Camping under the Canopies: RV Adventures in Northern California 

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

It’s already fall, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Trails are adorned with the Aspen leaves’ glistening gold. Also, the dark green of the pine trees in the backdrop complements the dark red and orange of Alpine shrubs. Hiking through the park trails is the best way to explore the beauty of the USA National Park to the fullest. Further, the hiking trails come with varying difficulty levels. Some are also great for enjoying a walk with your furry friends.  Moreover, the trails are varied in their destinations. Some trails in the park will take you to beautiful waterfalls, and some will end at breathtaking summits and immersive lakes. Do you also want to hike and experience the park at its best? Here is a brief overview.  Hiking Through The Rocky Mountain National Park Trails: A Rocky Mountain National Park Guide  Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails. Further, you will find a delightful activity in the park irrespective of your abilities.  However, you will need proper traction devices and a Rocky Mountain National Park map to remain safe during hiking. Moreover, you will need proper footwear with a treaded sole as the routes can be snowy and slippery.  With proper safety measures, it’s time for you to hit the waterfalls, summit, and lake trails.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Waterfalls Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 31 waterfalls. Do you want to witness water cascading through rocky terrains? Hit any of the following trails in the park.  1. Granite Falls Trail  Trail Head: Green Mountain Trailhead parking area Trail Distance: 5.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate You will pass through lush green meadows while hiking to Granite Falls Trail. However, the terrain is marshy here, and you must be careful as you explore the path.  Further, lodgepole pine, aspen, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir greet you throughout the trail. The elevation gain is 1,046 feet in the trail, and you must proceed carefully.  2. Chasm Falls Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 2 Miles (Round Trip) Difficulty Level: Moderate The Chasm Falls Trail will take you to a cascading beauty. With an elevation of just 640 feet, this trail is moderate to hike. Further, if the hiking trail from Old Fall River Road is closed, you can take the trail from Winter Closure Gate. Then, you will have to walk or bike for 2.2 Miles.  3. Adam Falls Trail  Trail Head: East Inlet Trail Distance: 0.6 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy With an elevation of just 79 feet, the Adam Falls Trail is one of the easiest ones in the park. Adam Falls is small but excels in its quaint beauty.  If you want to be more adventurous, you can walk past the waterfall. A beautiful glacier valley will emerge before your eyes, and you will love the exuberance of wildflowers.  4. Cascade Falls Trail Trail Head: North Inlet Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous (Expect changes in the difficulty level throughout the route) You will love the gurgling sound of the North Inlet stream water, and as it thrashes the pure granite stone, it’s a beauty to behold. This waterfall is 100 feet tall and forms a cascade, as the name rightly suggests.  You will meet the most adorable marmots As you continue your hike and pass through the open meadow. They are frequent to the winding river through the lodgepole pine forest. Further, you can stop here to fish river trout and brown trout.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Lakes Great National Park has 156 lakes. Some of these lakes have dense trout populations. Further, areas near these lakes are great for spotting wildlife. So, let’s know about the lake hiking trails that lead us to these beautiful lakes.  1. Bear Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 0.7 Mile Difficulty Level: Easy With mountains of the Continental Divide in the backdrop, Bear Lake Trail is one of the best locations in the park for watching the sunset. You will love the beauty of Hallett Peak, Continental Divide, and an Alpine lake here. Bear Lake is the epicenter of many hiking trails. You can start your hike to Alberta Falls, Flattop Mountain, Emerald Lake, and more from here.  2. Sprague Lake Loop Trail Trail Head:  Estes Park Trail Distance: 0.7 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy Sprague Lake Loop Trail is the most accessible trail in the park. Wheelchairs are allowed here. So, patients with disabilities can also explore this trail.  You can stop at the benches and many lookouts throughout the trail to reflect on the beauty of nature. Further, you can see the mountain peaks along the Continental Divide.  Moreover, Sprague Lake is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife.  3. Mills Lake Trail Trail Head: Glacier Gorge Trail Distance - 5 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  With a 700-foot elevation, the Mills Lake trail will take you through a gorge carved by glaciers, streambeds, and waterfalls.  