Tag: Hoover Dam

10 Amazing Places to RV in September 2026

September is made for RV travel. Discover 10 amazing places to visit this month, from New England’s fall foliage and Louisiana’s Cajun Coast to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 and Newport’s Wine & Food Festival.

Is not life a hundred times too short for us to bore ourselves?

—Friedrich Nietzsche

In his well-known book “Beyond Good and Evil” in which the above quote appears, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche explored the idea of morality in a changing society.

Nietzsche rejected what he perceived as false morals—values that benefitted the few while harming the majority. He pushed instead for applying free will to our lives and being honest about our motivations. To follow a predetermined set of rules, he argues, is often against our nature, and undercuts the joy of living.

Nietzsche’s words invite us to reevaluate our obligations, nudging us toward the things that excite and inspire us in life.

A September invitation to live a little

Life is too short to keep putting off the things that inspire us

And perhaps that is exactly what September travel is about. After the heat and crowds of summer, the road begins to open up again, offering cooler mornings, changing landscapes, festivals, wildlife, and places that invite us to slow down and stay awhile.

We don’t need another list of places we should visit; we need destinations that remind us why we travel in the first place. So, with Nietzsche’s challenge in mind, here are 10 places worth pointing the RV toward this September—not because you have to go but because life is too short to keep putting off the places that make you curious.

Why September?

When the road opens up again

September may be one of the best months of the year to point the RV toward somewhere new. Summer’s heat begins to loosen its grip, the crowds thin, and destinations from the East Coast to the Rockies begin their gradual transition toward fall. Just as important, September brings something that doesn’t appear on a weather chart: festivals, local events, harvest traditions, and other experiences that give us a reason to stop rather than simply pass through.

For RVers, that combination is hard to beat. The road is still wide open but the frantic pace of summer has begun to fade. And that makes September a perfect time to go looking for something a little different—places and experiences that remind us there is still plenty of life left to live.

Explore more monthly RV travel ideas

Planning an RV trip for another month? Check out my recommendations for the best places to travel in July and August or revisit my September 2025 and October 2025 recommendations for even more ideas for the road ahead.

Helen, Georgia, embraces its Bavarian heritage with alpine-style buildings nestled in the North Georgia mountains. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Helen’s Oktoberfest

Where Georgia goes Bavarian

Tucked into the North Georgia mountains, Helen looks like a small Bavarian village transplanted to the American South. Half-timbered buildings, German restaurants and shops, and the Chattahoochee River give the town a distinctive character. But each fall, Helen turns that Bavarian theme into one of the country’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations.

Helen’s Oktoberfest has been a tradition for more than 50 years, filling the town with German music, polka dancing, traditional food, and plenty of festive spirit. The 2026 celebration begins with a parade on September 12 and continues Thursday through Sunday throughout September. For RVers, September offers a particularly good combination: cooler mountain temperatures, fewer crowds than October’s daily festivities, and an opportunity to explore the surrounding North Georgia countryside.

RV tip

  • Reserve your campsite early, especially for weekends.
  • Consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
  • Leave time to explore Helen’s surrounding mountain roads, waterfalls, and scenery.
Fresh Louisiana shrimp—an essential taste of the Cajun Coast and a highlight of Morgan City’s annual celebration. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Taste the Cajun Coast

Where shrimp, oil, and Louisiana culture meet

Morgan City sits along the Atchafalaya River Basin where Louisiana’s seafood and oil industries have shaped the character of the community. Each September, the city celebrates that heritage with the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, now in its 91st year.

Held September 3–7, 2026, the five-day celebration combines Cajun culture with live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, three parades, fireworks on the river, and the moving Blessing of the Fleet. Historic events and Mass in the Park connect the celebration to the community and the industries that have sustained it. For RVers, it’s a chance to experience a side of Louisiana that goes well beyond the usual tourist destinations.

RV tip

  • Reserve your RV site early for festival weekend.
  • Allow time to explore the Atchafalaya region beyond Morgan City.
  • Come hungry. Seafood is part of the experience.
Historic Savannah, where moss-draped live oaks and graceful architecture create the unmistakable charm of Georgia’s oldest city. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Savannah, Georgia

Southern charm beneath a canopy of Spanish moss

Savannah’s historic streets, shaded squares, and Spanish-moss-draped live oaks make it one of the South’s most atmospheric cities. While September won’t bring colorful fall foliage, it does bring a welcome break from the worst of summer’s heat and humidity. It’s a good month to slow down and experience Savannah on foot, from its historic district to its riverfront and leafy neighborhoods.

Leave time for some of Savannah’s enduring favorites. Leopold’s Ice Cream has been serving its celebrated ice cream since 1919 and remains a local institution. September’s more forgiving weather also makes it easier to explore the city and surrounding Lowcountry without fighting summer’s crowds and heat.

RV tip

  • Stay at an RV park outside the historic district and use local transportation to explore downtown.
  • Start your sightseeing early while temperatures are cooler.
  • Save room for ice cream at Leopold’s.
Stowe Community Church framed by the brilliant colors of autumn, capturing the timeless charm of Vermont’s Green Mountains. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Stowe, Vermont

Where autumn begins to paint the mountains

Stowe sits at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, along Route 100, one of New England’s classic fall drives. September marks the beginning of Vermont’s celebrated leaf-peeping season while hiking, fishing, and paddling offer plenty of reasons to linger before winter arrives.

The changing foliage is the star attraction but Stowe has plenty to keep you busy between scenic drives. Hike to the aptly named Horrid Observation Site for sweeping views of the Champlain Valley, wander through Percy Farm Corn Maze, or visit the Trapp Family Lodge where Vermont meets an enduring piece of Austrian heritage.

RV tip

  • September is the beginning of leaf season, so reserve your campsite early.
  • Allow extra time for Route 100—you’ll want to stop often.
  • Check campground access and site length if traveling with a larger RV.
Woodstock, New York, a longtime artists’ community where bohemian character and Catskill charm meet. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Woodstock, New York

Where music history meets Catskill autumn

Woodstock may be forever associated with the legendary 1969 music festival but the festival actually took place about 1½ hours away in Bethel. Woodstock got the name anyway and over the decades the Catskills town has developed its own bohemian identity with galleries, independent shops, and a thriving arts scene.

September is also when the Catskills begin their transition toward fall with peak foliage generally arriving from late September into early October. That makes this a particularly rewarding destination for an RV road trip. Wander Tinker Street, Woodstock’s lively main street, then take to the surrounding roads as the mountains begin their annual display of color.

RV tip

  • Late September weekends can be busy, so reserve ahead.
  • Allow extra driving time for scenic Catskill roads.
  • Don’t confuse Woodstock with Bethel when planning your visit.
Sand sledding across the wind-sculpted dunes of Monahans Sandhills State Park in West Texas. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Monahans Sandhills State Park

Where Texas feels a little like the Sahara

Four thousand acres of wind-sculpted dunes make Monahans Sandhills State Park one of the most unexpected landscapes in Texas. The rolling sand is dotted with hardy Harvard oaks whose tiny above-ground growth hides root systems that can reach 90 feet deep. Visitors can explore the dunes, visit the interpretive center and museum, picnic, camp, or try the park’s most popular pastime—sand surfing.

September brings a welcome break from the worst of West Texas’ summer heat, making it a good time to experience this remarkable landscape. For RVers, the park also offers the chance to camp right in the midst of a landscape that feels far removed from the highways and towns of West Texas.

RV tip

  • Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the dunes offer little shade.
  • Check RV site availability and hookups before arriving.
  • Bring or rent a sand disk and try your hand at sand surfing.
Wild horses roam freely across the beaches and maritime forests of Cumberland Island National Seashore. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Wild horses, empty beaches, and a forgotten story

Cumberland Island National Seashore is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world where wild beaches, maritime forests, and free-ranging horses create a rare sense of wilderness. History adds another layer, most dramatically at the ruins of Dungeness, the Carnegies’ extravagant 59-room Queen Anne-style mansion. Its ruins tell a fascinating story of wealth, privilege, hardship, and sacrifice.

September is a good time to experience Cumberland Island as the intense summer heat begins to ease. The island is accessible only by ferry or private boat, so your RV becomes the comfortable basecamp on the mainland while you spend a day—or longer—exploring on foot or bicycle. Come for the solitude and scenery but stay for the stories.

RV tip

  • Reserve ferry tickets well in advance.
  • Leave the RV on the mainland; no private vehicles are allowed on the island.
  • Bring water, food, and comfortable walking shoes for a full day of exploration.
Hoover Dam towers above the Colorado River, a remarkable feat of engineering that transformed the Southwest. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Hoover Dam

Where human ambition meets the Colorado River

Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border, Hoover Dam remains one of America’s great engineering achievements. Completed in 1935 after five years of construction, the massive concrete dam tamed the Colorado River, providing water, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power while creating Lake Mead.

September is a good time to visit because the brutal summer heat of the Mojave begins to ease, making it more comfortable to explore the dam and surrounding landscape. For RVers, Hoover Dam also makes an interesting stop between destinations with spectacular views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the rugged desert surrounding them.

RV tip

  • Check current RV parking restrictions before arriving.
  • Visit early in the day to beat the heat and crowds.
  • Allow time for the scenic drive across the dam and surrounding viewpoints.
Driving Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 through a spectacular landscape of red-rock cliffs, high plateaus, and open desert. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

One road, a thousand reasons to stop

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is one of America’s great road trips, threading through a spectacular landscape of red-rock cliffs, high plateaus, forests, and wide-open desert. Connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef country, the route delivers extraordinary scenery mile after mile with small communities such as Boulder providing a glimpse of authentic rural Utah along the way.

September may be the perfect time to drive it. Summer’s heat is fading, the high country begins hinting at fall, and the cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring far more enjoyable. For RVers, the beauty is in slowing down—camp in a state park, pull off at a scenic overlook, and let the road dictate the pace rather than rushing to the next destination.

RV tip

  • Allow at least two or three days rather than treating Byway 12 as a drive-through.
  • Check road grades, weather, and RV restrictions before traveling.
  • Reserve popular campgrounds ahead, especially in September.
Newport’s Cliff Walk follows the rocky shoreline, blending sweeping Atlantic views with the grandeur of Gilded Age mansions. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Gilded Age grandeur meets coastal New England

Newport, Rhode Island, is famous for its spectacular Gilded Age mansions where families such as the Vanderbilts once displayed extraordinary wealth. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms offer a glimpse into that lavish era, while the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk adds a completely different experience with sweeping views of the Atlantic.

The 21st Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, September 18–20, 2026, adds another reason to visit. Renowned chefs, wine tastings, live music, and entertainment turn a September weekend in Newport into a celebration of food and history. Cooler temperatures also make September an excellent time to explore the mansions, waterfront, and surrounding coastal roads.

RV tip

  • Reserve an RV site well ahead for festival weekend.
  • Plan your mansion visits in advance; you won’t see them all in one day.
  • Allow time for the Cliff Walk and Newport’s historic waterfront.

The road ahead

September reminds us to savor the journey

There is a certain magic in the air as August turns into September.

The season begins to ripen. Fruit trees grow heavy with red apples, leaves turn golden, and fields yield pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and peppers. Grape vines hang heavy with clusters of newly turned black and golden grapes. Everywhere, nature seems to be reminding us that change can be beautiful.

Perhaps that’s why September is such a wonderful month to travel. The road is still open, the days are comfortable, and there is always something new waiting around the next bend.

Enjoy your days and love your life, because life is a journey to be savored.

Grab the keys and let’s go RVing.

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Editor’s note

This article was originally published in August 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.

To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.

