What is Amangiri Like? – At First Glance

Since we live in Las Vegas, we took a four-hour road trip here. Past a call box and through a discreet gate, we followed an unmarked private road for several miles.

When you finally reach the property, rather than entering into a grand lobby, it almost feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret society or fortress in the desert.

Friends have asked me if it has White Lotus vibes. At first glance, no. They are all about understated luxury, rather than opulence. Think Zen minimalism meets nature.

That said, it could easily be the setting for a future season.

See More: Your Ultimate Utah Bucket List

Amangiri Pool + Desert Modernism

The resort blends seamlessly into the backdrop of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and was co-designed by three architects: Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy. The pool wraps around a striking sandstone monolith, nicknamed the “Praying Monk,” and looks like a work of art.

See More: The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

Amangiri Desert Pool Suite

There are 34 suites total. Between staying for four nights or opting for a larger suite for two nights, we chose the latter, which included a plunge pool and a sky terrace for stargazing. Our Aman junkie friends told us the sky terrace was their favorite part.

Since we visited in March instead of during peak Milky Way season, I created a composite using an astroshot I took in Bryce Canyon.

See More: 11 Breathtaking Things to Do in Kanab Utah

Amangiri Food vs Camp Sarika Food

Our friend’s first piece of advice? Have dinner at Camp Sarika every night. It’s a prix fixe menu and a better dining experience. We ordered room service for breakfast and had lunch on the main property, either by the main pool or overlooking Grand Staircase-Escalante.

The food was good, but not exceptional. If you’re expecting three-Michelin-star food, your expectations are too high. The gem salad was my favorite item on the lunch menu, and I didn’t find the Camp Sarika courses particularly memorable. Still, I was content and thought everything fell within my expectations.

Pro Tip: Make reservations at Camp Sarika every night. Seats may fill up.

See More: 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Amangiri Spa

We didn’t end up getting a spa treatment this time, but we enjoyed the facilities.

See More: 11 Things to Do in Lake Powell

Wellness Class

We participated in a candle-making class. The night before we arrived, they held a dreamcatcher weaving class. Even though we didn’t take the dreamcatcher class, they left one in our room as a surprise.

See More: 15 Best Things to Do in St George Utah

Artist in Residence – Ulrike Arnold

Since I’m in my art era, I loved meeting Ulrike Arnold, who paints with pigments from the land. Her pieces sold at Amangiri were made from materials found on the property.

Currently, I’m experimenting with various mediums and styles, but her work inspired me to explore beyond traditional mediums. I can’t wait to discover what I can call my own art style in the future.

See More: Bryce Canyon National Park Guide

Things to Do near Amangiri

Since we had already explored this part of Utah on past trips, we stayed on property the entire time to soak in every amenity. I treated it like a luxury wellness retreat, spending my day painting the view from our room and learning sashiko, a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique.

If you’ve never been to the area, these are our favorite places:

• Horseshoe Bend (19.2 mi SE, 30 min drive)
• Toadstool Hoodoos Trail (19.6 mi west, 25 min drive)
• Antelope Canyon (22.9 mi SE, 35 min drive)
• Lake Powell & Glen Canyon (14.4 mi SE, 25 min drive)
• The Wave (36.2 mi west, 60 min drive)
• White Pocket (60.5 mi west, 2 h 10 min drive)
• Kanab (64.6 mi west, 1 h 5 min drive)
• Zion National Park (94.7 mi west, 1 h 40 min drive)
• Grand Canyon National Park (128 mi south, 2 h 15 min drive)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (141 mi NW, 2 h 30 min drive)

They also have hiking trails and a via ferrata on site.

See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Was it worth the Price?

This is not your average hotel stay. It’s a bucket list destination in itself, at least for us, who are not the Kardashians or the Zuckerbergs of the world.

Whether it’s worth the spend depends solely on you. I saw photos of it years ago and knew I would want to take photos here someday. Having worked in the travel industry for over 10 years, staying here was aspirational.

While chatting with some friends, the consensus was that after a certain price point, the returns on services or tangible upgrades diminish a lot. After that, you’re paying for more privacy and exclusivity. However, staying here felt like I was living in a James Turrell art installation.

With your room rate, pretty much everything is included except alcohol, spa treatments, and private excursions. It includes all your meals for two guests, in-room refreshments with snacks, guided group hikes, group fitness classes, use of the fitness center and water pavilion, internet, self-guided hikes, and custom itinerary planning services.

Amangiri was an absolute dream for me.

For Jacob? He would not pay for it if it were just him, but he told me it was worth seeing me happy.

Would we stay here again?

There are plenty of other places we want to see and stay at before considering a return visit. But that’s with most places.

See More: How to Hike to Toadstool Hoodoos

How to Get to Amangiri

Since we were within driving distance, we drove there ourselves. Other travelers arrive via Aman’s private car service from the nearby airport, rental car, or private jet.

The closest international airports are Las Vegas, NV (LAS) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX). Both are roughly 4.5 hours away.

For domestic flights, you can look for flights into Page, AZ (PGA) from Phoenix, which is only 25 minutes away from Amangiri. Amangiri offers complimentary airport transfers from Page, AZ. You could also look into St George, UT (SGU) or Flagstaff, AZ (FLG) but will still need to rent a car from these airports.

What are the hotels or resorts on your bucket list?

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Your Packing List for Burning Man if you are Free Camping

NOTE: In the spirit of Burning Man, none of the links below are affiliate links where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Instead they are simply linked to the product to make it easy for you to find. If you would like to support us, please click on the links on this page before you start shopping.

A common trap for people who come year after year is wanting to bring more comforts until you eventually need to rent storage for your Burning Man gear and a trailer to tow. We wanted to fit everything in our Subaru Ascent for our first Burn, which is still large compared to most vehicles.

It’s wild to think that when we moved to a new city every year, we fit all our belongings in our car. But on our drive up, we realized our car was completely filled with only Burning Man gear.

First, you need to decide which camping route you will take. You have two main camping options at Burning Man.

1. staying with an existing registered camp

They offer some infrastructure and benefits (like showers, power, and new friends) in exchange for a fee and/or volunteering to work at the camp.

2. Free Camping or Open camping

The other option is to free camp. In this case, you must bring everything to survive for the week. If you’re going with friends, you can share resources, but you should always be prepared to be self-reliant.

If we were going solo, we might have considered a camp, but since we went with friends, we enjoyed the free camping experience. It allowed us to be further away from the parties, meaning we could get better sleep at night.

Although an RV is an option, we wanted to simplify our first experience at Burning Man, so we tent-camped.

See More: 21 Car Camping Essentials – Everything You Need to Pack

Most Important Items

Let’s start with the most important items, so you won’t get turned back at the gate after waiting hours to get there.

• Tickets – Don’t forget your tickets. For those of you who opted for will call, they will direct you there once you arrive.
• Car Pass – Similarly, have your car pass ready and stuck on the bottom left of your windshield.
• ID – Nearly everything is gifted on the Playa, but they will still ID you at certain camps when alcohol is served. Some people have copies of their IDs taped on their cups, which we’ll do next time.
• Extra Keys – Things can get lost on the Playa. It’s always smart to have a spare set with you, whether for your car, bike lock, home, or anything else. If you traveled with a group, stash it in a friend’s car. Otherwise, you can buy a magnetic box to hide extra keys.

Shelter for Free Camping

Should I tent camp or RV at Burning Man?

We noticed the sentiment that Burners are not as fond of RVs because of the mess they sometimes cause, the noise from generators, and the people in them being less approachable. I agree that it felt more communal being in tents, and we were less likely to bother people in RVs, but we always say, you do you. There are plenty of RVers.

Tent Camping

We’ve had most of our camping gear for many years. If you’ve camped before, you can most likely use what you have, but you need additional items specific to Black Rock Desert.

• Tent – We had a spacious Takenoko Bell Tent that was easy to set up. We planned to use it as our shade structure and the inner tent as our bedroom. We also wanted a hangout area if a huge dust storm came in. It also becomes a great base to set up the aluminet.
  • Takenoko Inner Tent – Gave us an inner tent that we used as our bedroom.
  • Takenoko Ground Sheet – Helps protect the tent from direct contact with the playa.
• Stakes / Lag Screws – Because wind can get serious, rather than using regular stakes, you need to get lag screws that drill into the ground. I bought two of these for the base and straps.
• Ratchet Straps – Just like the regular stakes, you also want to use ratchet straps to connect the tent to the lag screws. The thin ropes on the tents aren’t made for serious dust storms.
• Impact Wrench – Don’t forget an impact wrench with the proper adapter to drill your lag screws. We had to buy an additional size for this particular set.
• Aluminet – Because the playa provides no shade, most people create a shade structure, even for tents. We used three 10×16 aluminet sheets between our two cars and tent. Using the car roof racks and tent frame as anchor points, we created a large covered hang-out area. Even if we were camping solo, we would do the same thing. In the future, we need to figure out how to cover more of our tent.
• Bungees – Since aluminet is flexible and allows wind to pass through, bungees are the perfect way to attach them to your stakes or anchor points. It has more give, so they won’t rip or snap. We used all of my bungees and additional ball bungees our friends had.

