With so many fun free things to do in Colorado Springs, it’s among the best budget-friendly Colorado destinations. Whether you’re an outdoor lover, a history buff, or an art enthusiast, Colorado Springs has something for everyone to enjoy at no cost. Maximize your travel budget and plan the ultimate Colorado vacation with the top free things to do in Colorado Springs.
Old Colorado City is one of my favorite areas of Colorado Springs to explore. The historic neighborhood has tons of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops lining Colorado Avenue. It’s also a popular hub for free events, like farmer’s markets, holiday light shows, and concerts—not to mention an ArtWalk offered on the first Friday of each month.
2. Stroll through Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a must-see when visiting Colorado Springs. Park entry is free, and there are trails appropriate for hikers of all experience and fitness levels. The visitor’s center is also worth seeing if you want to learn more about the garden’s history, cultural significance, geology, and native wildlife.
3. Visit a Museum
Dive into the local history of Colorado Springs at one of the many free museums located throughout town. The Peterson Air & Space Museum boasts multiple aircrafts and missiles—perfect for those interested in aviation.
Colorado Springs has many scenic outdoor areas worth exploring on foot. Red Rock Canyon Open Space, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and Palmer Park are some of the most popular free places to go hiking. For more of a challenge, consider tackling Pikes Peak, an iconic Colorado 14er.
5. Explore Manitou Springs
About 20 minutes outside Colorado Springs lies the charming town of Manitou Springs. This quirky city features stunning mountain views and beautiful Victorian architecture.
Spend an afternoon wandering around Manitou Springs and browsing its various shops, galleries, eateries, and public parks. The Manitou Incline, a brutal hike that gains over 2,000′ of elevation in under one mile, is another free activity to add to your Colorado Springs itinerary.
I highly recommend visiting Colorado Springs during your next trip to Colorado, especially if you’re traveling on a budget!
Last year, I embarked on a brief but epic journey through the Southwest with my cousin-in-law, Jessi. We explored Phoenix for a day before hitting the road for Joshua Tree National Park. It was my first time visiting Arizona and California, and the experience was unforgettable! Here’s what we did during our 72-hour Phoenix to Joshua Tree road trip:
Day 1: Phoenix
I landed bright and early in Phoenix and we immediately hit the ground running. Jessi, the incredibly talented owner of Jessi Casara Photography, was location-scouting for an Adventure Couple Session, so we first headed to South Mountain Park and Preserve. I immediately fell in love with the picturesque desert landscape—especially the cacti.
After taking a scenic drive through the preserve, we headed into downtown Phoenix and walked around a bit. The temperature reached 107° so we took a break from the heat to enjoy some tacos and margaritas before setting off for the Apache Wash Trailhead in the Sonoran Preserve. Golden hour was setting in at this point, enhancing the area’s rugged beauty.
Jessi and I then grabbed some drinks at Front Pourch Brewing and made our way to Piestewa Peak Park for sunset. The park had amazing views of the Phoenix skyline and the colors of the sky were spectacular.
After a long day of sightseeing, we refreshed at our Airbnb and hit the town for drinks at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour. The bar is cozy and plush, with a huge selection of unique cocktails. Check out this drink topped with an edible wafer that was printed with a funny cat image!
Day 2: Phoenix to Joshua Tree
The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to Phoenix and make our way to California. It’s only a three-hour drive and the scenery along the way was stunning. We made it to Joshua Tree National Park early in the afternoon and were ready to explore!
Psst, check out Jessi’s guide to spending 24 Hours in Joshua Tree for more photos and details of our trip.
Our campsite was in the Jumbo Rocks Campground, conveniently located near some of the park’s coolest spots. After setting up camp, Jessi and I made the short hike to Skull Rock. The formation was really busy so we didn’t stay for long, but it was super cool (and easy to see how it got its name).
As the sun began to set, we headed to the Cholla Cactus Garden. This is a beautiful area to walk around, but there were TONS of gnats flying around. Also, be sure to watch your step so you don’t get stuck by the cacti of varying sizes.
