Tag Archives: outdoors

Into the Badlands in South Dakota

Southwestern South Dakota is home to 244,000 acres of towering tawny pinnacles and buttes overlooking one of America’s largest protected prairielands. Established as a national monument nearly 80 years ago, the wind-ravaged, eroded formations were named “Mako Sica,” or “land bad,” by the Lakota Sioux Native Americans who reside primarily in the Dakotas. Badlands National Park is considered one of the world’s richest deposits of mammal fossil beds, where the remains of ancient carnivores, reptiles, and marine life rest indefinitely in the otherworldly veins of Chadron and Brule rock. Living mammals are in equal abundance – the park is a fountainhead of bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, endangered black-footed ferret, and more than 200 kinds of bird. Maybe your first experience with the park was on social media, where it inspired the Alt National Park Service, a vocal and rogue defender of environmental protections and conservation under the Trump administration.

Politics aside, the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park transcends discourse and facilitates respect for a history beyond our years. If you’re looking for a summer of unstinted travel, explore these suggested hikes and sights for an emotionally refreshing sojourn.

 

The Door Trail

This facile, one-mile hike takes you into the heart of the Badlands, where dramatic views of ravines and gullies follow you to the edge of the park’s famous “Wall,” and lets you walk through it. A short boardwalk winds along the perimeter to a viewing deck of broken, prepossessing landscape. Continuing past the Door Trail, you’re rewarded with more challenging terrain deep into the canyons and up into the spires of the Badlands. This trail is marked with daffodil-colored posts to keep you on track.

Sunset along the Door Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Sunset along the Door Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Castle Trail – Medicine Loop

One of the park’s most strenuous hikes, this multi-junctioned looped trail winds through extensive prairie, rolling hills, carved buttes, sod tables, and washes pressed against the north edge of the Badland Wall. It bends southeast to the Medicine Root Trail – Saddle Pass Trail junction, allowing hikers the option of hiking up to eight miles through various landscapes. These trails are best for wildlife viewing, especially at dusk and dawn. These trials offer the most comprehensive views of the park’s topographic features.

Sunrise over Castle Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Sunrise over Castle Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Fossil Exhibit Trail

For an intimate encounter with the park’s expansive fossil beds and geological anomalies, this brief, well-trafficked boardwalk trail is unparalleled. Although a popular tourist attraction, the trail offers prehistoric remains, wildflower fields, and birding opportunities.

badlands national park
Badlands Exhibition

 

Pinnacle Overlook

A photographer’s paradise, the short walk up to Pinnacles Overlook yields staggering views of the rocky pinnacles, overhangs, and chimneys that compose Badlands National Park. Once you arrive at the overlook, find the observation area below the parking lot along the Badlands Loop Road for views of the park’s most unlikely collection of Rocky Mountain juniper trees. Compression caused by fallen rocks allows the trees to thrive in the dry region. Views of the nearby Black Hills are also visible from Pinnacles on a clear day.

pinnacle overlook badlands south dakota
Pinnacle Overlook, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Mount Rushmore National Monument

If you missed that class field trip to Mount Rushmore, your excursion to the Badlands region is a good excuse to make up for lost time. Located roughly 80 miles from the park, this national monument in South Dakota’s Black Hills is a manmade marvel. Massive carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln rest in the mountain’s granite stone.

mount rushmore black hills south dakota
Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, South Dakota

7 Beautiful Camping Locations for the Summer

Simply put, camping is its own form of medicine. Days spent hiking give away to breathtaking sunsets to magical campfires. You’re forced to unplug and simply be in the moment and whether that moment is the sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak or the peacefulness of a morning waking up to the sound of nature, you come back from a weekend or more of camping with a sense of ease. Let these seven beautiful places to camp this summer be your inspiration to get outside more.

