Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary – 7 Days

Hit 5 national parks and all the bucket list Southwest spots in one week! This itinerary is jam packed but a ton of fun.

You could easily spend much longer in each destination but if you’re trying to see a lot in one week, here you go!

Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary – 7 Days

The following itinerary flies in and out of Las Vegas. You can rent a car or campervan upon arrival and drive this exact route. It’s a BIG trip and involves a few long drives so be prepared with your road trip tunes & snacks! I followed this exact itinerary with my Southwest group trip in June. Enjoy!

Day 1: Zion National Park

• Fly into Las Vegas
• Drive to Zion National Park (3 hours & 15 minutes)
• Hike the Narrows (Pick up gear at Zion Guru)
• Camp at Hi-Road Campgrounds (Just outside Zion)

Day 2: Bryce Canyon

• Visit Peekaboo Canyon (1 hour and 30 away from Zion)
• Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (1 hour 25 min)
• Hike Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Trail
• Camp at Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground

Day 3: Moab

• Sunrise at Bryce Canyon Sunrise Point
• Drive to Moab (4 hours & 15 min)
• High Point Hummer Tour
• Dinner in downtown Moab at Moab Brewery or Sunset Grill
• Camp at Moab Rim Campark for 2 nights

Day 4: Moab + Canyonlands

• Canyoneering or skydiving with Skydive Moab
• Canyonlands (30-40 minutes)
• Dead Horse Point State Park (20 minutes)
• Camp 2nd night in Moab

Day 5: Arches & Monument Valley

• Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park – wake up at 4:30am
• Pack up camp & leave by noon for Monument Valley (2 hours 30 min)
• Monument Valley Jeep Tour with Simpson Trail Handler Tours
• Forrest Gump Point (famous view point from the movie)
• Tradition Navajo Tacos for dinner on the reservation
• Camp at Monument Valley KOA

Read: EXPLORING MONUMENT VALLEY WITH SIMPSON’S TRAILHANDLER TOURS

Day 6: Horseshoe Bend & Grand Canyon

• Sunrise from your tent at KOA
• Stop by the Burger King on your way out of town for the Navajo Code Talkers display
• Drive to Horseshoe Bend
• Souvenir shop at Cameron’s Trading Post
• Arrive at Grand Canyon: helicopter ride or hike the rim trail
• Sunset picnic at Yavapai Point
• Camp at Long Jim Loop Camping (or any surrounding BLM land)

Day 7 Drive back to Las Vegas via Route 66

• Drive back to Las Vegas via Route 66
• Stop in Seligman, Arizona: historic birthplace of the “Mother Road” Route 66 (2 hours 40 minutes)
• Burger and shake at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap
• Finish drive to Las Vegas (2 hours 45 min)
• Final night out in Las Vegas

Looking to do this trip without planning it yourself? Check out Bindlestiff Tours. And use code WDLR50 for $50 off!

USE HALARA PROMO CODE: EMILY9 FOR 20% OFF!!

The post Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary – 7 Days appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Ultimate Southwest USA
Group Trip Highlights

This summer an incredible group of 23 people from all over the USA joined me in Las Vegas to depart for an epic 7 day camping trip across the Southwest.

Together we visited 5 national parks (Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches & Grand Canyon!) along with countless other famous landmarks, historic towns and breathtaking landscapes. We all met in Vegas the day before the trip and stayed in one enormous Airbnb together.

We had dinner on the strip and went to see the Bellagio fountains. We didn’t stay out late since the next morning, we were departing early for our first big day of hiking!

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

At 8:30am the next day, our two shuttle buses arrived! We met our two guides/drivers, Joe and Chelsea. And we loaded 12 of us into each van. Then we were off! The scenic drive to Zion National Park was a fun one.

A whirlwind of getting to know you games coupled with the jaw-dropping views… by the time we reached our rental place, Zion Guru, it was nearly noon. And we were ready to get out and hike! Nearly everyone committed to hiking the Narrows although a few went for Angel’s Landing.

This famous hike is very popular in the summer since Zion can hit 120 degrees. In the sweltering heat, the other hikes are almost unbearable. But hiking waist high in a river in a shady canyon keeps you nice and cool during the frequent heat advisories in Zion.

Hiking the Narrows

We rented our hiking sticks and we were off! Most everyone opted to hike in their own boots with neoprene socks I had suggested prior to arriving.

Read: HIKING THE NARROWS – 12 TIPS FOR THIS BUCKET LIST HIKE IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

The views in the canyon were spectacular. We had a blast breaking off into groups and trekking through the rock formations. We brought picnic lunches (prepared by our guides!) into the canyon so we could rest and eat along the way.

This hike was a real highlight of the trip. Everything from taking in the views to snapping pictures of one another to cooling off from the heat in the water…. it was simply perfect!

Check out my TikTok about our hike to plan your own trip:

Cooking dinner at camp

After a successful hike, we headed to camp for the night. Since this was an all-inclusive camping trip, the gear was all provided! We set to work setting up camp then all pitched in cooking dinner together.

After dinner, we stayed up chatting and playing games before calling it a night. There was a fire ban in Utah at the time, so sadly we couldn’t have a campfire. But the stars were terrific!

Day 2 Peekabo Canyon & Bryce Canyon National Park

The next morning we tore down camp early and made our way over to an incredibly underrated slot canyon, Peekaboo Canyon.

Peekaboo Canyon

Originally we had planned to go to Antelope Canyon (which is VERY famous) but it had not opened back up for visitors since the pandemic. So instead, we went to this lesser known but equally as beautiful slot canyon.

After a successful morning exploring the orange, yellow and golden hues of Peekaboo, we began the drive to Bryce!

Once we arrived, we set up camp. Then half the group went to the park to hike the Navajo/Queens Garden trail while some others stayed back to swim at the campsite or have ice cream in town.

Bryce Canyon National Park

The towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon never disappoint!