Lessons Learned: Overall, we were happy with our shelter setup, but the tent got too hot during the day. For our next burn, we will integrate more aluminet to shade our tent. We mostly kept a regular sleeping schedule, but the shade structure is especially important for those who plan on sleeping during the day.

Camp Packing List for Burning Man

Your camp can be as primitive or boogie as you want. Since it was our first time, we focused on the necessities and tried to pack as minimal as possible.

• Chairs – We have Sugoi Chairs, and we love them for napping. We didn’t bring our lighter REI camping chairs, which pack smaller but are less comfortable.
• Misting Fan – this portable misting fan was great for hot days. It’s powerful and great for groups (we plan on replacing the mister nozzle with a finer one). It’s battery-powered, has a large water tank, and you can use the fan without the mist (use code: LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off your order at Turbro).
• String Lights – we used two rechargeable string lights to light up our tent and shared spaces.
• Area Lights – We arrived past midnight and had to set up in the dark, and our Devos Lightranger 1200 came in clutch. During the week, we used it inside the tent, and only had to charge it once using it on single light mode.
• Headlamp – A headlamp is necessary when leaving camp or looking for something in camp. We prefer ones that have a red light. Bring extra batteries (if not rechargeable).
• Storage Boxes – We’ve stored our camping gear in this storage box at home for years, and it became our food storage for the trip. We bought two additional 12-gallon storage bins. One of the bins held all our tools and miscellaneous items, and the other was for our toiletries.
• Garbage Bags – You must carry out all the trash and gray water you create. For our garbage, we bought heavy-duty contractor bags so we wouldn’t have unexpected leaks. Luckily, we didn’t generate much trash. Between the four of us, we didn’t even fill one bag, but we used our extras to wrap dusty items.
• Extra Batteries – We brought 24 AA batteries for our lights and wished we had more by the end of the week. The lights noticeably dimmed mid-week. I’ll buy a 40-pack for next time. Don’t forget AAA batteries for your headlamp as well – two extra sets per hand lamp is plenty! We brought alkaline batteries vs rechargeable ones since they last longer.
• Paper Towels – We brought three rolls of paper towels and used 1.5 of them. Rather than washing dishes, we wiped down our bowls and utensils with a vinegar spray. We didn’t have as many dust storms as in previous years, so I would still pack three, just in case.
• Vinegar Spray – We made a vinegar spray (1 part vinegar: 3 parts water) at home and put it in a spray bottle. After wiping down the solids on our dishes with a paper towel, we sprayed them and did a final wipe. Vinegar also neutralizes the alkaline playa dust, useful for spraying metals to prevent rust.
• Table – We got so much use out of our Good Luck table. It packs up small, has different height options, and has zip-up shelves. It became the centerpiece of our hang-out area, where we cooked our meals and stored our kitchen items.
• Extension Cord – I brought one in case I needed it but didn’t end up using it. I’ll still pack it for future burns.
• Hand Warmers – Some nights, we wished we had our hand warmers.
• Powerbanks – Powerbanks are a great way to charge your phones at camp or out and about. We had a couple with us that we never had to recharge.
• Charging Cables – Don’t forget all the cables for charging your devices (if you plan to use them).
• Battery Generators – To ensure we had enough power, we brought our Jacker Explorer 300, which we used 60% of charging our phones, headlamps, and lights, and our Jackery Explorer 1500, which we didn’t end up using at all. I thought we would use more power, but we kept it minimal only charging our phones and a few lights.
• Solar Panels – We also had two sets of solar panels to charge the Jackery Explorers but didn’t use them.
• Pee Bags – We always have a few TravelJohns stashed in our car and they are perfect for Burning Man. There are plenty of porta potties, but they’re great for emergencies like during a dust storm or if you’re stuck in traffic on the way in or out. It solidifies your pee and neutralizes the smell.
• Folding Table – Our friends brought a folding table that was helpful at camp. We kept our waters on them so that it was easy to use the spouts since they were higher off the ground. It’s also a good place to unpack some of your items from the car when you arrive without putting them on the ground where everything gets dusty.
• AC Unit – We have an Ecoflow Wave that we considered bringing to cool down our tent, but after testing how much power it would consume, I opted not to. If you have a generator, you won’t have issues running one, but we only wanted to use our solar battery generators.
• Carabiners – A handful of carabiners are always useful at camp. We used them to attach our trashbags, hang our clothes, carry our cups, and more.
• Rug – This felt like a luxury. Our friends had an old carpet rug, which was comfortable to sit on. If you have any old rugs, it’s the perfect place to find a second life, and we’re on the hunt for one to use for our next burn. We also had a few thin rugs/mats, like this Rumpl one. It took up less space in our car, but we could still get another layer on the ground.

Lessons Learned: We’re glad our friends brought a plush rug and folding table, and we’ll add those to our setup in the future.

Food / Kitchen packing list for burning man

When we camp, we try to keep it simple. We prefer easy meals like Mountain House, ramen, or protein bars to minimize packing and cleaning.

• Mugs for Sharing – Many camps gift drinks and food, and you need a container to receive them. We liked our mugs with a handle, a carabiner attached to our backpack, and a lid to keep out the dust.
• 2x Water Jugs – It’s important to have enough water. They recommend 1.5 gallons per person daily for drinking, washing, and cleaning. We brought two 7-gal Aquatainers and 3 frozen 1L water bottles as our initial ice. We only used one of our 7-gallon containers since it wasn’t as hot this year, and we also wiped instead of washing. We also bought ice a few times and drank the melted water.
• 2x Grey Water Jugs – We brought two collapsible water jugs for grey water but only used a quarter of one. Again, we challenged ourselves to be as minimal as possible.
• 3x Ice Bags – This was a last-minute purchase, and we’re so happy with them. After buying the ice, we moved them to these bags so we could drink the melted ice.
• Food – We primarily packed four types of ramen and bars for our meals. Most of our ramen was dry, so we would not have to deal with leftover soup. When we got sick of it, fortunately, our friends had more variety and shared.
  • Fresh Foods – we brought some prewashed grapes, pre-peeled clementines (I wanted to reduce trash, but in retrospect, we should have left half of them unpeeled), and cherry tomatoes. They were delicious, and we wish we had more. By mid-week, we had finished them.
  • Warm Food – Our friends brought some rice, eggs, and spam they made in their Jetboil Genesis. The bread was a nice addition to make spam and egg sandwiches.
• Cutlery – We brought a reusable cutlery set but ended up using chopsticks the whole time. Our friends’ Snow Peak ones, though over-engineered, are amazing! If you bring wooden disposable chopsticks, you can ask registered camps to let you burn them in their fires.
• Jetboil – Since we mostly brought ramen, we used our Jetboil MiniMo to boil our water, but our friends convinced us to get a Jetboil Genesis for next year. It gives you more food options.
• Fuel – Get the right fuel for your stove. Our Jetboil MiniMo uses the butane fuel, while the Genesis uses propane.
• Electrolytes – We brought Liquid IVs for each day.
• 2x Coolers – one for food (and some drinks) that we rarely opened and one for easier drink access. You can buy 16 lbs of crushed ice for $10 or 10 lb blocks for $5. We bought crushed ice every other day to keep our drinks cool. Our friends also had a powered cooler/mini fridge, which plan on buying to have more fresh food at the end of the week.
• Funnel – Rather than using a makeshift sink, we used a metal 4-inch funnel on top of our collapsible grey water jug to brush our teeth. It worked fine, but we want an 8-10 inch for washing up next time. Ours already rusted from the playa dust.
• Bowls – We picked up two plastic bowls to use for our food. After each meal, we would wipe it down with a paper towel, spray the vinegar solution, then wipe it down again.
• Snacks – Bring any snacks that make you happy! We had tropical dry fruit snacks, candy, cheeze-its, crackers, and more. Our friends also brought vegetable and fruit puree pouches, aka baby food for adults, but made eating easy and helped cool you down in the hot afternoons.
• Drinks – We brought some sparkling water and Diet Coke for the week.

Lessons Learned: We got sick of ramen and bars mid-week. We found gifted food at other camps, and thankfully, our friends shared some of theirs with us. For the next burn, we plan to vary our meals more after adding the Jetboil Genesis. Our priority will still be simple meals, so we’ll add more fresh foods, bread, spam, eggs, rice, and sassy pickle snacks!

Bedding

• Bed – We use our Hest Mattress for all our car camping adventures. It’s comfortable, but you must lay on top of an insulation layer (we used a puffy Rumpl blanket) on cold nights since it doesn’t have an R rating like some of our other outdoor gear.
• Pillows – I used this Rumpl The Camp Pillow, and Esther brought a regular pillow from home.
• 3x Bed Sheets – We brought three sheets but only used two since we didn’t have as many dust storms. One is for the bed, one to cover the entire bed set up during the day (in case of dust storms), and one extra in case you want to change it mid-week.
• Blankets / Liners – It was cold at night! We had a Therm-a-Rest Insulated Blanket to keep us warm and these Cocoon Dual Liner TravelSheets under. This allowed us to use it by itself during the day when it was warmer.
• Booties – Esther brought her down booties, which she used every night.
• Ear Plugs – Ear plugs are a must if you want to sleep. We had squishies and loops for music but mostly used loops for both.
• Eyemask – If you have trouble sleeping with light, bring an eye mask. We didn’t use ours.

