The Best Hikes In The U.S. To Venture On This Summer

1. There are endless outdoor opportunities.

Bryce Canyon country offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventure: hiking, camping, canyoneering, ATV touring, horseback riding, and more.

Hit some stunning viewpoints and experience the wild rock formations through a hike in Bryce Canyon (Queen’s Garden and Mossy Cave are two great beginner-friendly options), go off the beaten path and catch some serious scenery with with Grand Staircase ATV Tours, or dare to go deep into the region’s slot canyons, guided by the playful experts at Excursions of Escalante.

If you’re not one for hiking, nearby Scenic Byway 12 offers a 122-mile stretch worth of views to soak up without ever having to get out of your car (though, if you ask me, being immersed in it is so much better).

No matter your appetite for adventure, there’s always something to get up to!

2. The natural beauty will leave you stunned.

Being in Bryce Canyon literally feels like you’re on another planet. As a native Texan-turned-Colorado girl, I was constantly gawking at the towering hoodoos, striated sandstone surfaces, and intense blue skies that I simply don’t see at home.

Every feature there is so vast, reminding you just how small of a piece you are in the world’s grand puzzle. I felt humbled in the most satisfying way possible.

My late August visit landed in the middle of southern Utah’s monsoon season, so I also got to witness rich bands of fog and torrential mid-day downpours – both equally as beautiful as the clear weather. Rainbows almost always rolled in after each rainfall, capturing every onlooker’s attention and encouraging an undeniable sense of calm.

3. The area has a really rich history.

Bryce Canyon has seen many indigenous cultures throughout history, from Fremont, Anasazi, Pueblo, and Paiute. Tribes relied heavily on the region’s bounties as early as 1200 A.D., using native plants and animals to survive and thrive. It’s important to acknowledge that Bryce Canyon country’s indigenous roots are still undeniably present today.

The area’s founding is most commonly accredited to Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer for whom Bryce Canyon was nicknamed around 1874. It officially became a national park in 1928.

Zooming out by 75 million years or so, dinosaurs roamed the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sixteen new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in the area since 1999 in addition to hundreds of animal and plant fossils mapped in Bryce Canyon itself.

Whether you seek out the canyon’s history for yourself or gather fun facts from the locals, you’ll surely learn a lot on your travels here!

4. There are plenty of places to stay, whatever your vibe is.

From glamping to camping, there’s a nice range of options when it comes to finding accommodations in Bryce Canyon country. My top recommendations?

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon sits about 15 miles southeast (~20 minute drive) from Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, Utah. Nestled in a mellow canyon, Clear Sky’s unique windowed domes (suitable for couples or groups up to 8 people) offer unparalleled views of the stars while supplying modern comforts like air conditioning, showers, and wifi.

There’s even an on-site restaurant and bar with such friendly staff members that really make the stay memorable. Coming back to your fully outfitted dome after a day-long adventure will be extremely satisfying!

Ofland Escalante is located in Escalante, Utah, about 46.5 miles (~1 hour drive) from Bryce Canyon. This polished accommodation surely taps into the heart of glamping, but still feels quite grounded in the surrounding nature. Ofland is fitted with a pool, a hot tub, a food truck, a lobby stocked with grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and a playful drive-in movie theater.

There’s also an epic outdoor lodge to enjoy – sit around the fire pit while you sip a local brew, play a few hands of Uno, or cozy up with a book. You can book a deluxe or tiny cabin, a decked-out Airstream trailer, or set up at your very own campsite here. There are also custom-designed accessible cabins that boast extra floor space and ADA compliant details for a super cozy stay!

If you’re looking to camp in Bryce Canyon National Park, you can certainly pitch your tent inside the park’s North and Sunset campgrounds. The Sunset campground is closed in the winter, and both locations are first come, first served, so it can be a little chaotic to land even a single-night stay.

To avoid the frantic search for a campground inside the park, you can opt for locations outside of it, like Red Canyon Campground in Dixie National Forest (about 6 miles from Bryce Canyon) or campgrounds in Kodakchrome State Park (about 15 miles from Bryce Canyon), which still provide wonderful scenery and a comfortable place to lay your head.