Day 3 Moab

That morning, we set our alarms early and got up for sunrise in Bryce Canyon. We went in our pajamas and sleeping bags which made for a cozy morning. It was definitely worth the early morning wake up call!

Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon

Moab

We continued on after sunrise to Moab! This outdoorsy town is known for being a hub for adventurers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. So we set up camp for the following two nights since there is so much to see in this area!

Moab Jeep Tour

That afternoon, we went on a Moab jeep tour that was truly fantastic and a highlight for many! Our fantastic guides even pointed out dinosaur tracks along the way.

After the tour, we got dropped off downtown for dinner in Moab.

Most of our meals were prepared around the campfire so it was nice to go out to eat while in town.

Day 4 Canyoneering & Canyonlands

The next morning the group divided: some went canyoneering, some went skydiving and some went to explore downtown Moab!

Moab Skydiving

After the adventurous morning activities, we had lunch back at camp and headed to Canyonlands National Park!

Canyonlands

We hiked to the iconic viewpoint overlooking the valley below and stopped by the visitor’s center for souvenirs. As we were leaving the park, we hopped out at several other sweeping view points. Truly amazing!

Dead Horse Point State Park

Although we were exhausted from such a long and busy day, we made one more stop to see the nearby Dead Horse Point. This is another lesser known viewpoint that totally blows you away. We found a second wind for photos once we saw the spectacular overlook.

Day 5 Arches National Park & Monument Valley

The following morning, we woke EARLY so we could get into Arches National Park. This extremely popular park denies entry to visitors once it’s at capacity and that can happen as early as 9am or 10am. In addition, we wanted to hike to the most famous arch at sunrise.

Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch

It’s a challenging hike but worth every step! Hiking it at sunrise has many benefits. Cooler temperatures, less people (although there were still A LOT!) and great morning light for pictures.

Monument Valley, Navajo Nation

After our morning at Arches, we went back to camp to tear down our tents. We had lunch before hitting the road towards Monument Valley. Some slept, some played car games, others just took in the road trip views… After 3 hours, we arrived at Monument Valley, one of my favorite places in the Southwest.

We did an open air jeep tour with a local Navajo guide before having traditional Navajo tacos for dinner all together on the reservation.

Camping at Monument Valley KOA

We had a beautiful campsite that night with perfect views of the buttes from our tent!

Day 6: Horseshoe Bend and Grand Canyon

The next morning we had breakfast at camp as usual then departed early towards Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend

It was another day of perfect sunshine!

We took photos and soaked up the views at Horseshoe Bend before heading on towards the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park

Our 5th and final national park for the trip! The group divided up for hikes or helicopter rides over the canyon. We explored, took photos and ate ice cream on the rim overlooking the scenery.

Pizza sunset picnic

That night we had our final dinner all together on the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Our guide Chelsea picked up pizza from a restaurant in town and it made for the perfect last night.

When we got back to camp we played “rose and thorn”, each sharing our highs and lows of the trip. There was a lot of laughter as we recounted all the great memories from the week.

Day 7 Route 66 & Las Vegas

Our final morning, we began the drive back to Las Vegas via Route 66. And of course, we stopped along the way in Seligman, the historic birthplace of the iconic “Mother Road”. (If you’ve seen the movie Cars, it is based off this tiny town!)

Route 66 & Seligman

We arrived back in Las Vegas late that afternoon. Those who were staying an extra night booked some hotel rooms to share and we all got tickets to Thunder Down Under, ha! We had one big night out in Vegas to celebrate such a fun and successful week.

I am so grateful to everyone who joined this adventurous trip. And even more so, proud of the group for tackling so many big hikes in one week. Camping for 7 days straight is NOT easy but it sure is fun! Thank you to everyone who made this week so memorable.

To join future group trips, check out the “Travel With Me” page!

Past group trips:

• SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK TWO
• YELLOWSTONE GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK TWO

Shop my Southwest USA travel essentials!

Hydration Bladder

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LED Beanie Hat with Light

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Tent

Lightweight, sleeps 2

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Hiking Boots

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The post Ultimate Southwest USA Group Trip Highlights appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Yellowstone Group Trip Highlights

This past July, twelve adventurous travelers came with me on a summer roadtrip across state lines, cities, and national parks. We camped, hiked, bonded and had a truly unforgettable time.

This trip was made possible in part with Bindlestiff Tours. Massive thank you to my co-guide Nicole!

For $50 off any Bindlestiff Tours trip use code: WDLR50

Day 1 – Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park via Cedar Breaks

We kicked off the trip in Las Vegas before heading out to Bryce Canyon!

After an welcome meeting and intro to the week, we loaded up in our shuttle bus and hit the road. We drove along the 10,000 ft summit through Cedar Breaks for spectacular views of ancient lava flows and the Sevier River Valley below. 

When we arrived at Bryce Canyon, we set off and hiked the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop trail for stunning views.

That night our dinner was catered in from Ruby’s Inn and we ended the first day with s’mores around a campfire.

Day 2 – Bryce Canyon to Salt Lake City

It was an early start to our day since we woke up for sunrise in Bryce Canyon. As difficult as it was to leave a warm, snuggly tent at 5am, the views were worth it!

From Bryce, we had a 4 hour drive to Salt Lake City Utah filled with roadtrip games and stopping for photos at each state line crossing.

When we arrived in Salt Lake City, we did a Mormon tour led by two missionaries of Temple Square. It was a fascinating private tour and our group was able to ask questions and learn about the Mormon lifestyle in modern day Utah.

We then checked into our hotel, went for a group dinner downtown and headed out to some of the bars around Salt Lake City. Our favorite was the arcade bar Quarters!

Day 3 – Grand Tetons National Park

The next morning we had a early breakfast at our hotel and hit the road towards Wyoming! We kept busy on the road with one game after the next and plenty of gorgeous views.

That afternoon, we finally saw the Grand Tetons Mountain Range in the distance! We entered the national park just after lunchtime and had the rest of the day to explore.

