43.1718° N, 113.4821° W LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING AND EXPLORING CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESEVE IN THIS IN-DEPTH ADVENTURE GUIDE. Located in southern Idaho between the hopping city of Boise and beautiful Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a fantastic destination to head to to learn more about the area's history and to see some very unique volcanic structures. While this national monument and preserve doesn't necessarily have a lot of adventures to offer - especially when it comes to epic, Class 2 fun, it is still beautiful and worth seeking out - especially if you have the time while road tripping, or if you are looking to explore a less popular area of the West. This short adventure guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Craters of the Moon; including, how to get there, what it costs to enter, camping, and the best hikes. So with that - let's get exploring! \\ Fast Facts About Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve YEAR ESTABLISHED: as a Monument in 1924 and as a Preserve in 2002 LOCATION: southern Idaho SIZE: 753,000 acres NUMBER OF ANNUAL VISITORS: ~251,000 in 2020 COST TO ENTER CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT: $20 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days) BEST FOR: hiking, geology ➳ Check out the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve website to learn more. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE MAP \\ A Brief History of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve covers three major lava fields and roughly 400 square miles of sagebrush steppe grasslands. In total, the Monument covers just over 1,000 square miles of land in southern Idaho. All three lava fields lie along the Great Rift of Idaho - an area with some of the best examples of open rift cracks in the world, including the deepest known crack on Earth at 800 feet deep. Within the Monument, there are excellent examples of almost every variety of basaltic lava, as well as tree molds (cavities left by lava-incinerated trees), lava tubes, and numerous other volcanic features (like spatter cones). Between 1901 and 1903, Israel Russell became the first geologist to study the area that would eventually become the Monument. In 1910, Samuel Paisley continued Russell's work of surveying and later became the Monument's first custodian. Other geologists and scientists soon followed and in time much of the mystery and questions surrounding this and other lava beds found around the state were put to rest. While a few European settlers who visited the area in the 19th century created local legends that the monument's area looked like the surface of the Moon, it was actually geologist Harold T. Stearns who coined the name "Craters of the Moon" in 1923. He did this while trying to convince the National Park Service to protect the area and make it into a national monument. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: Apollo astronauts actually performed part of their training at Craters of the Moon's lava field. Their main task was to learn what to look for and how to collect quality rock specimens while in an unfamiliar and harsh environment. \\ When to Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve The region where Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located - the high steppe of Idaho - can be quite harsh during both the winter and summer seasons. I would highly recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons, especially during the spring when you will be able to see lots of varieties of wildflowers, both in the Monument and in the surrounding area. Plus, during spring, the temperatures are usually quite comfortable (low to mid-80s) and sunny. LEARN MORE | THE TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN SPRING \\ How to Get To and Around Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve The two closest major cities to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve are Boise, Idaho - located roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes away - and Salt Lake City, Utah, which is just under 4 hours away. No matter where you start your journey, you will need to have your own vehicle for there really is no option to reach the park via public transportation. Once you reach the Monument, it is really easy to start exploring. Because Craters of the Moon National Monument is quite small, at least in terms of the major sites to see, it is super easy to visit everything either from your vehicle or from the seat of a bike (or if you are gumptious, you could do it via walking too). You will likely want to start your adventure at the Robert Lambert Visitor Center, which is located right at the turn off into the Monument. Here you can find lots of information on the Monument's main attractions, including the lava tubes/caves, lava fields and spatter cones (one of the most unique volcanic attractions in the Monument). There is also a small gift shop, bathrooms and a water refill station. Find the exact location of the Craters of the Moon National Monument visitor center here. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: right after the visitor center you will get to the Monument's only campground (learn more about this below) and the entrance station. It costs $20 per private vehicle to enter, though if you are planning to visit other National Parks or Monuments (or National Historical Sites) then consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which costs $80 and is good for a year. Learn more about the park pass here. EXPLORE MORE | THE 7 BEST APPS TO DOWNLOAD BEFORE YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE \\ Camping in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve There is only one campground within Craters of the Moon National Monument: Lava Flow Campground, which consists of 42 sites and includes amenities such as potable water and flush toilets (seasonal), a charcoal grill and picnic table. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations are taken) and cost $15 per night. The campground is open May - November. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: while a couple of sites can accommodate larger vehicles and RVs, none have electrical hook-ups. If camping isn't really your thing but you still want to stay near the Monument, then your best bet will be to book a night in the small towns of Carey (nearly 30 minutes away) or Arco (20 minutes away). Both have a few mom-and-pop hotels or motels, though do not expect anything too luxurious. Otherwise, you can camp outside of the monument in the nearby Sawtooth National Forest or simply visit the Monument on your way to other destinations - like Grand Teton National Park or Boise. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE TRAVEL ITINERARY HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE? 2-3 hours to see most of the major sites in the monument, though you may want more time if you want to do a bigger hike. WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU? Highly recommend wearing shoes with good traction (like these), especially if you are looking to hike up Inferno Cone (it is very slick). Also, you will definitely want some form of sun protection - either a hat (like this one), or just some sun protective clothing. And of course sunscreen. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE ITINERARY START: begin at the Monument visitor center, which is open from 8:30AM to 6PM 7 days a week during the summer and 9AM to 4:30PM Thursday - Monday during the winter (though it is completely closed late-November to late-January). Here you can learn a lot about the Monument's human history as well as its unique natural environment. 1 | Head out on the 7-mile scenic loop, which starts and ends just past the entrance station. Along the way, you can stop at numerous trailheads and viewpoints. Definitely recommend checking out the very short Devil's Garden Nature Loop to learn more about the area's plant life and volcanic history. 2 | Hike up Inferno Cone. This short but steep hike - 0.4 miles one-way - gives you unparalleled 360° views of the surrounding area, including the nearby spatter cones, lava fields and mountains. 3 | Check out the spatter cones, which look like miniature volcanoes and were formed at the later stages of a volcanic eruption (they're formed when hot lumps of lava are thrown a short distance into the air only to fall back to earth around a small central vent). There are two trails to explore (both quite short): the Snow Cones Trail and the Spatter Cone Trail. 4 | Finish your visit with a short hike along the Tree Molds Trail, which measures 2 miles and gets you up close to molds of ancient trees that were encased in lava. Other areas to explore in the Monument include the Broken Loop Trail (1.8 mile loop), one of the lava tubes or caves (make sure they are open ahead of time), and the North Crater Trail (a 3.5 mile trail that ends at North Crater). You can also spend a good part of a day out on the Wilderness Trail - which measures 4 miles each way and ends at The Sentinel. \\ Must-See Spots Near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve The Monument is located in a pretty remote and out of the way area of southern Idaho. The closest places of much distinction are Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Great Basin National Park (all multiple hours away but definitely worth exploring). Besides national parks, you can also visit the popular towns of Sun Valley, Idaho; McCall, Idaho and Big Sky, Montana. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a fantastic place to spend a few hours and learn about this area of the country's unique geology and human history. While the park doesn't offer too many adventures, it is still worth checking out - especially if you are in the area. If you have any questions or comments about the Monument, or about exploring the USA's numerous other national parks, then leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR FUTURE PLANNING? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT | The Ultimate Adventure Guide GRAND-STAIRCASE ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT | The Ultimate Adventure Guide CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK | The Ultimate Adventure Guide MORE PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

43.7904° N, 110.6818° W PLANNING A TRIP TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK? THEN CHECK OUT THIS ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HELP PLAN THE MOST EPIC ADVENTURE TO THESE STUNNING MOUNTAINS. Rising out of the Wyoming landscape like some colossus teeth, the Teton Range stands as a reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together to preserve a unique and vital landscape. Grand Teton National Park protects thousands of acres of pine forest, clear mountain lakes and dozens of species of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose and wolves. This national park is often high on many adventurer's must-visit travel lists - and for good reasons. Home to over 200 miles of trail, 1,000 campsites and numerous outdoor activity possibilities - from casual river fishing trips to multiday backcountry extravaganzas - Grand Teton National Park has a lot to offer. If you are planning an epic trip up to this mountainous park, then this ultimate adventure guide is for you. Full of useful information - including how to reach the park, where to camp and what to do once you get there - this guide should help you have one amazing adventure. Keep reading to learn more. NAVIGATE THIS GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE WHEN TO VISIT THE PARK WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU (GEAR GUIDE) HOW TO GET TO AND AROUND THE PARK TOP HIKING TRAILS TO EXPLORE CAMPING IN THE PARK BACKPACKING & MOUNTAINEERING \\ Fast Facts About Grand Teton National Park Year Established: 1929 Where is Grand Teton National Park: in western Wyoming - a state in the western half of the USA Total Size: 310,000 acres Number of Annual Visitors: about 3.3 million in 2020 Cost to Enter Grand Teton National Park: $35 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days) Best For: hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, fishing, and wildlife spotting ➳ Explore the Grand Teton National Park website. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK MAP \\ A Brief History of Grand Teton National Park The first efforts to preserve the region as a national park began in the late 19th century, and culminated in 1929 when Grand Teton National Park was finally established. The park's purpose was to protect the Teton Range's major peaks as well as the area's abundant wildlife. The park gained more and more land over the years, thanks in large part to conservationists - including John D. Rockefeller Jr. - who continued to purchase land in the Jackson Hole valley and add it to the national park. For Rockefeller's environmental efforts, the road that connects Grand Teton with Yellowstone National Park (a mere 10 miles away) was named after him. Along with the large surrounding national forests, these three areas (Grand Teton, Yellowstone and the national park managed Rockefeller Memorial Highway) cover nearly 18 million acres of now protected land. This is known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and it is one of the world's largest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems. Grand Teton National Park is named for the iconic Grand Teton - the tallest mountain in the whole Teton Range. The name is thought to have originated from early 19th-century French-speaking trappers (the word translates to les trois tétons or the three teats). The name would eventually be anglicized and shortened to just the Tetons. \\ When to Visit Grand Teton National Park The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is between the months of July and October. This is especially true if you plan to do a lot of hiking and/or backpacking. While the winter brings a lot of snow to the area - which is gorgeous - it also means a lot of the park is inaccessible unless you are highly skilled in snow safety. 💬INSIDER TIP: I visited the national park at the end of May and found a lot of the trails - especially the ones at higher elevations - to still be covered in snow. Likewise, you are more likely to run into bad weather during this time of year, most notably heavy rain storms and hail. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WEATHER There are four distinct seasons in Grand Teton National Park. In the summer (specifically July and August) you can expect hot days (usually in the low 80s) and cool nights with afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the high country. In the fall (September to November) the days are still pleasant and warm, especially in September, while the nights are quite chilly. There is also a high chance of rain and even some snow. During the winter (December to mid-April) expect lots of snow - especially in December and January - and a few sunny days. The weather is quite cold, and downright freezing at night. The springtime (mid-April to June) includes a high chance of rain showers and storms with warm temperatures. You can still expect snow on the trails until at least mid-May (and often later). EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON \\ How to Get to Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park is located in the far western half of the state of Wyoming. While quite close to Yellowstone National Park, the park is pretty far from any major city. The closest metropolises are Salt Lake City, UT; Denver, CO; and Boise, ID. BY CAR The easiest way to reach the park is to drive - though be prepared for a long day of driving if planning to fly into a major city and then rent a car. Below are basic driving directions and distances from the aforementioned major cities. SALT LAKE CITY, UT TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK From the capital city of Utah, you will need to drive north on I-15 (a major interstate) before turning onto Highways 30, 34, 89 and finally 191. While it is a somewhat long drive - roughly 5 hours - it is quite pretty, especially during the late spring and early summer. 🛣 DISTANCE: 282 miles 🕝TIME: 4 hours and 45 minutes DENVER, CO TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK From the major city of Denver in central Colorado, you can expect to be on the road for nearly 8 hours. From someone who has done this route multiple times, I will say it is pretty boring - though not entirely ugly (it can be especially nice during the late springtime or fall). Head out on I-25 before cutting over to I-80, Highway 287 and finally Highway 26 (this latter road is actually quite nice). 🛣 DISTANCE: 482 miles 🕝TIME: 7 hours and 45 minutes BOISE, ID TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK The final option for driving (if you are planning to start in a major city) is to begin in the capital of Idaho. Boise has quickly become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its central location to many adventure opportunities. If you are thinking of flying into Boise, be prepared for a pretty boring drive to the national park - most of which will be on either Interstate 84, 86 and 15. It is really only in the last hour - the drive from Victor, ID to Jackson, WY - that the scenery really becomes special. 🛣 DISTANCE: 374 🕝TIME: ~ 6 hours BY PLANE If you really don’t want to drive to the park, there is also the option to fly into Jackson Hole Airport, located in the town of Jackson (the closest town to the park). From the airport, you can rent a car and then drive the roughly 10 minutes to reach the park entrance. In fact, the airport is technically in the national park - the only airport in the USA to have that designation. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: during peak season - summer and winter - you can fly into the airport from 15 major cities via United, Delta, Alaska, and American Airlines. BY TRAIN The closest Amtrak train station (the only rail service in the United States) is in Salt Lake City, Utah. So, while you can take a train to Salt Lake City from various major cities in the USA - including Chicago, IL, and San Francisco, CA - it doesn’t really make sense since you will then have to rent a car and drive the final couple of hours to the park. LEARN MORE | THE TOP 7 APPS TO DOWNLOAD BEFORE YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE \\ How to Get Around Grand Teton National Park While the national park is relatively spread out, there really is only one major road - Teton Park Road - that crosses the park from north to south. From this main artery, you can reach many different trailheads, visitor centers and campgrounds. Do note that during the busy season (June - September), the roads can become quite congested and entrance stations can easily back up. If planning to visit during this time, try to enter the park early in the morning (before 8AM) or in the late afternoon (after 4PM). Also, when driving in the park, ALWAYS pay attention and keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads. The park is a haven for animals, including large mammals like bear, deer, elk and moose. So when driving always stay focused and aware of your surroundings. Likewise, when wildlife is spotted near the roads, traffic can quickly become congested. When driving in these busy areas keep an eye out for people crossing the road, children and cars pulling in and out. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if you don't feel like driving, you can also hop on a bike and discover the park via two wheels. The Grand Teton Pathway can be ridden pretty much from downtown Jackson all the way into the park and up to many of the popular trailheads, including Jenny Lake Trailhead and Taggert Lake Trailhead. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTERS The national park is home to three visitor centers: Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Jenny Lake Visitor Center and Colter Bay Visitor Center. There is also the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, which is open to the public and a great place to head to to learn more about Mr. Rockefeller's vision and conservation legacy (Rockefeller was instrumental in protecting the Greater Yellowstone region). The three visitor centers are a great place to start your Grand Teton adventure - especially if you are looking to get more information on the local wildlife and plant life, get a ranger's recommendation on what trail to explore (one of our favorite ways to find those more off the beaten path routes), or just pick up a cool national park souvenir. 🕝HOURS: all visitor centers are open from 9AM to 5PM. 📌LOCATION(S): the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center is located near the Moose Entrance (exact location), the Jenny Lake Visitor Center is located at Jenny Lake Trailhead (exact location), and the Colter Bay Visitor Center is located near the large Colter Bay Campground on the far northern side of the park (exact location). 💬INSIDER TIP: you can get backcountry camping permits at all three visitor centers (well, technically at Jenny Lake you have to head right next door to the ranger station, but practically the same thing). But if you are needing a bear canister - which is HIGHLY recommended - you will want to head to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center where you can either rent or buy one. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE STATIONS There are two entrances to Grand Teton National Park: the Moose Entrance in the south (near the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center) and the Moran Entrance in the north (off of Highway 191/John D. Rockefeller Parkway, the road that eventually enters Yellowstone National Park). The Moose Entrance is the closest park entrance to Jackson, the Jackson Airport and anyone coming from Salt Lake City, UT or Boise, ID. The Moran Entrance is the closest entrance to Yellowstone and the Highway 26 Junction. No matter what entrance you take, you can easily hop on the Teton Park Road and explore the whole park. 💸COST TO ENTER GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK: it costs $35 per private vehicle to enter the park, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person (either walking or biking). All are valid for 7 days. Are you planning to explore and adventure in multiple national parks - either while on your trip to Grand Teton or later in the year? If yes, then consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass. While it does cost $80, it is good for a full year and covers ALL entrance fees to national parks, national monuments and national historic parks (in total, 400+ destinations). ➳ Learn more about the pass here. \\ Grand Teton National Park Camping Grand Teton National Park is home to a 1,000 campsites spread across 7 campgrounds. Most campsites include the standard amenities: metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes for storing all food/smelly stuff, as well as potable water and bathrooms with running water. There are also a good number of campgrounds that have sites specifically for RVs and include electrical hook-ups. The only campgrounds that do not have sites with hook-ups are Jenny Lake (tents only) and Lizard Creek. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: all campsites (tent and RV) MUST be reserved ahead of time. You can do this online at recreation.gov. Below is a brief outline of the campgrounds, including the number of sites, their opening seasons (this does sometimes change due to snow) and the cost per night for a basic campsite. You can learn more about camping in Grand Teton National Park here. GROS VENTRE CAMPGROUND The largest campground in the park and the closest one to Jackson. Near the Gros Ventre River and a common spot to see deer, moose and bison. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 279 ☼ SEASONS: open May - mid-October 💸COST PER NIGHT: $50 JENNY LAKE CAMPGROUND This small campground is centrally located on the banks of Jenny Lake. There are some great hiking trails nearby. This campground is TENT ONLY. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 61 ☼ SEASONS: open May - end of September 💸COST PER NIGHT: $49 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND Located in an open lodgepole pine forest near Signal Mountain, this campground has great views of Jackson Lake and the Teton range. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 81 ☼ SEASONS: open mid-May to mid-October 💸COST PER NIGHT: $54 COLTER BAY CAMPGROUND This large campground is also located in a lodgepole pine forest near the Colter Bay Village - which has many facilities, including a visitor center, restaurants, stores, cabins, and marina. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 324 ☼ SEASONS: open end of May/early June to end of September 💸COST PER NIGHT: $50 ❔GOOD TO KNOW: right next to the Colter Bay Campground is the Colter Bay RV Park, where you will find over 100 sites with hook-ups, and the Colter Bay Tent Village, which offers 66 tent structures. LIZARD CREEK CAMPGROUND This more remote and rustic campground is situated between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, making it a good base for exploring both parks. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 60 ☼ SEASONS: open mid-June to mid-September 💸COST PER NIGHT: $48 HEADWATERS CAMPGROUND Another great option if you are planning to visit both national parks (Grand Teton and Yellowstone) is this much larger campground. This one also has a good number of RV sites as well as cabins available. 🏕 NUMBER OF SITES: 171 ☼ SEASONS: open mid-May to October 1st 💸COST PER NIGHT: $52 EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA VANLIFING NEAR GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Even if all of the campgrounds are full or you just don't feel like paying to camp (I feel yah), you still have a lot of options for staying near the national park. Surrounding the national park and the town of Jackson, is the large Bridger-Teton National Forest. Within the forest you can find many wild campsites (meaning no amenities except maybe a stone firepit) as well as some forest-run campgrounds. While it is usually pretty easy to find campsites by just driving around on the forest roads, if you want to come prepared then make sure to check out such apps as iOverlander. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK LODGING The park has a number of lodging options for people not looking to rough it in the campgrounds. From standard cabins to dude ranches to more luxe lodges, you can find the right spot for you. ➳ Find the full list of park lodging options - including how to reserve your stay - here. \\ What to Bring With You to Grand Teton National Park HIKING BOOTS You will want a solid pair of hiking boots with you when exploring Grand Teton National Park - especially if you are planning to head into the high country and/or do a multi-day adventure. These Danner hiking boots, offer complete waterproofing to help keep your feet dry no matter how much snow is left on the trail, plus the OrthoLite footbed adds underfoot support for all-day comfort. 🎒CHECK THEM OUT HIKING BACKPACK For a full day on the trail you will want a lightweight backpack that can hold all your gear while still being comfortable at mile 10. This one by Black Diamond includes a handy hydration compartment for a bladder and is made completely from recycled materials. 🎒CHECK IT OUT SUNHAT While you should always pack sunscreen as well (no matter what activity you are doing) it is always a good idea to bring a nice sun hat with you, especially when out on the trails or the water. This cute Patagonia trucker hat includes a brim made from recycled fabric. 🎒CHECK IT OUT BINOCULARS Wildlife is abundant in the national park, but not always easy to see. If you want some great views of the animals - including bears, moose and wolves - then make sure to pack a pair of compact binoculars for your next trip. This pair by Nocs is rugged, water and fog proof and easy to throw in your daypack. 🎒CHECK THEM OUT BUG SPRAY Bugs can be a serious downer when out hiking or backpacking anywhere, but in this national park they can be downright awful - especially when the weather heats up and the snow starts to accumulate in stagnant puddles and ponds. Always pack bug spray or be prepared for mosquito swarms day and night. RAIN JACKET Rain is always a possibility in the park - especially at the higher elevations. So come prepared with a comfortable rain jacket that can be worn even in the worst downpour. This Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket includes a H2No Performance Standard shell as well as a microfleece-lined neck. 🎒CHECK IT OUT STOCKING CAP No matter what time of year you are visiting Grand Teton National Park you will want to pack a cozy stocking cap - especially if you are someone who likes to get up early and hit the trail (mornings stay chilly year-round). This one by The North Face does the job well without breaking the bank. 🎒CHECK IT OUT THE LAY OF THE LAND | THE TOP ADVENTURES IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK \\ Hiking in Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park has over 250 miles of trails. From full day high alpine adventures to short, family-friendly hikes to forested mountain lakes, you can find the right trail for you. A few important things to know about hiking in Grand Teton National Park: | Many bears live there - including grizzly and black bears. Always stay bear aware by making noises when coming around a blind corner, hike in a group when possible, and consider carrying bear spray if planning to explore more remote regions of the park. Learn more about hiking safely in bear country in this article. | Weather can change quickly. Even if it is hot and sunny when you start out on your hike that does not mean it will stay that way the whole day. Come prepared with an extra layer (preferably something water-resistant) just in case the weather turns nasty. | Snow melts slowly. If planning to visit during late spring or early summer (before July) then expect some of the trails - especially the ones at higher elevations - to still have some snow coverage. Be smart about hiking in snow and only continue if you have the right gear and/or knowledge about snow travel. | Always carry water and let someone know where you are going. | During the high season (summer) the trailheads can fill up quickly - especially on the weekends. If possible, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. TOP HIKES IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK JENNY LAKE LOOP Hike around the entire Jenny Lake and check out stunning views of the Teton Range, Cascade Canyon and the lake itself. This loop begins and ends at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and can be shortened by using the shuttle boat that crosses the lake. 🥾DISTANCE: 7.1 miles, full loop ALLTRAILS GUIDE TAGGART LAKE AND BRADLEY LAKE LOOP Head out on this relatively flat loop that takes you to Taggart and Bradley Lakes (both are quite pretty) and affords you great views of the Tetons. While this trail is 6 miles total, there isn't much elevation change. To begin the hike, park at the Taggart Lake Trailhead. 🥾DISTANCE: 6 miles, loop ALLTRAILS GUIDE CASCADE CANYON TRAIL For a full day of hiking adventures, consider heading out on this trail near Jenny Lake. By far one of the most popular hikes in the park, this trail does get quite busy - especially during the weekend. BUT, most people don't do the whole trail (they often stop near Inspiration Point). We did this hike in late July and it was absolutely stunning! Almost no snow, lots of flowers and plenty of wildlife (including a black bear and two moose). If you want a beautiful long hike in the park then definitely consider doing this one. 💬INSIDER TIP: while the standard route is a roughly 9 mile out and bike hike, you can make it as long as you want by adding on trails to mountain lakes and to more remote areas of the park. 🥾DISTANCE: 9.1 miles, out and back ALLTRAILS GUIDE DEATH CANYON TRAIL For a full day adventure (or maybe a short overnight backpacking trip) consider taking on Death Canyon. This trail is located in the more southern part of the park (near the Moose entrance station) and is a good spot to head to to avoid some of the crowds (especially after the first couple of miles of trail). Do note that this trail has a decent amount of elevation gain (3,792 feet) and is a common spot to see bears. You will start and end the hike at the Death Canyon Trailhead. 🥾DISTANCE: 18.7 miles, out and back ALLTRAILS GUIDE ➳ Find even more hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park here. \\ Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park If you are looking to get deeper into the Teton range and explore some of the park's more hidden wanders (or if you just want to escape the crowds for a bit) then consider planning a trip into the backcountry. Do note that there are a few important things to know before heading out on your backpacking adventure: | ALL backcountry camping requires a permit. You can either reserve one ahead of time (recommended) at recreation.gov or pick up one of the first-come, first-served permits the day before your trip (1/3 of permits are put aside for this option). It costs $45 for a reserved permit and $35 for a day-of/walk-up permit. Learn more about getting your permit here. | Bear canisters MUST be used while in the backcountry. Bears are very common in the park and you need to therefore plan accordingly. This means carrying a bear canister that can hold all of your food and smelly stuff (including toiletries) with you. If you don't have your own, you can rent one (free of charge) at one of the park visitor centers. | Be a good steward of the park by carrying out ALL of your trash and gear, sticking to the trail and not cutting switchbacks, keeping a safe distance and never feeding wildlife, and finally, when using the bathroom (especially when going #2) make sure you are always a healthy distance from all waterways (at least 200 feet) and you bury it 6-8 inches deep. Also, pack out all TP and any other hygiene products. TOP GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK BACKPACKING ROUTES CASCADE CANYON - PAINTBRUSH CANYON A 19 mile round-trip loop through two stunning mountain canyons; this route can be quite busy during the summer season so try to reserve your permit early. Requires at least 1 night. GRANITE CANYON - OPEN CANYON Another loop through two beautiful canyons, this one measuring just over 20 miles total. Less busy than the route above and also requires at least 1 night. TETON CREST TRAIL This route can be a lot of different lengths depending on where you start and end. The most southern start point is Granite Canyon while the most northern terminus is Paintbrush Canyon. If you do the full route it is just under 39 miles and requires 4 nights. The route is mostly in the high alpine and crosses multiple mountain passes. Be prepared for quickly changing weather, snow even in late summer and the possibility of altitude sickness. ➳ Learn more about backpacking in Grand Teton National Park here. LEARN MORE | HOW TO FOLLOW ALL LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES WHILE OUT ADVENTURING \\ Boating in Grand Teton National Park For something a little different, consider heading out on one of the park's lakes or rivers - including Jackson Lake and the beautiful Snake River. This can be especially fun if you are looking to do some fishing (the park offers world class options), take in the views of the mountains in a bit of a different way, or if you are hoping to spot wildlife from the water (many animals flock to the lakes and rivers, including moose). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the national park is one of the few places in the USA where you can catch the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. A few things to keep in mind about boating (or floating) in Grand Teton National Park: | All boats - no matter if they are motorized or non-motorized - require a Grand Teton Boat Permit prior to launching. This includes standup paddleboards (SUPs) and any windsurfing apparatus. Permits may be purchased online ahead of time at recreation.gov or at either the Colter Bay Visitor Center or the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. It costs $75 for a motorized boat and $25 for a non-motorized boat. | Similarly, before you even can get your permit from the park you will need to secure a Wyoming AIS (aquatic invasive species) Decal. The cost for the sticker is between $30 and $5 depending on the type of boat and whether you are a Wyoming resident. Likewise, even if you have the decal, you will still need to have your boat inspected in the park before launching. ➳ Learn more about boating in the national park here as well as more information about floating on the stunning Snake River. \\ Mountaineering in Grand Teton National Park Another popular adventure to partake in in Grand Teton National Park is climbing and mountaineering - most notably on the iconic Teton peaks. While this is a relatively common adventure in the park, it still obviously comes with some inherent risks. If you are new to the sport make sure to do lots of research and planning and/or consider going with a guide. A couple of important things to know about mountaineering in the park are: | Weather is extremely fickle up at higher elevations. Conditions can change quickly so make sure you come prepared with the right gear (especially for rain, snow and hail), and that you check the weather ahead of time and have a plan if it does start to turn bad. | Snow often sticks around until mid-July and maybe even later if it has been a really snowy winter. Make sure you pack shoes that can handle the slick trails/routes and know what to do when hiking/climbing in snowy terrain. | Know your physical limits before heading out. There is no shame in knowing what your body can and cannot do. Obviously, it is good to test yourself, but you also always want to stay safe. Therefore you should NOT attempt the hardest peak first and you should talk to a ranger before setting out if you have any questions and/or worries. Likewise, mountaineering in Grand Teton National Park means you are at higher elevations for a decent amount of time. Know the signs of altitude sickness and have a plan in place if you do start to feel sick. | Bring the proper gear and know how to use it. While you might look cool with all the sweet climbing gear on your harness, it really doesn't mean sh*t if you don't actually know how to use it properly. When mountaineering in the park, you will have to cross steep snow fields. Know how to use an ice axe and how to self-arrest (this is the number one cause of injuries and death in the park) before stepping foot on the trail. | Just like with hiking and backpacking, it is very important to be a good steward while exploring. Pack out all trash and gear, stick to established trails (even if they are just climber trails), be respectful of environmentally sensitive areas (especially in the alpine), keep a safe distance from wildlife and don't go to the bathroom near water (and dig a deep enough hole). \\ Must-See Spot Near Grand Teton National Park YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK One of the most visited and well-known national parks in the USA is luckily only a short drive away from the northern border of Grand Teton National Park, making it super easy to combine the two parks into one adventure-filled trip. It takes roughly 15 minutes to drive the 10 miles from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park, and along the way you can stop off at hiking trails, a hot spring and even stay the night at a campground. Highly recommend adding Yellowstone to your adventure itinerary if you have the time. Learn more about the historic and beautiful park here. Grand Teton National Park is an absolutely stunning place to explore - especially if you are looking for a trip that involves hiking/backpacking, boating, camping, and/or wildlife spotting. I have been lucky enough to visit this park a couple of times, and every time I leave I tell myself I have to come back because there is still so much I want to do and see. Hopefully, this Grand Teton National Park Adventure Guide helps you plan your own epic adventure. But if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK | An Alpine Wonderland in Northern Washington ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK | Explore this Beautiful Colorado Destination ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK | Combine Ocean and Mountain Adventures in This Stunning Park MORE PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

15.7835° N, 90.2308° W PLANNING AN UPCOMING TRIP BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PACK? STRESSING ABOUT WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU ON YOUR UPCOMING CENTRAL AMERICA ADVENTURES? DON'T WORRY - THIS MINIMALIST PACKING GUIDE HAS YOU COVERED. Packing might be one of the most stressful parts of going on a trip. With so many questions - do I bring this shirt or that one? Will I need 3 pairs of shoes or 4? - it can truly be overwhelming deciding on what to bring for your next adventure. Don't worry, I've been there. Luckily, I have gotten into the mindset that if you pack with a minimalist mindset you can usually get away with a lot less stuff, which may not only save you some money (checked bag fees are kind of ridiculous), but it will also likely save you some stress - especially on those long travel days. But what do I mean by a minimalist mindset? Well, basically it means you only pack items that can be a) worn with almost everything else you bring and b) are hardy and versatile enough to be worn in many different landscapes and situations. In this case, I was focused on minimally packing for a 2.5 week trip to sunny, tropical Guatemala. While the packing list below was tailored towards that specific trip, it could easily be followed for many other short(ish) adventures. Really what it comes down to is packing items that you will actually want to wear, can wear in many different situations, and will hold up to many days of traveling. In short: find strong basics that work, and run with it. If this sounds like something you could be interested in, then keep reading for my Minimalist Packing Guide below. TIPS FOR MINIMALIST PACKING 1 | Consider following the 54321 Packing Rule: you can make 5 good outfits from 4 tops, 3 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 dress (if you are a female). I sort of followed this rule but added just a few extra pieces since I was planning to be in Guatemala for 2.5 weeks. In the end, I brought 7 shirts (including 2 for activities like hiking and running), 5 pairs of pants (including tights), 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 dress. 2 | Know what activities you are going to do and plan accordingly: this seems simple enough but honestly having even a basic outline of what you are going to do during your trip will really help you narrow down what you need to bring. For me, I knew my trip would mostly be spent in Antigua and Lake Atitlan and there would be one big outdoor adventure: hiking Acatenango. So I made sure to bring shoes I could wear up the mountain (my trail running shoes) and a set of warmer active clothing for the one night up on the volcano (I packed my trusty Mammut jacket and a pair of tights). Likewise, because I had no plans to make it to the coast (unfortunately) I only packed one swimsuit - which was enough even during my time at Lake Atitlan and in Semuc Champey. READ MORE | THE PERFECT GUATEMALA TRAVEL ITINERARY WHAT I PACKED | CLOTHING & TOILETRIES | 1 thicker jacket (Mammut), this came in so handy for nights out on the town (it gets surprisingly cold in Antigua at night) and for hiking adventures (like up Acatenango Volcano) | 1 button-up shirt: great for sun protection and to wear when it isn’t too cold but also not too hot outside | 1 long-sleeved sun shirt: great for hiking and outdoor activities, fast-drying when wet | 1 short-sleeved active shirt | 2 t-shirts (both had to be soft and nice): made sure that they were in colors that didn’t clash with anything else that I brought | 2 cute tops: for when I was feeling fancy | 1 pair of jeans | 1 pair of tights: which I also wore as PJs in the dorm room and during the hike up Acatenango | 2 pairs of nicer shorts: comfortable but still a bit classier than my running shorts | 1 pair of active shorts: never leave home without one pair of comfortable active shorts | 1 short flowy dress | 1 swimsuit | 8 pairs of underwear | 2 pairs of socks: one shorter pair for running/walking around town and one thicker pair for hiking | 1 set of Teva sandals (like these): I absolutely love my Teva's for days out on the town and when partaking in water activities (like visiting Semuc Champey) | 1 set of running/hiking shoes: I brought along my trusty Altra running shoes and they handled everything really well | 1 sports bra | 2 regular bras, including one that could also work as a tank top EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING SEMUC CHAMPEY IN GUATEMALA WHAT I PACKED | GEAR AND MISCELLANEOUS | My trusty Canon camera with a 50mm lens | Extra camera lens (that I couldn’t actually use) 🙁 | GoPro 9 | My very handy Kindle | A green felt sun hat and 1 pair of sunglasses | LARQ water bottle: super handy when drinking ~questionable water | Microsoft Surface laptop & charger (+ an iPhone and USB-C charger): because I had to work during my trip to Guatemala | Notebook: great for journaling and keeping travel notes in | Toiletries: a bar of face soap, a small bottle of body lotion, face oil, ChapStick, my handy wooden toothbrush, a small bag of medication, the tiniest bit of make-up MY REVIEW ON MINIMALIST PACKING | WHAT I LOVED AND WHAT I WOULD CHANGE | I loved that I was able to get my bag through as a FREE personal item - even on Frontier Airlines. I honestly didn't expect them to allow it, but am very glad that they did (I saved at least $100 bucks each way). | I liked not having to lug around a big, cumbersome bag - especially on those long travel days. Just having the simple backpack made it so much easier to get around and work in the airport when I needed to. | There are really only two things that I would probably change about this packing setup. The first would be to bring one more pair of pants - especially a comfortable, lightweight pair. While I definitely got by with just my tights and a single pair of jeans, it would have been nice to have an extra pair for those awkward in-between times (like at night or on the bus). Secondly, if I had the space, it would have been nice to carry a small extra bag (like a canvas tote bag) for when I was just walking around town and didn't want to carry either my backpack, or my phone, wallet, water bottle and camera in my hands. | Quick disclaimer here: I did end up having to buy a few things once I arrived in Antigua, Guatemala. This included toothpaste, a small bottle of sunscreen, and a small towel for showering. While it might be a bit daunting to pack so little for a longer(ish) trip, in the long run, you will likely be very grateful for the ease of just having a single backpack with you - especially on those long, stressful travel days. If you are fine with re-wearing your clothes and having fewer options, then I highly recommend trying a more minimalist packing set-up. Hopefully, this packing guide will be a great starting point for all of your upcoming trips. If you have any questions or comments about what I brought to Guatemala (or about anything else packing related), then please feel free to leave them below or reach out to me directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS PACKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE PACKING GUIDES & TIPS SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GEAR | Our Favorite Items to Be a More Sustainable Traveler No Matter Where You Are SLOW TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA | Our 5 Must-Have Adventure Items FALL ADVENTURES GEAR GUIDE | A Complete List of What to Have With You Once the Season Starts to Cool Down MORE PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

39.3210° N, 111.0937° W EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HELP YOU PLAN THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE-FILLED ROAD TRIP THROUGH SOUTHERN UTAH - INCLUDING VISITING ALL 5 NATIONAL PARKS (AKA THE BIG 5). If you are hoping to plan the perfect road trip through southern Utah - including stopping at each of the states five national parks: Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Parks, then you have come to the right spot. This in-depth travel guide outlines everything you need to know about road tripping across the wild and rugged Utah desert; including, just how many days you actually need, the type of vehicle to use, where to start and end your trip, and even where to camp. Plus, we have also added a couple of can't-miss destinations that give even the national parks a run for their money in terms of beauty and adventure. If you are reading to start planning the perfect southern Utah road trip, then keep reading! UTAH BIG 5 ROAD TRIP MAP THE ULTIMATE SOUTHERN UTAH ROAD TRIP GUIDE \\ How Many Days Do You Need for this Road Trip Southern Utah is jam-packed with lots of amazing adventures, so the more time you have the better. We highly suggest putting aside at least 7 days for the road trip - though if you can double that and put aside 14 days that would be better. One thing to know about road tripping across southern Utah is that, while places might look close on a map, in fact, because of the state’s rugged terrain, there are very few roads that connect the national parks so instead you often have to circumnavigate your way to each destination. Another thing to note is that the road trip route you take between the five national parks will depend heavily on where you start and where you end (see more below). If you are heading in from the west (the Las Vegas or California area) you will likely start your trip at Zion National Park and end near Arches National Park on the other side of the state. While this would be fine if you were doing the route as part of a larger road trip itinerary, if you are planning to do a loop then you would then have to make the loooong drive back to where you started. \\ Where to Start and End Your Road Trip Due to southern Utah's relatively central location in the western half of the USA, you can (somewhat) easily reach the five national parks from four major cities: Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. All four cities are within driving distance of one of the five national parks, with Denver being the farthest away (just over 5 hours). Also, each of the four cities have large enough airports to easily find flights year-round and on any time of the week. The only things to keep in mind when planning where you want to start and end is whether you want to start/end from the same city (cheaper rental car service, but more driving) or if you want to start/end from two different cities (more expensive rental car but likely less driving). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the basic driving distance listed is a rough estimate of what the total driving distance for the road trip loop would be. It is likely that the distance will be longer after taking in various stops within the parks or any scenic detours. LAS VEGAS Likely the closest big city to southern Utah, Las Vegas, Nevada is a great spot to start your adventure. Plus, there are usually a lot of cheap flights into the city since it is such a popular tourist destination. From Las Vegas, your first stop will likely be Zion National Park which is just over 2.5 hours away. BASIC DRIVING DISTANCE: 995 miles EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST LAS VEGAS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES PHOENIX, ARIZONA Another option to start and end from is Phoenix, Arizona, which is located a couple of hours south of the Utah border. One great thing about starting and ending in Phoenix is the ability to add a couple of other interesting places to the route. This includes the town of Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park and stunning Monument Valley. BASIC DRIVING DISTANCE: 1,236 miles READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING MONUMENT VALLEY SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH If you are looking to head down from the north then your best bet is to start and end in Salt Lake City (SLC), the largest town in the state of Utah. From SLC your first stop will likely be Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, both of which are only about 3.5 hours from the city. BASIC DRIVING DISTANCE: 908 miles DENVER, COLORADO The final option when planning your route through southern Utah is to start and end in Denver, Colorado. This is a great option if you are also looking to explore parts of Colorado or can find cheap flights into Denver International Airport (one of the busiest airports in the USA). From Denver, it is just over 5 hours to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. BASIC DRIVING DISTANCE: 1,326 miles \\ The Best Season to Explore the Big 5 Utah National Parks SUMMER (JUNE-AUGUST) Hot, hot, hot. Think 100°+ Fahrenheit (38° C) temperatures during the day and maybe mid-80s (27° C) at night. Visiting in the summer is really only smart if you are planning to do a lot of water sports down in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or Lake Powell. Otherwise, it can be downright miserable (and even unsafe) to explore most of southern Utah during the hot summer months. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are looking to go canyoneering in some wetter canyons (so most of the canyons in Zion) then the summer heat can actually be pretty nice. FALL (SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER) One of the best times to explore and adventure in southern Utah is during the fall (sometimes called the “shoulder season”). This is often one of the quietest times to visit the national parks, which is especially nice in parks like Zion and Arches - both of which can be super busy during other times of the year. 💬 INSIDER TIP: we tend to make our annual pilgrimage to Utah in late November so we have had our fair share of late-fall weather. One thing to note is that while the days are super nice - think mid-50s (~10° C) and usually sunny skies - the nights can be brutally cold. If camping, come prepared for sub-freezing temperatures. EXPLORE MORE | TOP 5 TIPS FOR ROAD TRIPPING ACROSS THE USA WINTER (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY) During the winter months it starts to get quite cold - especially once the sun goes down. If you are fine layering up for a hike and don’t mind dealing with a bit of snow, then this is a good time to explore the five national parks (they will be nice and quiet). Plus, the contrast between the bright red rocks and the shiny white snow is pretty darn magical. SPRING (MARCH - MAY) ~ PEAK SEASON This season is often the most popular time to explore and adventure in southern Utah. You can expect blooming wildflowers, perfect weather (if only a bit rainy), lush green canyon oasis’ and waterfalls. If looking to go for a hike, then this might be the best season to do it. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the spring season is absolutely magical, but it feels like everyone has figured that out. If visiting the national parks during this time - especially Arches and Zion - expect lots of other travelers. That is why we always try to visit as early in the day as possible. \\ Best Transportation for Road Tripping the Big 5 Utah National Parks Due to its relatively rugged nature and far off local, southern Utah is not easy to get around without your own set of wheels. Unless you are exploring with a tour group, you will need your own form of transportation (public transportation is minimal at best). So what kind of vehicle should you rent or use for the trip? CAR VS VAN/RV We have road tripped numerous times through southern Utah in both a regular car (a Toyota Rav4) and in our 1995 Dodge Ram van. Both of them have their own pros and cons. For example, a regular car - especially one with higher clearance and 4-wheel drive (like our Rav4) - will be better if you are looking to head a bit deeper into the desert on some rougher backroads (Utah has some awesome ones to explore). But a van will allow you to both sleep and cook inside (and work if you need to), meaning you will likely be able to be more self-sufficient and need civilization less often. Similarly, a van will likely be able to hold more stuff, like bikes and other outdoor gear. In our experience, having our van was super nice because we knew we had everything we needed for all kinds of adventures (canyoneering, hiking, backpacking, etc.). Plus, the fact that we could just pull over whenever and camp in the middle of nowhere was pretty amazing. Deciding between having a regular car or van (or an RV) comes down to really what kind of trip you want to have. If you are looking to simply drive between the national parks, stay at hotels/lodges and eat out most of the time, then you probably only need a regular car. But if you are hoping to explore the national parks and camp along the way then we suggest getting a vehicle that has all the amenities you would need - like a van or RV. \\ Where to Camp Along the Road Trip All five of the Utah national parks offer camping within the park at one of their established campgrounds. Most of the national park campgrounds will have some form of bathroom (either with running water or without) and sites with a picnic table and fire ring. Similarly, most of the national park campgrounds can be reserved ahead of time (usually up to 6 months in advance) - though there is also usually the chance to reserve a site the day of (though this can be tougher during peak season). You can expect to pay between $15 and $25 per night at most of the national park campgrounds. Now if you would like to camp but don't feel like being in an established campground you also have the option to simply boondock. This means camping on either National Forest or BLM land - both of which are usually free to camp on as long as you follow their rules: camp in already established spots, don’t build more fire rings, camp a set distance from water, follow all fire rules, etc. Boondocking is a great option if you are fine going without amenities like bathrooms or running water and you are looking to stay away from other people and in a more natural setting. Luckily, Utah has some of the best boondocking sites in the whole USA. And even better, some of the best ones are very close to the national parks. So if you are fine roughing it a bit, we highly recommend spending at least a couple of your nights camping out in the wilderness. EXPLORE MORE | TIPS FOR VANLIFING IN THE WINTER THE BEST WAY TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES IN UTAH When road tripping around the USA we almost always look to the site iOverlander for an idea on where find free places to camp (aka boondocking. The site - and their super handy app - have tons of options around southern Utah, and many of them are pretty easy to reach (a 4x4 is often not needed). 💬 INSIDER TIP: if using iOverlander, we suggest reading some of the reviews beforehand so you have an idea of what the site is like. It will often say things like "rough road when wet" or "okay cell service." Like with almost everything else, we will read the reviews before deciding which spot to camp at. Another way to find free campsites is to simply look at Google Maps for areas that are in the National Forest or on BLM land. Or better yet, find a site off of a BLM road (it will say BLM #). As long as there aren’t signs that say NO CAMPING or PRIVATE PROPERTY you should be fine. Just remember to always follow Leave No Trace Principles! ► We wrote a whole guide on how to find the best free campsites across the USA. Check it out here! SOME GREAT FREE CAMPSITES IN SOUTHERN UTAH | Wide open BLM land between the town of Torrey and Capitol Reef (here) - this one is great if you have a bigger group or if you are looking to be within easy proximity of the town of Torrey (where there are a decent amount of services). | Anywhere near Goblin Valley State Park off of Goblin Valley Road (here) - if you can't get a spot in the state park (or if you don't feel like paying to camp) then anywhere off of Goblin Valley Road or Wild Horse Road is fair game (it is also really beautiful). | Off of Hole-in-the-Rock Road near the town of Escalante (here) - this is an especially great spot if you want to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument or any of the numerous slot canyons nearby. If you don't feel like camping, then you can also get a room at a hotel or motel in many of the closest towns to the national parks: Moab for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Torrey or Hanksville for Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce City for Bryce Canyon National Park and Springdale or Virgin for Zion National Park. 💬 INSIDER TIP: or if you want a spot that is both rugged and comfortable, we highly recommend checking out Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch near the town of Boulder, Utah. THE BIG 5 NATIONAL PARKS IN UTAH Arches National Park Cost to Enter: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) Top Things to Do: check out Double Arch, Delicate Arch and the Devil’s Garden or go canyoneering (U-Turn is a great one). You can also do a couple of short hikes to places like Park Avenue. Where to Stay: the closest town is Moab, Utah which has tons of hotel and motel options for every budget. If you are looking to camp, you can stay in the park at Devils Garden Campground (the only one in the park) or check out the Klonzo Trailhead area for boondocking (also a great mountain biking spot). Nearby Attractions: Arches National Park is very close to Canyonlands National Park, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park (both of which are quite popular). Some less popular (but no less cool) places to explore include the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail and the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Track Site, the Gemini Bridges Off-Roading area (also fun for mountain biking) and the Behind the Rocks area (just west of town). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: during the busy season, the national park can sometimes close due to too many people, hence why we always suggest heading into Arches National Park nice and early. ➳ Learn more about Arches National Park here. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Bryce Canyon National Park Cost to Enter: $35 (valid for 7 days) Top Things to Do: check out the various viewpoints (Sunset, Sunrise and Bryce are good options), hike down into the canyon on the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail, or check out the unique rock structures known as hoodoos. Where to Stay: you can stay either in the park at one of the campgrounds (there are 2), or in the town of Bryce City. Or you can find a boondocking site in the nearby Dixie National Forest (here is a good spot). Nearby Attractions: Kodachrome Basin State Park is a short drive away, as is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and numerous hiking and off-roading trails in the Dixie National Forest. ➳ Learn more about Bryce Canyon National Park here. Canyonlands National Park Cost to Enter: $30 (valid for 7 days) Top Things to Do: explore the Island in the Sky District, check out the sunrise at Mesa Arch, hike to Confluence Overlook in The Needles District or head out to the rugged area known as The Maze near Hanksville. Where to Stay: you can camp in the park (there is one campground in both the Island in the Sky and The Needles Districts), stay in Moab or Monticello (there are plenty of options in both towns) or simply boondock anywhere along the road up to the Island in the Sky area (this spot off of Road 313/Island in the Sky Road is especially good). Nearby Attractions: Dead Horse Point State Park is only a couple of miles from the Island in the Sky park entrance, while the Navajo Rocks and Plateau Viewpoints are right off the road up to the park. Similarly, Goblin Valley State Park is just under 2 hours away (see more about Goblin Valley State Park below). Learn more about Canyonlands National Park here. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK Capitol Reef National Park Cost to Enter: $20 (valid for 7 days) Top Things to Do: hike to or canyoneer Cassidy Arch, explore the Fruita area (and get a pie if it is the right season), drive the Notom-Bullfrog Road Loop or head out to the Cathedral Valley area. Where to Stay: you can camp inside the national park (there is only one campground), stay in the towns of Torrey or Hanksville (both have multiple hotels and motels) or boondock at one of our favorite BLM areas (this one here). Nearby Attractions: consider checking out the nearby town of Boulder, hike to Calf Creek Falls, explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and drive down Hole in the Rock Road (where there are a lot of things to see). Learn more about Capitol Reef National Park here. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK Zion National Park Cost to Enter: $35 (valid for 7 days) Top Things to Do: hike the famous Angels Landing Trail, or head out to the Observation Point Trail (greaaaat views of the valley), explore the famous Subway, hike The Narrows or go canyoneering (Pine Creek is amazing). Where to Stay: there are three campgrounds in Zion (Watchman, South, and Lava Point). You can also stay in the nearby towns of Springdale or Virgin, both of which have various motel and hotel options (as well as some upscale lodges) or you can easily boondock anywhere along Dalton Wash Road (on the west side of the park) or up on BLM land east of the park. Nearby Attractions: close to the national park is Cedar Breaks National Monument, a fun slot canyon hike called Red Hollow Canyon (located near the town of Orderville), the stunning Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Lake Powell. Learn more about Zion National Park here. \\ More Great Spots to Add to Your Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary While the Big 5 Utah National Parks get most of the attention and tourists in Southern Utah, there are a lot of other really cool places to explore nearby. Plus, because of how popular the national parks are, you can very easily find yourself all alone in the desert once you actually head out of the parks. GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK AND LITTLE WILDHORSE CANYON Located off of Highway 24 and about an hour and 45 minutes from Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (and only about an hour from Capitol Reef National Park) sits a rather otherworldly landscape. Goblin Valley is famous for its high number of hoodoos - which are known locally at "goblins." Interestingly enough, this state park, along with Bryce Canyon National Park, has the highest concentration of hoodoos in the world. If planning to visit Goblin Valley State Park, we recommend spending some time simply walking around the hoodoos and maybe exploring some of the other unique rock formations (including The Three Sisters). You can stay at the campground in the park or at one of their fancy yurts. This is a great idea if you are into astronomy for the park is a designated Dark Sky Park. It costs $20 per vehicle to enter and $35 for camping (per night). The yurts are $100 per night. ► Explore our full travel guide on Goblin Valley State Park. EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS FOR STARGAZING If heading to Goblin Valley State Park, we also recommend checking out the nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon hiking trail. The 8-mile long trail loops around colorful wide open canyons and through stunning slot canyons - giving you a great precursor into the magical landscape that southern Utah has to offer. To reach the trailhead, head out from the state park and turn left onto Wild Horse Road. Drive for a couple of miles until you see an obvious parking lot on the right. From the park it is just over 6 miles to the trailhead. GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT Located in the far southern edge of southern Utah is the absolutely crazy area of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, one of the largest federally protected areas in the lower 48 states. This rugged landscape was one of the last areas in the country to be mapped and explored. Due to this, it still feels very untamed and wild. If driving between Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, we highly recommend giving yourself a couple of extra hours and taking the scenic way through the Monument along Highway 12 - which is oftentimes listed as one of the prettiest drives in all of America. Once in the Monument, head down Hole in the Rock Road (near the town of Escalante) and stop at some of the scenic pull-offs; including at Zebra and Tunnel Slot Canyons (park here) and at the Devil's Garden - a place full of crazy rock structures. Or if you are really feeling up to an adventure, head all the way down the road until you get to the trailhead for Reflection Canyon. From the trailhead it is a 15.2 mile (24.4 kilometer) out and back hike to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Utah: the highly photographed Reflection Canyon (see left photo below). Other things to do in the Monument include canyoneering and hiking/backpacking. Some great canyoneering routes include Micro Death Canyon and Red Breaks Canyon. Some good hiking trails are Coyote Gulch Trail, Sunset Arch and Hurricane Wash. ► Explore our Comprehensive Guide to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. MONUMENT VALLEY Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, this large region of the Colorado Plateau has become synonymous with the rugged American West (thanks in part to numerous movies using it as a filming location). The area is characterized by massive sandstone buttes which sit proudly over the otherwise flat landscape. The iconic buttes can reach heights of 1,000 feet (300 meters) and can clearly be seen from miles away. Monument Valley - or Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language - is a sacred area that lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation and is therefore run by the Navajo Nation (a Tribal Park is their equivalent of a national park). While you can drive through the park on a 17-mile stretch (which usually takes around 3 hours), if you are looking to explore the area more deeply you will need a guide. It costs $20 (per vehicle) to enter the Tribal Park. The road that runs through the park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM (2 PM in the winter). Learn more about the park here. ► Explore our Complete Guide to Monument Valley. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK If you feel like you haven't gotten your fair share of national parks in already, then you can also add on the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park. This popular national park is located in Arizona and is about 3 hours and 40 minutes from Zion National Park and just over 5 hours from Arches National Park. If you are planning to start or end your southern Utah adventure from Phoenix then this is a great destination to add on to your itinerary. \\ Perfect Southern Utah Road Trip Itineraries Below are a couple of road trip itineraries from the closest four major cities surrounding southern Utah: Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix. All four cities have their own pros and cons - most commonly the amount of driving it will take to see all five of Utah's national parks. Similarly, the itineraries are organized by the number of days you will need to do the whole trip (7, 10 or 14). In our opinion, the more time you have the better. So if you have the time, we highly recommend putting aside 14 full days to explore southern Utah. Below is a concise outline of what an adventurous road trip itinerary through southern Utah might look like depending on what city you are starting from. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: we have also listed the driving distance between each park/destination and not driving time since this is entirely dependent on whether you like to make a lot of stops. Also, we list Moab as a destination since it is a great spot to base yourself for exploring both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA \\ 7 DAYS Las Vegas → Zion National Park | 160 miles // If time permits, consider also exploring the Virgin River Gorge which is located right before the city of Saint George. Zion National Park // Spend the full day exploring the park and hiking either the Angels Landing Trail or up to Observation Point. Or if it is hot and you have the gear, consider canyoneering The Subway (permits are needed). Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park | 73 miles Bryce Canyon National Park → Capitol Reef National Park | 116 miles (on Highway 12) // Head out early so you have time to take in the insane landscape that is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Capitol Reef National Park → Arches National Park | 132 miles Canyonlands National Park (from the Moab area, 30 miles) // Spend all day in the Island in the Sky District, either hiking down to the White Rim and Colorado River or checking out some colorful rocks like the Upheaval Dome. Drive Back to Las Vegas from Moab | 458 miles The 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary below follows the same route as the 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary above, but just includes a couple more interesting stops. If you would rather stick to just exploring the national parks, simply plan to spend an extra full day exploring either Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef or Arches National Parks. \\ 10 DAYS Las Vegas → Zion National Park | 160 miles Zion National Park Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park | 73 miles Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park // Explore both parks or just spend the full day in Bryce Canyon National Park hiking down into the canyon or exploring the famous hoodoos. Kodachrome Basin State Park (Bryce Canyon National Park) → Capitol Reef National Park | 108 miles (on Hwy 12) // Or if you don't want to visit Kodachrome Basin State Park, just spend a full day in Capitol Reef National Park hiking around the unique rock structures, canyoneering in crazy slot canyons or learning more about the historic town of Fruita (learn more about the park here). Capitol Reef National Park → Goblin Valley State Park | 60 miles Goblin Valley State Park → Moab | 100 miles // Base yourself in Moab or the surrounding BLM area so you can easily reach both nearby national parks. Arches National Park Canyonlands National Park Drive Back to Las Vegas from Moab | 458 miles If you have the opportunity to spend two full weeks in southern Utah take it. You will be so glad you did once you realize how much you can see and do. The 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary follows the same route as the two above but just includes a couple more stops along the way. The extra stops, most to state parks, will give you an even better idea on why southern Utah is so magical. \\ 14 DAYS Las Vegas → Zion National Park | 160 miles Zion National Park Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park | 73 miles Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park Kodachrome Basin State Park → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument | 42 miles // Split up the two days in the National Monument by camping and exploring Hole in the Rock Road one day and the cute town of Boulder the next day (or stay here instead). OR you can instead drive the Burr Trail/Notom-Bullfrog Loop Road into Capitol Reef National Park (learn more about the park here). Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Capitol Reef National Park | 68 miles Capitol Reef National Park Capitol Reef National Park → Goblin Valley State Park | 60 miles Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon // Spend the full day exploring both the state park and the nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon Trail. And if you can swing it, consider camping either in the state park or on nearby BLM land for the best views of the stars. Goblin Valley State Park → Moab | 100 miles Arches National Park Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands National Park (The Needles District) | 75 miles from Moab // The Needles District is located south of Moab and contains some crazy rock structures and awesome views of the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers. From The Needles (which has a campground) it is 75 miles back to Moab (making it a possible long day trip) or you can simply drive back to Las Vegas from the park - the fastest route is just over 8 hours and around 531 miles. Drive Back to Las Vegas from Moab | 458 miles FROM SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH \\ 7 DAYS SLC → Moab | 230 miles Canyonlands National Park // Spend all day exploring the park, and if you can get up early enough, consider heading up to Mesa Arch for sunrise. Arches National Park → Capitol Reef National Park | 132 miles Capitol Reef National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park | 116 miles (on Highway 12) // This is the driving distance for the more scenic drive, which in our books, is 100% worth doing. Bryce Canyon National Park → Zion National Park | 73 miles Zion National Park // Spend all day in the park either hiking up to Angels Landing or to the top of Observation Point. Or you can go even more adventurous and do a canyon (Pine Creek is wonderful, though permits are needed). Learn more about canyoneering here. Drive Back to SLC from Zion National Park | 308 miles The 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary below follows the same route as the 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary above, but just includes a couple more interesting stops. If you would rather stick to just exploring the national parks, simply plan to spend an extra full day exploring either Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef or Arches National Parks. \\ 10 DAYS SLC → Moab | 230 miles Canyonlands National Park Arches National Park → Goblin Valley State Park | 96 miles Goblin Valley State Park → Capitol Reef National Park | 60 miles // Either on day 4 or day 3, plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the hoodoos that make Goblin Valley State Park so famous. Capitol Reef National Park → Kodachrome State Park or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument | ~108 miles (on Highway 12) Bryce Canyon National Park Area // Consider spending all day in the national park or add on an adventure in the nearby Dixie National Forest (where you can find some great camping spots). Bryce Canyon National Park → Zion National Park | 73 miles Zion National Park Zion National Park → Cedar Breaks National Monument or the Kolob Canyon Area | 70 miles to Cedar Breaks and 30-70 miles for Kolob Canyon (depending on where you want to go) // Learn more about the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park here. Drive Back to SLC | 275 miles from Kolob // If you want to stop along the way, a great option is the town of Monroe, home to Red Hill Hot Springs. Once again, if you can find the time definitely spend 14 full days adventuring in southern Utah. The 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary below pretty drastically veers away from the two itineraries above and instead heads more south to explore places like The Needles District (in Canyonlands National Park), Monument Valley and Lake Powell. This does take time away from exploring the Big 5 National Parks so if you would rather simply explore the parks just follow the 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary and plan to spend the extra days in each national park. \\ 14 DAYS SLC → Moab | 230 miles Arches National Park // Spend all day in the national park, either hiking to one (or many) of the famous arches like Double Arch, Delicate Arch or Sand Arch or go for a longer hike in the Devil's Garden or consider going full adventurer and instead grab a rope and a harness and go canyoneering (we love U-Turn). Canyonlands National Park → The Needles District (Canyonlands National Park) // The drive to the more rugged Needles District is around 75 miles from Moab. The Needles District // Learn more about this area of Canyonlands National Park here. The Needles District → Monument Valley | 143 miles // Keep driving south to the Arizona border to explore this amazing and quintessential Western landscape. Monument Valley → Halls Crossing and Bullfrog (must take a ferry) | 124 miles // Start heading back north towards Capitol Reef National Park by taking the very scenic Highway 276 up to Halls Crossing and Bullfrog. Do know that you have to take a ferry to get across Lake Powell so make sure to research the right ferry time ahead of time. Bullfrog → Capitol Reef National Park | 95 miles // The drive from Bullfrog to Capitol Reef National Park does go through the town of Hanksville, which has a small grocery store, a couple of gas stations, and a restaurant/café. Capitol Reef National Park → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument | 68 miles (on Highway 12) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Bryce Canyon National Park | 49 miles Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park // Split your time between both the national park and the state park for some truly awe-inspiring desert landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park → Zion National Park | 73 miles Zion National Park Zion National Park → Cedar Breaks National Monument or the Kolob Canyon area (part of Zion National Park) | 70 miles to Cedar Breaks and 30-70 miles for Kolob Canyon (depending on where you want to go) // Learn more about the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park here. Drive Back to SLC | 275 miles from Kolob // If you want to stop along the way, a great option is the town of Monroe, home to Red Hill Hot Springs. Below are brief outlines of possible 7, 10 and 14 Day road trip itineraries starting in the cities of Denver, Colorado and Phoenix, Arizona. If you have any questions on any of the six itineraries below, please feel free to reach out to us for a more in-depth road trip outline (you can reach us here). \\ Extra Southern Utah Road Trip Tips AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS If you are planning to explore all 5 of the Utah's National Parks (the Big 5) then definitely consider buying the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass beforehand (or at the first national park you visit). The pass costs $80 and is good for a full year. While this might sound like a lot of money, if you consider all of the entrance fees just to enter the five national parks on the trip - which range from $20 to $35 - by buying the pass, you will already be saving money. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is not just good for the 63 national parks but all 400+ federally protected areas around the entire USA. This includes all National Monuments and National Historic Parks. You can buy the national parks pass here. SEASONAL CLOSURES If you are planning to do this road trip during the winter season (late November to early March), definitely make sure all facilities will be open. In many of the parks (including Canyonlands and Zion National Parks) some of the facilities close during the winter, including campgrounds, visitor centers and bathrooms. The parks usually outline their seasonal closures on their websites so make sure to do a bit of research before heading out. Similarly, make sure to check weather conditions and road closures during the winter, for even though southern Utah is a desert it is still at a high elevation and does get a good amount of snow. INTERNET AND CELL PHONE COVERAGE Due to southern Utah's rugged landscape, don't be surprised to get spotty phone service at best. More often than not, you will be totally out of range and get no service at all. Therefore it is smart to download anything you could need ahead of time - including offline maps, driving directions to campsites/hotels and any sort of entertainment. EXPLORE MORE | 5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE SETTING OUT ON ANY ROAD TRIP If you are looking for an exciting, adventure-filled road trip through the USA, then definitely consider heading to stunning southern Utah - home to alien planet like landscapes, rugged terrain, and of course, five amazing national parks. Hopefully this in-depth road trip guide - including 7-Day, 10-Day and 14-Day Itineraries - will help you plan the perfect adventure in one of America's most amazing landscapes. WANT TO SAVE THIS UTAH BIG 5 ROAD TRIP GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 2 DAYS IN THE EVERGLADES: THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH GUIDE THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT IS CAPITOL REEF NP UTAH'S BEST KEPT SECRET? CANYONEERING 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW THE ULTIMATE KOKOPELLI BIKEPACKING GUIDE

15.7835° N, 90.2308° W GUATEMALA IS A FANTASTIC ADVENTURE DESTINATION TO HEAD TO - EVEN IF YOU ONLY HAVE A FEW WEEKS TO SPARE. THIS 2 WEEK TRAVEL ITINERARY IS PACKED FULL OF EPIC ADVENTURES, BEAUTIFUL TOWNS AND LOTS OF FUN. EXPLORE IT BELOW. Guatemala is an absolutely stunning Central American country full of history, culture, and adventure. And thanks to its rather small size you can really see a lot of its highlights in about 2 weeks (though as usual, the more time you have the better!). Below is my action packed 2 week travel itinerary, where you will find an outline of the top destinations and the amount of time you should spend there. While this itinerary doesn't cover every place in Guatemala - trust me, there is a whole lot to see - it should give you a great taste of how amazing this country is. THE PERFECT GUATEMALA TRAVEL ITINERARY GUATEMALA CITY While the capital of the country is quite large, it doesn't really have a lot to offer (unfortunately). Most likely you will only spend time in the city either as you enter the country (especially via air) or as you leave. If you do end up having to spend a day there, then consider visiting Zona 1/The Historic Center, which is where you will find many of the most important and historical buildings Including, the National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Congress, the Presidential House (Casa Presidencial), the National Library, and Constitution Plaza, which is the old Central Park. TIME NEEDED: 1 day ANTIGUA But really one of the first places you should head to upon entering Guatemala - especially if coming from Guatemala City - is Antigua. This very beautiful old town is full of amazing buildings, great food, delicious coffee, lots of history and a lively atmosphere. While I ended up spending more than a week here, I think you can see most of the major sites and get a feel for its atmosphere in a couple of days. ► Find my FULL Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide (which includes the top 5 things to do, plus where to stay and eat) here. TIME NEEDED: 3 days EXPLORE MORE | THE TOP 8 COFFEE SHOPS TO VISIT IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE If you are looking for an epic Guatemala adventure then make sure to add hiking up Acatenango Volcano to watch Fuego erupt to your travel itinerary. Located about an hour from downtown Antigua, Acatenango is an absolutely incredible place to spend a couple of days - especially if you get lucky and have clear skies. While I go into more detail in my Acatenango Hiking Guide, the basic premise of this adventure is you hike up to basecamp on Acatenango Volcano (which takes about 7 hours and is relatively challenging), and watch Fuego Volcano erupt nearby, and then the next morning you wake up for sunrise and summit Acatenango before hiking back down. This 2-day adventure costs around $50 - $70 USD and can easily be booked in Antigua. TIME NEEDED: 2 days LEARN MORE | HIKING IN COLOMBIA: WHAT ALL ADVENTURERS NEED TO KNOW LAKE ATITLAN After hiking up Acatenango Volcano it is time to head to another famous and beautiful spot in Guatemala: Lake Atitlan. Known as the deepest lake in all of Central America, this massive body of water is surrounded by volcanoes and small villages - many of which you can really only get to via boat. Because of this, you have a lot of choices when it comes to things to do. From hiking in the nearby hills - including to the famous Rostro Maya (Indian Nose) formation - to boating around to all of the small towns to just sitting at a waterside bar drinking a cocktail or two, you can easily spend 3 or 4 days here and feel like you haven't done it all. 💬 INSIDER TIP: definitely make sure to visit the village of San Marcos, which is considered the "hippy" town. Here you can find lots of coffee shops and health-conscious restaurants, spiritual houses and yoga/meditation retreats. Once you get your fill of the lake, consider spending a day visiting the nearby Chichicastenango Market - one of the largest traditional markets in the country. If you want to buy unique and authentic souvenirs, then this is the place to go. TIME NEEDED: 3-4 days SEMUC CHAMPEY Another can't-miss spot in Guatemala is the increasingly popular natural wonder of Semuc Champey. Located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle near the small town of Lanquin, this national monument - which includes 6 turquoise colored pools, a candlelit cave and some waterfalls - is an awesome spot to head to if you are an adventurous traveler looking to explore the more natural side of the country. But be warned, it takes a bit of an effort to get there. If coming from Antigua you will need to take an 8 hour bus ride, and if you are coming from Lake Atitlan expect the journey to take around 10 hours. ► You can explore my in-depth guide on spending the day in Semuc Champey here. TIME NEEDED: 2 days READ MORE | GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH ON COLOMBIA'S PACIFIC COAST FLORES AND TIKAL The final destination in Guatemala that should be on your travel itinerary is to explore the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal. This beautiful national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the far northern corner of the country near the jungle town of Flores. While Flores doesn't have too much to offer the traveler, it doesn't really matter because you really come to this part of Guatemala for the ruins. And man what stunning ruins they are. If you are a history buff or you just want to learn more about Mayan history, then making the trek up there is worth it. You can find shuttles to and from Flores from most of the major Guatemalan destinations (including Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlan). You likely only need one day in the national park to check out the famous ceremonial ruins and then a day on either side for traveling to and from Flores. TIME NEEDED: 2 days ANTIGUA OR GUATEMALA CITY If you have any extra time at the end of your Guatemala trip, then try to spend it in Antigua over Guatemala City (just more relaxing in my opinion) OR consider adding on one of the other fun destinations outlined below. Walk around the center of Antigua, visit a church or the local market, grab a tasty coffee (or two) and just soak in the last bit of Guatemalan culture. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: from Antigua, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the main airport in Guatemala City (traffic can be intense, especially during rush hour). You can find many shuttles or taxis that will do the journey for you at a relatively cheap price in town. TIME NEEDED: 1 day ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if you are ending your trip in the northern part of the country (especially in Flores/Tikal) then maybe consider jumping the border into Belize or Mexico and either continuing your travels there, or booking a flight back home from one of those country's major airports. \\ Optional Add-Ons to Your Guatemala Travel Itinerary This is a pretty basic outline of the top things to do during your trip to Guatemala. Now obviously the country has A LOOOOOT more to offer, so if you have the time to spend, do it. Below are a couple of awesome add-ons to consider: | Xela: or Quetzaltenango, is one of the largest cities in Guatemala, and one with a whole lot to offer a traveler focused on learning more about the country's unique and thriving culture. Likewise, Xela is a great basecamp for exploring the nearby area, which includes multiple volcanoes (like Santiaguito and Tajumulco Volcanoes, the latter of which is the tallest point in Central America), hiking trails and hot springs. TIME NEEDED: 2-3 days | Rio Dulce and Livingston: another fun outdoor destination that could be worth visiting if you have the time is Rio Dulce National Park and the nearby coastal town of Livingstone. Rio Dulce (or Sweet River) is the gateway to the Caribbean Sea and a haven for various coastal vegetation and wildlife, including lots of birds, manatees and crocodiles. TIME NEEDED: 3 days | El Paredon: want to spend a couple of days relaxing on the coast or getting out on a surfboard? Then make sure to put aside a few days in the very backpacker friendly, surf town of El Paredon. Located about 2.5 hours from Antigua, this tropical destination could be a great place to sit back and relax or catch a wave. TIME NEEDED: 3 days EXPLORE MORE | THE PERFECT TRAVEL GUIDE TO EL VALLE, COLOMBIA'S PACIFIC SURF TOWN Guatemala is full of some truly amazing adventures: from roaring volcanoes to tranquil beach towns to historic, colorful towns, this Central American country has a lot to offer. Hopefully, this 2-week Guatemala Travel Guide helps you plan your own epic adventure. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly! WANT TO SAVE THIS GUATEMALA TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR LATER PLANNING? THEN CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURE TRAVEL ITINERARIES HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA | The Ultimate Adventure Guide EXPLORING SEMUC CHAMPEY | Learn Everything You Need to Know About this Guatemalan Gem BUDGETING FOR GUATEMALA | What I Spent Traveling for 2.5 Weeks SALENTO, COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE | Learn Everything You Need to Know For An Epic Adventure to this Mountain Town PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

14.5573° N, 90.7332° W LOOKING TO VISIT THE HISTORIC AND BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR TRIP PLANNING? YOU'RE IN LUCK - THIS IN-DEPTH ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW! Coming in second in an annual poll of the top cities to explore in Central and South America by Travel & Leisure, Antigua, Guatemala (or its formal name, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala - antigua translates to old) is one of the most beautiful places to spend some time in - especially if you are interested in history, culture (including Mayan), food and adventure. I was lucky enough to call the quaint and colorful town home for nearly 2.5 weeks. During my time there, I explored church ruins, drank delicious coffee in hip cafes, hiked a volcano, learned about the area's turbulent history and got a bit lost in the local market. And I loved every minute of it. If you are considering a trip down to Central America and Guatemala specifically, then you must add Antigua to your travel itinerary. And this in-depth travel guide is a great place to start your trip planning. Read on for a full breakdown of what to know about visiting Antigua, where to eat and stay, what to bring with you, and what you absolutely cannot miss. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA The best time to visit Antigua, Guatemala is between November and April since this is the dry season. During this time of year, you can expect beautiful sunny weather almost every day. Do note that during Semana Santa and the Easter holidays the town can become super busy. So if you are looking to have the town more to yourself, then I suggest visiting during either January or February. HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA? At least 4 days in order to do all of the top adventures - including hiking Acatenango (which takes 2 days). There is a lot to see in town, especially if you are interested in history and culture. HOW TO GET TO ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA Antigua is located about 1 hour from Guatemala City, the capital (and largest city in Central America) and home to the main airport. You can easily take a bus, shuttle, or taxi from the airport to Antigua. I would suggest checking to see if your hostel or hotel has an airport shuttle or the number of a specific taxi driver they work with. You can also head to GuateGo to book a ride to and from the airport. Once you get to Antigua, it is really easy to make your way around town by foot (the town is in an easy to master grid pattern). If you are looking to head out of town, there are numerous public buses - the colorful school buses known as "chicken buses" - or small tuk-tuks. WHAT DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL AROUND ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA Antigua is pretty darn cheap to travel around - especially if you are okay with eating street food (there are some very tasty options available), and don't mind staying at quintessential cheap backpacker hostels. But with that being said, I would also say that Antigua is probably one of the most expensive places in the country. So if you are looking to travel really cheapy, maybe consider only spending a few days in town and then heading elsewhere. 💱The currency in Guatemala is the quetzal (which also happens to be the national bird). The exchange rate is about $1 USD = 7.8 quetzals (or Q) // €1 = Q8.5. ► You can find a complete breakdown of what I spent during my 2.5 weeks in Guatemala here. IS ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA SAFE? Yes! I felt super safe walking around Antigua, even by myself (as a female) and at night. Now, I wouldn't necessarily suggest wandering around by yourself in the middle of the night on the edges of town, but in the city center - especially in the main touristy areas - I believe you should be totally fine. As with all places, use common sense and listen to your gut if you feel like something might be a bit off. ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDE | TRAVEL PLANNING \\ Where to Stay In Antigua, Guatemala There are a ton of options when it comes to finding lodging in Antigua. From bare bones backpacker hostels to super-luxe hotels, there is something for every type of budget and traveler. Below are a few of the best options. HOSTELS | Selina Antigua: if you are looking to combine travel with work (hello digital nomad life) then this might just be the best place to stay. This Selina in particular was extra nice (and fun!). They offer coworking space, a communal kitchen, restaurant and bar, pool and plenty of activities. | BOOK IT | Tropicana: a favorite for budget travelers, this conveniently located hostel also offers tours up to Acatenango Volcano. | BOOK IT | Maya Papaya: this uber-hip spot is very close to some of the best bars and restaurants in town, plus they have some nice amenities - especially if you need to get a bit of work done. | BOOK IT | Flore Hostel: another great option is this boutique hostel located in the center of town. One great perk of this spot is they have a coffee shop connected - meaning delicious coffees and juices within only a few steps of your bed. | BOOK IT HOTELS | Casa Santo Domingo: if you are looking for something super lux, then consider booking a night at this 5-star hotel that is in an old convent. Located a short walk from all the main sites in Antigua, Casa Santo Domingo includes an outdoor pool, spa, museum, jade factory and art gallery. | BOOK IT | Cacao Boutique Hotel: this mid-priced, but hip boutique hotel is centrally located and provides lots of nice amenities, including free breakfast, a bar and an on-site tour desk. | BOOK IT | Ojala: located just a short distance from the famous Santa Catalina Arch, this upscale spot includes a garden and terrace, an airport shuttle and bar. | BOOK IT \\ Where to Eat and Drink In Antigua, Guatemala You shouldn't travel to Guatemala - and Antigua in particular - without trying the local cuisine. Overall, traditional Guatemalan food consists of lots of delicious soups and stews, meat, and of course, homemade tortillas. Below are just a few of the best places to head to for food and drinks. | La Cuevita de Los Urquizú: this family-owned restaurant is a real hidden gem. I actually only found out about it thanks to the free city tour I took (take the same one here), but man I am glad I did because it might have been one of the best meals I had during my whole Guatemala trip. To start, you walk in and get to pick what traditional Guatemalan food you would like to eat out of the wide array of sizzling ceramic pots. The meal includes one meat dish, two sides, fresh homemade tortillas and a drink. I highly recommend trying the pepian (a delicious chicken stew). Each plate costs Q98 or roughly ~$13 USD. Find the exact location of the restaurant here. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you want to try some more tasty (and cheap) traditional Guatemalan food, then I highly recommend grabbing some street food one evening. The best place to head to is Parque La Merced, a small park in front of the beautiful yellow Iglesia de la Merced. | Frida's: another fun spot to check out for a bite to eat or for an early evening drink is this Mexican restaurant located only steps from the famous Santa Catalina Arch. The margaritas are quite good, while the appetizers are the perfect accompaniment. Find the exact location of this hopping restaurant here. | Por Que No? Café: now if you are looking for a real off-the-beaten-path restaurant, then make the trek to almost the edge of town and try to secure a seat at this uber-small restaurant. Seriously - there might be five tables in the whole place (and two are actually the bar). But the food? Absolutely delicious, and 100% worth the somewhat high price tag. Find the exact location of this hidden gem here. | Antigua Brewing Company: if you are someone who likes to try local beers while traveling, then make sure to add this spot to your travel itinerary. Located in the heart of central Antigua, the Antigua Brewing Company is a great spot to head to during the evening for a night of live music, good beer and, if you are lucky, great views of the nearby volcanoes (their terrace is top-notch). 💬INSIDER TIP: now if you are looking to splurge and have a really unique experience, then also make sure to stop by the small, hidden cocktail bar on the ground floor of the brewery. While the drinks are pricy, this is also one of those truly memorable experiences that you can't find everywhere. To enter the bar, walk through the red phone booth under the stairs. DISCOVER MORE | THE 8 BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIGUA \\ What to Bring With You to Antigua, Guatemala The weather in Antigua, Guatemala is pretty great year-round. During the dry season (November to April) you can expect hot days with lots of sunshine, while during the rainy season (May to October) you will want to pack a couple of layers and definitely a rain jacket. 