Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for an off-the-beaten-path camping experience? Do you prefer the peace and quiet of nature to the noise of a crowded campground? If so, dispersed camping might be just what you're looking for.

Dispersed camping is a form of camping that takes place outside of designated campgrounds and recreational areas.

It allows campers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the great outdoors and discover creative ways to spend time, while enjoying a more secluded, private camping experience.

With its growing popularity, many U.S. states now offer dispersed camping opportunities for visitors. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newcomer to the activity, you will find the perfect spot in one of the following states.

Dispersed Camping in the U.S.

1. California

California's diverse landscapes and mild, year-round weather make it a dream destination for dispersed campers. Whether it's the rugged coastline or the rolling hills of the Central Valley, the Golden State offers countless spots to pitch a tent and soak in its natural beauty.

In particular, the Eastern Sierras offer breathtaking views and plenty of dispersed camping, with sites like Mono Lake and Bodie State Park popular destinations. Websites such as Outdoor Scott can be helpful if you are looking for the best dispersed campsites in the Golden State.

2. Wyoming

Wyoming's vast open spaces and stunning scenery make it an ideal destination for dispersed camping. From the rugged peaks of the Teton Range to the rolling prairies of the Great Plains, the Cowboy State offers countless picturesque spots to pitch a tent and connect with nature.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest, and the Bighorn National Forest are just a few picturesque locations for primitive camping in Wyoming.

3. Washington

With its lush forests, rugged coastline, and towering mountains, Washington is a paradise for nature lovers. Dispersed camping is permitted in many national forests and BLM lands throughout the state, making it easy to find the perfect spot for a peaceful camping trip.

Popular areas for free camping include the Olympic, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests.

4. Arizona

Arizona is a top camping destination with its stunning deserts, towering mesas, and unique rock formations. From the iconic red rock formations of Sedona to the towering peaks of the Grand Canyon, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Coconino, Tonto, and Kaibab National Forests are among the best places in Arizona for dispersed camping.

5. New Mexico

New Mexico's breathtaking deserts, towering mesas, and distinctive rock formations make it a premier camping destination. The Santa Fe, Cibola, and Gila National Forests are among the best places to find dispersed campgrounds in New Mexico.

Related: The Camping.Tools Mobile App

6. Idaho

Idaho's rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests make it an ideal destination for dispersed camping. With numerous national forests and wilderness areas, the state offers plenty of excellent spots for primitive camping.

The Boise National Forest, the Clearwater National Forest, and the Nez Perce National Forest are beautiful areas in Idaho where you can pitch a tent.

7. Colorado

Colorado is another top state for free primitive camping, with endless possibilities for outdoor adventure. The state's diverse geography, including the Rockies, the Great Plains, and the Southwest, offers a range of camping options, from high-altitude mountain camping to more desert-like areas.

The San Juan National Forest, the Rio Grande National Forest, and the Gunnison National Forest are all top destinations for free camping in Colorado.

8. Oregon

Oregon is a nature lover's paradise with its lush forests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline. Dispersed camping is permitted in many national forests and on Bureau of Land Management lands throughout the state, making it easy to find the perfect spot for a peaceful camping trip.

Popular camping areas include the Mount Hood, Umpqua, and Siuslaw National Forests.

9. Utah

With its iconic red rock formations and stunning vistas, Utah is a top destination for dispersed campers. From the towering cliffs of Canyonlands National Park to the wide open spaces of the West Desert, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Some of Utah's best dispersed campgrounds are located in the Moab area, the San Rafael Swell, and the Dixie National Forest.

10. Montana

Montana's towering peaks, rolling hills, and pristine lakes make it a prime destination for dispersed camping. The state has numerous national forests and wilderness areas, offering plenty of excellent spots to pitch your tent.

The Lolo National Forest, the Kootenai National Forest, and the Flathead National Forest are just a few recommendations for primitive camping in Montana.

11. Alaska

Thanks to its vast wilderness, Alaska is a top destination for dispersed camping. From the Kenai Peninsula's rugged coastline to the Chugach Mountains' towering peaks, there are plenty of places to set up camp and enjoy the beauty of the Last Frontier.

Alaska's top camping spots are the Chugach National Forest, the Tongass National Forest, and Denali National Park.

12. Minnesota

Minnesota's pristine lakes, rolling hills, and lush forests make it a top choice for dispersed camping. The state boasts numerous national forests and wilderness areas, each providing outstanding opportunities for free camping.

For many visitors, trips to these northern forests start in the Twin Cities, where arranging off-site parking near the Twin Cities airport keeps logistics simple before you head into the wilderness.

Some of Minnesota's gorgeous camping areas are the Superior National Forest, the Chippewa National Forest, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Takeaway

Regardless of where you choose to camp, it's essential to follow the area's rules and regulations. This means obtaining necessary permits, following fire restrictions, and respecting the land and wildlife.

Primitive camping can offer a truly unique and unforgettable outdoor experience; these states are among the best places to start. Whether you're a veteran camper or a newcomer to camping, it is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

The states above offer everything you need for a memorable camping adventure. Each has unique attractions and natural beauty. So pack your gear, grab your map, and hit the road for an unforgettable camping trip.

Memphis is the second-largest city in Tennessee, behind Nashville, and a city full of music, cultural history, nightlife, museums, and food. If you're a history and music lover, this city should be on your bucket list. Now your question may be, when's the best time of the year to visit Memphis? It depends on your priorities and what you are looking for.

Peak Season

The city attracts many visitors during the summer. Its warm, dry climate is perfect for outdoor activities and festivities. The price of lodging increases along with the number of visitors, so book early to get your preferred accommodation.

In May, the smell of barbecue is in the air. The legendary World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest draws BBQ fans nationwide. The annual Beale Street Music Festival also occurs every May. In 2023, both events were held at Tom Lee Park on the downtown Memphis riverfront.

By June, the city starts to feel slightly more tropical as the humidity and temperature rise. Explore the public park and museum on Mud Island (a peninsula, not an island). Return to downtown and find a rooftop bar to enjoy a cocktail with views of the Mississippi River at sunset.

Best Time for Sightseeing

If you want to avoid crowds at popular attractions like Graceland and Beale Street, mid-September, November, and April are the best months to visit Memphis. You're more likely to be able to tour museums, Elvis' home, Sun Studios, Mud Island, and more without as many tourists as in the high season.

Best Time to Explore Memphis' Musical History 

August is an excellent time to visit Memphis for its musical history. Thousands of fans gather in the city yearly to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll during Elvis Week.

Take part in free karaoke events, dance parties, and free visits to the meditation garden at Graceland. This full-week celebration can get crowded, so book up to a year in advance if you want to go.  

One option is the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotel. It's only five miles from the Memphis International Airport and 6.8 miles from Elvis Presley's Graceland (where the main event happens during Elvis Week). This hotel is worth checking out as it's an ideal distance from popular tourist attractions.

