Going solo means rising to the challenge and building up your personal responsibility. Don’t fall for common mistakes, like overestimating your true fitness, underestimating nature’s unpredictability, not having the proper gear, underpacking or overpacking, or not bringing or following signs and maps.

When you’re alone, it’s just you, so you have to prepare yourself properly for whatever you’re walking into. But hiking alone doesn’t have to feel dangerous. Follow these tips to prioritize safety and protect yourself while enjoying your amazing adventures in the wild.

1. Be Over-Prepared
Choose a trail that is easy to find and popular. Plan ahead and research how long it will take, whether it’s a day hike or a thru-hike. Before heading out, thoroughly research your chosen trail or location and get to know the details of the trail. Start your hike or run early enough in the day to ensure you have plenty of daylight to complete your journey. Don’t push the limits of daylight, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the trail.

Familiarize yourself with the terrain, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and potential hazards. Always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. Check the weather forecast before starting your hike or run, and remember that sudden weather changes can be dangerous, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and shelter.

Learn about the wildlife in the area you’re visiting too. Understand how to react if you encounter animals like bears or cougars. Carry bear spray if you’re in bear country, which can help protect you from suspect characters as well.

Learn basic navigation skills, such as using a compass and reading a map. GPS devices can be helpful but should not be relied upon exclusively. Download offline maps on your smartphone and bring a power bank. 

1. Solo Female Hike Preparation Checklist:

• Weather
• Wildlife
• Time
• Trail
• Training
• People
• Protection
• Navigation (map, GPS downloaded offline)
• Nutrition

2. Choose a Popular Trail

It might sound obvious, but if it’s your first time out hiking alone, don’t attempt to avoid crowds, go for a popular trail. You may be alone, but let’s not go for isolated, at least at the start. Ease into hiking by yourself before you go for the more obscure trail. Well-traveled and well-maintained trails are great because they are not only easier to find but are also safer, and they’re likely very beautiful as well. 

Keep to the marked trail. Always be on a lookout for the right direction if there are confusing forks in the road. If someone comes by you can ask for directions, but always trust your instincts, and bring a map. Use a paper or electronic map for navigation and check your progress at frequent intervals to avoid navigational mistakes. Going off trail can lead to getting lost. Don’t be afraid to turn around.

3. Have the Right Gear

Always bring appropriate gear and equipment, including a map and compass (and know how to use them), a first aid kit, a headlamp or flashlight, extra clothing, and food.

Some solo female hikers choose to carry personal safety tools for creepers or animals, such as a whistle, pepper spray, and/or a personal alarm. Three shrill blasts on your whistle is the universal call for help. 

Essential Survival Gear for Solo Female Hikers

• Navigation: a paper map, GPS, and compass
• Sun protection
• Warm clothing, emergency blanket
• Headlamp or flashlight, charged or with batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire-making kit: lighter or waterproof matches (bonus: fire starter)
• Knife 
• Food
• Water
• Emergency shelter

Bear this solo hiking list in mind, but also make sure not to pack too much.

4. Let People Know

It might be appealing to just run off without a note, but informing a trusted friend or family member about your plans can give solo female hikers peace of mind. Let them know your start time and estimated end time and trail name. Consider using a hiking safety app that allows others to track your progress. You can share your location if you have service. 

If you’re nervous to share your location with friends and family, you can always speak with the park rangers and let them know your hiking plans. Hit two birds with one stone and ask the ranger if there will be cell service along your route. Knowing whether you have the ability to use your phone should you need to make an emergency call is an important preparation to make. 

You can always invest in a satellite communication device or a personal locator beacon for remote areas where cell phone reception is unreliable. Leave your itinerary with someone you trust. You can also put regular posts on social media if you have service or put up a post summarizing your plans. 

5. Know Your Body

Avoid one of the most common mistakes new solo female hikers make by knowing your body’s limits. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to push yourself, but prepare with proper water and food to sustain you for your whole journey, whether you’re hiking or running. Dehydration and exhaustion can lead to complications nobody wants.

Honor your mental and physical limitations, and take care of yourself. It’s not weak to be cautious. There’s no need to push yourself too hard on a challenging hike all by your lonesome. Take your time, be thoughtful, and pay attention to your body as you go. 

6. Pay Attention

Simply staying focused on what you’re doing can go a long way. Keep your senses sharp while on the trail and watch for signs and indicators of where you are. Don’t wear headphones in case dangerous animals or people are nearby. Be ready for anything by staying aware of your surroundings.

