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.

Brain-Eating Amoeba Found In Some Recreational Waters

Above, Grand Teton National Park was named in a new study. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who enjoy swimming and water sports in lakes and streams, this should give them some pause.

A new federal study has found that brain-eating amoeba has been found in some recreational waters. 

RV Travel reported:

A new federal study has found traces of the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri in warm recreational waters at several Western national park sites, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Researchers analyzed 185 water samples from 40 thermally influenced national park recreation sites between 2016 and 2024 and detected the amoeba in 34% of samples. The organism thrives in warm freshwater, especially hot springs and shallow geothermal waters, and can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection with a 98% fatality rate.

To read more, go here. 

Best Things To Do At Yellowstone and Grand Teton

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

Since the start of summer vacation season is only a few months away, it is time to ponder upon where to go to.

Two obvious choices are Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming. They're close to each other and the parks are quite different from one another. I have been to both several times, the last time being in 2019.

Above, an eruption of Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That is the subject of an article in Travelbinger. They provide tips on things to see and do in each national park.

They begin with:

Whoever gave the Wyoming National Parks the best of the best in terms of outdoor qualities sure deserves a medal. This stretch of pristine wilderness and landscapes in western Wyoming is one of greatness, allowing individuals the chance to see what the world was like hundreds of years ago.

The massive jagged peaks, geysers, wildlife, and crystal clear lakes harken back to a time when humans roamed these lands on foot, not via four wheels.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore this remarkable area multiple times and honestly believe everyone should experience these two national parks at least once in their lifetimes. With these two parks within a couple of hours, it’s the perfect outdoor road trip destination!

To read more, go here. 

Photographers Sue Over National Park Filming Permits

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

Did you know that if you are just a tourist or a news organization, you don't need a permit to photograph or shoot videos within our national parks? But if you are doing so commercially, you need a permit.

That is the crux of a new lawsuit against the National Park Service by two commercial photographers. They claim that the permit requirement violates their First Amendment rights.

According to PetaPixel:

Two photographers have sued the National Park Service (NPS) claiming that its photography permit requirements violate First Amendment rights.

Nature and sports photographers Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith filed the lawsuit against NPS, with the aim of overturning its “unconstitutional permit-and-fee scheme that charges Americans for the right to film in public spaces.”

According to the lawsuit, Rienzie and Burkesmith wanted to film athlete Michelino Sunseri’s attempt to break the record for the fastest climb up the Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming in September.

The filmmakers planned to have only two or three people, using small handheld cameras and tripods, on the 16-mile route for the shoot — less gear than the typical climber going up the mountain.

Under current law, the NPS does not require everyday visitors or news photographers to have film or photography permits.

To read more, go here. 

Man Attacked By Grizzly in Grand Teton National Park Survives

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

A man hiking in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming was attacked by a grizzly bear.

Fortunately, he survived the attack because the bear activated a can of bear spray on herself. The bear was protecting her cubs, by the way.

RV Travel begins their article on the attack with:

A hiker in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was miraculously saved this past week when a grizzly bear used bear spray on itself!

Shayne Patrick Burke, a disabled Army Reserve veteran, described his encounter with a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park as “the most violent” experience of his life. On a hike to photograph owls, Burke spotted a grizzly cub and was soon attacked by its mother. 

To read the full story, go here. 

Visit Grand Teton National Park In The Shoulder Season

Above, the Grand Tetons mirrored in Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although Grand Teton National Park is right next door to Yellowstone National Park, the crowds there are much less.

I have been to Grand Teton several times and enjoyed it during every visit. My most recent visit was in 2019.

AFAR has posted an article on visiting the park during the shoulder (or off) seasons. 

They begin it with:

Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area has become a year-round outdoor haven for all ages. The springtime and fall are especially great times to go: From March through May, visitors can see wildlife transition from winter to spring. Yet the fall shoulder season offers wildlife sightings too and is just as beautiful, with bright yellow aspens, surprise snowstorms for early-bird skiers, and all the biking and hiking you could dream of in one of the country’s youngest mountain ranges.

