Escape Adventures and Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals have formed a new partnership to offer multi-day guided cycling tours via luxury RV in national parks.
(Las Vegas, NV) — Escape Adventures and Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals have formed a new partnership to offer multi-day guided cycling tours via luxury RV. By utilizing Blacksford RVs on a new selection of road and mountain biking tours, Escape Adventures will be the only travel operator to offer this elevated experience that blends the comforts of home with the thrills of active travel. Blacksford’s service includes airport transfers, vehicle orientation, 24/7 roadside support, and even a complimentary National Parks pass.
The first itineraries being offered are six-day multi-sport trips in Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab via road bike or mountain bike. The tours start at $4,274 per person (including RV rental) and can be adapted to accommodate group-size or varied skill levels. Thrill seekers lacking outdoor experience or family groups will find this tour a perfect match of adventure and tempo. For more information, visit https://escapeadventures.com/lodging_type/luxury-rv/
“We’ve always considered ourselves pioneers of the adventure travel industry,” said Escape Adventures Founder, Jared Fisher. “We’ve done a lot of innovative things over the past 30 years, like spearheading the Aquarius Trail System and being the first mountain bike outfitter to offer tours on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These luxury RV multi-sport tours are yet another example. This is a perfect way for our clients who love camping tours to kick it up a notch.”
Blacksford offers a variety of luxury RV rentals with the amenities and space to serve unique needs. Clean, reliable, and road trip-ready, these vehicles allow guests to take the comforts of home to America’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Each RV rental is packed with fresh linens, cozy blankets, and quality cookware. Guests will love the like-new amenities, pristine interiors, plus a few added perks, all at no extra fee. Lear more about what’s included.
Moab’s backcountry provides the perfect setting for a multi-sport RV adventure. At Arches, guests will hike through a geological wonderland, where natural exhibits of pinnacles, arches, pedestals, and balancing rocks seem to defy the laws of physics. Contrasting colors, textures, and landforms distinguish the many vegetation zones of this canyon country, each offering its own kind of adventure. At Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky, expansive views of maze-like chasms typify the biking experience along the acclaimed mesa and singletrack. Moab’s vertical landscape offers guests a fantastic introduction to canyoneering, and while the Colorado River’s power is present everywhere throughout this adventure, nowhere is it better realized than on an exciting day of river rafting.
“We’ve transformed the RV rental business with our blend of affordable luxury, comfortable amenities, and attentive customer service,”‘ said Blacksford CEO Becky Goodell. “This partnership with Escape Adventures feels like a perfect match. We’ll share insider travel tips, answer any questions, and ensure guests are road-ready with a comprehensive vehicle orientation. We’re here to make the experience smooth and worry-free.”
Since 1992, Escape Adventures has been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over one hundred destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active travelers, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, Escape Adventures looks forward to many new and exciting adventures with you. https://escapeadventures.com/
Blacksford RV Rentals offers brand new, premium RV and camper van rentals in Las Vegas and Yellowstone/Bozeman, Montana. Its Phoenix location will open October 1, 2024. Each rental is fully equipped and designed to cater to your every need, providing a hassle-free, comfortable, and reliable road trip experience. The rental service includes unlimited mileage, all-inclusive pricing, flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you will need for your vacation, and 24/7 support to ensure a seamless rental experience. https://www.blacksford.com
Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.
After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.
Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.
Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:
Yellowstone, Tetons & Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+) and Families with Older Teens and 20-somethings, featuring accommodations at Bar N Ranch with access to Under Canvas complimentary programming.
“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”
“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”
Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
Here are a 5 exciting ways to explore Montana and its most popular National Parks.
Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV: Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before. Based in Bozeman, MT, Blacksford’s brand new, luxury RVs and camper vans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic vacation, and support to ensure a seamless rental experience.
Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone:Flying Pig Adventures’ 3-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling Class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing, to horseback rides, to Yellowstone whitewater rafting, guests will be talking about their unique experiences for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park:The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Glacier National Park/Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties plus six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain in winter, and hike nearby shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking in summer. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations steps from on-site amenities and Big Sky Town Center.
Glamping Cowboy Retreat: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike, and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great base camp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the centennial of the State Council of Parks creation on April 18, 1924. Landmarks across the state are being illuminated in Parks green and centennial gold and a special centennial flag will be raised at parks and historic sites across the state to commemorate the day.
Throughout 2024, New York State Parks is marking the 100th anniversary with a range of programs and events. Celebratory initiatives include ‘Blazing A Trail,’ an interactive timeline chronicling the agency’s history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more. Additional initiatives will be announced throughout 2024.
“Our State Parks and Historic Sites system is a treasure for New Yorkers and visitors alike, and today we celebrate 100 years of memories,” Governor Hochul said. “The system we have today started with visionary leadership, and it has grown over the decades to encompass more than 250 properties covering 360,000 acres of land. As Governor, I will continue this legacy as we honor the history of our parks today and throughout the year.”
New York’s modern State Parks and Historic Sites system was created when Governor Alfred E. Smith and the State Legislature established the New York State Council of Parks on April 18, 1924. Creation of the Council built on state actions begun in the late 19th Century to protect places of natural significance, establish the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, create the Palisades Interstate Park Commission by the New York and New Jersey legislatures in 1900, and form the Reservation on the St. Lawrence, which today includes many state parks in the Thousand Islands Region.
In 1970, state legislation that created the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also upgraded the former Division of Parks into an independent agency, known as the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation. Further legislation in 1972 gave the agency direct control of New York’s park lands, with the State Council of Parks and regional commissions retaining an advisory management role. The agency’s name was updated in 1981 to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to reflect the agency’s mission to protect New York’s historic heritage.
State Park Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New Yorkers united 100 years ago to create one of New York State’s greatest environmental legacies – our State Park and Historic Site system. Our agency is looks forward to working with Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, our many partners across the state, and our visitors to build and sustain this legacy over the next century.”
State Council of Parks Chair Bryan Erwin said, “For 100 years, New Yorkers have enjoyed their very own version of the National Park System. Through war, peace, recessions, and boom times; through pandemics, heat waves, cold snaps, balmy springs and crisp autumns. Through generations of Irish, Italian, Jewish, African American, Puerto-Ricans, Dominicans, Chinese Americans and all the rest of our neighbors: we all of us, no matter what the current backdrop of our lives, are able to enjoy what was bestowed on us a century ago. I’m so grateful that our leadership in Albany, led by this Governor, has invested in our parks so they will remain the critical part of our lives, and our childrens’ lives, forevermore.”
“For the last century, New York has led the nation in creating an unparalleled state park system that continues to play a vital role in providing New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds with affordable and inspiring outdoor opportunities,” Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “Scenic Hudson’s partnership with the state and others has allowed us to help create or enhance one-of-a-kind destinations, including Sojourner Truth State Park, Walkway Over the Hudson, Franny Reese State Park and Olana State Historic Site. We look forward to building on this legacy with Governor Hochul and the State Parks team to create innovative ways to connect people with nature and each other.”
Open Space Institute’s Chief Conservation and Policy Officer Kathy Moser said,“The Open Space Institute is honored to join our partners in New York State to protect, enhance, and expand our incomparable State Parks. Over the last 50 years, OSI has added nearly 40,000 acres to our State Park system – more than ten percent of the total acreage – as well as numerous other initiatives to make our parks more welcoming and accessible for all. Protection of our state’s abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage is a gift for people today and countless future generations. We could not be more proud to join with Governor Hochul and New York State Parks to celebrate the Centennial Celebration, and we look forward to the next 100 years.”