Once it was dark, we returned to camp and stayed up late to stargaze. I’ve never seen so many shooting stars as I did that night! It was one of my favorite experiences from our trip and definitely worth losing some sleep over.
Day 3: Joshua Tree to Los Angeles
On the third and final (for me) day of the trip, we got up early to go on a morning hike. Our destination was Arch Rock, an iconic sunrise spot. The trail there was relatively easy and short at only around a mile long, weaving through many interesting boulders and Joshua Tree plants that the park is famous for.
A few other people were hanging out at Arch Rock when we arrived, and everyone was really friendly which made things even more fun. Jessi even shot a spontaneous Mini Session with an adorable couple who watched the sunrise with us!
Afterward, it was time to make our way to Los Angeles so I could catch a flight home. On our way out of the park, we stopped for breakfast burritos at Castaneda’s Mexican Food in Twentynine Palms. They were huge and SO delicious topped with the restaurant’s homemade salsa.
I’m so grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime trip—hopefully I can return and spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park!
I had the most wholesome fall weekend exploring parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama—here’s a recap of where my adventures took me…
Technically, this was a “work” trip with my incredibly talented cousin-in-law Jessi, the owner of Jessi Casara Photography. I’ve been helping Jessi behind the scenes for a few years now, and her skills constantly blow me away. The weekend was so fun, it didn’t feel like work at all!
Things kicked off Friday evening at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia, where Jessi photographed a gorgeous couple session. I’d been to Cloudland Canyon once before for the Georgia Canyon Climbers Club Challenge, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered it. We followed the Waterfalls Trail down into the canyon before heading to the Main Overlook for golden hour. I loved hiking around the park and watching Jessi do her thing—I can’t wait to see her pics from the day.
After the session, we headed back to our hotel for the night, The Groovy Nomad. This is an adorably quirky roadside motel in Trenton. The 70s theming was perfect, and our room had tons of cute Cuban-inspired elements.
Jessi and I freshened up and made our way to downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee for (very spicy but delicious) Thai food and the main attraction of the night: Harry Potter World at Unknown Caller Bar. Unknown Caller is a cool speakeasy-style bar you can find by looking for a neon purple light. While we had to wait in line for about an hour to get into the pop-up, it was 100% worth it. The entire bar was decked out with Harry Potter decor, and it had a special menu with drinks like Butter Beer (which was super tasty), a Nimbus 2000, a Golden Snitch, and more.
Once Saturday morning rolled around, it was time for the Fall At the Farm festival in Valley Head, Alabama. This was Jessi’s first time being a festival vendor, and I’m glad I was able to be there for the experience. The festival was hosted by Town Creek Field and Farm, a gorgeous property known for its you-pick flowers. There were a ton of cool vendors, pumpkins, flowers, food, coffee, live music, and (my favorite) a baby mini Highland cow! It was a huge success and Jessi met a ton of new people. The vibes were so wholesome, and all the festival-goers seemed to have an amazing time.
Big thanks to Jessi for inviting me along on this amazing weekend!
Did you know the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s classic horror novel The Shining is in Estes Park, Colorado? I’m a huge Stephen King fan and have always wanted to spend a night at the supposedly haunted Stanley Hotel. Earlier this year, my husband and I finally had the chance to stay at the property, and it was incredible!
The historic Stanley Hotel has a rich and storied past, opening in 1909 as an upscale destination for visitors to the Estes Valley. Its reputation was beginning to falter in the 1970s until King’s fateful stay. After having a vivid nightmare while spending the night at the hotel, he was inspired to write The Shining, and the rest is history.
Nestled among Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel is a beautiful property. You’ll begin to understand the spooky legends surrounding the hotel as soon as you step foot into the lobby. It boasts plush furnishings and dark wood accents that pay homage to its over 100-year-old legacy. Upon check-in, my husband and I were given a sheet detailing some of the hotel’s most famous paranormal encounters, such as a ghostly cowboy spotted in Room 428 and an unwelcoming male presence in Room 401.
