The Most Outdoorsy State In America

Above, Wyoming's Devil's Tower National Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is one state in the lower 48 states that has been deemed the most "outdoorsy" state in the U.S. Based upon my experience with it, I have to agree. It is a fun place to travel in and with plenty to see and do.

Above, whitewater rafting the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

That state is Wyoming. My most recent visit was last summer.

Travel + Leisure took a look at different states and posted which ones are the most "outdoorsy" states to enjoy.

They begin with:

It’s easy to picture coastal states like California, Florida, or Maine when thinking about the best of America’s great outdoors. And while those destinations are undoubtedly stunning and offer tons of water-based activity options, what if we told you the most outdoorsy state in the country is actually completely landlocked?

A new study by RV rental company RVezy analyzed all 48 states in the continental U.S. for which there was available data using five sources—AllTrails, Google Maps, Campsite Tonight, Summit Post, and the National Park Service. It evaluated 12 metrics measuring access to outdoor recreation, with applicable factors calculated per 100,000 residents. Walking trails, campgrounds, and percentage of public land carried the most weight at 10 percent each, followed by hiking trails and state parks at 9 percent; mountain biking, road biking, horseback riding trails, and water sports access at 8 percent; waterfalls and national parks at 7 percent; and ski resorts at 6 percent.

“It’s one thing to have beautiful landscapes, but another to have the infrastructure that allows people to explore them safely and easily,” said RVezy founder Michael McNaught, in a press release. “From my experience, the best destinations are the ones that offer flexibility. You might go for a hike in the morning, paddle in the afternoon, and camp under the stars at night. States that rank highly in this study tend to offer that kind of all-in-one experience, which is exactly what travelers are looking for.”

Wyoming ranked No. 1, taking the top spot in three of the 12 metrics: hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and access to national parks. With the second-lowest population density of any other U.S. state (only Alaska has fewer residents and more land), Wyoming’s population of roughly 590,784 leaves a lot of nature to explore, with not nearly as many crowds.

Above, Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

RV Camping: Planning Versus Winging It

Above, Devil's Tower, which I plan to see again in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little over a month from now, I plan to head up into Wyoming and South Dakota for some exploring.

As of now, I haven't made any campground reservations. As the departure time gets closer, I will make some reservations, just have to figure the travel time needed to get there from New Mexico.

There are two schools of thought concerning RV camping. Those who "wing it" and those who plan it. That is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin with:

The Right Tools Can Help You Decide Where to Camp, While Still Feeling Spontaneous

Every year, we talk to hundreds of RVers. We ask them how they decide where to camp, which campgrounds to go to, and how they get there safely. There are a variety of strategies, but they can be divided into two primary camps. Those are the planning crowd and the spontaneous crowd.

You’d think the size of the RV would dictate which crowd those RVers would be in when they decide where to camp. But that just isn’t always the case. We’ve seen 40-foot fifth-wheel owners in the spontaneous crowd, and folks towing 20-foot travel trailers plan to the nth degree. Before we proceed, we should define the two styles.

To read more, go here. 

7 Scenic National Parks In Wyoming

Above, Devil's Tower in eastern Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to the state of Wyoming, there are plenty of places to see and do there. 

For those who are history buffs, there are museums that focus on the old west. And, there are many national and state parks to visit. 

TheTravel has posted an article on seven scenic national parks in Wyoming.

Here's a snippet:

Wyoming is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the National Park Service (NPS) and the Wyoming Division of State Parks are the guardians of these treasures. They diligently manage and preserve many places in the state, including national parks, state parks, recreation areas, monuments, historic trails and sites, ensuring that these areas are conserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

These are some of the most scenic parks in Wyoming designated under the NPS, featuring national parks, state parks, national monuments, and wilderness areas, prime for visiting and experiencing the state's beauty. 

To see what they are, go here. 

Mount Rushmore, An RVer Draw

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 1990, the family took a vacation trip that included Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Devil's Tower, Deadwood, South Dakota and Mount Rushmore. That was a memorable trip. We stayed at a KOA Kampground near Mount Rushmore in a pop-up camping trailer.

