1. Banff National Park, Canada

Discover Canada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife on a peaceful horseback ride with real Canadian cowboys and cowgirls. Banff Trail Riders even offers overnight trail rides, mimicking the experience of early explorers of the Canadian Rockies. You spend all day riding but get to rest at night with modern comforts. 

2. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

For many centuries, gauchos rode horses through Patagonia—and, in fact, they still do today. Argentina is famous for its horses and polo, and horseback riding is intimately woven into the culture there. If you want a taste of what it’s like to ride through the Andes, make sure to check out opportunities for horseback riding, especially in Torres del Paine National Park.

3. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah, U.S.

It’s hard to count just how many films have been set in Monument Valley—including many of the most famous western films to date. Follow in the footsteps of Billy the Kid (1941), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and just about every John Ford film by discovering the wild west on horseback.

4. Andalucia, Spain

Andalusian horses are incredibly intelligent, obedient, and docile, and they’re usually best suited for experienced riders because of their speed. If you’re not experienced, you can still experience this region on horseback by selecting a tour or guide that can help you. On your rest day, head to famous Jerez to see the dancing horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

5. Masai Mara, Kenya

Going on safari on horseback could be the most incredible way to take in the wildlife of the African savannah. Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, where you can see lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos. Expect gazelles to be grazing near you as you trot along on your horse.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Explore the unique rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia on horseback and you won’t regret it. Cappadocia is famous for its cool rocks and history, and it is a must-see while visiting Turkey. At the insanely affordable price of only $5-10 USD, a ride through this unique desert is totally worth it, especially if you catch a sunrise or sunset.

7. The Camargue, France

Discover the wetlands and white horses of this picturesque region with green grass, marshlands, and pink flamingos in the south of France on a beautiful white horse just like a “manade,” the French version of cowboys who tend to sheep.

8. Petra, Jordan

Take a two-hour tour of the amazing ancient city of Petra with tombs and temples carved into sandstone cliffs from around 300 B.C.The desert views and ancient ruins are even better when you ride a horse to get there.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, U.S.

One of the most amazing things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is to explore the unique hoodoos and rock formations while riding a horse. Bryce’s unforgettable scenery makes this horseback ride a true adventure.

10. Bagan, Myanmar

Explore the historic temples and pagodas of Bagan on horseback. You can even rent a traditional horse and cart to see Bagan attractions like the Min O Chantha Pagoda and Dhammayangyi Pagoda.

11. Iceland

In Iceland, you can ride horses through otherworldly landscapes, like volcanic lava fields and glaciers. There are guided horseback tours to be found all over the country, so choose the one that best suits your interests—green fields in Polar Hestar, lava rides near Reykjavik, or a Viking adventure along the coast.

12. Machu Picchu, Peru

Take an amazing overnight multi-day horse trek along Machu Picchu to Cusco or Puna. Ride along the Inca Trail and reach the ancient ruins on hooves instead of feet.

13. Queenstown, New Zealand

Explore Middle Earth and the landscape used to film Lord of the Rings on horseback, just like Legolas, Gandalf, and Aragorn. Or go deep into Queenstown’s high country, rivers, and backcountry near Glenorchy with soaring peaks and snow-capped mountains.

14. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.

A horseback riding tour of the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of this natural wonder in true Western style. Many of the trails actually use mules not horses, because mules are more agile on the winding and narrow paths.

15. Kakadu National Park, Australia

Head on horseback to Kangaroo Island to see sea lions, koalas, penguins, and the distinct coastal rock formations of Kakadu National Park in the Australian Outback, home to Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years. View waterfalls, billabongs, and rocky cliffs from atop your trusty steed.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO heritage site due to its biodiversity, and it’s the most popular national park in the world. However, the elusive 900 Miler Club currently has just over 800 members. The club is reserved for those who have completed every trail within the park, and they must have hiked at least 900 miles in the process. Founded in 1995 by “Louisiana” Lou Murray, those who wish to enter the club have to apply.

The brother/sister duo joins what appears to be a trend of “toddler treks”—children heading out on long and difficult expeditions with their parents, like 10-year-old Sawyer Howard, who is hiking multiple mountains at 4,000 feet, and five-year-old Bellamy Korn, who is attempting 100 hikes during her leukemia treatment.