7. Trust Yourself

You may feel intimidated to hike alone, but it’s important to trust your internal compass and intuition. If someone seems strange, they are probably strange. Trust your instincts and listen to your gut. Don’t say yes to something you don’t want to do or take a path you are unsure about. Consider turning back or changing your plans if something doesn’t feel right.

If learning some practical self-defense gives you even more confidence, consider taking self-defense classes so you’re ready in case of an emergency while you’re alone on the trail.

It can be daunting to try solo hiking no matter who you are, but it all comes down to being ready for anything and preparing for what you can prepare for in advance. With proper preparation and constant vigilance, solo female hikers and trail runners can have perfectly safe adventures in the wild.

The post 7 Essential Safety Tips for Solo Female Hikers appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Swifties, if you’re looking to get outdoors more, this list is for you. We’re breaking down great hikes in places that Blondie references in some of her hit songs. I just have one question for you: Are you ready for it?

United States

Welcome to New York Lyric: “Welcome to New York, It’s Been Waiting For You”

Fall can be a sort of new beginning for many people, especially if you’re heading back to school. We all know Taylor Swift has been in a bit of a love affair with New York City since the original release of 1989 in 2014, and there are plenty of stunning “urban hikes” available to you if you’re looking to really take in the city in a short amount of time. Getting lost on the winding paths of Central Park as the leaves change colors sounds like something Swift would write about . . .  right?

Trail: The High Line 

This park that was once “destined for demolition” is one of the city’s most exquisite public spaces. The High Line is a little less than a mile-and-a-half long but offers stunning views of the city while also being surrounded by wildflowers and art installations. Heading here for a nice walk will have you in your 1989 era. The lights are so bright, but they’ll never blind you.

Invisible String Lyric: “Green was the color of the grass where I used to read at Centennial Park”

Folklore fans, this one is for you. Nashville, Tennessee is another bustling city that is definitely worth the visit. Being bombarded with tourists on every corner and going to country music bars can get a little overwhelming, though (no hate for the country music bars, just to be clear). Taking in the scenery in some of the quieter areas of Nashville can make you appreciate everything the city has to offer, and you’ll find yourself counting down the days until you get to go back.

Trail: Centennial Loop

The main loop of Centennial Park will give you a chance to take in the entirety of the park’s beautiful views and lush grasses and trees. The loop is 1.2 miles long and is relatively flat, which makes it a great low-key walk to add to a day full of adventuring around Nashville without getting overly tired. Be sure to stop in at the Pantheon to see Athena as well. Whether you see the green grass or the golden leaves, you’ll feel the effects of time, wondrous, time. 

Tim McGraw Lyric: “He said the way my blue eyes shined, put those Georgia stars to shame that night”

After two urban trails, you might be ready to head back to some of Taylor’s roots in country music (I personally am ready for her to bring back her fake southern accent). This Pennsylvanian native made her music debut with a song about fellow artist Tim McGraw that took place in beautiful, lush Georgia. Take in the gorgeous color scheme of the debut album by hiking through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Trail: East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest 

Located outside of Atlanta, Georgia in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, this moderate trail will offer you beautiful views of a lake and lead you into a zen, bamboo forest to explore. Giving you opportunities to take in wildlife and beautiful native plants and fungi, this trail is definitely great to check out if you have an upcoming trip to Atlanta and you’re looking to get out of the city for a while. Just make sure your Chevy truck doesn’t have a tendency to get stuck on backroads at night, or it might put a damper on your evening.

The Last Great American Dynasty Lyric: “Rebekah gave up on the Rhode Island set forever” 

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, but it still has so much to offer, especially when it comes to beautiful coastlines. Small but mighty, the state called to Rebekah in The Last Great American Dynasty, and she gets up to a variety of antics, including dyeing her neighbor’s dog key-lime green. I promise you don’t have to cause the same kind of chaos that Rebekah did to enjoy your time in the state.

Trail: Cliff Walk 

Cliff Walk is exactly what it sounds like—a walk on the side of a Rhode Island cliff, allowing you to take in the stunning coastline. This 7-mile trail is an out-and-back hike that is considered to be moderately strenuous and is open year-round, no matter what the weather may be. While you’re on the trail, you might even be able to find your very own “Holiday House.”

‘Tis the Damn Season Lyric: “So I’ll go back to L.A. and all the so-called friends who write books about me . . .”

When you’re in Los Angeles, California, you may not be thinking about hiking right away. You’re probably more apt to think of Hollywood, the Chinese Theatre, or the Walk of Fame. But the L.A. area has some pretty stunning outdoor locations that are definitely worth taking in when you visit. Don’t let the Hollywood glitz and glamor overshadow the beautiful nature that’s just a stone’s throw away.