State Senator Jose M. Serrano said, “As chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I recognize that it is critically important to connect people to nature and to keep our green spaces accessible and welcoming. My sincere thanks to the dedication of the Governor, the Legislature, and parks staff, as we have seen a continued reimagining of our parks system that reinforces the many benefits of parks and historic sites.”
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of the visionaries who, a century ago, recognized the importance of preserving our natural landscapes and historic sites in the state of New York,” Assemblymember Daniel J. O’Donnell said, “So, as we illuminate our landmarks and raise the centennial flag, we not only celebrate the past 100 years but also reaffirm ourselves to carrying on the legacy that our forefathers established, and ensure these spaces are preserved and enriched for generations to come.”
Today, Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons is marking the occasion by raising a State Parks centennial flag at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh and attending a lighting ceremony at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.
Other lighting events will be held today at:
One World Trade Center in Manhattan
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in South Nyack
Kosciuszko Bridge in Brooklyn
H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany
State Education Building in Albany
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building in Albany
Empire State Plaza in Albany
State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Exposition Center in Syracuse
Niagara Falls State Park
Albany International Airport Gateway
Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Long Island Railroad East End Gateway at Penn Station in Manhattan
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie
Olana State Historic Site in Hudson
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia
Letchworth State Park in Castile
Robert Moses State Park in Babylon
Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh
Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego
1 Million Visit NYS Parks for Total Solar Eclipse
Just how revered New York State parks are, was clear during the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
From April 6 to April 9, nearly one million visitors showed up to New York State Parks to witness and celebrate the total solar eclipse, an increase in attendance of more than 45 percent compared to the same days in 2023. On April 8 alone, New York State Parks welcomed more than 326,500 visitors, an over 52 percent jump in attendance compared to last year.
12 state parks reached full capacity on April 8:
Cayuga Lake (Seneca County)
Chimney Bluffs (Wayne County)
Crown Point (Essex County)
Cumberland Bay (Clinton County)
Fair Haven State Park (Cayuga County)
John Brown Farm (Essex County)
Point Au Roche (Clinton County)
Robert Whele (Jefferson County)
Selkirk (Oswego County)
Seneca Lake (Seneca County)
Southwick Beach (Jefferson County)
Stony Brook State Park (Steuben County)
Governor Hochul opened campgrounds at State Parks within the path of totality early to accommodate visitors for the total solar eclipse, which were 100 percent booked the night of April 7 and 93 percent booked the night of April 8. To welcome visitors, New York State Parks and Historic Sites hosted numerous eclipse-viewing gatherings on April 8. Additionally, scientists, subject matter experts and astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provided programming and exhibits at Niagara Falls State Park through April 8.
The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week. Governor Hochul was one of 45,000 visitors who experienced Monday’s celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.
On April 7 and April 8, the New York State Power Authority reported that EVolve Stations dispensed over 260,000 miles of driving, which is over 115,000 more miles dispensed than the same days the previous week.
From majestic Niagara Falls to the mighty Adirondacks, New York was one of the best places on earth to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event,” Governor Hochul said. “We planned for more than a year to welcome a record number of visitors during the total solar eclipse, and those preparations helped this event go off safely and successfully.”
In October 2022, Governor Hochul convened an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities to prepare to welcome the influx of visitors the state expected for this once-in-a-generation event. New York State agencies involved in the Interagency Task Force reported record services provided to residents and travelers.
On April 7 and April 8, the New York State Power Authority reported that EVolve Stations dispensed over 260,000 miles of driving, which is over 115,000 more miles dispensed than the same days the previous week.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023.
Santa Cruz, California – Steeped Coffee(R), the innovator behind the SteepedTM Brew Bag Method, was named USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award recipient for Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers. This prestigious award from one of the nation’s leading news platforms celebrates Steeped Coffee’s commitment to quality, convenience, and sustainability, making it the perfect accessory for outdoor enthusiasts.