Suitable time for budget travelers  

If money is tight and you want to visit Memphis on a budget, the winter off-season in December and January is best. The exceptions are the birthdays of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Elvis.

In the off-season, prices fall along with temperatures, and you can lock in better rates by booking flights and hotels early. The average temperature during this time is 46 F to 64 F, so remember to dress in layers.

Memphis has much to offer first-time visitors, from its importance in the Civil Rights Movement to being the birthplace of Blues music and rock 'n roll. 

Best Budget Hotels in Germantown

Germantown is a safe neighborhood in southeast Memphis. Staying here gives you convenient access to the airport and greater peace of mind when sleeping at night.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Memphis-Germantown  

The Homewood Suites' excellent location close to the highway makes reaching the best Memphis tourist attractions easy. Downtown is just 18 miles from the hotel, while Beale Street is only 16 miles away.

The 24-hour fitness center and fully equipped kitchens are available at this all-suite hotel. Check out more about this hotel's amenities on their website.

Instead of just emphasizing comfort, there is a genuine understanding of the small details that tourists genuinely value, such as the ability to bring their pets on vacation.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Germantown  

The vibrant Memphis atmosphere is within reach when staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Given that they are both close to the hotel, you might benefit from the selection of eateries and shops that The Shopping at Saddle Creek and The Avenue at Carriage Crossing offer.

A good breakfast and coffee are complimentary every morning. This hotel in Germantown, TN, is an excellent choice for vacationers and business travelers.

Memphis Attractions

Beale Street  

Beale Street is the epicenter of nightlife in Memphis and is home to bars, restaurants, musical history, and entertainment. During the day, you can walk the street, grab food, see the big guitars, or get an old-fashioned soda at A-Schwab.

At night, street performers like the Beale Street Flippers show a different side of the city. Music is also available in almost every bar, and you can find some fantastic local acts on the weekends.

National Civil Rights Museum

You can't leave Memphis without seeing the National Civil Rights Museum, which focuses on the civil rights movement from the 17th century to the present.

The museum is a sobering experience worth two to three hours of your time and attention. It features many exhibits that show the progression of African American rights in the country and spotlight many pivotal moments in the cause.

The museum was built at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was shot and killed. Visitors will see the room he stayed in before that fateful event.

Graceland - Elvis Presley's Memphis Home

This sprawling property allows guests to tour Elvis' home and see how it was decorated while he lived there. It's a blast to see, and you're given an audio tour on an iPad that tells you about each room you are looking at. 

After exploring the home, you can visit a half-dozen museums on the property dedicated to everything from his cars and stage outfits to numerous gold records. Two of his planes are displayed, and you can walk into each.

Sun Studio 

Sun Studio is one of the two world-renowned music studios in Memphis. This small studio was the first to record Elvis, and he and Johnny Cash would record many of their hits here.

The studio is open for guided tours. The tours take you upstairs to memorabilia and photos from its music-making history. They also take you into the recording studio, where you can take pictures with the equipment and microphone used to record famous songs.

If you are a music lover, you must visit this place to understand how Memphis impacted popular music and culture.

Big River Crossing  

Big River Crossing is one of the more active recommendations on this list. Budget travelers don't have to spend a penny to see the mesmerizing view of Memphis from this bridge.

The bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States and the longest that crosses the Mississippi River. It's almost a mile long, and at the halfway point, you'll cross from Tennessee into the state of Arkansas.  

Mud Island  

Mud Island Park is one of the best places to walk in the city. This peninsula is across from downtown Memphis. You can take a monorail, a museum, and a walking path to explore. The walking path has a small-scale topographical representation of the Mississippi River as it runs its entire course to the Caribbean Sea.

Memphis offers many fun activities and experiences, from its rich history to a great music and rock and roll vibe. With some research and planning, you can have a great vacation in Memphis, even on a backpacker's budget.

_____

This story is brought to you in partnership with Stealth Management Group LLC.

Camping by a lake in California can be a rewarding way to spend time in nature. Whether in Northern or Southern California, it's an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and do various water sports, from swimming and boating to water skiing, fishing, and much more.

When we talk about California, we usually think of the Pacific coastline and world-famous beaches seen in movies. However, California is a diverse state with many interesting inland places.

There are numerous lakes in California, large and famous (like Lake Tahoe), and less popular spots near small ponds, so you have a wide selection. Lakeside camping is a terrific option if you want to trade city noise for the sounds of the natural world.

So, get your gear ready, collect more information about your area of interest, find helpful tips like how to stop condensation in a tent, and enjoy a fun lakeside camping experience. Here are some exciting spots in California worth visiting if you're looking for fantastic lakeside locations that support camping.

California Campsites

1. Lake Siskiyou

On the southwest side of Lake Siskiyou in California, there is a stunning resort where you can set up a tent and enjoy the magnificent scenery. It offers excellent views of Mount Shasta and the National Forest, providing a pleasing visual experience.

In addition, various activities are available on Siskiyou Lake. While camping, you can swim, fish, or take a boat ride, enjoying the surroundings.

2. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is near the San Bernardino National Forest and offers a fantastic camping spot. Tourists can choose from various activities here, such as fishing, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Camping here is not boring.

Big Bear offers lovely scenery and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. It's a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, making it a versatile option for camping with friends or family.

Related: How To Handle Bear Encounters

3. Serrano

It is another good camping spot, located next to the previous one. Many visitors often stop here as they make their way to Big Bear Lake.

In Serrano, you can access modern campsites with developed infrastructure and natural beauty. If you like to enjoy fresh air while in comfortable conditions, this place is perfect for you.

4. Clear Lake

Clear Lake State Park is in Kelseyville, an excellent place for outdoor activities. This park is a great water sports and recreation zone, so you can relax and discover different types of water sports here. With an area of approximately 600 acres, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Moreover, the park has about 150 campsites with developed infrastructure, which is a great bonus, because instead of setting up your camp, you can focus on more fun and exciting activities, which is enough here.

5. Trinity Lake

Alpine View Campground is next to Trinity National Forest, along Trinity Lake. This place is perfect for hikers and picnic lovers. There are plenty of well-developed trails here, and a picnic area with a table and fireplace is easily found.

One of the interesting facts about Trinity Lake is that it is an artificial rather than natural body of water formed by the Trinity Dam.

6. Lake Berryessa

The campsite near Lake Berryessa is close to San Francisco Bay and offers many water-based activities. In addition to waterskiing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing, you can take a houseboat here and have a good time while enjoying the astonishing views of Berryessa.

The location has plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and even motorcycles, as well as water sports. Therefore, this place is perfect if you like various outdoor activities, camping, and natural scenery.

7. Holcomb Valley Campground

The Holcomb Valley is an excellent spot for family camping near Big Bear Lake. You have developed campsites with the necessary infrastructure for picnics and comfortable stays. One camp can accommodate a group of up to eight people.

