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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After spending her childhood in captivity, Helena Petterier (played by Daisy Ridley of Star Wars fame) is forced to face her past when her survivalist father escapes from prison after 20 years. Convinced her father, Jacob (played by Ben Mendelsohn), will come to take her young daughter, Helena must use all she learned from the man she once idolized growing up in isolation in the wilderness. 

Key Filming Locations 

Filming for The Marsh King’s Daughter took place over two months, June through August 2021, in Toronto and upper Ontario and included both city scenes and swamp and marshland locations. Although the book author Dionne wanted film production to take place in her home of 30 years, the Michigan UP (Upper Peninsula), she was happy that director Neil Burger chose filming locations that closely resembled that area. She could not be onsite during much of the filming due to the border being closed from COVID restrictions. However, after seeing photos from the shoot, she tweeted, “gives me shivers! This is going to be such a gorgeous film.”

Kent County Circuit Court—Alliston, Ontario

Court scenes involving Helena’s father were filmed at the Kent County Circuit Court in Alliston, Ontario. 

Kimberley School and Community Centre 55 (formerly Police Station #10 and #55)—Main St. Toronto, Ontario

Some street scenes show Helena getting off a school bus surrounded by news trucks. Helena and her mother leave the police station where photographers try to get their pictures for news stories, and these were all filmed off Main Street in Toronto. 

Ken Reid Conservation Area—Lindsay, Ontario, Canada 

This protected area is 276 acres (110 hectares) and encompasses McLaren’s Creek Wetland, which looks very much like the UP. Filming took place over several days in the marshland area, providing the backdrop for several important scenes in the movie.

Wild Areas of French River, Lake Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, and Kingston Pen—Greater Ontario Area

The wildlife and nature areas around Ontario, including Mississauga, Caledon, and Lake Simcoe are featured throughout the film—from scenes shot above showing the waterways to the woodland areas surrounding the cabin the family called home when Helena was a child. The fictional cabin where Helena grows up is actually in the Tahquamenon River Valley of the Upper Peninsula, surrounded by swamp and marshland. Production of the cabin scenes featured in both the beginning and end of the film took place in the wilds of Ontario meant to resemble the UP.  

At the forested home of an adult Helena and her daughter and husband who know nothing about her past, Helena sets booby traps just in case her father comes for her. Alongside the marshland and natural areas of upper Ontario, these areas create the perfect background for building tension, fear, and madness while Helena tries to protect her family.

Helena goes to hell and back to protect her family, using the hunting and navigational skills she learned early in life as she tries to outwit the very person who taught her those survival skills in the first place. Dokis First Nation helped carry equipment, actors, and crew to the remote filming locations, which were sometimes a 20-minute boat ride away.

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A new article from Travel Awaits highlights the best cities for dogs. West Coast destinations dominate the results, with Sacramento, California topping the list. Portland, Oregon came in second. Rounding out the top five are three cities in the Golden State: San Francisco, Bakersfield, and Long Beach.

The rankings were formulated by looking at dog services, dog-friendly restaurants, places to hike with your pet, and more.

See more about the study and find out which city ranks near the bottom on Travel Awaits.

The post Is Your Dog Your Adventure Buddy? These Are the Best Cities to Visit appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

8. Triple Divide Pass

Besides being home to an incredible view, Triple Divide Pass is home to a rare hydrological phenomenon. The Rocky Mountains run along the Continental Divide, which divides America’s waterways. All the water that flows east from the Continental Divide goes to the Atlantic Ocean, while all the water that flows west goes to the Pacific. At Triple Divide Pass, that separation merges with a third: all the water that flows north from Triple Divide flows to the Arctic. Standing at Triple Divide, you’ll be standing at an apex of possibility that spreads across the entire continent.

7. Waterton Lakes

If you’re willing to get backcountry permits and backpack for a few days, you can go and touch the Canadian border, where Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park meets Glacier. The history of these two parks is intertwined, ever since they were declared a joint International Peace Park. Once upon a time, Waterton-Glacier was a place where folks could freely walk this natural area, crossing the border between the two countries at will. Sadly, COVID complicated things. Still, their joining represents peace and unity between the two countries.

