of cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloans.
The Tusayan Pueblo Museum is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The adjacent pueblo site and self-guiding trail is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is located 3 miles west of Desert View Watchtower. The Museum and Pueblo interprets a small Ancestral Puebloan village. When the museum reopens, view exhibits including 2,000 to 4,000-year-old cultural items along with traditional handicrafts made by Grand Canyon’s tribal communities.
North Rim Visitor Center
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Park Store within the North Rim Visitor Center building features a wide variety of books, maps, and gifts to help you plan or remember your trip to Grand Canyon and to learn more about its geology, ecology, and history. Store employees can direct you to the nearby Ranger Roost for additional information services. Open for the season between May 15 and October 15, 2024.
Because this is the other side of the Grand Canyon fewer than 10 percent of the visitors make it here. Those adventurous enough to travel up from the South Rim can expect a 220-mile trek. The closest town for supplies is Jacobs Lake, about 40 miles north. Kaibab Camper Village st Jacobs Lake offers full hookups with pull-through and back-in sites and can accommodate big rigs.
At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the views are no less amazing. From the lodge, make your way to Bright Angel Trail, a relatively easy half-mile round trip though steep and narrow in places with an elevation gain of 200 feet. At the end, you can discover Bright Angel Point with Bright Angel Canyon to the east and Transept Canyon to the west. NPS offers an informational guide.
Note: North Rim is at 8,000 feet elevation which may cause difficulties for those with respiratory or heart problems.
The National Park Service has provided free shuttle bus service on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for more than 40 years. All of the park’s buses are fully accessible and run on compressed natural gas which means fewer harmful emissions for people and the environment. And the roadways are far less crowded!
Grand Canyon’s shuttle system provides a hassle free way to access South Rim trails, viewpoints, and other points of interest—some areas are only accessible by bus. The shuttle system is not an experience in and of itself but a means to access all that the South Rim has to offer: hiking, cycling, scenic views, and historical structures. So, park your car and begin your Grand Canyon explorations!
This summer, four shuttle bus routes are in service from May 25 through September 6, 2024. Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, right, transports visitors to S. Kaibab Trailhead and outstanding views at Yaki Point. Village (Blue) Route, center, connects Visitor Center with lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (general store and post office). Hermit Road (Red) Route travels a 7-mile scenic road with spectacular overlooks. Tusayan (Purple) Route to the gateway community.
Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU. DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day especially during the months of May to September.
Many options are available for day hikers. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon some on paved trails. Or you can choose to day hike into the canyon. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes.
Day hiking can be a safer and more enjoyable choice than an overnight trip into a difficult area that is beyond the capabilities of any single member of your group.
WARNING: There are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon National Park provides hikers with an array of trails. For the ultimate ease in hiking the South Rim follow the Rim Trail mostly paved with a slight elevation gain. If you get tired or the weather changes abruptly, just hop on the shuttle bus for a ride back to the visitor center. If you are in good hiking shape, there are other trails ranging from 3 miles to 10 miles long. All are very steep and rated strenuous.
The North Rim offers more of a variety of easy to moderate trails. Cape Royal is an easy half-mile hike with a view of the Colorado River. Uncle Jim is a moderate five-mile loop with great canyon views.
Remember, always check with the rangers at the visitor center for trail conditions, wildlife spotting, and permits, if required.
Because so many folks visit the Grand Canyon encountering wildlife is uncommon. However, you can expect to be found by the most prevalent critter in the park… the rock squirrel. You do not have to look for them as they will find you often begging for food. They may be cute but they are still wild animals that can and will bite.
If hiking a trail, you may come upon a bull elk. These weigh upwards of 800 pounds with antlers as wide as five feet across. Look, but do not approach. If you hold up your thumb and cannot see the animal then you are probably at a safe distance. They are most aggressive during rutting season from August to October. However, you are more likely to hear their bugle sound like rubbing metal on metal.
Looking skyward you will see canyon wrens and ravens. Both are very common sights. Actually, the raven is the smartest animal in the canyon. Be aware of any food left out as they are notorious thieves. Some are even known to unzip a backpack with their beaks.
If you catch a glimpse of a huge bird soaring along the canyon walls, congrats. You have spotted a California condor. Due to preservation activity, the population has grown from 22 in 1982 to more than 500 today. As of 2018, there were 90 birds in the wild Southwest population including Grand Canyon National Park.
Ponderosa pines cover both the North and South Rims ranging in elevation from 6,500 to 8,200 feet. They are most notable for the pyramid-shaped crown above an orange-red trunk.
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a daytime marvel; it’s a nighttime sanctuary. As an International Dark Sky Park, it boasts some of the world’s darkest skies. Its vast landscapes and majestic red rock formations provide a breathtaking backdrop for an endless horizon of stars. Under the expansive Arizona skies, the Milky Way and countless stars reveal their full glory offering an unparalleled stargazing experience.
No matter where you wander in the Grand Canyon, a star-studded sky awaits you especially as you venture away from Grand Canyon Village. Here are the top picks for the best stargazing spots on the South Rim:
Yavapai Point: Renowned for its stunning sunsets, this location transforms into a stargazing paradise at night offering clear, expansive views of the heavens.
Desert View Watchtower: With its sweeping canyon views and eye-catching stone tower, this spot is ideal for stargazing and astrophotography attracting both casual observers and dedicated astrophotographers.
Mather Point: It is located near the Visitor Center and provides easy access for a night of spectacular sky viewing just steps from the parking lot.
Moran Point and Lipan Point: These less-visited locations off Desert View Drive offer serene environments for stargazing away from the crowds.
Grand Canyon is the first step of our climbing the Grand Staircase–Escalante. In the following series we will travel up the staircase visiting Utah’s Mighty Five.
Happy travels!
Worth Pondering…
Leave it as it is. You can not improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American if he can travel at all should see.