However, remember that this location does not offer early booking, so it's first-come, first-served. Also, this campground is only available from May to October, so consider this when planning to visit.

California is a great state where you can always find a new camping location, such as spots along the lakes, the Pacific Ocean, national forests, or desert landscapes.

One of the benefits of camping is the opportunity to constantly explore exciting places and get new experiences, making your life more eventful and full of good memories.

So, plan your trip, make all the necessary preparations, and learn more about camping tips and gear, especially if you're a beginner and wonder, "where do I buy 2-person camping tents?" Once you are ready, do not miss the chance to go on a trip, as it is worth it.

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with RBM Tents.

Las Vegas, the city of endless lights, offers dozens of exciting things to do with kids, from hot air balloon rides and museums to shopping trips and wildlife encounters.

With its world-renowned attractions, vibrant culture, and non-stop excitement, there's no shortage of things to do in this desert metropolis.

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the city's history, take in breathtaking views, or indulge in sweet treats, there's something for everyone in Las Vegas. Get ready for a family adventure like no other as we explore the lively city of Las Vegas!

Las Vegas Activities

1. Enjoy a Show

Las Vegas is renowned for its extravagant shows, such as Cirque du Soleil, and performances by famous musicians. From magic shows to musicals, there is a show for every interest.

Choose from various venues, including large theaters or intimate lounge settings. To score cheap tickets in Vegas, it's recommended to plan ahead and book online in advance, as prices can be more affordable than purchasing at the door. Don't miss out on the chance to see a spectacular show in Sin City!

2. Explore the Hoover Dam

Learn about this engineering marvel's history and inner workings, located just a short drive from the city. Guided tours of the Hoover Dam are available, which include access to the power plant and visitor center.

You can also walk across the dam for stunning views of Lake Mead and the surrounding landscape.

3. Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a must-visit for any nature lover. There are several tour options to choose from, including scenic flights, guided bus tours, and even mule rides.

4. The Mob Museum

This interactive museum offers an in-depth look at the history of organized crime in America. The museum features artifacts, multimedia displays, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Mob and its impact on American society.

5. Take a Gondola Ride

Venice-style gondolas can be found in The Venetian Hotel, offering a romantic and relaxing way to explore the hotel's canals. The gondoliers are dressed in traditional attire and sing classic Italian songs as you glide along the water.

6. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Admire the beautifully landscaped and themed floral displays that change with the seasons. From stunning floral arrangements to elaborate sculptures made from flowers, the conservatory is a feast for the eyes.

7. Dine at a Gourmet Restaurant

Las Vegas is home to some of the finest dining establishments in the world, featuring top chefs and impeccable cuisine. From French haute cuisine to fusion dishes, there is a restaurant to suit every taste and budget.

8. Shop at the Premium Outlets

Treat yourself to some shopping therapy at this outdoor mall with over 150 high-end stores. You'll find discounts of 25% to 65% off retail prices on top brands and designer items.

9. Take a Stroll on the Strip

Take in the sights and sounds of the city by walking along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. Stop at the various hotels, casinos, and attractions for a unique experience.

From the towering fountains at the Bellagio to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, there is always something to see and do on the Strip.

10. The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Las Vegas. The outdoor museum features more than 200 vintage neon signs, including some of the most iconic signs from the city's past.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the boneyard and learn about the history of neon signage in Las Vegas, including how the signs were made and the artists who created them.

11. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides are a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Las Vegas and the surrounding desert. During the ride, you'll soar high above the desert and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The peaceful, slow-moving ride is a relaxing and memorable experience for all ages.

12. Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. It's lined with vintage neon signs, street performers, and a stunning light show.

The canopy overhead provides a light show that runs every hour, making it a fun and unique place to explore with the whole family.

This lively attraction is suitable for families and children of all ages, providing an entertaining and educational experience in the heart of the city. Take a stroll down the historic street and be mesmerized by the colorful lights and sounds of the city's past.

13. Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is a half-scale replica of the original tower in Paris, France. Visitors can take a leisurely elevator ride to the observation deck, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for photos, and it's a fun way to experience Paris without leaving Las Vegas.

14. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an interactive aquarium that features more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Visitors can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures and learn about the different species on display. The aquarium also features a touch pool, where visitors can touch and interact with some of the animals.

15. Red Rock Canyon

The Red Rock Canyon is a stunning natural area just a short drive from the city. The scenic drive features numerous overlooks and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful desert landscape. The area is also home to wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other desert animals.

16. Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours are a unique and exciting way to experience the city and the surrounding desert. During the tour, you'll soar above the city and enjoy breathtaking views of the Strip, the Grand Canyon, and the surrounding desert. The tour is a memorable and exciting experience for all ages.

17. M&M's World

M&M's World is a colorful and fun candy store on the Strip. It's filled with every M&M's flavor imaginable, including classic milk chocolate, peanut butter, and other fun flavors. Visitors can create customized M&M's, browse the different flavors, and indulge in a sweet treat.

18. The High Roller Observation Wheel

The High Roller is the world's tallest observation wheel and offers panoramic views of the city. The 30-minute ride is a unique and relaxing way to see the city.

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with Vegas Lens Inc.

Driving into Sedona is an awe-inspiring experience. Massive red rock mountains line the landscape. The best things to do in Sedona are outdoor activities that let you enjoy these spectacular views.

I visited Sedona in Northern Arizona as an 11-year-old on a family vacation to the American Southwest, though my memories are faint. There were scenic drives and a glimpse of the Grand Canyon during our 10-day road trip.

Thirty-five years later, I returned to Sedona one autumn weekend to celebrate my birthday. Adult Dave was excited to hit the trails, see the sights, and make new memories.

Based on my recent visit, I've compiled this list of the best things to do in Sedona and the surrounding area. All the spots are within city limits or within a 30-minute drive.

Hiking

1. Devil's Bridge

Let's begin atop a 57-foot-tall natural sandstone arch, ominously called the Devil's Bridge. It's one of the best places for a photo, and the hike to reach it isn't too challenging. We saw backpackers of all ages, from kids to older adults.

As this is the desert, and one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the United States, it pays to start early. The best time to begin hiking the Devil's Bridge Trail is sunrise, and going before sunset is another option if you don't mind potentially hiking out in the dark.

The starting elevation is 4,600 feet above sea level, with a 400-foot elevation gain. Our round-trip hike took 2.5 hours, including 20 minutes waiting in line for photos on the stone bridge.

2. Cathedral Rock

A short but steep climb takes you up Cathedral Rock, another of Sedona's best hikes. We tackled this one the same day as Devil's Bridge; while shorter (about 1.2 miles round-trip), it's the more difficult of the two trails.

Some scrambling is required in one particularly steep section, so bring a small backpack with your water bottle, phone, and camera to keep both hands free. Proper hiking boots are also a good idea.