The beautiful Mills Lake gets its name from Enos Mills, the founder of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Further, if you want to continue your hiking pursuit, you can walk to Black Lake, and that will be an additional 1.7-mile hike.  4. Gem Lake Trail Trail Head: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The expansive field of granite domes houses the Gem Lake. It is indeed a hidden gem and one of the biggest attractions in the area, along with Lumpy Ridge.  Gem Lake is shallow, and it has water of melted snow and rainfall.  5. Dream Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  You must go for a steady ascent from Bear Lake to reach Dream Lake. The trail comes with an elevation change of 830 feet. Don’t miss the following highlights of this hiking route.  Nymph Lake Aspen Groves Ponderosa Pine The Nymph Lake looks most beautiful in summer, with pond lilies in full bloom. Further, you can use Dream Lake as the base and trek to the amazing Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Summits Despite the elevation gain of around 1000-3000 feet, the hiking trails to summits are very popular among visitors. The wonderful vistas from the mountain tops make the effort worth it.  1. Deer Mountain Trail Trail Head: Deer Ridge Jct Trail Distance: 3.1 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The Deer Mountain comes with an elevation of 10,006 feet. Further, as you hike and reach the summit, you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak, Estes Park, and Moraine Park. Be careful about the weather forecast before you start your journey on the trail.  2. Flattop Mountain Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trailhead Trail Distance: 8.8 miles round trip  Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The trail from Bear Lake is the best way to reach Flattop Mountain, and this route is one of the trickiest ones in the park. However, if you cannot access the trail from Bear Lake, you can try the route to Flattop via Tonahutu Trail. Further, as you reach the Flattop Mountain summit, you will enjoy the beauty of Hallet Peak, Dream Lake, and Tyndall Glacier.  3. Chasm Lake And Longs Peak Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 4.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Strenuous  Chasm Lake, just beneath the Longs Peak, offers a spectacular view. You will come across Tundra meadows and Alpine tundra through the trail. Further, animals like pikas and marmots are common here.  As you reach the Chasm Junction and find an outhouse, you can hike along a wall to see Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool Gorge. After this point, the terrain becomes rocky, and you will need cairns to reach Cirque, the lake's location.  Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiking Through Trails Of Rocky Mountain National Park Making a rushed trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest mistake you can make. You can face severe issues like dehydration and acute mountain sickness here if you don’t allow your body to acclimatize or work on your physical and mental endurance. So, carry enough water or hydrating solutions and start your training under proper guidance at least one month before your Rocky Mountain hike.  Further, don’t think that you will always make it to the trails in your usual track pants or leggings. You have to wear hiking clothes as on many days, you will have no escape from the afternoon rain.  Rocky Mountains National Park At A Glance  Location: Colorado, USA Established: 26 January 1915 Highest Point: Longs Peak Area: 415 Square Miles How to Reach: Take a drive or shuttle from the Denver International Airport.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Arnab Jan 20, 2023

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the state of Tennessee that offers something for every type of traveler. Situated just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and enjoyable recreational activities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, a vacation in Gatlinburg won't disappoint you. Here Are The Eight Best Ideas For Vacationing In Gatlinburg To ensure you make the most of your vacation, we've put together a list of helpful tips to make planning easier. Here's what you need to know: 1. Plan ahead Any vacation can become a stressful experience if not planned carefully. So it's important to begin planning early to ensure you don't have trouble at the eleventh hour. And after choosing your destination, next comes selecting the accommodation. A convenient option is to stay in a condo. Condos offer an extensive array of amenities for a comfortable stay, such as a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living space, and are ideal if you're planning a trip with family or want to enjoy a more upscale experience. Look up downtown Gatlinburg condos online, compare prices, read reviews, and book one that suits your travel needs. Be sure to book in advance to score a better deal. 2. Explore the great outdoors Gatlinburg is approximately 5 miles away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails suitable for first-timers and avid trekkers. Some popular trails include Mt. Leconte, Mt. Cammerer, Charlies Bunion, the Chimney Tops Trail, and Thunderhead Mountain. So be sure to pack your hiking gear if you're up for one. The national park is also home to more than 1200 species of plants and animals, including big black bears. Be sure to follow directions and stay out of areas cordoned off for the public. Also, don't litter. 