Add a Bit of Pop Culture to Your Next Road Trip

Explore America’s iconic landscapes through the lens of movies, music, and classic moments on screen

The great American road trip has long been immortalized on film and in song—a celebration of freedom, discovery, and the open road. From Easy Rider’s counterculture quest to National Lampoon’s Vacation’s comedic chaos, pop culture has shaped how we dream of travel. Behind the wheel of your RV, you’re not just visiting national parks or roadside attractions—you’re rolling through movie sets, music history, and the backdrop of countless stories that define American adventure.

From the monumental drama of Mount Rushmore to the desert mystique of Joshua Tree these landscapes are more than beautiful—they’re cinematic icons. Whether you’re chasing film history, snapping selfies where legends once stood, or simply inspired by the songs that made these places famous your next RV journey can feel like a movie in motion.

So fire up your play list, cue your favorite travel film, and get ready to explore the real-life settings where pop culture meets the open road.

Mount Rushmore © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Mount Rushmore: Carved in stone and in cinema

A monumental landmark and a cinematic symbol

Few landmarks carry the same cinematic weight as Mount Rushmore. Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) turned the monument into one of the most suspenseful chase scenes ever filmed with Cary Grant clinging to the faces of America’s presidents. More recently, National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) reimagined it as a hiding place for lost relics and secret chambers. The monument has since become shorthand for patriotism and grandeur—its likeness featured in everything from cartoons to comic books.

  • Why RVers will love it: The surrounding Black Hills are rich with history and scenery. Explore nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park all within easy driving distance. Stay at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch (with shuttle service to the monument) or Heartland RV Park & Cabins in Hill City both offering full hookups, Wi-Fi, and easy access to scenic drives.
Grand Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Grand Canyon: The Star of the southwest

Not only a breathtaking natural landmark but also a powerful cinematic icon

The Grand Canyon’s sheer scale and color make it irresistible to filmmakers. Thelma & Louise drove into legend here (though filmed at nearby Dead Horse Point), Clark Griswold stopped for a famously brief look in National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Transformers used its vastness for an epic alien showdown. The canyon has even inspired animation—its ridgelines and colors shaped the world of Pixar’s Cars and Up.

  • Why RVers will love it: Take the Desert View Drive or the Hermit Road Shuttle Route for breathtaking vistas. For overnight stays, the Trailer Village RV Campground inside the park offers full hookups and shuttle access to rim viewpoints. Outside the park, Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan provides spacious sites, laundry, and easy access to visitor centers, IMAX, and restaurants.
Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Arches National Park: Red rock, big screen

Arches’s unique landscape offers filmmakers visually striking, otherworldly backdrops 

The surreal sandstone formations of Arches have stood in for alien worlds, Old West trails, and desert hideouts. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade opens with young Indy’s chase through nearby arches, Thelma & Louise used its scenery for iconic driving shots, and Star Trek fans might recognize the red landscape from numerous desert planet scenes. The park’s 2,000 natural arches glowing at sunrise and sunset make it one of the most photographed places in America.

  • Why RVers will love it: Moab caters to travelers of all kinds. Enjoy restaurants, outfitters, and scenic drives through Arches and Canyonlands. Stay at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, Slickrock Campground, or Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground—each offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and easy park access. Don’t miss the stargazing—Arches is an official International Dark Sky Park.
Dead Horse Point State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Dead Horse Point State Park: A cliffhanger classic

A cinematic favorite for filmmakers seeking to capture epic natural backdrops

Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point provided the jaw-dropping finale for Thelma & Louise’s “drive into the sunset.” The park’s sweeping canyons have since appeared in commercials, Westerns, and mountain bike films earning it a cult following among cinematographers. The views stretch across Canyonlands National Park especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset when the canyon walls glow deep red.

  • Why RVers will love it: Kayenta Campground inside the park offers 21 electric sites and dark-sky stargazing from your doorstep. For more amenities, stay nearby in Moab and drive up for day visits and photo ops. Hiking trails and overlooks are well-marked and perfect for sunrise photography.
Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Hoover Dam: Engineering marvel, movie icon

An engineering marvel & a popular movie icon

Few man-made structures have captured filmmakers’ imaginations like Hoover Dam. Featured in Transformers, San Andreas, Into the Wild, and Vegas Vacation it has symbolized human ambition and ingenuity for nearly a century. Its Art Deco design and towering face make it an unforgettable stop for travelers tracing movie history—or America’s engineering triumphs.

  • Why RVers will love it: Just minutes from Las Vegas, the dam offers guided tours that descend deep into its tunnels and power plant. Park your rig in Boulder City, a tidy, retro town built for the dam’s workers and stay at Lake Mead RV Village or Boulder Oaks RV Resort. The nearby Historic Railroad Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Mead and the dam itself.
White Sands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. White Sands National Park: Dunes and dreamscapes

A unique and evocative location for film productions across genres

This sea of shining white gypsum dunes in southern New Mexico looks like another planet—so it’s no surprise filmmakers love it. Scenes from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and test footage for Star Wars: A New Hope was filmed here. The park’s dazzling dunes and surreal silence create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both alien and familiar.

  • Why RVers will love it: Explore the Dune Drive loop and bring a sled for a bit of fun. Stay nearby in Alamogordo at White Sands RV Community or Boot Hill RV Resort both offering big-rig-friendly sites, full hookups, and desert views. The park’s sunset glow is a must-see—and on full moon nights ranger-led hikes offer a cinematic experience of their own.
Petrified Forest National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Petrified Forest National Park: The Painted Desert on film

The park’s unique palette of colorful badlands and petrified wood creates an evocative cinematic backdrop

A landscape frozen in time, the Petrified Forest has appeared in travel films, documentaries, and Route 66 retrospectives. The colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, fossilized logs, and vintage Route 66 relics (including a rusted 1932 Studebaker) make this park a time capsule of classic Americana. While not a major film set, its atmosphere embodies the backdrop of midcentury road-trip culture celebrated in films like Cars and Easy Rider.

  • Why RVers will love it: Drive the park’s 28-mile scenic road with overlooks, trails, and petroglyphs. Overnight RV camping isn’t allowed inside the park but Holbrook, Winslow, and Gallup offer full-service RV parks like OK RV Park and Root 66 RV Park both steeped in Route 66 nostalgia.
Joshua Tree National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Joshua Tree National Park: Music, movies, and mystique

A lasting icon in American creative media

Equal parts wild and spiritual, Joshua Tree’s desert wonderland has starred in countless films and music videos. Its eerie rock formations, tangled yucca trees, and endless skies have appeared in Seven Psychopaths, Queen of the Damned, and Joshua Tree (1993). It’s also inspired generations of musicians—most famously U2, whose 1987 album The Joshua Tree made the park a symbol of desert solitude and transcendence.

  • Why RVers will love it: The park’s wide-open spaces are perfect for RV travelers seeking quiet and starlight. Stay at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground (home to the Joshua Tree Music Festival) or Twentynine Palms RV Resort for full hookups, shade, and pool access. The nearby towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley buzz with live music, vintage shops, and galleries.
New River Gorge National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. New River Gorge: East coast epic with screen credit

A compelling backdrop for films spanning genres like action, drama, and romance

On the other side of the country, West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve brings rugged adventure and cinematic drama to the Appalachian Mountains. The park’s soaring bridge and roaring whitewater have attracted both filmmakers and thrill-seekers. Scenes from Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004) were filmed in nearby Fayetteville and the gorge continues to star in documentaries and outdoor adventure films.

  • Why RVers will love it: Whether you’re rafting Class V rapids, hiking cliffside trails, or watching BASE jumpers on Bridge Day this park delivers high-stakes drama worthy of the big screen. Stay at Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort, or New River Gorge Campground—all with stellar views and amenities for RV travelers.
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Pop culture stops beyond the screen

The magic of storytelling meets real-world exploration and fandom

Add musical rhythm and roadside nostalgia to your route. Visit Graceland in Memphis, tour Nashville’s Broadway honky-tonks, or swing through Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to honor America’s greatest hits. Along Route 66, stop for photos at the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, or the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona—each a slice of pop culture Americana preserved in neon and chrome.

  • Fun Idea: Create a “Pop Culture Road Trip Bingo” card—mark off every filming location, roadside oddity, and song lyric spot you encounter.

Similar reads

For readers interested in further exploring iconic filming locations and pop culture destinations beyond the screen

Road-trip must-sees: Pop culture highlights

1. Mount Rushmore: Carved in stone and in cinema

  • Movie highlights: North by Northwest, National Treasure: Book of Secrets
  • Why visit: Scenic drives, wildlife, caves, and Black Hills history
  • RV tip: Stay at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch or Heartland RV Park & Cabins (Hill City)

2. Grand Canyon: The star of the southwest

  • Movie highlights: Thelma & Louise, Transformers, Into the Wild
  • Why visit: Epic cliffs, golden sunsets, cinematic vistas
  • RV Tip: Trailer Village RV Campground (inside park, full hookups) or base in Tusayan

3. Arches National Park: Red rock, big screen

  • Movie highlights: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Mission: Impossible II, 127 Hours
  • Why visit: 2,000 sandstone arches, dramatic desert skies
  • RV tip: Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, Slickrock Campground, or Moab Valley RV Resort

4. Dead Horse Point State Park: A cliffhanger classic

  • Movie highlights: Thelma & Louise (the finale)
  • Why visit: Panoramic views of the Colorado River
  • RV tip: Kayenta Campground — electric hookups and canyon views

5. Hoover Dam: Monument of power and film

  • Movie highlights: Transformers, Superman (1978), Fools Rush In
  • Why visit: Massive Art Deco design, engineering marvel
  • RV tip: Boulder Beach Campground (Lake Mead)

6. White Sands National Park: Lunar landscapes & sci-fi legends

  • Movie highlights: Transformers, The Man Who Fell to Earth, Young Guns II
  • Why visit: Endless white gypsum dunes, otherworldly vistas
  • RV tip: Oliver Lee Memorial State Park or White Sands RV Community. Surf the dunes and watch the sunset glow.

7. Petrified Forest National Park: Timeless beauty on Route 66

  • Movie highlights: Documentaries, Route 66 travel features
  • Why visit: Rainbow badlands, fossilized logs, classic Americana
  • RV tip: Scenic 28-mile drive. Camp in Holbrook at OK RV Park or Root 66 RV Park

8. Joshua Tree National Park: Rock legends & road movies

  • Movie highlights: Seven Psychopaths, music videos
  • Why visit: Twisted yuccas, boulder formations, iconic desert scenery
  • RV Tip: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground or Twentynine Palms RV Resort

9. New River Gorge: East Coast epic with screen cred

  • Movie highlights: Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, adventure documentaries
  • Why visit: Soaring bridge, whitewater rafting, rock climbing
  • RV tip: Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort, New River Gorge Campground. Check out Bridge Day in October.

10. Pop Culture Stops Beyond the Screen

  • Music landmarks: Graceland (Memphis), Broadway (Nashville), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
  • Quirky roadside stops: Cadillac Ranch (TX), Blue Whale (OK), Wigwam Motel (AZ)
  • Fun idea: Make a “Pop Culture Road Trip Bingo” card

Where to Stay: Campgrounds & RV parks

  • South Dakota: Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, Heartland RV Park (Hill City)
  • Arizona: Trailer Village RV Campground (Grand Canyon), OK RV Park (Holbrook)
  • Utah: Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, Slickrock Campground (Moab), Kayenta Campground (Dead Horse Point)
  • Nevada/Arizona: Boulder Beach Campground (Lake Mead)
  • New Mexico: Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, White Sands RV Community (Alamogordo)
  • California: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, Twentynine Palms RV Resort
  • West Virginia: Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort, New River Gorge Campground

Closing thought

Every RV adventure tells a story—but when you layer in pop culture, you’re rolling through America’s imagination as well as its geography. From Rushmore’s granite gaze to the moonlit dunes of White Sands, these landscapes connect travelers to the stories, songs, and screen moments that continue to define the American dream. So pack your camera, set your soundtrack, and make your own cinematic memory—one mile at a time.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Worth Pondering…

I think cinema, movies, and magic have always been associated. The very earliest people who made film were magicians.