The views of the red rock formations are breathtaking. And if you ultimately decide not to climb up, you'll still see enough to know why visiting Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most incredible things to do in Sedona.

3. Bell Rock

Head to bucolic Bell Rock just off U.S. Highway 179 for an easy hike. We entered the parking lot at about 4 p.m. and walked the Bell Rock Pathway for one hour. The trail was relatively flat and easy to follow, and the nearby Courthouse Butte complemented the views of Bell Rock.

4. Airport Mesa

The Sedona Airport is located on Airport Mesa (also known as Table Top Mountain). This regional airport is used by small planes arriving and departing from Sedona, as well as helicopters offering scenic rides.

Beyond transportation, there are several other reasons to visit Airport Mesa. The Airport Loop Trail is a path that goes around the airport. If you don't have time for a hike, at least drive up to the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout for a terrific view of West Sedona, Capitol Butte, and Wilson Mountain.

Stop by Mesa Grill Sedona at the edge of the runway for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While eating brunch there, we saw many small planes take off and land.

Points of Interest

5. Chapel of the Holy Cross

Built into the red rocks for $300,000 in 1956, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is visible to the naked eye from as far away as Cathedral Rock. Inspired by New York City's Empire State Building, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local rancher and sculptor, commissioned the chapel.

The Roman Catholic chapel is a popular place for photographs. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are asked to remain silent and not bring food, drinks, or pets inside out of respect for the religious building.

6. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Tibetan Buddhists built Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park to create a "spiritual destination for prayer, meditation, and the experience of peace in a sacred place." The serene park in Northwest Sedona features a stupa, a seated Buddha, and prayer wheels. It's an excellent spot for a few minutes of quiet reflection.

7. Sedona Heritage Museum

The Sedona Heritage Museum highlights the lifestyles and work of the people who settled in the city, dating back as far as 1876. Learn about ranching, cowboys, and movies made in the region at this small museum in Jordan Historical Park in Uptown Sedona. Self-guided adult tickets are $7.

8. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

If shopping is a must for you, check out the historic Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village near the intersection of Highway 89A and 179 (Red Rock Scenic Byway).

This craft village has a mix of art galleries featuring local artists, shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Oak Creek Brewery. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your time in Sedona.

Additional Activities

9. Visit a Vortex

Sedona is known for its vortexes (vortices), swirling centers of energy emanating from the earth. Health-conscious and spiritual travelers come to Sedona to spend time in these energetic fields. Meditation, yoga, and healing ceremonies are some of the ways they try to harness these unseen forces.

The four best-known Sedona vortex sites are:

• Airport Mesa
• Cathedral Rock
• Bell Rock
• Boynton Canyon

The Airport Mesa Vortex and Bell Rock Vortex are the most accessible and closest to the city center. Of the four, the Boynton Canyon Vortex is the furthest. All are labeled in Google Maps to make them easy to find.

I visited three of these energy vortexes and can't say I felt any different, though I was on the move, hiking trails and savoring the scenery, not feeling the rocks for vibrations.

10. Mountain Biking

One of the best ways to explore Red Rock Country is on a mountain bike. You'll cover ground more quickly than on foot, and it's more exciting, too.

Sedona offers mountain bikers 250 miles of singletrack suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Bikers share these trails with hikers and horseback riders, so safe riding and good etiquette are a must!

The annual Sedona Mountain Bike Festival is held the first week of March and brings together more than 90 vendors and many biking enthusiasts. It's an excellent opportunity to demo bikes if you're in town.

11. Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you're not afraid of heights, consider a hot air balloon ride for amazing views of the red rock landscape. I ventured skyward in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey.

While it scared me, the scenery and experience were unforgettable, and I imagine the same can be said for ballooning in Sedona.

12. Stargazing

Sedona's stunning views don't end when the sun goes down. The community has invested in reducing light pollution to make the night sky more visible.

As a result, Sedona was designated a Dark Sky Community in 2014. While you may be surprised by the number of stars you can see within city limits (as I was after dinner at Mariposa), there are places where the sky is even brighter.

My friend Valerie Stimac, author of "Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism" (Lonely Planet), compiled a list of incredible stargazing spots in Sedona. Check it out.

13. Wine Tasting

If you're looking for a break from outdoor adventures that involve climbing rocks and walking along cliffs, try a wine-tasting tour. The Verde Valley Wine Trail runs from Winery 1912 in Sedona to Cottonwood, about 19 miles to the southwest.

This is one of Arizona's newest wine regions, with seven wineries and eight tasting rooms open to visitors-just enough places to make a day trip out of it.

Things To Do Near Sedona

14. Petroglyphs at V Bar V Ranch

Get a glimpse of what life was like in the Verde Valley between A.D. 1150 and 1400 with a visit to V Bar V Ranch, home to the most extensive petroglyph site in Red Rock Country.

Centuries ago, indigenous people carved more than 1,000 images reflecting their way of living into 13 rock panels. Today, archaeologists refer to their approach as the Beaver Creek Rock Art Style. The ranch is about a 17-mile drive south of Sedona on Highway 179.

15. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Thirteen miles southwest of the petroglyphs, just off Interstate 17, is another notable archaeological site, Montezuma Castle. This 20-room dwelling near Beaver Creek was constructed within a limestone cliff and is a wonder to behold in person.

The building belonged to the Sinagua People. When it was established on December 8, 1906, it was the third national monument dedicated to protecting Native American culture.

If you're traveling to the Sedona area from the south, stop by Montezuma Castle on your way into town. The monument is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Adult admission is $10, and it's a short walk from the Visitor Center to see the castle.

16. Oak Creek Canyon

A short drive north of Sedona lies Oak Creek Canyon, a forested area along the creek. The canyon is part of the Coconino National Forest, a 1.8-million-acre wilderness area encompassing Sedona's red rocks and mountains.

It's a great place to swim, fish, or camp. Check out KOA's overview of camping in West Sedona for more information.

17. Slide Rock State Park

The Slide Rock State Park is about three miles north of Oak Creek Canyon (and seven miles north of Sedona). The park is named after Slide Rock, an 80-foot natural waterslide.

There are also several short hiking trails (under a half-mile each) and places for swimming and fishing. The park is open daily, and admission is per vehicle, ranging from $10 to $30 depending on the time of year.

Sedona may not be the cheapest place to visit in Arizona for the budget-conscious, but if you can swing a visit, even for a few days, you'll be richly rewarded.

It's the final week of December, my preferred time to pause and reflect on my top travel experiences of 2022. If 2021 was a transition year, 2022 felt like settling into a new groove.

I continued to travel domestically in the United States, especially around Texas, where I live. Despite living in Austin for the last six years, it wasn't until 2022 that I began to appreciate better everything the second-largest state in the country has to offer.

And my one international trip of the year took me back to a familiar favorite, Peru. Please join me in a look back at some of the many adventures, big and small, from a year of travel.