Lessons Learned: The only thing we would add to our sleeping setup is a light blanket option when it’s hot.

Transportation

Most people use bikes to get around the Playa. From our camp, it took us 30 minutes to the Man (center of the clock) and another 30 to the trash fence (outer edge).

• Bicycle – We found 20-inch cheap folding bikes on FB marketplace to fit inside our car (we don’t have bike racks). Some guides mention having fat tire bikes or e-bikes (which is a pricey option, considering the playa dust will likely destroy the battery contact points).
• Bicycle Lights – This two-pack of bike lights was perfect for our headlight and taillight.
• Bell – A bell is nice to have to notify people in front of you.
• Basket – Having a foldable basket on your bike is great to help carry items. I might try to add some saddlebags next time.
• Light Up Lights – Besides your headlight and taillight, you want to light up your bike uniquely so it’s easy to spot at night among hundreds of other bikes! We used these LED strips for the main frame (bring an extra set – mine broke mid-week). We also had EL Wire Lights for our backpacks, baskets, and flag. One of our friends had wheel lights, which was nice too.
• Flag / Identifier – Having a tall identifier was helpful because the lights were not enough. We added EL lights to our flags. The quality sucks, and they kept breaking, but it served its purpose.
• Bike Lock – Whether on purpose or by accident, bikes get stolen. We locked up our bikes anytime we were leaving them for a while.
• Repair Kit – You can find repair stations throughout the city, but it’s good to have a kit if they run out.
• Pump – Bring a bike pump in case you need to fill up.
• Spare Tire Tubes – A spare set of tubes is also smart to pack, especially if you have irregular tire sizes.
• Zip Ties – These are handy to attach lights and other items to your bike. We always had a few with us.

Pro Tip: Start biking a few weeks before Burning Man. Otherwise, you’ll be sore all week. Esther was hurting all week.

Lessons Learned: The foldable bikes were convenient, but the small wheels hurt later in the week when the roads became more washboardy. We also want to add a sturdier flag, more lights, and decor to our bikes to differentiate them. We lost them a couple of times in the sea of lit-up bikes.

See More: Recap of Our Endless Caravan

Clothes

Burning Man is all about radical self-expression. However, the people you see with elaborate outfits posted on social media are not the majority. You can wear whatever you want (or nothing), and there is no judgment. You’ll see a lot of rave wear or outdoor gear.

For our first burn, we focused on practical clothes survival and a few fun items for themed days. This means clothes to keep you cool during the day and warm at night. The temperature swing is extreme. Otherwise, have fun with it!

We didn’t want to buy new outfits, so we tried to pull from our current wardrobe. Also, in the spirit of no commodification, avoid clothes with logos. I covered up small logos with tape.

• Clear Goggles – Clear goggles or ski masks are a must for sandstorms and something you’ll always have on you. If you get steampunk goggles, make sure they seal well on your face. We got these, and functionally they were great. Next time, we may want to try something more stylish.
• Sunglasses – We brought our ombraz armless sunglasses, which we love for the outdoors. They were nice to hang on our necks when not in use. These cheap ones or fun-shaped glasses (with UV protection) are also great.
• Buff – Another item you should always have on you is a buff. It’s a great way to cover your face when sandstorms come and protect you from the sun. We each brought two to switch to a fresh one midweek.
• K95 Mask – We didn’t use our masks but also didn’t experience crazy dust storms like in previous years. Since they are light and small, pack them just in case.
• Hats – Hats protect you from the sun during the day. We picked up a straw hat at a gas station on the way up for Esther. I also carried this DOD hat on my backpack since it folds up. Just make sure it has chin straps in case of gusts of wind.
• Boots – If you’ve started to do research, you probably have come across accounts and warnings of playa foot, which is a chemical burn caused by alkaline dust. To avoid that, we always wore boots or shoes when we went out, but I also wore slides around camp. If you’re good about wiping down at night, you likely won’t get playa foot. It’s more for people who like to be barefoot all week.
• Daypack – Some people had water bladder backpacks, and others wore fanny packs. For us, a day pack (+ Esther used a fanny pack) made the most sense. You always want to have water, so we brought small daypacks for our bladders, extra layers, snacks, a cup, and a MOOP bag (matter out of place, aka trash). We also put lights on it to light us from behind. I used this Exped Summit Hike backpack with EL wire light through the loops. I also liked having the two pockets on the straps to stash things for easy access. Esther carried her trusty Flashpack.
• Jacket – Bring a warm jacket; fuzzy ones are popular. Esther wants one of these light up ones for next year, but many people have them, so it won’t be unique.
• Kimonos – Kimonos are popular on the playa since it’s comfortable during the hot day. Esther had a white kimono and yellow kimono. I had this white one and brought another oversized white shirt I wore during the day.
• 10x Shirts – We each brought a fresh shirt for each day and two extras if it was extra dusty. It can be nice to have a clean shirt at night. Esther wore bikini tops or sports bras during the day and covered with layers at night.
• Underwear – We only brought one per day with a couple of extras. Some people bring two pairs of underwear daily.
• Socks – Many packing lists also suggest two socks per day. If you sweat a lot or like changing out your socks, bring more, but we were fine wearing one per day.
• Warm Clothes – It can get really cold at night (down to the 40s and 50s). We each brought 2-3 pairs of long johns/leggings. We slept in one at night. Then we had two pairs for going out that we switched mid-week. These were our bottoms for most nights, and we didn’t sweat much since it was cold. For next year, we’ll try to get fun ones that have pockets! We also brought two thermal tops each, but only needed them if we stayed up all night or went out to deep playa.
• PJs – Often, we wore the same clothes day after day, but it was nice to have fresh clothes to change into for sleep.
• Themed Clothes – There are some themed days throughout the week, but not everyone participates. The three we prepped for were Tutu Tuesday (our friend had one with lights built in), White Wednesday (wear white), and Fishnet Friday. Some camps also have themed outfits or days.
• Clean Clothes for the Drive Home – Bring a clean set of clothes that stays sealed in a ziplock bag (we used dry bags) that you can change into on the last day.
• Rain Jacket – It doesn’t typically rain, but it did in 2023. We brought our rain jackets just in case.

Lessons Learned: People spend a lot on their outfits while others wear comfortable clothes. We want to find a happy medium next time and have fun with themed group outfits. Our friends gifted us light-up cat ears, which we all wore one night.

Toiletries

• Sunblock – Bring lots of sunblock to protect yourself during the day. We had a larger bottle for camp and small ones to carry to reapply.
• Lotion – If you’re not used to the desert climate, your skin will feel extremely dry.
• Body Wipes – We used body wipes all week to clean up each night. Having this huge jug of wipes was nice at camp. People also recommend having witch hazel for the playa dust, and these wipes have witch hazel.
• Toothpaste – We like using these refillable tubes.
• Toothbrush – We brought our electric toothbrush with two heads and used these to protect them.
• Mouthwash – We always travel with this concentrated mouthwash (we use it at home, too, since it’s more affordable and sustainable. One tiny bottle equals ten standard mouthwash bottles).
• Towel – We brought pack towels but didn’t end up using them. Oddly, the playa dust keeps you feeling clean. We also didn’t notice anyone smelling like BO. So strange. It’s good to have in case you want to shower.
• Lip Balm (with SPF) – your lips need sun protection too.
• Toilet Paper – bring porta-potty-friendly TP ( single-ply or eco-friendly toilet paper). They were mostly stocked in the porta-potties, but occasionally would run out near the end of the week.
• Eyedrops – If you’re not used to dry climate or your eyes get irritated.
• Allergy Meds – We brought some allergy meds in case the dust bothered us. Since we didn’t get many dust storms, we didn’t end up using them but we’ll pack them for our next burn too.
• Saline Nasal Spray – A saline nasal spray is great if the dust bothers you. We didn’t use ours but will still bring one next time just in case.
• Moleskin – If you’re not used to walking a ton or your shoes hurt, you might get blisters. We didn’t use them but ended up gifting some to our neighbors with blisters.
• Medication – Don’t forget daily medications, painkillers, and tums.
• Neosporin – Useful for any cuts or scrapes.
• Liquid Bandaid – Regular bandaids are handy, but the dust can make it hard for them to stick, and they may fall off and become MOOP. Just remember, some liquid bandaid hurts like a MF.
• Aloe – to soothe sunburns.
• Hand Sanitizer – The bathrooms had hand sanitizer near them, but sometimes ran out. You’ll also want some when you’re out. We had a large bottle for camp and small travel ones in our backpacks.
• Bug Spray – There usually aren’t many bugs on the Playa, but more showed up near the end of the week, most likely hitchhiking in with people. We brought bug spray in case they have unseasonably wetter seasons that bring more bugs.
• Pee Funnel – Esther brought this pee funnel for extra gross porta-potties. Practice using it at home before you go. The first time she tried using it during a backpacking trip, it was challenging.
• Moisturizing Wipes – We had our body wipes but also brought moisturizing wipes for our face.