💬INSIDER TIP: one thing I was not expecting while visiting Antigua was the cooler temps during the night. While you will be nice and hot during the day, once the sun goes down you will be reaching for a jacket and some pants - therefore pack accordingly. TOP GEAR TO BRING FOR TRAVELING IN GUATEMALA | Light Rain Jacket Even if you are planning to visit Antigua during the dry season, it still might not be a bad idea to pack a rain jacket just in case - plus, this one by The North Face is light enough to work as a quick pullover when the temperatures start to drop at night or for when you are heading out for an epic hike (like up Acatenango Volcano). | CHECK IT OUT | Every Day-Wear Shorts One great minimalist packing hack is to bring a comfortable pair of shorts that can be worn with many different tops. This pair by Outdoor Research is made of a nice stretch nylon fabric that is super comfy to wear all day long (plus it comes in some great colors!). | CHECK IT OUT | Cute Town Dress Antigua is full of colorful buildings and vibrant flowers, so why not match the vibe by packing a cute dress that can be worn with sneakers for all-day city touring or with fancy sandals for a fun night out. This one by Vans fits that vibe perfectly. | CHECK IT OUT | A Sunhat with Style Finish off your Antigua style with an uber-stylish hat by Stetson. This felt sun hat will help shade your face while walking around town in the middle of the day - while at the same time help you look good no matter how many days you've gone sans shampoo. | CHECK IT OUT THE 5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA 1 | Walk Around the City or Take a City Tour Antigua is a super walkable city - so much so that during my nearly 2 weeks in the town, I only took one Uber ride (and that was out of the city). If you are wanting to get a feel for the historic town - or just learn more about its unique history, then I highly suggest booking a free city tour. I booked mine through GuruWalk and highly recommend it. It is free - though you should definitely tip your guide (roughly $10 - $15 is good). The tour lasts around 2 hours and covers the long history of Antigua and Guatemala as a whole. Plus, you will likely be given some great inside tips on the real hidden gems of the city (including a 100+ year old sweet shop). ➳ Book your free walking tour here. If a tour isn't really your thing, then I instead suggest spending a morning just wandering the central area, checking out all of the colorful cobblestone streets and the beautiful architecture (Antigua is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its long history - it was first founded in 1524 - and stunning array of monuments). Some of the top places to visit include the famous Santa Catalina Arch (by far one of the most photographed places in town), the main plaza, Santa Clara Convent and the La Union Tank (tanque), a historic public laundry facility. 2 | Hike Acatenango Volcano If I am being honest, hiking up and watching the highly active Fuego Volcano erupt from the side of Acatenango Volcano was maybe the sole reason that I booked my trip to Guatemala. And let me tell you - it was worth it (even with a 12-hour layover at Miami International Airport). If you are an active adventurer, then this 2-day trip up to the two volcanoes should also be at the top of your to-do list. You can learn everything you need to know about hiking Acatenango Volcano yourself in my in-depth adventure guide. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO 3 | Bike Around the Surrounding Villages If you have the extra time, then I definitely recommend booking a tour to check out the surrounding villages near Antigua. While most people choose to do the tour via ATV, I would instead suggest booking one with bikes. Not only will this give you some good exercise, but it also allows you to see the areas in a totally different way. Along this ~5 hour excursion, you will get to take tours of a family-run chocolate factory, a jade shop, a macadamia farm and even get to spend some time making tortillas in a local market. I booked my bike tour through Selina Hostels and paid $40 USD (or Q312). You can book the tour for yourself here. 4 | Check Out the Local Markets While Antigua is not very large, it does have its fair share of markets - including a very large and maze-like one on the edge of town. If you are looking for an authentic experience, then I definitely recommend spending an hour or so wandering around the many alleyways of the central market. Likewise, if you are looking for either fresh produce, a cheap lunch or some souvenirs to bring home with you, then this is the place to go. There are two main points in the Mercado Central to be aware of: on the far left side you will find the Artisan market which houses many local artists, including painters and weavers. This is the best place to go for souvenirs, especially if you are looking for a piece of artwork, a bag or some more high-end items. On the opposite side of the market (in the far back corner and a bit to the right) you will find a second-hand market. This is a good spot to go if you just need a cheap piece of clothing (like an extra jacket for the chilly Acatenango hike) or if you want to see what kind of cool thrifted pieces you can find. 5 | Explore the Churches and Ruins Due to Antigua's turbulent history - mostly due to its location near multiple volcanoes and fault lines - the town has a lot of ruins, many of which are old churches. While some are in the process of being rebuilt or repaired, many others have just been left in their present derelict state. I would suggest putting aside a morning or afternoon and just walking around checking out some of the prettier ruins (there are many). Do note that most of them do charge a small fee to visit. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: another interesting thing to stop in and see is the local cemetery, which is full of beautiful white mausoleums. You can find the cemetery on the edge of town near the main bus terminal (exact location). The cemetery opens at 8AM and is free to enter. Antigua, Guatemala is a fantastic place to spend a couple of days during your trip to Guatemala. In fact, while I might be a bit biased, I think it should be at the top of your travel itinerary due to its numerous adventure offerings, beautiful architecture, lively culture and delicious cuisine (and coffee!). If you have any questions about visiting Antigua, then definitely do not hesitate to leave a comment or question below, or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTUROUS TRAVEL GUIDES HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA | The Ultimate Adventure Guide EXPLORING SEMUC CHAMPEY | Learn Everything You Need to Know About this Guatemalan Gem BUDGETING FOR GUATEMALA | What I Spent Traveling for 2.5 Weeks SALENTO, COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE | Learn Everything You Need to Know For An Epic Adventure to this Mountain Town PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

48.7596° N, 113.7870° W HOPING TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN A FIRE TOWER BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START THE PLANNING PROCESS? THEN THIS ADVENTURE GUIDE IS FOR YOU - KEEP READING TO LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING AND STAYING AT A FIRE TOWER. For some reason, visiting a fire tower quickly moved to the top of our summer bucket list. There is just something about the opportunity to hike through a beautiful landscape and then reach a historic place that really spoke to us (especially Madalyne). Luckily, in the western United States in particular, you can find a wide array of fire towers. From outposts on the tops of granite peaks to hideaways on windswept ridges, there is a fire tower for every type of adventurer. So if you are like us and are hoping to visit a fire tower yourself - or even better spend the night at one - then keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting and staying at a fire tower in the USA. \\ A Short History of Fire Towers in the USA Fire lookout towers or just "fire towers" were originally built to simply provide housing and protection for a "fire lookout" - someone whose duty was to search for wildfires out in the wilderness. Most fire towers simply consist of a small building or room (known as a cab) that has lots of windows and is usually situated on the summit of a mountain or other high vantage point (some are even built on large stilts to help maximize viewing distance). Historically, the tops of tall trees were used to mount permanent platforms in order to monitor fire activities. In fact, purpose-built towers only gained popularity in the early 1900s. Likewise, the method of reporting wildfires has also changed pretty drastically over the years: telephones, carrier pigeons and heliographs (a device using two mirrors to reflect sunlight) and Morse code have all been used previously. Today, radios and phones are almost solely used to relay important information. So why were so many fire towers built across the USA? Actually, there weren't always so many towers: early on many towns, lumber companies, and state forestry organizations simply had to operate their own private fire towers. In fact, it wasn't until the Great Fire of 1910 - also known as the Big Blowup - that the idea of building an organization of fire towers across the country came to be. The Great Fire of 1910 tore through the states of Montana, Idaho and Washington and eventually burned 3 million acres (12,000 square kilometers). The smoke from this fire drifted across the entire country and all of the way to Washington D.C. Thanks to the heavy smoke, the fire led the newly created US Forest Service to address new policies regarding fire suppression and planning. In fact, one of the main rules that came out of this destruction was that "all fires must be extinguished by 10AM the following morning" (man we wish that was still true). As a result of the above rule, early fire detection and suppression became a huge priority. Enter: fire towers. Soon enough towers were being built around the country, and especially in the Western states like Idaho, California, Oregon and Washington. By the late 1930s, over 5,000 fire towers had been constructed. Today, many of the original fire towers are either not in use anymore or have been completely demolished. Therefore it can be an extra special experience to visit one - especially some of the older ones that have a long history and some absolutely stunning views. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: while the heyday of fire towers was definitely between the 1930s and the 1950s, during World War II (thanks to the Aircraft Warning Service) many fire towers were assigned additional duties as Enemy Aircraft Spotters (especially on the West Coast of the United States). ➳ You can learn more about the history of fire towers here. \\ Locations of Fire Towers in the USA While many fire towers have been torn down, there are still plenty of options available if you are hoping to visit or stay at one - especially if you are looking to do so in the Western half of the USA. Below we outline some interesting stats on where you can still find some of these unique beacons of environmental progress and protection, as well as helpful information on what to know once you are actually adventuring to a fire tower yourself. STATS ON USA FIRE TOWERS There were once fire towers in practically every state of the USA (all except Kansas). Unfortunately, today many of those fire towers are either closed to the public, in total disrepair (aka unsafe to visit), or have been torn down completely. Below are the 6 states with the highest number of fire towers that you can still visit: STATE | TOTAL SITES (Historically) | STILL STANDING IDAHO | 989 | 196 OREGON | 849 | 207 WASHINGTON | 656 | 107 CALIFORNIA | 625 | 198 MONTANA | 639 | 130 PENNSYLVANIA | 449 | 64 Interestingly enough, the mountainous (and fire-prone) states of Colorado and Alaska have historically had very few fire towers. Colorado only ever had 30 (today 14 are left), while Alaska only ever had 2 (today only one still stands). ➳ You can find the list of the number of fire towers in the USA and internationally here as well as a FULL list of all of the fire towers you can rent for the night in the USA here. EXPLORE THE FULL LIST OF FIRE TOWERS IN THE USA \\ What to Know About Staying the Night At a Fire Tower While you can usually visit a fire tower without any problems (if you don't count maybe a long and arduous hike a problem), if you are hoping to stay the night at one, then you will very likely need to do a bit more planning - especially for some of the more remote ones. Fire towers are more often than not quite rustic and primitive - meaning really only the basics are provided (table, chair, a woodstove and maybe a bunk or two). This means that you will need to make sure to bring all other necessities with you (including water and/or firewood for heating). If you are looking for an adventure and are down to pack mule some stuff in - great! If not, then maybe this isn't the type of adventure for you. Likewise, expect to have to use an outdoor toilet (most likely an outhouse) and to have to bring your own source of lighting (don't expect electricity either). Still interested in staying at a fire tower? Awesome! Below is an outline of what you will need to do in order to actually stay at a fire tower, as well as a list of the most necessary gear to bring with you. HOW TO RESERVE A FIRE TOWER There are really two ways to reserve a fire tower: through the US Forest Service (USFS) or via a private owner (most likely through Airbnb). Below is an outline of how to do it for both options. HOW TO RESERVE A FIRE TOWER THROUGH THE US FOREST SERVICE Likely the easiest way to reserve a night at a fire tower in the USA is through the US Forest Service and their online reservation system. A couple of important things to know: 1 | All fire towers (and other Forest Service buildings) are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. 2 | The daily rental rate for each facility as well as the maximum length of stay varies based on the fire tower. 3 | A non-refundable recreation fee will be charged and all reservations must be made with a credit card. ➳ Learn more and make your reservation here. HOW TO RESERVE A FIRE TOWER ELSEWHERE While most fire towers are overseen by the US Forest Service, some are also rented out by private owners. And most of the fire towers that are rented by private owners can be reserved via Airbnb. Below are two of the best fire tower rentals - not owned by the USFS - that you can rent: 1 | Stunning Tower in Oregon 2 | Beautiful Forested Tower in Idaho \\ What Gear to Bring With You When Staying At a Fire Tower Check out this comprehensive list of the most important gear you will want to bring with you when staying the night at a fire tower. While some of these items might not be totally necessary, they will all likely make your adventure that much more comfortable. BEDDING Sleeping Bag. Pack a comfortable sleeping bag that will keep you nice and cozy at night. This 20° bag from The North Face is made from recycled polyester insulation that will help keep you warm even if it turns a little damp. | CHECK IT OUT Sleeping Pad (if necessary). Some fire towers include mattresses (check beforehand), but if the one you are heading to doesn't, make sure to pack a pad like this ultralight one from Therm-a-Rest. | CHECK IT OUT Camp Pillow. This might be more of a "nice-to-have" instead of a necessity, but to each their own. We personally like to use backpacks or extra jackets as pillows, but if you like the extra comfort then consider this camp pillow by Sea to Summit. | CHECK IT OUT LIGHTING Petzl Headlamp. This is an absolute necessity (even if the fire tower has electricity). You will want to pack a strong headlamp so that you can find your way outside once the sun goes down (like when you have to go to the bathroom) or in case you find yourself having to hike in the dark because you started too late in the day (happens to the best of us). | CHECK IT OUT Lantern (if necessary). If you have the extra space in your pack, then consider bringing a handy lantern to help light the cab up once the sun sets. Luckily, because fire towers are so compact, you can get away with a lightweight and small lantern like this one from Black Diamond. | CHECK IT OUT WARM CLOTHING Cozy Pants. While you may not want to hike in these super cozy fleece joggers from Backcountry, once you get to the fire tower - and especially once that sun goes down - you will very likely be looking for something cozy to curl up in. This pair would work perfectly. | CHECK IT OUT Thermal Shirt. Top off your cozy cab outfit with this cable knit sweater from Fjallraven. Not only is it nice and warm, but it's cute too. If you need something else up top - like maybe a warm base layer (for those really cold nights and mornings) then make sure to pack a top like this one from Smartwool. Puffy Jacket. The final layer that you should consider adding to your setup is this well-priced down jacket from Marmot. Not only is it lightweight and easy to pack down, but it also has a lifetime warranty. | CHECK IT OUT Wool Socks. We strongly believe that you should never head out on an overnight adventure without at least one pair of warm socks. This wool pair by Smartwool not only works great while out on the trail, but it will also keep your feet nice and toasty once you make it to camp (or in this case, the fire tower). | CHECK IT OUT Beanie. Another outdoor item worth packing - even if the weather looks like it should be nice - is a warm beanie. This one by The North Face is comfortable and stylish. | CHECK IT OUT Warm Gloves. The final piece of gear you should pack with you for your overnight stay in a fire tower is a high-quality pair of gloves. This set by Hestra is a bit on the pricey side, but they are not only super warm but also very durable. | CHECK IT OUT HIKING GEAR Hiking Boots. Due to the fact that many fire towers are built in remote locations, you will want to make sure to wear a pair of durable shoes to reach them. This pair by Danner will be able to keep you comfortable no matter how many miles you have to hike in (and out). | CHECK THEM OUT Backpack. As you can now imagine, you will likely have to bring a fair bit of gear with you for your overnight fire tower adventure. Therefore you will want a nice, durable and comfortable backpack to carry it all in - like this 43 liter one from Gregory. | CHECK IT OUT Sunglasses. Maybe just another piece of "nice-to-have" gear, but these sunglasses by Goodr are probably a great idea to have with you - especially if you are hiking during really sunny conditions (headaches suck). | CHECK THEM OUT Sunhat. The final bit of hiking gear you will want to consider bringing with you on your adventure to a fire tower is a comfortable sun hat. This high-quality one by Stetson will not only protect you from the sun's harmful rays, but it also looks good on and off the trail. | CHECK IT OUT EXTRA: WATER AND FOOD Besides the above list of outdoor gear, you will also of course want to make sure to bring plenty of water (or at least a water filter) as well as plenty of food with you up to the tower. We recommend packing food that needs the least amount of water and/or fuel (or electricity if you are lucky enough to stay at a fire tower that has it). Backpacking meals are always a great option, as are many easy-to-make camping meals like ramen. 💬INSIDER TIP: make sure to call ahead/reach out or do some research ahead of time to figure out what is available in your selected fire tower. You will definitely want to know what is already in the tower so you can pack accordingly. This includes whether firewood or heating is provided, whether there is electricity and water, and what kind of bedding materials can be found inside. EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON Staying the night at a fire tower is an incredible experience. While it does take a bit of planning - especially for those more remote ones - we believe it is 100% worth the effort. The views, the feeling of being out in nature while still being protected from the elements, and just the feeling of being back in time for a bit are really amazing and definitely worth pursuing. Hopefully, this adventure guide helps you plan your own fire tower adventure. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS FIRE TOWER ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES BACKPACKING BOULDER PASS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK | The Ultimate Adventure Guide THE TOP 5 BACKPACKING TRAILS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK | Start Planning Your Adventure Here! STAYING SAFE BACKPACKING AND HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY | Explore this In-Depth Guide PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING OUTDOORS | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

29.2498° N, 103.2502° W EXPLORE OUR GUIDE ON THE 9 BEST PLACES IN THE USA FOR STARGAZING - PLUS LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT POLLUTION AND WHAT WE CAN ALL DO TO HELP KEEP OUR DARK SKIES DARK. Have you ever wanted to escape the bright city lights and head out into the middle of nowhere, just to know what it would actually be like to see our solar system's thousands of stars? Don't worry you are not alone. We in fact, have had that urge dozens of times, especially when we found ourselves living in the San Francisco Bay Area - an urban metropolis that very easily blocks out any view of the starry night sky. And that urge to seek out really dark skies became even more pronounced after listening to the audiobook “The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light” by Paul Bogard. Seriously, if you want a book that will alter your view on cities, modernization, wilderness and darkness, then read "The End of Night." We promise it will totally change your life. That book, plus the city's suffocating brightness, actually led us to make an agreement with each other that we would head out to Death Valley National Park to go stargazing on the first new moon that landed on a weekend. And that is exactly what we did (actually we didn’t get all the way to Death Valley, but instead we stopped off in Mammoth Lakes). And let us tell you, the stars were absolutely incredible. It turns out that we were not alone in our slight feeling of melancholy due to a lack of visible stars. Research has actually shown that there is a correlation between excessive artificial light and mental health (including mood swings and anxiety). And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Light pollution can actually lead to numerous other problems, including ones dealing with human health and the environment. WHAT IS LIGHT POLLUTION? Light pollution is any negative effect caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light (unnatural light). The most common negative effects due to light pollution are on overall human health, wildlife behavior, and of course, the ability to observe stars and other celestial objects at night. While it might be something most people can relate to on a very personal level, light pollution is in fact a global issue. You can actually see this for yourself in this World Atlas of Night Sky Brightness map, which is a computer-generated map based on thousands of satellite photos that was published in 2016. The map shows how and where our globe is lit up at night - and spoiler alert, it's almost everywhere. In fact, for the most part, vast areas of North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia glow a bright yellow at night and it is only the most remote regions on Earth - including Siberia, the Sahara, and the Amazon - that are in total darkness (and even this is slowly changing). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: some of the most light-polluted countries in the world are Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait. While the least light polluted countries are Chad, the Central African Republic, and Madagascar. Similarly, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which is located in the Canary Islands, was officially named the darkest place on Earth in 2016. ➳ You can explore the World Atlas of Night Sky Brightness Map here. While light pollution is an important thing to know about, it is also important to understand that just because you might not live in a major city like New York City, LA, London or Tokyo, you are still likely affected by bad lighting practices. This is known as sky glow - or the brightening of the night sky due to the electric lights of cars, street lamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings. It is very likely that if you have spent any time outside after dark you have noticed sky glow (even when out in nature). While it sounds pretty, sky glow caused by anthropogenic activities (i.e. modern industrial practices) is one of the most pervasive forms of light pollution. And scientific studies have shown that light pollution is not just impacting humans and their health, but also animal behaviors such as migration patterns, wake and sleep habits, and even habitat formation. One very clear example of this is that due to light pollution, sea turtles and birds - who were once guided by moonlight during their migration - now get confused and sometimes lose their way due to too much human-created light. This confusion leads many to eventually die. LIGHT POLLUTION BY THE NUMBERS 1/3 of people cannot see the Milky Way 80% of the entire planet is affected by light pollution 99% of people are affected by sky glow in the USA and Europe Light pollution is a global problem and one that needs to be addressed soon, otherwise it might be too late. Below are a few key ways each of us can individually take action and make a positive impact on keeping our dark skies dark. HOW TO SAVE OUR DARK SKIES It seems many people don’t stop and take the time to think about all the negative impacts artificial light has. If they did we, probably wouldn’t have metropolises like Las Vegas. And while light pollution and the loss of our dark skies might seem like one huge unsolvable problem, in truth, everyone can do their own part to help keep the world's skies dark. A few simple ways to make a positive impact are to turn off your outdoor (and indoor) lights when you are not using them, especially at night; switch to dark sky friendly lighting at your house and place of business (find the right lighting here); spread the word about protecting and preserving the dark skies to your friends and family and online; advocate for better lighting practices in your town; support IDA through volunteering or donations and finally, visit your local Dark Sky Parks. If you want to learn more about protecting and preserving the world's dark skies, then make sure to check out the International Dark Sky website and also consider reading “The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light”. We promise it is totally worth it! While it is true that almost all of the USA is affected by sky glow and light pollution, luckily, there are still pockets where you can find some truly dark skies. In fact, the United States is home to 60 International Dark Sky Association-designated places. This list includes communities, national parks and reserves. Each of these 60 places, as well as the other 135 IDS-designated places around the world, had to go through a rigorous application process, which actually requires applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection and document programs created specifically to promote dark skies. While there are 60 Dark Sky Places in the USA to choose from, we believe these 9 spots below are some of the best for finding dark skies, stargazing and of course, overall adventure. WHERE TO FIND THE DARKEST SKIES IN THE USA FOR STARGAZING 1 | Big Bend National Park, Texas Per the national park's website: “There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone.” If there was ever a way to describe Big Bend National Park that would be it. Due to its incredibly remote location in the far southwest corner of the large state of Texas, Big Bend National Park has some of the darkest skies in the whole USA. In fact, it has the lowest levels of light pollution of any other national park unit in the lower 48 states (there are over 400 of them). If you are planning to visit the national park - which you definitely should, not only for its stargazing possibilities, but also for its beautiful desert landscape (the park makes up the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert topography in the whole USA) then make sure to put aside a couple of nights to specifically spend stargazing - we promise it will be a sight to behold. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK Visit the natural hot spring. Located down a rough and narrow dirt road, is one of the park's best attractions: a natural hot spring next to the Rio Grande. The spring is actually part of a historic district that once included a legitimate bathhouse (where the present hot spring pool sits) and a post office (as well as a couple of ancient pieces of rock art). We recommend soaking in the pool - which is always at a steamy 105° F / 40.5° C - during sunset, where you can get a gorgeous view of the dusk colors against a backdrop of the Rio Grande and the nearby rock cliffs. Take a boat over to Mexico. You will find that it is very easy to hop the border and simply take a small rowboat over to the nearby town of Boquillas, Mexico, where you can then have a delicious authentic Mexican meal (including margaritas), purchase some souvenirs or even head out to another natural hot spring. While you do need to go through a border checkpoint afterward (on the USA side), when we did it, it took all of ten minutes to complete. Also, when you do cross the river and head over to Boquillas, we recommend walking to town instead of catching a ride on the local donkeys (much more pleasant and animal-friendly). Explore the Chisos Mountains. During the summer months (May - August) the lower elevations of Big Bend National Park can become absolutely unbearable to hike in due to the heat. Luckily, the park is home to the large Chisos Mountains which stay a bit cooler even during the heat of the day. We recommend going on at least one hike in this area, especially during the early morning when you are more likely to spot wildlife like fox, deer, birds and, if you are lucky, even a bear or a mountain lion. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are planning to explore Big Bend National Park also consider taking a trip to its next door neighbor Big Bend Ranch State Park. Not only is this park another Dark Sky Park, but it is also home to many more adventures - including miles upon miles of mountain biking trails. We also (highly) recommend driving Highway 170 between the state park and the nearby town of Presidio ➳ You can learn more about Big Bend National Park here. 2 | Capitol Reef National Park, Utah Quite possibly the least visited national park in all of Utah - a state with a total of 5 national parks, Capitol Reef National Park is truly a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, this stunning park offers many opportunities to experience near-pristine night skies, including, camping in the parks two incredibly remote and rugged campsites, hiking out into the Navajo sandstone canyons or taking a dusk drive out into the mythical Cathedral Valley. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK Hike up to Cassidy Arch. By far one of the best hikes in the national park is up to this massive natural arch. The trail - which is only 1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers) one-way - is a great place to start your adventures in Capitol Reef. To reach the trailhead, head out on the Scenic Drive Road (the main road in front of the visitor center) until you see a turn for the Cassidy Arch Trailhead (it will be on the left). Drive down this dirt road for another mile or so until you reach the parking lot. In total, it is a 4.7-mile drive from the visitor center to the trailhead. Drive to Cathedral Valley. The northern part of the park is rough and rugged - and downright beautiful. Home to two iconic rock structures - The Temple to the Moon and the Temple to the Sun - the best way to explore this area of Capitol Reef is in a 4-wheel drive vehicle (or if you are feeling really adventurous, a bike). If you want to spend more time in this part of the park there is a small campground nearby (water is not available so bring plenty with you). You can learn more about visiting the temples here. Explore Fruita. Located in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park is the scenic historical district of Fruita, which was founded by Mormon settlers back in the late 1800s. Today this part of the national park is famed for its numerous orchards (which produce many different fruits that can be picked during the right season), historic buildings - including an old schoolhouse and barn - and surrounding red rock canyon walls. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the historic Fruita district is also where the main campground in the park is located. It costs $25 /night to camp in the campground. This fee does include access to flushable bathrooms, potable water, individual tables and firepits and a dump station for RVs. Reservations are needed for the campground during the busy season (March - October). ► Want to learn more about Capitol Reef National Park? Then check out our in-depth adventure guide here. 3 | Death Valley National Park, California Possibly one of the best places to see dark skies in the whole USA, and maybe even the world, Death Valley National in southeastern California is so pristine that in many places, it offers nighttime views close to what could have been seen before the rise of mega-cities. Because of its incredibly remote location (the closest big source of light is Las Vegas, over 126 miles away), the park is classified as a Gold Tier park by the International Dark Sky Association. Some of the best places to stargaze within the park are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin and the incredibly remote Racetrack. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Hike out to the Ubehebe Crater. This short hiking trail (1.5 miles total, it's a loop) takes you out to the Ubehebe Crater, which is a large volcanic crater roughly 600 feet deep and half a mile across. The crater is actually the result of a Maar Volcano - which is created by steam and gas explosions when hot magma rises up from the depths and reaches groundwater. While Ubehebe is one of the largest craters, there are actually a few other craters nearby. You can learn more about the park's craters here. Go canyoneering. While southern Utah is likely the most well-known canyoneering spot in the USA, Death Valley National Park might just have the most intense canyons in the country. If you are a canyoneerer looking to take on a big canyon - both in length and in rappel height - then this is the spot for you. Some of our favorite Death Valley canyons are Rainbow Canyon (one of the few short canyons in the park), Abysmal Canyon, Coffin Canyon and Hades Canyon. Explore Badwater Basin. This iconic site should be on everyone's travel itinerary for the desert national park. Badwater Basin, which is famous for being the lowest point in all of North America (it sits at 282 feet or 86 meters below sea level), is truly one crazy place. For starters, the basin is actually one massive salt flat (it covers 200 square miles), which - during some parts of the year - can fill up with water and become one huge mirror. For the best views of the basin, we recommend doing the 2-mile round-trip hike out into the middle of the salt flats. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: this national park should really only be explored during the winter or late fall/early spring season. During the hotter months (May - September) the park can become dangerously hot (it is often one of the hottest places on the planet). If you are planning to visit during the hot months, make sure to only head out early in the day or late at night. ➳ You can learn more about stargazing in Death Valley National Park here. 4 | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Even though it contains the tallest sand dune in North America - the Star Dune, which sits at 750 feet or 228 meters tall - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is actually one of the least visited parks in the whole country. Because of that, plus the fact that it is relatively difficult to reach, makes the park one of the perfect spots to view some incredible night skies. In fact, just like Death Valley National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is also a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE Go sandboarding. By far one of the best adventures within this national park is to grab a sandboard and head out into the dunes. While you can sandboard and sled anywhere within the park, you will need to bring your own gear (the park does not rent boards). Another important thing to remember is that during the summer months the sand can become incredibly hot (130°+ F) so it is best to head out in the early morning or at dusk (maybe consider sandboarding under the stars?). Camp in the dunes. For some of the best stargazing and astrophotography opportunities, consider heading out and spending the night in the sand dunes. While backcountry camping in the park is available year-round, it is best done in the warmer months (the sand dunes can become absolutely frigid in the winter). The backcountry camping "sites" are anywhere west of the high ridge and beyond the day-use area (so at a minimum distance of 1.5 miles west of the Medano Creek). You can learn more about camping within the national park here. ► Want to learn more about this park, as well as Colorado's 3 other national parks? Then check out this guide. 5 | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado Another awesome Dark Sky Park in Colorado is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is located in the southwest corner of the state. This park is a great spot to head to if you want to completely get away from people and get back to nature. In fact, this national park is one of the darkest places in the whole USA, only rated behind such spots as Big Bend National Park and Natural Bridges National Monument. We suggest spending a weekend in the park, hiking around the canyon during the day and looking up at the glowing Milky Way at night. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK Hike to the bottom of the canyon. While this national park is not super popular for hiking - it just doesn't have that many trails available - what it lacks in distance it makes up in intensity. If you are looking to explore the canyon by foot, consider hiking down to the bottom. While there are a couple of route options down to the bottom, in our opinion, one of the best is the SOB Draw, which you can pick up near the North Rim Ranger Station. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you are planning to hike down to the bottom of the canyon via the SOB Draw, then consider bringing camping gear and spending the night in one of the few backcountry campsites. Also, you will need to get a backcountry permit for any activity within the canyon bottom. These can be picked up at the ranger stations. Stargaze along the canyon rim. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park focuses heavily on preserving a dark sky that has been largely unaltered by modernity; because of this, the park has become one of the most popular spots for stargazing in the region. Some of the best places to head to for stargazing are the North Rim area (including the North Rim Campground) and Chasm View on the South Rim. The park also offers ranger-led stargazing talks and walks during the summer months. Go rock climbing. If you are an advanced climber, then it is quite likely that you have already heard of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Because of the canyon's insane deepness - at its deepest the canyon is 2,722 feet deep and even at the North and South Chasm Walls (where the majority of the climbing activity takes place) the canyon is still 1,820 feet deep - this area is a haven for experienced rock climbers. Presently, there are roughly 145 climbing routes within the park (maybe more, data is sketchy). But the majority of those routes are rated above a 5.10 (like we said, advanced climbing). You can learn more about climbing within the park here. ► Curious to learn more about this stunning national park? Then consider checking out our in-depth adventure guide here. 6 | Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah As mentioned above, Natural Bridges National Monument is one of the darkest places in the whole USA and therefore one of the best places for stargazing. Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2007 (the first in the world!), this monument is located on the high Colorado Plateau and in a very sparsely populated area of southeastern Utah. While the park was created to protect the natural landscape, including the second-largest natural bridge in the world, today it has also become a top place for astro-photographers and astronomers. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the monument stays open all night long, meaning you can go pretty much anywhere within its boundaries and stargaze. Some of the best places are from the various viewpoints or even just from the campground (which is located near the visitor center). THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT Check out the natural bridges. As you would expect, one of the best adventures within the monument is to hike around the three natural bridges: Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu (the largest in the monument and the second largest in the world). While you can do many shorter hikes to the bridge overlooks, we instead suggest getting down into the canyon itself and getting a more up-close view. One of the best ways to do this is by hiking this 12-mile loop trail, which passes by all three bridges. Explore ancestral ruins. While the three natural bridges get most of the attention, within the park you can also head out to see one of the best preserved ancestral Puebloan sites in this corner of Utah. Known as the Horse Collar Ruin, this unique archeological site is located at the base of a canyon and can only be viewed from a viewpoint above (this lack of access is one of the key reasons the ruin was left in such good shape over the 700 years since it was abandoned). The viewpoint trail takes about 40 minutes to complete. 7 | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho We actually hadn’t heard much about this monument until we started digging into areas in the USA with the darkest skies. Turns out this unique and wild landscape is pretty gorgeous, day and night. Located in southeastern Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017 and today sits at the edge of one of the largest remaining ‘pools’ of natural nighttime darkness in the lower 48 U.S. states. This means that even though it is surrounded by a lot of light pollution, it has been luckily able to retain its stunning dark skies. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT Hike up the Inferno Cone. This steep 0.4 mi (0.8 km) trail climbs up to the top of the Inferno Cone, which is an ancient cinder cone. From the top you will find stunning views of the nearby Snake River and the Pioneer Mountains, and, if you are lucky, even the distant Teton Mountains. Explore the monument's four caves. While they are called "caves," these natural wonders are actually large lava tubes that were formed by rivers of hot molten rock flowing underneath the surface thousands of years ago. Today, you can hike around four of them along the aptly named Caves Trail (1.6 miles round-trip). 8 | Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah Yes, it might not be a national park or monument, but Dead Horse Point State Park is still an incredibly beautiful destination and one of the best places to see dark skies. Located right next to Canyonlands National Park (another International Dark Sky Park), Dead Horse Point State Park is the perfect spot to explore the famous canyon country by day and stare up at the glowing stars by night. As the Dark Sky Organization website puts it, “its position above the canyon walls makes for spectacular, virtually unobstructed, viewing of the night sky with sweeping, 360-degree panoramas.” Sounds good to us! THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DEAD HORSE POINT START PARK Go mountain biking. One of the best ways to explore the state park is by bike. Presently, there are roughly 7 miles of trails within the park, including many that take you right up to some of the best viewpoints in the whole Moab, Utah area. Camp under the stars. Dead Horse Point State Park has two campgrounds: the Kayenta Campground and the Wingate Campground. Both include shade structures, fire pits, tables, modern bathrooms (with running water), and electrical hook-ups for RVs. Similarly, both campgrounds offer some pretty amazing stargazing opportunities - plus their central location makes it super easy to hike out to the various viewpoints, even in the dark. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are looking to stay in the state park but want a bit more comfort, consider renting out one of the park's yurts. The yurts cost $150 /night and can hold 6 people comfortably. They also include A/C, heat, a table and chairs and electrical hookups. Bathrooms are shared with campers. ► Want to explore all of southern Utah's amazing destinations? Then consider checking out our comprehensive Utah Road Trip Route Guide. 9 | Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida When looking at a map of the state of Florida, you would be surprised to think anywhere within its borders would be a designated Dark Sky Park. Luckily, Big Cypress National Preserve, located just west of Miami, is today still a beacon of hope and a representation of finding a middle ground between nature and urban growth. The preserve, which was designated a Dark Sky Park in 2016, is today a haven for biodiversity and a home for a variety of species; including, orchids, cypresses, mangroves, reptiles, birds, the Florida black bear, and the highly elusive Florida panther. Together with its neighbor Everglades National Park, this natural area represents some of the last dark territories in the whole southern USA region. THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE Explore the Loop Road. One of the best ways to experience this stunning natural landscape is to drive the 27-mile Loop Road. This dirt road takes you through dwarf cypress forests, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and often within easy viewing range of some of the preserve's most well-known residents, including alligators. The drive can take a couple of hours to complete depending on how slow you go and whether you stop off at the various viewpoints and short hiking trails. Bike around the preserve. While driving is not a bad way to experience the natural landscape, if you want a more close-up, sensory view of why Big Cypress is so amazing, consider grabbing a bike and riding one (or more) of the various trails. This includes the Fire Prairie Trail, Bear Island Grade and along the many OHV backroads. Learn more about biking in the preserve here. ► Curious to know more about this amazing preserve? Then check out our in-depth travel guide. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK A few other International Dark Sky Parks in the USA that are definitely worth exploring include Antelope Island State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park. Outside of the USA, you can find International Park Sky Parks in Germany, Austria, Japan, England, Wales, Croatia and New Zealand (plus many more). ➳ You can find the full list of dark sky parks here. Dark skies are an incredibly important part of this planet's natural landscape. Not just because they allow you to view hundreds of stars, but also because they are incredibly necessary for the health and survival of various animals; including, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Not to mention plants and insects. As the International Dark Sky Association puts it, "plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators." While protecting and preserving our dark skies might seem like a monumental challenge, in the end, if we all try to do our part (no matter how small), positive change will occur. Everyone can help - be it turning off the lights, exchanging your current lights for more dark-sky friendly options, or just heading out to support places that are already making a positive impact (like these 9 parks above are). If you are curious to learn more about our planet's dark skies, including even more stunning Dark Sky Places, then make sure to check out this list. And if you have any questions about these 9 destinations, please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. EXPLORE SOME OF THE DARKEST SKIES IN THE USA | OUR INTERACTIVE DARK SKY MAP WANT TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE THE ULTIMATE GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE

14.5573° N, 90.7332° W NOTHING HELPS START A PERFECT DAY LIKE A DELICIOUS CUP OF TRADITIONAL GUATEMALAN COFFEE. LUCKILY, ANTIGUA HAS SOME TRULY A+ CAFES. BELOW ARE 8 OF THE BEST! Guatemala has been actively cultivating coffee since the 1850s and up until roughly 10 years ago it was the largest producer of coffee in Central America (Honduras now holds that title). In the beginning, most of the coffee was grown in the southern half of the country - specifically in the Antigua and Amatitlan areas. But, due to a lack of knowledge, technology and capital, the initial growth of the coffee industry was not as quick in Guatemala as it has been in other coffee-growing nations. Today, the country's coffee growing sector is run by Anacafe, an organization that was created in the 1960s and presently runs various coffee laboratories, a program for children and even a coffee magazine. They also have established a Guatemala Coffees brand and defined 8 specific coffee regions in the country. ➳ You can learn more about Anacafe and the Guatemalan coffee culture here. In Antigua, coffee shops can be found on almost every street corner. From modern hip cafés serving up oat milk lattes to more traditional spots that also serve up delicious Guatemalan breakfasts, you can find a variety of coffee shops for whatever vibe you are looking to experience. Below, in my opinion, are 8 of the best coffee shops in Antigua. If you are a coffee fiend like me or just someone curious to taste what traditional Guatemalan coffee tastes like, then make sure to add these 8 spots to your travel itinerary. MAP OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA THE 8 BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA 1 | 12 Onzas This was probably my favorite coffee shop in all of Antigua. The vibe, the coffee, the Wi-Fi, the location - it was all pretty perfect. I would say that if you are looking for a hip café experience and want to try some delicious local coffee (and/or eat a healthy breakfast) definitely come here. OPENS: 7AM BEST FOR: healthy breakfast, remote working, its nice back garden DON’T MISS: their breakfast plates and Americanos (get both for ~Q65) COST: Q25 for a latte, Q20 for an Americano WI-FI: yes, and good tables inside and outside on their patio for working CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION 2 | El Gran Café While not the best place to head to to get some work done - there aren't any tables - this small, modern café does serve up some darn good coffee. I would suggest stopping here in the morning before a full day of exploring Antigua. Plus, you can purchase locally grown coffee in various sizes and roasts in their small store. OPENS: 8AM BEST FOR: delicious coffee, cool modern vibe DON’T MISS: the iced latte is delicious COST: Q25 for a latte WI-FI: not sure... CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION EXPLORE MORE | 5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING COLOMBIA'S COFFEE REGION 3 | Fernando’s Kaffee Less hipster and more of a traditional, mom and pop café, Fernando's Kaffee seems to be a local mainstay in the community. While their coffee is very good, I would also suggest ordering a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, which includes eggs, plantains, tortillas, beans and some cheese. OPENS: 7AM BEST FOR: sitting out on a nice patio, delicious coffee and breakfast DON’T MISS: their simple Americano is quite good COST: latte (Q25), typical breakfast (Q30) WI-FI: yes CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION 4 | El Viejo Café This Parisian-style café and bakery has great street watching opportunities, as well as really delicious options of baked goods (especially the almond croissant). While they do offer Wi-Fi and plenty of tables, I probably wouldn't come here to work - especially on the weekend since it can get quite busy. OPENS: 6:30AM BEST FOR: homemade croissants and loaves of bread DON’T MISS: the latte and breakfast options are delicious COST: Americano Q15, croissant Q12-15, breakfast plate Q45 (comes with black coffee) WI-FI: yes CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION LEARN MORE | HIKING COLOMBIA'S DELICIOUS COFFEE ROUTE: WHAT TO KNOW 5 | Alegria Café Another super hip coffee shop, Alegria Café is located just steps from Antigua's main plaza. This colorful café includes lots of cool local artwork and books, plenty of comfortable benches and tables, and locally roasted coffee beans. OPENS: 7AM BEST FOR: hip café vibes, unique food and drink offerings DON’T MISS: if you are feeling up to it, try to sesame milk latte - it’s definitely a different flavor COST: Q28 for a latte WI-FI: yes, but no laptops are allowed on the weekend CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION 6 | Fat Cat Coffee Located on the same street as 12 Onzas, this modern coffee shop is another A+ place to head to in the morning to get some work done or to just caffeine up before a long day wandering around Antigua. The Wi-Fi is strong, the drinks are delicious and the vibe is productive. OPENS: 7AM BEST FOR: refreshing iced drinks on a hot day, productive atmosphere DON’T MISS: the iced chai, lattes and Frappuccino's COST: Q28 for a latte, Q30 for an iced chai WI-FI: yes! And plenty of tables CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION 7 | The River Coffee House Located a bit farther from the hubbub of the main touristy area of Antigua, the River Coffee House is much quieter than other cafes on this list. Another perk of this one is that due to its location, it is really easy to explore some of the nearby churches that make Antigua so famous - including the San Francisco Sanctuary and Iglesia Escuela de Cristo. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: not that this should matter, but this café is quite religious. When I visited they were blasting some strong spiritual music. OPENS: 8AM BEST FOR: cheap and delicious coffee, good WI-FI, plenty of tables to work at, really quiet - especially in the morning DON’T MISS: tasty Americanos COST: Q15 for an Americano, Q25 for a latte, Q28 for a dirty chai WI-FI: yes CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION 8 | Café La Parada The final coffee shop I recommend checking out in Antigua is going to be this smaller, less-coffee-shop-and-more-coffee-stop spot near Iglesia de la Merced (the bright yellow church on the northern side of town). Similar to Fernando Kaffee, Café La Parada seems to be a local favorite - especially for the older generation (it is highly likely that you will be rubbing shoulders with older gentlemen reading the local paper while sipping your coffee). I would suggest stopping in for a quick Americano or latte before heading out on whatever adventure you have planned for the day. OPENS: 6:45AM BEST FOR: a quick cup of coffee - especially to go DON’T MISS: their tasty and cheap Americanos COST: Q15 - Q20 for a simple Americano (depending on size) WI-FI: yes, but not too many tables to work at CREDIT CARDS: yes 📌LOCATION Guatemala produces some truly delicious coffee, and by far one of the best places to experience this rich part of the country's culture is in the historic town of Antigua. And these 8 coffee shops are definitely some of the best places to head to in order to try the tasty elixir for yourself. If you have any questions or comments about these 8 cafes - or just Antigua and Guatemala in general - please feel free to leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS COFFEE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDES HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA | The Ultimate Adventure Guide EXPLORING SEMUC CHAMPEY | Learn Everything You Need to Know About this Guatemalan Gem BUDGETING FOR GUATEMALA | What I Spent Traveling for 2.5 Weeks PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