Where I've Been

Waco, TX

My first trip of the year was a road trip to Waco, Texas, about 90 minutes north of Austin (and 90 minutes south of Dallas). This was my second trip to Waco, the first being a Baylor University football game a few months prior.

Kel was excited to show me the Cameron Park Zoo, the highlight of which was the orangutan exhibit. Seeing these lovely creatures in person again reminded me of my trip to Borneo, where I met Sweet Hope and learned about conservation efforts to save orangutans at Camp Leakey.

Outside the zoo, we visited the Baylor Bears, Lady, and Joy, who live on the Baylor University campus. Sadly, Joy passed away in July 2022.

Seattle, WA

My first new city of 2022 was Seattle, Washington. Not only did I fulfill my teenage desire to visit the '90s capital of grunge music, but it was also my first trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Highlights included the Museum of Pop Culture and Museum of Flight, wine tasting in the Space Needle, touring Pike Place Market, breakfast at Salish Lodge (as featured in the Twin Peaks TV show), and researching Seattle speakeasies for a story on Feastio (my food blog).

Tampa, FL

March signaled the start of New York Yankees spring training, one of my favorite outdoor activities in Tampa, and an occasion to get together with family for a game.

Unfortunately, the Yankees again missed the World Series in 2022, but at least it was a historic year for Aaron Judge, who set an American League record with 62 home runs.

In 2023, I plan to continue this tradition, plus give myself a few days in downtown Tampa to learn more about the city center.

Read more about Florida

• Clearwater Beach: Florida's Finest White Sand Beach
• The Kennedy Space Center
• Free Things to Do in Sarasota

New Orleans, LA

March Madness came to a head in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Kel and I were at the Superdome to see it. The Final Four featured NCAA powerhouses UNC, Villanova, Duke, and Kansas University, and Kansas took home the trophy.

I'll remember my first Final Four for the city hosting it, New Orleans, which I've come to appreciate immensely since I began visiting in 2017.

Beyond the basketball, I squeezed in a lot of new sightseeing, including:

• Mardi Gras World (highly recommended)
• Free People of Color Museum (highly recommended)
• A tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
• Beauregard-Keyes House
• New Orleans Jazz Museum
• Ogden Museum of Southern Art
• The Historic New Orleans Collection
• New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
• Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail

It was a few too many museums for one trip, though my motivation was to write an article about them eventually.

Read more about New Orleans

• Best Jazz Clubs in New Orleans
• Fun Things to Do in New Orleans
• Food Tour with Doctor Gumbo

Los Angeles, CA

Kel and I were only home from New Orleans for a night before we flew to Los Angeles. I joined her on a business trip to downtown LA, my first time in that part of the city.

Highlights included walking around the wonderful Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and The Broad, a world-class modern art museum with an incredible collection including Andy Warhol, Basquiat, and Barbara Kruger.

If you have the time, a few other downtown LA museums worth a visit include:

• The Museum of Contemporary Art
• The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
• Japanese American National Museum

Despite a heat wave, I did quite a bit of walking in Los Angeles, including around Chinatown for lunch and Grand Park to see City Hall.

We also ventured out to other parts of the city so I could write about them for Feastio. These included Destroyer in Culver City, Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills, and Pasajoli in Santa Monica.

Memphis, TN

Three weeks after LA, I flew to Memphis, Tennessee, for the final TravelCon. I'd previously attended this travel blogging conference in Austin and Boston and was looking forward to reconnecting with friends in a new city.

Memphis highlights included:

• Touring Graceland (Elvis Presley's mansion was my favorite part.
• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
• View from The Pyramid (which houses a massive Bass Pro Shop)
• Marching in a Second Line on Beale Street
• Trying Memphis BBQ for the first time

Read more about Tennessee

• 4th of July in Nashville
• Best Scenic Drives in Tennessee
• 10 Reasons to Vacation in Pigeon Forge

Fredericksburg, TX

I spent Memorial Day weekend exploring Texas Wine Country with Kel. The region is accessible from the Texas capital, a 90-minute drive west of Austin.

Learning about various wine regions has been a constant in my travels:

• Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Bordeaux, France
• Mendoza, Argentina
• Tuscany, Italy

The historic town of Fredericksburg makes for an excellent base, with many Texas wineries within a 30-minute drive. Spring marks the start of peach season, and fresh Fredericksburg peaches are sold individually and by the bag from farms along Highway 290.

Dallas, TX

In July, I visited Dallas for the first time. Once again, the catalyst was one of Kel's business trips. While she was working, I was sightseeing, eating at Dallas restaurants, and visiting with a friend.

On my first day, I braved the confusing tangle of highways to visit the Dallas Museum of Art and the nearby Nasher Sculpture Center in downtown Dallas.

I again stressed my nerves the following day by driving downtown to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The museum is inside the infamous Book Depository building, where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F. Kennedy, killing the president in broad daylight as his motorcade drove by.

It was a surprisingly emotional visit, considering I wasn't alive then. I also saw the grassy knoll on the side of the road that's been the subject of conspiracy theories.

I also visited the nearby Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, which opened in September 2019. The last museum of my first visit was the excellent Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where you can see the full-size skeleton of a T Rex, among many other fossils.

We returned to Dallas at the end of September. The second trip's highlights included mountain gorillas at the Dallas Zoo, Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and the Texas State Fair. To my surprise, I'm finding lots to see, do, and eat in Dallas, and I look forward to visiting again in the new year.

Houston, TX

This was also the first year I visited Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and home to the NASA Johnson Space Center. I'd planned a weekend trip to Houston in March 2020, but unforeseen circumstances forced me to postpone that visit. It was nice to make up for lost time and to do so with Kel (also a space fan).

In addition to NASA, I saw many more museums on my two visits, including:

• The Museum of Fine Arts
• Cullen Sculpture Museum
• Kinder Museum (modern art)
• Menil Collection & Rothko Chapel
• Houston Museum of Natural Science

I haven't written about Texas's biggest city for Go Backpacking yet, but I did produce stories on the best Houston restaurants and the Texas Renaissance Festival for Feastio.

Related: Driving To Starbase in South Texas

Peru

Late August brought our most exciting trip of the year, a one-week vacation to Machu Picchu. This was my third trip to the Sacred Valley and Kel's first. Previously, I did the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu and went on a G Adventures tour (I'd won in a drawing).

Planning an independent trip with a tight timeframe turned out to be more labor-intensive than I anticipated. Planes, trains, and automobiles had to be booked and timed to line up perfectly. Entry to Machu Picchu is based on an assigned day and time, so there is no room for error.

Thankfully, everything went according to plan, and we had a terrific, albeit tiring, experience getting to Machu Picchu and climbing Huayna Picchu.

Afterward, we had a free day in Cusco to explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a cooking class, walk around the Saqsaywaman ruins, and tour the night sky at the Cusco Planetarium.