Sometimes the best destinations are lesser known and fairly remote hidden discoveries
Thousands of travelers drive daily on Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Houston. These major cities and places beyond are the usual destinations. Unless travelers stop for fuel or food, most don’t even notice Schulenburg at exit 674. I recommend pausing in the race across Texas on I-10 and spending a few nights in Schulenburg at one of two nearby RV parks: Schulenburg RV Park and Whispering Oaks RV Park in nearby Weimar. Both are centrally located for a visit to these four interesting off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Incorporated in 1875 and now boasting a population of approximately 2,600, Schulenburg is the first stop of our road trip. Schulenburg and the surrounding area traces much of its heritage to the primarily German and Czech immigrants of the 1800s. As these new residents established their small rural communities, one of the first public buildings they erected tended to be a community church.
Although many historical sites and markers can be found in and around Schulenburg, the crown jewels are the six turn-of-the-century churches known as The Painted Churches located in Dubina, High Hill, Praha, and Ammannsville (see feature photo above). These small, rural community churches are known for their bright colors and the way they have been meticulously maintained. Although they appear rather plain on the outside, you will be amazed by the beauty inside. They remain as they were in the 1800s and early 1900s.
In 2005, the Texas legislature designated Schulenburg as the “Official Home of the Painted Churches of Texas.” Be sure to stop at the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office at 618 N. Main Street to pick up a self-guided tour map of the churches. The tour consists of a relaxing loop drive through the quiet countryside for approximately 40 miles. A guided tour of the churches can be arranged through the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance and a $50 deposit is required.
While at the tourism office in Schulenburg, you might also want to ask for information about other area sites and museums such as the Stenzel Model Aircraft Museum and the Texas Polka Music Museum.
The next stop on our tour is the town of Shiner about 30 miles southwest of Schulenburg. It is here you will find the home of Texas’ famous Shiner Bock beer: K. Spoetzl Brewery. This small brewery founded in 1909 produces and ships over six million cases of beer all across the United States. Its founders were German and Czech immigrants who established the Shiner Brewing Association to fulfill a longing for beer from their homelands.
In 1915, German brewmaster Kosmos Spoetzl bought the brewery and gave it his name. The brewery continues the tradition and still brews its flagship Shiner Bock along with other popular brews. The brewery offers tours daily. Tours of the new K. Spoetzl Distillery are offered daily as well.
Palmetto State Park is located in Gonzales County 30 miles west of Shiner. The Civilian Conservations Corps (CCC) constructed the park building a water tower, refectory, and the park headquarters. Named after the dwarf palmetto tree that grows abundantly in the park, it looks a little like the jungle with its dense vegetation surrounding the bogs that fill the park. It boasts some diverse flora and fauna like the white tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos and numerous species of birds.
The San Marcos River runs through Palmetto State Park which also contains Oxbow Lake. Spend an afternoon in this beautiful jungle-like atmosphere. Head out on the water to swim, tube, fish, or canoe. You can hike or bike the Palmetto Trail or stay at their campsites! Go fishing on Oxbow Lake, or canoe down the San Marcos River to add the final touch on a relaxing day.
Barbecue is a religion in Texas and one of its high altars, City Market lures folks to Luling, 45 miles west of Schulenburg.
At City Market, the line snakes through the front door past the rack of miniature pecan pies, all the way back to the pit room where a team of guys cuts brisket, pork ribs and ring sausage, and bundles it all in greasy pink butcher paper.
This is barbecue from the old school, the least expensive on this list with shiny decoupage brisket, blushing red ribs, and snap-case sausage plus all the sides you could ever want as long as those sides are potato salad and beans. There’s Big Red by the bottle, sweet pickles, and mustard sauce in repurposed Tabasco bottles. Same as it ever was, since 1958.
Our last two destinations require about a 55-mile drive northeast of Schulenburg through beautiful countryside to Brenham. From Brenham, continue 18.8 miles northeast on State Route 105 to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington. Here, you will find the reconstructed building in which delegates met and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836.
At the Star of the Republic Museum, you can explore award-winning exhibits and learn about the people, places, and events of the early Republic of Texas. Note that at time of writing the museum was closed for an extended restoration. The site’s Independence Hall and the Barrington Plantation State Historic Site and other attractions remain open, however.
After your visit (or on the way) to Washington-on-the-Brazos, stop in Brenham and visit Blue Bell Creameries. What started in 1907 as a small creamery producing butter from excess cream brought in by local farmers, known as the Brenham Creamery Company, eventually grew to produce Texas’ favorite ice cream. In 1930, the name changed to Blue Bell Creameries. Butter continued to be made there until 1958 when the company began to focus solely on ice cream production.
The creamery uses milk from 50,000 cows per day to produce the products it ships to 23 states. Located at 1101 S. Blue Bell Road, the observation deck is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The ice cream parlor (where you can try from 16 to 32 flavors), country store, and visitor center are open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Schulenburg and Brenham have several historic sites in and around the area. I’ve described just six of the more popular attractions. The next time your travels lead you across Texas on I-10 between San Antonio and Houston, take a break and get off the beaten path.
I have TONS more information about Texas in my Texas Travel Guide. Here are my most recent Texas travel stories:
Is a Class A or Class C easier to drive? You’d think the answer would obviously go with the smaller Class C but it’s not that simple.
If you’re trying to decide between a Class A and Class C then that means you’ve at least narrowed down your list by excluding Class Bs, also known as campervans.
The biggest appeal of a Class A or Class C over a Class B is the space provided by its larger size but that can be intimidating when it comes to driving. You might be surprised to learn that a Class A motorhome is easier and smoother to drive than you’d expect.
In truth, you can get used to (and good at) driving any length vehicle. It’s just a matter of confidence and practice. That’s why you should read What’s so Different about Driving a motorhome?
The consensus is both are easy with enough practice. But when you first get behind the wheel which has the simplest learning adjustment? Which is the least scary to drive?
What’s the difference between driving a Class A and Class C?
The trickiest part about answering this question is that some large Class Cs are actually the same length as small Class As. So, you can’t just go by the Class. You need to factor in the overall length as well and understand, in general, longer vehicles take more adjusting to.