Brought up in the outdoors, the two siblings have enjoyed exploration from a young age—as young as 18 months, in Landon’s case. The kids’ mother, Jennifer Stoneking-Stewart, hikes alongside the kids, enthusiastically supporting their thirst for adventure. Hiking 900 miles is no small feat for grown-ups, and these two have spent months pushing themselves to complete their 900 miles across North Carolina and East Tennessee. 

The two young hikers completed a distance of 1,165 miles by the time they were done with their expedition and hiked around 150 trails, including every trail in the park, some of which are quite difficult and/or extensive. The two were not deterred and spent countless hours on the trail to reach their goal. Now, they’ve got their 900 Miler Club medals to commemorate their wonderful experience.

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These five sites represent different chapters in America’s history. The National Park System (NPS) allows these historical marvels to stick around for future generations to admire, allowing us to connect with the human history of years gone by. Experiencing these sites firsthand can leave a lasting impact. Ready to add some of these to your national park bucket list?

1. Camp in an Abandoned Town—Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is larger than some small countries, so it’s no surprise that there are a few unusual discoveries within its borders. The Terlingua Abajo campsite is one of them. One of the several abandoned towns in Big Bend, it was formerly a mining town in the 1800s, home to around 300 workers. Today, you can see several forgotten ruins, including a cemetery and historic buildings, from times gone by. The campsite lies 20 miles (32 km) south of the current town of Terlingua and offers incredible views of the Santa Elena Canyon. The night sky is full of twinkling stars due to the lack of light pollution. 

2. Visit a Castle From the 1920s—Death Valley National Park, California

It’s hard to believe that Death Valley National Park, the desert landscape famous for its extreme weather, has its own Spanish-style castle. Built in the 1920s, Scotty’s Castle or the “Death Valley Ranch” is hidden in the Grapevine Canyon and is an unusual sight to see in the middle of the hot desert. It was once a residence for influential figures of the 1920s and 1930s. It is named after a gold dealer named Walter Scott or “Death Valley Scotty,” although it was never actually owned by him. Architecturally speaking, it is a villa, not a castle, but it’s still an interesting place to visit. Today, you can take guided tours of the property and its gardens.

3. Explore Inside an 18th-Century Tavern—Minute Man National Historical Park, Massachusetts

Hartwell Tavern is a restored colonial inn located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. This area was the first battleground during the American Revolutionary War and the tavern served as a refuge for soldiers. The park is named after the volunteer American militia, “The Minute Men,” who bravely fought in the war. During the visitor season, you can go inside the tavern and relive the experiences of the people who gathered and drank there in the 1770s with interpreters bringing history to life.

4. Hike Through Thousands of Years of History—Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park is home to thousands of years of human history. The Horseshoe Canyon has some of the best-preserved rock art in North America. One of the most famous examples is The Great Gallery, which includes pictographs, life-size figures, and murals dating back to ancient times. In more recent history, this area was also a hiding place for outlaws, such as Butch Cassidy. There is a 7-mile (11.2 km) circular hiking trail that leads to The Great Gallery. 

5. Gain Insight into Evolving Cultures—San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas offers a rare glimpse into the state’s history. There are four San Antonio Missions to discover within the park, and a fifth, the Alamo, is in downtown San Antonio. All five missions are open to the public, and the four within the park are active parish churches. Funded by the Spanish colonial government, these missions were built in the 18th century with a goal of converting local people to Catholicism. The missions served as religious and educational centers at the time. The missionaries left in 1824, but the site has been preserved by the NPS, and today you can admire the architecture and influences of Mexican, Native American, and Spanish cultures in this part of Texas.

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The Everglades are known for being jam-packed with alligators. It’s also the only place in the world where you can find alligators and crocodiles. 

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says they were called in to assist the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office due to the pilot’s remote location. In a social media post, rescue crews say the area is only accessible by aircraft.

Multiple media reports say the pilot crashed around 4:00 a.m. The rescue didn’t happen until 10:00 a.m. The rescue crew used the helicopter’s hoist to pull the pilot to safety. 

The pilot is said to be okay with only minor injuries.

Alligators vs. Crocodiles

Visitors to Everglades National Park have the opportunity to see both alligators and crocodiles. Telling the two animals apart is easier than you think. Alligators have wider snouts and teeth that rest inside their mouths. In comparison, crocodiles have long, skinny snouts and exposed teeth. Alligators are way more common in the Everglades and are generally less aggressive than crocodiles. 