We also enjoyed a few delicious meals at two of the best restaurants in Lima, Central, and Mayta, which I wrote about for Feastio.

Read more about Peru

• Top 5 Wildlife Moments in Peru's Amazon
• Hiking Colca Canyon in Southern Peru
• Visiting Huascaran, Peru's Tallest Mountain

New York City

Within a week of returning home from Peru, I was on a plane to New York City to reunite with my dad and brother for sightseeing and a Yankees game. It had been years since my dad, who grew up in the city, visited, and so there were lots of new and impressive things to see:

• The view from One World Trade
• 9/11 Museum
• Oculus
• Vessel in Hudson Yards
• View from Edge, a 100-story-high observation deck
• Little Island Park
• Yankee Stadium

We also ate lunch at Fraunces Tavern, the oldest bar in New York City (founded in 1762), and I grabbed a Guinness on my own at White Horse Tavern, the second-oldest pub (founded in 1880).

Famous writers, including Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac, and James Baldwin, enjoyed spending time at The White Horse. It was good to return to NYC for the first time since 2019, and I've already booked a trip for 2023.

Sedona, AZ

I returned to Arizona for the first time in 35 years to spend my birthday weekend in Sedona with Kel. We walked around Bell Rock, hiked to the Devil's Bridge at sunrise, and climbed Cathedral Rock.

My favorite birthday activity is a celebratory dinner. This year, that once-a-year meal was at Mariposa, a Latin-inspired grill with gorgeous views of the red rock canyons.

Read more about Arizona

• Best Hike Near Phoenix
• Best Hiking in Page, Arizona
• 5 Amazing Places to See in Arizona

Fort Worth, TX

My last new destination in 2022 was Fort Worth, Texas, a medium-sized city within the Dallas metropolitan area (the "Metroplex"). The historic Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see site, and if you go at the right time, you can see some longhorn cattle walking down the street.

Afterward, I tried on and bought a pair of buffalo leather cowboy boots in a Lucchese shop. I wore my first pair of cowboy boots to dinner at Lonesome Dove, and then we walked over to Billy Bob's. Walking inside the World's Largest Honky Tonk wearing the boots felt right, and I've had fun wearing them in Austin since then.

A few more city highlights included the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimball Art Museum, Science Museum, and Modern Art Museum. We also waited in line for three hours to try Goldee's BBQ, rated #1 in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Read more about Texas

• Things to Do in Marfa
• Big Bend National Park
• Solar Viewing at McDonald Observatory

Plans for 2023

My 2023 calendar is filling up quickly, a new experience since I don't typically plan more than a few months ahead. My first big trip of the year is to Vietnam for a friend's wedding. We'll be spending a few weeks there, as it's my first time, and stopping briefly in Tokyo on the way home.

The spring sees me exploring new and familiar territory in Florida, New York City, Houston, and San Francisco. I'm excited to have a conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Since I began salsa dancing in Medellin, I've wanted to visit this Caribbean island. More road trips in Texas are a given, and there's plenty of room left for the unexpected!

Prior Annual Reviews

• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012 South America
• 2012 Europe and Asia
• 2011
• 2010

Pigeon Forge is loved worldwide, with more than ten million tourists praising its quaintness and vibrant life each year. Whether you're looking for an adventure, a peaceful retreat, or an escape from the ordinary, a Pigeon Forge vacation offers something for every traveler.

Since the main attraction is the mesmerizing views of the Great Smoky Mountains, most people struggle to decide between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. So, to make it easier, here's why you should plan your next vacation in Pigeon Forge.

1. Natural Mountain Beauty

Nature lovers rejoice! Pigeon Forge lets you connect with nature and admire its beauty. From towering mountains and cascading waterfalls to sprawling forests and rushing rivers, you can experience nature's raw beauty in all its glory.

Spend your days trekking along trails, paddle boarding in the lake, or simply soaking up the sun and enjoying all that nature offers. The Great Smoky National Park is minutes away so you can indulge in all its outdoor activities.

2. So Much to Do

With theme parks and museums, Pigeon Forge is a perfect place for families. There are many mini golf courses, outdoor activities, go-karts, bumper boats, and arcades to keep the kids entertained.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is splendid. You can ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the mountains.

Other attractions include Dollywood Theme Park, the ultimate amusement park with adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, thrilling water slides, and shows. Whether you're a thrill seeker or a nature lover, there are many things to do in Pigeon Forge. 

3. Amazing Dinner Shows

Pigeon Forge is known for its variety of fantastic dinner shows. These shows provide a unique experience and will surely add something special to your vacation.

You can also learn about the area's history, enjoy old-time music, and even watch an interactive play. If you're traveling with friends, you and your squad will love a comedy show.

The Dixie Stampede, the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, and The Comedy Barn Theater are some of the most popular shows in town. We recommend reserving your tickets in advance.

4. Affordable Vacation

Pigeon Forge is an excellent option for budget travelers. Food, entertainment, and lodging costs are relatively low, and you can find good deals on flights.

You can also easily find accommodation that fits your budget. Most people prefer to book a cabin instead of staying in a hotel, as they provide greater privacy and a sense of serenity.

They are also spacious, and you can easily find one with a breathtaking view of the mountains. You can find many high-end cabin rentals and resorts if you're looking for a luxurious stay.

5. Delicious Cuisine

Pigeon Forge has many delicious restaurants, offering classic American cuisine and international flavors. Savor Appalachian delicacies like fried green tomatoes, smoked trout, and succulent smoked BBQ, or try new dishes you won't find anywhere else.

There are also plenty of all-you-can-eat buffets and fast food options for those looking for something quick. Homemade fudge is the must-try food item in Pigeon Forge. It's available at many local shops.

If you're a pancake lover, you'll love the breakfast spots in Pigeon Forge. Fluffy pancakes, maple syrup, and sausage are some of the delicious treats available here.

6. Less Crowded than Other Areas

Pigeon Forge is an excellent spot if you're looking for a quieter place to vacation. Its area is more extensive than Gatlinburg's, so it doesn't get so compacted with tourists.

It makes it easier to explore the area without getting overwhelmed by the crowds. You can take your time taking in all the sights and sounds.

Pigeon Forge is most crowded during the peak seasons, so plan your trip accordingly if you want some peace.

7. Several Options for Getting Around

Getting around Pigeon Forge is easy and convenient. You can either rent a car or use the public transportation system.

There are also trolley services and ride-hailing services that can take you to your destination. The trolley charges $2 per person, while the ride-hailing services are a bit more expensive.

If you don't want to worry about driving, several tour companies offer guided tours of the area. Some tourists also enjoy the luxury of getting around in a golf cart.

8. Take Home a Souvenir

The great thing about visiting Pigeon Forge is the souvenirs you can take home with you. You can purchase many keepsake items, from handmade crafts and jewelry to antiques and vintage items.