The nominees for Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers were submitted by a panel of experts and then selected by USA TODAY’s 10Best editors before being shortlisted for voting by the public. Of the 20 nominees, Steeped Coffee was voted #1 by consumers who recognized Steeped Coffee’s outstanding contribution to the outdoor experience.
Steeped Coffee’s innovation lies in its SteepedTM Brew Bag Method – a simple, yet elegant brewing solution similar to brewing tea, providing outdoor adventurers with delicious specialty coffee without the need for heavy brewing equipment. Each brew bag is filled with meticulously sourced, craft-roasted beans that are precision-ground and triple nitro-sealed for unbeatable freshness and superior flavor. With the entire packaging – both the inner brew bags and the outer packs – being commercially compostable, adventurers can enjoy the highest-quality coffee while leaving no trace behind.
“We are beyond thrilled to be chosen by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award as the Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers,” said Josh Wilbur, CEO and Founder of Steeped Coffee. “Our mission has always been to provide a simple, yet exceptional coffee experience that aligns with the adventurous lifestyles of our customers, without compromising the planet. This recognition is a testament to our efforts and the perfect indicator that our game-changing brew method is hitting the mark.”
The best-selling variety pack, The Lineup, offers outdoor and coffee enthusiasts a collection of Steeped Coffee’s most popular roasts, ensuring that every preference is catered to, even in the wilderness. The Lineup features the following roasts:
Sunrise Blend: A signature light roast with vibrant notes of toffee, cocoa nib, and lemon-lime
California Blend: A classically-inspired medium roast with hints of roasted nuts and chocolate
Odyssey Blend: A robust dark roast with savory and earthy undertones
Breakwater Blend: A full-bodied French roast with subtle sweetness and smoky notes
Buy directly from the site (www.steepedcoffee.com) where you can take advantage of 15% off holiday discount (code Coffee15), or on Amazon.
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Steeped Coffee is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation helping to make great-tasting craft coffee more accessible, more ethical, and more sustainable through its patent-pending SteepedTM Brew Bag Method. The proprietary method brews coffee similarly to tea in pre-portioned compostable coffee bags, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anytime, anywhere. Licensed to over 500 of the top specialty roasters around the globe, the SteepedTM Brew Bag Method is the easiest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by simply adding water without pods, plugs, or expensive equipment.
New York State has opened reservations at seven state park campgrounds, including Letchworth, for prime viewing of the rare total solar eclipse in April 2024 The early opening for reservations will help accommodate an expected influx of visitors heading to several regions of the state to witness the celestial event.(c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
New York State has opened reservations at seven state park campgrounds for prime viewing of the rare total solar eclipse in April 2024 The early opening for reservations will help accommodate an expected influx of visitors heading to several regions of the state to witness the celestial event.
“Next year, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary, celestial show in our state as the solar eclipse passes over the heart of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks in 2024,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Our State Parks will open campground accommodations early, prior to the traditional camping season, to ensure people can see this amazing display in one of New York’s beautiful natural settings. I encourage all who are interested to reserve their spot beginning this week for this incredible event.”
Starting the week of July 3, 2023, reservations will become available from State Parks at a total of 335 campsites, cottages and cabins stretching across eight counties in western, central, and northern New York. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 15 U.S. states, including much of western and upstate New York. For visitors with reservations for the night of April 8, check-out time is 11:00 a.m. the following morning, so visitors can avoid traffic and enjoy the attractions of the region after the eclipse.
“Visitors not only will get a chance to see this inspiring cosmic display – which won’t happen again in the continental U.S. until 2044 – they will also be able to enjoy the beauty of early spring in some of our most beautiful State Parks and see how we are continuing to enhance our accommodations,” New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said,
Reservations can be made nine months in advance for a minimum of two nights through ReserveAmerica.com.
Sites will be available April 4-8 at the following State Parks:
Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, Rte 1, Salamanca, NY 14779 (Allegany County), for 165 sites, including campsites, cabins, cottages, and a group camp. New reservations open July 4.