  Read: GRAND TETON – ONE DAY ITINERARY IN THE NATIONAL PARK

We began our day at the Jenny Lake visitor center. After soaking in some of the gorgeous sites, we hopped on the shuttle boat across the lake to begin hiking.

We started by heading towards Hidden Falls, a stunning waterfall just a short hike from the lakeshore.

Then began the ascent to Inspiration Point.

After a picnic and plenty of pictures from the top of inspiration point, we continued on to String Lake. It’s a stunning hike right along the mountain lakeshore.

When we arrived at the lake, we went for a very cold (but fun!) dip in the refreshing water`!

After our swim, we drove to a few iconic viewpoints of the majestic mountain range as our other guide Nicole informed us all about the history of the park.

That evening we set up camp at Gros Ventre Campground and cooked dinner with a view of the mountains. We had a fun evening all around the campfire together stargazing.

Camping in bear territory meant we had to follow strict bear safety rules such as:

• Keep a clean camp: Never improperly store or leave food unattended.
• All edibles, food containers (empty or not), cookware (clean or not), and trash must be stored in a food locker or hung when not in use, day or night.
• Do not throw any food or garbage into the pit toilets.
• Inspect your campsite for bear sign and for careless campers nearby.

Day 4 Yellowstone National Park

We tore down camp and headed into Yellowstone the next morning. We stopped by Colter Bay Village for souvenirs and to make a picnic lunch.

Unfortunately our amazing guide Nicole had been suffering from some sort of eye injury and it had only proceeded to get worse. As not only our guide but also our driver, it was imperative that she be able to see. And on the fourth day of the trip, her eyes had gotten so bad that she needed to see a doctor. So our group went on an impromptu hike nearby and hung out at the beach until she was discharged from the hospital.

Things often go wrong during trips (it’s the nature of travel!) but I was so proud of my group trippers who didn’t complain once and only wanted the best for our co-guide!

Only 4 days in and we had already become such a tight-knit group

After the ordeal at the hospital, we were able to continued on to Hayden Valley for some prime bison spotting before arriving at Artist Point.

After our hike at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, we headed to Norris Geyser Basin, a favorite spot of mine in the park!

We then headed to set up camp for the next two nights at Grant Village.

We cooked dinner together, had drinks under the stars and stayed up late chatting. It was a fantastic night together at camp!

Read: 14 PLACES YOU CAN’T MISS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Day 5 – Yellowstone National Park

We kicked off our second day in Yellowstone by starting at Grand Prismatic Spring.

After a walk around the boardwalk, we headed to the bizarre and beautiful Mammoth Hot Springs.

We hiked at Sheepeater Cliff then made our way over to Old Faithful to see the spectacular eruption.

After exploring all the surrounding geysers and the iconic lodge, we headed back to do the hike over Grand Prismatic. (We had planned to do the hike earlier in the day but the fog was so intense you couldn’t see the famous spring!)

After our hike, we were exhausted from a long day and ready to eat! As usual, we took turns with dinner duty and made another fantastic campfire meal.

That evening, some of us walked to Yellowstone Lake for sunset before returning to the campsite for drinks around the fire.

Day 6 – Yellowstone & Grizzly Bear and Wolf Discovery Center

In the morning, half the group set their alarms for go see sunrise at West Thumb Geyser Basin which is a just a short drive from our campsite. It was nothing short of magical and truly a moment in Yellowstone I will never forget.

We came back and tore down camp so we could begin making our way out of the park.

In West Yellowstone, we stopped for huckleberry ice cream, discount souvenir shops and best of all…the Grizzly Bear and Wolf Discovery Center. This non-profit animal rescue center is home to bears, wolves, river otters and more.

As we continued our journey, we stopped for lunch in Idaho at the Potato Museum to try a fresh hot baked potato. Talk about a quirky road trip stop!

Unfortunately some orders got lost by the busy restaurant staff and we wound up spending a little more time in Idaho than we originally thought but we all laughed it off as the group was having so much fun together.

We stopped for a swim in Utah along the way before setting up camp at Lake Provo. We cooked an enormous group meal all together and had a late night at the campfire with drinks and far too much tikka masala and naan bread to eat.

Day 7 – Valley of Fire state park and Las Vegas

We packed up camp in Utah and starting making our way to back to Nevada! There was a heat advisory in place by the time we reached Valley of Fire. This state park really lives up to its name as it was so hot that it was unsafe to hike. We drove around the park and stopped at the visitor’s center plus a few key viewpoints.

We also stopped to see petroglyphs from approximately 2,500 years ago, a real highlight of the park!

On our drive back to Las Vegas, one member of the group, Erica, had put together an entire awards show for everyone! We laughed until we cried over the hilarious awards she put together for each individual on the trip.

After a long day in the car, our trip had come to an end. Many heartfelt and tearful goodbyes were said as we all parted ways. I can’t thank this group enough for making long car rides and travel mishaps as fun and special as they were! This group really bonded and for that, I am so thankful! I will miss you all until our paths cross again <3

Past group trips:

• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK ONE
• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK TWO
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA – GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK ONE
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK TWO

Check out the Bindlestiff Tours here.

BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH BINDLESTIFF TOURS

• You don’t need to pack or buy any camping gear, it’s all provided
• It’s a great way to meet others if you’re traveling solo
• Your guide can give you recommendations on hikes or things to do in the area
• The tours are flexible and you can add extra nights/days onto the end of your trip to design the trip of your dreams!

For $50 off any Bindlestiff Tours trip use code: WDLR50

The post Yellowstone Group Trip Highlights appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

14 Places You Can’t Miss In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a place unlike any other. And if you planning to visit this otherworldly destination, there are a few spots you simply can’t miss!

I had the pleasure of visiting this national park with Bindlestiff Tours twice in one summer.