 

Acadia National Park, Maine

Caution: the weather can be unpredictable in Acadia National Park during the summer. Temps range from a chilly 45 degrees to a blistering 90, but if you’re willing to pack all-weather gear the park on Maine’s Atlantic coast is awe-inspiring. Low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing (it’s one of the U.S. destinations you can sometimes spot the Aurora Borealis), and history buffs will appreciate the origins of the park which date back thousands of years.

 

Arches National Park, Utah

Utah’s Arches National Park is not the easiest place to get to (it’s more than 200 miles from the closest major airport), but, hey, sometimes the best things require some extra effort. Feel humbled as you take in the deep blue desert sky and the red rocks of the 2,000 gravity-defying sandstone figurines. This park is a must-visit both for rock climbers and for hikers of all types. Don’t miss the Delicate Arch Trail.

 

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Beaches, check. Salt marshes, check. Forests, check. Wild horses, check, check, check. Let the sound of the waves crashing on Assateague Island soothe you to sleep after a day exploring some of the seashore’s 37 miles of hiking. If you’re lucky you’ll encounter at least one of the two herds of wild horses that call the island home. Just remember to enjoy the horses from afar. And camping, allowed only on the Maryland side, is first come, first served.

 

Finger Lakes, New York

Community campfires, homemade s’mores, twinkling fireflies; New York’s Finger Lakes are a magical place to spend a summer night or two. With camping options that range from D.I.Y. to the glam, complete with an actual bed to the in-between, there’s something for every type of nature lover. There are also plenty of activity options to spend your days whether it be hiking, boating, or even wine tasting.

 

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

What’s your favorite waterfall in the Smokies? @toddamacker thanks for the beautiful photo

A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on

Hugging the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hard not to fall in love with. Waterfalls break up the lush forest as wildflowers bloom everywhere giving the landscape a whimsical quality. And various camping options, including backcountry campsites with running water and camps designed for those exploring on horseback, make this national park ideal for all types of adventurers.

 

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Chances are you’ve heard of Joshua Tree National Park, and it may even be on your bucket list. But did you know the park isn’t all deserts and famous trees? While you should plan a visit to the park’s namesake tree, Joshua Tree also has 10 mountain peaks higher than 5,000-feet. Camp at one of the nine campsites or register in advance for backcountry camping.

 

Makoshika State Park, Montana

To the Lakota Indians, ‘Makoshika’ is a variant of the spelling for the phrase ‘bad earth’ or ‘bad land’. Read into that what you will, but Montana’s largest state park is breathtaking. Juniper and pine trees give way to rock formations that have held the fossil remains of dinosaurs. The state park is now offering backcountry camping permits in addition to the camping available at the campground.

Nature and Nightlife: Outdoor Adventures Near Fun Cities

Some trips are enlightening, arduous backpacking excursions with a few close friends who know how to manage rattlesnake bites, and others are more in the spirit of opulent bachelorette parties. But what if you could have both? These cities are ideal for adventure seekers who relish the nightlife. Put these laid-back destinations at the top of your list if you’re looking for the great outdoors and some even greater indoors.

 

Fort Collins, Colorado

Just 45 minutes northwest of Denver and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins offers college life with half a dozen open spaces and state parks within a 20-mile radius. Spend the day hiking the Rocky Mountain Front Range in Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, or Devil’s Backbone Open Space before grabbing dinner at the Colorado Room and drinks at Pinball Jones ad Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon. The region even has a number of lakes and beaches for additional summer aesthetic.

fort collins 4 runner

 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is nothing if not a luxury destination. With Grand Teton National Park just a few miles north, the city views are incomparable. Lodging can be on the pricer side, but the unparalleled quality of nightlife more than makes up for it. Whether you’re looking for cowboys or cocktails, bars such as The Rose and The Silver Dollar have you covered.

jackson hole wyoming

 