Fair Haven Beach State Park, 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven, NY 13064 (Cayuga County) for 29 cabins and one cottage. Reservations open July 5.
Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427 (Livingston/Wyoming counties) for 19 cabins and cottages. Reservations open July 5.
Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Road, Irving, NY 14081 (Erie County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
Four Mile Creek State Park, 1055 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174 (Niagara County) for 50 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
Golden Hill State Park, 9691 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012 (Niagara County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
Wellesley Island State Park, 44927 Cross Island Road, Fineview, NY 13640 (Jefferson County) for 21 cabins and cottages. New reservations open July 5.
In the U.S., the eclipse will pass northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse will begin in western New York shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Full totality will begin in Chautauqua County at 3:17 p.m., moving through the state to Plattsburgh at 3:25 p.m.. Locations in the path of totality could experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes. The eclipse will then enter Canada in southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton.
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be until August 2044.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which in 2022 were visited by record 79.5 million people. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
At Goosewing Ranch, Wyoming, glamping means staying in a custom, handcrafted wagon with a dedicated chef, wrangler, and event coordinator at your service.
Cody, WY – Some call it glamorous camping, others call it luxury camping, but what better way to experience the Wild West? Several guest (dude) ranches now offer the opportunity to get off the beaten path and truly get out into nature by sleeping under the stars. What really makes these glamping options special is that they are all all-inclusive – meals, lodging, horseback riding, and other activities are all included.
Bar W Guest Ranch offers an unforgettable glamping experience right outside of Glacier National Park. Each of the four luxury canvas tents has a queen size bed, handcrafted log futon, private porch, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Don’t worry–your private, heated bathroom is located just a few feet from your tent. Grab your coffee, sit back, and relax while you watch the horses graze in the meadow from your own front porch.
Glamping at C Lazy U Ranch will no doubt top the list as your most memorable accommodation set-ups! A ranch hand will guide you to your Conestoga Wagon where the great outdoors (and a s’mores kit!) await you. After an evening around the fire, cozy up in your king-size bed made with luxurious linens and let the sounds of peace and serenity drift you to sleep.
For the more adventurous glampers, visit Flat Creek Ranch! Ride into the backcountry by horseback and take in views of the Tetons and Wind River mountain ranges, Cache Peak, and the headwaters of Flat Creek. After a good night’s sleep in your cozy, canvas tent under the stars, you will wake up to coffee brought to your tent. A hardy breakfast will leave you well rested and ready for your ride back to the ranch!
Experience the best of the Southwest from a pioneer wagon at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch. This wagon can comfortably sleep five with a king-size bed and three bunk beds and has electricity, air conditioning, and heat to ensure a relaxing stay under the stars. Private bathrooms and showers are provided nearby. These wagons are a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Tucked away in a discrete part of Greenhorn Ranch, awaits a charming 1972 Airstream. This fully restored camper, located along a seasonal creek, takes glamping to a whole new level! The soothing white classic is complete with a queen bed, small fridge, and a streamlined bathroom. Sit under the stars on your private deck and enjoy California glamping at its finest.
Glamping at Bull Hill Guest Ranch brings back a tradition that began when the ranch first opened in 1995. Beautifully furnished with two comfy queen beds, these tents are ideal for young couples, families, or those seeking privacy with a romantic twist. Each glamping tent has its own private bathroom 100 feet away as well as power, heat, and fans to keep you cool in the summer.
Get away from the world and internet-and cell service for that matter-and truly unwind while glamping at Goosewing Ranch! Three of their custom, handcrafted wagons can sleep up to five guests, while the fourth wagon with a king-size bed will make for the perfect romantic getaway for a couple. This is glamping, not camping, so you will have a dedicated chef, wrangler, and event coordinator at your service!
Glamping at a dude ranch is the new favorite way to relax and unwind while on vacation. Which ranch do you want to visit? Need help narrowing down the options further? Contact the experts at the Dude Ranchers Association.