—Francis Ford Coppola

10 Amazing Places to RV in September 2025

If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in September

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.

—Aristotle

Aristotle spent much of his life observing the world closely from the stars in the sky to many creatures of land and sea. These words come from his biological writings wherein he argued that even the most innocuous parts of the natural world—such as bugs, leaves, and dirt—reveal something beautiful when we look closely. Nature doesn’t work by accident; everything has a purpose and even the smallest parts contribute to the larger whole.

More than 2,000 years later, the ancient Greek philosopher’s sentiment still rings true: Grandiosity isn’t required for something to be awe-inspiring. Sometimes, life’s greatest marvels are found in the simple things.

Grandiosity often conjures images of towering mountains or sprawling cities but the quiet allure of RV travel reveals awe in life’s simpler moments. Picture the open road stretching ahead where each mile unfurls new landscapes—rolling hills, quiet forests, or a starlit desert sky. In the unhurried rhythm of RV life, the marvel lies not in chasing monumental destinations but in savoring the journey itself: a roadside diner’s warmth, the crackle of a campfire, or the fleeting connection with a fellow traveler. This understated freedom transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary proving that wonder thrives in the humble act of moving through the world at your own pace.

When the summer ends and temperatures begin to cool, September becomes a great month to travel. Not only does it have plenty to offer with scenic road trips but traveling in September also means better prices, smaller crowds, and events unique to this time of year. With so many options available, I’ll help you discover the best places to travel in September.

September is the start of shoulder season meaning milder temperatures and a more comfortable time for sightseeing. Destinations from the East Coast to the Rockies also get ready for fall with gorgeous landscapes and fewer crowds.

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, you can find many festivals and major cultural, film, and food events throughout September. Whether you’re into movies, food, fashion, or folklore, September travel helps you pair sightseeing with authentic experiences you won’t find at other times of the year.

September offers the perfect balance: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and enough daylight for exploring. National parks like Zion offer hiking and wildlife-spotting.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in July and August. Also check out my recommendations from September 2024 and October 2024.

Lake Powell © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Page, Arizona

Page is a dream destination for lovers of water, rock, and sky. Located near the Utah border, Page is the jumping-off point for some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Southwest. Just minutes from downtown, Horseshoe Bend provides jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River from a sheer sandstone cliff. The area is especially magical at sunset when the light turns the rock a deep copper.

Just as close is Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon carved over millennia into flowing, narrow passageways that are perfect for photographers and explorers alike.

Page also provides easy access to Lake Powell, a massive reservoir where visitors can kayak, swim, boat, or just lounge by the shoreline surrounded by red rock buttes. Wahweap Overlook offers expansive views across the lake and the surrounding desert. With its mix of water recreation, dramatic geology, and striking vistas, Page is an essential stop for anyone who wants to experience Arizona’s most iconic natural wonders up close.

2. Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway

Alabama Gulf Coast © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Alabama is one of the most underrated beach states in the U.S. and its Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway celebrates the state’s 50 miles of Gulf Beach and nearly 70 miles of bay beaches. From Daphne, the scenic byway heads south until it hits its barrier island, Dauphin Island and then follows the coast west. The route then turns north and eventually finishes in Mobile County, at a small community called Grand Bay.

This road trip is a great way to explore Alabama’s beaches but take time to find the beauty in its sand dunes and marshlands, too. The state has more than 12,000 acres of protected lands where travelers can enjoy bird-watching and hiking: the Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf State Park to name a few.

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Hoover Dam

Sitting on the border of Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is an iconic landmark and a marvel of engineering in the U.S. Construction of the dam along the Colorado River was completed in 1935 and it was named after Herbert Hoover who was involved in the project. The dam’s purpose was irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and providing water to Southern California.

Construction of the dam proved to be quite challenging. Before it could be built, the Colorado River had to be rerouted and canyon walls had to be blasted with dynamite. Over the course of 5 years and the labor of around 21,000 workers, the dam was finished. Today, it remains an awe-inspiring man-made wonder that created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S.

Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of those incredibly popular parks that you need to see at least once. The pretty cream, pink, and red canyon has been slowly carved by the Virgin River over the course of millions of years. Zion is perfect for hikers of all skill levels offering everything from small paved hikes to adrenaline-rushers like Observation Point, the Narrows, and Angel’s Landing (the park’s most famous hike). 

I highly recommend exploring the otherworldly slot canyons during your time here. Taking a kayak river trip is a great use of time as well. You’ll find a handful of RV campgrounds in and around Zion National Park but since this too is a wildly popular destination be sure to make your reservations well ahead of time.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration in Macon

Celebrate the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans at the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park September 13-14, 2025. This free family friendly event will feature traditional dance, cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music, and dance. Native American arts and crafts vendors will be selling crafts and food.

The celebration honors the Muscogee people who consider Ocmulgee Mounds their ancestral homeland. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, this homecoming event brings together various Native American tribes, blending both traditional and contemporary elements to celebrate the beauty and vital contributions of Native Peoples to Georgia and the Southeast.

Visitors will also have the chance to rediscover Ocmulgee Mounds, the Earth Lodge, the Visitor Center Museum, trails, and the park’s natural beauty.

Stephen Foster State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Okefenokee Swamp campground re-opens

If you love wildlife and water, here is great news! Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anglers can once again camp at Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, Georgia. Serving as the western entrance to the beloved and mysterious Okefenokee Swamp, this remote park offers 52 campsites including 19 with full hook-ups and three ADA sites with easy access to comfort stations.

During the day, visitors can take guided boat tours, go fishing, or rent a kayak to look for alligators and other creatures that call this enormous wetland home. At night, listen for owls, watch bats soar overhead, and admire some of the darkest skies in the U.S. Stephen C. Foster State Park continues to upgrade its facilities including cottage renovations which are currently underway.

Vogel State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Vogel State Park

Did you know one of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved state parks sits at the base of Blood Mountain?

Vogel State Park has been making family memories since the 1930s. The 22-acre Lake Trahlyta sits like a mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains.

Swimming here in summer feels like you’ve found your own private mountain oasis. The beach area has enough sand to build castles without fighting for space like at crowded beaches. Renting a pedal boat and cruising around the lake is old-fashioned fun that never gets old.

The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail gives you a workout and rewards you with an overlook of the park.

Fall is the superstar season here when the mountains burst into a riot of reds, oranges, and golds. The drive to the park along Wolf Pen Gap Road becomes a tunnel of color.

The park’s CCC-built cottages have that rustic charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Those young men knew how to build things to last!

Miniature golf, hiking, fishing, and relaxing—Vogel has all the ingredients for a perfect getaway. The campground fills up fast in summer and fall, so book early or risk disappointment.

Scenic Byway 12 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 connects five national parks and monuments offering more geological eye candy per mile than anywhere else in America. The route passes through some of the most stunning red rock country on Earth and camping in Utah state parks costs just $20-25 per night. Many campgrounds offer views that would cost $500 per night at luxury resorts.

The small towns along the route like Boulder, Utah (population 226) offer authentic western experiences without the tourist markup. Local cafes serve massive portions for under $12, and many offer box lunches perfect for all-day hiking adventures. The route includes free access to incredible viewpoints like the Dixie National Forest overlooks and countless pullouts where the views are as good as any paid attraction.

Badlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Wall to Wall

The small town of Wall serves as the gateway to Badlands National Park, a surreal landscape of eroded cliffs, colorful buttes, and sprawling prairie grasslands. From there, the 39‑mile Badlands Loop Scenic Byway winds through some of the park’s most dramatic scenery. The round trip to and from Wall takes about 1.5 to 2 hours but it’s worth allowing extra time to stop and explore.

Stop at Big Badlands. Overlook for a sweeping view of the striped rock formations then stroll along the Window Trail, an easy boardwalk leading to a natural “window” framing the rugged landscape beyond. Keep an eye out for prairie dogs and if luck is on your side you might spot bighorn sheep scaling the cliffs. The park is also rich in fossils preserving the remains of ancient mammals that once roamed the land.

After completing the loop, drive back to Wall and stop into Wall Drug, a famous roadside attraction offering 5-cent coffee, freshly-made donuts, and quirky photo ops to make your South Dakota road trip even more memorable.

Colonial Williamsburg © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Williamsburg

History buffs will adore Williamsburg, Virginia and if they happen to be beginner RVers they might just love it even more. This little town is so full of historical sites and attractions that one could easily spend a week here and still not see it all. On top of that, Williamsburg is relatively easy to navigate and offers all of the amenities RVers need for a comfortable stay. 

The Colonial Williamsburg Living History Museum is there, as are counterparts like Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and Yorktown Battlefield. All of them are fascinating and well worth seeing. 

Of course, you’ll also appreciate that the abundance of nearby campgrounds makes it easy to stay in the area. Nearby Machicomoco State Park features 27 campsites many with electric and water hookups. You’ll appreciate that sites are so well spaced making it easier for first-timers to back in. 

Worth Pondering…

There is magic in the air as August turns into September.

There is a ripening of the season as fruit trees grow heavy with red apples; leaves turn golden to reveal a harvest of pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and peppers in the field; and grape vines hang heavy with clusters of newly turned black and golden grapes.

Enjoy your days and love your life, because life is a journey to be savored.

Grab the keys and let’s go RVing

10 Amazing Places to RV in June 2025

If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in June

When you run into something interesting, drop everything else and study it.

—B.F. Skinner

In a 1956 issue of the medical journal The American Psychologist, Harvard professor and psychologist B. F. Skinner published an article in which he takes an alternate look at the scientific method. Instead of focusing on one subject in a formal setting, Skinner suggests taking things moment by moment and following whims to reach the best results.

This approach can work wonders in everyday life as well. Following where our passions and curiosity may lead can open up a world of creativity and inspiration. We may even discover something completely new and fascinating just by breaking free of routine.

June is a popular month for RV travel as it offers warm or hot weather throughout the United States and Canada making it ideal for camping and outdoor activities. The month also marks the beginning of summer solstice travel which has the longest period of daylight allowing more time to enjoy a vacation.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in April and May. Also check out my recommendations from June 2024 and July 2024.

Wells Gray Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Wells Gray Park

Located within the Thompson Nicola region of British Columbia, Wells Gray Park is known as Canada’s waterfall park. This park is home to 41 named waterfalls and almost half of them are just minutes from the main road through the park, Clearwater Valley Road.

Helmcken Falls is perhaps the most popular. With a spectacular 463-foot drop, this waterfall is breathtaking. It’s also the fourth-tallest waterfall in Canada. For an up-close and personal look, the Helmcken Falls Rim Trail (5 miles) follows the Murtle River until it plunges over the falls, giving you a birds-eye view.

Wells Gray Park has two vehicle-accessible campgrounds with a total of 116 unserviced campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation up to four months in advance.

2. Louisiana Peach Festival

Discover the homegrown flavors, art, music, and culture of Ruston, Louisiana, at the 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival, June 7, 2025. This festival features 12+ hours of live music, a curated arts market, food vendors, kids’ activities, and more peachy fun in the heart of charming Downtown Ruston. The festival is free admission for the entire day including the evening concert.

The Louisiana Peach Festival is a long-standing Ruston tradition dating back to 1951. The event was originally created by area peach farmers to promote their industry throughout the region and has since become one of the longest-running agricultural festivals in Louisiana. Over the years, the Peach Festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish and pumped millions back into the local economy.