6. Going-to-the-Sun Road

This is one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic attractions. If you’re in the park, you simply have to take the time and drive this road. It offers epic views the whole way. As you drive, I recommend listening to Fleet Foxes’ song of the same name—it’s the perfect soundtrack. While most visitors know of this road, they might not know that it features in movies like The Shining and Forrest Gump.

6. Dawson Pass

If you want a gnarly hike with outstanding views, this is the one for you. Named after Thomas Dawson, a guide from Glacier’s early days, this trail boasts views of Sinopah Mountain, Mt. Helen, Tinkham Mountain, and a small spur trail to No Name Lake. Most folks will connect back to Many Glacier campground via the Pitamakan Pass trail, which makes for an incredible loop. Watch out for high winds on this high, exposed traverse. Trekking poles are recommended, and cameras are required.

4. Trail of the Cedars

For those less focused on hard hiking and high-adrenaline views, there’s another gorgeous option available to you here in Glacier. The Trail of the Cedars is a short, wheelchair-accessible hike that boasts some ancient, towering trees. Few things inspire human wonder in the same way as massive trees that were here before us and will (hopefully) be here long after. Enjoy the footbridge over Avalanche Creek and the views of Lower Avalanche Gorge.

3. Two Medicine

Two Medicine is a part of Glacier National Park that isn’t talked about as much as, say, Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it’s well worth your time. It’s another extension of Glacier’s natural beauty, but it’s a sacred spot in its own right. Along with Chief Mountain up by the border, Two Medicine has significant spiritual meaning. I caught a ride from Chief Mountain with David from Mountain Chief Cab Company, and he told me some nearby peaks’ names and some stories as we drove back to East Glacier. As I remember, he told us the name Two Medicine came from a year in the past where, because of some natural event, Blackfeet people could not have their annual gathering where they normally would. Some of them met in their original meeting place, and the rest established a new one in the form of Two Medicine. In that way, it represents community despite obstacles.

2. Many Glacier

Maybe because it’s nestled slightly further into the park, the feeling of a stay in Many Glacier is special in its own right. There’s the historic Many Glacier Hotel, designed much like an alpine Swiss chalet, which lends a regal air to Swiftcurrent Lake. The campground, though, is where the real magic is. People from far and wide gather here for the easy access to world-class hikes and natural features to explore. With a stay at Many Glacier, you can head up Swiftcurrent Pass and stop at some stunning backcountry campsites. You could also hike through the Ptarmigan Tunnel or check out Iceberg Cirque, an incredible national amphitheater carved out by glaciers.

1. Grinnell Glacier

Easily accessed from Many Glacier, the hike to Grinnell is a highlight. It’s a great slice of Glacier’s offerings, and while it is challenging, families could certainly take it on. The glaciers for which this park is named are, of course, receding. This is one reason it’s important to check out Grinnell or some similar glacier during your visit. It’s good to get a sense of that process, even as you look around at the landscape they carved out once upon a time, imagining their former size and power. It’s a reminder that things change. As you hike, you may find yourself grounded again in the beauty, in the possibility of spying mountain goats, moose, or grizzly bears, and loving the wild land for what it is now.

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Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the world and is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its incredible peaks and ragged mountains call to tourists from all over the world. Here are five facts you may not have known about Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park. 

5. It’s Home to Flamingos

Who knew that Patagonia is home to one of the world’s most remote flamingo colonies? In Patagonia’s southernmost regions, you can find these incredible birds standing around on one leg. These Andean and Chilean flamingos add a surprising touch of pink to an otherwise rugged landscape. Spot the Chilean flamingos at Laguna Seca and the lakes and lagoons of Parque Nacional Patagonia. To see them on the Argentina side, check out Chacabuco Valley.

4. The Weather Is Insane

Patagonia has famously unpredictable and extreme weather conditions, so when you visit, get ready for rapidly changing weather—from sunny skies to heavy rain or snow in a matter of minutes. The strong winds, also known as the “Winds of Patagonia,” are notorious for their intensity and can make hiking and camping challenging. With gusts up to 100 km/hour, climbers hoping to attempt climbs such as the Fitz Roy traverse have waited weeks for safe-weather windows that never came. 