Bindlestiff Tours

This company provides all-inclusive camping tours with all your gear and a professional guide! If you’ve never camped or you don’t own a tent or any camping gear, it’s a great introduction.

I highly recommend this 4 day tour including Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park.

Tips for Yellowstone

• The park is large, be prepared to drive 30-60 minutes between destinations.
• Summer days can drawn large crowds so start your days early and if you plan to eat at the restaurants, go for an early lunch or late lunch to skip on long wait times.
• The best time to visit is late April- May or September- early October. These shoulder months offer mild weather, less crowds and little to no road closures. Although I visited in summer and it was still lovely.

1. Old Faithful Geyser

Perhaps the most well-known destination in the park, this legendary geyser erupts approximately 17 times a day.

You can watch it from the boardwalk with the crowds or hike up above to the overlook and have an aerial view of the eruption. If you have time, do both! Otherwise I suggest snagging a front row seat on the boardwalk. There will be signs posted with when the next eruption will be as you approach. It is usually within 10 minutes of their estimate.

2. Grand Prismatic Overlook

This iconic view in Yellowstone is just a short hike up to the overlook platform. Park at Fairy Falls parking lot for the 1.2 mile trail.

There isn’t a lot of shade so if you’re hiking it in the summer, it’s most enjoyable in the morning or later in the day.

3. Grand Prismatic Boardwalk

Seperate from the overlook hike, this boardwalk brings you right to Grand Prismatic to see the geological wonder up close! It is the star of the Midway Geyser Basin, a boardwalk that brings you alongside several incredible springs.

4. Yellowstone Lake

Be sure to catch a sunset here on this massive body of water, 110 miles of shoreline!

5. Hayden Valley

This valley (which used to be an ancient lake bed from when Yellowstone Lake was much larger) is one of the best places for wildlife spotting.

Drive through here and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll spot herds of bison!

6. Artist Point

This overlook point is on the edge of a cliff looking over the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Be sure to do the short hike alongside it as well! You’ll get to see the falls from a closer viewpoint.

7. Mammoth Hot Springs

With it’s 50 hot springs in the area, this area of the park is not be missed! It truly feels like another planet.

8. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

This non-for-profit rescue center is an incredible place to see the wolves and grizzly bears of Yellowstone up close!

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is located in a cute Montana town, West Yellowstone. And this town also happens to be a good place to get inexpensive souvenirs or try huckleberry ice cream!

Try to go earlier in the day so you can catch the wolves playing. They will usually be resting in the shade once the hottest part of the day hits.

9. Sunrise at West Thumb Geyser Basin

Easily my favorite morning in Yellowstone!

In my opinion, West Thumb Geyser Basin is the absolute best spot for sunrise in the park. Not only is it empty in the morning but the views of the sun coming up over the water and the geysers cannot be beat!

10. Norris Geyser Basin

One of my favorite spots in the park! This geyser basin provides vast, uninterrupted views of a bizarre, sulfuric landscape.

11. Camping inside Yellowstone

Yellowstone offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. If you can, I suggest camping in the park for at least one night!

We camped at Grant Village.

Just keep in mind, you’ll need to follow these bear safety rules.

12. Old Faithful Inn

Located near Old Faithful geyser, this historic inn towers over the landscape.

As a national historic landmark, Old Faithful Inn is the most requested lodging facility in the park. Built in 1903-1904 with local logs and stone, the Inn is considered the largest log structure in the world. The towering lobby features a massive stone fireplace and a hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron serving as focal points.

13. Sheepeater Cliffs

There is a short, unmarked hike here along the Sheepeater Cliffs that provides some nice views of the basalt lava cliffs from 500,000 years ago alongside the river.

14. Lamar Valley

Located in the northeastern corner of the park, Lamar Valley is situated along the Lamar River.

This iconic destination in is often called America’s Serengeti for its large and easy-to-see populations of animals.

It can be difficult to reach with road closures (as it was in summer 2021) but it also is one of the best places to try and spot the wild wolf pack in the early morning.

Watch my Tiktok on Places You Can’t Miss in Yellowstone

Shop my Yellowstone gear

Hydration Bladder

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Lightweight, sleeps 2

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More on Bindlestiff Tours:

• 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BOOK AN ALL INCLUSIVE CAMPING TRIP WITH BINDLESTIFF TOURS
• BINDLESTIFF TOURS: AN EPIC, ALL-INCLUSIVE SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP

The post 14 Places You Can’t Miss in Yellowstone National Park appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Grand Teton – One Day Itinerary in the National Park

Grand Teton – One Day Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park and want to maximize your day in the mountains, here’s a jam-packed itinerary perfect for one day in the park!

I visited Grand Teton National Park with Bindlestiff Tours this summer on two separate occasions. (Once with one of my group trips!)

Both times, I was totally blown away by the mountain landscapes and jaw-dropping hikes.

After two consecutive trips & lots of insider knowledge from the guides with Bindlestiff, I’ve put together the perfect one day itinerary, enjoy!

Start at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center

Grab a photo with the “Grand Teton National Park” entrance sign on your way to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. This is a great place to park and will give you access to bathrooms, a gift shop, drinking fountains and tourist information.

Rent canoes at the boat dock for one hour

Once you’ve checked out the visitor center, you can walk down to the boat dock and rent a canoe or kayak for an hour!

If you’re cramped on time, this is easily skipped for hiking instead.

Take the $10 shuttle boat one way across Jenny Lake

At the same boat dock, you can take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake for $10. (Round trip is $18!) But I recommend taking it just one way. The boat provides lovely views of the mountains and will get you closer to more hiking trails.

*Note: You can skip the boat all together and just hike along the lake to where it drops off on the other side. It all depends how much time you want to spend hiking etc!

When the boat docks, follow signs for Hidden Falls (1.3 miles) then Inspiration Point (2 miles)

Once you arrive at the other side of Jenny Lake, there will be clear signs for Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Hidden Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades right along the path. Don’t skip over this trail! *It is a super popular picture spot so be prepared to wait for an opening if you want a clear shot with the falls on a busy weekend.