Mesa Verde National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Mesa Verde National Park

After living atop the mesas for 600 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people moved their homes to the mesa walls and became cliff dwellers. They kept their crops and fields atop the mesa but lowered their harvest down to food storage rooms. There, they dwelled for another hundred years before beginning their migration further south. Descendants teach their children that their ancestors only inhabited such areas for a time before journeying on as their deity bid.

Today, Mesa Verde National Park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 tribes and offers visitors a mind-perplexing glimpse into the lives of those who once lived here. You’ll also find guided and self-guided tours, hiking trails, camping, an evening program, stargazing, bird watching, and seasonal events.

Bourbon Country © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. National Bourbon Week

National Bourbon Week is an annual event celebrating bourbon in Bardstown, Kentucky. The 2025 edition will take place from June 10-15 featuring world-class distilleries, exclusive tastings, and unique educational experiences.

During National Bourbon Week, attendees can expect a variety of activities such as bottle releases, pop-up distillery events, food and drink specials at downtown restaurants and bars, and extended shopping hours. This event will also include the release party for the 2024 Bardstown Collection, a unique collaboration between seven Bardstown-area distilleries.

With Bardstown home to some of the most iconic distilleries, National Bourbon Week is more than just a festival—it’s a tribute to the past, present, and future of bourbon.

Badlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Badlands National Park

June brings warm but not oppressive temperatures ideal for hiking and fossil hunting in the Badlands National Park. The park’s layered rock formations are striking under the summer sun and you’ll find this park to be less crowded than some of the others.

During the month of June, you’ll miss some of the crowds that tend to make their way once school gets out. July and August are the busiest months of the year so visiting in June will help you miss some of the crowds.

Wine tasting in Old Town Cottonwood © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Cottonwood

Cottonwood is an ideal base for exploring central Arizona’s diverse and colorful landscapes. Situated along the Verde River and surrounded by high desert plateaus, this vibrant small town offers both riverside relaxation and quick access to dramatic red rock formations.

One of the highlights is Dead Horse Ranch State Park where lagoons and tree-lined trails invite kayaking, birdwatching, and camping. The Verde River itself is one of the few flowing rivers in Arizona, perfect for tubing or scenic paddles with views of cottonwoods and desert cliffs.

Nearby, Tuzigoot National Monument offers a fascinating look at ancient Sinagua ruins nestled in the hills.

Cottonwood is also known for its local vineyards and walkable historic downtown making it a great place to unwind after a day outdoors.

Whether visiting Cottonwood to hike, float, or sip wine with a view, Cottonwood blends nature and culture in a laid-back, scenic setting.

Francis Beider Forest © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest

The National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp, South Carolina, contains within its 17,500 acres the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. 1,000-year-old trees and native wildlife abound in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for millennia.

A 1.75-mile self-guiding boardwalk trail allows visitors the chance to safely venture deep into the heart of the swamp to experience the peace and serenity that have characterized the area for centuries, to hear the sounds of bird and bug and breeze that have echoed through the trees for ages, to take a relaxing and informative walk back into time, and to see a swamp the way nature intended them to be.

Early in the day there are fewer visitors and wildlife sighting is at its best. Naturalist-guided boardwalk tours, bird walks, canoe and kayak tours, and night walks are available in season and by reservation

Note: There is no camping at Francis Beidler Forest although there are sites at Givhans Ferry State Park.

Luling © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Sow the seeds of summer

Luling will serve up a juicy slice of summer during its annual Watermelon Thump the last full weekend in June (72nd annual, June 26-29, 2025). Held since 1954, the festival draws an estimated 30,000 visitors to the small town for a range of activities including live music, a parade, car rally, carnival rides, and of course, watermelons—topped off with a seed-spitting contest.

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Hoover Dam

An engineering marvel, the Hoover Dam tamed the mighty Colorado River to provide much-needed water supplies and hydroelectric power for the parched southwest creating Lake Mead in the process. Rising 726 feet above the canyon floor, five million barrels of cement, 45 million pounds of reinforced steel, and more than 20,000 workers were involved in the dam’s creation.

Today, the iconic art-deco-influenced structure continues to provide a spectacular contrast to the stark landscape with tours starting from the visitor center.

Moki Dugway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Trail of the Ancients and the Moki Dugway

The Trail of the Ancients which traverses Colorado and Utah is America’s only national scenic byway dedicated solely to archaeology and will take you to some of the most famous sights in the country including Four Corners, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde National Park (see above).

You could make this 480-mile drive straight through in one long day but following a six-day itinerary allows you to truly experience the Native American history along the route. The Trail of Ancients is paved save for a harrowing three-mile, switchback-laden stretch known as the Moki Dugway as it descends to the Valley of the Gods offering unrivaled panoramic views of this otherworldly landscape.

Worth Pondering…

It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, when pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.

—Nathaniel Parker Willis

The Complete Guide to Boulder City, Nevada

Dubbed one of the most gorgeous desert towns in Nevada, Boulder City blends history, art, hearty cuisine, scenic views, and a strong community spirit. You’re in for a relaxing and enriching experience 30 minutes away from bustling Las Vegas.

Dubbed the Silver State, the western US state of Nevada is reputed for its affordable vacation spots, mining history, world-class casinos and nightlife, stunning parks, and desert terrain.

Las Vegas and Reno are its most famous tourist traps but the state is also home to a car forest that is even weirder than Area 51 as well as the stunning Valley of Fire State Park.

Speaking of Nevada’s hidden gems, there is a place in Clark County called Boulder City that is located only 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

Here’s all you need to know about this relatively overlooked desert destination including its main attractions, hiking trails, best time to visit, eating venues, and where to camp with your RV.

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Boulder City is Nevada’s hidden gem

This peaceful, manicured city is only 30 minutes from Las Vegas

Not to be confused with Boulder which is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Boulder City, Nevada was founded in 1931 to provide housing for the builders of the Hoover Dam.

Considered one of the most impressive dams in the US, the latter, its original construction tunnels and elevator, and its power plant can all be visited via guided tour (5:00 am to 9:00 pm; $15-$30).

This charming desert city was incorporated in 1960 and has blossomed into one of the country’s most peaceful and safest culinary and artistic communities boasting terracotta-roofed homes, art galleries, hundreds of historical buildings and structures, dozens of murals and sculptures, specialty boutiques and museums, eclectic restaurants and brunch cafés, and a wide array of exciting annual events.

Note: Unlike its neighbors, Boulder City is officially gambling-free.

  • Area: 208.30 sq mi
  • Elevation: 2,510 feet
  • Population: 14,771 (2025)
  • Popular events: Artists in Action: Show & Sale, Best Dam Barbecue Challenge, Art in the Park, Beerfest, Dam Short Film Festival

Tip: Book a stay at the Boulder Dam Hotel which was built in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It welcomed celebrities like Bette Davis, Howard Hughes, and Shirley Temple.

Explore family fun in Boulder City

Boulder City offers a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the year

Boulder City in sprimg © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Must-see attractions

Everyone in the family has different tastes in what constitutes fun but Boulder City has a variety of activities the whole crew can enjoy. Start out with a visit to Boulder Bowl, Boulder City’s historic bowling alley. Established in 1947, these lanes offer timeless fun, perfect for the whole family.

Next, scare up some fun and head over to Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. The monstrous gallery is dedicated to the art and history of special makeup effects and includes new exhibits and movie monster characters throughout movie history. 

Look no further than Sherman’s House of Antiques to shop for classic antiques at an affordable price including vintage clothing, jewelry, antique furniture, and more. 

Bet you didn’t know the historical city is also home of the history-making Fisher Space Pen Factory, the pen made famous by being the official pen of NASA manned space missions? You can visit the retail storefront and buy the same type of pen from the Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Visit Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery which features pieces from local Southern Nevada artists.  

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

Adventure awaits

The ideal outdoor adventure in Boulder City begins in the water. No matter what kind of marine recreation you enjoy from fishing and riding personal watercrafts to kayaking and swimming, Boulder City offers endless outdoor fun. Take a family swim in the refreshing water from one of the sandy beaches at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (see below). Kick up the fun a notch and rent a watercraft or a kayak from Desert Adventures or Vegas Glass Kayaks or feed your need for speed with a sport boat, watercraft, water skis or tube from Las Vegas Boat Harbor.

After you dry off, take a family bike ride around the lake. The Historic Railroad Trail (see below) is an easy, 7.5-mile roundtrip trail in the lakeshore area along a former railroad tunnel with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin area. If everyone is up for a longer ride, try the River Mountains Loop Trail (see below). The 34-mile trail surrounds the River Mountains with multiple access points across Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Henderson, and Boulder City.

After all that exertion, take the family to one of the beautiful parks across Boulder City for some relaxation and gorgeous views. You may come across a special event happening at Bicentennial, Wilbur Square, or Frank T. Crowe memorial parks. Take a swing at Boulder Creek Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 course created for golfers of all levels to enjoy.  

Get lost in history

Looking to get in touch with history? Dive into Boulder City’s rich heritage at Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum where visitors can get up close and personal with the modern marvel’s rich past. Experience the Boulder Canyon Project’s story as it was experienced by the men and women who lived in the Southern Nevada desert to build the Hoover Dam.

Finish out by taking advantage of Boulder City’s Public Artscape. This unique art crawl displays more than 30 eclectic sculptures nestled in-between the natural beauty of Boulder City. There’s nothing more breathtaking than wandering down Main Street at the peak golden hour and feasting your eyes on the one-of-a-kind sculptures and street art. 

Outdoor recreation in Boulder City

This area of Nevada attracts hikers, cyclists, kayakers, and golfers

Boulder City is a lakeside desert town offering eclectic outdoor fun from recreational parks to golf courses, picnic areas, and trails.

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

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

1.5 Million acres of recreation

There’s fun for everyone at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Its huge lakes satisfy the likes of boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, wakeboarders, jet skiers, and fishermen. The Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran deserts all meet in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area making the area ripe with adventure for hikers, photographers, and sightseers. You may just spot a plant or animal species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Wildlife sightings at Lake Mead National Rrecreation Area include desert tortoise, desert iguana, long-tailed brush lizard, peregrine falcon, American bald eagle, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lion, and 19 different species of bats.

A Historic Railroad Trail (see below) provides views of Lake Mead. Hikers travel through five large tunnels and experience a portion of the railroad route that ran from Boulder City to Hoover Dam from 1931 to 1961. Please see below for more information.

  • Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
  • Hours of operation: 24/7
  • Access fee: $15/person; $25/vehicle, valid for 7 days
Hoover Dam

Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail 

The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail takes visitors through a series of 5 historic tunnels

In 1931, the federal government partnered with Six Companies, Inc., a group of six major western construction firms to build nearly 30 miles of railroad connecting Hoover Dam and Boulder City. The route was essential in the dam’s construction as it allowed workers to move materials and resources from nearby cement mixing and gravel sorting plants and the quarry pits to build the dam.

The railroad tracks were dismantled in 1962. The current multi-use trail was established in 1992 and connection to the Hoover Dam in 2007. Today the trail, perfect for hikers and bikers, features incredible vistas of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin and five tunnels—each approximately 25 feet wide.

  • Distance: 3.7-mile one way; 7.5 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 11 feet elevation change
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Parking lot located below the Lake Mead Visitor Center on Lakeshore Road
  • Services: Accessible pit toilets at the trailhead, self-service bike repair station, trash/litter receptacles
Mike O’ Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

River Mountains Loop Trail

The River Mountains Loop Trail results from a multi-agency public-private partnership bringing together resources from government agencies, private landowners, and local businesses. This non-motorized, paved trail provides visitors with an extensive trail loop offering scenic views, plentiful wildlife, and the vast beauty only the Mojave Desert can offer.   

The trail is approximately 34 miles in length and surrounds the River Mountains connecting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City, and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley.  