3. It Has the Biggest Ice Fields Outside of Antarctica

While Torres del Paine National Park is famous for its rugged mountain peaks and pristine lakes, it is also home to several glaciers. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field—one of the largest ice fields outside of Antarctica—feeds many glaciers in the region. It covers 13,000 square km and stretches 350 km in length.

While you’re in Patagonia, also check out Gray Glacier, which can be viewed from many of the park’s hiking trails. More than 60 outlet glaciers extend from the Patagonian Ice Field, including the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the few glaciers still in advance. 

2. Kawésqar and the Selk’nam Lived There First

Before the arrival of European settlers, Patagonia was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Kawésqar and the Selk’nam, who have since diminished, mainly due to genocide. Their history and culture remain an integral part of the region’s heritage. You can still find ancient cave paintings and other archaeological remnants that speak to the rich indigenous history of Patagonia.

1. Actually, Giant Sloths Lived There First

Patagonia is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. The region is known for its distinctive wildlife, including guanacos (a type of camelid), foxes, and the elusive puma. Perhaps the most unusual animal associated with this region, though, is an extinct one—the giant sloth, also known as the Mylodon. 

Mylodon is part of a group of mammals called ground sloths that lived for millions of years, weighed about 1,000 kilograms, and was as tall as 10 feet. In the early 20th century, researchers found remnants of this extinct giant ground sloth in the Mylodon Cave, located near Torres del Paine National Park. They’ve been found from Alaska all the way down to Torres del Paine.

These giant sloths died out around 10,000 years ago. Historians speculate that they went extinct from extreme weather and hunting. This discovery shed light on the prehistoric fauna of the region and captured the imaginations of scientists and the public alike. Today, you can visit the cave and see life-sized Mylodon replicas, offering a unique glimpse into Patagonia’s ancient past.

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Elias travels the world in a converted Land Rover Discovery, exploring some extremely remote locations. He left his camera recording overnight and managed to capture vibrant, neon green shots of the aurora borealis dancing across the sky during his time in northern Finland.

Elias’s Instagram is full of amazing photos and videos of the aurora. He’s seen the Northern Lights in Tornio, Sweden, and parts of Norway too. Scandinavian countries are among the best places to catch a sighting, but the Northern Lights can also be seen in the U.S., in spots such as Colorado and sections of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, which is known for being one of the best places in North America to witness the phenomenon. 

On a very chilly evening, reaching as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius), Elias got this footage on his Sony A7S II camera using a Sony 20 mm F1.8 lens, and the resulting Instagram reel has been viewed 1.8 million times and counting. Check it out here:

Photographing the night sky can be a challenging task for photographers, with different lenses and cameras offering varying results. No two auroras are the same, so you might need to experiment with a few different set-ups to capture the perfect shot.

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5. The Appalachians are Old, Even Geologically

When you start thinking in geological terms, time gets a little funky. At least, as far as rocks and mountains go, it’s crazy to think that an age of several-dozen million years is considered “young.” Similarly, it’s quite a feat for a mountain range to be thought of as relatively “old.”

Once upon a time, the Appalachians were a part of an ancient mountain range, the Central Pangean Mountains. We can learn about those ancient ranges by looking at soil and sediment in the Appalachians, and this can even give us a sense of the volume and size of their individual peaks. It’s possible that the eroded, rounded Appalachian Mountains we know today were once the size of our present-day Himalayas. A wealth of history has filled them ever since—humans, plants, and animals alike. There’s a lot of stories in that earth.

4. It Passes by a Well-Known Cult

After a couple of weeks on trail, thru-hikers’ bodies get very used to the routine of walking, eating, walking, eating, walking, eating, sleeping, eating, and walking again. Your body adjusts to accommodate this new lifestyle, and you develop what’s called “hiker hunger.” Essentially, you’ll absolutely gorge yourself at the nearest restaurant, and be ready to do it again an hour later.

