Nicole Jordan
nicolejordan
Avid adventurer, avocado lover, nomadic being, living in my Subaru Forester. Hiking, climbing, snowboarding, backpacking, always adventuring across the US and the world. Check out my personal backpacking, hiking, and travel blog Avocados in the Alpine. https://avocadosinthealpine.com/road-trips/
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Haleakalā National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...A massive dormant shield volcano that makes up about three quarters of Maui is a showstopper among the unique landscape of Haleakalā National Park. Also known as “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, Haleakalā towers 10,023 feet tall over the island. While Haleakala may be the reason to visit, this tropical US national park has […]
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America’s Next National Park? Top Contenders for 2023
Read more...In 2019, White Sands National Park became America’s 62nd national park. Two years later, New River Gorge National Park became the nation’s 63rd. Now we’re all wondering: which park will take the title next? Lucky for us, the top contenders for America’s next national park include scenic national forests, ancient cultural sites, lazy rivers, and […]
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Katmai National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Spanning over 4 million acres across the vast landscape of the Alaskan Peninsula, Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,000 brown bears, abundant annual salmon runs, diverse marine wildlife, expansive coastlines, boreal forests, and rugged volcanic geology. This extensive, remote wilderness is only accessible by boat or plane, further protecting the environment […]
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Petrified Forest National Park: The Complete Guide for 2022
Read more...If you’ve ever wanted to travel to the moon but don’t have the time, head to Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park: well-known for its cratered landscapes, colorful eroding badlands, and vibrant petrified logs. With access to the scenic Petrified Forest Road, visitors can easily hop out to enjoy stunning overlooks, family-friendly trails, visitor centers, and […]
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Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Massive granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife: Yosemite’s U-shaped valley features profound natural wonders, earning its spot as the most-visited California national park. With more than 1,200 square miles of protected land within its borders, there’s opportunity for endless adventure. Walk amongst Giant Sequoias, explore the high country, swim in alpine lakes, hike up […]
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Mount Rainier National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Ancient forests, bountiful wildflowers, alpine lakes, and expansive meadows all surround the most-glaciated peak in the contiguous US. Mount Rainier National Park is a Pacific Northwest gem like no other. Stroll through the forest, stargaze under the dark night sky, go for an alpine hike, or enjoy a peaceful, scenic drive over mountain passes. With […]
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Crater Lake National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Pristine blue water surrounded by sheer cliffs and the deepest lake in the entire US, Crater Lake National Park is a breathtaking sight for visitors near and wide. But wait, there’s more! Adventure your way through this famous US national park‘s incredible old-growth forest ecosystems: lodgepole pines, ponderosa pines, whitebark pines, and mountain hemlocks make […]
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Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Rugged mountains, giant boulders, desert wildlife, and the famous Joshua Tree yucca plants span across the 800,000-acre landscape protected as Joshua Tree National Park. Go hiking, rock climbing, birding, stargazing, or horseback riding to explore the tranquil environment in this Southern California national park. Gaze at impressive panoramic vistas, learn about California’s mining history, explore […]
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Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide for 2022
Read more...Lace up your boots and head to Sequoia National Park: Land of Giants, home to the largest trees in the world. Sitting at number 23 on our list of US national parks, Sequoia is famous for its groves of old growth giant sequoias. And the plunging peaks and steep mountain hikes? Those might come as […]
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Pinnacles National Park: The Complete Guide for 2024
Read more...As volcanoes erupted throughout central California about 23 million years ago, Pinnacles National Park began to form. Located near the San Andreas Fault, the fault split over time and pushed Pinnacles about 200 miles north. Peaks over 3,000 feet were formed, and the continuing tectonic movement and wind and water erosion formed the unusual rock […]
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Badlands National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Badlands? Why would you name a national park bad-lands? Well, the Oglala Lakota People were the first to name this site. They originally called this area “mako sica,” which translates to “land bad.” When French fur trappers traveled through, they called the area “les mauvaises terres à traverser” or “bad lands to travel across.” Rugged […]
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Redwood National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Over 2,000 years old, towering over 300 feet tall, and reaching a circumference of more than 90 feet around: the redwood trees at Redwood National Park are a sight to behold. With over 40,000 acres of old-growth forest and fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, Redwood is one of the most sacred national parks […]
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New River Gorge National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...With 53 miles of free-flowing white water cutting through sandstone cliffs as high as 1000 feet tall, New River Gorge National Park is the adventure hub of West Virginia—but not everyone knows that yet. Recently added to the U.S’s prestigious list of national parks, this spot is bound to see a huge spike in popularity […]
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Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Lace up your boots and head to Sequoia National Park: Land of Giants, home to the largest trees in the world. Sitting at number 23 on our list of US national parks, Sequoia is famous for its groves of old growth giant sequoias. And the plunging peaks and steep mountain hikes? Those might come as […]