Tempe, Arizona

The unofficial party suburb of Phoenix, Tempe offers mechanical bull riding, bar dancing, and a truly unforgettable (or, preferably, forgettable?) evening. With its modern western energy, there’s no drink or experience you can’t find in Tempe. Local hot spots include Yucca Tap Room and Taste of Tops. Drink responsibly if for no other reason than the sidewalks are littered with prickly pear and saguaro cacti. During the day, walk off the hangover in Tonto National Forest, Usery Mountain Recreation Area, or head north to Sedona for prismatic sandstone canyon views.

tempe arizona

 

Miami, Florida

Miami doesn’t shy away from its party-city reputation. Year-round summer sun and white sand beaches are just a few reasons the city continues to earn its rightful place as a top U.S. tourist destination. Local clubs like Gramps and Wynwood Kitchen help give Miami its charm, but Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are serene natural getaways. Be sure to do some wildlife viewing, kayaking, and bayou tours after a night out.

miami bayside florida

 

Palm Springs, California

Set your sights on a desert rejuvenation after a chilling winter in the Coachella Valley. Palm Springs has a whimsical, neon vibration that reverberates throughout its bustling nightlife. With names like Chill Bar  and Bootlegger, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s contagious caprice. Check out Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Springs State Park, and the Salton Sea between sips of artisan cocktails.

palm springs ca

 

Traverse City, Michigan

An unlikely and unconventional party city, Traverse City will treat you to low-key, northwoods get togethers after a day of hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and swimming in a chilly Lake Michigan. A craft beer lover’s paradise, this northern Michigan city is known for brewpubs such as Rare Bird, 7 Monks, and Mackinaw Brewing Company.

traverse city michigan

 

Knoxville, Tennessee

An authentic southern gem, Knoxville is just north of the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest. Nightlife in Knoxville most definitely includes modern honky-tonks and square dancing. Bars and clubs like Twisted Mike’s Tap Room, Preservation Pub, and The Public House are first stops guaranteed to give your night a rowdy kickstart.

knoxville tn

Forest Therapy: How Nature Nurtures the Soul

Does our modern, plugged-in, constantly on-the-go lifestyle have you on the fritz? Pull the plug and let nature be your medicine. Forest therapy – wandering slowly, quietly under a green cathedral of trees – can reconnect you with your roots, make you a раrt of thе moment, feel аlіvе аgаіn, bе rеbоrn. A Japanese pastime since 1982, Shinrin-yoku packs a powerful punch. Vitamin “nature” boosts your natural killer cells: white blood cells that squash tumors and infections.  It also lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and the stress hormone cortisol.  Your brain on nature? Less depressed, sharper, and more creative.

 

Forest Therapy is simple

If you’re suffocating in our goal-oriented society, let the forest reset your stress button. Says Heidi Korhonen, of Forest Therapy Today:

“When the tree breathes out, you breathe in. When you breathe out, the tree breathes in.”

Trees are giant filters, pulling in gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, and releasing clean, crispy oxygen. The forest air gives off negatively-charged ions that’ll increase your serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls social behavior, sleep, and even sexual desire. Trees also give off beneficial bacteria that’ll ramp up your metabolism.  They may even stomp out eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, according to a study from the UNC School of Medicine.  There’s a reason that in the ‘30s and ‘40s TB patients were sent to sanatoriums for “fresh air and rest.”  The cure was more than do-nothingness. It was an unseen airborne healer called phytoncides. In a nutshell, they’re plant-based essential oils that clobber bad bacteria while revving up your immune system.

Whether you’re a city slicker or a country gal, you have a “nature side”. “Nature is home,” Korhonen said.  “We live in it and it lives in us.” Looking to return to your jungle roots? Here’s how to do forest therapy yourself:

 

1. Find your green space.

The Coastal Redwoods. The Great Smoky Mountains. The Superior National Forest: “with forest therapy, it seems like there is a common misconception, that you should go into someplace really secluded, dazzling, and rare.” But that’s not the case.  Just find a big tree with deep green colors.  Sit under it everyday for two minutes, 20 minutes, or 2 hours — the time is completely up to you.  Not a tree in sight? Find your city’s signature park or plant some green in your backyard or on your balcony.