15.7835° N, 90.2308° W CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT IT COSTS TO TRAVEL GUATEMALA? GOOD - I GOT YOU. HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF EXACTLY WHAT I SPENT DURING MY 2.5 WEEK TRIP. CHECK OUT MY IN-DEPTH GUATEMALA BUDGET BELOW. First things first, what did I actually expect to spend in Guatemala during my 2.5 week trip? Honestly, I thought I could get by only spending $20 USD a day. But it turns out that that was a little too low - especially since I am a coffee fiend who loves checking out new cafes (not mad about it). In actuality, I probably spent (on average) closer to $25 USD or Q195 a day (FYI this does not include lodging) - which is still not too bad. This total cost included three meals, usually a latte, activities and maybe a drink or two. So were there any costs that surprised me? I would say that there were really just two: the price of coffee, which was not that much lower than USA prices even though coffee is grown so close by, and the price of eating out at a restaurant (again prices were closer to what you'd likely pay at a low or mid-range restaurant in the USA). Now I understand that my view of costs is almost entirely based on what I spent in Antigua - one of the most touristy places in the country. But, I talked to other travelers and a lot of them also mentioned how they felt like Guatemala was a bit more expensive than they were originally led to believe. So if you are planning to visit, be aware that Guatemala is no longer this dirt cheap destination that I think we have all been led to believe it was. I still definitely think it is very affordable - especially if you are planning to spend more time outside of the major tourist hubs (like Antigua and Lake Atitlan). Just know that some items do cost more than you might originally be budgeting for. Now are there ways to cut back on costs? Of course! There are definitely ways to lower your daily costs, including eating a lot of street food (it is delicious and very affordable) or cooking meals at your hostel, choosing cheaper accommodations (there are a ton of options for every budget - especially in Antigua), and shopping at the local markets instead of the main supermarkets. But, I also believe there are a few things worth splurging on in Guatemala. And luckily, in this case "splurging" isn't even really accurate. For example, don't miss out on the 2-day Acatenango hike (even if you aren't really a hiker). This incredible adventure can cost anywhere between $50 and $80 USD - a pretty low cost considering it includes guides, accommodation, food and transportation. Likewise, if possible, try to head out to Semuc Champey. While it is a trek - and requires at least two long bus rides - I believe it is 100% worth it. Below you will find a pretty in-depth breakdown of what I spent as a digital nomad during my nearly three week trip to Guatemala. 💱GUATEMALA CURRENCY EXCHANGE Quetzal (or Q) is the Guatemalan currency. The exchange rate is $1 = ~7.8 quetzales or €1 = ~8.5 quetzales. WHAT I SPENT IN GUATEMALA AS A DIGITAL NOMAD ACTIVITIES This is a basic cost breakdown of the few adventures I partook in during my 2.5 weeks in Guatemala. I would say that overall, most of the top adventures are pretty affordable - especially when you think about how much similar activities would cost in places like the USA or Western Europe. ACATENANGO 2-DAY HIKE: $55 USD This was definitely one of my favorite adventures in Guatemala. The two-day hike gave me a lot of awesome opportunities to see the highly eruptive Fuego Volcano, get out of the city and back into nature, and meet some super cool people. If you do one big adventure in Guatemala, make it this one. ► Check out my in-depth guide on hiking Acatenango here. BIKE TOUR AROUND ANTIGUA: $40 USD Was this tour worth it? Eh, probably not. While it was cool to bike around the area outside of Antigua and see a different side of the city, it also felt like a tour focused solely on having me buy things (from chocolate to macadamia nuts to jade jewelry). ANTIGUA WALKING TOUR: free! But definitely tip your guide between $10-15 USD. I would definitely suggest doing one of the free walking tours of Antigua - especially if you are curious about the town's history and culture - or if you just want to learn more about the top hidden gems (like a 100+ year old sweet shop). You can book your free tour online at GuruWalk. EXPLORE MORE | SPENDING TWO DAYS ON A VOLCANO: MY ADVENTURE ON ACATENANGO HIKE UP CORAZON DE AGUA: $8 This is a really off the beaten path adventure that includes a trip out of the main part of Antigua and a short hike up to the top of a tall hill with some cool miradors. I would rate this activity as a 7/10 - though that is mostly because it allowed me to meet new people and move my legs a bit (plus get some fresh air). CERRO DE LA CRUZ: free! If you are looking for a short (and free) activity to do in Antigua, then consider heading to the edge of town and walking up to the top of Cerro de La Cruz, a high point that affords you great views of downtown Antigua and the opportunity to see Fuego, Acatenango and Agua Volcanoes. 💬INSIDER TIP: I recommend coming here in the morning when it is quieter and there is a higher chance of you seeing the volcanoes (it often gets cloudy at dusk). SEMUC CHAMPEY TOUR: $31 USD Another fantastic adventure to be had in Guatemala is a trip to the middle of the country (aka the jungle) to see the stunning turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. After Acatenango, this was definitely my favorite activity I did during my 2.5 weeks in the country. ► Explore my full guide to visiting Semuc Champey here. FOOD I was very excited to try all of the local dishes that I had heard so much about even before deciding to visit Guatemala. And for the most part, I loved all of the food I ate. From the local street food to the more upscale restaurants, the food scene in Guatemala is definitely top-notch. Overall, I ate out at least once a day - though oftentimes twice (I usually made my own breakfast at the hostel). My dinners usually consisted of street food (especially pupusas and large, overstuffed tostadas), while a lot of my lunches were either eaten in the local market or made from a hodge-podge of local fruit, homemade tortillas and usually some fresh avocado. Here is a quick cost breakdown of food in Guatemala: A Nice Meal in a Restaurant // Q45 - Q75, up to Q150 at a really fancy spot Lunch in the Market // Q15 - Q25 Breakfast at a Nice Café // Q30 - Q45 Street Food // Q10 - Q35, you can get a bag of fresh tortillas for Q5 Fresh Fruit on the Street or in the Market // Q5 - Q10 TOTAL: Q1950 / $250 USD DISCOVER MORE | THE ULTIMATE FOOD GUIDE TO SALENTO, COLOMBIA DRINKS While I am not the biggest drinker, I do occasionally like to check out the local brewery and bar scene - especially if I have friends along with me. In Antigua, there were some really cool spots to grab a drink. Including, the very fun El Bosque (a large outdoor beer garden in a literal forest), the Antigua Brewing Company (with its amazing terrace), a very funky cocktail bar located through an old telephone booth in the aforementioned Antigua Brewery, and the large El Barrio - which is really a conglomerate of many different bars. TOTAL: Q322 / $41.30 USD COFFEE If there is one thing I love doing while traveling - besides getting out and going on adventures - it is exploring the local coffee scene. Luckily, Antigua, and Guatemala in general, has no short supply of cool, hip cafes slinging delicious coffee. For the most part, you can expect to pay between Q20 ($2.60 USD) and Q35 ($4.50 USD) for a latte or cappuccino and a little less for an Americano. TOTAL: Q293 / $38 USD READ MORE | WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING COLOMBIA'S DELICIOUS COFFEE REGION LODGING I spent almost every night of my 2.5 week trip at a Selina Hostel. For most of that time, I was living in Antigua, though I also spent a couple of days at the Selina in Lake Atitlan (in the town of Panajachel to be exact) as well as two nights in the small town of Lanquin. The Selina hostels - while definitely not the cheapest option - do come with some nice amenities; including, a great coworking space, plenty of outdoor areas, a communal kitchen, a restaurant and bar, and lots of activities. I spent roughly $450 USD for 19 nights, which comes out to about $24 USD a night. LEARN MORE | WHAT IT COST TO BE A DIGITAL NOMAD IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA Besides staying at the two Selina's, I also booked two nights at Zephyr Hostel in the town of Lanquin. This was for my quick trip to Semuc Champey. For those two nights I spent $42 USD. TOTAL: Q3,833 / $492 USD TRANSPORTATION While I definitely think I could have saved some money in this category, I also don't regret spending just under $150 on getting around Guatemala. This total amount included three 8+ hour bus rides, two boat rides on Lake Atitlan (which run anywhere from Q15 to Q30 depending on your boat captain), two shuttles to and from the airport in Guatemala City (~ $15 USD each way) and two Uber rides out to a trailhead. BUSES Antigua to Lanquin/Semuc Champey: $40 USD Lanquin/Semuc Champey to Lake Atitlan: $60 USD Lake Atitlan to Antigua: $18 USD TOTAL: Q1,154 / $148 USD EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUS TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA MISCELLANEOUS As with all travels, there are always a few random things you need to buy along the way. In my case, because I only brought a carry-on bag with me, I had to purchase a small thing of toothpaste and sunscreen, as well as a small bath towel (because I forgot one, whoops). I also bought a couple of cool souvenirs - including some locally made chocolate bars and a small wooden mask (which are very common in Antigua). The only other miscellaneous expense I had was one laundry run - which only cost me Q25 (or just over $3 USD). TOTAL: Q260 / $33.35 USD Guatemala is a fantastic place to base yourself as a digital nomad. With so much to do - from hiking volcanoes to surfing in the Pacific Ocean - as well as an exciting culture and delicious cuisine (and coffee!), you will very likely not want to leave (I know I didn't). Luckily, the country is quite affordable, which makes it a great place for an adventure digital nomad looking to live on the cheap. If you have any questions or comments about traveling in and around Guatemala, please leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS GUATEMALA BUDGET GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE TRAVEL BUDGETS SPENDING THE DAY AT SEMUC CHAMPEY, GUATEMALA | What to Expect on This Jungle Adventure WHAT ARE ADVENTURE DIGITAL NOMADS | Learn More About This Exciting New Way to Travel WHAT DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA | An In-Depth Look at Our Colombia Travel Budget PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

15.5336° N, 89.9592° W LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING AND ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME GUATEMALA EXPERIENCE? THEN CONSIDER ADDING SEMUC CHAMPEY TO YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY. EXPLORE THIS GUIDE TO LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. The stunning Semuc Champey is a natural monument located in the middle of Guatemala. More specifically, the monument is about an hour outside of the nearest town of San Agustín Lanquín or just Lanquin (which is actually a Q'eqchi' Maya town and therefore you will hear a lot less Spanish spoken there). In fact, the name "Semuc Champey" comes from the Qʼeqchiʼ language (one of the 20+ Mayan dialects spoken in Guatemala) and means "where the river hides under the earth." So what is Semuc Champey exactly? Well, it is a series of bright turquoise colored pools that actually sits on top of a natural limestone bridge. The nearby Cahabón River (which you can swim and tube in) goes underneath that bridge - hence the Maya Q'eqchi' name. Besides the pools, the monument and surrounding area also includes numerous caves (one of which you can explore by candlelight), waterfalls, a few hiking trails and a small visitor center and food hall. I actually visited Semuc Champey on a bit of a whim. Originally, I had only planned on checking out Antigua and Lake Atitlan during my 2.5 weeks in Guatemala. But then I met a friend and they were going and I figured "why not?". So I booked an 8 hour bus ride and two nights at a surprisingly swanky jungle hostel, and started to get super excited about the upcoming adventure. And man did Semuc Champey deliver. Below you will find information on all of the key areas in Semuc Champey, my exact travel itinerary, and everything else you'd need to know to have your own epic Semuc Champey adventure. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS | What does it cost to visit Semuc Champey? If you go with a tour, you can expect to pay around 200 - 250 quetzals (the Guatemalan currency). So roughly $25 - $32 USD for a full day. You can read my full outline of the tour below. | Can you swim in Semuc Champey? YES! And you definitely should. While the pools are a bit cold, they are super refreshing after a sweaty jungle hike. | Is Semuc Champey safe? I felt very safe there - both from a security standpoint and from an adventurer's standpoint (some people in my group thought the cave was a bit sketchy, but I thought it seemed totally safe). \\ Top Things to Do at Semuc Champey Besides getting those stunning photos of the famous turquoise pools, you also have the chance to explore a large waterlogged cave, go cliff jumping, hike up to the mirador and walk around the Semuc Champey National Monument. THE CANDLELIT CAVE TOUR Surprisingly, maybe my favorite part of the whole trip to Semuc Champey was the hike/swim in the nearby dark, water-filled caves. This adventure includes the opportunity to explore an unlit cave with only the help of a tall candle to light your way, as well as the chance to climb a few rope ladders (or a waterfall if you choose), swim through dark tunnels and go cliff jumping. Honestly, this whole 1.5 hour trip felt very much like a mix between Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. I loved it. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you get claustrophobic or if you don't feel comfortable swimming in the dark, then this tour might not be for you. While I thought this was one of the coolest parts of the tour, I also understand it isn't for everyone. HIKE UP TO THE MIRADOR For the best photos of the famous pools, you will want to make the steep trek up to the national monument's mirador (viewpoint). The hike up should take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes and includes a whole lot of steps (pair that with the heat and humidity of the jungle and you will be dying for a refreshing dip in the pools afterward). From the top, you can see the six pools in all of their glowing glory, as well as a better view of the surrounding jungle. I recommend bringing plenty of water with you and/or some cash so you can cool off with one of the always-sold fresh coconuts on your way down. SWIM IN THE POOLS Very likely the one adventure you have been most excited about is the opportunity to actually swim in the famous turquoise pools. There are six different pools that are all combined via small waterfalls and ledges. You can easily walk between each pool, with the last one ending at the waterfall that you saw earlier in the day. The water is chilly, but very refreshing (especially after the hot hike up to the mirador). Make sure to bring sunglasses and/or a hat because there is no shade once you are out in the water. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: I ended up wearing sandals into the water (my trusty Teva's to be exact), but I don't think you really need to. While I was worried about sharp rocks on the bottom of the pools, in truth, the ground is quite soft. If you want to swim around, I would ditch the shoes and go barefoot instead. \\ Guided Tour of Semuc Champey | What to Expect I would say the best way to experience Semuc Champey - especially if you want a pretty hassle-free adventure - is to go with a guided tour. I paid Q240 (~ $31 USD) for a full-day tour. This price included transportation to and from Semuc Champey (one hour each way), lunch, a guide and all entrance fees (including to the national monument). A guided tour of Semuc Champey usually goes like this: | Leave the hostel at around 8:30AM. Make sure to eat breakfast beforehand. | Head out on a very bumpy hour ride to the entrance of Semuc Champey. | Arrive in Semuc Champey and almost immediately drop your stuff off at the lockers and get ready to head into the caves | Start the cave tour. Expect it to be quite dark and only lit by candles (including the one you have to carry the whole time). The tour is roughly 1.5 hours long and is an out and back. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to climb a small waterfall, cliff jump, and swim through some deeper sections. | After the cave tour, you will head to the nearby waterfalls (a ~10 minute walk away). Here you can swim and partake in some more cliff jumping (~1 hour). | After the waterfalls, it will be time for lunch. You will likely eat this near the large river. If you don't pay for the tour's lunch (Q40), you can also purchase food at one of the small food stalls (a plate lunch costs about Q60). | After lunch, you will head to Semuc Champey National Monument. Before starting the hike up to the viewpoint (mirador) you will have a quick briefing about the monument and how Semuc Champey was formed. | Hike to the mirador - this should take about 30-45 minutes each way. At the top, you will have amazing views of the Semuc Champey pools down below. | Once you have your photos and have taken in the view, you will hike back down and head to a small locker room where you can store your stuff (your tour group will have their own lockers) and then jump into the turquoise pools themselves. | Swim in the pools for an hour or so. Consider checking out all 6 of the pools - including the last one that actually leads to the waterfall you saw earlier in the day. | Finally, make your way back to the entrance and start the bumpy hour drive back to the hostel at around 4PM. | You should make it back to your hostel at around 5PM. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA \\ What Gear to Bring With You to Semuc Champey | Good Shoes: I wore my trusty Teva sandals into the cave and up to the mirador and had no problems with them - even on the cave's slick rocks. If you want a pair of super comfortable and all-around good sandals for every kind of adventure, then I cannot recommend Teva's enough. | FIND A PAIR 💬INSIDER TIP: before you even reach the entrance to Semuc Champey, you will likely meet a group of kids looking to rent (or sell) you some water shoes. If you don't have a good set of shoes with you (for example flip-flops are a no-go) then I would recommend renting a pair for the day. It costs Q25 to rent or Q60 to buy ($3 or $7.70). | Sunglasses: the sun can be really intense - especially while out in Semuc Champey's pools. Make sure to pack a pair of handy sunglasses that can handle the water's glare. This polarized pair by Goodr would work perfectly (plus, they're cute!). | CHECK THEM OUT | Sunscreen: never leave home without sunscreen, no matter where you are. In this case, the sun's rays felt so intense while out exploring the pools and up at the mirador. I made sure to reapply a couple of times because sunburns are no joke. | GET YOUR SUNSCREEN NOW ❔GOOD TO KNOW: this was not stated anywhere, but I think it is worth saying that the famous Semuc Champey pools are becoming quite popular (with travelers and locals alike). Try to do your part in keeping the natural pools in great condition for future generations to come by being as sustainable a traveler as possible. One great way to do this is to wear eco-friendly sunscreen - like this one from Mad Hippie. | Swimsuit: due to the heat and humidity, it is quite likely that you will want to spend all day in just your swimsuit (I know I did). So make sure to wear one that is comfortable and easy to move in (both for hiking and swimming). This set by Seafolly is made of a stretchy nylon material that is comfy and quick-drying - plus it comes in a cute tropical-style print. | CHECK THE SET OUT | Water & Snacks: while you can definitely buy bottled drinks at Semuc Champey, why not instead be a more sustainable traveler and bring your own water bottle (or two). I would suggest at least 1 liter for the day - though due to the heat, more might be better. Also, don't forget the snacks like I did (I was absolutely famished on the hour ride back to the hostel). You can purchase a few things in the town of Lanquin ahead of time. | Camera: even if you aren't as interested in photography, you will still want some way to capture the stunning beauty that is Semuc Champey (it truly is as beautiful as all the photos make it look!). I brought my GoPro 9 along for the day, but used my phone a bit more just because it was slightly handier. Do know that the guides HIGHLY discourage you from bringing any technology with you into the caves due to the darkness, high water levels and likely a long history of tourists losing their phones and making the whole group have to wait for them to find it. | Backpack: in order to carry all of the things you will need for a fun day out at Semuc Champey, I suggest bringing a sizeable backpack with you. This one by Osprey is just 13 liters in size - meaning it can easily be stuffed into the available lockers. | CHECK IT OUT | Cash for Snacks and Gifts: you will have the chance to buy some very local chocolate, cold bottled drinks, fresh fruit (for Q5 each), and a grilled chicken plate. LEARN MORE | TOP TIPS TO BE A MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVELER \\ How to Get To and From Semuc Champey While Semuc Champey and Lanquin are not exactly centrally located in Guatemala, they are still relatively easy to reach via bus. You can expect daily routes to and from Lanquin from many popular tourist cities, including Antigua, Lake Atitlan/Panajachel, Flores and Guatemala City. All buses should arrive in Lanquin at around 5PM, since this is when the hostels send their own transportation to pick their guests up (this includes both Zephyr Hostel and Greengos Hotel). When leaving Semuc Champey and Lanquin, you can likely book a bus or shuttle through your hostel or online. All transportation leaves from the Shell gas station at the entrance to the town. SEMUC CHAMPEY TO LANQUIN Almost all hostels are located in and around the small town of Lanquin. To reach Semuc Champey from town, you will need to take a one hour ride via a very rough and steep dirt road. Most tour operators do include transportation to and from Lanquin (though make sure to confirm this ahead of time!). SEMUC CHAMPEY TO ANTIGUA To reach Semuc Champey from Antigua, you will first need to take an 8 hour bus ride on a winding road to Lanquin. The buses usually leave downtown Antigua at around 9AM and arrive in Lanquin at roughly 5PM. Expect 2-3 stops along the way for food and to use the bathroom. From Lanquin, it is another hour bus ride out to Semuc Champey. SEMUC CHAMPEY TO LAKE ATITLAN To reach Semuc Champey from Lake Atitlan, you will first need to take a 10 hour bus ride on a very winding (and sometimes rough) road. The buses usually leave Panajachel (the largest town on the lake) at around 7:30AM and arrive in Lanquin at roughly 5PM. Expect 2-3 stops along the way for food and to use the bathroom. From Lanquin, it is another hour bus ride out to Semuc Champey. SEMUC CHAMPEY TO FLORES To reach Semuc Champey from Flores (which is the closest town to the famous Tikal ruins), you will need to take an 8 hour bus ride on a pretty jungle-y road. The buses usually leave Flores at around 9AM and arrive in Lanquin at roughly 5PM. Expect 2-3 stops along the way for food and to use the bathroom. From Lanquin, it is another hour bus ride out to Semuc Champey. SEMUC CHAMPEY TO GUATEMALA CITY To reach Semuc Champey from the capital of the country, Guatemala City, you can expect a 7 to 8 hour bus ride on hot windy highways. The time will definitely depend on traffic within the city (sometimes it can be brutal). As with all other bus trips, you can expect to arrive in Lanquin at around 5PM. From Lanquin, it is another hour bus ride out to Semuc Champey. 