Trail: Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive

Taking a photo of the Hollywood sign? Basic. Hiking to the Hollywood sign? Iconic. Though it may seem daunting, this is a moderate trail. At about 6 miles long, this out-and-back trail offers continuous, beautiful views of the greater Los Angeles area. The hike takes a little under three hours and is very popular—plus, it’s dog friendly, so you can bring your favorite furry friend (on a leash). The road not taken may look good now, but as long as you get to your wanted destination, you’re in for a treat.

Carolina Lyric: “Oh Carolina knows, why for years I roam, free as these birds, light as whispers . . .”

This haunting track penned for the film adaptation of Where the Crawdads Sing features a poignant image of the backwoods of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many natives of the region say there is an otherworldly presence that can be felt in the woods, and this song captures those feelings perfectly. 

Trail: Foothills Trail 

Swift never specifies which Carolina state she was referring to in her song. Foothills Trail is located in northern South Carolina and western North Carolina, making it a great trail to visit if you’re inspired by this song. The entire trail is 77 miles long (it could make great practice for the Appalachian Trail), but if you don’t want to tackle the whole thing, there are several entrances to explore bits and pieces of it, including Table Rock State Park. Be respectful to the land, though, because, as you know, if something goes wrong out there, Carolina knows.

Seven Lyric: “But I, I was high in the sky with Pennsylvania under me”

You don’t need to be an original Swiftie to know that Taylor is from Pennsylvania, and this state truly has a lot to offer. From big cities to the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pennsylvania is home to farmers, hikers, and city-goers alike, making it a diverse stop on our hike through Taylor Swift’s career.

Trail: Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail 

This trail offers scenic views of wooded Pennsylvania and is a moderate section of the Appalachian Trail, making it a great final stop for the United States section of this hiking guide. Just under 5 miles long, the trail is just outside of the Delaware Water Gap and offers beautiful, birds-eye views of the Delaware River. You can even picture Taylor in the trees at her peak of seven feet.

International

The Man Lyric: “I’d be just like Leo, in St. Tropez”

As the most expensive part of France, St. Tropez is a well-loved beach-front town that has taken on the status of a celebrity hot spot for its gorgeous beaches and exclusive clubs. If you can afford the luxury location, you’ll get to take in the stunning blue waters, whether you decide to swim or take part in water sports. 

Trail: St. Tropez Coastal Path 

If you want to see all of St. Tropez, this is the trail for you. This 6.5-mile loop will take you around the border of St. Tropez in a little over two hours. This trail is great for taking in the Mediterranean Sea and the bougie aesthetic without opening your wallet too many times. You don’t want to be out flashing your dollars, of course, because that’s a surefire way to get pickpocketed.

Paris Lyric: “‘Cause we were in Paris, yes, we were somewhere else”

Adding yet another stunning city to this list, we have Paris, France. Known for its rich history, art, and food, Paris is a major tourist destination, though usually not for hiking. While there are plenty of cobblestone streets to take in the views of the City of Lights, there are also ways to take in the surrounding foliage. 

Trail: Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems of Paris

This 12.5-mile trail will take you from the Louvre to the Latin Quarter and so many iconic landmarks in between. If you’re planning to stop in at any of these places, you may want to think about extending your trip. Trust us, you’ll be taken by the view.

London Boy Lyric: “You know I love a London Boy, I enjoy walking Camden Market in the afternoon”

She may not still be loving a London boy (#itsjoeversummer), but that hasn’t stopped Taylor from visiting or falling for other famous Brits throughout her life. London is definitely another iconic city to visit as a Swiftie. London has a deep music history and makes for a great international vacation destination for music fans and those who maybe aren’t a huge fan of a tropical climate. 

Trail: The Seven Sisters 

The Seven Sisters cliffs are a stunning sight. This 13-mile trail will take you from London to Eastbourne, but it can be made shorter if you’d prefer something less intense. The entire hike only takes about an hour and a half, but it will offer you stunning views of the cliffs that will make you say, “I fancy you.”
For a full list of locations mentioned in Taylor Swift songs, check out Taylor Swift lyrics by keyword.

The post Hike the Music: 10 Trails for Swifties appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Tommy’s been a photographer since he was 12, and his expertise lies in fashion and editorial photography. As he captured photos of the filthy hikers around him, tired backpackers transformed into supermodels. They modeled their sleeping bags and their headlamps. They caressed their sporks, eyes full of smolder. He started putting the photos up on Instagram and called it “Hiker Trash Vogue.”