Travel Resorts of America reviews why Mount Rushmore is such a draw for RVers, according to an article by OCNJ Daily.

They begin with:

Travel Resorts of America is a private camping resort with locations scattered throughout the United States. In the following article, Travel Resorts of America reviews why Mount Rushmore has become a popular destination for summer vacations.

Mount Rushmore, the South-Dakota-based cliff face carving depicting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is a true sight to behold. Photographs simply do not do it justice. The area oozes American history from every vertex, with the destination being extremely popular for kids and adults alike.

From stunning views to patriotic feelings to great facilities for campervans, Mount Rushmore is on many RV drivers’ bucket lists.

To read more, go here.

Cheap Camping Sites Under $40 A Night

Above, Devil's Tower, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While planning a recent trip to the National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona, we found that hotel and motel room rates were very expensive. Most were around $175 and up. The lower priced ones were generally in poorer sections of town. 

Campgrounds in recent months have also jacked up their prices, although still a lot cheaper than hotels and motels. Fortunately, one can still find campsites for under $40 a night. 

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on finding cheap camping sites for under $40. They provide several of them, one of which is near Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

They begin it with:

It can be pretty intimidating to look for a campground or resort when prices are sometimes $100+ per night. There are lots of high-end parks around the country, and you can quickly burn through your budget if you stay in expensive places. But fortunately, there are plenty of cheap camping sites that cost $40 or less per night. 

You might be nervous about staying somewhere that’s dirt cheap. And there are definitely some spots where you get what you pay for. But camping on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to settle for something trashy! There are plenty of cheap camping sites across the country that offer beautiful scenery, hookups, and even a few decent amenities. It’s always a good idea to read campground reviews to see what you can expect during your stay!

Lots of state parks have RV-friendly campgrounds that cost $40 or less. In fact, if you show up at the right time, you’ll be paying closer to $20 for most of the destinations below! Just make sure that you book a reservation in advance. These spots are popular and cheap, so they tend to fill up pretty quickly. Now without further ado, let’s explore some cheap camping sites that will help you have a great experience.

To read more, go here.

Summer Vacation Idea

Above, Devil's Tower in 1990. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Believe it or not, vacation season is fast approaching. It is only roughly 4 months away.

I have been thinking about going up to Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana to explore different places.

The last time I was at Mount Rushmore National Memorial was in 1990. Unbeknownst to me, that trip had us in South Dakota right in the middle of the Sturgis, South Dakota motorcycle gathering. I hope to avoid that this time (this year it will be held August 06-15). Also during that trip, we stopped briefly at Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This time, I would like to stay overnight to do a little more exploring.

Also, because of the Sturgis crowds, I didn't get to see much of Deadwood, South Dakota except for Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. I hope to be able to see the town this time.

During that 1990 trip, the plan was to see the Little Bighorn Battlefield in southern Montana, but a mishap with the tent trailer near Sheridan, Wyoming at the time forced us to skip it and head directly to West Yellowstone, Montana. This time, I would like to see the battlefield and visit Cody, Wyoming along the way. 

The pace will be leisurely so that I can just wander around and do things on a whim.

Heading north from New Mexico to the Devil's Tower and Mount Rushmore areas is pretty direct on Interstate 25 from Albuquerque. 

I requested some travel planning guides from Montana's and Wyoming's travel bureaus. 

Now that I have new tires on The Beast, a trip into those areas is workable. 

Things To Know About Devil's Tower

Above, Devil's Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Devil's Tower in eastern Wyoming gained international attention in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But it actually was the nation's first national monument.

Travel Awaits has posted an article on seven interesting things to know about Devil's Tower.

They begin with:

Long before Hollywood aliens visited, Devils Tower stood as both a beautiful and cultural icon in eastern Wyoming. Named the nation’s first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Devils Tower National Monument has been around for thousands of years. Native Americans such as the Lakota (Sioux) once regarded it as a religious and cultural symbol. As Americans made their way westward in 1875, an interpreter for a military expedition misunderstood the Native American name and referred to the landmark as “Devils Tower.”