By coordinating with other companies and scheduling launches and camps for maximum privacy while limiting the numbers and size of groups, Holiday River Expeditions guests won’t have to share their wilderness river or trail experience with unregulated crowds flocking to similar unpermitted, front country experiences nearby. (photo courtesy of Holiday River Expeditions)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — It’s sad but true that too many people can spoil the appeal and magic of wild, untamed places, like our national parks. Due to too much love leading to overcrowding – especially in the last two years – many national parks are having to limit entry and trail access through new reservation policies, permits and user limits.
In Utah alone, Deseret Media reports, “all-time visitation records were broken at four of the state’s “Mighty Five” national parks in 2021.” Totals reached more than 11 million visitors, far exceeding the 7.7 million recorded in 2020, the year when visitation plummeted as a result of the pandemic. As a result, long lines formed at entrance gates, tailhead parking filled quickly, roads and trails were over-populated and some visitors were turned away altogether.
Experts are predicting more of the same, if not worse conditions for 2022 and beyond. So how does one truly enjoy the serenity and wild beauty of the backcountry without having to share it with too many fellow travelers? “This is the year to leave the masses behind and experience the benefits of joining a small group, professionally guided tour,” says Karen Johnson of Holiday River Expeditions, based in Salt Lake City.
Offering a variety of whitewater rafting and mountain biking adventures from two days to over a week long, Holiday River Expeditions trips are limited in number of participants and have real Covid-wise appeal; from the small trip sizes, to low ratios of guests to guides on a boat, not to mention the canyon breeze making contagions float farther away than any indoor excursions.
By coordinating with other companies and scheduling launches and camps for maximum privacy while limiting the numbers and size of groups, guests won’t have to share their wilderness river or trail experience with unregulated crowds flocking to similar unpermitted, front country experiences nearby.
“What we are offering with our trips is an escape into the backcountry without the crowds,” explains Johnson. “You can experience Canyonlands National Park and not have to wait in a line or worry about getting a campsite. Our backcountry trips require federal permits – which regulates the number of people able to access certain areas at any given time, so no unpleasant surprises.”
Johnson also points out, “Due to the desire to create a ‘pandemic bubble”, custom and exclusive group outings are on the rise. With this increase in interest in private trips and the ability to secure such permits becoming very difficult, signing onto a scheduled tour departure may be the only good option to still get out on a trip this year.”
A guided tour comes with other benefits as well:
Tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors without the hassles and crowds with guides and staff performing all the work and heavy lifting.
Get real! Disconnect from electronics and the “virtual” world.
Quiet the noise! Disconnect from the daily barrage of negative news.
Reconnect with friends and family in a setting that you can feel safe in (from the throws of the pandemic).
Clear your mind and soul. Feel the healing power of nature.
Escape civilization! No concrete, paved trails, parking lots, traffic, crowds, lines to wait in, overpriced concessions and inconsiderate tourists.
See the Milky Way in International Dark Sky Parks.
Campgrounds are private. See some of the most beautiful places imaginable with minimal effort exerted. Better chances of seeing wildlife.
Enjoy multiple days’ worth of interaction with knowledgeable and charismatic guides who have worked in these places for years. Better than a single short interaction with a park ranger or curator.
“The park system was really ahead of its time in setting use limits for commercial operators decades before overcrowding and pandemic contagions were a concern,” Johnson points out. “Thanks in no small part to our founder Dee Holladay’s participation in the creation of ‘Backcountry Management Plans’ in the 1970’s we have a system that works perfectly for the public and for those of us who make a living providing controlled backcountry access to anyone seeking adventure and nature at its purest.”
