Emily Pennington
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Travel, Wellness, Health, Outdoors, Environment, Yoga, Fitness, Climate Change, National Parks, Adventure, Sustainability
Author. Adventurer. Photographer. Words in: @NYTimes + @outsidemagazine + @cntraveler. Visited every national park! For inquiries: BrazenBackpacker@gmail.com
Articles by Emily Pennington
The best East Coast national parks, according to someone who's visited them all
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Though their West Coast counterparts get much of the fanfare, the East Coast has its share of gorgeous national parks . There are a whopping 13 national parks east of the Mississippi, and each one is chock-full of history and ecological wonders.
The Best East Coast National Parks, According to Someone Who's Visited Them All
Though their West Coast counterparts get much of the fanfare, the East Coast has its share of gorgeous national parks. There are a whopping 13 national parks east of the Mississippi, and each one is chock-full of history and ecological wonders. From Acadia National Park with its photogenic lighthouses, to Shenandoah's scenic mountain drives, all the way to the subtropical marine ecosystem of Biscayne, this side of the country is as varied as it is magnificent.
Wine, Dine, and Unwind in Downtown Napa
1 Picture this: you’re strolling along a mellow riverfront as golden light envelopes the sky and distant hillsides.
The Best Places to Stay Near New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Home to jaw-dropping cave formations that look like something out of an H.R. Giger painting, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is hands down one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world. Here, travelers can marvel at jellyfish-shaped rock towers, embark on ranger-guided tours into the caves’ darkest depths, and stand in awe (as I did, for the first time at age nine) as hundreds of thousands of bats emerge to feast on flying insects each evening.
A first timer’s guide to Alaska’s national parks
Things to DoHotelsRestaurantsCruisesForums All Articles A first timer’s guide to Alaska’s national parks Glaciers, grizzly bear sightings, and more to explore. By Emily PenningtonAug 11, 2026 • 7 minutes read View of Mt. Denali, in Denali National Park, Alaska. Image: Elephanteric/Tripadvisor The first time I saw Alaska’s wilderness from a flight’s window seat, something inside me broke open. The utter vastness of snow-capped peak after peak made my heart race and my body want to explore.
Culinary Colorado
3 Explore the vibrant culinary scene in Colorado, featuring locally sourced meats and fresh produce at new Michelin Star restaurants. Colorado has been undergoing a surprisingly elegant culinary transformation in recent years, with grass-fed meats, locally sourced produce, and Rocky Mountain game all being featured on restaurant menus.
I've been to all 63 US national parks. These 4 are my favorites — but these 3 didn't impress me much.
Maybe I just got a bout of bad weather on the choppy boat ride out to Florida's Dry Tortugas, but I found this to be the least impressive of America's beachy national parks. Its snorkeling areas felt small and relatively devoid of marine life during my visit. Although the park's Civil War-era fort is an impressive feat of engineering, it feels much more like a national monument dedicated to our country's history than a blissful island escape.
I've been to all 63 US national parks. These 4 are my favorites — but these 3 didn't impress me much.
Emily Pennington Tue, June 9, 2026 at 2:06 p.m. UTC 6 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. After visiting all the national parks in the US, I have favorites and a few I'm in no rush to return to. I've visited all of the US national parks. Of the 63, I have a few favorites and letdowns. Gates of the Arctic, Big Bend, and Yosemite have blown me away. I didn't love Dry Tortugas National Park or Gateway Arch National Park — neither felt immersive.
I've been to all 63 US national parks. These 4 are my favorites — but these 3 didn't impress me much.
MND Local: Swimsuit models in Loreto and a rise in dental tourism in Tijuana Loreto has been in the news a lot lately, most notably for the way its residents fought back against an April 10 decree to reclassify it as a …
The Best Campsites in Every National Park
The Best Campsites in Every National Park From iconic sites to less-crowded, dream-worthy escapes
Senior citizens can get a discounted national park pass—here's how
Emily Pennington From the jagged red sandstone of the Grand Canyon to the moss-cloaked forests of the Pacific Northwest , the allure of America's iconic landscapes defies generational divides. Whether you're a lifelong lover of public lands or a national park newbie, US citizens and residents aged 62 years or older can nab a discounted lifetime pass to travel to over 1,000 federal recreation sites.
Senior Citizens Can Get a Discounted National Park Pass—Here's How
From the jagged red sandstone of the Grand Canyon to the moss-cloaked forests of the Pacific Northwest, the allure of America’s iconic landscapes defies generational divides. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of public lands or a national park newbie, US citizens and residents aged 62 years or older can nab a discounted lifetime pass to travel to over 1,000 federal recreation sites.