From there, cross over the bridge and follow the signs up to Inspiration Point. This hike ascends at a steep incline but gives spectacular views of the mountains behind you and the lake below.

Then follow the signs to String Lake.

After you hike up to Inspiration Point and enjoy the views at the top (I recommend bringing a light picnic or some snacks here!) you can hike back down the way you came. You’ll pass the boat dock but rather than wait in line for a return boat back- I suggest you hike around the lake the other direction towards String Lake.

In the summer you’ll pass tons of wildflowers and hike alongside the water, it is absolutely stunning.

I enjoyed this hike even more than the trek to Inspiration Point because the crowds really thinned out. Our group practically had the trail to ourselves!

When you arrive, go for a swim! Enjoy the beaches.

Once you reach String Lake, pull out your swimsuit and hop on in! Yes the water is cold but in the summer, it is a refreshing way to cool off after a hot hike.

We only briefly swam before heading back to camp but we could have easily spent a whole afternoon at the beach. People had floaties, lawn chairs, beach balls, picnics etc.

You might not be able to swim in the cooler months but a summer dip in the mountain water cannot be beat!

If you have time, I suggest you have dinner and grill out there. They have picnic tables available for public use!

Drive to check out the best viewpoints

When you’re done at the lake, head back to your car and go check out some of the beautiful view points around the park.

There is no shortage of incredible view points throughout Grand Teton National Park. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Historic T.A. Moulton Barn
• Oxbow Bend
• Cathedral Group Turnout
• Snake River Overlook

If you’re camping overnight in Grand Teton National Park, then I suggest you wake up early and hit the view points for optimal lighting.

Drive around looking for wildlife like bears, moose and pronghorn

Grand Teton National Park is an incredible place to try and spot wildlife!

Try looking for moose in the Snake River and remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Since Grizzly & Black Bears are common in the park, it’s super important to review the rules for bear safety.

Camp inside the park at Gros Ventre Campground

While there are a number of campsites you can stay at in the park, I have personally only camped at Gros Ventre Campground.

It’s a nice site with good views and close proximity to the trails etc. However there are no showers or convenience stores at the campground.

And remember these rules for bear safety while camping:

• Keep a clean camp! Never improperly store or leave food unattended.
• All edibles, food containers (empty or not), cookware (clean or not), and trash (including feminine hygiene products) must be stored in a food locker or hung when not in use, day or night.
• Do not throw any food or garbage into the pit toilets.
• Inspect your campsite for bear sign and for careless campers nearby. Notify a park ranger of any potential problems.

Or stay overnight in town in Jackson, Wyoming

Although Jackson is very pricey, it’s also a great option if you don’t want to camp in the park.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, check out The Hostel.

At night, go check out live music at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar!

Watch the Tik Tok on my one day itinerary here:

Check out the Bindlestiff Tours here.

BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH BINDLESTIFF TOURS

• You don’t need to pack or buy any camping gear, it’s all provided
• It’s a great way to meet others if you’re traveling solo
• Your guide can give you recommendations on hikes or things to do in the area
• The tours are flexible and you can add extra nights/days onto the end of your trip to design the trip of your dreams!

Shop my hiking boots

Hiking Boots

Buy Now

More on national parks:

• HIKING THE NARROWS – 12 TIPS FOR THIS BUCKET LIST HIKE IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
• GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS ONE DAY ITINERARY
• ONE DAY IN BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
• WHITE SAND DUNES OF NEW MEXICO: THE NEWEST NATIONAL PARK THAT NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

Grand Teton One Day Itinerary

The post Grand Teton – One Day Itinerary in the National Park appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Hiking the Narrows –
12 Tips For This Bucket List Hike in Zion National Park

If you plan to hike the Narrows in the summer, here is everything you need to know for a successful hike!

It’s easily one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done but a little planning and preparation will help you have a successful trek up the canyon.

1. Rent gear from Zion Guru – just outside the park!

For summer, you will really only need the following: hiking shoes, a hiking stick and warm socks. You may also want a dry bag to protect your gear.

You will definitely want a sturdy hiking stick – you can rent them for $9.

2. Get there early! Gear sells out and the hike gets crowded midday.

We chose to wear our own boots and purchase neoprene socks because often during the busy season, gear may sell out before you can get the sizes you need. In the winter, it’s less busy.

But during peak summer season, they don’t guarantee your reservation.

3. We used our own hiking boots but you can rent special boots

Zion Guru has boots available for rent but we found in the summer that our regular hiking boots worked well. You’ll be scrambling over rocks so just wear shoes with ankle support.

I wore this exact pair of hiking boots and had no issues hiking the Narrows in June. Your boots may take a day to dry afterwards so just have shoes packed that you can change into.

Hiking Boots

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4. Take shuttle stop #9 to Temple of Sinawava

For a full year during the pandemic, the shuttles were running at limited capacity using a ticket system. This made for horribly long wait times at the park.

But good news! The shuttles are fully open again and no ticket is required. Just board the shuttle at the visitor’s center and take it to the final stop #9.

5. You’ll walk 1 mile from the shuttle stop to the Gateway of the Narrows

Once you get off the shuttle you will see bathrooms. Fill up your water again and turn left. Then follow the signage (or the crowds!) down the 1 mile walking path to the Gateway of the Narrows.

6. There are no bathrooms, drinkable water or sign markings once you enter the canyon so be prepared

Use the bathroom at the end of shuttle stop #9 before you embark on the 1 mile walk. Because after that, you’ll have no access to a restroom.

Although this hike is shaded and much cooler than other hikes in Zion, still pack plenty of water!

There are no signs in the canyon but it’s almost impossible to get lost. You can pick up some free maps when you rent your gear.