5. The food is scrumptious.

Fear not, outdoorsy foodies. Bryce Canyon country has quite a few spots to get your grub on between adventures! Sink your teeth into a hefty BBQ sandwich at i.d.k. Barbecue (Tropic, UT) or grab an insanely tasty slice at family-owned The Pizza Place (Tropic).

Down a local beer alongside your very American dinner at 4th West Pub (Escalante, UT) or sip on some ethically-sourced caffeine with your choice of Southwestern fare from Kiva Koffeehouse’s rotating menu (Escalante).

The food is grand, but the drinks are worth mentioning, too. Despite Utah’s unusual liquor laws, there are numerous breweries and distilleries creating delectable beers, IPAs, ciders, gins, whiskies, and more. Uinta, Kiitos, and Wasatch are the big names when it comes to breweries, but Utah’s distilleries are more concentrated near Salt Lake City, so you’ll find the source of stronger spirits there.

More Must-Knows

• Best time to visit: For the best (and warmest) weather, the summer months of June through August are ideal to visit Bryce Canyon, though the park tends to see more crowds during that time. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) may be chillier in terms of temperature, but you’ll likely catch spring blooms or fall foliage, depending on when you decide to visit. Plus, the crowds die down in these shoulder seasons. The winter months are colder than cold and bring on unpredictable weather, though the show lays out good grounds for skiing and snowshoeing, if that’s your jam.
• How to get there: If you’re aiming to fly to get to Bryce Canyon country, your best bet is to route to either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. From either location, the drive to Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours, offering exceptional sights as you go.
• Cost for the park: You can enter Bryce Canyon with a standard pass, annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. A standard park pass costs $20-$35, an annual park pass costs $70, and an America the Beautiful pass costs $80. You can learn more about what pass is right for your visit here!
• Trip essentials: Having sturdy hiking boots, high-quality socks (I love my Smartwoolpairs), SPF, warm layers for chilly nights, and a hydration pack (this insulated one from Brümate is so worth it) on-hand proved to be the most helpful items I packed for my adventure to Bryce Canyon. Prepare to pack comfy clothes and toiletries, plus snacks and camping items if you plan to pitch a tent.

For more information about Bryce Canyon Country, visit brycecanyoncountry.com.

Hotels in Stowe, Vermont

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

You can stay right in the heart of the mountains at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. This four diamond luxury property has a variety of guest rooms, studios, suites, penthouses, and residences in addition to several on-site restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and a salon. This is a great option if you want to be right in the heart of the action during the summer, spring, winter, or fall. But in the fall? Wow, imagine peaking out that window during peak fall foliage!

Outbound Stowe

Another popular hotel is Outbound Stowe, located a few miles from Mt. Mansfield and offering access to Stowe's Recreation Path. You can stay in more classic king or queen bed rooms, depending on your needs — or you can even rent out cabins, suites, and pool-side rooms. This property offers on-site dining and has pools and fire pits to sit around on those brisk autumn evenings.

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge

Last but not least, Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge is located less than five miles from Vermont's highest ski mountain and offers access to backcountry trails to be one with nature. The property has 53 rooms and is filled with amenities including indoor/outdoor pools, fire pits, a game room, and a bar. At the bar, you'll notice they utilize the Bartesian to create quality cocktails and mocktails in seconds. All you have to do is select the pod you want and the machine does the work for you. It's such a neat concept that'll give you an affordable, premium-quality drink in minutes.

Attractions in Stowe

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

If you're in the mood for delicious cider donuts, apple cider, and fresh-baked sweet treats, then you'll definitely want to make a pit stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Not only can you see a cider press in action, but also donuts being made in house. Aside from pastries, you'll also find an assortment of jams, jellies, honey, tea, condiments, and spices on the shelves that come from local vendors in Vermont.