Holiday River Expeditions began in 1966, when Dee Holladay and his wife Sue took the plunge to become river outfitters. The family-owned-and-operated company has grown exponentially due to its respect for the lands, rivers, guests and employees. Each of its guides is professionally trained in first aid and river safety, and with 50+ years of experience, the company provides guests the opportunity to explore the nation’s wild lands in comfort and security. Holiday River Expeditions has a commitment to protect the environment through education and conservation, and as such, uses oar-powered and paddle rafts exclusively.
(Quito, Ecuador) — The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel (on Santa Cruz Island) has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge (on Isabela Island) to offer a new week-long program in the Galapagos. Highlights include: touring Quito’s Old City, glamping in safari camp-style tents, snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking active volcanoes, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and tortoise breeding facility, and exploring islands by motor yacht. Prices start at $4,658 per person double.
The tour begins in Quito, Ecuador’s charming Andean capital, where guests will spend a night in an ornate Renaissance-inspired mansion in the heart of the Old City. Next, travel by air to Isabela Island, taking in the breathtaking scenery from a twin engine light aircraft, before ascending into the highland forests that envelop luxury safari-style tents at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge. Nearby volcanic islands of twisted lava and sparkling sandy coves await exploration, with daily excursions from the lodge to encounter the graceful marine creatures and trusting wildlife that make the archipelago so unique. The tour finishes off at the stylish Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, located on a tranquil beach within easy reach of the region’s oldest and most beautiful islets.
The program is available year-round.
Day 1 – Private transfer to a luxurious boutique hotel in the main square of Quito’s Old City. Casa Gangotena is a restored Renaissance-inspired mansion, with ornate neo-classical furnishings and spacious rooms. Relax in the terrace bar or the quaint patio garden, sample delicious food in the small restaurant and enjoy the complimentary cultural activities on offer.
Day 2 – Journey to Isabela Island on a twin engine light aircraft. Enveloped in wild forests, the Scalesia Galapagos Lodge features an ultra-contemporary glass-fronted main building housing the restaurant and lounge areas. Stay in one of the 16 safari camp-style tents, fully-equipped with a king-sized bed and modern facilities. Soak in the easy-going atmosphere and choose from an astounding range of excursions and activities on offer, including hikes, volcano visits and snorkeling trips as well as wildlife-spotting.
Day 3/4 – Choose from a wide range of excursions on offer at Scalesia Lodge, with different activities scheduled each day. Visit the white tip reef sharks and penguins of islet Tontoreras, or the thriving mangroves, natural pools and solitary beaches of Los Humedales, frequented by magenta-hued flamingos. One of the best snorkeling destinations is Los Tuneles, a marine paradise where lava flows have produced many arches and tunnels both under and above water.
Day 5 – Transfer across the Itabaca channel to Santa Cruz, the most populated island in the Galápagos. Drive up into the rugged highland forests to reach the twin volcanic craters Los Gemelos. At 600m above sea level, these volcanic sinkholes are home to many Darwin’s finches. Finch Bay overlooks the lush greenery and glittering waters of Punta Estrada.
Day 6 – Join highly-qualified naturalist guides for a day of exploring nearby islands on Finch Bay’s own motor yacht. The island you visit will depend on the day of the week. In the evening you have the option to dine al fresco, enjoying a 3-course meal set up especially for you on the beach.
Day 7 – Divine Bay is a tranquil haven for wildlife, protected from ocean swells by natural volcanic reefs on one side and a gallery of mangrove trees on the other. Hundreds of herons cross the bay each morning and return at sunset, while noddy terns and blue-footed boobies perch along the cliffs. Snorkel in the inviting waters of the cove, where sea turtles graze on seaweed, hundreds of reef fish species swim about the lava crevices, and young reef sharks and rays employ the brackish streams as havens from large predators while they mature.