It blew up. People were drawn en masse to Tommy’s personal style as it integrated with this grand adventure on the PCT. Most hadn’t seen the reality of outdoor living framed in this way, full of beauty through grime. Tommy’s portraits are beautiful, yes, but they’re also a little playful. He transmits his own sarcasm and wit throughout.

The New Project

Four years later, in 2022, Tommy embarked on another thru-hike–the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) this time, perhaps an even more daunting task. As he hiked, though, something was nagging at him. A seed had been planted. He had an idea for a project.

The idea was this: A book of 100 photo essays capturing 100 people and the way they connect to the outdoors. It was born in part from the distinct lack of diversity on the PCT and the CDT, an urge to show the outdoors as it is—full of different folks engaging in a myriad of different ways.

The idea took root, and after 800 miles on the CDT, Tommy knew he had to leave so he could pursue the book. He knew he had to do it because it scared him. He was more scared of taking on this photo project than he was beginning either of his thru-hikes, because this project was bigger, more wrapped up in his real life. In the end, he found that the scariest option was not to try.

Intention

How do you represent a person in the way they want to be seen? For Tommy, the natural choice is to approach his work from a deeply personal place. There may be a book as a final product, but the more important result is the empathy and understanding between himself, his subjects, and his audience. Celebrating a person, any one of his 100 subjects, in the way they want to be celebrated, is no small thing.

Tommy notes that these days, at least in terms of outdoor brands and their advertising, there are plenty of attempts toward showcasing diversity, but there is also still a lot of disingenuous inclusion. A company, at the end of the day, is working to make money. They need to do things in a widely palatable way, and may even catch backlash from certain communities for being “too inclusive.” The result is often a performance.

Tommy nearly had funding for this project, but it didn’t come through, which caused his original publisher to pull out. It was like breaking an ankle at the beginning of the PCT, but it was also a blessing in disguise. He turned to his community, and was picked back up through a GoFundMe. Mountaineers Books scouted him and offered publishing. The project started off rocky and stressful, but he found himself able to operate independently. He found himself able to tell stories with “no holds barred,” he said. “Here’s the people, here’s their experiences, and we’re just gonna be upfront about these issues that we’re talking about.”

Finding the Subjects

On a flight from Denver to New York City, Tommy was talking about the project to two women he’d met. They told him about their friend Geoff, an avid outdoorsman who experienced a life-changing stroke. Geoff’s journey getting back outside led to him starting an adaptive wheelchair company called AdvenChair, selling and renting extremely capable wheelchairs that can help the disabled community get off the beaten path. Tommy called Geoff right when he got off the flight and found they were both living in Bend, Oregon at the time. He got to go and visit Geoff, meet his wife, and include him in the project.

Two of Tommy’s friends introduced him to Asante Sefa-Boakye, who promotes knowledge and love for aquatics through the sport of Water Polo. Asante played Water Polo for over 15 years, and was proud to found Ghana’s first team. He likens his connection with water to the feeling of home that he gets visiting Ghana, and his non-profit organization “Black Star Polo” is a living extension of his efforts. 

Besides these organic connections, Tommy put out a request on social media as well, asking his community to connect him with subjects—people with all sorts of intersecting identities who are engaging with the outdoors. This led, of course, to a huge number of candidates. Tommy held about 200 zoom interviews with strangers, often several a day. This gave him a chance to hear their stories and imagine how they’d fit into the book.

Meeting the Strangers

After deciding on his 100 subjects, Tommy had to approach the logistics of traveling around the country and meeting them all for their photoshoots. Crowdfunding continued to be present throughout this whole process, and he often found himself waiting for more support in order to go out and shoot the next leg.

Tommy meets his subjects where they are. He photographs them in the places they already recreate. Sometimes, they’ll spend a couple days camping together, shooting intermittently and hanging out in the meantime. One such person was Channing Cash. Channing grew up in Laos, and when she was three years old, she was run over by a bull on her family’s farm. Now, she has a built-out rig that allows her to camp by herself while living in a wheelchair. She has a whole system for getting out of her truck and into her wheelchair, then back into the rear of her truck to sleep. She’s made it very accessible, though that’s not to say it’s easy. 

He finds himself continually surprised by the way he’s able to connect with his subjects. “People are putting a lot of trust in me,” he said, “and not just having me stay at their house, but putting a lot of trust in me to take their photos, to tell their story, to make sure my intentions are right with what I’m doing.” 