7. The water is not safe to drink & can make you very sick

Pack plenty of water because unfortunately, the canyon water is not safe for drinking due to bacteria in the water. This is why you won’t see dogs hiking the Narrows. There is no way to prevent the dogs from drinking the water that will likely make them very ill.

8. We bought neoprene socks online for $15 that worked great!

Although you can rent socks, we opted to buy neoprene socks ahead of time and they worked great! For nearly the same price as the rental, we decided to invest in a pair.

Shop the link below for the exact socks we bought!

Neoprene Socks

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9. In the summer, the river is lower but still deep in parts, you will get wet.

If you’re worried about getting your gear wet, you can rent a dry bag at Zion Guru. I simply carried my regular backpack and held it above my head when we crossed a particularly deep section.

10. The full hike is 9 miles & it gets less crowded a few miles in!

If you go early in the morning or later in the day, you’ll avoid some of the crowds. But the deeper you go into the Narrows, the less people you’ll find. I encourage you to give yourself a full day to hike the Narrows if possible so you can get deeper down the river.

11. On a hot summer day, its much cooler in the canyon making a hot day in Zion more enjoyable.

Zion National Park can be unbearable on hot days. There are frequently excessive heat warnings and many of the other hikes provide limited shade. However in the Narrows, you’ll be able to stay cool between the water and the shade of the rocky cliff sides.

12. In the winter, you can rent full gear to keep warm and dry.

In the winter, you’ll need full boots/socks/pants to stay warm in the cold river which is also much deeper in the winter months.

This trip was in partnership with Bindlestiff Tours,
check them out here.

More on hiking:

• SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL: 3 DAY ITINERARY
• THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA
• SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• 14 PLACES YOU CAN’T MISS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

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Great Smoky Mountains
One Day Itinerary 

Great Smoky Mountains One Day Itinerary

Great Smoky Mountains is one of our most well -loved national parks here in the USA. Did you know it’s our most visited with 11 million visitors a year?

You could easily spend many days in the land of blue smoke but if you’ve only got one day, here’s an itinerary that will give you a jam-packed day of jaw-dropping viewpoints.  

Sunrise at Clingmans Dome 

Set your alarm so you can get up early! This iconic destination Great Smoky Mountains National Park is super popular so it’s best enjoyable at sunrise without the crowds. It’s the highest peak in the park (6,643 feet to be exact!) and the observation tower provides breath-taking 360° views overlooking the Smokies. 

You can drive up and park at the free parking lot at the top. From there you can hike the .5 miles to the top observation tower. It’s a steep hike but the entire path is paved.

Pro tip: With the altitude, comes cooler temperatures and frequent rain showers. It can get really cold on top Clingman’s Dome, even in the summer! So wear layers and be prepared for surprise rain showers. 

Pass through Cherokee For Breakfast

After you’ve marveled at the sun rising over the Smokies from the highest peak in the park, drive to Cherokee to grab a coffee or a breakfast sandwich. It will take you 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Drive to Bryson City

Allow approximately 20 minutes to drive from Cherokee to Bryson City.

Here you can check in at the train depot by 10 am for a 10:30 train departure on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad!

10:30 AM Great Smoky Mountain Railway Departs!

Sit back and take in the views of the Great Smoky Mountains from a historic steam train. 

Buy your tickets ahead of time, the train sells out on popular dates! 

There is a variety of seating options from first class seating adults only seating to open air gondolas that are perfect for families!

I’ve ridden in both the open air gondolas and enclosed cars. If you’re not in first class, the enclosed cars have fans but aren’t fully temperature controlled and can get a bit warm. But you’ll have a table for food and drinks.

Read: RIDING THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD

In the open air gondolas, you have a much more expansive view but only a bench to sit on.

Overall, I found the open air gondola to be my preference for the uninterrupted views and air flow! It can get hot and sweaty on the historic train without a strong breeze.

One hour lunch stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center

Here you can grab food at a restaurant, shop or wade in the river to cool off while the train stops for an hour.

White Water Raft Back

You can take the train round trip or for the adventure lovers, I recommend taking the train one way and white water rafting back! The combo package is a great deal.

4.5 hours roundtrip

The entire train ride will take you about 4.5 hours round trip.
If you are traveling in summer, this still leaves plenty of daylight hours yet! 

Drive along Blue Ridge Parkway to Pisgah Inn

So hop in the car and prepare to marvel at this incredibly scenic drive!

As you drive from the train depot to Pisgah Inn, there will be countless scenic overlooks and places to pull over and admire the view over the Smokies as you climb higher.  If you use Google Maps to guide you from the train depot, it will send you on the route that takes an hour and 20 minutes.

But if you adjust the route slightly to include more of Blue Ridge Parkway, I think the views are better. The drive will be longer but it is so scenic, you won’t mind a bit!

Here is the adjusted, more scenic route from the train depot to Pisgah Inn:

If you’re traveling in winter and have less daylight hours, then take the faster route to Pisgah Inn.

Pisgah Inn For Dinner and Sunset

The viewing platform at Pisgah Inn is perched on Mount Pisgah at an elevation of 5,000 ft and provides truly jaw-dropping views.

You can order food to go at the restaurant and bring it out on the viewing platform to eat.

If you can, I highly recommend staying the night here. Falling asleep and waking up to these mountain views is something you won’t soon forget!

Tips for your visit:

TRAVEL WEEKDAYS IF YOU CAN

Especially during the busy season, you’ll save money and beat crowds if you can travel during the weekend. Most accommodations jump up 10-20% in price on Friday and Saturday.

Popular hiking trails won’t be so crowded and parking will be easier to come by.

Read: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

BOOK CAMPGROUNDS OR CABINS IN ADVANCE

As you already know, this National Park is the most popular one in America. So it follows that cabins and campgrounds get filled rapidly during the busy seasons.

So if you’re traveling in the summer or fall, you might want to make sure you’re booking far enough in advance.

We tried booking some accommodation a week out and a few places we had in mind were totally sold out. We were able to find accommodation but if you have somewhere certain in mind you know you want to stay, book in advance!

