Places to Go
“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”
- John Muir
Get Inspired!
Check out these articles and websites to find some local hiking spots and exotic locales for your next outdoor adventure!
Tips for America’s Most Visited National Parks Michelle Doucette, editor of online travel community IgoUgo.com pulled together a fantastic list of tips on how to visit the five most popular national parks: The Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Olympic National Park, and Yellowstone. She has great tips on what to do, places to eat and where to stay while you are there.
Sunset Magazine: The West’s Best Places to Camp, May 2009 A great article from the May 2009 edition of Sunset Magazine. It is full of information on 90 campgrounds from California to the Rocky Mountains, all the way up the Pacific Northwest and into the Southwest.
Winter time: John Muir Wilderness
New York Times Guide to Summer Camping, 2009 The New York Times put together this comprehensive article with details on many popular summer camping spots at U.S. National Parks. They have included information on making reservations, fees, and how we all need to book in advance because camping is increasing in popularity due to the weak economy. (You can create a login to the NYT for free if you don’t already have one).
New York Times Opinion Column by Nicholas D. Kristof, “How to Lick a Slug”. The Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Nicholas Kristof, wrote this excellent piece about traveling with his 11-year old daughter and dog on the Pacific Crest Trail in California. Kristof makes it clear how important it is for the current generation of children to develop an appreciation for nature. He doesn’t want his daughter to have the same view as the 4th grader from San Diego quoted in Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods
National Park Service The ultimate list and data source on America’s National Parks. This is the official website, so you’ll find all the detailed information you’ll need to plan a trip – directions, pictures, park info, fees, activities, etc. Have fun planning your next adventure!
National Geographic Society Their magazines, TV shows, and online content have inspired people for generations. They are a great resource for learning about the world of adventure that is waiting for us to start exploring. Also check out this page on the National Geographic site for a comprehensive information about many of the U.S. National Parks: NGS National Park link. Also National Geographic Traveler’s guide to National Parks has a lot of great pictures and info about America’s National Parks.
The 10 Best Bargains in Adventure Travel This USA Today article lays out 10 great adventure travel trips. Who knew that trekking to Everest Base Camp would ever make in on a “bargain” list!
Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum If you get to Golden, Colorado, check out the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum. It was opened in February 2008, and is the only mountaineering museum in the U.S.
Get Out There!
Northern California, USA
- Lassen Volcano. I haven’t been yet, but I have heard fantastic things from friends who have been. I’m planning a winter snowshoeing trip to check it out, and have found Trailspotting’s article to be comprehensive and extremely useful.
Summer shade at Caspers Wilderness Park, Orange County, CA
Southern California, USA
- Caspers Wilderness Park. Caspers Wilderness Park is one of my go-to local hiking spots. It is the largest park in Orange County, CA. There are 8,000 miles of trails!
Do you have a favorite place to go? Favorite website you use to plan your hikes? Cool museums we should check out? Let me know!