See More: Recap of Our Endless Caravan

Miscellaneous – packing list for burning man

Here are some random items we packed that don’t fit into the other categories.

• Ziplock Bags – Large storage bags are nice to keep things clean and one for if you come across MOOP. Some people put every outfit in separate ziplock bags, but we didn’t.
• First Aid Kit – some emergency services are available on the Playa, but come prepared with a first aid kit just in case.
• Zip Ties – helpful when securing lights on your bike or anything else. Carry extra ones in case they break.
• Tool Kit – A basic tool kit is good if you need to fix anything in your camp.
• Disinfecting Wipes – We brought two bottles of disinfecting wipes but only used one. It was helpful to clean random items.
• Duct Tape – in case you need to repair or secure anything.
• Work Gloves – if you have a lot of setup and breakdown.
• Scissors – We almost didn’t pack these but used them often and even lent them to neighbors.
• Multi-tool – We also used our leatherman a couple of times.
• Gas Can with Fuel – We had an easy entrance and exit compared to previous years but waits can be 6-8 hours on both ends. Bring extra fuel if you think you’ll run out of gas waiting in traffic.
• Bluetooth Speaker – If you want to play music while hanging out at your camp or have the option to play music while you’re riding around, bring a Bluetooth speaker. We loved this one! I also strapped it to my basket one day, riding around on the Playa.
• Personal Mister – We had amazing weather in 2024, but I used this personal misting fan on the hotter days.
• Walkie-talkies – If you are caravaning to Burning Man, having these walkie-talkies helps when you don’t have service. You can use them on the playa, too, but we didn’t.
• Umbrella for Shade – great for sun protection, especially while walking around the city.
• Art Supplies – If you love doing creative things, bring some supplies for your downtime.
• Fire Extinguisher – Fires don’t happen often, but they do. Be prepared.
• Brush – It’s easier to blow or brush dust off than wipe. When moisture gets on it, it turns to clay.
• Blanket for the Playa – You’ll sit for a while during the man and temple burn. Some people sit on the playa, but it’s nice to have a blanket that packs down small.
• Painters Tape – At your last fuel stop before the Black Rock Desert, you should tape up the outside of your intake vents for your AC system. Dust will get in the vent, and when you turn the car on, the AC will push it into your car. Some people also tape any cracks and seams on the car’s exterior if they don’t need to get in during the week.
• Car Jump Starter and Air Compressor – Both our neighbor’s car and our car batteries died (we didn’t notice our trunk opening, and it drained the battery). Fortunately, our friend had a car jump starter. If camps are tight, it might be difficult to get cars next to each other, so having a battery-powered jump starter is ideal. Plus, having the built-in air compressor helps you deal with flat tires.

Lessons Learned: We’re adding a brush and a car jump starter to our BM collection next year.

Additional Tips

• Focus on the essentials for your first burn. The outfits and themes are fun, but if you don’t have what you need to be self-reliant in the desert, you may become what Burners call a sparkle pony (a drain on everyone around you).
• Keep important documents easily accessible in your car (tickets and car passes).
• Don’t be a darkwad. Be well-lit at night from the front and back. Accidents happen when people can’t see you.
• Pack out everything you pack in. That includes all your garbage, personal items, and gray water. Leave space in your car to haul everything out.
• Trash services outside the Playa will take your garbage for a fee ($5 a bag). We had a rooftop box where we stashed our garbage and drove it home.
• Prepare for extremely hot and cold weather. The weather swings in the desert.
• Get to know your neighbors if you’re free camping. They are your support system and can help you out. Also, offer to lend a hand if you see them needing anything.
• Don’t try to do it all. Rest! It’s exciting when you arrive with hundreds of daily activities to pack your schedule, but treat it like a marathon rather than a sprint, especially if you’re there all week.
• Sleep when you can. Some people flip their schedules and sleep during the day, while others sleep at night. Do what works for you.
• Porta-potties tend to be cleaner on the city’s edges than closer to the center.
• Camps gift food but do not rely on them for all your meals. It’s important to have enough food and water for yourself.
• Load up your car in the reverse order. I made the mistake of loading up randomly and had to unload so much to get to our tent. Also, if you arrive the first night, bring lights to set up.
• Remove packaging beforehand to minimize the trash you have to deal with.
• Always carry supplies with you in case of dust storms. Some last for hours, and you will be staying put. We always had a bladder full of water, snacks, goggles, face covering, headlamps, TP, lip balm, hand sanitizer, cups, layers, and gift items.
• Customize your bike so it’s easy to find at night. Also, park your bike next to stationary objects on the Playa, not art cars, which will eventually leave.
• Staying in a hotel after? Pack a separate sealed bag with what you need so you don’t have to dig through all your BM stuff.
• Stay hydrated!

Anything else we need to add to our packing list for Burning Man? Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

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The Best Chalk Buckets

The Best Chalk Bags

When we travel to climb, we typically bring a chalk bag since it takes up less space and helps us travel lighter.

The Best Climbing Chalk

Now that we’ve shared our favorite chalk bags and buckets, let’s talk about the chalk that goes inside.

• Black Diamond White Gold – great on plastic and rock.
• Friction Labs Unicorn Dust – superior drying power and a longer-lasting grip
• Trango Gunpowder – known for its fine, evenly distributed texture
• Metolius Super Chalk – best value and great for people who sweat heavily
• Magdust Chalk – everyone has been raving about this chalk, and we still need to try it. We’re trying to work through all our existing chalk first, but since we buy it in bulk, it might take some time.

More Chalk Bags and Buckets to Check Out

Here are some more well-loved chalk bags.

• Cotopaxi Halcon Chalk Bag
• Black Diamond Mojo Chalk Bag
• Static Waxed Canvas Chalk Bag
• Mammut Alpine Chalk Bag
• Prana Graphic Chalk Bag
• Sukoa Sports Chalk Bag
• Organic Climbing Chalk Bag
• Black Diamond Mojo Chalk Bag
• Organic Climbing Lunch Bag Chalk Bucket – we’ve had this in the past, but don’t like that chalk sticks to the velcro.
• Static Ranger Chalk Bucket
• Rungne Craft Chalk Bucket

What to Look for in a Climbing Chalk Bag

Chalk Bag Size

Size matters. You want a big enough bag to hold a good amount of chalk (plus some extra space in case you need to chalk up quickly) but not so big that it’s annoying to carry.

• Small Bags: These lightweight and compact bags are easy to carry on your harness and ideal for sport climbing and indoor climbing, where you don’t need a lot of chalk.
• Medium Bags: Great for all-around use, including bouldering and longer climbs. They offer a balance between size and capacity, holding enough chalk for extended sessions without being too bulky.
• Large Bags (Buckets): Best for bouldering and group climbing sessions. Chalk buckets have a large opening and ample space for chalk, brushes, and other small items. You typically keep them on the ground rather than attached to your harness.

Chalk Bags vs Chalk Buckets

Chalk Bags are versatile for multiple climbing styles. They are compact and portable and can be attached to your harness for sport and trad climbing.

Chalk Buckets have a large capacity to hold more chalk, making them ideal for bouldering sessions. They often come with additional pockets and storage for brushes and other small items and have a stable base to stay upright.

We use a chalk bucket at the bouldering gym or the local crag, but when we travel, we carry a chalk bag to pack as light as possible.

Bag Shape

There are a few different shapes common among chalk bags:

Cylindrical Bags: These are the most common shapes for chalk bags. They provide a good balance of accessibility and capacity. The cylindrical shape allows for easy chalking and storage of chalk balls.

Tapered Bags: These bags have a wider top and narrower bottom, which helps keep the bag stable and prevents it from tipping over. They are ideal for climbers who prefer a bag that stays upright.

Chalk Buckets: Usually rectangular or cylindrical, chalk buckets are designed for bouldering. They offer a large opening and stable base, making it easy to dip your hands in and out.

Additional bag Features

These extra features will depend on personal preference and what items you like to keep with your chalk bag.

• Closure Mechanism: Look for a bag with a secure closure to prevent chalk spills. Common closures include drawstrings, roll-tops, and magnetic closures.
• Brush Holders: These loops or pockets are essential for carrying brushes to clean holds.
• Extra Pockets: Some chalk bags come with zippered pockets for small essentials like keys, money, or tape.
• Adjustable Belt and Straps if you want to wear your chalk bag around your waist.
• Material and Durability: Choose a bag made from durable, weather-resistant materials.
• Aesthetics and Personal Style: While functionality is key, the aesthetics can also be important.

What other climbing chalk bags and buckets do we need to check out next? Do you prefer a chalk bag or bucket?

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About the National Park by Month Series

To put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! That was a lot!

It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.

We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and the ones in U.S. territories in this series.

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Is July a Good Time to Visit National Parks?

July is the peak season for many National Parks, but July and August are your only options at the parks with short seasons. The parks that close access to trails and roads because of snow are typically fully open by July, and the long days take the pressure off if you want to take longer hikes at a slower pace.

One of the main cons is the crowds. Because of the high demand, you can expect higher prices for accommodations and flights. We recommend avoiding the desert parks, like Death Valley or Joshua Tree, because it’s unbearably hot.

Are national parks open on July 4th?

Most national parks are open on July 4th, but double-check with each specific national park in case there are special closures.

Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.

9 Best National Parks to Visit in July

For the Events

1. Badlands National Park for the Astronomy Festival →

43.6835523,-102.6622546, map

Average Temperatures: 60° F / 90° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:15 AM / 8:30 PM

Why Visit: The Badlands Astronomy Festival happens every July, and they’ve partnered with NASA this year. During the day, you can explore the dramatic landscapes, see the wildlife, then turn your eyes to the sky when the sun goes down.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Hiking

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Road, Sheep Mountain Table, Badlands Loop Road
• Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Pro Tip: Most of the highlights can be seen from the scenic drives, but hop out for some easy hikes (most are 1.25 miles or less).

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Badlands National Park South Dakota

For the Short Season

2. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon →

Crater Lake National Park, Rim Village, OR 97604, map

Average Temperatures: 40° F / 70° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:40 AM / 8:45 PM

Why Visit: Visit Crater Lake from July to September since all the roads and facilities are typically open and the weather is warm. On our first visit, we went in June, and half of the park loop was still closed due to snow (they average 40 feet of snow each year). Since snowfall and snowmelt can vary yearly, check their website for closures for the most up-to-date info.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers and Backpackers, Tours, Photography, Scenic Drives, Swimming

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Rim Drive, Boat Tour, Visit Wizard Island
• Wildlife – Black Bears, Porcupines, Elks, Coyotes, Mazama Newt
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Pro Tip: Be prepared for chilly water if you plan to swim!

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Crater Lake National Park

3. Denali National Park, Alaska →

Park Rd, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, map

Average Temperatures: 49°F / 67°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 4:30 AM / 11:30 PM

Why Visit: Denali also has a very short season, and the long days (almost neverending) and warmer weather make it one of the best national parks to visit in July. Although you can’t drive into the park (you must shuttle in), it is one of the few national parks in Alaska you can drive to, which is why we included it. During the summer, shuttle buses run up and down Denali Park Road, where you can spot lots of wildlife.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Tours

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Tundra Wilderness Tour, Flightseeing Tour, Canine Rangers
• Wildlife – Dall Sheep, Moose, Caribou, Wolves, Grizzly Bears, Foxes
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Pro Tip: Private vehicles can only drive for the first 15 miles (except for rare circumstances like the Denali Road lottery which is very difficult to get). Beyond this point, you will have to ride the park shuttle.

See More: 17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denali National Park

4. Glacier National Park, Montana →

Logan’s Pass Visitor Center, Browning, MT 59417, map

Average Temperatures: 45° F / 77° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:45 AM / 9:30 PM

Why Visit: The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (one of the best scenic drives in the US) is finally open in July, giving you some of the best leisure views in the park. Plus, wildflowers bloom in the meadows. Remember to get a permit to drive the road or book a tour if you want to focus on the views.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking / Backpacking, Kayaking, Tours, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Going-to-the-Sun Road (requires a permit), Red Bus Tour, Lake McDonald, Goose Island (from The Shining)
• Wildlife – Deer, Marmots, Mountain Goats, Big Horned Sheep, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Local Tip: Some people say you should go in September, since you may also get a chance to see fall colors. It’s cooler, and much less crowded since school will have started back up, but you risk parts of the park closing due to weather.

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Glacier National Park

5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada →

100 Great Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map

Average Temperatures: 55° F / 85° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:45 AM / 8:15 PM

Why Visit: Great Basin is one of the best national parks to visit in July because of the short season. The weather in July is great for climbing the second-highest peak in Nevada (Wheeler Peak), touring Lehman Caves, and seeing wildlife and wildflowers. It also has some of the best skies for stargazing.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Stargazing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Bristlecone Trail, Lehman Caves, Wheelers Peak, Stella Lake
• Wildlife – Water Shrews, Voles, Porcupines, Beavers, Ringtail Cats, Marmots, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: If you’re super into astronomy, visit in September when they have their annual Astronomy Festival.

See More: 7 Things You Can’t Miss in Great Basin National Park

6. North Cascades National Park, Washington →

376 Newhalem St, Marblemount, WA 98267, map

Average Temperatures: 50° F / 75° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:15 AM / 9:00 PM

Why Visit: North Cascades National Park also has a short season, and to truly experience and access most of the park, you need to hike. July has great weather to be outside. We did the scenic drive on our last visit, but we need to go back for the iconic hikes. It’s also one of the least visited national parks in the US, so you can go here to avoid the typical summer crowds.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Fishing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Scenic Drive along North Cascades Highway, Cascade Pass, Sahale Arm, Washington Pass Overlook, Diablo Lake Vista Point, Stehekin
• Wildlife – Black Bears, Gray Wolves, Elks, Beavers, Bobcats
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Pro Tip: Plan ahead since you can only access Stehekin Valley by foot, boat, or plane.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

7. Olympic National Park, Washington →

3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, map

Average Temperatures: 50° F / 70° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:30 AM / 9:00 PM

Why Visit: July is a great time to visit Olympic National Park. The mild weather makes it pleasant to be outside. The park is massive, with multiple ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine regions. Plus, July is a great time to check out the tide pools and beaches.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Tidepools, Scenic Drives, White Water Rafting, Kayaking

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, Storm King, Sol Duc Falls, Shi Shi Beach
• Wildlife – Deer, Elk, Cougars, Bears, Beaver, Mink, Salmon
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Local Tip: It’s always smart to have a raincoat with you just in case.

See More: 15 Things to Do in Olympic National Park

For the Great Weather

8. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado →

11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, map

Average Temperatures: 50° F / 82° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:45 AM / 8:30 PM

Why Visit: Visit Great Sand Dunes in July for the warm weather. You can hike the tallest dunes in North America and even sandboard or sled down the dunes. Medano Creek should flow at the dune’s base, giving you an almost beach-like experience in the mountains.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Photography

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – High Dune, Sand Boarding, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Ord’s Kangaroo Rats, Black Bears, Abert’s Squirrels, Pronghorn, Pikas, Elk
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: The dune’s surface temperatures can still get hot, so feel it before you commit.

See More: 9 Things You Can’t Miss at Great Sand Dunes National Park

9. Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park, California →

47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, map

Average Temperatures: 50° F / 80° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:45 AM / 8:15 PM

Why Visit: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are next to each other, so most visitors treat them like one big park. The weather is great in July, so you can explore the giant sequoia forests or jump in the river when it’s hot.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography, Swimming

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Grant Drove, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock
• Wildlife – Coyotes, Badgers, Black Bears, Deer, Wolverines, Beavers
• How many days do you need? 2-3

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in July

More National Parks to Visit in July

• Acadia National Park, Maine – great weather
• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – great weather
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee – great weather
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – wildflowers
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – wildflowers
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – weather and wildlife
• Yosemite National Park, California – weather

Tips for Visiting National Parks in July

• Use the Leave No Trace principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
• Pick up the National Park Annual Pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks within the year. It saves you a lot of money.
• Want to see wildflowers? Climate change and droughts can make timing unpredictable. We typically scroll through Instagram or TikTok and look for non-influencers. 
• Packing layers is always a good idea when traveling. Some parks drastically change temperatures from day to night. Pay attention to the elevation change. A general rule is that it’s 5 degrees cooler for every 1000 ft elevation.
• You may need a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.
• Closures – Always check the park’s site and Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on closures.
• Remember that wildlife is wild. Be familiar with how to interact with animals and how much space you should have between you and them. Generally, you should stay 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators, but each park has different rules.

What to Pack

How you pack depends on the parks and activities, but here are general items we always pack.

• Camera Gear
• Travel Backpack
• Camping / Backpacking Equipment
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Park Passport
• Layers (The Best Travel Jackets)
• Solid Hiking Shoes

Recap of the 9 Best National Parks to Visit in July

May is a great time to explore the National parks. Here is a list of parks we recommend visiting.

1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
2. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
3. Denali National Park, Alaska
4. Glacier National Park, Montana
5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
6. North Cascades National Park, Washington
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
9. Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park, California

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Can you think of others that belong on this list of best National Parks to visit in July? Which ones are we missing?

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TLDR

Location – Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, just north of Moab. It is famous for its stunning red rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches, pinnacles, and massive rock fins.

Timed Tickets – Timed Entry Tickets are now required from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, 2025. It doesn’t cost extra but there is a $2 service fee. If you have camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits, they qualify as your ticket. You also don’t need one if you are doing a tour with an approved company.

Hikes / Attractions – Devils Garden (our fave), Delicate Arch, Double Arch

Wildlife – Mule Deer, Desert Cottontail Rabbits, Coyotes, Kangaroo Rats, Western Rattlesnakes, Western Collared Lizards, Golden Eagles, Great Horned Owls, Tarantulas, Scorpions

11 Best Hikes in Arches National Park You Simply Can’t Miss

1. Balanced Rock

Distance: 0.3 Mile   |   Difficulty: Easy

You get a great view of this picturesque rock from the road, but this short stroll gets you right next to it to really appreciate its size and keeps you hoping that the rock stays balanced. 

See More: 9 Things You Can’t Miss at Arches National Park

2. Double Arch

Distance: 0.5 Mile   |   Difficulty: Easy

This gravel-surfaced trail takes you to the base of two giant arches that span above you.