The people he photographs manage to pull him back into presence when he gets wrapped up in the process. It’s as simple as Tommy planning to leave after a shoot, and one of his subjects saying, “So what are you doing after this? Want to hang out?” Kristen Wickert, a pathologist and Tommy’s long-time social media pal, is one example of a photo-shoot subject who became a fast real-life friend. After the shoot, the two grabbed dinner, saw a beaver, and hit a bar.

Getting the Shots

To get the shots he wants, Tommy must stay flexible. He may show up with a shot list, plans for certain props or certain scenery, but he needs to stay adaptive so he can focus on connecting with the person in front of him. Each one of his 100 people is so different, and vitally, they’re all outdoorsy, which means they might not be all that comfortable in front of a camera. 

To capture them beyond that initial discomfort, Tommy stays completely present with them. He watches how they move, the details of who they are. He takes a lot of joy in sending his photos back to his subjects, saying, “Look how cool you look; look how cool [that] we made this photo together.” He gets to show these folks how he sees them, as authentically themselves as possible.

When photographing Jordan Newton, a fellow thru-hiker and a paraglider, Tommy gave paragliding a shot. Despite being scared of heights, he challenged himself alongside Jordan. They spoke about Jordan’s journey leaving Mormonism, coming out as gay to his religious family, and how nature helped him find new community and new spirituality.

What’s Weird About You?

Some of the stories that Tommy is telling in this book are quite heavy, but he noted that the most difficult stories aren’t necessarily the photos that most stand out or vice-versa. The book will balance hardship and joy, challenges and their overcoming. He also remarked that while all of his subjects are engaging with the outdoors in some remarkable way, that isn’t necessarily their story as he sees it. He wants to talk about the weird part of them.

Take Jack Jones for example—or, as he’s known on trail, Quadzilla. Quadzilla completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown, hiking 7,400+ miles in a single year. This is an amazing feat, and Tommy will talk about it in the book, but that’s not his whole story. When Quadzilla was eight, he was adopted from China and came to the United States. As a child, he thought that his teachers, his principal, the adults in his life before his move were all the same people even after he was in America. Even though those people were Chinese and these new people were white, to survive the trauma of this move, his brain insisted there was a same-ness there.

When Tommy shared Quadzilla’s story on Instagram, there was a big response from fellow adoptees. People talked about their own experience with adoption, feeling a distinct loneliness, and connecting to the outdoors in order to find a sense of home.

This is the bigger meaning behind what we do outdoors. Quadzilla’s story means something to adoptees just as Channing’s story means something to the disabled community and to women who want to recreate solo in nature. Tommy’s work asks the question: What’s our bigger story, beyond just going outside?

Who Is Tommy?

Tommy’s forthcoming book of photo essays is a creative project that is also community-building. It’s not a one-man show, he emphasized, it’s a collaboration with each one of his 100 subjects. Hundreds of people have donated money, he’s driven across the country and then some, and the story of this book’s creation just keeps growing. 

There was a moment of fear, for Tommy, when he photographed his 50th person. He was scared, suddenly, that this would be taken from him. It’s become a part of his identity, a reflection of who he is. He’s most of the way done now, and he’s beginning to emotionally prepare for the end, when he doesn’t get to work on this anymore.

Tommy told me a bit of his own story. He was kind of effeminate when he was younger, closeted at the time, only hanging out with girls. Kids were mean as kids are apt to be. It was when he went out into the woods with his dad and his brothers—fishing, hiking, backpacking—that he felt safe. He could be himself and not think about it. 

That background is what inspired him to get into this work. “Everyone should be able to have those feelings in the outdoors,” he told me. “Everyone should be able to feel safe or feel like they can just be themselves, disabled or not, black or white, gay or straight, wherever, whoever you are, everyone should be able to access these places and not have to feel uncomfortable about it.”

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Joshua Tree’s desert climate drew more than three million visitors in 2022 and 2021. Compared to many other parks, Joshua Tree is packed with cultural significance, whether movie references or album titles by big-name bands. Others consider visiting Joshua Tree a spiritual experience. However, whether that’s your draw to the park, or you’re there for rock climbing or to check out landmarks like Skull Rock, visiting Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing experience.

Here’s a look at some fun facts that keep visitors coming back.

Two Deserts Meet In the Park

There are two deserts within the boundaries of the park. While the Mojave Desert is where most visitors enter, and where Joshua trees thrive, the Colorado Desert also makes up part of the park. The Colorado sits at a lower elevation and has a warmer climate than the Mojave. The Colorado also gets more rainfall in the summer, while the Mojave is likelier to see freezing temperatures in the winter. The two deserts make the park more diverse in its fauna and flora.