Day 8 – Head home
Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is situated in the highlands of Isabela Island on the slopes of a volcano, about 20 minutes from the town of Puerto Villamil. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of 16 a hectare (40 acre) property of a magical forest with a spectacular view of the coast of Isabela Island, the Pacific Ocean, and other Islands of Galapagos dotting the horizon. http://www.scalesialodge.com/
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is a beachfront base from which you can discover the wildlife of the islands aboard its private yacht and create your own adventures on land and sea. https://www.finchbayhotel.com/.
Tentrr camping site at the Sebago area of Harriman State Park, New York.The tenting service has a partnership with New York State to provide 45 glamping sites at four state parks in the Hudson Valley.
New York State is partnering with a tent camping service to provide 45 glamping sites at four State Parks in the Hudson Valley. Tentrr’s fully outfitted campsites are available to reserve at the Sebago and Silver Mine areas of Harriman State Park in Orange and Rockland Counties; Taconic State Park and Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County; and Mills-Norrie State Park in Dutchess County.
The service provides tents, sleeping accommodations and an array of equipment needed for camping at each site. All items are set up and ready to use upon arrival for added convenience and sites are maintained by Tentrr staff.
All locations include a 10-foot by 12-foot, canvas-walled tent atop a raised platform. Each site is outfitted with a queen-sized bed and memory foam mattress, a propane heating source, a solar-powered “sun” shower, a camp toilet, water container, Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, grill, and a picnic table with storage and benches.
Guests have the option of single, double, and triple sites. Singles sleep up to six (two occupants in the main tent and four occupants in a provided pop-up tent). Double sites – or buddy sites – sleep up to 12 (two occupants in each of the two main tents and four occupants in each of the two provided pop-up tents) and triples can accommodate group camping.
“Camping at a State Park is an ideal way to explore the great outdoors with friends and family,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This partnership continues our work to create diverse and exciting destinations to attract visitors to New York’s great outdoors, enhance our tourism economy, and help people experience all that the State has to offer.”
“The partnership with Tentrr is an opportunity to reach new visitors and encourage more New Yorkers to get outside and be active,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We look forward to kicking off this summer and connecting people with the Hudson Valley’s many outdoor offerings. Not everyone has the equipment or the knowledge to enjoy camping in a state park, and this partnership is a great way to introduce this classic outdoor experience to more New Yorkers.”
“As a New York City-based company, it is great to partner with our home state supporting its incredible park system across the region,” said Todd King, Vice President of Marketing at Tentrr. “Through Tentrr, we hope New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors alike will explore the incredible natural resources and parks the state has to offer. Tentrr makes it easy to find an amazing site to enjoy the state’s vast landscapes and inspiring scenery.”
New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said,”Camping is a terrific way to experience New York State’s great outdoors, and this new service will make it easier than ever to enjoy New York’s unparalleled State Parks. I LOVE NY looks forward to promoting the availability of these extensively outfitted sites as part of the wide variety of camping offerings available across the state to residents and visitors alike.”
While Tentrr’s sites are naturally socially distanced, Tentrr adheres to state guidelines for maintaining and sanitizing the sites. Tentrr will continue to keep sites clean and wiped down with high-grade sanitizers and encourages guests to follow recommended COVID requirements and protocols. For more details on Tentrr’s COVID-19 protocols, visit here.
The Tentrr partnership complements Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 100 initiative, which renews the historic commitment to investing and expanding the State Park system by committing at least $440 million over the next four years. This critical period of revitalization will culminate in the 2024 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the State Park Act, which first created our nation-leading State Park system in 1924 under Governor Al Smith. NY Parks 100 will continue crucial investments in park infrastructure while enhancing opportunities to reach the full range of New York State’s recreational and cultural offerings, including local parks and trails, regional flagship parks and historic sites, and vast wilderness parks. The initiative will focus on creating places to recreate locally, relieving overcrowded parks, welcoming new visitors, and protecting New York State’s environmental and historic legacy. This new plan will ensure people from all communities and across all ages and abilities can fully experience our outdoors, our culture, and our heritage.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 78 million in 2020. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram , Twitter or on the State Parks blog.