We had an attic room on the fourth floor that was comfortable and chic, with cozy, vintage-inspired furniture and large windows. After settling in, we decided to explore the property, which features a miniature hedge maze and a pet cemetery. It’s also home to the world’s first Cryonics Museum, which was sadly closed during our visit. Of course, we had to swing by Room 217, where King stayed during his visit.
Like King, we were also there during the offseason (in February), so the hotel was fairly quiet and partially snow-covered. The grand staircases, elegant rooms, and long hallways definitely have an eerie atmosphere after dark. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the hotel and imagine you’ve stepped back in time to when it first opened.
After grabbing dinner in Estes Park, we stopped by the hotel’s Whiskey Bar for a nightcap. We had fun chatting with the bartender, and he created some custom drinks for us which were uniquely tasty. The lobby had a roaring fire and ample seating, adding to the cozy vibes. Sadly (maybe luckily), we didn’t encounter any spirits that night…
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Brunch & Co., located in the Lodge next door to the main hotel. It has a stunning dining area overlooking the mountains, and the food was delicious—you must try the sourdough hotcakes! Then, it was time to head home and return to reality.
I loved staying at the Stanley Hotel. Even if you aren’t a fan of King or The Shining, it’s a beautiful place to spend a night or a weekend, and it’s conveniently located near Rocky Mountain National Park. I highly recommend visiting next time you’re in town!
I’m doing something a little different this week and sharing resources to help those in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. My husband and I just moved to NC and while Fayetteville wasn’t hit too bad, we have some friends and family in the Asheville area who are experiencing severe flooding and loss of power, rationing supplies, and are essentially stuck in place due to poor road conditions.
We were just in Asheville at the beginning of September, and it’s hard to fathom all the damage that’s occurred from the hurricane. I’m thinking of and praying for everyone in the affected areas—while we can’t physically be there to provide support, there are many ways to help from afar:
American Red Cross – the Red Cross has several Hurricane Helene initiatives for impacted areas throughout Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. You can visit their website or text HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. They also have resources for finding a shelter, locating loved ones, and giving blood.
North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) – the VOAD has compiled a list of contact information for statewide Long-Term Recovery Groups and Community Organizations Active in Disaster, letting you find ways to support disaster relief efforts in your local county.
GoFundMe – while you should be cautious about donating to random GoFundMe pages, the company has create a hub of verified fundraisers for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Operation Airdrop – on September 30, Operation Airdrop will begin flying essential supplies to areas of Western NC hit by Hurricane Helene. You donate money, supplies, or your time by volunteering at the flight staging area in Concord.
Samaritan’s Purse – you can donate or sign up to be a volunteer through Samaritan’s Purse. The organization’s headquarters are located in Boone, which has been severely impacted by flooding, downed trees, and loss of water and electricity.
Forsyth Humane Society – email foster@forsythhumane.org with the subject “Hurricane Helene Foster” or visit their website to help animals displaced by Hurricane Helene. They are partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to assist the Asheville Humane Society, which urgently needs fosters.
North Carolina Community Foundation – donate to the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which supports mid- and long-term relief efforts in Western NC.
Appalachia Funders Network – this organization has launched an Appalachian Helene Response Fund to provide support to areas throughout the region most impacted by the hurricane. Check out the website to learn more and donate.
Please keep Western NC and all the other Southeastern areas hit by Hurricane Helene in your thoughts and help if/however you’re able to! Stay safe out there.
Autumn is officially here, and I created the ultimate North Carolina fall bucket list to celebrate! My husband and I recently relocated from Colorado, and it’ll be our first fall living in North Carolina. I loved fall in Colorado, but the South holds a special place in my heart since I grew up in Georgia, so I’m excited to be back for one of my favorite seasons. We’re still in the midst of moving and unpacking, but I’m itching to get out and experience all the fun fall things to do in North Carolina!
1. Get apple cider donuts from an orchard
Apple cider donuts are some of my favorite fall treats. While you can find them at most grocery stores this time of year, nothing beats authentic donuts from a local orchard. We didn’t have many apple orchards in Colorado, so I’m excited to check some out here in North Carolina.