That’s not really surprising. However, what’s more important to look at is not the overall length but rather the length of the wheelbase.
Longer wheelbase
Class As have a longer wheelbase which means there is less overhang extending past the back set of wheels. This centers the forces between the front and rear wheels resulting in a smoother ride. The overhang on a Class C can cause a bit of teeter-tottering or porpoising over bumps and potholes.
A longer wheelbase in Class A can also mean less weaving in your lane. How so? The overhang can act as a sort of sail whenever a semi-truck passes pushing a Class C more easily since the forces aren’t centered. You then have to counter-steer then steer back again once the gusts pass.
This is known as wandering and it’s more common in Class Cs than Class As because of their shorter wheelbase and longer overhang. If you want a Class C but want to minimize wandering, look at Class Cs with shorter overhangs.
Keep in mind, though, that the longer the RV the more difficult it becomes to handle around tight corners and reversing.
You might be sold on Class As after reading how they drive smoother and wander less but don’t cross Class Cs off your list just yet. There’s another factor that experienced RVers warn against: driver position.
In a car, the driver seat is positioned behind the front wheelbase. You’re used to steering a vehicle leading with your front tires. It’s the same way in Class Cs. So, steering a Class C is very similar to steering a car.
Class As, however, are a different story.
In a Class A, the driver sits above or even in front of the wheelbase. This can lead to oversteering and overcorrection.
If you can imagine riding on the hood of your car while somebody steered (some of us foolishly did this as teenagers), you’d feel like the driver wasn’t turning when they should. You’d feel like you were going to crash into something that you ended up easily avoiding. It can feel the same way when you first drive a Class A.
Since you’re positioned farther forward than you’re used to, it may take some time to readjust in the beginning. So, while you can pretty much jump in a steer a Class C as you would a car, the Class A has a steering learning curve.
Since the driver is positioned farther forward (and higher) in a Class A, they also get a better view. More so, the Class As usually have a much larger windshield than the Class Cs which are more comparable to a truck’s windshield.
The bigger windshield is a bit of a double-edged sword, however. Sometimes the big window makes the RV feel bigger which can make it seem more intimidating to drive even if it’s the same length as a Class C. Some people feel more comfortable in a Class C cab because it feels more like vehicles they’re used to driving.
But at the same time, the larger windshield means you can see more things around you. It’s not necessarily more things you need to see to be able to drive safely but more of the countryside you’re through. For some people, being able to see more boosts their confidence.
So, this really comes down to personal preference.
Summary
Class A motorhomes offer a smoother ride with less wandering in your lane once you’re confidently on the road. However, you need to adjust to steering in a more-forward position in a Class A which takes more practice initially than a Class C. Plus, the longer the Class A, the more difficult to handle around tight corners.
On the other hand, with a shorter wheelbase, Class C motorhomes should wander less than a Class A. You can also jump into a Class C and steer it pretty much the same way as a car since you’re driver seat is positioned in the same location.
Class A: Trickier in the beginning but easier once you get the hang of steering from the front. The longer the Class A, the trickier it gets to steer around tight corners.
Class C: Easier in the beginning but possibly need to make more adjustments while driving to counteract gusts and teeter-tottering. The longer a Class C, the more wandering and teeter-tottering.
In general, a Class A is easier and smoother to drive than a Class C once you get used to the steering. Basically, if you’re looking at a Class A and a Class C that are the same length and each has a great floorplan then it’s probably best to go with the Class A.
Most experienced RVers will tell you to choose the floor plan you like over which you’d think is easier to drive. In the end, whatever you choose will become easy to drive with practice.
Petrified Forest National Park is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park contains one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of the Chinle Formation, portions of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of 225-million-year-old fossils.
Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park stands as a captivating testament to the ancient wonders of the natural world. Spanning over 200 square miles, this unique park is renowned for its striking landscapes showcasing a vibrant array of petrified wood, eroded badlands, and the awe-inspiring Painted Desert.
With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the park was once part of pioneering east–west routes along the 35th parallel marked by wagon roads and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.
Visitors can trace the footsteps of early explorers and settlers while marveling at the remnants of Triassic-era petrified trees. Established as a national monument in 1906, the park has evolved into a thriving ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. From the iconic Painted Desert rim to the intricate Puerco Ruin archaeological site, Petrified Forest National Park offers a journey through time blending geological wonders with cultural heritage.
Petrified wood wonderland: Petrified Forest National Park is renowned for its unparalleled collection of petrified wood dating back to the Late Triassic period. The park’s landscape is dotted with the fossilized remains of ancient trees transformed into dazzling stone hues by a process known as mineralization. These magnificent specimens, some reaching over 200 feet in length, serve as captivating witnesses to the prehistoric world that once thrived in this region.
The Painted Desert’s mesmerizing palette: One of the park’s most striking features is the Painted Desert, a mesmerizing expanse of multicolored badlands. The vibrant hues ranging from red and orange to lavender and gray create a surreal panorama especially during sunrise and sunset. Erosion has sculpted the terrain over millions of years revealing a breathtaking tapestry of geological wonders that captivates the imagination.
Historic Route 66 relics: Adding a touch of nostalgia, Petrified Forest National Park encompasses remnants of the iconic Route 66, the Main Street of America. While the decommissioned highway once served as a vital transcontinental route, today, visitors can explore preserved sections within the park harkening back to a bygone era of American road travel.
Cultural tapestry of archaeological sites: Beyond its geological marvels, the park boasts a rich cultural heritage evident in archaeological sites like the Puerco Ruin. These ancient dwellings, some dating back over 600 years, provide a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people who once called this region home. Wander through the petroglyph-laden landscapes and you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories of past civilizations.
Diverse flora and fauna oasis: Despite its arid reputation the park supports a surprising variety of plant and animal life. From the resilient grasses of the semi-desert shrub steppe to the majestic pronghorns and elusive bobcats, Petrified Forest is a living testament to the adaptability of life in harsh environments. The presence of over 200 bird species adds a harmonious melody to the rugged beauty of the landscape.
