Month: May 2020

5 Reasons You Should Plan an Alaska Road Trip

5 Reasons You Should Plan an Alaska Road Trip

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About 22% of all vacations in America were road trips in 2015. Many people’s dream trip is to go on an Alaska road trip and see the breathtaking sights.

If you are prepared properly, the trip will be an amazing experience. Since long stretches of the journey have spots where it is difficult to get fuel and do repairs, knowing what to expect can help you avoid some of these issues.

Continue reading this article to learn the top reasons you should take a road trip to Alaska.

1. The Midnight Sun

If you want to mess with your sleep patterns and experience something that is totally out of your normal — you’ve got to see the midnight sun. Make sure you include an eye mask when you’re making your packing list, or you’re not going to get much sleep while you’re visiting.

The midnight sun benefits the plants in Alaska, and some parts of Alaska are known for their giant vegetables.

2. The Northern Lights

One that will make you stand in awe is seeing the Northern Lights. This amazing sight happens because of solar activity. You do have to make your way pretty far north in Alaska to see the lights, and it can get very cold, but it will be something you will never forget.

3. Countless Roads to Explore

Alaska takes up a large part of the U.S., and there are so many roads where you can park for hours and never see another vehicle. Alaska even has several resources developed to help RVers enjoy this beautiful country. And if you are looking for some RV parks to stop at while exploring this beautiful country you will find a variety of options.

4. Monster Mountains

If you wanted to get an idea of how small we are as humans, then visiting Alaska and staring up at its monstrous mountains will definitely give you some perspective. Alaska is home to Denali, which is the tallest mountain in North America.

You don’t have to go to the tallest mountain to get an amazing mountain experience. There are plenty of other places where you can explore and enjoy nature and a good workout.

5. Skiing and Snow Sport Opportunities

Winters in Alaska offer so many unique opportunities! There is dog mushing, reindeer running, outdoor hot springs, and snow-shoeing in the back country.

Of course there is plenty of fresh powdery snow for skiers, and snowmobiling is always a fun option.  And for those that want to just kick back and relax there are plenty of scenic areas for spotting wildlife in this gorgeous northern state.

 

Enjoying an Alaska Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like taking an Alaska road trip. The sights and sounds of this magical state will take your breath away.

Have you thought about getting an RV or upgrading your RV? There are lots of options for you to look into, and we would be glad to answer any questions you have. Take a look at our new RVs or our used inventory to see if there is anything of interest.

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6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

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Everybody and their aunt already has a Facebook album dedicated to their trip to the Grand Canyon. Not to take away from its splendor; it’s absolutely breathtaking.

However, for today, we would like to switch it up. There are many lesser-known western National Parks that are just as special to the appreciative eye.

Read ahead to learn more about some of the most beautiful national parks in the US.

Six Western National Parks You Need to See

Here are six of the best National Parks in the US that represent the west. They are great options for a visit!

  1. Olympic National Park

A quintessential west coast national park, this gem of Washington state has it all.

There are not many places in the world, let alone the USA, where you can enjoy mountains, forests, lakes, and the ocean in one place.

You can hike in the magical Hoh Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the country.

  1. Mesa Verde

If you know Mesa Verde is Spanish for ‘green table’,  you are ready for a middle school-level Spanish class.

Jokes aside, Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is home of the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings.

These structures were essentially carved from the cliff well over 500 years ago. The cultural and anthropological importance is immeasurable. Thus, the area has National Park status and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  1. Petrified Forest

This park offers some of the stranger curiosities for travelers. Located among the desert badlands, the Petrified Forest consists of the remains of ancient trees that underwent a process known as petrification.

This chemical process resulted in the preservation of logs that were living with the dinosaurs.

The resulting ‘stone’ is beautiful but don’t be tempted to steal a piece. This can result in legal penalties and an unbreakable curse.

  1. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of the most unique US National Parks. Road trip enthusiasts must add it to their itineraries. Located in California, it gets its name from the tall rock formations that characterize its surreal landscape.

This park features many natural rock formations that are the result of multiple volcanoes that overflowed with lava about 23 million years ago. Those lava flows slid around and became the unique structures that populate this park.  This park is primarily for hikers and climbing enthusiasts with trails that will satisfy families looking for light hikes as well as adventurers that are looking for more strenuous trails. Check the park website for overnight options- since reservations are required at this time.

  1. Lassen Volcanic National Park

This is another California national park you might not have heard of but is more than worth the trip.

It is home to at least one of each of the four types of volcanos found on Earth, making it a science buff’s dream.

You can also enjoy the lakes, bubbling mud pits, and a large trail network.

  1. Channel Islands

It’s hard to find a more special place than the Channel Islands. Perhaps, its relative obscurity adds to its uniqueness.

It consists of an archipelago of tiny islands featuring idyllic hidden beaches sheltered by sheer cliffs. It is also home to many types of endemic wildlife and a massive underwater cave.

A Park for Every One

We believe everyone should get out there and find their favorite park! You can support these parks by visiting them, making donations, and promoting awareness.

Most importantly, we encourage you to make plans to go see these amazing natural treasures. Exploring the east? Check out our list of the Best East Coast National Parks.

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