There are endless itineraries for this part of Wyoming. Read on for more tips on seeing the beauty of the area during the shoulder season—and consider planning a trip. 

To read more, go here. 

An Epic Road Trip Through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Above, the Grand Tetons reflected on Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have driven through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (in both directions) and the views along the way never fail to fascinate. 

There are many things to see and do in each park and The Points Guy has posted an article on planning an epic road trip through both.

It begins with:

The singular scenery of northwestern Wyoming — otherworldly geysers and hot springs, serene alpine lakes, jaw-dropping canyons — inspired the very concept of a national park system.

In fact, in 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the world's first national park. And, at 3,472 square miles (it's about two-thirds the size of Connecticut), Yellowstone is also the second-largest national park in the continental United States.

This iconic park, which lies mostly in Wyoming but also extends slightly into Montana and Idaho, remains a land of superlatives, beloved not only for its incredible visual beauty but also for its classic lodges, engaging visitor centers and museums, and visitor-friendly road network.

Just 30 miles south of Yellowstone and one-seventh the size, Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 in recognition of its most prominent feature, a dramatic range of jagged, glacial peaks that rise as high as 13,775 feet. French Canadian trappers gave them their rather ribald moniker ("grand teton" translates to "big breast" in French).

Above, eruptions of Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone
always draws crowds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

USA Today: Grand Teton National Park

Above, the Grand Tetons and Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one thinks of mountains, one may think of Grand Teton National Park.

At least that's according to an article on the park in Wyoming (just below Yellowstone National Park) by USA Today.

They wrote:

Some places in this world make you realize how small you are. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of them.

Its namesake peak, Grand Teton, towers at 13,775 feet tall, while others in the Teton Range top 12,000 feet, according to the park. 

Scenic Jackson Hole valley sprawls below with a wide array of wildlife to see and wilderness to explore.

It’s easy to see why so many people visit the park, one of the most popular in America.

Here’s what travelers should know about Grand Teton, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series.

I have been in Grand Teton National Park three times, the last being a more extensive visit in 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Teton Bears Raiding Coolers, Backpacks of Swimmers

Above, a North American black bear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yogi Bear appears to have left Jellystone park and has migrated to Grand Teton National Park where he has started a pastime: raiding coolers and backpacks of swimmers.

According to the Billings Gazette:

Visitors soaking in Grand Teton National Park's waters have unintentionally caused problems with black bears.

On Aug. 11, a black bear at Phelps Lake found an unattended backpack and consumed human food. This follows three other recent incidents of black bears accessing human items left along lakeshores while visitors were in the water. In the last five years, almost half of all human-black bear conflicts within Grand Teton have occurred around lakes, according to the National Park Service

Proper food storage is mandatory in Grand Teton and visitors are required to secure all attractants for the protection of bears and other wildlife, as well as for human safety. These regulations apply whether you are camping, having a picnic, or swimming. 

To read more, go here.

Jackson and Jackson Hole: What's The Difference?

Above, a view of Jackson Hole and the Snake River from the Jackson Hole Tram. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people get confused over Jackson Hole and Jackson, Wyoming. They often wonder, "What's the difference?"

Well, to clear up the confusion, Brent Thomas posted at SnowBrains:

Last August I took my family to Jackson Hole for our summer vacation. It was my first time visiting the area and we had a fantastic time hiking, biking, and visiting national parks.

When I would tell others about the trip, they would often be confused about the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole. So here is a post to get you in the know about one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

To put it simply, Jackson Hole is the entire valley that encompasses the area, while Jackson is the name of the only incorporated town in the area.

To read more and see a map at what Jackson Hole includes, go here. 

Beauty of Grand Teton National Park

Above, the Grand Tetons mirrored on a lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Grand Teton mountain range in western Wyoming stretches 55 miles along a valley.

They mountains are some of the most striking in the world. They jut from the valley floor without having any foothills.

Yahoo! Life has posted an article on Grand Teton National Park and their shaping by the weather.

They start with:

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – Many call this mountain range the most striking in the world – the Grand Tetons rising to almost 14,000 feet.