Gateway to geological time travel: Petrified Forest offers visitors a unique opportunity to traverse geological time showcasing rocks and formations that span millions of years. The park’s diverse rock layers including the colorful Chinle Formation unveil the Earth’s transformative processes making it a haven for geology enthusiasts eager to decipher the ancient stories etched in stone.
Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona boasts a rich history that unfolds against the backdrop of its unique geological wonders. In 1853, U.S. Army Lieutenant Amiel Whipple led an expedition along the 35th parallel discovering a remarkable deposit of petrified wood in the northern part of the Petrified Forest. This exploration marked the beginning of the park’s association with the legendary Lithodendron Creek aptly named for the stone-like trees lining its banks dating back to the Triassic period.
The mid-19th century witnessed the development of east–west routes along the 35th parallel including a camel-backed wagon road built between 1857 and 1860. As the region attracted settlers, private stagecoach companies, and later, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in the 1880s, towns like Holbrook and Adamana emerged, transforming the landscape.
The allure of petrified wood, coupled with concerns about its preservation prompted the Arizona Territorial Legislature to appeal to the U.S. Congress in 1895 for the creation of a Petrified Forest National Park. Although the initial attempt failed, President Theodore Roosevelt utilized the Antiquities Act in 1906 to designate the area as the Petrified Forest National Monument, the second national monument in the United States.
During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a pivotal role in enhancing the monument, constructing roads, trails, and structures. The government acquired additional land in the Painted Desert section during this period. In 1962, Petrified Forest attained national park status offering a broader scope for preservation and recognition.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 further safeguarded the park’s pristine areas, limiting human activities to maintain the natural environment. In 2004, a significant expansion was authorized, extending the park’s boundaries from 93,353 acres to 218,533 acres.
Despite conservation efforts, challenges persist with the theft of petrified wood remaining a notable issue. Even with a guard force, fences, warning signs, and penalties, an estimated 12 short tons of fossil wood are pilfered annually underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting this geological treasure.
Petrified Forest National Park continues to be a haven for paleontological and archaeological exploration. From the early 20th century excavations by Walter Hough to more recent research by institutions such as the University of California Museum of Paleontology and the Museum of Northern Arizona the park’s fossil sites number over 300. The 21st century sees a continuation of research in paleontology and archaeology ensuring that the park’s rich natural and cultural history remains a source of fascination and discovery.
Situated in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park stands out due to its distinctive location along the 35th parallel. The park features the renowned Painted Desert showcasing a striking landscape of eroded badlands and mesas adorned with vibrant colors. This region holds significant paleontological importance with fossilized remains dating back to the Triassic period providing insights into ancient ecosystems.
Moreover, the park’s historical relevance is underscored by its proximity to Route 66 and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad illustrating its role in the westward expansion of the United States. Petrified Forest National Park offers a unique blend of geological wonders, cultural heritage, and transportation history making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring Earth’s past.
Vegetation and plant species in Petrified Forest National Park
Blue Grama: Flourishing in the semi-desert shrub steppe of Petrified Forest National Park, Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a native perennial bunchgrass. Recognized by its slender and graceful appearance, this grass is well-adapted to arid conditions playing a vital role in the park’s unique grassland ecosystem.
Galleta Grass: Another crucial component of the semi-desert shrub steppe, Galleta Grass (Hilaria jamesii) demonstrates drought tolerance and stabilizes the soil. This grass species contributes to wildlife forage showcasing the resilience of plants in Petrified Forest National Park.
Alkali Sacaton: Contributing to the Desert Grassland vegetation form, Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) is a native grass species thriving in arid environments with alkaline soils. This grass adds diversity to the plant communities highlighting the ecological intricacies of Petrified Forest National Park.
Torrey’s Muhly: Belonging to the Desert Grassland vegetation form, Torrey’s Muhly (Muhlenbergia torreyi) is a native perennial bunchgrass well-suited to the park’s arid climate. Its presence contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the grassland environment.
One-Seed Juniper: As part of the Juniper/Pinyon Pine vegetation type, One-Seed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) adds vertical structure to the landscape. This characteristic tree species provides habitat for wildlife showcasing adaptation to the park’s specific vegetation type.
Pinyon Pine: Thriving in the Juniper/Pinyon Pine vegetation type, Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) contributes to the unique character of the landscape. This tree species is essential for the ecosystem providing food for wildlife and participating in the natural regeneration of the forest.
Big Sagebrush: Prominent in Petrified Forest National Park, Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) thrives in the volcanic soils of the Bidahochi Formation. This shrub contributes to the diverse plant life along the Painted Desert rim enhancing the sensory experience of exploring the park’s landscapes.
Four-Wing Saltbush: Found in the northern part of the park, Four-Wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens) adapts to volcanic soils contributing to vegetation diversity along the Painted Desert rim. Yhis shrub’s ability to withstand harsh conditions emphasizes the resilience of flora in Petrified Forest National Park.
The plant species in Petrified Forest National Park showcase a remarkable array of adaptations playing crucial roles in the park’s ecosystems. From grasses resilient to arid conditions to trees defining specific vegetation types, each species contributes to the ecological richness of this unique environment.
Pronghorn: Gracefully traversing the grasslands of Petrified Forest National Park, the Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) stands as the fastest land animal in North America. Capable of reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour these charismatic creatures showcase unique adaptations crucial for survival in this environment.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit: Roaming the park’s grasslands, the Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) exhibits remarkable adaptations. Recognized by its large, thin-walled ears serving as heat exchangers these jackrabbits display bursts of speed and evasive maneuvers to outwit predators like golden eagles contributing to the intricate web of life in Petrified Forest National Park.
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog: Inhabiting large colonies or towns in the park, Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) play a crucial role in the grassland ecosystem. Their social behavior impacts vegetation structure and provides habitat for various species adding vitality to the park’s wildlife dynamics.