Ben & Jerry's Factory

Ice cream lovers will rejoice when they visit the Ben & Jerry's factory. Technically, the factory is in Waterbury, but...it's only a 20 minute drive from Stowe — close enough to have it on this list! The factory is home to exclusive merchandise, a scoop shop, photo opportunities, and a guided tour for guests. Tickets for the guided tour are available online and in person, however, it's highly recommended to purchase ahead of time since they tend to sell out quickly. The tour provides a glimpse into the history of the company with a short video, followed by a look at the production line, and a tasting opportunity.

Stowe Gondola SkyRide

Unless you're afraid of heights, then you'll want to take a trip on this gondola that provides views of Stowe from the top of Mt. Mansfield. On top of the mountain, you'll find a gift shop and a few restaurants including The Cliff House and The Waffle. It's open daily from June 15 to October 20 and is $40 per adult and $26 per child. Tickets are available online and in-person, but it does sell out quickly.

Other attractions you'll want to check out while in Stowe include the Noyes House Museum and Green Mountain Distillers for tastings and unique opportunities you won't find anywhere else.

Shopping in Stowe

The Country Store

Located on Main Street, The Country Store has kitchenware, gadgets, home decor, bedding, and other trinkets that you can pick up while in the green mountain state. You'll find brands including Geometry, Jellycat, Matouk, Pom Pom London, and Casafina at this store located two doors down from the Stowe Community Church.

The Fly Rod Shop

The outdoorsy folks will want to make a stop to The Fly Rod Shop which is home to everything and anything fishing related. Aside from gear and tools, they also offer guided tours and trips including ice fishing, fall boat tours, fly tying classes, and even free casting clinics.

Transportation in Stowe

While downtown Stowe is walkable, you'll need a car to get just about anywhere and everywhere else. Uber and Lyft are very unreliable in the area so you'll want to consider transportation ahead of time. Go Stowe has some options for reliable car services and travel companies in the area.

The Vermont Explorer

I highly recommend Gary from The Vermont Explorer. He offers rides to and from Stowe's most popular tourist attractions, airports, and anywhere else you could possibly want to visit. He also does tours of some of the local breweries, a fall foliage tour, and a mountain tour. He's extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and offers fair prices for her his services.

Additional Taxi and Car Services

Other travel services include Patriot Transport, Sub Zero Taxi, GOGO Charters, Neil’s Wheels. I can't speak directly on these services since I haven't used them, but they are recommended by Stowe's tourism board.

Dining in Stowe

Tipsy Trout

The Tipsy Trout offers guests with a menu filled with fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. Not only is the food sustainably sourced, but the restaurant has breathtaking views of Mt. Mansfield so you can eat in a picturesque environment. Some popular menu items include crab cake sliders, seared scallops, lobster agnolotti, and salmon poke.

Harrison's Restaurant

Open Wednesday to Saturday, Harrison's Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that has local and seasonal offerings for customers. As soon as you walk in, you'll get a very woodsy, home grown feel — exactly what I'm looking for when I need a cozy meal on a fall evening. The menu has an assortment of fish, meat, pastas, soups, and salads plus kid-friendly options, too.

Cliff House Restaurant

If you decide to take the gondola, then you'll definitely want to stop by Cliff House Restauranton the top of Mt. Mansfield. This restaurant is very popular and encourages a reservation (although walk-ins are welcome) and gives customers a one-hour window to eat. I mean, just imagine these views come October!

Does Stowe, Vermont have a downtown?

Yes, Stowe does have a downtown area. It's pretty walkable and has a few well-preserved historic buildings and many entertainment, shopping, and dining offerings for visitors.

Is Stowe a walkable town?

Downtown Stowe is walkable, however, to get to different places you'll either need to have a rental car or utilize a car service. Be sure to plan ahead the distance between attractions you're looking to visit so you can time everything accordingly.

How many days do you need in Stowe?

The amount of days you need to spend in Stowe depends on what you're trying to see and do. For example, if you want to check out several hiking trails and ski, then you may want to stay closer to five days. On the other hand, if you want to peruse the downtown area, look at the autumn foliage, and get a general feel for the town, then two or three days is definitely sufficient.

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"