You'll also find various specialty stores that offer unique items like pottery, sculptures, and artwork. Since haggling is often allowed, you can get a good bargain on souvenirs. Of course, you mustn't forget to pick up some scrumptious local jams and jellies, too.

Related: Best Places To Backpack with Friends

9. The Moonshine Distilleries

Have you ever wanted to tour a moonshine distillery? Now you can! Pigeon Forge is home to several world-famous moonshine distilleries, and you can tour them.

You'll learn all about the history of moonshine in Tennessee, sample some fantastic moonshine, and even try to create your personalized one.

The distilleries are a great place to take photos and make memories that will last a lifetime. Ole Smoky Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company are two of the most famous distilleries in town.

10. Spot Wildlife in Their Real Habitat

Many of us are intrigued by wildlife, so why not take a chance to spot them in their natural habitat? The Great Smoky National Park has an abundance of wildlife.

You can stroll through the woods and spot deer, bears, wild boars, coyotes, and spotted salamanders. You might even see a bobcat or a cougar if you're lucky.

However, keep your distance and don't feed the animals. Read the park's rules and regulations before you enter.

Final Thoughts

Pigeon Forge is beautiful and full of fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation or something more adventurous, you won't be disappointed that you chose to visit Pigeon Forge.

Always prepare your arsenal of knowledge with the background information of your destination before you go. That way, you'll be prepared for whatever this wonderful mountain town has to offer. Pick up a travel brochure to get the most out of your trip.

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with Visit My Smokies.

Reptile lovers who travel always look for new and exciting places to view these scaly creatures. Most people may think that you can only view these reptiles in specific areas of the world. However, that isn't true!

Reptiles can be viewed anywhere on the planet, whether at a zoo, national preserve, wildlife park, or simply in your backyard! The United States, in particular, is full of exciting spots to view and find reptiles, whether in the wild or captivity.

So, if you're a reptile lover currently in the U.S. or hoping to visit and want to know about a few spots to view your slithering or crawling scaly obsession, keep reading to find out!

Destinations for Reptile Lovers

1. Zion National Park - Utah

The United States' first-ever National Park, Zion, is in Southwest Utah.

In the rocks and canyons of this 229 square miles of red rock landscape, a reptile lover can quickly run across a plethora of different lizards, snakes, and tortoises, such as:

• The western banded gecko, the Great Basin collared lizard, the desert spiny lizard, the Gila monster, and the western skink.
• Whipsnakes, gartersnakes, rattlesnakes, kingsnakes, and patch-nosed snakes.
• The desert tortoise.

You can also take the park's canyon shuttle to soak in some stunning views. While you're there, don't forget to learn about the area's rich pioneer and Native American history.

2. Franklin Mountain State Park - Texas

Franklin Mountain State Park, located in El Paso, Texas, is one of the largest state parks in the U.S. It covers 26,000 acres of rocky canyons, desert mountains, and grasslands full of different reptile species.

If you're traveling to El Paso, you'll be happy to know that the state park sits within the city limits, so a car, bus, or taxi should get you there just fine.

A couple of reptiles you'll be able to find in the area include:

• The eastern collared lizard, the ornate tree lizard, and the greater earless lizard.
• Texas banded gecko, common checkered whiptail, and Chihuahuan spotted whiptail.
• The ring-necked snake, Chihuahuan nightsnake, southwestern blackhead snake, and eastern patch-nosed snake.
• Big Bend patchnose snake and a few venomous rattlesnake species, like the eastern black-tailed rattlesnake (so be careful).

Related: Things To Do in Big Bend National Park

3. Everglades National Park - Florida

If there's one thing Florida is known for, it's its animals. After all, it's one of the few places in the U.S. with many different species that you can only find there. In short, it's a reptile lover's dream!

The Everglades National Park, a 1.5 million-acre plot of nothing but wetlands and animals, is one of the best places to look at reptiles. It's even ranked as one of the top four national parks in the U.S.

A couple of reptiles you should be able to find in this vast national park include:

• Alligators, crocodiles, and caiman.
• Anoles, geckos, iguanas, skinks, and lizards galore.
• Kingsnakes, boa constrictors, rat snakes, water snakes, and corn snakes, to name a few.
• Turtles and tortoises.

Everglades National Park offers many different tours, including bus tours, regular boat tours, and airboat tours.

4. Mojave National Preserve - California

If you plan on traveling to the West Coast, the Mojave National Preserve in Essex, California, is the place to go for reptile lovers. This national preserve stretches through California's beautiful Mojave Desert, teeming with reptilian life.

A couple of reptiles to look out for would include:

• The chuckwalla, western banded gecko, Gila monster, great basin collared lizard, and desert iguana.
• Kingsnakes, gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, and glossy snakes.
• Desert tortoise.

Dirt and paved roads have been established throughout this park, allowing visitors to drive through the entire desert. However, extra care must be taken to ensure you don't harm any of the natural wildlife in the area.

5. The Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

One of the most well-known national parks on this list is the Grand Canyon in Arizona; this park encompasses more than 200 miles of rivers and canyons. Shuttle buses make navigating this vast national park easy and give you the time to soak in all the beauty.

The park is home to 22 snake species, 18 lizard species, and one tortoise species, including:

• The greater short-horned lizard, Gila monster, and yellow-backed spiny lizard.
• Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes.
• The Desert Tortoise.

A few snake species in this park, including the Gila monster, are venomous. Therefore, visitors should only look at reptiles from a safe distance.

6. Reptile Gardens - South Dakota

Reptile Gardens, located in southern Rapid City, South Dakota, has grown into one of the largest reptile zoos in the world.

During your visit, you should easily be able to see reptile species, including:

• Crocodiles and alligators.
• Turtles and tortoises.
• An abundance of different lizards, including Gila monsters and Komodo dragons.
• A bunch of different snake species, including the venomous cottonmouth and copperhead snakes.

The grounds are also home to a beautiful botanical garden, many other non-reptile animal species to learn about, and a cafe to relax in during downtime. Reptile lovers should no doubt be able to have a blast on their trip here.

Related: The Truth About Deadly Animals in Australia

7. Nashville Zoo - Tennessee

Last but certainly not least, we have the Nashville Zoo. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Nashville Zoo has an impressive array of reptiles in its Unseen New World, Critter Encounters, and Alligator Cove exhibits.

A couple of these reptiles include:

• The caiman lizard, Haitian giant galliwasp, green crested basilisk, and Mexican beaded lizard.
• The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eyelash palm pit viper, green anaconda, and northern copperhead.
• The American alligator and dwarf caiman.
• The alligator snapping turtle, the Aldabra tortoise, the mata mata, and the Galapagos tortoise

If you want to see other animals, the zoo has many different exhibits that are full of fun and interesting information.