Coyote: Versatile predators found in the park, Coyotes (Canis latrans) have a diverse diet including rodents, fruits, reptiles, insects, small mammals, birds, and carrion. Their adaptability contributes to the ecological balance showcasing the complex relationships within the ecosystem of Petrified Forest National Park.
Bobcat: Elusive hunters in riparian zones, Bobcats (Lynx rufus) specialize in capturing smaller animals such as deer mice and white-tailed antelope squirrels. Their presence reflects the biodiversity within the park’s diverse habitats adding a sense of wilderness to the riparian corridors.
Fox: Inhabiting Petrified Forest National Park, foxes (Vulpes vulpes) contribute to the carnivore diversity. As omnivores, they play a role in controlling rodent populations contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem and offering insights into the natural behaviors of adaptable wildlife in the park.
Greater Short-horned Lizard: Thriving in various habitats, the Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is among the diverse reptile species in the park. Consuming large quantities of insects, spiders, scorpions, and other reptiles these lizards highlight the reptilian diversity contributing to the intricate food webs of Petrified Forest National Park.
Prairie Rattlesnake: The only venomous snake in the park, the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) prefers grasslands and shrub areas. Playing a crucial role in controlling rodent populations understanding their habits and habitats contributes to visitor safety awareness and an appreciation for the biodiversity within the park.
The fauna of Petrified Forest National Park encompasses a diverse array of species, each playing a unique role in the park’s ecosystems. From the swift pronghorns to the elusive bobcats and the resilient prairie rattlesnakes, these animals contribute to the richness and complexity of the park’s natural heritage.
One of the foremost attractions in Petrified Forest National Park is the stunning Painted Desert Rim. Here, the landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation with vibrant colors that change throughout the day. The eroded badlands showcasing a palette of reds, purples, and oranges offer a mesmerizing backdrop against the ancient petrified wood, creating a visual spectacle that captures the essence of the park’s geological wonders.
2. Puerco Pueblo
Puerco Pueblo stands as a testament to the park’s rich cultural history. This archaeological site preserves the ruins of an ancient Native American village providing a glimpse into the lives of past inhabitants. Visitors can explore the remnants of structures, petroglyphs, and artifacts unraveling the mysteries of human presence in the region dating back centuries adding a cultural layer to the park’s attractions.
3. Blue Mesa
Blue Mesa presents a unique geological landscape characterized by blue-hued badlands and intricate formations. The layered deposits of siltstone and mudstone create an otherworldly environment inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time. The Blue Mesa trail allows for an up-close experience with the fascinating geological features offering both a visual and educational adventure.
4. Crystal Forest
Crystal Forest is a natural treasure trove within the park showcasing a dense concentration of beautifully preserved petrified wood. The remnants of ancient trees turned into brilliant crystals through the process of fossilization are scattered across the landscape. Walking through Crystal Forest allows visitors to appreciate the sheer diversity and abundance of these mesmerizing geological formations.
5. Giant Logs
The Giant Logs area features some of the largest and most well-preserved petrified logs in the park. These ancient giants transformed into stone over millions of years serve as silent witnesses to the prehistoric landscapes that once dominated the region. The sheer size and number of logs in this area provide a sense of awe and wonder emphasizing the geological significance of the petrified wood.
6. Long Logs
Long Logs extends the narrative of petrified wood offering a different perspective on the diverse forms created by fossilization. The elongated logs scattered across the landscape showcase the intricate details of the petrification process. Exploring this area provides an insight into the geological forces that shaped the ancient trees into the remarkable long logs seen today.
7. Agate House
Agate House represents an archaeological gem within the park where visitors can witness the reconstruction of an ancient Puebloan structure. Built using petrified wood, Agate House offers a tangible connection to the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of the early inhabitants. This site adds a cultural and historical dimension to the park’s attractions highlighting the intersection of human history and geological wonders.
Petrified Forest National Park stands as a repository of geological marvels and cultural heritage. From the vivid landscapes of the Painted Desert Rim to the ancient remnants at Puerco Pueblo, each attraction invites exploration and contemplation. These diverse sites collectively weave a narrative of the park’s rich history spanning millions of years and providing visitors with a profound appreciation for the natural and cultural tapestry of this unique destination.
Recreational activities in Petrified Forest National Park
1. Hiking trails
Petrified Forest National Park offers seven maintained hiking trails each providing a unique perspective on the park’s diverse landscapes. From the expansive vistas along the Painted Desert Rim trail to the immersive experiences within the Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest trails, hiking enthusiasts can explore a range of geological wonders. The trails cater to varying difficulty levels, accommodating both casual strollers and avid hikers seeking a more challenging adventure.
2. Visitor Centers and museums
The park features well-equipped visitor centers and museums including the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum. These facilities serve as gateways to understanding the park’s geological and cultural heritage. Visitors can engage with informative exhibits, watch orientation films like Timeless Impressions and access a wealth of resources that enhance their overall experience.
3. Geological tours
For those eager to delve deeper into the geological mysteries of the park, guided tours and ranger programs are available. Knowledgeable rangers lead tours along designated routes providing insights into the formation of the petrified wood, the unique features of the Painted Desert, and the historical significance of archaeological sites. These tours offer a more immersive understanding of the park’s natural wonders.
4. Cultural and educational programs
Petrified Forest National Park hosts a range of cultural and educational programs aimed at enriching visitors’ perspectives. From Puerco Pueblo guided walks to Triassic programs at the Rainbow Forest Museum, these events delve into the cultural history and scientific aspects of the park. Special events during Earth Science Week and National American Indian Heritage Month further contribute to the educational offerings.
5. Photography opportunities
The park’s ever-changing landscapes, vibrant colors, and unique geological formations make it a haven for photography enthusiasts. Whether capturing the vivid hues of the Painted Desert at sunrise or the intricate details of petrified wood in Crystal Forest, photographers can find endless opportunities to document the park’s beauty.
6. Cultural demonstrations
On Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Painted Desert Inn hosts artisans who provide cultural demonstrations. These demonstrations offer visitors a chance to engage with the artistic and cultural practices of the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of ancient peoples, intertribal relationships, and European-descent cultures.