Standing nearly 900 feet tall from base to summit, Devils Tower -- called Mato Tipila (“Bear Lodge”) by the Lakota -- is a popular tourist destination as well as a major climbing attraction.

A KOA Kampground near the monument's entrance shows Close Encounters of the Third Kind nightly to camping guests.

To read more, go here. 

Devils Tower To Begin Reopening Friday

Above, Devils Tower in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those hoping to see UFOs, there's some good news.

Devils Tower in Wyoming will begin reopening Friday.

According to the Billings Gazette:

Devils Tower National Monument will begin to reopen Friday, about two months after the popular tourist site closed down. 

The monument will reopen in phases, according to an announcement released Monday from Nickolos J. Myers, the monument's supervisory park ranger. On Friday, park roads, hiking trails, picnic areas and rock climbing routes will open. 

However, the Belle Fourche River Campground, Devils Tower Visitors Center and Devils Tower Natural Association Bookstore will remain closed. The announcement did not include a date for those services to reopen.

To read more, go here. 

$4 Million In Upgrades Planned For Devils Tower National Monument

Above, Devils Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some people may not know Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming by name, but they'd certainly recognize it if they saw Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).

The national monument is to have about $4 million in upgrades.

KNBN NewsCenter 1 reported:

GILLETTE, Wyo. (The Gillette (Wyo.) News Record) — The National Park Service is about to begin facility and trail work totaling almost $4 million in Devils Tower National Monument. 

The work will include making an overlook trail more accessible to people who are in wheelchairs or have other physical limitations.

Speaking of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a KOA Kampground outside of the national monument screens the movie nightly for guests.

To read more, go here.

Guide To National Parks In Wyoming

Above, Mt. Moran and Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Christmas is a little over a month away, but now is a good time to think about and plan next year's summer vacation trip.

Wyoming is a good place to visit, especially if one is a camper. The state has six national parks, but five allow camping within the park.

Do It Yourself RV has posted a guide to Wyoming national park camping.

It begins with:

There are six national parks in Wyoming: 

• Yellowstone National Park
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site
• Fossil Butte National Monument
• Grand Teton National Park
• and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

Camping is available in five, so read on to learn about the fascinating experiences awaiting you at each park and the amenities for camping.

To read more, go here. 

Wyoming Saw Huge Economic Benefit From Yellowstone and Devil's Tower

Above, visitors at one of Yellowstone's hot springs areas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If anyone needs evidence that the creation of U.S. national parks is a benefit to the local economies, they can look to what Yellowstone National Park and Devil's Tower National Monument brought in last year.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune:

A new National Park Service report shows that Yellowstone and Devils Tower national parks brought a cumulative $647.1 million and $38.2 million, respectively, to their local economies last year. 

Yellowstone's 4.1 million visitors in 2018 spent $512.6 million in communities near the park and supported 7,089 jobs in the area. Devils Tower's 468,215 visitors spent $30 million in communities near the park and supported 414 jobs in the area. 

“These numbers once again show the enormous positive impacts our national parks have on our local economies,” Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said in an annuoncement. “Our national parks are one of the very best tax payer investments in this country. For many reasons, well beyond economics, it’s essential that we invest aggressively to protect these incredible places in the future.”

Above, Wyoming's Devil's Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Improvements Coming To Devil's Tower National Monument

Above, Devil's Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming will be seeing some improvements this coming year.

The Rapid City Journal reported:

The National Park Service announced last week that it is planning a number of upgrades to Devils Tower National Monument that will improve accessibility and visitor experience.  

The most significant is a new accessible approach to the 1.3-mile-long Tower Trail, which winds around the base of the tower. The trail is the most popular hiking path in the park, which attracts around 500,000 visitors every year, said spokeswoman Nancy Stimson. 

Other improvements include new interpretive exhibits along the Tower Trail, an interpretive plaza and accessible walkways to the trailhead and visitor center.  A climber registration office will also be developed and installed. 

