Autumn Travel 16 of the best national parks
Moenkopi Yurts | Utah State Parks

Encouraging (soon to be) Adventurers to Explore at Your own Pace

✓ Plan with Detailed miniGuides

✓ Pack for Preparedness

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The very first hike I remember was an unforgettable journey along a heather-lined trail at Scotland’s iconic Ben Lomond, nearly 40 years ago! Following in my da’s footsteps that day sparked a lifelong love for the outdoors, and I’ve been inspired ever since. Exploring the outdoors while respecting and preserving ecosystems not only enhances your own experience but also contributes to the well-being of the environment.

Through mini-Guides, I aim to provide fellow travelers with the tools and confidence to travel, hike, and explore at your own pace. Much of my content is focused on how to stay gear-ready, offering insights on tried-and-true products that can make all the difference from the trailhead to campsite.

About Me

Hey there! I’m Jen from jenonthetrail.com, and I’m here to share my love for America’s incredible national parks. I’ve traveled to 62 of the 63 national parks in the U.S., and many of them I’ve become familiar with over subsequent visits.

People often ask me, “What’s your favorite park?” It’s always a tough question because each park has something special to offer. Instead of picking just one, I would like to encourage people to explore as many as they can—every visit has its own unique place in your memories.

And there’s more, in fact there are 432 (as of September, 2024) USA National Park Units of which I have only visited 25%. And I haven’t even mentioned the Forests Service yet. Yes, more camping and recreation is abound there as well.

Through my experiences of hiking and camping, I’ve developed a deep connection with nature.

As a Master Naturalist, I’m committed to practicing responsible hiking, embracing Leave No Trace principles, and sharing my passion for conservation. By immersing myself in the beauty of these landscapes, I hope to foster a deeper connection to nature and inspire others to protect these precious environments for future generations.

Practical Travel Tips: Maybe you will discover lesser-known destinations and must-(re)-see sights. Lets talk about navigation and limited cell phone reception in popular national parks. Do you have a favorite hiking APP? Solo camping is where my preferred choice getting outdoors. Let me show you some great places to pitch a tent or two. I post tech and gear posts from time to time and “go heavy” with maps on all posts. I receive inspiration from studying ancient and old maps. To say I am mind boggled would be an understatement when it comes to the endless possibilities that GIS creates when it comes to wildlife monitoring.


Environmental Awareness: By following the “Leave No Trace” principles, readers learn how to minimize their footprint, from packing out trash to staying on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.


Personal Connection with Nature: Readers are inspired to deepen their relationship with nature, understanding that parks are not just places for recreation, but also crucial habitats for wildlife. We are the stewards of habitats. And (endemic species) get necessary protection. Let’s preserve what we have now for future generations. by adopting sustainable practices.

The use of endemic species in the previous paragraph is noteworthy. The National Park Service is tasked with transferring, and in some cases, destroying invasive species. Follow steps to keep your distance from animals and never leave food where animals can get access (especially from your hand).


the great outdoors

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by

  • National Park Service
  • US Fish & Wildlife Service
  • US Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • US Army of Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers: 1 private vehicle fee or (4 count) per person fees

BLOG POSTS and News

All POSTS
Alphabetical list of the 63 National Parks
Campgrounds
Audubon Christmas Bird Count

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Field Notes & Journal Entries

63 National Parks

Where in the USA?

Enjoyment of the People-who Plan Ahead!

Booking feels Good

432 National Park Sites (as of 2024)

What’s Near Me?

Stay on the Trail

Whenever you’re itching to hit the trails again, head to basecamp and check out posts about hikes, spotting wildlife, and camping tips.

Campgrounds
2022 Adventures

2021 Adventures

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Happy Camper Checklist

Basecamping

Naturalist Perspective

“climb every mountain”
“chasing waterfalls”
“a river runs through it”
“the heat is on“

Ten Essentials

Equip yourself for the ultimate family-friendly camping journey with my precision-crafted downloadable checklists. Streamline your adventure with a selection of affiliated links, each tailor-made for your convenience, featuring top-tier camping essentials.

Moreover, for the avid backpacker, I’ve distilled the vital Ten Essentials into a series of sleek and indispensable lists. These checklists are meticulously optimized to be lightweight and comprehensive, ensuring you’re equipped for nearly any scenario nature throws your way.

Remember, it’s about packing with purpose — gearing up for preparedness with nothing superfluous. Choose to travel smart, equipped with only what you need for a memorable and secure outdoor experience. This final part is what I continue to struggle with. I was given the name “Mary Poppins” not because of my career as a pharmacist rather for my large bags that carry the essentials for every sort of occasion.

Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue to create content and share valuable information. I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in. Additionally, my posts have minimal pop-up campaigns as to enhance the user experience. Thank you for your support!

Under the Rim but on the Radar

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Be Good Stewards of The Environment from Trailhead to Campsite

The Leave no Trace principles are the gold standard in backpacking and outdoor adventures today. With this in mind, I shall mention the 7 principles of Leave no Trace on occasion in posts and pages and include a link to the website.

Please review the 7 Leave No Trace Principles as presented on the organization’s website by following the link below.

lnt.org
5 Things to Know

These 5 Things to Know take into consideration helpful tools (apps and websites) for hiking in the United States and address growing concerns related to climate change, increased trail “traffic” and shifts in the culture of The Great Outdoors.

1. Before and After Every trip Outdoors: Gear-up for Preparedness and bring everything you brought into The Wild back out with you.

2. On Hiking and Climbing: Start at trailheads then follow posted signs, cairns and blazes. Stay on trails! When backcountry, take advantage of game trails to minimize bushwhacking.

3. On Camping and Campfires: Camp in approved sites, use apps and websites such as Recreation.gov to secure campsites. Place printed reservations (in a clear waterproof bag and post at campsite). Additionally, only build a campfire after confirming with a park ranger or forest ranger that a burn ban is not in effect. Burn in approved fire rings with firewood that is gathered appropriately and approved at your specific campsite.

4. When going Backcountry: Secure permits and follow instructions as they relate to the permit. Stopping at a Ranger Station the day prior to the hike to cross the t’s and dot the i’s in “trail”. Rangers are a valuable resource to review the route, find out about closures and get an up to date assessment of wildlife activity.

5. When Indoors and Outdoors: Adhere to the NPS “social distancing” guidelines as it applies to wildlife and people on the trail.