The Namesake Joshua Tree Plant Isn’t Actually a Tree

Despite looking like small alien trees, Joshua trees are a yucca plant. The agave plant has sharp spines like many other desert plants. The tree has been used for centuries as a source of material to weave baskets with its tough leaves. Later, Mormon settlers used the dense plant for fence posts. Those same settlers also named the plant Joshua tree after the biblical figure for the way its branches reach out as if it were praying. Today, dozens of species of animals and insects rely on plants for shelter and food.

Despite Being a Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is Full of Life

While most associate the desert as an unforgiving place with little life, hundreds of different reptiles, mammals and birds call Joshua Tree National Park home. The list of species includes coyotes, desert hares, bobcats and the desert tortoise, which has become sort of another mascot for the park. Officially named the Mojave desert tortoise, the animal is, unfortunately, a threatened species. The park is making significant efforts to save the species. Seeing one in the park is rare as they live 95% of their lives underground. 

It’s Not Always Hot, and Snow Can Fall in the Winter

On average, Joshua Tree sees 0.7 days of snowfall in the park. That means it doesn’t happen yearly, but it occurs enough that it isn’t necessarily a rare occurrence in a place associated with high temperatures. While it’s usually not much more than a light dusting, the snow provides another water source for a usually dry place. California saw a record-breaking amount of snow in 2023, including some snow that fell within the park.

Most of Joshua Tree National Park is Wilderness

Even though millions of people live within a day’s drive to the park, most of Joshua Tree is considered wilderness. That means the protected areas are even without roads, facilities or any sign of human influence. Visitors wishing to access these parts of the park must do so on foot, if at all. In fact, 85% of the park is wilderness areas. According to NPS officials, wilderness areas, “provide visitors with greater solitude and quiet, with opportunities to explore where few others have ventured.”

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust works to protect desert land through land acquisition, restoration, education, and plant cultivation. Their work focuses on the Mojave Desert, which stretches across southern California and includes parts of Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. The organization will work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to oversee this latest acquisition in the Cady Mountains. 

The area is a designated wilderness study area (WSA), which is yet another way to protect the outdoors, including everything from national parks to BLM land. Wilderness study areas are spaces that meet a specific size and natural criteria and are also considered great places for recreation. Wilderness areas generally do not have any roads or development within them. There are nearly 500 different WSAs in the west and Alaska.

In the past, the U.S. Congress has directed the BLM to identify these spaces, and the process is similar to national monuments, which a President’s Executive Order can create. Recently, this process was used to protect space outside Grand Canyon National Park. However, Congress designates WSAs.

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In terms of visitation, it ranks low among the other 63 national parks. In 2022, the park was ranked the 14th least attended, with only six parks in the lower 48 states being less popular among visitors. The quiet area makes Voyageurs a great place to find solitude and explore some uncharted outdoor territory. 

You’ll probably need some warm, waterproof clothes to enjoy the park full of lakes, but it’s worth a stop.

Here are some facts you may not have known about Voyageurs National Park.

5. You Can Ditch the Car for a Canoe

Unlike most national parks, which you can explore with your car, you’ll need a boat to get around many parts of Voyageurs National Park. After driving to one of three visitor centers, a canoe or kayak is one of the best ways to get around the park. 84,000 acres of the park are water, and within that water are 500 different islands. It’s a paradise for someone who likes to explore to see what they can find. If you’re feeling a little less adventurous, you can also ride on a tour boat.

4. There Are No Drive-Up Campsites in Voyageurs National Park

Despite having 282 different campsites, most of these sites are only accessible by boat, and the campsites require permits. Finding an area to set up camp will also require some map reading. The park does have two hike-in primitive campsites for those who prefer to backpack. Besides that, anyone with an RV or those who prefer car camping will have to find a campground outside the park. It you camp here, there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights.

3. It Becomes a Winter Wonderland Once the Lakes Freeze

The lakes in the park begin to freeze in November, and once they do, it ushers in a whole new season of visitation. Some of the waterways become roads that vehicles are allowed to drive on. Park officials constantly monitor the ice thickness for safety reasons. Other activities in the wintertime include snowmobile trails around the park, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Finally, the popular Minnesota pastime of ice fishing becomes from and center. 

2. It’s Named for the Fur Traders Who Traveled in the Area

The name “Voyageurs” comes from the history of 18th and 19th-century French explorers and fur traders who traveled by canoe to bring pelts to areas around North America. Voyageurs means travelers in French. The area appears much as it did hundreds of years ago, thanks to its national-park status. 