Image courtesy of @ForestTherapyToday

 

2. Have an attitude of gratitude.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, just sometimes, it’s really greener where you are, and you just haven’t stopped to look. So close your eyes and count your blessings.  Want to take it a step further? “Introduce yourself” to the forest. Thank an oak, a clover, or whatever green bit draws your eye for its presence, or hug it out with a tree. “If it doesn’t feel natural to you,there’s no need to heavily pet bark,” says Korhonen.

girl in forest

 

3. Channel your inner animal.

Deer ears: Want super hearing? Cup your hands behind your ears. Your “dear ears” will pick up the rustling of leaves, the kerplunk of rain, the tweeting of songbirds, and much more.

Fox walk: Hello, foxy. It’s time to foxtrot. Whether you’re up for scurrying on all fours or just the two-legged tour, put your toes down first then follow with the outside edge of your foot.  Your heel should strike the ground last. When something catches your attention, freeze. Pretend that your next meal, or possibly even your life, depends on your undivided attention.

Bear Smell: Did you know that bears have the best sniffers in the animal kingdom?  That’s right. So put your “muzzle” to good use.  It’s said that the world laughs in flowers. Pluck them, crush leaves, pull bark. What do the smells remind you of?  A word of caution, though, don’t have a  schnauz-affair with toxic plants.  A general rule of thumb: if you don’t know what it is, identify it in at least three different field guides or leave it alone.

 

4. Try earthing.

“Historically, human beings, prior to the advent of modern materials such as shoes, carpets, plastic, etc., have been walking, sitting, and sleeping on the ground as a way of life, thereby staying connected with nature,” Korhonen said.  So toss those kicks aside. And go to the dark side  —  plant your bare feet into some chocolate-colored soil. Let the grass, the flowers weave between your toes.barefoot in grass

 

5. Give the forest a gift.

“Nature doesn’t sense that we are scared, suspicious, or even disgusted. It grants its gifts for anyone who crosses its path,” Korhonen said. The secret to living? Giving. So collect flowers, pine cones, rocks, leaves, or moss, and create an artwork for the forest. You might even think of it as a housewarming gift. After all, the forest is an ecosystem – alive – the home to all sorts of beings. But remember to toss perfection out of your dictionary. Play with the items like a child, forming a Picasso-esque piece. Then make a mental checklist of how you feel different after visiting the forest.

forest silhouette

 

Want to learn more about forest therapy? Follow certified nature coach Heidi Korhonen on Instagram @foresttherapytoday.

Best Western Mountain Town Summer Festivals

Out here in the west, we do things a little differently. And we’re okay with it. Sure, you’ve got your Lollapalooza and your Bonnaroo on the east coast, but we’ve got plenty of music—and, not to mention, mountains, rivers, deserts, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.

Whether you’re turned off by the fashion show that has become Coachella, or are more into festivals that include camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone out here in the Rocky Mountain region. From celebrating whitewater rafting and community in central Colorado to jamming out to the nation’s best bluegrass acts at the base of a ski resort in Wyoming, consider some of the best mountain town summer festivals.

Music on the Mesa

Taos, NM

Located across from the Taos Regional Aiport, between sagebrush and the Rio Grande on its namesake mesa, is Taos Mesa Brewing, HQ for the second annual Music on the Mesa. Resembling the funky, eco-inspired architecture of neighboring funky earthships, and featuring two outdoor stages, the brewery itself is a spectacle—and the beer brewed on site and food ain’t so bad either.

Taos Mesa Brewing
Taos Mesa Brewing, from Sarowen on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Due to its rather isolated location, and its inevitable cosmic vibes, the festival is admittedly going to be out there­. However, those looking for a truly unique location will be more than impressed with the desert sunsets over the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

 

Bonanza Campout

River’s Edge, Heber, Utah

Nestled near the old mining town of Park City, River’s Edge is a secluded area perfect for the brand-new Bonanza experience. The weekend will merge live music and local art installations with local breweries and eateries.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Telluride, CO

One of the nation’s premier bluegrass experiences, Telluride Bluegrass Festival is an unforgettable four days of music, mountains, and magic. Nestled in in the historic mountain town in southwest Colorado, the Telluride Bluegrass has evolved into one of the crown jewels of all summer festivals.