2. Carve pumpkins
Every fall, my husband and I carve pumpkins to keep on our front porch around Halloween. I love getting creative with different designs and having a friendly competition to see whose turns out better. Once October 1 rolls around, it’s time to start brainstorming what we’ll carve this year!
3. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
While I’ve driven along portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway before, I’ve never seen it in the fall. It’s one of North Carolina’s most beautiful roads, and I’ve heard it’s especially stunning when the leaves are changing. I can’t wait to go leaf-peeping along the parkway with a pumpkin spice latte while listening to my favorite fall tunes.
4. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains
It’s been years since I’ve visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I’m eager to explore more of it now that we’re living in North Carolina. The fall foliage is supposed to be breathtaking throughout the park and there are tons of cool hikes, waterfalls, overlooks, and scenic drives to check out.
5. Have a scary movie marathon
A few years ago, I started an annual tradition of watching a scary movie every day in the month of October. Horror is one of my favorite movie genres, so it’s the perfect way for me to celebrate spooky season. I’m excited to rewatch some of my go-to horror movies and see some new ones.
6. Bake a festive pie
My husband is a wonderful baker and we usually make at least one pie every fall season. I love classic apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies—sometimes, we switch things up with a sweet yet tart cranberry custard recipe. I’m already dreaming of whichever pie we decide to whip up first!
7. Take a day trip to Old Salem
Old Salem is supposed to be an adorable area to visit during fall. I’ve never been, but the pictures I’ve seen make it look as pretty as postcard. I think it will be fun to take a day trip to the historic neighborhood to walk around, visit some museums, and do some shopping.
8. Spend a weekend in the mountains
There are so many quaint mountain towns throughout North Carolina that I want to explore, like Black Mountain, Boone, and Hendersonville. I definitely plan to take a weekend this fall to check one of them out when the foliage is at its peak. Nothing beats a relaxing getaway up in the mountains, especially when there’s a chill in the air and you’re surrounded by gorgeous red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Let me know your recommendations for enjoying fall in North Carolina!
As soon as September rolls around, I’m ready for all things fall—pumpkins, apple spice, spooky movies, and leaf-peeping at the best places to see autumn foliage in Colorado! There are many wonderful destinations throughout the state where you can spot colorful yellow aspens. These are my picks for where to admire fall colors and go leaf-peeping in Colorado.
Aspen and Maroon Bells are the ultimate Colorado fall destinations. Aspen is an upscale ski town with luxury boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. Fall is one of the most popular times to visit, when the town is blanketed in golden leaves.
During your trip to Aspen, you must go hiking in the Maroon Bells area. The landscape is incredibly picturesque year-round but especially during autumn.
Estes Park
From Rocky Mountains National Park to the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park offers many fun fall activities. Explore outside by driving or hiking in the park before spending a spooky evening at the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write “The Shining.” Keep your eyes peeled—you can frequently spot herds of elk in Estes Park.
Leadville + Twin Lakes
Leadville and Twin Lakes are highly underrated areas in Colorado to see fall foliage. While Leadville is small, the downtown is cute and historic. Don’t miss the aspens at Twin Lakes—the sight of the water and the golden trees is as pretty as a postcard! Twin Lakes is a peaceful place to go kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.
Georgetown + Guanella Pass
I highly recommend taking a fall road trip through Georgetown and Guanella Pass. Ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a scenic train through the Rocky Mountains. Continue your sightseeing journey by driving along Guanella Pass, a gorgeous, high-altitude mountain road that provides easy access to trails like Mount Bierstadt and Silver Dollar Lake.
Winter Park
Winter Park is one of my favorite places to see fall foliage. This charming resort town has hiking, mountain-biking, scenic drives, and so much more. I enjoy hiking up to Rogers Pass—it’s a relatively easy trail but boasts sweeping mountain views.
Breckenridge
You can see unbelievably vibrant fall colors in Breckenridge. There are many aspen groves located throughout town that turn bright yellow in fall. Breckenridge is also an excellent home base to go hiking on trails like Aspen Alley, which are busy but breathtakingly beautiful during peak leaf-peeping season.