See More: 9 Most Famous Arches in Arches National Park

3. Windows Loop

Distance: 1 Mile   |   Difficulty: Easy

A well-marked trail takes you to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. You can climb into both the North Window and Turret Arch for great photo ops, but can only see the South Window from below. (Has anyone scrambled up there? It doesn’t look easy.)

4. Landscape Arch

Distance: 1.6 Miles   |   Difficulty: Easy

This is a relatively easy hike in Devils Garden and takes you to one of most recognizable arches in the park. You also have optional side trips to Tunnel and Pine Tree arches.

5. Broken Arch Loop

Distance: 2 Miles   |   Difficulty: Easy

Most people skip over Broken Arch for the more popular arches, so it leaves it less crowded. It’s a relatively easy hike and you get to play under an arch (that doesn’t look broken at all. It does have a split though)!

6. Park Avenue

Distance: 2 Miles   |   Difficulty: Moderate

This hike works best if you have someone who isn’t interested and just wants to drive. You can get dropped off at the Park Avenue parking area, then follow the trail through the canyon until you reach the Courthouse Towers where they pick you up!

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park

7. Fiery Furnace

Distance: 2 Miles   |   Difficulty: Strenuous

This hike can only be accessed through a ranger-led hike. Sign up at the visitor center, and explore this labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons. It does require scrambling! Sign up early. When we arrived, all the slots were taken.

8. Delicate Arch →

Distance: 3.2 Miles   |   Difficulty: Strenuous

Slick rock and no shade can make this trail difficult. During the day it can be brutally hot. It is easily one of the most crowded hikes since it’s the most popular arch in the world. Check out our guide for the Delicate Arch hike.

See More: Delicate Arch Hike in Arches National Park

9. Tower Arch

Distance: 3.4 Miles   |   Difficulty: Strenuous

This trail has steep climbs and has you walking through sandstone fins and sand dunes, but you get to visit a unique arch with a tower attached! This is a great hike to get away from the crowds.

10. Double O Arch (Includes Landscape Arch)

Distance: 4.5 Miles   |   Difficulty: Strenuous

Although the beginning of this hike is easy, it starts to get more difficult after you pass Landscape Arch. There are narrow ledges and areas with exposure to drop-offs.

11. Devils Garden (Primitive Trail, Includes Double O and Landscape) →

Distance: 7.8 Miles   |   Difficulty: Strenuous

This hike was the highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend it! It gives you a chance to see multiple arches, including Landscape and Double O. The arches are beautiful, but the hike itself is also very fun and diverse. It requires some scrambling and has some exposure to heights. We saw some folks turn back.

I have a terrible fear of heights, but it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated. You should be fine as long as you have a good pair of hiking shoes with good traction.

See More: How to Hike the Devil’s Garden Trail Arches National Park

Map of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Essential Tips

• Pick up a National Park Annual Pass, especially if you’re planning on visiting the other parks in the area. It will save you money and time.
• We love collecting stamps at the National Parks on our National Park Passport.
• It’s good to have solid hiking shoes, especially on the longer hikes since there will be scrambling involved.
• Get AllTrails+ so you have access to the trail maps offline.
• Bring lots of water! These are our favorite travel water bottles. We usually carry a bladder on the longer hikes and an insulated water bottle (we like the trail series) for shorter hikes.

Best Places to Stay in Arches National Park

What’s Nearby

• Canyonlands National Park (26.2 mi / 30 min, map)
• Capitol Reef National Park (133 mi / 2 hr 5 min, map)
• Mesa Verde National Park (150 mi / 2 hr 50 min, map)
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park (191 mi / 3 hr 22 min, map)

Planning Checklist

More Resources

• Arches & Canyonlands National Park Guide
• Best Easy Day Hikes Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
• Utah Map
• Arches National Park Map
• Annual National Park Pass
• USA National Parks Guide
• National Park Passport

Have you been to Arches National Park? What were your favorite spots there?

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Planning Checklist

Have you visited Arches? Are there any favorite things to do in Arches National Park that we missed?

TLDR

Why May? – May is an ideal time to visit national parks in the USA because the weather is generally mild and great for outdoor activities. Many parks are less crowded compared to peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience while still offering access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Our Fave National Parks – Congaree, Saguaro, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde, Joshua Tree

About the National Park by Month Series

To put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! That was a lot!

It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.

We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and the ones in U.S. territories in this series.

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Is May a Good Time to Visit National Parks?

May is a great time to visit National Parks for a few reasons. The weather is generally mild in most regions making it great for outdoor activities. It also marks the beginning of Spring in many parks so the flowers are blooming. For wildlife, animals begin emerging from winter hibernation or start preparing for mating season so they are active. Lastly, the crowds are typically smaller than summer crowds.

Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.

15 Best National Parks to Visit in May

1. Congaree National Park SC for Fireflies →

100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 59° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:21 AM / 8:17 PM

Why Visit: The biggest highlight of the park is the synchronous fireflies that occur every year between mid-May and mid-June. During this time, the fireflies search for their mates and synchronize their flashes. It’s a truly magical natural phenomenon. When we visited, we had missed it by two days.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Boardwalk Loop Trail, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff Trail
• Wildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, Otters
• How many days do you need? 1-2

Pro Tip: Other places to see synchronous fireflies include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rainbow Falls in TN, Rocky Fork State Park in TN, Cataloochee Valley in NC, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in NC.

See More: 11 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National Park

2. Saguaro National Park AZ for Wildflowers →

2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 56° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:24 AM / 7:13 PM

Why Visit: Visit Saguaro National Park in May to see the flowers blooming. During the first week of May, you will typically find a variety of species in bloom. Saguaro cacti usually bloom at the end of May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Valley View Overlook, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail
• Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the city (roughly 30-45 mins). In our Saguaro National Park guide, we break down which side is better for each activity or view.

See More: 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park

3. Grand Teton National Park WY for Wildflowers →

36.0306029,-113.8290033, map

Average Temperatures: 57° F / 29° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:56 AM / 8:42 PM

Why Visit: May offer some of the best weather, and wildflowers start blooming. Snow begins melting, and it is warm enough to enjoy the trails with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop. We’ve been during the summer and winter, but next time we need to time our trip in May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Scenic Drive, Rafting, Fishing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Jenny Lake Trail, Snake River, Mormon Row
• Wildlife – Pronghorn, Bison, Elk, Moose, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, Bobcat
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

4. Sequoia National Park CA for Wildflowers →

47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, map

Average Temperatures: 52° F / 29° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:47 AM / 7:55 PM

Why Visit: In May, the weather warms up in Sequoia National Park, allowing access to attractions at higher elevations. Wildflowers start blooming at lower elevations, too!

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, Wildflowers

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – General Sherman, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log
• Wildlife – Gray Fox, Bobcat, Black Bear, Pika, Pocket Gopher
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Local Tip: If you’re not comfortable paddling down a river yourself, you can sign up for ranger-led paddles.

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Sequoia National Park + Kings Canyon

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park TN + NC For Wildflowers

2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, map

Average Temperatures: 69° F / 43° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:29 AM / 8:32 PM

Why Visit: Wildflowers are so popular in the Great Smoky Mountains that there is an Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This year, the dates are May 1-4, 2024. The temperatures are mild for hiking and exploring all day.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Scenic Drives, Biking, Wildflowers

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway
• Wildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcats, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy Shrew
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Pro Tip: To avoid crowds, get out of the car and take longer hikes. The further from easy-access attractions, the less crowded.

See More: 11 Can’t Miss Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TN

6. Shenandoah National Park VA for wildflowers

Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Stanley, VA 22851, map

Average Temperatures: 64° F / 45° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:01 AM / 8:19 PM

Why Visit: Shenandoah is another excellent national park for wildflowers, which typically peak in April and May. See mountain laurels, rhododendrons, pink lady’s slippers, wild geraniums, and more.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Hiking, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Big Meadows, The Point Overlook, Dickey Ridge
• Wildlife – Black Bear, Big Brown Bat, Skunks, White-Tailed Deer
• How many days do you need? 2-4

7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park OH for wildflowers

6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, map

Average Temperatures: 71° F / 52° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:07 AM / 8:38 PM

Why Visit: Snow sticks around at Cuyahoga Valley until March. You’ll start seeing wildflowers by mid-April, but they explode in late April to mid-May. You can catch them until the trees grow leaves and cast too much of a shadow.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Scenic Train Ride

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Ledges Overlook, Brandywine Falls, Canal Exploration Center
• Wildlife – Coyotes, Red Foxes, Gray Foxes, Bats, Deer, Mink
• How many days do you need? 2-3

8. Dry Tortugas National Park FL for Birding and Sea Turtles

281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map

Average Temperatures: 86° F / 74° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:47 AM / 8:08 PM

Why Visit: May is a great month for wildlife and birding at Dry Tortugas. Spring migrations typically peak from April to mid-May, when you can spot more than 200 species of birds. It’s also the start of sea turtle season, which runs from May to June. You’ll find the largest concentration of sea turtles in the area at this time.