2013 telluride bluegrass festival
2013 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, from Doug Anderson on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Need proof? Every June, droves of festivalgoers make the annual pilgrimage to the isolated but breathtaking box canyon.

 

FIBArk

Salida, CO

River rats unite! FIBArk is the nation’s oldest whitewater festival. Located at the base of the Rockies and on the banks of the mighty Arkansas River in the charming mountain town of Salida, the unique festival features all sorts of river and land events. Above all, the family-friendly event highlights the tight-knit Coloradan community.

A team member celebrates after grabbing a prize bag in the Hooligan Race at the 2012 FIBArk Whitewater Festival.
A team member celebrates after grabbing a prize bag in the Hooligan Race at the 2012 FIBArk Whitewater Festival, from Josh Montague on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Not sure what to expect? Competitions such as the Downriver Race—the longest, oldest, and perhaps toughest whitewater race in the country—and Freestyle Kayak competition test participants’ athleticism and fearlessness. Events such as the Raft Rodeo, which hands out awards “for nothing but silly moves,” and the Hooligan Race, open to anything that floats and is not a boat, highlights ingenuity and innovation with a healthy smattering of absurdity.

 

International Climber’s Festival

Lander, WY

A celebration of the climbing lifestyle, the International Climber’s Festival draws dirtbags (we use that term lovingly, of course) from all across the world for a weekend of climbing clinics and competitions, art, food, music, and beer. Never been to a climbing-specific event and unsure what to expect? Climbers of all abilities can find something, from classes on gear and strength training to more intensive bouldering and lead climbing clinics.

To keep festival-goers busy between getting vertical, the dog-friendly festival features morning yoga, trail runs, live music, and happy hours. The weekend also features talks, panel discussions, and some of the climbing community’s well-known athletes.

 

Targhee Fest and Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival

Alta, WY

Anyone who has ever laid eyes on the imposing, jagged Teton mountain range knows that the place has a magical draw to it. And for the past several decades, Grand Targhee Resort has been giving music lovers two reasons to revisit the northwestern corner of Wyoming: for both Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival and Targhee Fest. Drawing on the spirit of music, mountain-town charm, and sustainability, these festivals bring together food, music, and outdoor culture for two separate occasions.

The Grand Targhee Blue Grass Festival is considered the grand daddy of bluegrass festivals in the Northern Rockies. No matter your musical preference, the festivals are one of the prime escapes to hang out in the shadows of the Tetons. (Video is from the 28th Annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival in 2015)

 

Divide Music Festival

Winter Park, CO

Located a short drive from Denver in the ski town of Winter Park, Divide Music Festival uses the splendor of the Continental Divide as a background and highlights some huge national acts. The outdoor festival features some of Colorado’s best craft beers, local food selections and artisans and promises to be one hell of a party.

Reserve a camp spot, and be sure to pack up your mountain bike and hiking shoes—thanks to flowing rivers, scalable mountain peaks, and lush valleys, Winter Park is a veritable summer playground.

 

Vertex Festival

Buena Vista, CO

This festival aims to create “a modern-day frontier where anything is possible.” Surrounded by snow-capped 14,000-foot mountains at the foot of the Continental Divide on a sprawling ranch, Vertex definitely has prime real estate. However, its eclectic array of hip-hop, DJs, and rock bands will convince music fans that the festival boasts more than a pretty location.

Above all, community-minded Vertex plans to showcase the best of Colorado, including music, art, and outdoor adventures.