Devil's Tower National Monument became a popular tourist attraction for movie buffs following the release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977.  The KOA Kampground near the main entrance screens the movie nightly during the summer season.

To read more, go here.

Autumn Bargains At Mt. Rushmore, Etc.

Above, Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About 27 years ago, I took the family on a vacation trip to Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial and Yellowstone National Park. Those places were crowded, as one would expect since it was during the summer vacation season.

But, The Cross Timbers Gazette says people can wait until fall before heading off to those attractions.

They wrote:

Mt. Rushmore should be on every American’s bucket list, and judging by the crowds and prices every summer, it probably is. If you can wait till fall, though, you’ll find the crowds gone and hotel prices much more reasonable. 

My husband and I did just that, waiting until the third week in October. Yes, the Flintstone’s Village was closed as was the faux Independence Hall and some mining-themed amusement parks, but we didn’t miss them at all. The Mt. Rushmore National Memorial was open, as was the Badlands National Park, Custer State Park (including Needles Highway), and Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.

We stopped in at Flintstone's Village while in South Dakota. To me, it was "meh", but the kids loved it.

To read more, go here. 

Man Dies In Fall From Devils Tower

Above, Devils Tower in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A climber of Wyoming's Devils Tower was killed in a fall on Friday.

According to the Star-Tribune:

A Gillette man died Friday after falling during a climb of Devils Tower, the National Park Service reported. 

Matthew Sorenson, 38, suffered major head injuries after he fell while climbing with friends on the Sundance route. He was wearing a helmet at the time. 

Sorenson is the first person to die climbing Devils Tower since 2003, according to the Park Service.

Devils Tower was made famous in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977.

To read more, go here.

Devil's Tower Benefited Local Economy

Above, Devil's Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Devil's Tower National Monument benefited the local economies of surrounding communities last year.

KULR8.com reported:

DEVILS TOWER, Wyo. (AP) - Visitors to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming spent more than $31 million in communities near the park last year.

Devil's Tower played a prominent role in the 1977 movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

To read more, go here.

Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Vacation

Above, Mount Rushmore National Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you cannot afford to go to Japan or just want to take a vacation this summer a little more closer to home, I have a suggestion.

This vacation involves camping, but if you aren't the camping type, you can still do it by staying in hotels or motels.

Back in 1990, I took my family on a camping trip (I had a tent trailer at the time) through some of the prairie and Rocky Mountain states such as Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and South Dakota.

We began the trip in Los Angeles and drove through central Utah for our first night's stay at a KOA Kampground in Lyman, Wyoming. In fact, all of our stays were in KOA Kampgrounds. While in Lyman, we toured Fort Bridger.

From there, we went across Wyoming to another KOA near Fort Laramie for the second night's stay.

Then, the next morning, we drove into South Dakota and stayed at the Mount Rushmore KOA near the Mount Rushmore National Monument. It was a bit crowded at the time as the annual Sturgis, South Dakota biker rally was taking place. We never saw so many motorcycles in our lives.

While in South Dakota, we toured Mount Rushmore National Monument, visited the under-construction Crazy Horse monument, rode a steam locomotive and visited Deadwood, South Dakota and took a tour of the town and the cemetery where Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane are buried.

Above, Devil's Tower National Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After South Dakota, we headed through northern Wyoming to Devil's Tower National Monument. Devil's Tower is best known for being featured prominently in Close Encounters of The Third Kind (1977). Speaking of Close Encounters, there is a KOA Kampground near the entrance to Devil's Tower National Monument that screens the movie nightly during the summer vacation months.

From there, the plan was to go to the George Armstrong Custer battlefield at Little Big Horn, but we encountered some strong winds that caused some damage to the trailer. So we headed straight to Yellowstone National Park and stayed in a cabin at the West Yellowstone KOA (thank goodness we already had reservations there and they had a camping cabin available).

Above, Upper Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We toured Yellowstone National Park and then headed down to nearby Grand Teton National Park before heading back to Los Angeles.

If you don't mind driving and want to see a lot of historical places and great scenery, I heartily recommend making this circular vacation route.