Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

How to Plan the Perfect One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

This one day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary includes the best things to do in the famous Colorado park. With more than 100 mountain peaks and lakes and 300-plus miles of hiking trails, it takes some planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in one day. I’ve put together this Rocky Mountain itinerary for first timers who want to see a little bit of everything, from reflective lakes to the tallest peak in the park.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary to See the Mighty 5

This Utah national parks road trip itinerary includes incredible scenery and hiking in the Southwest. Southern Utah is home to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, also known as the Utah Mighty 5. This guide has the ultimate Utah parks road trip to see it all, plus a map and itineraries for 7, 8 or 9 days.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

This is How to Visit the Grand Canyon in Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit Grand Canyon National Park — the temperature is perfect for hiking, crowds and prices are lower than in summer, and days are longer than in fall and winter. If you want to see the Grand Canyon in spring, we’ve got all the tips and info you need for planning your trip, from what weather to expect to where to stay and what to do. Keep reading for how to plan a Grand Canyon spring vacation.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

10 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Zion National Park in Utah

Looking for the best town to stay in when visiting Zion National Park? These cities near Zion range from small scenic communities to larger hubs of hotels and restaurants. We’ve added recommendations for exactly where to stay near Zion for camping, cozy lodges, or modern hotels.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

10 Cities Near the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

These cities near the Grand Canyon are the best places to stay during your national park vacation. They range from a historic village on the South Rim to a remote ranch on the canyon floor to cities full of shopping and dining. We’ve also included recommendations for the best places to stay near Grand Canyon National Park, whether you’re looking for rustic lodges, campgrounds or hotels with a pool.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

These are the Most and Least Popular National Parks in the United States

This guide to the most and least popular national parks in the United States ranks all 63 using the annual visitation numbers from the National Park Service. You’ll also find tips like the top things to do in each national park, how to see the busier ones with fewer crowds, and reasons why the least visited ones often get overlooked.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

20 of the Best Outdoorsy Places to Visit in Arizona

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Arizona on your next vacation, these deserts, waterfalls, and canyons will quickly fill your Arizona bucket list. The state is full of breathtaking parks and hidden gems in landscapes that range from pine forests to red rocks to boulder-filled lakes. It’s the perfect destination to get outdoors and try new adventures or even sightsee from the front seat on a road trip.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Your First Visit

Pink sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, a gushing blue river — this one day in Zion National Park itinerary is packed with the breathtaking landscapes of southern Utah. For adventure seekers, Zion offers heart-pumping treks through the Virgin River and up ridges with sweeping views. There’s also nature trails, scenic drives, bike paths, ranger programs, and much more. Check out the top things to put on your Zion National Park bucket list.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: What You MUST SEE in the Southwest

A four-day Utah and Arizona road trip is the perfect introduction to the region along the border of the two states, where the Colorado River and its tributaries create breathtaking scenes. This itinerary in the southwest is perfect for first-timers looking for famous landmarks, national parks, photo-worthy views and epic hikes.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

One Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary

One day at the Grand Canyon might not seem like enough, but you can manage to squeeze in a lot of activities, even if you’re short on time. This itinerary will help you plan a one-day itinerary at the Grand Canyon South Rim, with ideas for where to hike and watch the golden sunset.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

3 Days at Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary

This 3 days at the Grand Canyon itinerary includes the best hikes, viewpoints and adventures along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Following switchbacks into the canyon, riding bikes along the rim, hopping between lookouts to find the best sunset views — it’s all in the plan with this Grand Canyon itinerary for 3 days.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

The Best Grand Canyon to Zion National Park Road Trip Itinerary for This Year

Soaring pink cliffs, gushing rivers and breathtaking hikes along canyon rims and ridges are all a part of this Grand Canyon to Zion National Park itinerary that combines two of the best places to visit in southern Utah and northern Arizona into one unforgettable road trip. Keep reading for a Grand Canyon Zion road trip guide to help you plan your route and hikes and find the best places to stay.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

Grand Canyon Packing List and What to Wear at the Grand Canyon

This Grand Canyon packing list will help you figure out what to wear to the Grand Canyon on your national park vacation. We’ve included what to pack for the Grand Canyon in summer and winter, and what types of activities you should plan for. Keep reading for our complete Grand Canyon packing checklist and tips.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

2 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary: The Best Adventures at the National Park

With just 2 days at the Grand Canyon, you’ll have time to see quite a bit of the national park if you plan ahead. That’s where this handy guide comes in. We’ve broken down the top things to do at the Grand Canyon South Rim for your first visit, from the best sunset views to hikes you don’t want to miss.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

How to Plan the Perfect One Day in Acadia National Park Itinerary

Discover the best coastal trails, lighthouse views, and cozy places to stay on Mount Desert Island with this one day in Acadia National Park itinerary. If you’re visiting the Maine destination for the first time, this Acadia guide will help you to plan the perfect trip.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

10 Best Cities and Towns Near Acadia National Park

Looking for the best towns near Acadia National Park? The stunning coastal destination on Mount Desert Island in Maine is known for its cliffs, lakes, mountains and lighthouses. Many Acadia towns and villages are located along bays and harbors, with views of offshore islands. Whether you’re looking for the best campground in Acadia, a charming historic hamlet, or a larger city with amenities, this list of towns close to Acadia National Park lays out the pros and cons of different options.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

12 of the Best National Parks in the USA for This Fall

Autumn in the national parks brings vibrant fall foliage, cooler weather, and fewer crowds at popular spots like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. That’s why a fall national parks trip is the perfect chance to see some of these natural gems in the United States. These are our top picks for the best national parks for fall.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

The Best Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary for 3 Days in the National Park

This 3-day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary features gushing waterfalls, misty mountains, scenic drives, and the best hikes in the popular national park. Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park offers over 800 miles of trails, dozens of falls, and historic settlements in areas like the Cades Cove valley.

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Michelle Joy Michelle Joy

12 Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park

These cities and towns near Smoky Mountains National Park range from buzzing tourist hot spots to quiet creekside communities. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. This list of towns and cities near Smoky Mountains National Park includes a wide variety of ideas for exactly where to stay.

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