Best For / Top Activities: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Diving

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Garden Key, Kayak Tour
• Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Start planning early. You must book a way to get to the park and remember that parts of the park may be closed to protect natural resources.

See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida

9. Yosemite National Park CA for waterfalls →

9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map

Average Temperatures: 73° F / 44° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:48 AM / 8:01 PM

Why Visit: May is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite before the summer crowds arrive. The waterfalls are extra full and will be roaring. Plus, you’ll find wildflowers at specific elevations. There are over 1400 species of wildflowers, and though you can see flowers year-round, March-April is the best for wildflowers at lower elevations, while the summer is best at higher elevations. Stop by the visitor center to get the most up-to-date wildflower reports.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, Scenic Drives, Tours

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Taft Point, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View
• Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

10. Bryce Canyon National Park UT for hiking temps →

UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map

Average Temperatures: 62° F / 32° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:18 AM / 8:31 PM

Why Visit: May brings warmer temperatures to Bryce Canyon, making it perfect for hiking and exploring its otherworldly landscapes.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Viewpoints, Photography

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Prairie Dog, Golden Eagle
• How many days do you need? 1-2

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

11. Capitol Reef National Park UT for Wildflowers

38.2914642,-111.264238, map

Average Temperatures: 73° F / 46° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:13 AM / 8:30 PM

Why Visit: In May, Capitol Reef’s desert bursts with color. Wildflowers bloom, fruit orchards come to life in the historic Fruita district, and the mild temperatures make it perfect for hiking.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Ranger Programs

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Fruita, Cathedral Valley, Sulpher Creek, Petroglyph Panel, Gifford House, Pick Fruits
• Wildlife – Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Ringtail, Marmots, Gray Fox, Canyon Bat
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

12. Grand Canyon National Park AZ for weather →

36.0591278,-112.1114996, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 51° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:21 AM / 7:28 PM

Why Visit: The Grand Canyon gets exceptionally crowded during the summers and is blistering hot. If you can visit in May, you’ll miss the crowds and still have pleasant weather.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
• Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Gray Fox
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but on Hualapai Tribal land.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National Park

13. Mesa Verde National Park, New Mexico →

35853 Rd H.5, Mancos, CO 81328, map

Average Temperatures: 67° F / 39° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:04 AM / 8:16 PM

Why Visit: Tour the ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites at Mesa Verde. Guided tours are the best way to see the park, and May has excellent weather for them. Did you know this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Guided Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drive

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Step House, Mesa Top Loop Road, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Spotted Bat, Great Horned Owl
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: To purchase tickets for the guided tours, stop by the Visitors Center, Museum, or the Durango Welcome Center.

See More: 7 Things You Can’t Miss in Mesa Verde National Park

14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park ND for Good Temps

47.2544508,-104.6167041, map

Average Temperatures: 69° F / 40° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:19 AM / 8:22 PM

Why Visit: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in May because of the mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. We visited in July, and it was way too hot.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Stargazing, Kayaking, Fishing, Guided Tours

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Elkhorn Ranch Unit, North Unit, South Unit, River Bend Overlook, Oxbow Overlook
• Wildlife – Bison, Feral Horses, Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Prairie Dogs
• How many days do you need? 2-3

Local Tip: The park has three different areas.

See More: Complete National Parks List by State

15. Joshua Tree National Park CA For Stargazing →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

Average Temperatures: 86° F / 55° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:43 AM / 7:40 PM

Why Visit: May is the last month to explore Joshua Tree National Park before the summer heat sets in. It’s too hot to climb, but it’s finally Milky Way season for epic stargazing.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock
• Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
• How many days do you need? 1 or 2-3 if you climb

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in May

More National Parks to Visit in May

• Arches National Park, Utah – great weather
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah – great weather
• Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona – wildflowers
• Pinnacles National Park, California – April is better, but flowers still are blooming in May
• Redwood National Park, California – dogwood trees blooming
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota – great weather
• Zion National Park, Utah – wildflowers in April and May

Tips for Visiting National Parks in May

• Use the Leave No Trace principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
• Pick up the National Park Annual Pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks within the year. It saves you a lot of money.
• Want to see spring blooms? Climate change and droughts can make timing unpredictable. We typically scroll through Instagram or TikTok and look for non-influencers. 
• Packing layers is always a good idea when traveling. Some parks drastically change temperatures from day to night. Pay attention to the elevation change. A general rule is that it’s 5 degrees cooler for every 1000 ft elevation.
• You may need a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.
• Closures – Always check the park’s site and Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on closures.
• Remember that wildlife is wild. Be familiar with how to interact with animals and how much space you should have between you and them. Generally, you should stay 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators, but each park has different rules.

What to Pack

How you pack depends on the parks and activities, but here are general items we always pack.

• Camera Gear
• Travel Backpack
• Camping / Backpacking Equipment
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Park Passport
• Layers (The Best Travel Jackets)
• Solid Hiking Shoes

Recap of the 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May

May is a great time to explore the National parks. Here is a list of parks we recommend visiting.

1. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
2. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
4. Sequoia National Park, California
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
8. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
9. Yosemite National Park, California
10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
11. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
12. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
13. Mesa Verde National Park, New Mexico
14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
15. Joshua Tree National Park, California

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Can you think of others that belong on this list of best National Parks to visit in May? Which ones are we missing?

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About the National Park by Month Series

To put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! That was a lot!

It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.

We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and the ones in U.S. territories in this series.

National Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul

11 Best National Parks to Visit in April

1. Arches National Park, Utah →

38.6165892,-109.6220349, map

Average Temperatures: 68° F / 39° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 8:05 PM

Why Visit: The weather is perfect for hiking to the beautiful red rock formations at Arches National Parks. Spring blooms will add an extra pop of color.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Biking, Camping, Canyoneering, Photography

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – 9 Best Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Kangaroo Rats, Desert Cottontails, Bighorn Sheep
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: They have a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up quickly. Sign up early!

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park

3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota →

43.6835523,-102.6622546, map

Average Temperatures: 57°F / 31°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:45 AM / 7:50 PM

Why Visit: The weather is comfortable for exploring the badlands. Wildlife come out to play so that you might spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Hiking

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Road, Sheep Mountain Table, Badlands Loop Road
• Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Pro Tip: Most of the highlights can be seen from the scenic drives, but hop out for some easy hikes (most are 1.25 miles or less).

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Badlands National Park

7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, map

Average Temperatures: 71°F / 42°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:05 AM / 7:50 PM

Why Visit: April is the perfect time to saddle up and head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The weather is just suitable for exploring the park’s mountains and canyons. And with the wildflowers starting to bloom, the park is like a patchwork quilt of vibrant colors. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears and roadrunners.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Smith Spring Trail, Devil’s Hall Trail, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak Trail
• Wildlife – Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, Rattlesnake
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Be prepared to hike; otherwise, you’ll miss out on the best spots in the park.

See More: 11 Best Things to Do in El Paso Texas

8. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, map

Average Temperatures: 65° F / 35° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:30 AM / 7:00 PM

Why Visit: April is the best to travel back in time and explore the wonders of Petrified Forest National Park. The weather is nice and mild for hiking and marveling at the ancient trees that have turned to stone millions of years ago. Depending on the snow and rain it receives during the “monsoon” season, you may see wildflowers blooming in April and May.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Riding

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Blue Mesa Trail, Red Basin, Rim Trail, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper Rock
• Wildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bobcat Mule Deer, Badger
• How many days do you need? 1-2

Local Tip: Explore the park from East to West, and you can see everything without backtracking.

9. Pinnacles National Park, California

5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, map

Average Temperatures: 72°F / 46°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PM

Why Visit: The weather is mild and sunny, making it the perfect time to hike and marvel at the towering spires of volcanic rock. You’ll find peak wildflower blooms between March to May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Camping

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Trail Loop, High Peaks Loop
• Wildlife – Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Gray Fox, Ringtail
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Pinnacles National Park has two separate entrances far from each other. Plan accordingly based on what you want to see!

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Monterey California

10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming →

44.4279929,-110.6243323, map

Average Temperatures: 43°F / 22°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:30 AM / 8:00 PM

Why Visit: Mid-April to early June is typically the best time to see bears. The crisp and clear weather makes it the perfect time to explore the park’s geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Keep your camera handy, because you never know what wildlife you’ll see around the corner.

Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring
• Wildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Local Tip: The park is huge (3472 square miles, larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined)! Plan your days to explore specific areas, so you don’t spend most of your time driving back and forth.

See More: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

11. Zion National Park, Utah →

1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map

Average Temperatures: 73°F / 42°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PM

Why Visit: April is the perfect time to visit one of the most beloved national parks in the country. The weather is mild and sunny, making it the ideal time to hike Zion’s trails and marvel at the towering cliffs. Although it depends on how long the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers typically bloom in late April to early May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Stargazing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, Observation Point, Riverside Walk
• Wildlife – Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: The Narrows will be cold to hike, but you can always rent dry suits in town if you still want to check it out.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Zion National Park

Planning Checklist

Can you think of others that belong on this list of best National Parks to visit in April? Which ones are we missing?