7. Wilderness exploration
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, Petrified Forest National Park offers wilderness areas are accessible by hiking. Backpackers can obtain permits for overnight stays and explore the park’s less-traveled regions. This immersive experience allows for a closer connection to the natural environment and a firsthand encounter with the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
The recreational activities at Petrified Forest National Park cater to a broad spectrum of interests, ensuring that visitors can tailor their experience to align with their preferences. Whether it’s a leisurely hike, an educational program, or a photographic expedition, the park invites exploration and appreciation for the wonders it holds.
Facilities and amenities in Petrified Forest National Park
Visitor Centers: Petrified Forest National Park boasts two visitor centers—the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum. The modernist architecture of the Painted Desert Visitor Center designed by Richard Neutra adds to the cultural and historical significance of the park. These centers serve as gateways to the park providing essential information, exhibits, and orientation movies offering visitors a comprehensive introduction to the park’s geological and cultural wonders.
Historic Painted Desert Inn: The Painted Desert Inn, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to the park’s history. Located 2 miles north of the Painted Desert Visitor Center, this inn-turned-museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits including the building itself offering insights into early 20th-century architecture and the individuals who shaped the park’s development.
Hiking trails: Petrified Forest National Park provides seven maintained hiking trails varying in length and showcasing the park’s diverse landscapes. From the Painted Desert Rim Trail offering panoramic views to the Giant Logs Trail featuring ancient petrified trees these trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty.
Educational programs and events: Rangers at Petrified Forest offers a range of educational programs including guided tours, talks, and walks. Special events related to Earth Science Week and National American Indian Heritage Month provides unique opportunities for visitors to deepen their understanding of the park’s geological wonders and cultural significance. The park’s commitment to education extends to students and teachers with rangers providing materials and talks for enriching field trips.
Gift shops and bookstores: Both visitor centers feature gift shops and bookstores allowing visitors to take home a piece of Petrified Forest National Park. From books and souvenirs to unique items crafted by regional artisans, these shops offer a chance to support local communities and commemorate the park experience.
Restaurants and food services: The Painted Desert Inn includes a restaurant open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. providing a dining option within the park. This allows visitors to enjoy a meal while surrounded by stunning landscapes. The availability of food services adds to the overall visitor experience ensuring that guests can refuel and relax during their exploration of the park.
Restrooms and facilities: Public restrooms are conveniently located at the visitor centers ensuring that visitors have essential facilities throughout their park visit. These facilities contribute to the comfort and accessibility of the park allowing guests to focus on enjoying the natural wonders without concern for basic amenities.
National Register of Historic Places Sites: Petrified Forest National Park encompasses several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Painted Desert Inn and associated cabins, the Agate House Pueblo, Petroglyphs and Ruins Archeological Districts, and more. Exploring these sites provides a glimpse into the cultural history and archaeological richness that complements the park’s geological marvels.
Together, these facilities and amenities create a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors to Petrified Forest National Park blending natural wonders with cultural and historical insights.
Plan for seasons: Petrified Forest National Park experiences varying weather conditions throughout the year. While the park is open year-round, visitors should plan accordingly. Summers can be hot with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F so carrying sufficient water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing is essential. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures making these seasons ideal for exploration.
Explore the Painted Desert Rim: The Painted Desert Rim provides breathtaking panoramic views. To make the most of this experience, visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s angle enhances the vibrant colors of the landscape. The Painted Desert Inn situated along this rim offers a historic and scenic stop for visitors.
Hiking trails and trail etiquette: Petrified Forest offers several hiking trails catering to various fitness levels. Before embarking on a hike obtain trail maps and information from the visitor centers. Remember to stay on designated paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem and respect trail guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Wildlife observation: Keep a keen eye out for the diverse wildlife within the park. From pronghorns and jackrabbits to coyotes and various bird species, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Binoculars and a camera can enhance your wildlife observation experience while maintaining a respectful distance.
Photography tips: The Park’s unique landscapes including the iconic petrified wood offer excellent photography opportunities. Capture the play of light and shadows on the ancient logs during different times of the day. Sunrise and sunset often provide dramatic lighting enhancing the visual appeal of the petrified wood and the surrounding terrain.
Cultural and historical exploration: Immerse yourself in the cultural and historical aspects of the park by exploring sites such as the Painted Desert Inn and Puerco Pueblo. Ranger-led programs and talks provide insights into the park’s rich history from ancient Native American cultures to the development of the park as a national treasure.
Visitor Center resources: Utilize the resources available at the visitor centers including orientation movies, exhibits, and ranger-led programs. The Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum provide valuable information about the park’s geological wonders, flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
Leave No Trace: Help preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources by adhering to the principles of Leave No Trace. Refrain from collecting rocks, fossils, or artifacts as these contribute to the park’s conservation efforts. Stay on marked trails to minimize impact on fragile ecosystems.
Stargazing opportunities: Petrified Forest National Park is designated as a Dark Sky Park offering excellent stargazing opportunities. If visiting in the evening especially during clear nights take advantage of the unobstructed views of the night sky. Consider bringing binoculars or a telescope for an enhanced celestial experience.
Check Park operating hours: Before planning your visit, check the park’s operating hours which may vary with the seasons. This ensures that you have ample time to explore the attractions and enjoy the facilities offered within the park.
By incorporating these tips into your visit you can make the most of your time at Petrified Forest National Park enjoying its natural beauty while respecting its ecological and historical significance.
I strongly recommend exploring Petrified Forest National Park for a captivating amalgamation of natural marvels and historical importance. Renowned for its varied ecosystems, iconic features, and recreational options, this park offers a unique and immersive adventure. Embrace serene outdoor activities such as hiking and observing wildlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Petrified Forest National Park stands as a testament to the intricate tapestry of geological wonders, prehistoric remnants, and vibrant ecosystems. Its rich history from the expeditions of early explorers to the conservation efforts that shaped its present form adds layers of significance to the landscape. The park’s unique position along the 35th parallel coupled with its diverse flora and fauna, showcases the resilience of life in the arid southwestern region.