🚌TRANSPORTATION IN GUATEMALA: I highly recommend checking out the site GuateGo for all of your public transportation needs in Guatemala (and the rest of Central America). You can find up-to-date routes, buy your tickets and plan your trip all on their easy-to-use website. | CHECK IT OUT! EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUS TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA \\ Where to Stay in Semuc Champey ZEPHYR LODGE I ended up booking two nights here after my friend (who I was meeting in Semuc Champey) booked here before me. Turns out, this place is absolutely incredible and maybe one of my favorite hostel experiences ever. The location - high above the jungle and town - not to mention their beautiful infinity pool, lively restaurant and bar, and sweet dorm rooms, made Zephyr Lodge a pretty tough place to beat. If you can, stay here while in Lanquin. ➳ BOOK YOUR STAY VIA HOSTELWORLD GREENGOS HOTEL Another great option is this eco-conscious hotel located on the outskirts of Lanquin. Greengos - like Zephyr Lodge - provides transportation from the bus stop to the hotel, has tours to Semuc Champey and other nearby adventures (including tubing), and many other traveler-focused activities (like beer-pong tournaments). ➳ BOOK YOUR STAY Other great options for where to stay in Lanquin/Semuc Champey include: Hostal Oasis, El Mirador de Tansu and Guayaha (which is more of a glamping setup). \\ Where to Eat in Semuc Champey KALULA CAFE AND RESTAURANT This is one of the few restaurants in Lanquin. Located in the central part of town, this more up-scale spot has a decent amount of food and drink options; including, pasta, chicken, breakfast food, hamburgers and cocktails. THE HOSTELS AND HOTELS It seems like for most travelers that visit Semuc Champey and Lanquin, meals are mostly eaten at the hostel they are staying at. Luckily, for the most part, the food isn’t half bad (if only a bit more expensive than normal). I ended up getting 2 breakfasts and a large dinner at Zephyr Hostel and I have nothing bad to say about it! Semuc Champey is one of the best places to travel to in Guatemala - especially if you are an adventurer looking for a more authentic, jungle experience. Hopefully, this Semuc Champey travel guide helps you plan your own epic adventure. And remember, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS SEMUC CHAMPEY TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDES HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO | The Ultimate Guide to Guatemala's Best Adventure EL VALLE, COLOMBIA | The Perfect Guide to Colombia's Hidden Gem SAN CIPRIANO | Getting Off the Beaten Path in Colombia's Jungle PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

14.5005° N, 90.8757° W THIS IN-DEPTH ADVENTURE GUIDE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA. Are you planning to visit Antigua, Guatemala and looking to hike up the epic Acatenango Volcano to get a better view of fiery Fuego Volcano (which actually, literally, translates to Fire Volcano)? Then you have come to the right spot! This in-depth adventure guide will outline everything you need to know before heading out on the popular Acatenango overnight hike yourself; including, whether it is worth it to add on the extra excursion to Fuego, what gear to bring with you to make sure you have a great time, and what the two-day adventure actually looks like from someone who has done it before (and absolutely loved it!). But first, a bit more about the two volcanoes. Acatenango, which is a stratovolcano, towers over the very touristy city of Antigua, Guatemala. It is actually made up of two summits: Pico Mayor (the higher peak) and Yepocapa. The highest point of Acatenango sits at just over 13,045 feet (which is way taller than I expected). Fuego Volcano (or Fire Volcano) is joined with Acatenango via an obvious saddle, and they collectively make up the volcano complex known as La Horqueta. Unlike Acatenango, which is now dormant, Fuego is very active. In fact, you can expect small eruptions every 10-20 minutes. Usually these eruptions consist of large plumes of ash and smoke/gas and some flying rock debris (or pyroclastic flows). Some of the best views of Fuego and its fiery eruptions come from the side of Acatenango - hence the popularity of the hike. Seriously, if you are looking for an epic adventure in Guatemala and in Central America in general, then make sure to add hiking Acatenango Volcano to your list. I have hiked a lot of mountains (and volcanoes) and this trip was definitely one of my favorites! \\ What to Expect While Hiking Acatenango Volcano Below is a brief outline of what you can expect while hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala - especially if you do it with a guide: DAY 1 | Get picked up in the center of Antigua or at your hostel between 9AM and 9:30AM. | It is about an hour ride up to the trailhead. You may stop at a grocery store along the way for some last minute supplies and a bathroom break depending on your tour agency. | Start hiking between 11AM and 11:30AM after a quick debrief with your group. | Likely reach the lunch spot between 1:30PM and 2PM. | Get to basecamp around 4PM. | Once at camp, you will have the option to head over to Fuego Volcano, which requires another 1.5 hours of hiking and a lot of elevation change. | If you do the extra adventure to Fuego Volcano, then expect to be at the top of the ridge for an hour or so to watch the sunset and to get a more up close view of Fuego's many eruptions. Then you will hike back down to camp in the dark (so bring a headlamp!). | Get to camp around 8PM, eat dinner, and then watch Fuego erupt some more (at night is when you see the most glowing lava). | Bedtime! DAY 2 | If you choose to summit Acatenango Volcano, then you will need to wake up between 4AM and 4:30AM. | For the summit push, you will have to hike for 1 hour to reach the top. | Watch sunrise (it's amaaaazing). | Hike back down to camp, which should take ~30 minutes. | Eat a lighter breakfast at basecamp. Then pack your bags and clean up the camp (remember to take everything with you!). | Start hiking down to the trailhead at around 8:30AM. | It will likely take you 2-3 hours to make it down to the bottom depending on how fast you go (I got back to the trailhead around 11:20AM); there will also be a few breaks along the way. | Once down at the bottom, you will have an hour ride back to Antigua (I ended up getting back to town around 1PM). IS IT WORTH IT TO HIKE OVER TO FUEGO VOLCANO? I had heard mixed reviews on this added adventure before venturing out on the trail myself, and I am sure you will too. Simply put, I would suggest adding on the extra hike to Fuego Volcano ONLY if it is clear out (meaning no clouds or fog). If you get lucky and find yourself up on Acatenango on a clear afternoon definitely do it! The views from the ridge are pretty spectacular - especially once the sun goes down and you can really see the glow from the volcano's eruptions. Do note that this is an extra adventure and therefore you will have to pay more to do it (between 200 and 250 quetzals or $25 and $30 USD). Also, it will require an extra 2-3 hours of hiking, so make sure to come prepared with an ample amount of water and snacks (you will eat dinner after getting back to camp). Likewise, the hike back down in the dark can be pretty slick and even treacherous in some parts, so make sure to bring a headlamp or your phone for light. IS IT WORTH IT TO SUMMIT ACATENANGO IN THE MORNING? Another adventure you can choose to do or not is to summit Acatenango Volcano on the morning of Day 2. This hike does NOT cost extra and is included with almost all standard bookings. Similar to Fuego, I would suggest only doing this extra hike - which will require another 1.5 hours of hiking (total), most of which will be in the dark - if it is clear. BUT, if you do have good conditions, then I also HIGHLY recommend hiking to the summit, for once at the top, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the sunrise and some extra time to see an erupting and glowing Fuego. Once you have your fill of the view (you will stay at the summit for about an hour or so) then it is a quick 30 minute hike back down to camp where you will receive breakfast and maybe some coffee. HOW COLD DOES IT ACTUALLY GET? If I am being honest, this was the one thing I was most nervous about since I know I get cold easily and then it can be really tough for me to warm back up (I also have bad circulation but that is a whole other problem). I would say that the coldest part of the whole 2-day trip was on the summit of Acatenango on Day 2. And I am not gonna lie - it gets coooold up there (plus it's really windy). But I think if you have plenty of layers - especially a windbreaker or something that protects against the wind - you should be fine. Similarly, you will likely only be at the summit for an hour, so even if you are cold, you don't have to be for very long. \\ Should You Hike Acatenango Volcano With a Guide? While the trail is pretty easy to follow, if you choose to do the hike without a guide then you will need to bring all food, water, and camping gear with you. Likewise, you will also need to find your own transportation to the trailhead (I did see some local buses, but couldn't find the specific routes). Unless you have a lot of time to plan the hike and/or your own vehicle and gear, I would instead suggest just going with a guide. FINDING A TOUR GUIDE IN ANTIGUA Because hiking Acatenango is one of the most popular adventures in Antigua, you should have no problem finding a guiding service or tour agency that does the hike. Below are some of the most popular agencies that do the Acatenango hike, as well as what it costs per person for the 2-day adventure: Tropicana: costs Q578 or $74 USD (this includes one extra breakfast and the Q100 park entrance fee) OX Expeditions: costs Q695 or $89 USD (this includes an extra breakfast) Soy Tours: costs Q450 or $58 USD (this includes the Q100 park entrance fee) 🌳SUSTAINABILITY: one really cool thing that OX Expeditions does is give hikers a free t-shirt if they carry down a bag of trash (there is a loooot of trash on the trail). That being said, do your part by leaving no trace and carrying out everything you bring with you (trash and TP included). I ended up going through Selina (where I was staying) and I paid $55 USD for the adventure. This included three meals, pretty good quality gear (including hat, gloves and a jacket), comfortable sleeping equipment, and two awesome guides. WHAT DO THE TOUR GUIDES AND AGENCIES PROVIDE Below is a list of what you can expect the tour guides and agencies to provide for the 2-day Acatenango Volcano hike. Do note that some of this might change a bit depending on what company you go through, but from what I heard from other travelers this is the basic list of items to expect when going with a group. | Bedding (sleeping bag and pillow) | A warm jacket | Hat and thinner gloves | On Day 1, lunch and dinner (and maybe some hot chocolate) | On Day 2, a light breakfast (and maybe coffee) | Transportation to the trailhead and back to Antigua \\ The Best Time to Hike Acatenango Volcano You can technically hike Acatenango Volcano year-round, but it is thought to be better during the dry season which runs from November to April. During this time of year, you are more likely to have sunny skies, very little chance of rain and fewer clouds - the latter of which is important since the whole reason you are hiking is to watch Fuego erupt. I did the hike in late February and found the weather to be pretty much perfect: warm sunny days, clear nights that made viewing Fuego’s fiery eruptions easy and amazing, and brisk mornings. Do note that no matter the time of year you do the hike, you are very likely to experience a lot of wind at the summit of Acatenango and along the ridge of Fuego. \\ What to Bring With You to Hike Acatenango Volcano While you will likely be hiking up in nice sunny and warm temperatures, it definitely does get cold once the sun goes down and when you reach the higher elevations - especially on the summit of Acatenango (which sits at 13,045 feet or 3,976 meters), so make sure to pack both hot weather clothing to hike in as well as plenty of warm clothes to wear at night. Below is what I brought on my hike up Acatenango Volcano: CLOTHING | Long hiking or running tights (like these) | Active shorts, even better if they have pockets to hold your phone and snacks in (this exact pair worked great) | A breathable sports bra (if female) | Long-sleeved sun shirt (best if it's thinner and really wicking, for you will get sweaty on the hike up) | Warm and cozy thermal jacket (I love my Mammut jacket, but really any fleece-like jacket should work) | A light wicking t-shirt (perfect to change into once you get to camp or on the hike back down on Day 2) | 2 pairs of socks (one for hiking up and one for the colder temperatures at the top) | Shoes with really good tread (this is very important), these boots would be perfect! ❔GOOD TO KNOW: depending on the tour agency you go with, they will likely provide you with a thick jacket, a beanie and some gloves. Make sure to confirm this before heading out for it gets quite cold at the top. GEAR | A good sized backpack to hold all of your gear in (this one would be perfect) | 3.5 - 4 liters of water (see note on this below) | A bottle of electrolytes (you can buy electrolyte drinks in most stores or tiendas in Antigua), this is especially helpful if you are prone to altitude sickness | Some extra snacks (I brought tortilla chips, a pastry, 3 granola bars, and a bag of gummy candy) | Medicine (especially some painkillers in case you get a headache from the altitude) | Sunscreen and ChapStick (with SPF), these two items are both veeeery important | A lightweight sun hat | Sunglasses (and case so they don't get scratched or smashed) | Kindle (definitely not necessary, but maybe a nice to have) | Camera | GoPro 9 (again, definitely not necessary, but nice to have) | Cash* | Headlamp (didn't technically bring - I used my phone - but wish I had) EXTRA GOOD-TO-HAVES: wipes or a towel to use to wipe the dirt off of your face after the dusty hike up, hand sanitizer, some toilet paper, and a buff to protect your mouth from all of the dust (it gets really dusty on the hike up). *Extra cash is always a good idea. In the case of this hike, possible things you may need to spend money on include: the Fuego Volcano hike costs around Q250 extra, more food and water, a walking stick (this costs Q5), and tipping your guides (they only make $20 a day). WATER AND FOOD If there is one thing you need to make sure you bring with you when hiking Acatenango it is water. While I was originally told 3 liters would be enough, I ended up playing it safe and bringing closer to 4 (including one bottle of electrolytes)... and I still ran out. Now, there were a few different things in play here that led to me having pretty much no water for the hike back down. To start, a few people in my group didn't bring nearly enough water with them and they paid the price for it after the Fuego hike. So I ended up giving away a fair amount of my liquids - including my whole bottle of electrolytes. Likewise, you will need to give 1 liter of your water to the guides so they can use it to cook dinner or breakfast. So instead of 3 liters of water, I would instead highly recommend at least 4 liters (and maybe even 5 just to be safe). This is especially true if you have a history of getting altitude sickness or if you are maybe not in as good of shape. The hike up to camp is tough and mostly in the sun, so you will be needing more water than usual. Make sure to plan ahead and come prepared. As for food, while the agencies provide 3 meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast) the portions are not huge. I ended up bringing a bag of tortilla chips, some gummy candies, 3 granola bars and a pastry, and I ate almost all of it (I did end up giving one granola bar to a very cute dog along the way). If you have the space in your bag, definitely pack a few extra snacks just in case you get hungry along the trail. Plus, it is a good way to make friends (no one turns down candy)! HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN Below you will find an in-depth outline of the hike itself, plus extra useful tips to help you know exactly what to expect while out on the trail. TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.5 miles round trip (with the Acatenango summit but no Fuego add on) TRAIL DIFFICULTY: challenging, especially in the first half ELEVATION PROFILE: 5,308 feet gained TIME NEEDED: 2 days TRAIL CONDITIONS: easy to follow trail, definitely slick and sandy in places 🥾 ALLTRAILS LINK START The Acatenango Volcano trailhead is right along a busy road where you will likely see many types of buses and a few shops selling last minute gear and snacks. If you are going with a tour guide, there will be a debrief ere before starting the hike (this is usually when you get your extra warm gear). 💬INSIDER TIP: there will also be the chance to rent a walking stick, which costs around Q5 ($0.65). I didn't use a walking stick because I like having both hands free, but I definitely understand why they rent them: the trail is sliiiiick. If you have bad shoes or aren't used to hiking up sandy hillsides, then definitely rent one before starting out. 1 | Right from the start, the trail is pretty steep and sandy. Luckily, it is wide enough that you can walk two-wide or pass people. But be aware that due to timing, you will likely have to maneuver around people hiking down the mountain. After about 20 minutes or so of hiking (depending on your speed) you will make it to Miratenango, which is a sizeable restaurant that has bathrooms (Q5), a few shops selling food and drinks, and a couple of shaded benches. 2 | After Miratenango, you will start the hardest and steepest part of the hike. Between the restaurant and the park entrance station, you will climb nearly 1,000 feet in about half a mile. Luckily, a fair bit of this is done via steps, but definitely prepare yourself for a bit of sliding. 3 | The park entrance station offers bathroom facilities, a small concession stand and the opportunity to check out a map of the area (and learn more about the volcanoes themselves). This is also the start of the forest section - meaning a lot less sun and slightly cooler temperatures. 4 | Once in the forest, the trail is less steep and definitely more shaded. You will walk for another hour or so before reaching the lunch spot - which is made up of a large clearing with a few benches, a "bathroom" and another small concession stand. 5 | After the lunch spot - where you will likely have your longest rest yet (my group hung out there for about 30 minutes) - you will hike a bit more on single track before popping out on a wide dirt road. This is the route up if you choose to go ultra-lux and hire a 4x4 to get you most of the way up Acatenango. If you are just going the adventurous hiking route, then you will also follow this road for another hour or so before you get to the end of the road and reach another singletrack trail. This part of the hike is also pretty sunny and slick - especially on the steep turns where it can get really sandy. 6 | The end of the road means you are quite close to camp. Plus, pretty much from this point on there is very little elevation gain (only a short steep section right before camp). This is another common break spot. 7 | You will follow the singletrack trail for another 20-30 minutes before passing a second park booth (we didn't stop here, but we did see a few park rangers). This section is in and out of trees and quite flat. Once past the booth, you will just have one short, steep climb left before reaching your campsite. 💬INSIDER TIP: along this section of the trail is also when you will likely get your first real view of Fuego Volcano - especially if it is a clear day. To the left of the trail you will also have an awesome view of Agua Volcano, a now dormant volcano that towers over Antigua, Guatemala. 8 | Once you make it to camp (my group made it at 4PM or 4.5 hours after starting the hike), you will be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes - including Fuego (which usually erupts every 10-15 minutes). My basecamp included two metal and glass "tents" (where I slept), two dome tents and a cooking tent (where the guides will also stay), and a small firepit with benches. There was also a small bathroom available nearby. 9 | If you choose to add on the hike over to Fuego (see above for details on this), then you will likely leave straight from camp. Make sure to pack some water and snacks with you as well as your warmest clothes. 10 | The hike over to Fuego includes a fair amount of elevation change: first you will have to hike down a steep trail, then across a small saddle and then up to the ridgeline. In total, this should take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on your group size and speed. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you have a mask or buff with you, definitely use it here for it can get really dusty. Also, because you will be hiking back to camp in the dark, make sure to bring your headlamp or phone for light. 11 | Once at the top of the ridgeline - which is the closest you can get to the highly active Fuego - you will have the opportunity to see a stunning sunset over the nearby mountains and volcanoes, and also get a more up-close view of Fuego's fiery eruptions (some can be super loud). You'll likely stay atop the ridge for about an hour (until it gets totally dark) and then start the hike back down to camp. 12 | The hike back down (and then back up) to camp can be quite treacherous (this was when the most people slipped in my group) for the trail down the mountain is really loose and sandy. If you have a light source (either a headlamp or a phone) definitely use it, and focus on taking your time on the really steep sections. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: once again, this part of the trail can be pretty congested with other hikers. It is quite likely that as you hike down you will encounter other groups hiking up. When possible, let the uphill hikers pass you. Also, remember to be a good hiker and DON'T shine your light in other people's faces (this can be super blinding and disorienting, and therefore dangerous). 13 | Once back at camp, you will receive a tasty dinner (unless you got it earlier) and the chance to sit next to a fire and watch Fuego erupt some more. 14 | On the morning of Day 2, you have the opportunity to summit Acatenango, which reaches an elevation of 13,045 feet or 3,976 meters. My group left camp at 4:30AM and made it up to the summit at 5:40AM. Once at the top, we hunkered down from the strong, cold wind and watched as the sky slowly started to lighten and turn many shades of pink, purple and orange. 15 | The hike back down to camp should take only about 20-30 minutes depending on whether you run down the super sandy trail (honestly it seems to be easier and safer to run). Once back at camp, you will get a lighter breakfast (we were given coffee and banana bread) and then it is time to pack up your bags and clean the camping area (make sure to do your part by NOT leaving any trash behind). 16 | Most groups start hiking back down the mountain between 8AM and 8:30AM. The hike down can often be just as technical as the way up - especially on the super steep and slick sections. Take your time, watch where you are putting your feet and try to not run into the hikers making their way up. 17 | A few hours later you will make it back to the trailhead (woo!). It took my group about 3 hours to make it all the way down - though this included an extra long break at the lunch spot. If you are really moving you could easily make it down in 2 hours. Once at the trailhead, make sure to return the warm gear to your guides and the walking stick (if you rented one). Then grab a victory drink (beer and sodas are sold nearby) and hop in the van or bus and start the hour journey back to Antigua. Congrats, you just hiked up Acatenango Volcano! Hiking Acatenango Volcano is definitely one of the best adventures in Antigua, and maybe all of Guatemala. If you have any interest in seeing a fiery volcano erupt up close, or if you just want to get out and see some of the unique landscapes that this Central American country has to offer, then I cannot recommend hiking Acatenango enough. Hopefully, this in-depth adventure guide helps when planning your own epic Acatenango Volcano hike. But as usual, if you have any questions or comments about this trip, or about traveling in Guatemala in general, then please feel free to leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING GUIDES HIKING A 14,000+ FOOT MOUNTAIN | What to Know and How to Prepare HIKING IN COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA | The Ultimate Guide THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON STATE | Our In-Depth Planning Guide PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.