This valley stretches 55 miles long, just south of Yellowstone National Park, and the weather here continues to change and evolve this landscape.

Descending into Jackson, Wyoming, the Grand Teton mountains stand like skyscrapers. They rule this landscape.

"People from all over the country and all over the world come to Grand Teton National Park," park rangers said.

To read more, 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.

Best Senior Discounts For RVers

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

Senior citizens (or, as Rush Limbaugh used to say, "seasoned citizens") have many avenues for discounts. Some are specifically tailored to seniors and some for people in general.

RV Life has posted an article listing the best senior discounts for RVers.

The start it with:

Camping On A Budget? These Senior Discounts Can Help

Many retirees decide to pack up their belongings and move into an RV. Those who are at least 50 years old will qualify for a variety of camping perks and discounts. Whether you travel full-time, seasonally or just once or twice a year, you can benefit from senior discounts.

Your eligibility for these discounts will vary based on your age, location, and RV type. But regardless, senior citizens can enjoy plenty of reduced prices wherever they travel. This sweetens the deal because many retirees are looking for fun experiences and travel opportunities that might otherwise be too expensive.

Below, we’ve collected information about the best senior discounts that could save you money while camping. Some of these options still cost a bit of money, but the benefits far outweigh the price. In addition, several of these discounts and clubs will pay for themselves in a short period of time! Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your next vacation.

To read on, go here. 

Visitors Rank Top 10 National Parks

Above, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 1968, I have been to many national parks. 

As far as scenic beauty and facilities go, some are better than others. But none never fail to enchant.

RV Travel has posted a results of a survey of the top ten national parks ranked by visitors. Of the ten, I have been to two of them.

They begin with:

Have you ever filled out a visitor survey card at a U.S. national park? Your efforts aren’t in vain. A recent compilation of results led to rankings by visitors of the most popular national parks throughout the nation. The rankings in this survey were based on those who rated “Very Good” to the question: “Overall quality of the facilities, services & recreational opportunities.” Here are the Top 10 in order of preference.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Teton Boating Fees To Be Hiked

Above, a boat marina at Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Adding to the nation's inflation, it has been announced that boating fees at Grand Teton National Park will be hiked in February. 

According to the Billings Gazette: 

Boaters in Grand Teton National Park will see an increase in the cost of an annual park boat permit to $25 for non-motorized boats and $75 for motorized boats starting in February.

Boat permit fees help offset the costs associated with waterway patrols and priority aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspections and education.

Aquatic invasive species are marine organisms that have spread or been introduced outside their native range. AIS are a growing risk for national park resources and cause tremendous harm to the environment, economy and public health.  

To read more, go here. 

Scenic Mountain Ranges

Above, the Grand Tetons of Wyoming reflected on Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing about the United States, it has a wide variety of geographic scenic areas ranging from deserts, prairies, rolling hills and mountain ranges.

Travel + Leisure posted a list of 13 scenic mountain ranges for people to enjoy. My favorite terrain for camping is in pine-covered mountain ranges. None of the listed mountain ranges will disappoint the traveler or camper. I've been in several of them, one of which is number one on their list.

They begin with:

There is something undeniably peaceful about going out into the wilderness and exploring the mountain ranges in the U.S., whether you're visiting the fog-covered Great Smoky Mountains or the sharp, snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. We've rounded up 13 scenic U.S. mountain ranges that have great hiking and even better views for your next trip into the great outdoors. So, grab your hiking boots and a water bottle, and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking places our country has to offer.

 To read more, go here.

Places To Visit In Your RV Before Summer Ends

Above, the Grand Tetons reflected on Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since gasoline prices are sky high, I had to adjust my summer vacation trip plans and go somewhere much closer to home.

Last week, we headed off to Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico in the motorhome. The amount of fuel needed was a tank and a half. We had a good time on the trip.

There are those who are more willing than I am to part with their cash as the gas pump.

RV Life has suggestions of five places to visit in one's RV before summer vacation season ends (roughly a month from now).

They begin with:

It’s always a bit shocking how fast summer passes when you come from an area that has real winters. Summer is always halfway over just as we are in the midst of enjoying the camping season in our RV.