Wildlife experts say the best way to stay safe from alligators is to keep a safe distance. If one does charge you, don’t bother running in a zigzag. That’s mostly a myth. Running away in a straight line will put the greatest distance between you and the animal.

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The NPS wants 30% of their officers to be women by 2030. Currently, women represent only 16% of the entire NPS law enforcement workforce.

“Protecting the nation’s most precious resources, history and communities is a large undertaking that requires a skilled and diverse workforce,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams in a press release. “The most skilled workforce is one that has people from all walks of life, with different skills and different ideas. It is essential that we continue to grow a team that reflects the nation and communities we serve.” 

This current plan isn’t the first time the National Park Service aimed to diversify its workforce. In 2021, the agency started a new hiring program to reduce barriers and increase diversity for law enforcement park rangers. The initiative appears to be working with an increase seen in the 2023 fiscal year. Of the 100 new officers hired, 25% were women, and a quarter were non-white. 

The 30×30 pledge initiative says in 2021, only 12% of law enforcement officers across the U.S. were women. Studies show that female officers use less force and appear in fewer complaints and lawsuits. Some major police departments are also following the initiative, like New York City and Los Angeles.

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Fortunately, there are millions of miles worth of trails in the U.S. and plenty of amazing adventures that make you feel like an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker.

Here are a few that we recommend:

The Foothills Trail – 77 Miles

The Foothills Trail in the Carolinas has the scenery of the Appalachian Trail but with a fraction of the miles. The 77-mile-long trail connects South Carolina’s Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. Along the way through thick wilderness, you’ll see amazing views and more than a handful of waterfalls. The lower elevation, combined with most of the trail in South Carolina, makes this hike accessible for most of the year. 

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – 70 Miles

For those living in the Northeast, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail may be calling your name. This 70-mile trail goes through Pennsylvania from the Ohiopyle State Park to the Conemaugh Gorge. Like the AT, you’ll find beautiful views along the Youghiogheny River. There are even overnight shelters along the way where hikers can set up camp. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is part of the Potomac National Heritage Trail, so technically, you can connect it to other trails and head all the way to Washington, D.C.

California Riding and Hiking Trail – 36.6 Miles

If the desert is calling your name, it may be time to head to the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. At just under 37 miles, this trail is shorter than any others on this list, but when you factor in the lack of places to get water, the trail isn’t necessarily easier. The path covers many miles within the national park and connects the Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance. The hike usually takes two to three days. A campground is located in the middle of the trail and is a great place to cache water for the trip. 

Wonderland Loop Trail – 93 Miles

The Wonderland Loop Trail goes all the way around Mount Rainier. The nearly 100-mile hike goes up and down different terrain and through distinctly different ecosystems, from forests to high alpine. This trail is the ultimate way to experience Mount Rainier National Park. Weather is a major factor for this hike, and the window can be fairly small, so the national park has a lottery system for a permit to do the hike. The lottery opens in late February.

The John Muir Trail – 211 Miles

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is no easy feat, and at 211 miles, it’s longer than any other trail on this list. However, it may be the best way to capture the feeling of being on the Pacific Crest Trail. The JMT goes through central California from the Yosemite Valley and ends with an epic hike up Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The trail is a great way to visit multiple national parks as it goes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Similarly to the Wonderland Loop Trail, one of the hardest parts of this trail is getting a permit.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Hike a Segment of the Appalachian Trail

One of the great parts of the Appalachian Trail is how many states are part of the adventure. As a hiker, you can jump on the trail and cover as many miles as you want. In fact, section hiking is a popular way to conquer the entire trail, even if it takes a few days or weeks every year for decades. So, which of the trails are you going to hike first?

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Park Rangers and others are now preparing for the winter season and the arrival of snowmobiles and snowcoaches. A snowcoach is a wintertime tour bus. These chartered rides are a great way to experience the park when it is snow-covered. The park opens to these vehicles on December 15.

Anyone visiting the park in the winter months must enter through the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana or the Northeast Entrance in Cookie City/Silver Gate, Montana.

Yellowstone officials say visitors need to be prepared when visiting in the winter:

• Prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Have flexible travel plans.
• Expect limited services.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.
• Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice.
• Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone.

Have you ever visited Yellowstone in the wintertime?

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5. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

This combination trail is one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in the park. It takes you down into the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater into the hoodoos. The Queens Garden Trail is only 1.8 miles out and back and has very little elevation gain, so it’s great for an easy, nature-filled hike. Starting at Sunrise Point, combine the Navajo Loop Trail with the Queens Garden Trail for a 3.1-mile trip. Wear lots of sunscreen if you start in the morning, because it gets hot fast. Adding the Navajo Loop Trail to your trek means you get to see the Navajo Loop Switchbacks—one of the most beautiful sights in the park. Turn right at the first opportunity from the trailhead to make sure you get to see the switchbacks.

The Navajo Loop trail isn’t complete without a stop at Wall Street at the end of the switchbacks. Experience gorgeous colors and lights dancing on the canyon walls and remember to go early to beat the crowds.

4. Watch the Sunrise at Sunrise Point or Inspiration Point

Sunrise Point is probably the most popular place to see the sun peek out from behind the horizon, but why not try the sunrise at Inspiration Point for fewer crowds? No matter where you go, be sure to see at least one sunrise in Bryce Canyon on your trip, because it’s unforgettable. You’ll see the sun illuminate the hoodoos in soft hues of orange and pink, and it’s the perfect way to start your day. From Inspiration Point, you can see the grand amphitheater, and at Sunrise Point, you’ll see Thor’s Hammer—both are really worth a visit at sunrise. Don’t forget a jacket, because the desert gets cold in the early hours of the day.

3. Stargazing at Night

Bryce Canyon is renowned for its incredible stargazing opportunities. The astronomy programs offered at Bryce Point are a perfect combination of science and nature. Head out on a clear, moonless night to see the most stars possible. The Astronomy & Night Sky Programs are great because you get a tour of what stars and planets you are seeing. The night sky at Bryce is so dark that thousands of stars are visible, and you can even see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon. With so little light pollution, it’s one of the best night skies you may ever see in your life.

2. Scenic Drive 

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is a perfect option if you want to relax with some air conditioning, or it’s a great way to enjoy gorgeous views if you have limited mobility. Drive down Bryce Canyon Road and go the entire 18 miles, if you want. The road is extremely high elevation and goes up to 7,500 feet. There are a lot of photo ops, so make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the drive, at least 1-2 hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the park if you only have limited time there.

1. Horseback Riding Through the Hoodoos

One of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have in Bryce Canyon is to take a horseback ride through the incredible hoodoos. Hoodoos are towering columns of sandstone rock. Guided horseback rides range from $75-100, but the experience is unforgettable and worth the money. The rides are 2-3 hours, depending on what time of day you go, and rides are offered from April to October. 

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Park officials say they’ve seen a 44% increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In the last few years, they’ve tested a reservation system at the park during peak visitation times, mainly the summer months. 

“Rapid growth in day use visitation and changing use patterns in the park have degraded natural and cultural resources, diminished quality of the visitor experience, increased visitor and staff safety concerns, and created a heavy strain on the park’s facilities and ability to perform daily operations,” wrote the park in their press release. The goal of the plan is to identify strategies that will help protect park resources, offer varied opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences, and enhance visitor and staff safety.”

The National Park Service is now opening a window for the general public to share their feedback on Rocky Mountain’s Environmental Assessment and settle on a long-term plan to handle day-use visitors. 

Recent public input has helped the park decide on a reservation system, which guarantees those with a reservation access to the park. The most popular plan includes two separate reservations. One allows access to everything, including the Bear Lake Corridor, one of the most popular destinations in the park. A second will enable visitors access to only the remainder of the park. 

Provide Your Feeback to Rocky Mountain National Park

• Submit feedback to the park’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website.
• Attend an open house:
  • Tuesday, November 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Lake Center in Grand Lake, Colorado
  • Monday, November 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center in Estes Park, Colorado
• Attend the virtual public meeting on Wednesday, November 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Register here.
• Write a letter to the Park Superintendent with this mailing address: 

Superintendent 
Rocky Mountain National Park 
1000 US Highway 36 
Estes Park, CO 80517 

Feedback is due by December 14, 2023. The park is announcing its 2024 plans within the next few weeks.

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From beautiful winter wonderlands to finding relief from the freezing temperatures, here are some amazing destinations to ditch the winter blues.