3. Indulge in local cuisine Who doesn't love food? If you long for unique flavors, there are plenty of options to tantalize your taste buds. Gatlinburg has diverse dining options, including traditional southern comfort food to continental and several popular fast-food brands. You can enjoy a finger-licking meal that you will remember for a long time. Some popular places to dine include Donut Frair, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Log Cabin Pancake House. Consider eating pancakes at the pancake house is a must-do. Be sure to try some of the local moonshine and barbecue. 4. Shop around Gatlinburg has many shopping options, from souvenir shops to high-end boutiques. Be sure to check out the downtown area for one-of-a-kind finds. You can shop till you drop at outlet malls and small mom-and-pop arts and crafts stores. If you visit the downtown area, you'll find a mix of unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Here, you can find exclusive dresses, artistries, and a collection of extremely rare souvenirs. Also, check out the local farmer's market for fresh produce, homemade jams, and more. 5. Relax and unwind Whether it's soaking in a hot tub or taking a leisurely walk around the town, take some time out for yourself and relax. There are several places in Gatlinburg where you can unwind and burn off stress, including hot tubs, saunas, spas, and massages. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or want to indulge in some quality self-care, Gatlinburg is worth a try. Just be sure to reserve some time for yourself during your trip. 6. Hit the slopes A vacation in Gatlinburg is a must if you are into winter sports. Gatlinburg is a great destination for winter sports, with Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offering skiing opportunities. Even if you're not a skier, the resort has an indoor ice-skating rink designed for casuals. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the only ski resort in Tennessee, and it offers a wide range of winter activities. These include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing. 7. Take a tour Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. From ghost tours to historical walking tours, you can explore some wonderful places that boast Appalachian culture and history. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the antiquity and traditions of Gatlinburg. You'll also see some of the most famous and hidden sights and landmarks. Guided tours can help you discover new places in Gatlinburg that only a few know about. Whether you're interested in the town's history or the natural wonders of the area, you can't go wrong with a trip to Gatlinburg. 8. Visit the arts and crafts community Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community, with many shops and studios showcasing the work of local artisans. Take a stroll through the community and bring home a unique souvenir. The Gatlinburg arts and crafts community is also one of North America's largest groups of independent artisans. The community offers a wide range of unique artwork and dexterities, from traditional to contemporary. Conclusion Overall, Gatlinburg offers a wonderful natural getaway destination that promises a memorable experience for tourists. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors or simply relax and unwind, Gatlinburg has it all. Following the tips above can help you make the most of your time in this delightful town. So, don't wait any longer; plan your next vacation and experience all this beautiful place has to offer. Read Also: Crucial Hiking Tips To Ensure Your Safety While Hiking Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide

BY  Arnab Jun 9, 2023

Avid travel enthusiasts know the importance of finding the best flight and hotel deals. Spending profusely on accommodation and flights means you will be left with less money for recreation, fun activities, delicious meals, and shopping. Have you considered using VPN for booking flights and hotels? No? This guide tells you how VPN is ideal for helping you find out the best flight and accommodation deals. You can use this travel hack on your next trip. Doesn’t Incognito Mode Work to Lower the Prices? You may see using incognito mode as the number one travel hack. But, in reality, it is only great for hiding your browsing history from other people on the device. You cannot change the IP address in this mode, which is what most hotel, flight, and travel booking sites track. Therefore, to be completely anonymous, you must use a VPN. How VPN Helps in Lowering Flights & Hotel Prices? Airline ticket and hotel booking prices greatly vary depending on where you are booking from. Travel and