Many RVers plan out their summer camping and road trips well ahead of summer. Others are more free and easy with their RV camping trips, fully embracing the freedom that the RV lifestyle offers.   

If you are in the second group, this article is for you. There are so many amazing places to experience in both the US and Canada that deciding on summertime destinations can sometimes be overwhelming when we’re traveling. To make it easier to choose, we’ve found five amazing places that are best seen before summer ends. 

Three years ago, we visited one of them in July 2019: Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

To read more, go here. 

Where To Go In Yellowstone National Park

Above, Yellowstone is open, but it takes more planning to get in. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When nature decides to do something, man is powerless to stop it.

Such is the case with the floods in Yellowstone National Park. It damaged or destroyed roads within the park, primarily the northern ones.

Much of the park has reopened and people are wondering where they can go in the park. West Entrance from West Yellowstone, Montana and South Entrance from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming are open for example.

Travel + Leisure provides a rundown on where people can and can't go to.

They begin with:

It was set to be a banner year for Yellowstone National Park. In 2021, the park welcomed a record 4.9 million visitors, and in March 2022, the country's oldest national park celebrated its 150th birthday. But in mid-June, right as the summer season started to ramp up, record rainfall led to mudslides, rockslides, and flooding, causing damage to roads, water systems, trails, and power lines.

As of Thursday, July 28, the north and northeast entrances remain closed to vehicles due to flood damage. That means visitors looking to access the park by car from Gardiner, Montana, (north entrance) or Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, (northeast entrance) are out of luck. That said, the entrances are open to foot traffic.

Although two of the park entrances remain closed, 93% of the park's roads are open, and both the north and south loops are accessible via the west, south, and east entrances.

America's oldest national park remains as vibrant and beautiful as ever — it just takes a little extra planning to ensure your trip isn't impacted by the closures. Here's what you need to know before you go.

To read more, go here.

Mask Mandates Return To Some National Parks

Above, masks must be worn inside Yellowstone indoor facilities such as Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, here we go again.

Supposedly, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. This is prompting some national parks to reimpose mask mandates on park visitors in indoor facilities. 

According to an article in RV Travel:

If you are planning a trip to a national park, you’d better pack a mask.

Several national parks in the U.S. are now requiring that face masks be worn in all indoor facilities due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Yellowstone National Park was the latest to institute an indoor mask mandate this week.

The National Park Service (NPS) had already implemented a mask mandate on public transit in all the nation’s parks.

Yellowstone National Park is the fourth park to add the indoor mask requirements. The others area Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Grand Tetons National Park. All visitors must wear a mask indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

To read more, go here. 

What's Your Tolerance For High Gas Prices?

Above, the RV at Grand Teton National Park in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As gasoline prices rose over the past few months, I had to adjust my summer vacation plans from going to eastern Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota to somewhere much closer to home.

My motorhome's gas tank has a 55 gallon capacity. The current price for unleaded regular at the local Flying J is $4.359/gallon. If my gas tank were completely empty, it would cost me $239.74 to fill it. Anything over $4.00/gallon would not be within my tolerance level for a road trip.

National Parks Traveler has posed the question to their readers in a new article posted today.

They start their article with:

What's your breaking point for fuel costs this summer? Will you stay out of the National Park System if you have to pay more than $4.50 per gallon, or $5 per gallon?

During my recent road trip through Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas, gas prices certainly caught my attention. I found a relative bargain in McPherson, Kansas, where I paid $4.249/gallon for "Super 93" unleaded, while in Rawlins, Wyoming, the price was $4.799 for regular unleaded. Even though my 2012 Subaru Outback averaged about 26 miles per gallon, fuel was a major expense for the trip. 

But there were many travelers out on the highways, where I saw more than a few three-quarter-ton pickups hauling fifth-wheel campers, and you know they're lucky if they can average 15 miles per gallon. While I never paid $70 or more to fill up my 16-gallon tank, filling a 36-gallon pickup tank with diesel can run $200 or more, a breath-catching cost. It might cost four or five times that to fill one of those bus conversion RVs.

To read the full article, go here.