Not all restaurants are exactly as they seem, though. The Yellow Deli is both a popular stop for a hot meal on the AT and owned by the Twelve Tribes cult. Most hikers have heard of this place somewhere along the trail and stop in just to see what it’s about. You can certainly just grab a bite and leave, but the open, inviting social aspect of the AT is something people get swept up in. It would be tragic for that environment to be used as a cover for recruiting people into a religious society that they don’t know everything about . . .

3. It’s Been Done Barefoot

Imagine: You’re walking north on the AT. You’re about three months in. Your blisters had blisters for a while there, but now you’ve got your trail legs. Your feet are calloused and hard. Stopping for a break, you’re passed by two women. You look down and notice that they’re . . . barefoot? And you thought you were doing something hard.

The barefoot sisters are, of course, real hikers, and they really accomplished that feat. Apparently, they always used to hike barefoot as kids, and it just felt natural to bring that habit with them out onto the AT. Their feet got so hard that when they walked through snow, it wasn’t the cold that forced them to put shoes on but the possibility of slipping on ice. A few miles through snow would have otherwise been no problem. Later, they would go back to complete those sections barefoot too.

2. It’s Full of Angels (And Magic)

Along the AT, there’s an incredible network of people known as “trail angels.” These are folks who donate time, money, or space to the thousands of hopeful thru-hikers. If you see a hiker hitchhiking and you drive him or her into town, you’re a trail angel. Sometimes, especially generous angels will even welcome hikers into their homes for a night, offering them a warm bed and a clean shower. The atmosphere of the AT  is one of generosity, trust, and renewed faith in humanity.

Trail angels are also the benefactors of what we call “trail magic.” What’s trail magic? Imagine, you’re tired, worn down, but still hiking. You pull into a random trailhead, and there’s a huge canopy set up with a bunch of hikers around. A smiling person with a spatula asks if you’d like to sit down and eat a pancake. You could cry from happiness. Trail magic is a blessing from strangers that always seems to come just when you need it. From free, hot meals to coolers of cold soda left in the woods, the AT has the most trail magic per capita out of any trail in America.

1. There’s An Extended Edition

Sure, 2,190 miles is pretty impressive, but how about a little more of a challenge? You could hike the 4,400-mile Eastern Continental Trail, or the ECT. You’ll start all the way down in Key West, Florida, at the southeastern tip of the United States. After a lot of roadwalking through the Keys, you’ll find your way to the Florida Trail. That’ll be about 1,500 miles, then you can connect to the AT via the Pinhoti Trail and some roadwalking. Then, after you hike the entire Appalachian Trail, you won’t quite be done. You’ll have to continue north to Belle Isle on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula.
This is becoming an increasingly popular option among highly experienced thru-hikers. One such hiker, “Professor,” added it on to his Calendar Year Triple Crown—an already ridiculous feat that he made even more ridiculous. Another vastly experienced hiker, Lil Buddha, has just recently completed the ECT (again) as a part of “The Pangea Traverse.” On this journey, he’ll walk the remains of those Central Pangean Mountains we discussed earlier. There’s always history in the making.

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The video ad shows destinations like Glacier, Indiana Dunes and New River Gorge, with stops close to the park. 

The video also highlights spots like Joshua Tree and Arches National Parks, which are more than 30 miles from the park. The distance has led to arguments on social media that the train doesn’t get you to the park. You’d need to rent a car or make other arrangements to complete the final leg of the journey. 

“Being 33 miles from the national park isn’t exactly seeing the national park by train,” commented @keleysaesthetics.

“I’ve taken the Builder (line) a number of times. I like getting off at Whitefish where u can at least rent a car and drive through (Glacier National) Park,” commented @legacycookbook. “The next day, re-board the train to continue by enjoying the train ride through the Rockies.”

The idea of reducing traffic in a national park has some appeal, as parks deal with gridlock traffic and parking issues. Some destinations like Zion National Park provide bus services to visitors to get people to and from trailheads. 

Would you travel by train to your favorite national park destination?

