Summer is here and the great outdoors are calling you. If you haven’t already planned your great outdoor summer vacation, here are some top destinations to consider:
Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is an outdoor lover’s dream with its 1170 square miles of trails and meadows showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, high sequoia trees, and stone peaks including the well known Half Dome. Whether you are an avid backpacker, a leisure trail hiker, or just a sit back and enjoy a great view kind of person, Yosemite National Park has something for you. There are a number of free shuttles that will tour you around the park and many trails that will lead you to the natural beauty of the great outdoors. There are a number of lodging options to suit any needs. You can choose to be one with nature and pitch up a tent for a true camping experience, rent a small cabin with minimal amenities to show that you can survive without your television, or live it up at the Ahwahnee Hotel with its rustic but very luxurious atmosphere. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have the best backdrop an outdoor vacation can offer.
Juneau, Alaska
Alaska offers the most picturesque outdoor landscapes in the world with its beautiful glaciers and wilderness expeditions and Juneau is one of the top destinations when planning your trip to Alaska. The Mendenhall Glacier is one place that should be seen in your lifetime as many of the glaciers are on the verge of melting down and will one day be a vision of the past for those visiting Alaska. Once you have seen the glacier, you will have a hard time fitting in all the exciting outdoor adventures Juneau has to offer. Some day excursions include whale watching, dog sledding, visiting a salmon cannery, and sports fishing. And of course if those don’t suit you, you can do some hiking, wildlife sightseeing, or biking. Your days in Juneau can definitely be filled, but some of the best days are the ones that are full of relaxation, just sitting back enjoying the beautiful Alaska view.
Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Not much has changed since Yellowstone National Park opened over 135 years ago which makes this outdoor vacation destination a timeless United States attraction. With over 300 active geysers, the most famous being Old Faithful, many flock to the park to witness the eruptions of water a steam, a sight that if you have not witness before, you will want to add to your list of things to do in your lifetime. The geysers are not the only thing you will see while mountaineering and meandering throughout the 3,472 square miles of the park; you will also see some of the most pristine waterfalls and lakes as well as some untouched wildlife sanctuaries.
Hana, Maui, Hawaii
One of Hawaii’s most isolated towns, Hana, Maui is a tropical paradise for those trying to escape from the tourist scene filled with overpriced souvenir shops. In Hana, you can hike to some of the most secluded swimming holes, view many tropical waterfalls some located just off the highway while others may take some adventures to find, and relax at some of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer. The most famous way into Hana is via Hana Highway, a 52 mile winding drive along the north shore of Maui. The “Road to Hana,” as it is known in Hawaii, will lead you to either a nice little day trip or a complete camping experience. Either way, Hana is a must see when visiting the island of Maui.
Zion National Park, Utah
If you want to be truly amazed by the geographical makeup of the land, Zion National Park is the place to be. Being in the middle of Zion National Park is like being in the middle of the largest sandcastle with its brilliant desert scenery of natural canyon structures and formations. This land is a geologist’s dream with sandstone shapes and patterns that are unbelievable and almost unexplainable. The colors that make up this desert sandcastle are full of brilliant and vibrant reds, pinks, and creams all complementary to Utah’s brilliant blue sky. Hiking through this wondrous land will make you truly appreciate Earth’s creation.
The United States is home to an array of great outdoor vacation destinations some that might even be in your own backyard. Whether you want a solitary outdoor exploration or an exciting family adventure, all that matters is that you get out there and make a memorable experience of our beautiful country.