A Mountain Paradise in Estes Park, CO

Perched miles above the northeastern Colorado prairies rests a bijou resort town evocative of 18th century simplicity. Affordable, cozy cabin rentals, genuine downtown charm, and dramatic panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains are just a few comforts Estes Park capitulates. Known as home base for Rocky Mountain National Park, the quaint town of less than 6,000 features tourists from all walks of life — from longtime hikers to happy honeymooners. Although a marketable tourist destination, things move a bit slower in Estes Park. You’ll delight in the collective calmness and antiquity of this seasoned mountain town. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sabbatical or a challenging day hike, be sure to check out these regional landmarks and local interests to completely immerse yourself in everything the front range has to offer.

The Stanley Hotel

Rendering panoramic views of Lake Estes and Long’s Peak, lodging with The Stanley is a truly opulent experience. Featuring hundred-year-old decor and rooms furnished with hardwood chattels, the hotel continues to earn its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Its upscale dining room, Cascades, is complete with an expansive entree selection and a prodigious whiskey bar offering hundreds of spirits to give your night an extra kick.

Stanley hotel estes park co

Enjoy a cocktail by the fire, or mingle with other compelling ramblers in the hotel’s homey lobby. For the superstitious, The Stanley is well-known as author Stephen King’s inspiration for his fictional Overlook Hotel in The Shining. The hotel includes a number of attractions for horror fans, including a gift shop and a variety of Shining-inspired menu items. The hotel even offers haunted ground tours for the most valiant of guests.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boundless in its beauty and opportunity, Rocky Mountain National Park offers more than 250,000 acres of mountainscapes, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings. The park embraces a multitude of climates and environments each season.

Rocky mountain national park

All ages and athletic levels are welcome, as RMNP volunteers plenty of activities, from small looped hikes around breathtaking lakes to moderate and difficult hikes for more adventurous guests. Traversing Trail Ridge Road, the 48-mile scenic byway that stretches from Estes Park to Grand Lake, will leave you spellbound with its birds-eye-view of the park’s highest peaks and forests.

Snowy Peaks Winery

Open seven days a week year round, locally owned Snowy Peaks offers an array of Colorado wines including Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling. The winery’s selection of gourmet food from Colorado-based artisans gives this shop an edge on the competition. Take your glass to the tasting room, where you’ll be awarded with palatial mountain views. For families, Snowy Peaks offers free juice samples and a “No Wine-ing Zone” playroom for the youngsters.

Downtown Estes Park

Grab some ice cream at the Danish Cone Factory, see a film at the Historic Park Theatre and Cafe, and admire the sweeping views of fourteeners from the valley of downtown Estes Park. More than 200 local shops, restaurants, and attractions along Elkhorn and Moraine avenues offer various and sundry activities for any time of year.

Estes Park colorado

Grab a drink at the Wheel Bar, or stop in for a slice at Bob & Tony’s Pizza to cut through the winter chill. If you’re lucky, expect to share the sidewalk with the wildlife that regularly saunter the town.

Estes Park Museum

For a peek behind the curtain of time, visit the free Estes Park Museum for more than 25,000 preserved Colorado artifacts. Known as one of the state’s top museums, the local research facility offers a well-stocked gift shop to grab a souvenir for friends who couldn’t make it.

The Taffy Shop

Converted from a laundry facility in 1935, The Taffy Shop has been hand-crafting mouthwatering saltwater taffy using the same recipe and four-step process for more than 80 years. Featuring dozens of daily flavors using gluten-free ingredients, this Estes Park staple affords you a guilt-free indulgence and the opportunity to support a local business.

7 Must-See Caves in the U.S.

Hidden below ground throughout the United States are entire worlds. There are an estimated 45,000 caves in the United States. Formed over thousands of years, some are full of history—famous spots where outlaws once hid—while others are still being discovered. All are home to natural wonders and some to a few man-made ones including dance floors and hotels. Whether you’re an expert at spelunking or simply want to do something a little different on your next weekend escape, here are seven U.S. caves you can plan a getaway around.

