Earlier this year, the world was turned upside down with the global spread of COVID-19. After months of lockdown, restrictions have loosened in the United States. Tourists are looking for places they can travel while social distancing. The great outdoors is your best chance at achieving both. These ten states have expansive outdoor recreational areas and are open for business.
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These are very volatile times. Due to ever-changing peaks and valleys of COVID-19 cases, restrictions and guidelines may change at a moment’s notice. It is important if you plan on traveling during this pandemic, be up to date with the most current travel restrictions as they can vary state to state. Also, remember to travel responsibly. Wear masks indoors (it is required in some states) and outdoors where social distancing is unachievable.
1. Arizona
Arizona, in the American Southwest, consists of raw, desert landscapes that offers many outdoor activities and hiking trails. This is a great state to vacation while social distancing with areas such as Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, and Sedona. The most iconic spot in Arizona is the Grand Canyon, which is so large you cannot help but to social distance. If you want to enjoy water activities such as boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, consider Lake Powell which has over 2,000 miles of shoreline.
Much of Arizona is owned and controlled by various American Indian tribes. Many of these tribes are not opening the lands they control due to COVID-19 concerns, such as Havasu Falls and Antelope Canyon. Make sure to check the websites of the sights you want to see to verify if they are open.
2. California
Normally when people think of California, they think Hollywood or San Francisco. But did you know California has 9 national parks? Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, and Yosemite are these nine. In addition to national parks, California has 656 miles of beaches and state parks to explore via its Pacific Coast Highway. Do not miss Big Sur which includes Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls.
3. Colorado
Colorado is home to four national parks: Rocky Mountains, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks. Rocky Mountains National Park is currently allowing visitors with camping reservations and timed entry permit only, so you will need to acquire these prior to your visit. Other outdoor areas in Colorado that you can explore include Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, and Royal Gorge Bridge. A Colorado Summer Road Trip is the perfect way to travel while social distancing.
4. Idaho
Idaho is one of the underrated outdoor states in the country, and it is one that has made its way onto my bucket list. Part of Yellowstone National Park actually resides in Idaho. Idaho has it all including mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and more. If you are traveling to Boise, you are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. However, out-of-state visitors are not being asked to quarantine when visiting other parts of the state.
5. Montana
Montana is the 4th largest state and has the 6th lowest population in the United States meaning there is ample land with a small number of people: a perfect recipe to travel while social distancing. With its glacier carved mountains, fish-filled lakes and rivers, and vast valleys, Montana is a mecca for outdoor activities. Glacier National Park is the main feature of Montana and offers hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The east side of Glacier National Park is closed for the 2020 season due to the Blackfoot Indian Reservation Council decision to close the East entrance due to COVID-19 concerns.
6. Nevada
If you are visiting Nevada, odds are you will be flying in and out of Las Vegas. And while the Sin City is open and operating and a super fun place to visit, it is not conducive to social distancing. But have no fear, Nevada is a huge state with lots of outdoor areas to explore. To travel while social distancing, try visiting one of Nevada’s national parks: Death Valley and Great Basin. In addition Nevada has 23 state parks including Lake Tahoe – Nevada and Valley of the Fire, which can be accessed as a day trip from Las Vegas. Speaking of day trips from Las Vegas, you can also enjoy water recreational activities on Lake Mead.
7. South Dakota
South Dakota is home to the Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore. It is also home to the lesser known Custer State Park, which looks remarkable. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are open in the north unit of Badlands National Park. However, the south unit is closed due to the Oglala Sioux Tribe ordinances. The campground and trails are open in Wind Cave National Park, but the cave and visitor center remain closed at this time.
8. Utah
The Mighty Five national parks of Utah consist of Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and Arches National Parks. The geography of each park is unique and will make you feel like you are on another planet. If visiting Zion, note that you must ride the public shuttle inside the park. To keep control of crowds, Zion is requiring a timed shuttle permit for $1 that must be purchased prior to arrival. This temporary timed shuttle permit system will remain at least through December 2020. Other incredible outdoor areas to visit while social distancing include Grand Escalante – Staircase National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Bonneville Salt Flats.
9. Washington
Washington is part of the Pacific Northwest region and hosts three national parks: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks. Because of its high level of precipitation and lush green forests, Washington is known as the evergreen state. Some of Washington’s most famous mountains are active volcanoes such as Mount St. Helens which had its last major eruption in 1980. In addition to its mountainous and forested landscapes, Washington has almost 160 miles of coastline where marine life, such as otters, sea lions, and whales, can be spotted.
10. Wyoming
Arguably, the most famous national park in the U.S. is Yellowstone National Park which is mostly located in Wyoming. Yellowstone contains the world’s most active geyser area and one of the most unique parks in existence. The thermal hotspots vary in appearance from geysers that spew water high in the sky, like Old Faithful, to vividly colorful pools of hot water, like Grand Prismatic. The dense lodgepole forests and bountiful valleys make Yellowstone the perfect habitat for large wildlife to roam such as American bison, elk, Grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves. Also, the nearby Grand Teton National Park features beautiful scenery and vast wildlife watching opportunities that complement all Yellowstone has to offer.