Visitors are not only treated to the mesmerizing spectacle of petrified wood but also immersed in a living environment where pronghorns sprint across grasslands, and ancient ruins whisper tales of the past. Petrified Forest National Park with its blend of scientific intrigue, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities invites all who venture within its boundaries to witness the profound connections between time, nature, and human history.
Here are a few great articles to help you do just that:
As you wrap up your time at Petrified Forest National Park, take a moment to reflect on the unique blend of history and nature this place has to offer. From the mesmerizing petrified wood to the diverse wildlife, each step unveils a piece of the past. Whether you’ve strolled through ancient ruins or hiked the scenic trails, the park leaves you with a sense of wonder.
As you bid adieu to the petrified wonders and wide-open landscapes, carry with you the tranquility of this timeless terrain. Until next time, Petrified Forest National Park extends a warm goodbye, inviting you to return and explore its treasures again.
Worth Pondering…
Quite a forest of petrified trees was discovered today…they are converted into beautiful specimens of variegated jasper. One trunk was measured ten feet in diameter, and more than one hundred feet in length…
Learn everything you need to know about camping reservations at RV parks and campgrounds. From booking to arrival, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re new to RV camping, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to make camping reservations. Where do you start? When do you start? How do you do it?
This beginner’s guide will walk you through the most commonly asked questions and steps you need to take to find and book campgrounds and RV parks.
A decade ago, you could usually find an open campsite close to your travel date or even on the same day you arrive in a new location. However, times have changed especially in the past few years.
You should make a camping reservation as far in advance as possible to avoid frustration and disappointment. This is especially true for popular destinations during peak seasons.
You can still make last-minute reservations and fill campground cancellations but it’s harder than it’s ever been. So, it’s better to book ahead whenever possible.
There are a few key terms you need to know when it comes to camping reservations. These terms determine when and how you reserve a campsite and can affect how you plan for a trip.
First-come, first-served
First-come, first-served reservations are ONLY given on a first-come, first-served basis. These campsites cannot be booked in advance so it’s best to arrive early in the day.
You’ll most often encounter first-come, first-served campgrounds on public lands like BLM, national forests, and national and state park campgrounds.
Walk-up reservations
Walk-up reservations are a type of first come, first served reservation made in person at the campground. This type of reservation is typically best for those who are not sure when they will arrive at the campground as it allows for more flexibility.
Walk-up reservations and first-come, first served are often used interchangeably.
Advance reservations
Advance reservations are made online or by phone ahead of time. You can reserve almost all privately-owned RV parks and many public campgrounds in advance by contacting them directly or booking through a third party platform.
Not all campgrounds and RV parks are the same nor do all RVers camp the same way. We, for instance, prefer to stay where there are full hookups while others prefer to boondock also referred to as dispersed camping.
If you’re not sure what all that means, I recommend reading the following:
One of the best ways to find a campsite is to use the internet for a quick search of campgrounds in the desired area of travel. You may want to begin by national park campgrounds and work your way down by region.
Common campground locations include county, state/province, and national parks. These areas also tend to have private RV parks surrounding their borders. When choosing a campground, take note of details like water availability, bathroom accommodations, and whether the site is best suited for RVs or tents. Also, note any local rules and regulations.
Popular websites and apps to find and book campsites
There are many websites and apps to help you find and book campsites across the country. Here is a quick list of some of the most popular.
You’ll likely utilize one or more of the following as you travel more and more:
Outdoorsy is a platform where people can rent RVs from private parties. You can also list your own RV for rent whenever you’re not using it.
You can search by location, date, type of RV, and more.
How to make camping reservations
Now that you know the different types of camping reservations and how to find them, let’s review how to book them. Here are the steps involved in making camping reservations.
Choose an RV park or campground
To make camping reservations, you first need to choose a campground or RV park that suits your needs. You can search any of the above campground booking sites based on your preferences or contact the RV Park directly either on-line or by phone.
Check availability
Once you have selected an RV park or campground, check the availability of sites on your desired dates. This can typically be done through the same online tools used to find the campground.
Select a site
Once you have determined availability, select a campsite that meets your needs. Consider factors such as the size of your RV, the amenities you need, and the location of the site within the campground. Some RV parks assign sites based on availability upon arrival.
Make a reservation
Finally, you can make a reservation online, by phone, or in person. Be sure to provide all necessary information including your contact information, the size of your RV, and the dates you will be camping.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making camping reservations:
Know the difference between full hookups and partial hookup sites
When making camping reservations it’s important to understand the difference between full-hookup sites and partial-hookup sites.
Full-hookup sites provide access to electricity, water, and sewer. These sites are typically more expensive but provide more convenience and comfort.
Partial-hookup sites provide access to some, but not all, of the amenities. For example, a site may offer electricity and water hookups but not a sewer hookup. Partial-hookup sites are typically less expensive but may require more effort and planning to ensure you have access to the amenities you need.
To ensure you get the site and dates you want, it’s important to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible.
Be flexible
If your desired campground or site is already booked, be flexible and consider other options that may still meet your needs.
Check cancellation policies
Before making a reservation, be sure to check the cancellation policy in case you need to cancel or reschedule your trip.
Avoid peak seasons
To increase your chances of getting the site and dates you want, avoid booking during peak seasons when campgrounds are busiest. You’ll avoid the crowds that way, too.
What to do when you arrive at a campground or RV park
In many cases, you need to check in at the gate or the campground office when you arrive. However, that’s not always necessary. If you’ve booked a campsite in advance, you may be able to go directly to your campsite.
Simply follow the instructions the campground gives you when you book. You’ll likely receive an email confirmation that includes the check-in and check-out process as well as the campground policies.
Tips for when you arrive at the campground
Here are several tips and resources that’ll help you know what to do (and not to do) when you arrive at a campground.