Read: GLAMPING AT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK WITH UNDER CANVAS

I hope this was helpful for your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! Have you been? Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!

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Great Smoky Mountains One Day Itinerary

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One Day In Badlands National Park

One Day In Badlands National Park

South Dakota is home to some truly jaw-dropping landscapes and some of the best views in the whole state can be found in Badlands National Park.

If you’re planning a visit, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the rugged terrain like I did.

Here is my one day itinerary to make the most of your time in the park!

Where is Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is located in the Southwest corner of South Dakota.

It’s located 1 hour & 20 minutes from Rapid City.

The closest towns are quite small. Interior is 7 minutes away and Wall is 33 minutes away.

Read: SOUTH DAKOTA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY – 6 EPIC DAYS

When to visit?

Summer is the most popular time to visit but it can sometimes be so hot that hiking long trails is difficult in the heat.

I visited in the off-season and had much of the park entirely to myself! If you don’t mind some gift shops or nearby hotels being closed, the winter can be an excellent time to visit!

One Day Itinerary

Big Badlands Overlook for Sunrise

Set your alarm because sunrise at Big Badlands Overlook is an absolute must!!

Since I was there in winter, I was the only person there at sunrise and it was a spectacular way to start my day.

Big Badlands Overlook is perfectly positioned to see the sunrise.

It’s located right next to the parking lot and requires no hiking to see the sun coming up over the rugged landscape.

Hike the easy but fun Door Trail

.75 miles & only 20 minutes

After sunrise, head over to hike Door Trail.

This is a flat, easy hike that is less than a mile but so fun and the views are spectacular.

You will get to venture off the boardwalk and follow yellow markers across the landscape. It’s fun to hunt for the yellow markers as you go!

Hike Notch Trail to go up a ladder and scale some heights

1.5 miles & 1.5-2 hours

After your short easy morning hike, head over to do the Notch Trailhead for a really unique trail!

This hike scales up a ladder and brings you near the edge of some cliff sides so it’s not recommended for people with a serious fear of heights.

I absolutely loved this hike. I’ve never hiked a trail quite like it.

You’ll need good shoes for this hike.

Drive the scenic loop and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep

The scenic loop through the Badlands provides some truly remarkable viewpoints.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some wildlife as you drive!

See the prairie dogs by Pinnacles Ranger Station

These adorable little pipsqueaks call Badlands National Park home and it’s very easy to spot them near the Pinnacle Ranger Station.

The prairie dogs will be scuttling from hole to hole and making all sorts of noise, you can’t miss it!

Visit the infamous Wall Drug nearby

As you drive through South Dakota, it’s impossible to not see signs for Wall Drug everywhere. “350 miles until Wall Drug…. 300 miles to Wall Drug…”

You will bombarded with advertising for this infamous roadside attraction.

It started in 1931 as a small town drug store that drew in weary travelers with the promise of free ice water. Now more than 2 million people stop each year in Wall, South Dakota to see the shops and quirky oddities at Wall Drug.

It’s located just 12 minutes from the Badlands.

US Park Pass

If you plan to visit multiple national parks in a year, make sure you get the unlimited season pass!

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person).

You can buy it here.

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More on National Parks:

• WHITE SAND DUNES OF NEW MEXICO: THE NEWEST NATIONAL PARK THAT NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
• HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
• GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• HOW TO GET A JOB AT A NATIONAL PARK

Watch my South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary TikTok here:

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How To Find Unique Camping Sites
and The Best Glamping Worldwide

If you’re looking for fun, interesting and unique camping sites- you’ve come to the right place. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been camping and “glamping” around the world for the last two years in epic destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains, the countryside in Spain or at festivals across Europe.

Well I’m excited to share with you guys exactly how I find these epic camping sites!

Whether you’re camping to save money, glamping to connect with nature or simply looking for a trip more memorable than staying in another generic hotel, these apps, websites and companies will help you find the coolest accommodations outdoors and around the world.

Hipcamp

By now, just about everyone everywhere knows about Airbnb. But have you heard of Hipcamp? It’s a resource similar to Airbnb that allows privately owned properties to be rented out to travelers.

This could mean anything from a basic camping spot in someone’s backyard to large privately owned glamping sites.

Just like with Airbnb, sometimes you’ll meet the owners and sometimes you won’t. It just depends on the site you book. There may be other campers around or you might have the property to yourself! Hipcamp is home to a wide range of properties- even cute cabins and lodges.

Get $10 off your first Hipcamp!

I have personally used Hipcamp a number of different times during my travels in my home state of Minnesota and while traveling the Great Smoky Mountains.

Read: GLAMPING IN MINNESOTA: THE PERFECT SUMMER GETAWAY!

The first glamping site we found in Minnesota was exclusively featured on Hipcamp and was one of my favorite summer adventures this year! The property had multiple campsites surrounded by gorgeous trails. We stayed in the stunning safari tent. And for extra fun, try showering in the very cute and charming outdoors shower.

The second Minnesota glamping trip I went on was at the Dancing the Land farm also found on Hipcamp. This stay was an absolute 10/10 experience!

Read: DANCING THE LAND FARMSTAY: A STUNNING MINNESOTA GLAMPING EXPERIENCE

Get $10 off your first Hipcamp!

Under Canvas

If you’ve fallen in love with the “glamping” (glamorous + camping) craze that has taken the travel industry by storm, you’re not alone! People who want to connect with nature but still have a few comforts (like a bed, ha!) are growing in number.

Under Canvas is a company that provides “glampsites” near beloved national parks.

We stayed at the stunning campsite near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and were thrilled with the property. However, this isn’t the most budget friendly campsite. Under Canvas is very trendy and will cost just as much as a hotel room. But it’s an awesome experience if you can swing it!

