The United States is not the average backpacker’s destination. It’s generally a place that is vacationed in with a couple stops in major cities along the way. Then just as quick as it began, back to everyday life. The United States is my home. I grew up in Colorado and have lived in nine different states. This is the land opportunity with some of the best road trips available.
The U.S. is the kind of place you’ll want to plan out the trip of a lifetime, rent a car and see the best of the best of what the country has to offer. Most people get lost in the big cities, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, or New York. I mean can you blame them? Most Americans will agree these places are incredible. But take my advice, visit the places most foreigners miss out on! There are big cities with incredible access to nature, such as Bozeman, Denver, Nashville and Seattle that often get overlooked.
Do yourself a favor and get off the beaten track. Stay out of the concrete jungles and delve deep into nature and some open spaces. Every region of the U.S. is different with something unique to offer. The northwest is full of old growth rainforests and volcanoes, while the southwest is jam packed with deserts and canyons. The west has mountains, while the Midwest has majestic plains. The northeast and east coast are the most developed and densely populated but still have plenty of State and National Parks to get lost in.
The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) is extensive! They boast over 400 locations around the U.S., and 63 of those are designated as National Parks. The NPS runs every National Park, a majority of the National Monuments, and other historical, natural, and recreational properties. Not all are created equal either. Some National Monuments are larger than some of the National Parks and vice versa. Every single one varies with its own unique feature.
I’ve completed a handful of multi-month road trips through the US. There isn’t a corner I wouldn’t recommend. There is so much to see, with expansive diversity, and scores of friendly people. Relatively, it’s an inexpensive country, especially when you find yourself outside of the major cities. Hopefully my guides can help to inspire your next trip. Please reach out with any questions or suggestions, as I’m not opposed to taking either!