Get a map of the campground in advance
It’s a good idea to screenshot or print a map of the campground so you can easily find your campsite. You’ll be happy you did if the office is closed or you don’t have cell service.
Try to arrive and set up during the day
Arriving during the day is ideal since you can ask any questions during camp office hours and set up more easily by daylight.
It’s considered bad camping etiquette to set up your RV site late at night. You don’t want to disturb campers who have settled in for the night.
If you arrive late at night, it’s best to park and wait to setup as much as possible until the next day. Granted, you’ll want to connect your power cord but but your sewer (and possibly your water) hose can wait until morning.
When staying at an RV campground, it’s important to be a good neighbor and follow campground rules and regulations. Here are some tips for practicing good RV campground etiquette:
Respect quiet hours
Most campgrounds and RV parks have designated quiet hours typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. It’s important to respect these hours and keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Dispose of waste and garbage properly
Properly disposing of waste and garbage is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy environment at the campground. Be sure to use designated dumping stations for sewage and dispose of trash in the appropriate receptacles.
Follow campground rules and regulations
Each campground has its own set of rules and regulations such as speed limits, pet policies, and fire restrictions. It’s important to read and follow these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Be a good neighbor
Being a good neighbor means being courteous, respectful, and considerate of others. Avoid making excessive noise, keep your site clean and tidy, and avoid encroaching on your neighbor’s space.
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Looking for a fascinating and fun RV road trip? Camp and taste your way along Bourbon Trail!
In the heart of central Kentucky—not far from its famed bluegrass country—is an area known as the Bourbon Trail, a confluence of numerous distilleries that produce the bulk of the world’s bourbon.
The distilleries are roughly in a circle between Lexington on the east and Louisville on the west with the town of Bardstown smack dab in the middle.
Formally designated by Congress as America’s Official Native Spirit, the bourbon distilleries offer tours and tastings and a perfect RV getaway.
The History of the Bourbon Trail and the Beam family
Kentucky Bourbon has a rich history and proud tradition that dates back to the late 1700s.
For more than two centuries, no family has influenced bourbon-making more deeply than the Beam family.
The tour of the Jim Beam distillery near Clermont offers an up-close look at how they make the world’s best-selling bourbon from grain to barrel to bottle and beyond.
Here, you learn that bourbon is unique among whiskeys because, by law, it must be at least 51 percent corn.
Why is it called Bourbon? One of Kentucky’s original counties was Bourbon County which was established in 1785 when Kentucky was still part of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Farmers shipped their whiskey in oak barrels stamped from Bourbon County down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. The long trip aged the whiskey with the oak wood giving it the distinct mellow flavor and amber color. Pretty soon, whiskey from Bourbon County grew in popularity and became known as Bourbon whiskey.
Allow at least three hours for the Beam tour which always ends in the tasting room where visitors can sample some of the 12 different brands the company makes.
But remember, the Beam operation is just one of many distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.
Your central campground on the Bourbon Trail: Bardstown
Recently designated by USA Today as America’s most beautiful small town, Bardstown is a great place to use as your RVing base while touring the Bourbon Trail.
It’s a delightful town, steeped in history. Abraham Lincoln walked its streets. So did Daniel Boone. Upstairs at the Old Talbott Inn, built in 1779, are bullet holes reportedly fired by Jesse James. Bardstown has museums and quaint shops.
Just outside of town, we used the My Old Kentucky Home State Park as our camping base, named after the famous Steven Foster song celebrating the mansion the state park is home to.
Just down the road from the State Park is the Heaven Hill Distillery. It, too, offers great tours and lots of history. Oh yeah, they have tastings, too.
It was founded by the Heavenhill family. One word. Heavenhill.
But rumor has it that when a teetotaler’s daughter saw a typo referring to the place as Heaven Hill—two words—she let the mistake stay so as to distance the family name from the whiskey business.
About a half-hour drive from Bardstown is the Makers Mark Dstillery. Situated on gorgeous grounds with Whiskey Creek running right through it and providing the pure water used in making of its bourbon, I was offered a tin cup sip straight out of a distilling tank before the product had aged.
My tongue burned.
At Maker’s Mark, visitors have the opportunity to hand dip a bottle themselves sealing it with the brand’s distinctive melted red wax.
Each distillery is unique. Each distillery has a story. Take Red Roses, for example. Seems its founder was smitten by a beautiful young lady.
He asked her to marry him. She refused to answer immediately but said, if the next time he saw her she was wearing a corsage, the answer was yes.
The next time he saw her she was wearing a corsage of four red roses. Thus a bourbon brand was born.
The Bardstown Brewing Company bills itself as the most sophisticated and technically flexible distillery in the nation. Touring this new distillery is very easy. Everything is in the open—all processes are done in open spaces behind clear glass.
This distillery makes private-label bourbons for a number of different brands including Jefferson’s, High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch, Calumet, James E. Pepper, and Cyrus Noble as well as its own in-house brand, Bardstown Brewing Co.
Can’t make the trip just yet? Check out a virtual tour. Over in Frankfort, the Buffalo Trace Distillery has put together an awesome app that features a virtual reality tour of its historic distillery.
But if you can visit the actual distillery, it’s well worth the trip. It sits on 400 acres of beautiful Kentucky countryside and is a National Historic Site.
They make many different brands here including the infamous Pappy Van Winkle, a brand that is aged from 10 to 23 years and is considered a rare, limited edition bourbon. It commands a very high price.
The folks who own the brand and bottle it at Buffalo Trace—the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery—sell a 15-year-old aged bottle for $119. The 20-year-old reserve is $199. The 23-year-old is $299.
By the way, there really was a namesake for the brand. His was is Julian Pappy Van Winkle who was a traveling whiskey salesman who wanted to make a decent bourbon so he started distilling his own over 100 years ago.
The business has been passed on through the generations to family members.
Even if you don’t drink alcohol or bourbon is not your thing, the bourbon trail is a fascinating look at history in some of the most beautiful country you can find.
If you decide to visit Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, allow at least a week to really take it all in.