2021 Camp Dates

Moab: March 4 – October 25, 2021

Zion: March 11 – November 8, 2021

Lake Powell – Grand Staircase: April 1 – October 31, 2021

Great Smoky Mountains: April 1 – November 29, 2021

Grand Canyon: April 15 – October 25, 2021

Mount Rushmore: May 6 – September 27, 2021

Acadia: May 13 – October 31, 2021

Yellowstone: May 20 – September 6, 2021

Glacier: June 10 – September 13, 2021

Read: GLAMPING AT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK WITH UNDER CANVAS

The Dyrt Website & App

This website and app are an amazing resource for campers. It’s like Tripadvisor or Yelp but just for campgrounds which makes it easy to find and review campsites near you or your destination.

Check out The Dyrt site here.

The Go-To Resource for Campers
However you camp — in a tent, trailer, RV, or cabin — we believe that finding outdoor accommodations should be just as easy as finding the indoor kind.

Camping at International Festivals With Stoke Travel

Did you know you can glamp at the legendary Munich Oktoberfest?! Well neither did I until I came across Stoke Travel.

Read: GLAMPING AT OKTOBERFEST

Since then, I have camped or glamped at several festivals around the world with this crazy, party orientated company.

So how does it work? Stoke Travel sets up campsites at all of your favorite festivals around the world. You just show up and everything is ready for you: your tent, your meals, your drinks, and hundreds of other travelers to meet!

You can even get unlimited beer, wine & sangria with a promo code. It’s the best way to do a festival on a budget!

Stoke Travel Promo Code: thewanderlustrose

I worked with Stoke Travel at the 2018 Oktoberfest as part of their festival crew. Read the blog post to find out how to apply!

Airbnb Unique Stays

Of course you already know about Airbnb. But did you know you can filter searches by scrolling down and selecting “unique stays“? Everyday more camping and glamping options are being added to Airbnb so it’s worth checking in the unique stays sections while on the hunt for a great camping or glamping site.

One of my favorite unique Airbnb stays of all time was this gorgeous glamping yurt in Australia on Great Ocean Road. It perfectly faced the ocean for sunset and we had the entire beach to ourselves!

Harvest Host

If you have a camper van or RV, you can find free amazing campsites through this network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms and attractions that invite RVers to stay in any one of the 1274+ campsites.

There is a yearly membership of $79 but the campsites are FREE. It’s only applicable if you have an RV but it’s a cool way to campout somewhere unique!

Check out Harvest Host.

Tents of any kind aren’t allowed and the van or RV must be fully self contained with a toilet, water tank and inside cooking facilities.

Interested in camping but feel intimidated or don’t own any gear?

Glamping is a great option for new campers because everything is provided for you. But if you don’t have any gear yet and are interested in camping, try an all-inclusive camping trip with a company like Bindlestiff Tours.

These small group trips are great because you don’t have to provide any of your own camping gear- just show up and the guide will have everything you need loaded in the trailer.

Read: BINDLESTIFF TOURS: AN EPIC, ALL-INCLUSIVE SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP

Follow along & stay tuned for when I go camping in Antarctica in 2021- my most unique camping site of all time, ha!

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Shop My Favorite Camping Gear

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Lightweight & waterproof

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Sleeping Pad

Lightweight & inflatable

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Tent

Lightweight, sleeps 2

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White Sand Dunes of New Mexico

For two years I’ve been telling people that the White Sand Dunes of New Mexico were at the top of my bucket list. And if you follow me on Instagram you might have recently seen that my dream became a reality when I went with one of my best friends on a girls road trip from Arizona to New Mexico aka “the Land of Enchantment.”

Well I’m happy to report it’s every bit as enchanting as I dreamed. And it’s time you put the White Sand Dunes and New Mexico on YOUR bucket list too!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip!

Buy the USA National Park Pass

As of December 20, 2019 the White Sand Dunes became a national park! And f you want to visit multiple days like we did, you’ll save A LOT of money if you buy the “America the Beautiful” pass which gives you UNLIMITED free entrance to ALL national parks for a year for $80. If you even plan to visit 2 parks in a year, it’s worth it.

Camping in the park

You can camp overnight in the park just not during covid unfortunately. The campsites we saw were drive-in sites with a fire pit, shade with seating and clean bathrooms nearby.

I have every intention of coming back and camping in this stunning landscape!

Stay at Hotel Encanto De Las Cruces

Hotel Encanto is a luxurious but cheap hotel located just 50 minutes away (there aren’t any towns closer to the dunes!) and I highly recommend staying there.

The rooms are clean and the hotel pool is just waiting to be the background of your next Instagram shoot. The restaurant, lobby, bar… we loved it all!

Rent a sled

You can rent sleds in the visitor’s office to slide down the dunes or you can bring your own if you have one!

Don’t skip sunrise

Wake up early and catch sunrise from the dunes, it’s pure magic.

The park opens at 7am but if you’re waiting and ready to go as soon as it opens, you’ll still be able to catch some of the magical morning light. If you camp at the park, even easier!

Bring sunglasses

If you plan to be there midday, pack sunglasses! All that white sand reflecting the sun gets impossibly bright.

Sunglasses

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Border check points

You’ll probably have to pass through an internal border control checkpoint on your drive to the dunes since you are only one hour from the Mexico border. It only takes a second and they will most likely only check the back of your car and ask if you’re a USA citizen.

Pack layers for mornings or night

It’s hot in New Mexico but mornings and nights can be quite cool on the dunes. Even the sand itself will be cool to the touch.

Leave only footprints

Let’s do everything we can to protect this remarkable place shall we? It’s every bit as white as it looks in the photos and I’d love it if always stayed that way. So leave on footprints my friends!

Read: The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.

And yes, it really is as beautiful in real life as it looks online!

More on National Parks:

• GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
• HOW TO GET A JOB AT A NATIONAL PARK

Shop my dress from the White Sand Dunes

Backless Maxi

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Follow along on the adventure…

More on New Mexico: ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLD TOWN

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