Colorado Springs + Pike National Forest
I’ve called Colorado Springs home for the past four years and can confirm it’s an excellent leaf-peeping spot. Garden of the Gods is a must-visit, and the yellow leaves contrast beautifully against the red rock formations in fall. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of local trails in Pike National Forest of all lengths and difficulties.
Where do you like to go leaf-peeping in Colorado? I hope you have an unforgettable fall season!
If you’re planning an Oregon coast vacation, make sure to check out all the fun things to do in Newport. This quaint coastal town is famous for its marine life, coastlines, and family-friendly activities. My parents just celebrated one year of living in Newport, so it’s the perfect time for me to share a local’s guide to the best Newport things to do.
Top 15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
1. Shop on the Bayfront
Newport’s historic bayfront has fun souvenir shops, candy stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Spend an afternoon strolling the area and browsing the local stores.
2. Grab a Drink at a Brewery
Oregon is an excellent vacation spot for fans of beer and cider, and Newport has several top-notch craft breweries:
Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay – this spot is located inside Rogue’s headquarters. Enjoy tasty bites, specialty brews, and stunning waterfront views.
Pelican Brewing Company – technically, this spot is in Lincoln City, but it’s only 30 minutes north of Newport. The Siletz Bay location has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern design. There’s tons of seating, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or family.
Beachcrest Brewing Company – another place a bit north of Newport but worth the drive. Beachcrest is across the street from the Salishan Coastal Lodge, a beautiful resort with classic PNW vibes.
3. Hunt for Agates
The beaches in and around Newport are fantastic for agate-hunting. This area of the Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shorelines, which often have tons of these fascinating rocks. Unsurprisingly, Agate Beach is a popular spot to find agates.
4. Tour a Lighthouse
Visit Yaquina Bay or Yaquina Head Lighthouse to learn more about the local history. Both are still in operation but open to visitors. Admire their viewpoints of the rugged coastline while diving into their storied pasts, stretching back over 100 years.
5. Watch Sea Lions on the Dock
If you hear a strange barking noise or catch a whiff of something fishy in Newport, it’s probably the resident sea lions. They’ve been spotted on Newport’s public docks for almost two decades. The sea lions usually stay in Newport 11 months out of the year, migrating to California the other month.
See Newport’s iconic sea lions at Port Dock One. You can usually find them by following their noise, which can be heard throughout town.
6. See Tide Pools
In Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area lies Cobble Beach. This is one of Newport’s best tide pool spots. At low tide, Cobble Beach reveals pools of various sizes teeming with starfish, chitons, crabs, anemones, urchins, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some adorable harbor seals.
7. Go Whale-Watching
Newport is a wonderful place to see gray whales and orcas. There are many tours that will take you on the water to get up close and personal with the whales. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can often spot the whales spouting and breaching around kelp beds.
8. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl and/or Thor’s Well
There are some unforgettable rock formations near Newport. Devil’s Punchbowl is a distinctive sea arch you can hike into at low tide. It’s also interesting to view from above at high tide as the waves crash and swirl.
Another cool spot is Thor’s Well, which appears to be a sinkhole on the ocean’s edge. It’s only around 20 feet deep but looks wonderfully dramatic, with waves pouring over at high tide.
9. Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center
I’ve heard great things about the Oregon Coast Aquarium but haven’t visited yet. However, I can recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It’s a laboratory owned by Oregon State University with some entertaining, interactive exhibits.
The touch tank teaches you about sea urchins, anemones, and sea cucumbers. Other display areas feature fascinating fossils and skeletons of marine animals like sea lions and whales. Admission is only $5, so it’s also a cheaper afternoon activity than the aquarium.
10. Take a Trip to Pacific Sourdough
Set an alarm to drive to Waldport first thing in the morning and line up for Pacific Sourdough. This beloved bakery almost always has a line out the door and down the street. I completely understand after sampling the treats myself! Everything here is tasty, but you must try the chocolate chunk cookies, marionberry muffins, and lemon bars.
11. Eat Local Seafood
Seafood lovers will be in heaven with all the mouthwatering restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, oysters, fish ‘n chips, or smoked salmon, Newport has it all. Here are some of my favorite seafood spots:
South Beach Fish Market – some of the best fish ‘n chips I’ve ever had! Almost always busy, so visit during an off-time.