airlines booking websites use a dynamic pricing model, which means the prices change according to factors such as your purchase history, IP address, ZIP code, browsing habits, demand as well as supply, the Wi-Fi network you are connected to, etc. You can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip by using VPN. You can switch your IP address using a VPN to an altogether different location, which means the websites may appear at different prices according to that location. By changing the IP address, you can receive a cheaper price on hotels and flights if the new destination consists of lower demands and is a low-income country. Furthermore, you can even avail of special discounts for the country from which you are connecting. Discounts might be offered because of country-specific holidays or for seasonal reasons. The plus point is that you can also optimize VPN to search for lower prices on car rentals. Also, using a VPN is a straightforward process. Simply choose a provider and click VPN software download. Then, follow the instructions. More information on how you can use VPN to lower flights and hotel prices is given below. A Comprehensive Guide to Using a VPN Here’s a bit-by-bit guide to learning how to optimize VPN to get cheaper flights and hotel deals on your upcoming trip. Select a premium VPN provider Choosing a reliable and safe VPN provider is the most significant step in successfully executing this travel hack. However, since they are not built in the same manner, you must be careful during a VPN selection. An ideal VPN offers server locations in several other countries, ensuring fast and stable connections. Also, it offers 256-AES encryption and other security protocols like OpenVPN and Wizard Guard. Other standout features include a no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch. A kill switch is essential as it safeguards users’ information if the VPN connection accidentally drops. A no-logs policy is a clear indication that the VPN operator does not keep records of your activities online. So, there’s no record of the IP addresses used by you or the websites you browse to plan your trip. Another essential feature is knowledgeable and responsive customer support, ready to address all your needs 24/7. Position the VPN program After selecting a premium VPN provider, the initial step is downloading and installing the software on your gadget. After that, you can visit the website of your VPN provider and select the best strategy that meets your needs. Then, follow the download and installation instructions. Most VPN providers offer a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee. So, you can try the top VPNs before settling for one. Connect to a server of your chosen country Connecting to a server located in a country of your choice is the next step. This step intimidates a lot of people, but it is incredibly simple. Use your VPN to connect to the server country where you wish to visit just like you are browsing the web. For instance, if you wish to book a flight or hotel while appearing as if you are in the Philippines, you need a VPN to a server located in the Philippines. This will make it seem like you are in the Philippines while you are in another country. With most premium VPN services, all it takes is a single click to connect to a server. Then, you can start browsing and find those amazingly affordable deals for your trip. If you are wondering which is the most affordable country to change your VPN server location to, there’s no firm answer. It will depend on your destination and departure date. But some destinations that have proved to be lucky are India, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, etc. So, you may have to play a little by changing locations and then see what lands you the cheapest hotel and flights. Search for flights and hotels Start searching for your flights or hotels after you have connected to your desired country’s server. First, you can try searching on a travel booking site, as this will provide you with multiple flight and hotel options to choose from. Then, try the airline or hotel website directly, as sometimes the prices may differ when you’re booking through a travel site and directly from an airline or hotel website. If you do not find a reasonable price, change the VPN’s country again. Compare prices before booking After you have searched for hotels or flights, you must compare the prices before booking. It would be best if you compared the prices with other travel booking websites to guarantee you get the best detail. If you find the most affordable deal, book it immediately, as the prices may quickly change. Change the location of the VPN to your home country If you have finished booking your flights and accommodation, change the VPN location back to your country. Or, you can continue browsing, choosing any server you want. The Bottom Line If you are up for saving money, try this travel hack for your next trip.  Read Also: Use These Resources When Planning A Big Trip Kiwi Flights Review – Login, Services, And Travel Experiences The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights