#million-dollar-highway

#million-dollar-highway

Groupthink is real. It can create a false sense of security and reinforce narrow thinking. Don't be afraid to speak up or challenge decisions-being a contrarian can add valuable perspective.

Goblin Valley State Park is often overlooked and relatively undiscovered, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking solitude away from crowded tourist spots like Bryce Canyon.

Channeling the look and feel of authentic national park lodges was an important part of this renovation project. We took great care to preserve its independent spirit and also invite guests to truly immerse themselves in the destination, from the captivating views from the lodge to the quiet serenity offered by the Colorado River that winds itself around the property.

There's plenty to experience in Denver, Colorado. You can take in spectacular mountain vistas while sipping cocktails on a RiNo rooftop, or headbang at one of the city's many music venues. You could visit one of the phenomenal museums, explore the stunning Union Station, or even soak in a hot tub filled with hops, herbs, and barley at Oakwell Beer Spa. Plus, if you're a foodie, you're in for a treat.

Tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, spending billions of dollars in the city's casinos, entertainment venues, and attractions. Yet my move brought me to Reno, a seven-hour drive from the desert of Las Vegas. Although Reno still has its fair share of casinos, the city feels like a world apart.

Spring in Tahoe rewards timing, and Truckee puts many good options within reach. From downtown, four major resorts sit just minutes away, and about a dozen ski areas are within roughly 45 minutes.

As a SoCal resident, I visit Anza-Borrego at least once a year to explore the sandstone Slot canyon and surrounding desert, keeping an eye out for animals like chuckwalla lizards and bighorn sheep. Despite its incredibly dry environment (the park averages just four to eight inches of rain a year, and summertime temps routinely hit the hundreds), Anza-Borrego teems with life and opportunities to explore one of the nation's most unique ecosystems.

My father was a petroleum geologist. A lot of my childhood, he was gone, away on oil rigs in the Powder River Basin and remote parts of Wyoming, living in man camps long before cellphones. We had to wait days to talk to him. When he went into the nearest town to shower, he'd find a payphone and call us. I was always breathless with news.

Colorado's ski history is deep and rich. It includes the oldest ski area in the United States, predating anything on the East Coast or West, and includes the story of the 10th Mountain Division.

After a mine cave-in revealed a rich vein of ore Bodie, California became a thriving town during the years of the California gold rush. It quickly exploded in size and at its pinnacle was home to around had around 2,000 structures and a population of 8,000 people. It went bust in 1881 and what buildings remain standing represents about 10% of its original structures.

For Colorado skiers and snowboarders, the 2026/2027 Ikon Base Pass now provides unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin in addition to 5 days of skiing or snowboarding at Snowmass. Plus, Ikon Pass holders will no longer be required to make reservations at the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass.

Mt. Baker is the PNW's snow vacuum. It's close enough to the Pacific to get storm after storm, and the North Cascades do what they do best: force moist air straight up, wring it out, and bury everything in sight. Maritime storms roll in wet and heavy, then pile up fast when they hit terrain.

Winter can be an ideal time to explore America's open roads. Cruising through a landscape blanketed with a fresh coat of snow is a dreamy way to travel during what, for many destinations, is the off-season. The fact that winter usually sees fewer tourists on the road is a bonus. Of course, winter driving comes with its own set of precautions.

When the weather warms up and the late winter rains turn trees green and fields into wildflower wonderlands, it's the perfect time to take a drive. Whether your preferred landscape is mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views, there's a spring road trip in the United States for you. Explore historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature-all from the front seat.

"Durango is a true gateway to wild places-mountains, rivers, desert, and culture converging in one vibrant basecamp," says Rajan Hansji, the founder of Terra Vi hospitality company.

Before hitting the road, download or print a map with directions in case you lose cell service. Also, be sure to fill up on gas, water, and snacks because gas stations are limited on this route. Plus, you'll want to check the weather prior to making the drive, since the winter months can mean snowy road conditions with the route's high elevation.

Some travelers love vacations that involve doing absolutely nothing-trips where lounging by the beach or pool, napping, reading, or going for a light swim are the most rigorous activities on the agenda. Other travelers, however, crave trips that are a bit more ... active, whether that means hiking, biking, or parasailing. If you fall into the latter category, you should consider heading to Wyoming for your next trip, according to Wander.

Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, Colo., is an awe-inspiring canyon boasting scenery any traveler would be lucky to soak in. It's also, bafflingly, crowd-free. "People tend to head straight for the Grand Canyon, or maybe Arches or Zion national parks," says Adam Kinsey, owner and founder of Grand Junction's Handlebar Tap House as well as the new WestCo Brewing. The canyon boasts a serenity you simply won't find at the Grand Canyon, with its steady flow of tourists.

I trekked it in December 2023 with plans and a permit to camp at Bright Angel Campground, a scenic cottonwood-shaded hideaway just near the famed Phantom Ranch (the only lodging on the world wonder's floor). Then, two days before my trip, a miracle happened: One last-minute reservation became available for Phantom Ranch. The ranch digs typically book out over a year in advance, but if you're lucky, you can either get in via the lottery or a last-minute opening. This made the grueling but gorgeous hike down and up the steep South Kaibab Trail even more memorable.

Let's be honest: most of your daily commute involves dodging potholes, sitting behind someone going 10 under in the left lane, and wondering why your GPS insists on taking you through three construction zones. Luckily, every once in a while, the road gods smile upon us and deliver something special: bridges that actually make you want to slow down and savor the drive.