Rogue Bayfront Public House – this is the sister restaurant to Brewer’s on the Bay—visit for delicious clam chowder and salmon, plus there are pool tables in the back.
The Taphouse at Nye Creek – laid-back atmosphere, tasty cocktails, yummy fish ‘n chips, hearty oyster shooters, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. What else could you need?
Get your daily dose of outdoor adventure at the Yaquina Bay Recreation Site. It has a lighthouse, bluff overlooks, forests, and rolling dunes. Bring the entire family, including furry friends, to check out what Yaquina Bay offers.
13. Get Coffee at a Stand
Coffee stands are one of my favorite aspects of the PNW, and Newport has several worth visiting. I recommend The Surfing Bean Coffee Company or Camp One Coffee.
14. Watch Otters from the Public Fishing Pier
You’ll likely see at least one otter from the public fishing pier. Crabbing is popular at the dock, but it’s also a great spot to watch for otters and see the boats. Otters are very playful and social, so where there’s one, there’s usually more!
15. Walk Across the Bridge
You can’t go to Newport without crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s a good place for a morning walk and provides views of Newport from above. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot animals in the water below.
BONUS: Admire Art at the Visual Arts Center
Many fantastic artists call Newport home, and the Visual Arts Center showcases everything from photographs to paintings and sculptures. I’m biased, but my dad’s astrophotography exhibition, The Dynamic Poetry of Nature, is out of this world and runs until October 6, 2024!
I hope you’re inspired to visit the charming town of Newport next time you’re on the Oregon coast. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite Newport spots!
These are some of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. where you can get off the beaten path and unwind in nature. Great Smoky Mountains, the country’s most-visited park, saw over 13 million visitors in 2023. That’s a recipe for busy trails, limited parking, and sitting in traffic when you should be out exploring. If you want to leave some of the crowds behind for a more authentic outdoor adventure, plan a trip to these underrated U.S. national parks.
While most tourists head to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes is also worth visiting. It’s dog-friendly, which is rare for national parks, and offers unique views of the dunes against distant mountain peaks.
Don’t underestimate how challenging it is to hike to the top of a dune—from there, you can try sand-boarding to the bottom. There’s plenty of room to spread out at Great Sand Dunes, so it never feels crowded, and you can stay past sunset to enjoy incredible stargazing.
4. Badlands – South Dakota
Visit for: wildlife, venturing off-trail, fossils
I consider the entire state of South Dakota underrated—especially Badlands National Park. From the striking rock formations to the fascinating exhibits on fossils and gems, the park has much to offer.
Watch for bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep while visiting. The Badlands are also one of the few outdoor areas where off-trail hiking is allowed, letting you wander to your heart’s desire.
3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado
Visit for: dramatic viewpoints, intense hiking
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is another Colorado national park worth adding to your sightseeing itinerary. Admire sweeping overlooks of the canyon from accessible viewpoints, ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. For a physical challenge, consider hiking into the canyon to gain a new perspective on the stunning natural area.
I technically haven’t been to North Cascades National Park, but the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that borders it is one of my favorite places to hike in Washington. I’ve heard fantastic things about the North Cascades area and its hiking trails. It also gives visitors the opportunity to rock climb, bike, boat, and more.
1. Canyonlands – Utah
Visit for: epic views, off-roading
Many overlook Canyonlands for other Utah national parks like Arches and Zion—this vibrant desert area is as captivating as the Grand Canyon but far less popular. I visited over July 4 weekend and it was almost empty compared to Arches.
Canyonlands boasts picturesque viewpoints, hikes, and remote roads leading you through dramatic canyons. It will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of a thrilling Western movie!
Have you been to any of these underrated U.S. national parks? Let me know what you thought in the comments.
Looking for more national parks info? Check out my other travel guides:
Travel movies are an excellent way to cure your wanderlust and find inspiration for the next adventure. I love movies about travel that highlight captivating landscapes and experiences around the world. It’s fun to temporarily transport yourself somewhere else while watching, and it can help you decide where you want to go in the future. These are my favorite travel movies, and some bonus outdoor horror picks for my fellow scary movie watchers!