1. There’s a Rock Garden Within the Park

Something truly unique to this national park is a piece of preserved art history. Ellsworth Rock Garden, also called the “Showplace of Lake Kabetogma,” is an art installment by Jack Ellsworth from the 1940s. Ellsworth was a self-taught artist who used natural elements to create artistic landscapes, including rock formations inside the park’s rock garden.

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

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You can go to Zion to challenge yourself with dangerous hikes or daring rock climbs, to wade through the Virgin River and shimmy between slot-canyon walls in the Narrows, or to simply take your time and gawk at the scenery. You can even just show up, hang out at the lodge, and ride the shuttle around. 

Whether you’re a Zion-lover or a soon-to-be visitor, here are five things you may not have known about Zion National Park. 

5. ‘Zion’ Isn’t Its Original Name

In 1909, President William Howard Taft established the Mukuntuweap National Monument to protect this canyon and its surrounding area. Mukuntuweap is the Paiute word for “straight canyon.” The Southern Paiute people were one of several indigenous tribes that lived in the Mukuntuweap/Zion area before European settlement in the 1800s. A Mormon pioneer built a homestead near the present-day Zion Lodge in 1863, which he called “Zion”—a biblical reference for a holy place in Jerusalem. 

In 1918, Mukuntuweap National Monument was expanded from 15,840 acres to 76,800 acres and renamed Zion National Monument, and then it gained additional protections when it became Zion National Park—Utah’s first national park—in 1919. 

4. There’s a Tunnel through a Mountain . . . With Windows 

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel connects Zion National Park with the “Grand Loop,” which today includes Grand Canyon National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. It took crews about three years to build, and the project’s most notable engineering feat was boring the 1.1-mile tunnel through a sandstone cliff to connect the east and west sides of the highway.

When you drive through this tunnel today (get a permit first if you have an oversized vehicle), you can enjoy the multiple “galleries” or windows that give drivers a peek out over Pine Creek Canyon. Those galleries were originally blasted into the cliff face to give crews access to the interior of the cliff as they slowly bored their way through the rock until the tunnel was complete. Crews also used the gallery windows as chutes for all the rock debris they created as they carved the tunnel.

3. It’s Home to the Scariest Hike in the United States

It’s a bold statement, because there are several contenders, but Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park just may be the scariest hike in the U.S. With 1,000-foot drop offs on either side, Angel’s Landing is so high, a minister who visited the park in 1916 remarked that only an angel could land up there. And yet, people hike there every day. 

While some hikers say the trek is fine if you’re careful and the trail isn’t too crowded, others say the fact that the drop offs are in your line of sight for the final ascent (which has chains to help people keep their balance) makes it mentally tough. When the trail is crowded, some hikers add that it makes them feel extra anxious near those edges.

To reduce crowds and keep the trail as safe as possible, Zion National Park requires a permit to hike Angel’s Landing, and rangers do enforce this.

2. Shuttles and e-Bikes Are the Cool Ways to Get Around

Visit Zion National Park and you’ll notice that getting around there is a little different than you might expect. Zion was one of the first national parks to implement a shuttle system to help reduce traffic congestion and preserve both the experience and the natural environment. The shuttle is a convenient way to get around inside the park, with stops at trailheads and points of interest along the way. 

Another way to get around is by e-bike. Rent an e-bike just outside the park entrance, and you can zip up the hill and from trailhead to trailhead on your own schedule. It’s a popular thing to do, and you’ll see numerous e-bikes parked in designated areas while their riders explore the trails.

1. It’s Home to a Great White Throne, A ‘Subway,’ and A Weeping Rock with Hanging Gardens

There are so many iconic sites in Zion, from the Emerald Pools to the Temple of Sinawava, the Hidden Arch, the Kolob Canyons, and beyond. Some other standout features of the park include the Great White Throne, a monolith rising 2,394 feet (730 meters) that is popular with rock climbers, the Subway (a lesser-known spot for hiking and technical canyoneering that requires a permit), and the Weeping Rock with its hanging gardens. 

Water seeps through the sandstone cliffs at Weeping Rock, like tears, giving the cliff a “weeping” appearance. The water supports hanging gardens or colonies of plants that cling to the vertical walls of a cliff. (Remember, Zion National Park is in a desert, so this really is a site to see.)

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

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The closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park sits nearly four hours away in Midland. So once you’re out in Big Bend, you’re out there. 

Although it’s not easy to get to, with its mountains, deserts, and rivers, Big Bend is a fantastic destination. Here are five facts you may not have known about the park to help pass the time it takes to drive there.