Winter Wonderlands

These destinations are for those who love the winter weather, can handle cold conditions and appreciate the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Heading to Colorado in the wintertime is always a popular choice. The state is known for its world-class ski resorts, but you can also find some solitude at Rocky Mountain National Park. The well-known destination is way quieter in the winter, and it’s easy to hike with snowshoes in this snow-covered landscape. Plus, you can still ski, snowboard, or tube at the park in Hidden Valley, a former ski resort.

Glacier National Park

Heading north of Colorado, the Rocky Mountains will eventually lead you to Glacier National Park. While many sections of the park do close for winter, which starts in early fall, there are still plenty of spots to explore. Winter visitors can travel through the park on cross-country skis, and if you’re brave enough, there are campsites available too. Just be prepared for temperatures that stay below freezing most days.

Banff National Park

Want to head even further north? The ultimate North American national park for the winter may be Canada’s Banff National Park. This destination is one of the most popular national parks in the world. Besides the park’s breathtaking views, visitors can enjoy unique ways to get outdoors. There are plenty of guide services that will take people dog sledding and even on horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Voyageurs National Park

Back in the U.S., one of the quietest winter escapes will take you to northern Minnesota. Voyageurs National Park may very well be the coldest destination on the list, with January and February averaging below zero degrees Fahrenheit overnight. However, Voyageurs is unique as the area goes from a popular canoeing destination to a fantastic place for ice fishing and snowmobiling. 

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. The park is also one of the most crowded, sometimes with gridlocked roadways. For a truly unique experience and to avoid these crowds, you can head to the park in the winter. Just be aware that many parts of the park are inaccessible to cars during this time of year. However, you can still take in the snow-covered views from Yosemite Valley.

Pacific Rim National Park

You’ll want to dress warmly and bring waterproof layers as you head to this Canadian national park near Vancouver. Pacific Rim National Park is on Vancouver Island, just north of Washington State. You can expect plenty of wet weather, as you would in the Pacific Northwest, but snow chances are slim. The park is located between the ocean and mountains, so there are views all around. Pacific Rim is an excellent destination for those who enjoy warming up with hot chocolate after a long day on a chilly coast.

Get out of the Cold

If you’re looking for some warmer temperatures and some extra sunlight, these are the destinations for you.

White Sands National Park

If you want to go sledding but not in the snow, White Sands National Park may be for you. While temperatures can still drop below freezing overnight, most days will get into the low 50s and 60s. The southern New Mexico destination is known for its white gypsum dunes throughout the park, and many visitors bring a saucer to slide down the hills. Basically, this desert park looks snow-covered, just without the icy temperatures.

Virgin Islands National Park

You can go totally tropical at Virgin Islands National Park. The Caribbean destination is packed with history, trails, and, of course, beautiful beaches. A good chunk of the park (40%) is underwater, and visitors can enjoy fish and other wildlife while snorkeling. There is a campground within the park, but guests will also find plenty of nearby hotels and resorts.

Cabo Pulmo National Park

Located on Mexico’s California Baja Peninsula, Cabo Pulmo National Park is a great winter destination. Most days will be in the 70s, and visitors can snorkel to coral reefs, search for hidden beaches, and see plenty of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see sea lions and whales while on the beach. The park sits about 60 miles from the famous resort town of Cabo San Lucas. 

Congaree National Park

If you want warmer weather while avoiding the crowds in Florida, you can head to one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states. Congaree National Park is a great alternative for East Coast visitors, with the park centrally located in South Carolina. Visitors can learn about the marshlands that make up the park, see massive trees, and canoe the wetlands. The best part of visiting Congaree in the winter is avoiding the hordes of mosquitoes.

Death Valley National Park

It makes sense that if you want to ditch that winter chill, you head to one of the hottest places on the planet. While you won’t find the scorching triple-digit temperatures in Death Valley National Park, you will find some pleasant weather. The temperatures range from the 40s overnight to around 60 or 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The temperatures make it a lot easier to visit the park and enjoy the trails without the threat of extreme heat.

Cumbres de Monterrey National Park

Just because it’s cold in most places doesn’t mean you need to go to the beach. You can still enjoy mountain views, hiking, and even some rock climbing in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. Located outside Monterrey, New Mexico, the park has rugged terrain and towering peaks. Plus, visitors will find waterfalls and rivers throughout the park. Like any mountainous area, you can expect cooler weather, but with most days in the 50s, you’ll have ideal hiking temperatures.

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