Staring up the steep and narrow red rocks on Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona, Arizona, I was at the edge of my comfort zone. Losing your balance on this section could easily result in a painful, potentially fatal fall, as nothing can slow your momentum.

We'd already climbed higher than Kel had the first time a year earlier when she wore running sneakers that lacked grip on the smooth rock. Despite her recommendation that I buy hiking shoes, as she'd since done, I figured I could get by as I had during our hikes in Big Bend National Park.

I was wrong, and it was more than evident. I hadn't considered the slick rock we'd be traversing, let alone a vertical scramble with few obvious handholds and lots of loose rock.

The Cathedral Rock Trail was among the most popular hikes in Sedona. How challenging could it be, I thought? Unlike the Devil's Bridge hike, I didn't even read about it. And now I was wondering if I'd make it to the top.

Getting to Cathedral Rock Trail

After our sunrise hike to Devil's Bridge, we had a terrific brunch with pizza and cocktails at Hideaway House. Then, we visited V Bar V Ranch to see petroglyphs before driving toward the Cathedral Rock Trailhead.

The best times to visit Cathedral Rock in the Coconino National Forest are sunrise and sunset when the sun is low in the sky and (hopefully) the temperatures are cooler. But we didn't have the luxury of time, as we only had one full day in Sedona and wanted to make the most of it.

Parking and Shuttle

The day before, we'd used a credit card to pay $15 for a weekly Red Rock Pass, which allows you to use the small parking lots at trailheads. Purchasing a pass is required; the day pass is $5.

Unfortunately, but predictably, there were no parking spaces available in the two Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking lots, so we again had to rely on the free Sedona Shuttle to get us there.

The departure point for Cathedral Rock Trailhead is the North SR-179 Park and Ride on Google Maps. The shuttle departs every 15 minutes between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. It's a 10-minute drive.

To return, the Sedona Shuttle departs the Cathedral Rock Trailhead every 10 minutes from 7:10 a.m. until 5:12 p.m.

Keep these times in mind if you're aiming to watch the sunset from atop Cathedral Rock, as you'll need to rely on your own transportation or plan for a longer hike if you can't park nearby.

The Hike

The Cathedral Rock Trail is only a 1.2-mile round-trip hike. The challenge is in the 741 elevation gain, including one steep climb that requires both hands to be free.

It feels like a walk in the park when you're starting at the base of Cathedral Rock. Watch for the trail signs and rock-filled basket cairns in this first section.

Given the hike's popularity, you'll likely see other people on their way up or down, though, so it'd be hard to get lost during daylight hours.

Bring a headlamp to ensure a safe descent if you're heading up in the late afternoon for sunset. The sun sets on the opposite side of Cathedral Rock Trail, so you begin to lose sunlight mid-afternoon.

After only 10 minutes on the hiking trail, we walked up the gentle slopes of red rock and reached a plateau with spectacular views toward the east and south.

If you know where to look toward the east, you can spot the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a church constructed amid the red rocks in the 1950s, which is beautiful to some and controversial to others.

Looking toward the south, we could see Courthouse Butte and the tippy-top of Bell Rock, which we'd hiked around the day before. I'd have been satisfied with the views if this were as far as we went. If you're afraid of heights and what you read next, I'd suggest you not write off Cathedral Rock altogether.

The Steep Part

Lacking a technical climbing term to describe it, let's say this next section of Sedona's Cathedral Rock Trail was challenging. The intrusive thought of slipping, falling, and bouncing off the rocks on my way down quickly entered my mind as I stared upwards.

We were there long enough to watch some hikers descend, most using both their hands to steady themselves on the rocks. One guy was wearing gloves, which I realized makes a lot of sense when you have to use your hands on rocks that've been soaking up the sun all morning.

An older woman (perhaps in her 50s) encouraged us, saying this short climb was the most challenging part and that "if I can do it, so can you!"

Kel went first to her credit and scrambled up the red rocks like a champ. I followed soon after, heart pounding. At one point, I took a break so she could snap a photo of me smiling nervously.

I was frustrated by the lack of grip on my new Brooks running sneakers. Also, while I'd brought plenty of water in a 20-ounce metal bottle, it was cumbersome.

I hadn't realized I'd need both hands to be free for the Cathedral Rock hike, so I was forced to awkwardly carry my metal bottle in the pocket of my Prana shorts; thankfully, it fit.

Encouraged by my girlfriend's ascent, I slowly made my way up the vertical section until I reached its top. The views were similar to what we'd experienced at the plateau below.

Resting

My heart continued to pound, and I wondered whether the descent would be more complicated than the ascent. I was tired from a long day and worried about a potential slip on the way down.

Despite knowing that the hard part was over and the rest of the hike up Cathedral Rock was more manageable, I felt I'd gone as far as possible.

Memories of exhaustion on day three of my Annapurna Sanctuary trek in Nepal 14 years ago still affect me.

So did the time a Swiss man with whom I was doing the Indrahar Pass trek in Northern India tripped and almost fell off a precipice above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

Not that hiking in Sedona is as extreme as multi-day treks in the Himalayas. But those experiences still tend to trigger my anxiety.

Kel continued to hike higher toward the towering rock formations but decided not to go to the top because of the time it might have taken (about 30 minutes round-trip).

In retrospect, continuing with her would've taken my mind off the steep slopes. Instead, I sat down and enjoyed the view where I was until she returned. Since we didn't reach the trail's end, I've included a few images from others below.

Going Down

When we reunited, Kel began climbing down the steep section of Cathedral Rock Trail. The best way down it is to use both hands to steady yourself.

To my great surprise, it felt easier to move down this section than to climb up it. I didn't have the same pounding heart and wasn't as dependent on finding suitable handholds as before. And, worst case, I knew I could always slide down on my butt.

We paused for a photo when we reached the bottom of the steepest section. I was feeling grateful to have made it back down without incident. Here, we ran into a pair of hikers with a small dog who said they'd need to go back and drop their dog off before returning to do the climb.

As we hiked back to the parking area to catch the Sedona Shuttle, we passed more hikers getting started. Some asked about what lay ahead, and we did our best to encourage them as others had done for us.

Related: Hot Springs Canyon Trail in Big Bend

Final Thoughts on Cathedral Rock

I learn something new from every hike, especially the ones that don't go as planned, whether because of the weather, my anxieties, or some other factor.

My key takeaway for Cathedral Rock in Sedona is to bring proper hiking boots. They don't have to provide full ankle support, but they should have a grippy tread.

Since this moderate hike requires some scrambling, it's better to bring a small backpack for water, snacks, a camera, etc. I had one but left it in our rental car, thinking I could carry the water bottle as it was a short trail.

Wear gloves to protect yourself from the rock faces that heat up in the sun. Gloves also provide extra grip when moving up/down steep sections.

Lastly, if you're bold enough to take in the beautiful views of Cathedral Rock at sunset, bring an LED headlamp. You don't want to scramble down the trail in the dark.