5. Big Bend Has the Only Mountain Range Contained Entirely Within A National Park

The centerpiece of Big Bend is the Chisos Mountains that rise out of the desert landscape. The mountains stand more than 7,800 feet high. The elevation gives visitors some relief from the Texas heat. The change in climate provides a home for animals like black bears, which aren’t common elsewhere in the state. Cooler still, the Chisos Mountains are contained entirely within Big Bend, the only national park to house a whole mountain range.

4. You Can Easily Visit Mexico From Big Bend National Park

Big Bend sits on the Rio Grande, and crossing the river is often easy by foot, or you can pay $5 for a small boat to bring you across to the Mexican town of Boquillas. The small town has a spot to grab food and drinks, and it even has a shop. The National Park Service says the town will accept U.S. dollars. Be sure to bring your passport, as you’ll need it to enter Mexico and re-enter the U.S. by video call with a border agent.

3. The Park Has Hot Springs

After a long day of hiking, you can relax in the hot springs on the Rio Grande. The springs are the remains of an old bathhouse of a home that existed before Big Bend became a national park. According to park officials, a geothermal process heats the hot springs, which can hit 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The water also contains dissolved mineral salts, making the experience therapeutic. 

2. You Can Take A Boat Through the Santa Elena Canyon

One of the most impressive parts of the park is the Santa Elena Canyon, with 1,500 rock walls that the Rio Grande carves through. You can experience those walls’ size by kayaking or rafting down the river. Multiple guide services bring guests for day trips and longer overnight river adventures. 

1. It’s a Real-Life Dinosaur Park

Big Bend is full of history. Visitors will find details about western settlers, indigenous peoples, and history that goes back to the dinosaurs. Paleontologists discovered more than 90 dinosaur species in the park. Some of those artifacts are displayed at the park’s new Fossil Facility Exhibit.

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

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Isle Royal National Park is technically part of Michigan, but the island sits closer to Minnesota and on the international border of Ontario, Canada. 

Pack your jacket and beanie, and don’t forget the bug spray. Here are five incredible facts you may not have known about Isle Royale National Park.

5. Cars (and Almost Every Wheeled Vehicle) Are Banned from the Island

To get to Isle Royale National Park, you’ll need to take a ferry from one of two harbors in Michigan. As is the goal with most national parks, preservation is key, so that means no cars are allowed on the island. There’s also a ban on bikes. The best way to get around is to hike, canoe, or kayak. 

4. The Winter Weather Is So Harsh the Entire Park Shuts Down

Isle Royale is only open from April through November. In fact, it’s the only U.S. National Park to officially close each year for the winter. The far north climate averages about 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, but temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Being surrounded by water also means there’s plenty of moisture, so expect rainstorms and mosquitoes for most of the summer.

3. There Are Dozens of Historic Cottages Still on the Island

During the early 1900s, the island was advertised as a summer destination. Demand was high for these beach cottages. The cottages’ popularity grew when the federal government announced it may become a national park. In order to buy up the island, the U.S. National Park Service offered lifelong leases to the cottage owners, which is why so many cottages remain today.

2. There’s a Chance Visitors Can See the Northern Lights

The remote location in Lake Superior and its high latitude means conditions are prime for seeing the Northern Lights. With no nearby artificial light, the night sky lights up with stars, and the Aurora Borealis makes an appearance on the right occasion.  It’s important to note that seeing the lights is never guaranteed.

1. More Than a Dozen Wolves Call Isle Royale National Park Home

Park officials say timberwolves have called this island home for decades. However, the population of wolves is constantly changing. Park rangers recorded 50 wolves on the island in 1980. That number dropped to just two wolves in 2016. Fortunately, that number has grown back to 14 in 2019. Environmentalists say the number of wolves directly correlates to the number of moose on the island. The more moose, the more wolves.

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

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If you’ve ever hiked in the Rocky Mountains, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a marmot. The animal is a very large ground squirrel that often approaches hikers with their round little bodies and squeaky, high-pitched squeals. 

Park rangers posted a video of the animal’s release into Staunton State Park. There’s no official word on how it made its way to Wheat Ridge. The city is a suburb just outside Denver city limits, far from what marmots call home.

However, plenty of marmots call Staunton State Park home. Parts of the park sit above 10,000 feet of elevation making it an ideal place for the animal. In fact, marmots are so plentiful in the park they’ve become an official mascot. The animals will soon prepare to hibernate as winter approaches and the mountains become snow-covered. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife jokingly posted a second video of the rescued marmot, saying the animal had little to say about the situation.

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