We’re a couple in our 50s and it’s nature we travel for - national parks, forests, wildlife and proper wilderness rather than the cities. We’d love to know which part of the US is worth building a trip around for that, and the best time of year to go. For those who’ve been, where did the nature leave the biggest impression?
Hey! I’d look into Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I haven’t been myself, but I’ve been all around the Canadian Rockies and heard it’s quite similar. Because of that, I’ve been researching for similar places around North America that delivers views just as breathtaking.
What really appeals to me is that you don’t necessarily need to be doing intense hikes every day to get those huge mountain views. There are so many scenic stops you can reach by car, like Oxbow Bend (which apparently is one of the best areas to get a chance of seeing moose, elk, bison, bears and loads of birdlife), Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row, and then you still have plenty of proper trails if you do want a more active day.
You could stay around Jackson or inside/near the park and explore from there rather than turning the whole trip into constant hotel changes. If you’re looking for proper wilderness but also want the option of just driving to a lookout on days when you don’t feel like doing a big hike, Grand Teton would definitely be up there.
Hi - re WanderFuel’s rec. of Grand Tetons – yes indeed, it is magnificent, and you could combine with Yellowstone. My personal favorite tho is Acadia Natl. Park in northern Maine – just love the islands, the shore, the forests, the different wildflowers, sunrise on Katahdin, understanding the geological history…maybe some moose. It smells clean like no place else on earth.