The post Would You Take a Train to a National Park? Amtrak Thinks You Should appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Badlands are amazing because they can look dramatically different from site to site. Their appearance depends on the natural geology and elements of the area they are found in. This can range in both formations (such as hoodoos, ravines, and spires) and color (ranging from dramatic striations of deep blues to bright reds). Some appear as hills with deep gullies cut through their faces, while others feature stand-alone spires. Others, still, may appear as bulbous rocks, garnering them names like mushroom, toadstool, or cracked eggs. Because of this, no two badlands look the same. 

Badlands National Park is certainly a wonderful place to visit, however, it would be a disservice to end your tour there. Badlands can be found all over the central and western United States, and each is worthy of a visit. From Oregon to Kansas, here is a guide to four often-overlooked badlands. 

Kansas

Out of all states that feature badlands, perhaps the most surprising is Kansas. Western Kansas has the Niobrara chalk badlands that formed from an ancient sea that covered the area more than 80 million years ago. These badlands are widely regarded in paleontological circles because fossils of mosasaurs—aquatic reptiles that reach over 50 feet in length—are commonly found here. Fossils of other aquatic species, including giant clams and birds, have also been uncovered in the area. 

Erupting from the prairie, the Niobrara chalk formations are seen nowhere better than the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Located in northwest Kansas, near the town of Oakley, this 332-acre park is the only badland area in the state on public land––though privately owned Monument Rock and Castle Rock areas do allow visitors. 

Little Jeruseulm features dramatic pinnacles, hoodoos, and canyonlands, which is thought to have given it its name; from a distance, it is said to resemble the walled city of Jerusalem. There are two trails that allow visitors to explore the park, but the best one is the 2.4-mile Life on the Rocks Trail, which leads users around the southern edge of the formations in the park, granting beautiful views and a chance to experience some of Kansas’s native plants and animals. Those interested in exploring the area in more depth, including hiking to the bottom of the formations, can sign up for a guided hike (which usually happens once a week). 

Entry to the park is $5 per vehicle. The park is only open for day use; however, there are camping options 7 miles south at Historic Lake Scott State Park. Though the park is open year-round, visits during the spring or fall are best, as this area can get hot and has little to no shade. 

New Mexico

New Mexico is home to some pretty out-of-this-world formations, including the ​​Lybrook and Angels Peak Badlands. However, one of the coolest places to see badlands in New Mexico––and, arguably, one of the coolest in the entire four-corners region––is the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Sitting about 36 miles south of Farmington in the northwest corner of the state, this wilderness area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which means that it is free to enter and allows dispersed camping. Watching the stars come out over the strange hoodoos, cap rocks, and spires is a rewarding experience and highly recommended, so as long as you are properly prepared. There is no water and no marked trails here. The BLM recommends bringing maps and being hyper-aware of your surroundings so that you can navigate properly, as it can become disorienting.

AllTrails has maps for five different hikes within the wilderness area. While this 4.7-mile loop is more popular, you’ll want to see the famous Basti Wing formations along this 2.8-mile trail. These formations look like a whisp of wind cemented itself onto the badland’s stone pillars, making this alien space look even more otherworldly. These are especially cool formations to see at night, as its remote location makes for a stunning display of stars. For a more detailed map of the formations, visit here. 

Though this area is open year-round, it should be avoided when rain or snow is present, as the unpaved roads leading to trailheads can flood, turn to mud, or become impassable. The best time to visit is late spring and fall, because it can be very hot during the summer and snowy during the winter. 

Oregon

When Oregon comes to mind, it is usually accompanied by images of towering evergreens, rocky coastlines, and abundant rain. However, this state is home to beautiful, Dr. Seuss-like badlands within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This stunning area is in central Oregon, near the town of Michell and about a four-hour drive southeast of Portland. 

The national monument is broken up into three units: Sheep Rock, Clarno, and Painted Hills. The three units are about one to two-hour drive from each other, and all are certainly worthy of a visit. The Sheep Rock unit features the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where you can learn more about or see the fossils from the area. The Clarno unit features the impressive Palisades, or volcanic lahars. The Painted Hills unit, however, is the place to visit if you’d like to explore a colorful, Martian landscape. 

There are five hikes within the Painted Hills unit that are all under 2 miles. You could fit in many (or all) and make the most of your day in the Painted Hills. If you only have an hour to spend here, be sure to check out the panorama views from the 1.6-mile Carroll Rim Trail, then stop by the 0.25-mile Painted Cove Trail for a boardwalk path that gets you up close. 

The national monument is free and open to the public year-round. Camping is not allowed but can be found on BLM land just north outside of the Painted Hills unit on Burnt Ranch Road––at Burnt Ranch and Lower Burnt Ranch Campgrounds. There are also camping options along the HWY 207 at the John Day River. More details on campgrounds can be found here.

This Painted Hills unit can get busy on weekends, especially towards the evening, and it is recommended to visit in fall or spring for the best weather. Also, it is important to note that the road leading into the unit is unpaved and the National Park Service (NPS) recommends that RVs or other large vehicles should not drive past the Painted Hills Overlook. 

California

Of all the incredible sights and experiences to have within Death Valley National Park, visiting the colorful clay and mudstone badlands at Furnace Creek is one of the coolest. The badlands are located on the eastern side of the park, right off HWY 190, and is about a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Many may be tempted to take the quarter-mile walk to Zabriskie Point to see the badlands, but don’t cheat yourself. There are wonderful trails to explore the formations up close and personal. The NPS recommends a number of moderate hikes to see the badlands, ranging from 2.7 to 4.3 miles, but the best way to experience the park’s badlands is by hiking the 7.8 complete circuit that makes a loop from  Zabriskie Point at HWY 190 to Golden Canyon parking lots. Do not depend on marked routes here; be sure to download the GPS map from NPS or AllTrails before heading out. 

Before you plan a trip, check the NPS website for updates. Right now, there are road closures in parts of the park that were flooded. Typically, the best times to visit are November through March, as Death Valley can get well over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. As there is no shade here, even spring and fall temperatures can be uncomfortable or dangerous for hikers. 

There is a $30 fee per vehicle to enter the park. Those with an Annual Park Pass enter for free, however. Camping is available nearby in the Furnace Creek Campground. Reservations are highly recommended through Reservation.gov, since first come, first serve sites fill up quickly, especially on weekends and around holidays. This campground has full hookups for RVs as well as tent sites. 

Overlooked Badlands Honorable Mentions 

Arizona

The Petrified Forest National Park is not just a calcified forest; it is a badland as well. This park is intersected by HWY 40 and is easy to explore via car. 

Wyoming

Hell’s Half-Acre (which is actually more like 960 acres) is near Casper. Its deep ravines, caves, and formations were featured in Starship Troopers.  

Nebraska 

Toadstool Geologic Park sits along the northern border of the state and features doughy formations that resemble––you guessed it––toadstools. 

Montana

Makoshika State Park is Montana’s largest state park and an awesome place along the eastern border to see badlands, camp, and learn about dinosaurs. 

The post These 4 Overlooked Badlands Are Worthy of a Road Trip appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

5. Alligators (From a Safe Distance)

There are over 200,000 alligators in the Everglades, and they play an important role in the ecosystem of the park. The chances of seeing an alligator in Everglades National Park are generally pretty good, but your chances get even higher when you go during the dry season—from December to April.

4. (Part of) the Biscayne-Everglades Greenway

The Biscayne-Everglades Greenway is a work in progress, but it will one day connect Biscayne National Park to the Everglades. The Greenway will eventually be a whopping 42 miles long. There are about 3 miles paved so far, and you can walk to the ends to see what’s been accomplished thus far. 

3. Airboats

Looking to get a different view of Everglades National Park? Take an Airboat tour to explore the waters and learn more about the plant and animal life within the park. Airboat rides are the most popular tourist attraction in Everglades National Park, so make sure you book in advance.

2. Birds

Everglades National Park is home to 300 bird species, making it a great location for bird watching. For the best birding opportunities, come during the dry season, since this is the season when bird populations tend to travel toward the permanent bodies of water located within the Everglades.

1. Pahayokee Overlook

Take the 0.16-mile hike to the boardwalk overlook to view the river of grass in Everglades National Park. Its name, pronounced Pa-hay-okee, is the name that indigenous people use for the Everglades, and this area is known for its grassy waters. Park by the trailhead and head out on the short loop to get to the overlook.

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