Alternatives to National Parks Facing Staffing Shortages
Contents
Arches/Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Zion
Tetons/Yellowstone
Summary
While the Mighty Five and Tetons/Yellowstone are bucket list destinations, other options are 99% as good and won't be affected by layoffs in the National Parks. Check out recommendations from Basecamper Vans for off the beaten path adventurous outdoor destinations with your campervan rental.
Arches/Canyonlands
The entire Moab area is magnificent. While Arches and Canyonlands are the crown jewels, head to Dead Horse State Park, Sand Flats Recreation Area, Fisher Towers, Castle Valley, the LaSal Mountains, and Newspaper Rock avoid crowds and red tape. They have areas for primitive and dispersed camping and are close enough to town to grab a meal and supplies.
Capitol Reef
Utah State Route 95, also known as the Bicentennial Highway, is a scenic drive through Utah's red rock desert. Highlights include the Hite Crossing Bridge and the North Wash canyoneering area. Once in Hanksville, fill up on fuel and venture north to Goblin Valley State Park known for its surreal hoodoo rock formations. The massive wingate cliffs and slot canyons bring to mind the Warner Bros. Wile E. Coyote episodes from Utah's uranium mining era.
Image by Lincoln Huseby from Pixabay
Zion
St. George down I-15 is Utah's second largest stand alone urban center. Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Red Cliffs Conservation Area, and Gunlock State Park are all worth visiting. Some would argue St. George has the best mountain biking in Utah with highlights including the technical Zen Trail and epic Gould - JEM - Hurricane Rim loop. Cool off and grab a shower at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center or take a warm soak between clipping bolts at the family friendly Veyo Pool Resort.
Image by Frank Ravizza from Pixabay
Tetons/Yellowstone
Here's an open secret: most of Idaho and western Wyoming could be a National Park. To give just one example, Sinks Canyon Road (HWY131) to Louis Lake Road west of Lander, Wyoming tours through limestone rock outcroppings, mature pine forests, and alpine lakes. Hiking, backpack, fishing, climbing, and camping await. If you really want to get off the grid, head to Pinedale, Wyoming and venture to the 100 mile long Wind River Range, one of the most remote places in the lower 48.
Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong! Let your stomach lead the way.
Image by Mohan Nannapaneni from Pixabay
Our 5 Off The Beaten Path Road Trip Options
To conclude, add our top four recommendations for lesser-known areas within these destinations to put in your bucket list:
Arches/Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Zion
Tetons/Yellowstone
Add our lesser-known options to your next campervan vacation. Hit us up for more recommendations at reservations@basecampervans.com.