Must-Watch Movies About Travel
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Image via Empire Magazine.
I remember instantly falling in love with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty while watching it in theaters in 2013. It was an incredibly impactful film because I was a freshman in high school learning to navigate the world around me and find what felt truly fulfilling in life. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty isn’t a perfect movie, but it has everything you want for an inspirational, lighthearted watch: stunning scenery, touching moments, and lots of laughs.
Valley Uprising
Image via IMDb.
While rock climbers will especially love Valley Uprising, I’ve shared it with many non-climbers who also enjoyed the documentary and found it interesting. Valley Uprising dives into the history of climbing in the Yosemite Valley from the 50s to the mid-2010s. It has a killer soundtrack and many scenes to make your heart race and your palms sweat.
Wild
Image via Cinema Faith.
Wild is based on a memoir by Cheryl Strayed, who documented her time hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail after facing some personal challenges. This is a darker, more dramatic travel movie that covers many difficult issues. I definitely cried the first time I watched Wild because of the excellent performances and spot-on song choices.
Into the Wild
Image via MovieWeb.
I’ll be the first to admit that the Into the Wild story is problematic in some regards. It recounts the true tale of Christopher McCandless, a nomad who traveled across America and eventually starved to death in the Alaskan wilderness. Several others have passed away in real life pursuing the abandoned bus featured in the movie, where McCandless lived out his final days.
McCandless also made some avoidable mistakes during his adventure that contributed to his untimely passing. I consider Into the Wild an artistic depiction of one man’s efforts to live his life to the fullest, at times risking his safety and personal relationships to do so. Take the movie with a grain of salt and learn from McCandless’s real-life legacy.
180° South
Image via Rotten Tomatoes.
180° South will instantly make you want to book a plane ride to Chile. This travel documentary follows a man as he attempts to sail from California to Patagonia. He aimed to recreate a trip that Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, outdoorsmen who founded the Patagonia and North Face brands, respectively, took in 1968. It’s a wild ride with plenty of entertaining and heartfelt misadventures along the way.
The Way
Image via UTracks.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Camino de Santiago, I suggest watching The Way. It’s an emotional story about a father who embarks on a long-distance European hiking trail to honor his son, who passed away on the same journey. Travelers have been making the pilgrimage from France to Spain along the Camino de Santiago route for centuries. The Way will inspire you to learn more about the trail and tackle it yourself one day.
Mile… Mile & a Half
Image via Rotten Tomatoes.
One of the first movies to make me want to try backpacking was Mile… Mile & a Half. I stumbled across this movie on Netflix and watched it with my family—we all loved it. The documentary centers on a group of friends attempting California’s John Muir Trail. It features breathtaking views and paints a beautiful picture of friendship and the close-knit backpacking community.
BONUS: Horror Travel Movies That Will Make You Want to Stay Home!
The Ritual
Image via Forbes.
The Ritual is set in Norway, and the rugged landscapes are stunning. This movie has some genuinely terrifying moments and an overall unsettling vibe. You might rethink your next camping trip after watching it! Just remember to stay on the trail and avoid taking shortcuts…
The Descent
Image via IMDb.
Don’t watch The Descent if you get easily claustrophobic. I hate caves in real life which made me hesitant to watch this spelunking-inspired horror movie. It’s also set in Appalachia, which hits a little too close to home since I grew up in Georgia. Today, The Descent is one of my favorite scary movies of all time—I can also safely say I have no plans to go caving ever again.
The Blair Witch Project
Image via Game Rant.
The Blair Witch Project is a found-footage horror classic about a group of filmmakers who go missing in the Maryland woods while searching for a spooky local legend. This movie is infamous for its clever marketing strategy, which convinced many audience members that the events were real, and impressive box office returns despite being made on a budget. It’s a slow burn and not for everyone, but some of the scares leave a big impression.
Drop your travel movie recommendations below so I can add them to my watch list!
Wandering the Gap 