Summer is here and you’re ready for a vacation. You cannot wait to get away from it all and connect with Mother Nature. You don’t just want to be outside, you want to get up close and personal with the outdoors. Check out the following four vacation ideas for nature lovers:
1. Monument Valley, Utah
You’ve probably seen the iconic shots of “The Mittens” in Monument Valley, Utah, but there is much more to see in this park. The 30,000 acre Navajo Tribal Park features dozens of breathtaking sandstone monuments that have captured the imagination of visitors and movie directors alike. You can drive through the valley yourself or arrange for a guided tour with the park officials.
When you are ready to hang your head at night, check into The View Hotel, where every room has a view of the towering rock formations . If you desire more rugged accommodations, The View also offers wilderness campsites. Located on the cliff side of the park, you can doze off under the clear night sky. Full restrooms and showers are available, and a convenience store has snacks and beverages.
2. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
A trip to the Swiss Alps is ideal for nature lovers. The entire area is brimming with natural beauty, and you can channel your inner Julie Andrews while hiking and singing “The Hills Are Alive” from “The Sound of Music.” Besides the amazing hiking, there are plenty of scenic tours of the mountain tops and lakes.
For lodging, consider renting a log cabin or small chalet from Holiday Lettings. If you are in the mood for something more luxurious, book a room at the Cambrian Hotel. The hotel features an infinity pool that puts you front and center on a cliff overlooking the Alps.
3. Boulder, Colorado
Located in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Boulder is a nature-lover’s paradise. The area has it all, ranging from hiking trails that you can access across the entire Front Range to bike paths to rock climbing. Rent mountain bikes, sign up for horseback riding or go fishing to have an idyllic outdoors vacation.
Although you can’t camp within the city limits, there are some great places nearby and plenty of hotels. The Boulder Ranger District, which is part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, has seven campgrounds with spots for tents and RVs. Boulder also has plenty of traditional hotels, including the charming Hotel Boulderado .
4. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park offers some of the best hiking and camping spots in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which draws visitors from all over the world. From the towering sequoias and tall waterfalls to the pristine streams and awe-inspiring cliffs, Yosemite is an ideal spot for nature lovers. It offers great backpacking, birdwatching, fishing, picknicking , water activities and a myriad of other outdoors activities.
For lodging, Oyster.com recommends The Ahwahnee , which was built in 1927 and features views of El Captain and Half Dome summits. For something more rustic, Evergreen Lodge offers log cabin and camping options.
