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(And Why This Is One of my 2 Favorite Months of the Year) May is one of the very best months to visit U.S. national parks. (Together with September, it’s my favorite month to visit many of the parks!) Spring is in full swing, but summer crowds haven’t fully arrived. Across the country, waterfalls are …
I’ve visited Arches National Park in summer, and I’ll be honest: it is stunning, but it is also hot, exposed, and unforgiving if you’re not prepared. The arches glow at sunrise and sunset, the red rock landscapes feel otherworldly, and the trails are incredible – but shade is scarce, temperatures soar, and water access is …
(And Why This Month Is So Good) April is one of the most underrated months for visiting U.S. national parks. It sits right in the sweet spot between winter and summer, when temperatures are comfortable, crowds are still manageable, and seasonal highlights start to come alive. In many parks, April means wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife …
Where is the best place to stay near Acadia with your dog? Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S. With over 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads open to pets, it’s no wonder so many visitors bring their four-legged companions along. The best …
If you’ve ever searched for the “best time to visit” a national park, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: different sources give different answers – and sometimes they flat-out contradict each other. One chart says summer is best. Another expert swears winter is magical. Someone in the comments insists shoulder season is the only correct choice. Here’s the truth …
Let’s talk National Park passes. There are a surprising number of passes to national parks available. And they have changed quite a lot in 2026. In this guide, we’ll look at all the different US national parks passes so you can see which one is best for you. Regular National Parks Fees and Passes If …
Figuring out what to pack for Yellowstone in summer can feel trickier than it sounds. Days can start chilly and end hot. Afternoon storms roll in fast. Boardwalks, geyser basins, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and hikes all demand slightly different gear. And if you pack wrong, you’ll either be uncomfortable – or wishing you’d brought one …
If you’re planning a summer visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, packing correctly is one of the most important parts of trip planning. The Grand Canyon is not just hot – it’s extremely hot in summer, with intense sun, limited water access, and dramatic elevation changes that catch many first-time visitors off guard. This …
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the U.S., with jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and wide-open valleys. Summer is an incredible time to visit, but conditions can vary wildly — warm afternoons, chilly mornings, sudden storms, and mosquito-filled evenings are all common. Packing the right gear will …
April is one of the best shoulder-season months to visit Zion National Park. The weather is warming, wildflowers and cottonwoods begin to pop with color, and the crowds start to swell with spring break travelers But it’s still a transitional month with shifting river levels, strong shuttle demand, and variable trail conditions. If you love …