To better accommodate outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll find paved and concrete segments 12 feet in width, for hikers and road cyclists, and in certain segments a second trail for equestrian use.

  • Trailhead: DIRECTIONS
  • Parking: With multiple access points, there are several parking options along the length of the trail
  • Distance: 34-miles
  • Elevation gain: 750 feet elevation change
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Services: Accessible pit toilets at the trailheads/along the trail, self-service bike repair stations, and trash/litter receptacles

Best time to visit Boulder City

Here’s what the weather is like in this desert city throughout the year

Boulder City has a hot desert climate with temperatures that generally range from 36°F to 104°F. Winters are typically cool and relatively clear while summers are downright scorching.

The hottest month is July with an average high of 103°F while the coldest month is December with an average low of 37°F and the rainiest month is February with an average rainfall of 0.8 inches.

April, May, September, and October offer mild temperatures and are therefore the most convenient times for outdoor exploration.

Tip: Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, even in winter.

Fox BBQ © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Where to eat and drink in Boulder City

Boulder City offers a diverse array of dining and drinking options that cater to various tastes and preferences

As seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a food reality television series, Coffee Cup Cafe is a local favorite. The restaurant is known for its breakfast and lunch fare and even offers its popular Bloody Mary mix by the bottle.  

Dishing up an assortment of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Chilly Jilly’z Bakery & Café is most known for its Dole pineapple soft serve—a great addition to enjoy with your burger, sandwich or salad. 

Watch the game of the day while enjoying bar-food favorites at Jack’s Place Sports Bar and Grill. Delight in burgers, wings and more while taking in sports action, singing karaoke. or enjoying live music at this local mainstay. 

 Cornish Pasty Co. is the spot for British cuisine as restaurant patrons visit from all over so they can enjoy the restaurant’s eponymous pasties—also known as meat pies. The space is often lively and a place to hang out and introduce some friendly competition with a game of pool.

Want a burger and a beer? Look no further than The Dillinger which offers an extensive beer list, a variety of gourmet burgers, and so much more. Housed in the historic Bank of Nevada building, the restaurant’s namesake is from the famed bank robber, John Dillinger. 

Fox Smokehouse BBQ has a competitive BBQ team and is a member of the Kansas City Barbeque Society which explains why its ribs, wings and sides are absolutely spot on.  

Canyon Trail RV Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Where to camp in Boulder City

Enjoy the beauty of the Southwest on your own terms. Camp along the majestic Lake Mead or skip tent set-up altogether and pull your rig into a full hook-up. Find Boulder City RV parks with amenities from laundry facilities and pet areas to free Wi-Fi and heated pools.

Canyon Trails RV Park

Located 3 minutes from downtown Boulder City and 12 minutes from Hoover Dam, this park offers easy access to lots of activities. Canyon Trail RV Park offers 240+ full hookup RV camping sites. The utilities are centrally located. Our 50-foot pull-through site was ample in length but not much extra space. The site was wide enough to accommodate our toad. Good Wi-Fi from our site and a good selection of TV channels available on cable.

Boulder Oaks RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Boulder Oaks RV Resort

Each site At Boulder Oaks RV Resort is privately owned but can be rented through the management company. Lots are rented by the week; no daily rates. The park is located on a hill with lots terraced for a view. Sites are mostly level. Site owners take great pride in customizing their sites. The park is a very nicely landscaped and maintained. Boulder Oaks RV Resort has a luxury clubhouse, heated pool, spa, laundry facilities, and pet runs.

Lake Mead RV Village

Lake Mead RV Village offers 115 RV sites (many pull-throughs) all with power, water with Wi-Fi available at most sites. An outdoor recreation area provids a Bocce ball court, two horseshoe pits, and four picnic areas each with a BBQ. A convenience and gift store is located in the main office complex. The lake and shoreline is within walking distance. A launch ramp is located at Lake Mead Marina (a mile away)

Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina

Located in Lake Mead Recreation Area at the north end of Lake Mohave, Cottonwood Cove has food service, laundry, boat rentals, auto and boat fuel, a general store, restaurants or snack bars, dry storage, and slip rentals. Cottonwood Cove is a 59 mile drive south of Boulder City.

Worth Pondering…

Now that I’m here, where am I?

—Janis Joplin

Making Their Mark: America’s National Historic Landmarks

From sea to shining sea, these are 12 of America’s best historic landmarks

National Historic Landmarks are America’s most exceptional historic properties. Their stories reflect the breadth and depth of the American experience and capture the uniqueness of our communities by recognizing their most important historic treasures. Landmarks are conspicuous objects known to many through either their remarkable appearance or their compelling stories.

America’s historic landmarks include places where significant events occurred, where important Americans worked or lived, that represent the ideas that shaped the nation, that reveal the past or that are outstanding examples of design or construction.

Fort Toulouse © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Fort Toulouse site

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: October 9, 1960

Location: Elmore County, Aabama

Description: In 1717, when this region was part of French Louisiana, the French built a fort near the strategically vital junction where the Tallapoosa and Coosa Rivers form the Alabama River. The fort was primarily a trading post where Indians exchanged fur pelts for guns and household items. There were no battles at the post as French diplomacy forged allies with the natives. The surrounding Indians wanted peace so they could trade with both the French and British.

A re-creation of the last or 3rd French fort built between 1749 and 1751, the outside walls are constructed of split timbers that were not strong enough to stop a cannon shot but were ample protection against musket fire. Fences enclose the sides and rear of the building. On the inside, posts sunk into the ground were joined with mortise and tenon joints. There were two barracks in the fort each had four rooms for use by the troops. Along the southern wall is an igloo-shaped bread oven.

Read more: History Comes Alive at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Hoover Dam

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: August 20, 1985

Location: Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada

Description: Linking Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is one of America’s great engineering marvels to date and a fantastic Arizona road trip. Completed in 1935, this massive and hard-to-miss structure crosses the Colorado River and sits at a total of 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long. You can drive or walk across the dam for free or take a tour of the dam. The visitor center provides information on the tours and has a café where you can stop for some basic grub.

Kennedy Compound © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Kennedy Compound

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: November 28, 1972

Location: Hyannisport, Barnstable County, Massachusetts

Description: When the Kennedys needed to get away from the hectic world of politics for some peace and quiet, there was one place they always went to: Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The Cape Cod destination has a rich history that first began in 1928 when Joe and Rose Kennedy purchased a family home in the area. After JFK, his brother Ted and his sister Eunice purchased the three surrounding estates, the Kennedy Compound was officially born.

Mesilla Plaza © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Mesilla Plaza

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: July 4, 1961

Location: La Mesilla, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

Description: Mesilla did not become part of the United States until the mid-1850s but its history begins with the end of the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe. Soon after, the sleepy border town would become one of the most important towns in the West, playing a key role in western expansion. By the mid-1800s, Mesilla’s population had reached 3,000 making it the largest town and trade center between San Antonio and San Diego and an important stop for both the Butterfield Stage Line and the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Lines.

Read more: La Mesilla: Where History and Culture Become an Experience

Historic Jacksonville © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Jacksonville Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: November 13, 1966

Location: Jacksonville, Jackson County, Oregon

Description: Jacksonville got its start as a gold rush town. Gold was first discovered at Rich Gulch in 1851. Within months, thousands were scouring the hills hoping to stake a claim. A thriving mining camp emerged along the gold-lined creekbeds and before long, the bustling camp was transformed into a town named Jacksonville.

More than 100 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1966, the entire town of Jacksonville was designated a National Register of Historic Landmark.

Fort Ticonderoga © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Fort Ticonderoga

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: October 9, 1960

Location: Essex County, New York

Description: Fort Ticonderoga, formerly Fort Carillon is a large 18th-century star fort built by the French at a narrows near the south end of Lake Champlain in northern New York. It was constructed between October 1755 and 1757 during the action in the North American theater of the Seven Years’ War often referred to in the US as the French and Indian War. The fort was of strategic importance during the 18th-century colonial conflicts between Great Britain and France and again played an important role during the Revolutionary War. The name Ticonderoga comes from the Iroquois word tekontaró:ken meaning “it is at the junction of two waterways”.

Bellevue Avenue Historic District © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Bellevue Avenue Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: May 11, 1976

Location: Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island

Description: Bellevue Avenue or The Avenue as it’s known to some of the older locals is teeming with history. Its only 2½ miles long but it contains more history and elegance than just about any other avenue in the nation.
Bellevue Avenue was home to many of America’s elite during the Gilded Age. Its residents included the Astors, Vanderbilts, Morgans, and other members of the Four Hundred (New York’s premier social list), who made Newport Rhode Island their summer home.

The Avenue is home to many Newport Rhode Island attractions, including International Tennis Hall of Fame, Redwood Library (oldest in the nation), Newport Art Museum, and Newport Tower.

Read more: Newport Cliff Walk: Ocean Views, Mansions and more

Charleston Historic District © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Charleston Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: October 9, 1960

Location: Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina

Description: Charleston is home to one of America’s most intact historic districts. Nestled along a narrow peninsula—where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet and empty into the Atlantic Ocean—it exudes Deep South charm. With very few tall buildings, Charleston instead offers quaint cobblestone roads, colonial structures, a unique culture, and gobs of history.

More than 300 years ago, Charleston was originally named in honor of King Charles II of England. Charles Towne, as it was known, was founded in 1670 at Albmarle Point, a spot just across the Ashley River. Since that time it has played host to some of the most historic events in US history including the first major battle of the American Revolution, and the start of the Civil War.

Bastrop State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Bastrop State Park

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: September 25, 1997

Location: Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas

Description: Bastrop State Park is the site of the famous Lost Pines, an isolated region of loblolly pines and hardwoods. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) designed and constructed buildings and facilities in many Texas parks including Bastrop. Bastrop State Park earned National Historic Landmark status in 1997. This was due largely to the enduring craftsmanship and landscape work of the CCC. Only seven CCC parks in the nation have this recognition.

Vermont State House © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Vermont Statehouse

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: December 30, 1970

Location: Montpelier, Washington County, Vermont

Description: The Vermont State House is one of the oldest and best preserved of our nation’s state capitols. After nearly 160 years it remains an icon in Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. Its House and Senate chambers are the oldest active legislative halls in the United States that have preserved their original interiors.

Jerome © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

11. Jerome Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: November 13, 1966

Location: Jerome, Yavapai County, Arizona

Description: An old mining town-turned ghost town-turned tourist attraction, Jerome sits on a mountainside just above the desert floor. Jerome is unique and quirky, to say the least with the Sliding Jail in Jerome that was originally built around 1928 and was built on a clay slick; it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. While you’re there, you can visit the town’s most appreciated historical landmarks including the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park.

Paul Revere House © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

12. Paul Revere House

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: January 20, 1961

Location: Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Description: Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House owned by the legendary patriot from 1770-1800 is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and also the only official Freedom Trail historic site that is a home. Tour his home and hear about 18th-century family life. In the new education and visitor center, enjoy displays and artifacts related to Revere’s many business ventures and learn the real story of his midnight ride presented in his own words. 

Read more: Walk the Freedom Trail and Experience over 250 years of History

Worth Pondering…

The past itself as historical change continues to accelerate has become the most surreal of subjects—making it possible to see a new beauty in what is vanishing.

—Susan Sontag

10 Road Trip Destinations from Las Vegas

Pack your bags and check your tires; it’s time for a road trip from Las Vegas

Vegas baby! For many, a trip to Sin City is simply slot machines, video poker, and getting stuffed at all-you-can-eat buffets. But if Lady Luck isn’t on your side or you’re just looking for an adventure away from the strip, Las Vegas is a great starting point for a road trip. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer outing Las Vegas is perfectly positioned to give you some amazing experiences.

Ready to plan your route? Here are 10 ideas for road trip destinations from Las Vegas that are less than 300 miles in distance.

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

1. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles

Estimated time: 45 minutes

The Nevada desert isn’t known for its large bodies of water but believe it or not Las Vegas is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. So if you’re looking for some waterfront fun, Lake Mead has got you covered. Take the boat out for some high-speed adventures or bike around the trails before cooling off in one of the swimming areas.

If you want someone to show you around, there are numerous guided tours on the lake. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of this desert oasis.

Not enough for you? They also have kayaking, camping, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving, and so much more.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lake Mead

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles

Estimated time: 45 minutes

The Hoover Dam is one of mankind’s most ambitious projects. It stands at a whopping 726 feet tall and crosses the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. Bonus, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.

Choose from either the 30-minute or 1-hour guided tour that takes you into the bowels of the dam to learn about the power it generates and what it does for the surrounding desert. Don’t want a tour? It’s free to walk along the top and take in the scenery, plus you can still learn a thing or two with the many informative plaques lining the walkway.

>> Get more tips for visiting Hoover Dam

Laughlin © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Laughlin

Distance from Las Vegas: 100 miles

Estimated time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Laughlin is more relaxed than Vegas, a natural choice for a quick getaway. The town has created a niche with Nevada-style gaming but without the high-speed lifestyle of the Las Vegas Strip. Stretch your legs while exploring Laughlin on foot at the Riverwalk. Well-maintained and offering fantastic views of the city and the Colorado River, the Laughlin Riverwalk is a great way to get from one casino to the other while soaking up sights like Don Laughlin’s Riverside to the boats sailing by.

The coolest way to get around town is by water taxi. These small boats, piloted by certified captains, zip around on the river from one property to another. Most casinos have their own dock and if you stand around on one, a water taxi will show up fairly quick.

>> Get more tips for visiting Laughlin

Sand Hollow State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. St. George

Distance from Las Vegas: 120 miles

Estimated time: 2 hours

St. George is the first place you’ll run into after cutting through the northwest corner of Arizona and crossing the border into Utah. The city combines a charming downtown area with a thriving art scene and proximity to four state parks including the bright red sandy beaches of the Sand Hollow reservoir. Outdoor explorers will be most excited to know St. George is the largest city outside Zion National Park, one of the most colorful examples of rock formations, sweeping cliffs, and waterfalls.

There’s plenty to enjoy in Southern Utah and visitors can arrive in St. George in two hours. The destination is great for those who enjoy the outdoors as it’s near Zion National Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and Dixie National Forest. Or, travel a little further for a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park or the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Zion National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 165 miles

Estimated time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

With over 229 square miles, more than 35 hiking trails, cliffs towering more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, and more species of plants than the Hawaiian Islands, Zion National Park is a pretty incredible place. Zion Canyon is accessed from Highway 9 heading east from St. George. Because of this area’s popularity, the park runs a shuttle to accommodate more visitors at once. Two of the park’s most popular hikes (Angels Landing and The Narrows) can be found in the main canyon along with many other incredible trails.

Driving the 6-mile Mt. Carmel Highway through the park provides visitors easy access to viewpoints while offering that winding-road experience. It is easily accessible throughout the park’s most popular area and the richly brick-colored highway with canary-yellow stripes plays well visually against the soft color of the canyons.  

>> Get more tips for visiting Zion National Park

Cedar Breaks National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Distance from Las Vegas: 226 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

Cedar Breaks’ majestic amphitheater is a three-mile-long cirque made up of eroding limestone, shale, and sandstone. Situated on the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau, the raised area of earth located in Southern Utah between Interstate 15 and Highway 89, the monument sits entirely above 10,000 feet. The Amphitheater is like a naturally formed coliseum that plunges 2,000 feet below taking your eyes for a colorful ride through arches, towers, hoodoos, and canyons.

>> Get more tips for visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument

El Paseo Shopping District © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 230 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

If you want to vacation at the spot that was popular with old-school Hollywood film stars and the Rat Pack, consider visiting Palm Springs. Visitors can browse vintage shops, art galleries, or boutiques at the El Paseo Shopping District. A ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can also provide a view over the valley at an elevation of more than 8,500 feet. There are also many options to sit poolside at resorts or visit spas in the city.

>> Get more tips for visiting Palm Springs

Joshua Tree National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 250 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

See a different kind of desert landscape with a road trip to Joshua Tree on I-15 from Las Vegas. Many people head to the park for hiking through the rugged rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing, rock climbing, and camping. Just be sure to be prepared for the weather which can be very hot or cold depending on the time of year and day.

Make sure to come prepared for your visit to Joshua Tree. There is no drinkable water available in the park, so bring plenty with you. This is the desert after all!

>> Get more tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Grand Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Grand Canyon

Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles

Estimated time: 5 hours

You’ll go through a few playlists getting to the Grand Canyon but I promise it lives up to the hype. Grand Canyon National Park is a hugely popular destination for hiking, mule rides, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor activities and is well worth the tank of gas to get there and back.

A deep gorge carved by the Colorado River about seventeen million years ago, the Grand Canyon stretches for more than 250 miles and is up to 18 miles in width and more than a mile deep in some areas. Just about everywhere you look the views are amazing and the sheer size of it can be overwhelming. One looks over the edge and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

>> Get more tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Sedona

Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles

Estimated time: 5 hours

With a population just north of 10,000, Sedona has a reputation that far outweighs its size. It is, after all, one of the most beautiful small towns in America. The town’s innumerable hiking trails bring you to stunning vistas and iconic destinations like Cathedral Rock.

Forget traditional museums; those visiting Sedona will have museums without walls with Mother Nature leading the exhibition. The town is surrounded by incredible scenery punctuated by vortex sites and rock formations that will have you scratching your head. Plus, after a big day of exploring, you can kick back at the many local wineries before enjoying the iconic desert sunset.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sedona

Worth Pondering…

Las Vegas is a 24-hour city. It never stops.

—Eli Roth

The 25 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S. and Canada

These are 25 of the most beautiful places for RV travel

What is the most beautiful place in America? To compile most beautiful places in the U.S. and Canada is an inherently subjective and impossible task but we’d like to think that this list at least scratches the surface of some of the extraordinary beauty the continent has to offer.

Focusing largely on national parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders, my list is sure to inspire your next RV road trip. Join me for a journey to some of the most beautiful places that you can visit in an RV from mountains that rival the Alps to red rock wonder with colorful layers to glorious underground caverns.

There are so many amazing places to see, I couldn’t possibly include them all in just one list. But, these breathtaking destinations are definitely worth bumping to the top of your travel bucket list—whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, get off the grid, or explore a charming town—these are the most beautiful locations to consider.

Grand Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon has to be one of the most photographed sites in the world but there’s no way pictures can do it justice as impressive as they may be. Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term breathtaking. The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.

>> Get more tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Charleston © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Historic Antebellum Mansions, Civil War sites, year round festivals, pristine beaches, barrier islands, and mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine are just a few of the reasons why Charleston is one of America’s favorite destinations. Experience this diverse southern city which blends French, English, West African, and traditional Southern American cultures into the music, art, food, and lifestyle. 

>> Get more tips for visiting Charleston

Zion National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Zion National Park, Utah

Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.

>> Get more tips for visiting Zion National Park

Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Sedona, Arizona

Renowned for the radiant red sandstone formations surrounding it, Sedona is set in a serene spot. The towering red cliffs are almost other-worldly in a way and they are definitely worthy of a photo or two. Make sure to check out some of the area’s most popular sightseeing spots while you’re there such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Coffee Pot Rock.Located in the center of Arizona, the small city has long been considered a sacred and spiritual place. Many New Age shops, alternative healing and wellness centers can be found around town.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sedona

Lake Winnipesaukee © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. It is approximately 21 miles long (northwest-southeast) and from 1 to 9 miles wide (northeast-southwest) covering 69 square miles—71 square miles when Paugus Bay is included—with a maximum depth of 180 feet. The center area of the lake is called The Broads.

The lake contains at least 264 islands, half of which are less than a quarter-acre in size and is indented by several peninsulas yielding a total shoreline of approximately 288 miles. The driving distance around the lake is 63 miles. It is 504 feet above sea level. Winnipesaukee is the third-largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake.

Experience the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee during a narrated scenic tour aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington. Learn about the history of the region and local folklore surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in New England.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lake Winnipesaukee

Blue Ridge Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Stretching 469 miles from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah, the 45 mph, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains’ dreamy blue hue. Driving down this highway will allow you to take in the stunning Appalachian Mountains including multiple valleys and peaks such as the Peaks of Otter and Roanoke Mountain.

>> Get more tips for visiting Blue Ridge Parkway

Banff National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Banff National Park, Alberta

Canada’s oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. The park is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals (grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home) and azure glacier-fed lakes such as Moraine Lake set in a bowl amid the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Santa Fe © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S. and as such it has a very colorful history including a historic main plaza that will make you feel as if you’re in an entirely different country. The City Different is renowned for its abundance of unique attractions, a wide array of art galleries, extraordinary museums, and magnificent architecture. Not surprisingly, for decades Santa Fe has also been a haven for artists including Georgia O’Keefe. By staying in the downtown area’s historic La Fonda you can walk to the Plaza to discover handmade jewelry and browse beautiful works of art.

>> Get more tips for visiting Santa Fe

Monument Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah

Monument Valley is a minimalist attraction located along the border of Utah and Arizona. In spite of its simplicity, this red-sand desert may just be one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. A 17-mile Valley Drive leads into the area, and you can spot multiple sandstone buttes that make for amazing pictures. This valley will make you feel like you are part of an Old Western movie, set in the Wild, Wild West. John Ford’s Point is a great way to look over the scenery allowing you to feast your eyes on the Mittens buttes.

>> Get more tips for visiting Monument Valley

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

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

There are plenty of reasons to visit the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is packed with hiking routes ripe with emerald greenery, waterfalls and bodies of water, and pretty wildflowers ready for photos. Plus, there are many great stops along the way such as Clingmans Dome which contains an observation tower resting on top of the area’s highest peak for breathtaking views. There’s also Cades Cove which is a quiet little valley that feels like a calm, quiet place lost in historical times.

>> Get more tips for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

11. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta

The unusual landforms of Writing-on-Stone resulted from the dynamic interaction of geology, climate, and time. In a dramatic landscape of steep-sided canyons and coulees, sandstone cliffs, and eroded sandstone formations called hoodoos. Indigenous peoples created rock art in what is today Southern Alberta. Thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs at more than 138 rock art sites graphically represent the powers of the spirit world that resonate in this sacred landscape and chronicle phases of human history in North America including when Indigenous peoples first came into contact with Europeans.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

12. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de shay) has sandstone walls rising up to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present day life of the Navajo who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor. This park is owned by the Navajo Nation and is managed cooperatively. A few Navajo families still live, raise livestock, and farm in the park. For the most memorable experience take a canyon tour with a Navajo guide. It’s a truly authentic, welcoming experience you’ll remember forever.

>> Get more tips for visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Savannah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

13. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is an old city that is home to multiple fascinating sites. Its streets are paved with cobblestones and flanked by old buildings like museums and churches that are simply stuffed with history. Downtown, you’ll find one of the biggest National Historic Landmark districts in the U.S. which also connect to the riverfront and the coast. Forsyth Park was built in the 1840s and fitted with a stupendous fountain, romantic benches, and plenty of iconic oaks covered in moss for an even more calming aesthetic.

>> Get more tips for visiting Savannah

Saguaro National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

14. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

One of Tucson’s most popular attractions is Saguaro National Park which is a great place to experience the desert landscape around this well-known town and see the famous saguaro cacti up close. With an east and west portion, the park has two sections approximately 30 minutes apart. Both sections of the park offer great opportunities to experience the desert and enjoy hiking trails.

>> Get more tips for visiting Saguaro National Park

Wells Gray Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

15. Wells Gray Park, British Columbia

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

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

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

>> Get more tips for visiting Wells Gray

Badlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

16. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park may sound foreboding but in reality it’s one of the most beautiful places in the US. It is famous for holding an extremely rich and diverse fossil bed that is definitely one of the best that earth has to offer. On top of that, Badlands National Park is packed with incredible rock formations that look stunning at all times of the day with their differently shaded stripes. There are also grasslands if you’re more for wildlife where you can spot all the prairie dogs herding sheep for a calm, serene experience.

>> Get more tips for visiting Badlands National Park

Petrified Forest National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

17. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest is known for its treasure trove of fossilized logs exposed after eons of erosion by wind and water. About 60 million years ago tectonic action pushed the Colorado Plateau upwards exposing the layers of rock containing the park’s Triassic fossils. The park is composed of two sections: the north section is a colorful badlands called the Painted Desert and the southern section contains most of the petrified wood.

The park consists of a 28-mile road that offers numerous overlooks and winds through the mesas and wilderness. Visitors can also choose to hike a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult.

>> Get more tips for visiting Petrified Forest National Park

Tombstone © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

18. Tombstone, Arizona

You can’t come to the Southwest and not truly experience the Wild West with staged gunfights in the streets and characters walking through town in period costumes to recreate the glory days of this small Arizona town. With attractions such as OK Corral, Allen Street, Boothill Graveyard, and Courthouse State Historic Park, each shop, restaurant, and attraction is designed with tourists in mind and provide the opportunity soak in the town’s history.

>> Get more tips for visiting Tombstone

White Sands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

19. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

An incredibly unique location, White Sands National Park consists of a reaching, widespread expanse of white gypsum crystal sand dunes backdropped by a picturesque blue sky. Though the sight of white sand as far as the eye can see isn’t the most exciting trip for some this tranquil environment is so individual and one-of-a-kind that it is easily one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Bask in the calm peace, feel the soft, warm sand beneath your toes, and marvel at the vastness of this monument.

>> Get more tips for visiting White Sands National Park

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

20. Hoover Dam, Arizona and Nevada

Linking Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is one of America’s great engineering marvels to date and a fantastic Arizona road trip. Completed in 1935, this massive and hard to miss structure crosses the Colorado River and sits at a total of 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long. You are able to drive or walk across the dam for free or take a tour of the dam. The visitor center provides information on the tours and has a café where you can stop for some basic grub.

>> Get more tips for visiting Hoover Dam

Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

21. Arches National Park, Utah

The Arches National Park looks like a scene out of a movie. Erosion from millions and millions of years has led to the creation of more than 2,000 arches each fashioned naturally from sandstone. It is worth noting that environmental change has caused 43 of these arches to fall to time which means officials warn against getting too close. Still, the sight of these bright, orange structures is well worth the extra caution and you’ll want to plan your trip soon to catch as many of them as possible in full glory.

>> Get more tips for visiting Arches National Park

Creole Nature Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

22. Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Louisiana

Starting on the outskirts of Lake Charles and ending at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a network of byways where you’ll find more than 400 bird species, alligators galore, and 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches. Also called America’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail takes visitors through 180 miles of southwest Louisiana’s backroads.

>> Get more tips for visiting Creole Nature Trail

Big Bend National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

23. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park on Rio Grande is an absolute wonder of untamed wildlife, spanning over much of the Chihuahuan Desert and all of the Chisos mountains. You can go on a road trip down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, relax in the Langford Hot Springs, view the Sam Nail Ranch’s broken-down husk, and enjoy sights of limestone formations across the Rio Grande. There’s so much to do that you may just need to come back again!

>> Get more tips for visiting Big Bend National Park

Black Hills © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

24. Black Hills, South Dakota

In the early 1800s, 60 million buffalo roamed the plains. Rampant overhunting decimated their ranks and by 1889 fewer than 1,000 remained. Today, their numbers have climbed to 500,000; Custer State Park manages a healthy herd. Roading the Black Hills you’ll see the iconic buffalo and other legendary sights including the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, sprawling parks and the town made famous for having no law: Deadwood.

>> Get more tips for visiting the Black Hills

Carlsbad Caverns National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

25. Carlsbad Cavern, New Mexico

In the Chihuahuan Desert lie more than 100 limestone caves and one of them is none other than the Carlsbad Cavern. Spikes hang from the ceiling in droves and clusters and its winding rocky walls are perfect for spelunkers and adventurers. The way you choose to go is up to you. You can go in through the beautiful, conventional entrance or you can begin 750 feet underground. Either way, you’re in for some enticing exploration,

>> Get more tips for visiting Carlsbad Cavern

Worth Pondering…

“Where are we going, man?”

“I don’t know, but we gotta go.”

—Jack Kerouac, in On the Road

8 Colossal Facts about Hoover Dam

Constructed nearly 90 years ago the magnificent Hoover Dam still stands strong and serves the Southwest with power production, flood control, and irrigation

The Hoover Dam can be called both a monument and a marvel reaching a staggering 60 stories toward the sky and at one time reigning as the world’s largest dam. This symbol of American engineering ingenuity—initially constructed to control the Colorado River’s floodwaters—attracts more than 7 million visitors each year to the Arizona-Nevada border to catch a glimpse of the dam’s massive curved wall and its waters below. Read on for six facts about the Hoover Dam from its original name to its dramatic World War II history.

Hoover Dam with shadow of Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Flood damage was a major reason for the Hoover Dam’s construction

The Colorado River helped carve out the American West and Southwest flowing for 1,450 miles and providing water to seven states: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, and Nevada. However, thanks to snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains the river was also prone to flooding. One such example of this flooding occurred between 1905 and 1907 when the Colorado River broke through its banks and flooded 100,000 acres of farmland in Southern California.

This was around the same time that the Bureau of Reclamation started planning for a dam in the Boulder Canyon region on the Colorado River. Plans were set in motion but flood control was not the only thing they had to think about. Water supply was another main reason for building the Hoover Dam.

Lastly, the Hoover Dam was built for power. Although this was not as vital as preventing flooding or providing irrigation it is a function of the dam that continues to this day.

Hoover Dam with shadow of Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Building the dam meant first building an entire city

Constructing a large-scale dam meant hiring a massive workforce: By the end of the project, the employee roster swelled to 21,000 people. An average day had 3,500 workers reporting to the construction site though that number rose during busy periods like in June 1934 when as many as 5,218 men reported to the jobsite per day. Bringing in that many workers and their families meant the federal government had to have a plan—which is how the town of Boulder City, Nevada came to exist.

In December 1928, President Calvin Coolidge authorized the creation of Boulder City on federal land specifically to house workers. Construction of the town’s buildings began in 1931. Families were housed in cottages while single men slept in dormitories and meals were provided in a jumbo-sized mess hall that served 6,000 meals per day. Boulder City was also equipped with a state-of-the-art hospital to handle jobsite accidents, a fire department, a train station, and a movie theater.

Hoover Dam with shadow of Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Constructing Hoover Dam required massive amounts of concrete

Building a structure as large as the Hoover Dam requires massive amounts of construction materials. The dam reaches 726 feet tall, a whopping 171 feet taller than the Washington Monument and the dam’s base is as thick as two football fields are long. Reaching those dimensions required engineers and builders to use a substantial amount of concrete—so much that the sheer volume (4.5 million cubic yards) could be used to pave a cross-country road starting in San Francisco and ending in New York City.

Ultimately, the dam had a $49 million price tag—about $882 million today—with an additional $71 million for its power plant and generators. However, the dam’s construction costs were fully repaid with interest by 1987 thanks to the sale of the electrical power it generated and continues to generate.

Hoover Dam with shadow of Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Hoover Dam originally had a different name

Hoover Dam gets its name from President Herbert Hoover though it nearly had a different one thanks to the influence of the Great Depression. Before becoming the 31st President in 1929, Hoover was a successful mining engineer and businessman familiar with the Colorado River; as secretary of commerce he had proposed damming the river to prevent flooding and to provide water for Southern California. Once underway, the dam which was overseen by Hoover during his presidency was called the Boulder Canyon Project. However, in September 1930, Secretary of the Interior Ray Lyman Wilbur announced at a ceremony marking the start of construction that the dam’s name would be changed to honor Hoover’s role in its development.

Construction continued through the Great Depression but Hoover’s presidency did not. President Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the Oval Office and in 1933 his pick for secretary of the interior decided to backtrack on the name due to personal animosity and public anger over Hoover’s handling of the Great Depression, once again calling it the Boulder Dam. Both names were used interchangeably until April 1947 when President Harry S. Truman approved the final name: Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam with shadow of Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Hoover Dam was heavily guarded during World War II

In the lead-up to World War II, the federal government became increasingly worried that the Hoover Dam would be a target of sabotage from Axis forces knocking out its ability to provide electricity and water. In 1939, public officials discussed shielding the dam by closing its power plant to the public while also heavily restricting and scrutinizing employees who entered.

In November of that year, the State Department received word from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico that German agents had plotted to bomb the dam hoping to knock out its high-voltage power lines and slow aviation manufacturing in nearby Los Angeles. A massive effort to protect the dam was soon underway including the addition of floodlights, installation of nets that could snag approaching boats, and increased patrols on Lake Mead which was closed to the public. However, the government’s move to protect the dam remained classified with public officials claiming rumors of foreign sabotage were “ridiculous” and unfounded. The incident was kept under wraps until 2001 when historians uncovered unsealed documents at the National Archives.

Lake Mead © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Lake Mead is the country’s largest reservoir

Dams rely on reservoirs (man-made lakes) that store water. As Hoover Dam is one of the largest dams in the world it makes sense that its reservoir would be massive and it is; Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. The expansive lake is multipurpose; it provides drinking water for nearly 25 million people and its 550 miles of shoreline have been used by outdoor enthusiasts since it became the country’s first national recreation area managed by the National Park Service in 1964.

Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Hoover Dam can be admired from the bridge

While there are more than enough things to see and enjoy at Hoover Dam, visitors can also marvel at and even walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. As the world’s tallest concrete arch bridge, it is the first concrete-steel arch composite bridge in the United States and towers 880 feet over Hoover Dam.

The 1,905-foot-long man made bridge connects both Nevada and Arizona roadways so it’s fitting that it’s named the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as it honors a hero from each state. With 30,000 cubic yards of concrete and 16 million pounds of steel, the massive engineered wonder is the widest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors who aren’t afraid of heights can even walk across the bridge for some great photo opportunities of Hoover Dam and Black Canyon below.

Hoover Dam as seen from Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Visitors can tour Hoover Dam

A Hoover Dam tour is a fun and interactive way to see and learn what Hoover Dam is all about. Tours are guided and allow visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the dam and lasts longer than the Powerplant Tour.

The Hoover Dam Tour includes a one-hour guided tour of the powerplant and passageways within the dam itself while the Powerplant Tour is a 30-minute tour of the powerplant only. Both tours include admission to the Visitor Center.

Hoover Dam tours cost $30 per person. Hoover Dam Powerplant Tours cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and those ages 4 to 16. Military members pay $12 for admission or free if in uniform. Children under 4 are also admitted for free. Parking costs $10.

If you’re short on time or budget, skip the Hoover Dam tour and walk across the Top of the Dam for free. Visitors will enjoy sweeping vistas of the bridge and surrounding geographic features along with vertigo-inducing views looking straight down the dam.

Worth Pondering…

This is our history—from the Transcontinental Railroad to the Hoover Dam, to the dredging of our ports and building of our most historic bridges—our American ancestors prioritized growth and investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

—Cory Booker

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: 25 Places You Must Visit

Arizona is an outdoor-lover’s dream with deep canyons, dramatic landscape, and a host of adventures where the land formations are the star of the show

Arizona is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery. These beautiful, must-experience places are bucket-list worthy; some are well-known while others are hidden gems you might not have known about. From national landmarks to historical towns and breathtaking outdoor landscapes, here are 25 places to visit on your next Arizona road trip.

Grand Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Grand Canyon

The most obvious landmark and Arizona road trip (and the most breathtaking of them all) is the Grand Canyon. If you have never experienced the sight of this outstanding view you absolutely must add this to your bucket list. You can check into El Tovar Hotel which is a historic property that opened its doors in 1905 and has entertained celebrities and presidents for over 100 years. Just steps away from the Grand Canyon’s edge, El Tovar has breathtaking views from every window and the resort’s dining room is as close to the canyon as you can get with cuisine that’s almost as memorable as the views as well as several hiking trails that will leave you speechless. Plus many photo opportunities!

>> Get more tips for visiting the Grand Canyon

Bisbee © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bisbee

What seems to be one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets is the interesting town of Bisbee. The former mining town is a small, unique community that sits high in the mountains near the Mexican border and in the far southeast corner of Arizona. With plenty of things to do, activities, events and festivals, shops, galleries, and nightlife plus birdwatching, gallery-gazing, dining, or pub-crawling, Bisbee will offer you a plethora of choices to keep you entertained.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Home to Lake Powell, The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning region of blue water with a desert landscape and dramatic stone walls. One of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, this area is known for land- and water-based recreational activities.

This gorgeous lake is located in northern Arizona, stretches up into southern Utah, and is part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline. You can enjoy a summer’s day with perfect weather, cool water, amazing scenery, and endless sunshine. This is the perfect place to escape to and rent a houseboat, stay at a campground, or enjoy the lodging and hop aboard a guided expedition.

>> Get more tips for visiting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Sedona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Sedona

Due to its distinctive culture, Sedona is truly a place unlike any other. Visitors can navigate remote canyons, rejuvenate at an energy vortex site, and experience the ancient culture of the Sinagua people. Throughout the red rock are multitudes of secluded viewpoints, cliff dwellings, and well-preserved petroglyphs. In downtown Sedona, you’ll find a vibrant art community dense with unique shops and galleries. Hikers and adventurous types will enjoy the various trails and renowned Pink Jeep off-road adventure tours.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sedona

Catalina State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Catalina State Park

With the Santa Catalina Mountains beckoning in the distance and canyons and seasonal streams dotting the landscape, Catalina State Park provides a delightful respite in the Tucson area. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The park’s 5,500 acres provide miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails that wind through the park and into the nearby Coronado National Forest. More than 150 species of birds call the park home. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. The state park offers 120 campsites with electric and water utilities suitable for RVs of all lengths. 

>> Get more tips for visiting Catalina State Park

Globe © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Globe

In the foothills of the Pinal Mountains sits the former mining camp known as Globe. Founded in 1876 and incorporated in 1907 this lovely town is brimming with century-old buildings, cottages, and hillside houses. The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park features stunning partially restored ruins of a Salado pueblo along with an accompanying museum. The historic downtown area is perfect for strolls and shopping for antiques while the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts is a great spot to explore and experience the talent of some incredible artists.

Apache Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Apache Trail

As scenic drives go, the 40-mile Apache Trail (Highway 88) winds through the Southwest’s most stunning scenery. It’s a rugged ribbon of hairpin turns and stark drop-offs that meanders past three lakes and carves through canyons and over the Superstition Mountains before concluding at Roosevelt Dam. 

Highway 88 runs northeast from Apache Junction passing through Tortilla Flat along the way to Roosevelt Lake. While you can still access the road to Tortilla Flat, the portion north of the town is temporarily closed. 

>> Get more tips for driving Apache Trail

Williams © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Williams

The opium dens, bordellos, and other landmarks of Williams, Arizona’s rough-and-tumble past are long gone. But some kinder, gentler vestiges of this town’s Wild West era remain. Today, the town’s Main Street is a National Historic District. Its storefronts house curio shops, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and classic diners and motels which preserve a bygone era. The town of 3,000 residents, considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway an excursion between a historic depot and the canyon.

>> Get more tips for visiting Williams

Lost Dutchman State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lost Dutchman State Park

Since the 1840s, many have claimed to know the location of the Peralta family’s lost gold mine in the Superstition Mountains but none of these would-be fortune-seekers became more famous than “the Dutchman” Jacob Waltz. The German prospector purportedly hid caches of the precious metal throughout the Superstition Wilderness. Fact or fiction, Waltz’s windfall gave the park its name. You might not find gold during your visit but other treasures include great hiking and biking trails and 138 RV camping sites (68 with electric and water) with sunset views.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lost Dutchman State Park

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Right along the U.S.-Mexico border, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has the kind of scenery you’d expect when you picture the desert. The monument’s tall, skinny namesake cacti abound in every direction. Instead of growing with one massive trunk like the saguaro, the many branches of the organ pipe rise from a base at the ground. Take a ride down Ajo Mountain Drive for great views of the “forests” of Saguaro (another species of cactus native to the area).

>> Get more tips for visiting Organ Pipe National Monument

Picacho Peak State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho rises from the desert seemingly out of nowhere, its sharp buttes like lighthouses guiding travelers home. It wasn’t always a sight for road-weary eyes, though. In 1862, Confederate and Union soldiers clashed here in the Battle of Picacho Pass, a fight marked in history as the westernmost battle of the Civil War. These days during the spring, vibrant wildflowers carpet the ground; come winter, the challenging trails that ascend the sunny peaks draw thrill-seeking hikers.

>> Get more tips for visiting Picacho Peak State Park

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Hoover Dam

Linking Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is one of America’s great engineering marvels to date and a fantastic Arizona road trip. Completed in 1935, this massive and hard-to-miss structure crosses the Colorado River and sits at a total of 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long. You can drive or walk across the dam for free or take a tour of the dam. The visitor center provides information on the tours and has a café where you can stop for some basic grub.

Montezuma Castle National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Montezuma Castle National Monument

With its impressive location tucked in the limestone cliffs in the desert of Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle is sort of like an ancient skyscraper. Towing some 80 feet above the valley floor, the 20-room residence was built by the Sinagua people beginning in around AD 1100 and served as an important shelter to escape floods. It was among the first four sites given the designation of National Monument back in 1906 with the site also including further dwellings around Montezuma Well, six miles from the castle.

>> Get more tips for visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument

Alamo Lake State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Alamo Lake State Park

As far as lakeside parks go, this one in western Arizona has no beach and not much shoreline hiking. But! It’s considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Anglers: Pack your gear and reserve one of the 15 full-service camping sites or cabins where the front porch makes for an ideal spot to spin yarns about the catch of the day.

>> Get more tips for visiting Alamo Lake State Park

Jerome © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Jerome

An old mining town-turned ghost town-turned tourist attraction, Jerome sits on a mountainside just above the desert floor. Jerome is unique and quirky, to say the least with the Sliding Jail in Jerome that was originally built around 1928 and was built on a clay slick; it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. While you’re there, you can visit the town’s most appreciated historical landmarks including the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de shay”) has sandstone walls rising to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present day life of the Navajo who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor. This park is owned by the Navajo Nation and is managed cooperatively. A few Navajo families still live, raise livestock, and farm in the park. For the most memorable experience take a canyon tour with a Navajo guide. It’s a truly authentic, welcoming experience you’ll remember forever.

>> Get more tips for visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Red Rock State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Red Rock State Park

Oak Creek runs for nearly 2 miles throughout this 286-acre state park adorning the sandstone mesas and red boulders with leafy riparian habitats. If we’re judging Sedona hiking hot spots, it doesn’t get much better than the park’s juniper-studded trails and vortex-framed vistas. Red Rock State Park is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in Arizona which is why it makes sense that it serves as an environmental education hub. From the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits and film presentations to guided nature walks and full moon hikes, programming offers insight into Sedona’s majestic landscape.

>> Get more tips for visiting Red Rock State Park

Tucson © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tucson

Surrounded by mountains, Tucson is a beautiful city set in the Sonoran Desert and is the second-largest city in Arizona. With many historic sites and cultural attractions, Tucson is a place to unwind and explore. Highlights include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, El Presidio Historic District, and Sabino Canyon. You will also discover hiking trails and afterward find a bite to eat at one of the many wonderful restaurants Tucson has to offer.

>> Get more tips for visiting Tucson

Monument Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Monument Valley

Along a 17-mile self-drive route along a one-way gravel road, you will find the heart of the valley, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. While visiting this area which straddles the border between Arizona and Utah, you’ll experience the true Arizona desert feel with miles and miles of beautiful landscape and scenery of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, creating all the wonderful and majestic colors of the Valley.

>> Get more tips for visiting Monument Valley

Prescott © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Prescott

With its small-city feel and defined seasons, Prescott has tall Ponderosa pine trees, lakes, and the occasional sprinkle of snow. This charming town has much to offer including the Courthouse Plaza, Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum, Elks Theatre Opera House, Watson Lake, and numerous hiking areas including Thumb Butte Trail. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the downtown restaurants or spend a night at one of the beautifully restored bed and breakfasts or hotels.

>> Get more tips for visiting Prescott

Saguaro National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Saguaro National Park

One of Tucson’s most popular attractions is Saguaro National Park which is a great place to experience the desert landscape around this well-known town and see the famous saguaro cacti up close. With an east and west portion, the park has two sections approximately 30 minutes apart. Both sections of the park offer great opportunities to experience the desert and enjoy hiking trails.

>> Get more tips for visiting Saguaro National Park

Oatman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Oatman

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

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

>> Get more tips for visiting Oatman

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest is known for its treasure trove of fossilized logs exposed after eons of erosion by wind and water. About 60 million years ago tectonic action pushed the Colorado Plateau upwards exposing the layers of rock containing the park’s Triassic fossils. The park is composed of two sections: the north section is a colorful badlands called the Painted Desert, and the southern section contains most of the petrified wood.

The park consists of a 28-mile road that offers numerous overlooks and winds through the mesas and wilderness. Visitors can also choose to hike a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult.

>> Get more tips for visiting Petrified Forest National Forest

Tombstone © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tombstone

You can’t come to the Wild West and not truly experience the Wild West with staged gunfights in the streets and characters walking through town in period costumes to recreate the glory days of this small Arizona town that is great as an Arizona road trip. With top-rated attractions such as OK Corral, Allen Street, Boothill Graveyard/Gift Shop, and Courthouse State Historic Park, each shop, restaurant, and attraction is designed with tourists in mind and gives you the chance to see and soak in the town’s history.

>> Get more tips for visiting Tombstone

Ajo © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ajo

With its rich tradition as a former copper mining hub, Ajo is a casual town with relaxed charm. Enjoy its mild climate, low humidity, and clear skies. Take in the historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and panoramic views. Step back in time at the Historic Plaza and railway Depot. Gaze at Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the downtown Historic District.

Verde Canyon Railway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bonus trip: Verde Valley Railway

Park the RV and board the train as you embark on a spectacular journey accessible only by rail. Powering the train are two EMD FP7 diesel locomotives built in 1953 for the Alaska Railroad. They were painted in 2019 with an apropos American bald eagle motif. Alert passengers may spot the U.S. national bird soaring in the canyon. From December to March, visitors have a greater chance of seeing these special raptors since migrating and resident bald eagles share the canyon during nesting season.

Worth Pondering…

To my mind these live oak-dotted hills fat with side oats grama, these pine-clad mesas spangled with flowers, these lazy trout streams burbling along under great sycamores and cottonwoods, come near to being the cream of creation.

—Aldo Leopold, 1937