 

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Carlsbad caverns

With more than 200,000 square miles stretching throughout three U.S. states and into Mexico you could spend a few weeks exploring the Chihuahuan Desert. Head to the New Mexico part of the desert where you can take in the wildlife and blooming cactus above ground while hiking on a few miles of trails, but don’t forget to make time to go below ground. Known as Carlsbad Caverns, more than 119 caves lie under the desert.  Stare in wonder at the natural limestone chamber that makes up a large part of the caverns.

 

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Oregon

Oregon caves
Credit: NPS Photo

Go to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve for a romantic weekend. Yes, you read that right. The preserve and marble caves within the lush Oregon forest are home to a historic chateau making it an ideal weekend escape. Hike the outskirts of the cave system before heading inside for a tour.  Adrenaline seekers will want to sign up for the off-trail caving tour. You get outfitted with a headlamp before trained guides teach you how to fit through tight spaces as you go spelunking through the caves.

 

Meramec Caverns, Missouri

Photo: el-toro on Flickr
Photo: el-toro on Flickr

Missouri is home to more than 6,000 caves but if you can only spend a day or even half a day visiting one make it Meramec Caverns. Rumored to have been the second to last stop along the Underground Railroad and used by Jesse James as a hideout, stepping down into the Meramec Caverns will transport you into the past. Take a guided tour and learn about the creation of the Caverns’ ancient limestone wine table and seven-story mansion. End your day with a meal at the on-site restaurant, or, if you have more time you can camp at designated spots nearby.

 

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park boxwork formation
Wind Cave National Park boxwork formations

Gaze in wonder at the unique boxwork formation inside South Dakota’s Wind Cave. Tiny, skinny pieces of calcite hang off the walls and ceilings of the caves creating a honeycomb pattern that is both mesmerizing and a little spooky. While there are other caves throughout the world that have boxwork formations, these caves are home to the majority of them. After you’ve had your fill below ground, take time to explore the above ground areas of the park, home to wildlife including bison and elk.

 

Polar Caves, New Hampshire

Photo: Adam Tucker on Flickr
Photo: Adam Tucker on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

More than 50,000 years ago receding glaciers created nine granite caves in the White Mountains. Known today as the Polar Caves, the area is a favorite summertime spot for families. Take your time exploring them during a self-guided tour but make sure to leave plenty of the time for the destination’s other activities. Explorers can take a stab at the rock climbing wall or sluice mining and young (or young at heart) visitors will love the animal petting zoo and the maple sugaring house.

 

Indian Caves, New York

inwood hill park new york
Photo: Erin Johnson on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Yes, there are caves in Manhattan. You simply need to know where to look. Inwood Hill Park is perhaps New York City’s most overlooked park and it’s also its most magical. Winding walkways break up the roughly 196 acres of wilderness that compose the park. It’s here you’ll find the Shorakapok Preserve, home to the last remaining salt marsh in Manhattan, and the park’s Indian caves,  natural rock hangs used for centuries as the summer camp of the Wiechquasecks. Visit in June and learn the history while listening to drumming and watching dancers during the annual festival that celebrates the park’s history.

 

Craighead Caverns, Tennessee

craighead caverns
Photo: Brent Moore on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Hidden at the bottom of a cave in Tennessee is the largest underground lake in the U.S. As you descend into the cave, tour guides point out the Craighead Caverns’ rooms while talking about the caverns’ vast history from use by the Cherokees to soldiers in the Civil War to the development of a dance floor for public use in the 1900s. But it’s once you reach the lake that the adventure really begins. Glass-bottom boats bring visitors around the lake for views unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Protecting National Parks in the Face of Conservation Challenges

In the kernel of 19th century New York, noted American artist Thomas Cole agonized over the often complicated relationship between mankind and nature in his painting The Oxbow. The Romantic-era image illustrates a quiet, overdeveloped Connecticut Valley on one end, and a remorseless thunderstorm above unmarked forests on the other. Through the use of evident juxtaposition, Cole captured an ongoing struggle to protect public lands in the midst of human expansion and progress, and, in many ways, helped kick off the modern conservationist movement.

grand tetons

Nearly 200 years later, Cole’s melee continues after the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed an environmental package so controversial, President Barack Obama vowed to veto should it reach his desk.

The bill, known as H.R. 5538, proposes funding for the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies for 2017, but includes some contentious amendments.

While the bill increases overall funding for the National Park Service, it cuts the Land and Water Conservation Fund, obstructing future attempts to secure new public lands and curtail mountaintop-removal coal mining (MTR).

rocky mountain

MRT requires removal of a summit to reach coal seams, primarily in the Appalachian region of the United States. While many in the industry cite the economic and safety benefits of MTR, several scientific journals, including Science, linked the practice to the heavy degradation of forests, putting inhabiting endangered species at risk. Local communities are also damaged. Those exposed to coal-related practices over a long period of time are at greater risk of pulmonary disorders, lung cancer and heart disease, according to other Science studies.

Another amendment within the bill would cut two percent from the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget and deny funding to implement rules under the Clean Air and Water Acts.

 

Bridget Spielberg, an educator for Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding heritage sites takes issue with one amendment in particular.

Rocky mountains

“The bill would make it impossible for the Department of the Interior to partner with private organizations to help expand and protect heritage sites in parts of Colorado,” she says. “We regularly do this to help conserve and educate others about these sites, and this amendment is an unnecessary strain on our efforts.”

The National Park Conservation Association refers to these amendments as damaging “policy riders,” and publicly opposes the bill, says Senior Media Relations Manager for the NPCA Eric Bontrager.

“For the health and well-being of America’s national treasures, the environment and climate on which they rely, and the long-term preservation of resources, we urge opposition to (H.R. 5538) if these riders are not removed,” reads the association’s official position submitted to the House days before.

Joshua tree

H.R. 5538 isn’t expected to make it past the Senate without meaningful adjustments, but park rangers agree on the importance of advocating for the protection of our shared lands during congressional tension.

Spielberg encourages others to respect and appreciate public lands by taking conservation into their own hands.  She suggests getting involved with your local park programs.

“Most of us live within driving distance of some sort of protected land that could use an extra set of hands,” she says. “Even if just to help clean up, or learn about daily conservation practices. Volunteer in a wildlife rehabilitation center, teach a summer class if you’re qualified, there are so many programs in need of help. Monetary donations also go a long way in allowing our rangers to do their jobs.”

Rocky mountain squirrel

Rob Tasten, a volunteer ranger for Cuyahoga National Park, says the key to maintaining parks is to leave no trace.

“If you camp, don’t leave food out, it attracts wildlife and puts both of you at risk. Be sure your campfire is completely snuffed out, take everything you came with back with you. Don’t take ‘souvenirs’ like rocks out of the park. If everyone did that, our parks would exist only on the coffee tables of visitors.”

 

Other Ranger Tips for Conservation:

1. Clean up trash if you see it — even if you didn’t produce it.

“As long as it’s safe to pick up, do the earth a favor. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning it  up, tell a ranger,” Tasten says.

 

2. Leave wildlife alone.

“Photographing from a distance is fine, but closing in on even timid animals can agitate them,” says Spielberg. “If you’re bitten, parks can be forced to euthanize the animal for a preventable event.”

 

3. Use recycling bins.

“Most parks have convenient space for trash and recyclables for a reason,” says Spielberg.

 

4. Properly dispose of lighter fuel and kerosine and bonfire equipment. Failing to do so can cause a dangerous situation for the park and the next campers. If you’re unsure what to do with your canister, ask a ranger.

 

5. Watch your step, but have fun.

“Don’t put yourself in a situation that could end in the necessity for a rescue. It’s ok to turn around, and there’s no shame in saving rangers time and resources,” Tasten says. “But be sure to enjoy your time wherever you might be. These are your lands after all.”

joshua tree mojave