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View of south rim of grand canyon with snow in foreground and on top of rocks

Find a Winter Wonderland in These 6 Stunning National Parks

Pile on your warmest gear and enjoy these beautiful national parks with fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and snowy outdoor activities.

November 27, 2024 07:36 AM

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Melanie Haiken

Monument Valley is just one of a dozen spectacular parks and monuments in Arizona.

National Parks

The Grand Canyon Gets 5 Million Visitors. These 10 Arizona Parks Offer Pueblos, Hoodoos, and Fewer Crowds

Discover the lesser-known national parks and monuments in the Grand Canyon State.

February 3, 2026 06:30 AM

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Melanie Haiken

Hotel News + Openings

A New Mountain Lodge Is Coming to This Lesser-Visited, Volcanic Region of Japan

The Lucy hotel from luxury brand Hoshino Resorts is opening next to a national park in the Japanese countryside.

May 20, 2025 12:35 PM

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Olivia Young

Grenada is home to the world's first underwater garden.

Islands

7 Lesser-Visited Caribbean Islands for Tropical Hikes, White Sand Beaches, and Crystal Clear Water

Find a sunny slice of tranquility on these idyllic Caribbean islands.

August 14, 2025 12:10 PM

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Kristin Braswell

National Parks

A First-Timer’s Guide to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is full of rugged mountain peaks, emerald lakes, and vast glaciers. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time there.

May 13, 2024 06:49 PM

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Juliette Recompsat

Sunset over Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California

National Parks

These U.S. National Parks Are Requiring Reservations in 2024

You’ll want to mark your calendars: Here are key dates when reservations will become available for the national parks requiring them in 2024—and how to secure a spot.

December 27, 2023 10:00 AM

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Michelle Baran

Hiking + Cycling

The New American Perimeter Trail Will Be the Longest Hiking Route in the U.S.

The 12,000-mile loop—which encompasses parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail—is currently being scouted and mapped.

September 1, 2020 12:52 PM

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Katherine LaGrave

Breathtaking scenic aerial view of Doubtful Lake from Sahale Arm on the Cascade Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park.

National Parks

11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees

As new entry fees for international travelers take effect at several of the country’s busiest parks, these destinations offer equally striking landscapes without the added costs.

March 23, 2026 02:28 PM

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Emily Pennington

Courtesy of Tamara Susa/Aspen Chamber Resort Association

National Parks

Tips For a Greener Trip to Aspen

Restaurants, hotels, outdoor options, and more to minimize your footprint while visiting this Colorado mountain town.

Sponsored by Aspen Chamber Resort Association

Get ready for your autumn adventures with top-of-the-line outdoor gear.

Packing Tips + Gear

The REI Labor Day Sale Has Some of Our Favorite Gear Seriously Discounted

Stock up on shoes, bags, and camping gear from Afar’s “Best of” lists during the REI Labor Day Sale, which runs through September 2, 2024.

August 26, 2024 12:58 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Trees with amber and green colored leaves line the water's edge. In the distance, a waterfall breaks in the middle of mountains.

National Parks

Everyone Visits Yosemite in the Summer, But Here’s a Smarter Time to Go

Perfect weather, stunning scenery, and more room to roam—here’s why spring and fall are the best times to visit.

Sponsored by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau

Cheyenne Wyoming Curt Gowdy State Park Mountain Bike Visit Cheyenne

Outdoor Adventure

This Wyoming City Is a Great Base for Outdoor Adventure

High plains, granite formations, and forested trails invite hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and more in Wyoming.

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