1. Detaille Island

-66.8666663,-66.7936327, map

Highlights: Research Station Base W’s historic huts, Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Antarctic Shag, Weddell Seals, Crabeater Seals, Whales, Brown Skua, Petrels

Detaille Island was our very first stop in Antarctica. We didn’t know what to expect, but looking back, it was the perfect introduction. It had everything: our first wildlife encounters, beautiful icebergs, and historic huts.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust maintains the island and the huts, which are like living museums. It was a former British research station, Base W, operating between 1956 and 1959. You can see an Adelie colony from far away, but we also saw one solo Adelie hopping around near our landing site.

After our landing, we went on a zodiac cruise around the area to see some of the ice formations and wildlife floating on the ice closer up.

Photo Tip: You need a long lens to shoot the penguin colony (this is the lens I shot with), and they were still tiny. The last photo was of a solo adelie on an iceberg.

2. Horseshoe Island

-67.8499993,-67.2102998, map

Highlights: Rocks with Malachite, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E Historic Buildings
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Weddell Seal, Crabeater Seal, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

When you walk onto Horseshoe Island, it’s hard to ignore the bright green veins in the rocks. Malachite makes them look like they’re from a different planet. Jacob kept referring to them as kryptonite.

You can walk up to a couple of viewpoints at Horseshoe Island, explore the historic buildings of Station E, or keep your eye out for wildlife. We saw a lone Adelie, Petrels with chicks, and some seals lazing in the bay.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seal bones. The shoreline near the bay had many seal bone pieces all over the place that you may walk past if you’re not looking for them.

3. Bongrain Point

-67.7166667,-67.8025749, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Cormorants

We went on a SUP excursion at Bongrain Point, a great way to have a quieter, meditative experience (Scenic Eclipse II fully outfits you in dry suits). But the wind picked up, so we had to cut it short and head to the Adelie penguin colony instead.

The Adelie Penguins were everywhere, bathing on the shore, walking to and from their colony, and many huddled together nursing their chicks.

Since there were so many penguins moving back and forth, you had to be extra diligent to give them space (stay at least 5 meters or 15 feet away).

Photo Tip: Having your camera without underwater housing can be nerve-wracking, so if photography is your primary goal, it’s better to be on zodiac boats or to opt for a landing.

4. Stonington Island

-68.1833281,-67.0389247, map

Highlights: East Base of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E, Huge Ice Shelf, Helicopter Tour, Polar Plunge
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguin, Skuas, Various Seals, Various Whales

Stonington Island was the first chance for us to see an American Base. One of the unique features here is the two out-of-commission tanks they brought down as a mode of transportation (‘Murica!). There’s also Station E here, but it wasn’t open. Across the way, you can admire a giant ice shelf where some guests saw a big ice calving.

Afterward, we did a helicopter tour to appreciate the landscape and vastness from a bird’s-eye view. We even saw some whales.

Finally, conditions were perfect for a polar plunge. Luckily, it was a rare warm, sunny day to ease us into polar plunges. After setting up, we headed to the back of the ship, where they tied a safety belt on you before jumping in the water.

Once you get out, they have towels ready to wrap you and a choice of a shot or hot chocolate to warm yourself. The anticipation of jumping in was worse than actually doing it, plus I swam so fast that my brain didn’t have time to process what just happened.

Pro Tip: Wear robes over your bathing suit during the polar plunge. It keeps you warm while waiting, and it’s nice to throw back on after.

5. Jenny Island

-67.7333324,-68.4103212, map

Highlights: Elephant Seals
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Fur Seals, Weddel Seals, Crabeater Seals

We saw a massive group of Elephant Seals at Jenny Island basking in the sun and throwing their weight around. Afterward, we zodiac cruised around and saw a Leopard Seal floating on ice, too. Some guests said they saw all five seal types here.

6. Rothera Station

-67.5678406,-68.1292501, map

Highlights: Active Research Station
Wildlife Spotting: Whales, Birds

Rothera Research Station was established in 1975 and is the starting point for most British Antarctic Survey missions. We didn’t stop since it was an acting station, but we got to cruise by to see the scale of the station in comparison to the historic ones we visited.

7. Fish Islands

-66.0333333,-65.419247, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony 
Wildlife Spotting: Antarctic Shags, Adelie Penguins, Wilsons Storm Petrel

We zodiac cruised around Fish Islands, which ended up being one of our favorite outings.

An estimated 4000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins, along with Antarctic shags, inhabit Fish Islands and the Minnows. They were hard to tell apart at times because of their similar color patterns. We spent hours watching three goofy Adelie penguins play. Fish Islands is also where I shot my favorite penguin photo from this trip, the “Penguin Wedding.”

8. Grandidier Channel

-65.5833333,-64.7525803, map

Highlights: Whales Galore, Beautiful Icebergs, Stunning Mountain Scenery
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Antarctic Minke Whale, Orcas

While traveling through the Grandidier Channel, we were amazed by the beautiful ice formations and mountain scenery. Someone spotted a pod of orcas in the distance, followed by another pod. Then, two pods of humpback whales joined in. It was the craziest whale-watching experience of our lives. They were continuously peeping at us or showing off their tales.

Pro Tip: Go to the Navigation Bridge to watch whales. Scenic has an open bridge policy, and it’s the best place to stay informed since they’re always on the lookout and have more experience spotting wildlife.

Photo Tip: Make sure you always have your long lens ready and layers on you. You never know when you’ll have to hop outside.

9. Lemaire Channel

-65.133,-64.0025803, map

Highlights: Most Beautiful and Narrow Passage
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Adelie Penguins, Gulls and Terns, Petrel

Many call the Lemaire Channel the most beautiful place in Antarctica. It’s a narrow passage with towering mountains on both sides. We saw Humpback Whales feeding in the area as we entered the channel.

We were at a set coursed menu when passing through, but they allowed us to go up to the ship’s bow for ten minutes to see it first. Even during our meal, whales came up less than 50 feet from the window beside us.

10. Flandres Bay

-65.0207214,-63.7911339, map

Highlights: Kayaking, Ice Formations
Wildlife Spotting: Giant Petrels, Brown Skua, Antarctic Shag, Humpback Whale, Seals

We kayaked in Flandres Bay. The water was glassy smooth, with stunning ice formations and mountains surrounding us. We saw very little wildlife compared to other days, like one sleeping humpback whale from a distance and a few Giant Petrels and Skuas.

It worked out perfectly as a photographer so that we could focus on the kayaking. If there had been tons of wildlife, I would have preferred to be on a zodiac since shooting on them is more manageable. We could hear some small avalanches and ice calving in the distance.

11. Port Lockroy

-64.8250761,-63.5331398, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Penguin Post Office, Gift Shop
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguins

The UK Antarctic Trust runs Port Lockroy. During our visit, they were not taking visitors to protect the local Gentoo Penguin colony from the Avian Flu. Instead, a handful of the team came aboard our ship to give a presentation on their work. The staff there counts penguins, maintains the buildings, runs a gift shop, and has a post office.

After the presentation, they set up a pop-up post office and souvenir shop on our ship. They had clothes, alcohol, calendars, ornaments, postcards and more. Any purchases help support the UK Antarctic Trust. We purchased a handful of postcards to mail to our friends and family. Postcards were 2.5£, and postage was 2£ per postcard.

They said the postcards can take from one to three months to deliver. Ours took about a month before they arrived on the East Coast.

Pro Tip: They also have a passport stamp to stamp your passport, or we stamped the outgoing postcards.

12. Palaver Point

-64.15,-61.7525803, map

Highlights: Chinstrap Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Chinstrap Penguins, Seals, Skuas, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

After mainly seeing Adelies, we were excited to meet our first Chinstrap Penguins. They were so fun to watch and had chicks they were nursing. Palaver Point involved a short hike up to get a better vantage point of the colony. I could watch them all day! You can watch our fun video of them here.

13. Spert Island

-63.8499943,-60.9889249, map

Highlights: Beautiful Glaciers, Caves
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguin

The staff was excited when we headed to Spert Island. We had people on our ship nearing 100 voyages to Antarctica who had never been because conditions didn’t work out.

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get better, Spert Island wowed us with its ice formations and sculptures carved out by nature. They were the most beautiful we’ve seen on the entire trip.

14. Fournier Bay

-64.5166127,-63.1103215, map

Highlights: Ice Formations, Pancake Ice
Wildlife Spotting: Leopard Seals, Petrels, Antarctic Tern

Using a scope, we guessed that one iceberg was over 900 feet tall. We saw all ice forms here: glaciers, ice sheets, icebergs, growlers, brash ice, and pancake ice.

15. Neko Harbour

-64.8375963,-62.7515093, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Continental Landing
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguin, Humpback Whales, Fur Seal, Brown Skua, Petrels

Our final stop was Neko Harbour, where we made our continental landing and finally saw the Gentoo Penguins. I loved seeing their penguin highways. They were deeper highways than the other colonies, perhaps because they were larger penguins.

They also had the youngest chicks, some only a few days old. Since it was our last outing, we stayed as long as possible to watch them nurse and steal rocks from each other. When we returned, a few curious humpback whales swam beside the ship. They were so close I had to take off my long lens.

Do you want to visit Antarctica? What do you want to see most?

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Have you been to Yosemite National Park during the winter? What was your favorite thing to do?