Estes Park Hiking: Best Trails That Don’t Require a Permit
Estes Park is one of Colorado’s most idyllic and beloved mountain towns, serving as the main gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Tucked away against a backdrop of jaw-droppingly gorgeous high altitude peaks, the mountain hamlet is home to historic hotels, an alpine roller coaster, and restaurants serving up delectable Colorado game meats.
Off the Beaten Path in Puerto Rico: Culebra & Vieques Islands
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Outdoor adventure meets laid-back vibes on the sunny archipelago that’s situated just east of mainland Puerto Rico. Here, freewheeling travelers are rewarded for the extra plane or ferry ride required to reach their sandy, untrammeled beaches. Let creole cuisine and fresh seafood flavor your day after adventures on volcanic beaches and secluded cays.
The Outside Guide to Crowd-Free Adventure
The Outside Guide to Crowd-Free Adventure The road less traveled starts here
Coast, Karst, and Cultura: Puerto Rico’s Adventurous North
A short road trip from Old San Juan and the Metro Area drops you into Puerto Rico’s vibrant northern coast, where rugged limestone cliffs blanketed in lush green vegetation form a distinctive karst playground. Here, adventurers can chase waterfalls, scale rock faces, duck into caves, and surf powerful Atlantic breaks before winding down with island flavors and a well-earned rest. Let’s explore how you can “live Boricua” in the colorful northern region of Puerto Rico.
First Look: The North Face Universal Wawona 3 Tent
A new tent is going to help more campers get outside. Part of a new collection from The North Face, the Universal Wawona 3 Tent incorporates universal design principles into a camp shelter that works for a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of age or physical ability. The collection, available this month, also includes a sleeping bag, daypack and camp slip-ons.
The 5 Best Camping Blankets of 2026
By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated April 3, 2026 Contributions From: Becca Glades, Ben Applebaum-Bauch & Maggie Nichols Leave your favorite throw blanket on the couch. Camping blankets are designed to be rugged, packable, and weather-resistant, and they easily handle dirt, spills, and campfire sparks. Keep one stashed in the trunk of your car, and you'll always have a durable blanket on hand for impromptu picnics or late nights around the fire.
11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees
Last November, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a controversial new fee system for foreign visitors to 11 of the most popular national parks in the United States. As of January 1, 2026, this new fee structure requires that non–U.S. residents must pay $250 for an annual “America the Beautiful” pass, which is more than three times what U.S. residents currently pay.
11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees
2 hours ago In California’s high desert, just minutes outside of Joshua Tree National Park, a new hotel emerges as a dreamy, otherworldly escape. The area’s first new-build hotel in over 15 years, Reset Hotel takes a minimalist, pared-back approach to its design that allows the raw desert landscape to be the …
A Perfect 4-Day Adventure Itinerary for Puerto Rico
Although Puerto Rico is known for its pristine beaches and Old San Juan, there are 3,500 square miles of landscapes that one can explore on this island. In just 4 days, travelers can hike through tropical rainforests, dive into crystal-clear waters, wander historic streets, and kayak through glowing bays. The best part? You do not need a passport to experience this island of warm weather and adventure if you are a U.S. traveler.
Two Epic Thru-Hiking Memoirs Just Dropped. Here’s What You Should Read.
Trekking for months on a rugged long trail takes patience, determination, and grit. As it turns out, so does writing a soul-stirring memoir about that trek. It’s likely why so many thru-hikes turn into tall tales around the campfire and not page-turners.
Reise in 11 US-Nationalparks: Mit diesen Tipps kostete es mich nur 1.500 Dollar
Ich reiste für 30 Tage durch verschiedene Nationalparks in den USA. Emily Pennington Auf einem Roadtrip besuchte ich 11 US-Nationalparks in 30 Tagen, mit einem Budget von nur etwa 1.500 Dollar (etwa 1.300 Euro). Geld sparte ich, indem ich selbst kochte und Apps nutzte, um günstiges Benzin und kostenlose Übernachtungsplätze zu finden. Die Reise war großartig, aber beim nächsten Mal würde ich direkt in Nationalparks und Nationalforsten übernachten.
I saw 11 national parks in one 30-day trip. Using a few smart strategies and helpful apps, it only cost me $1,500. Original
America's national parks are as magnificent as they are diverse, and in a single road trip, it's easy to marvel at arid desert mountains one day and sky-high conifer forests the next. Loading audio narration... I've visited all 63 national parks within the US, all on a shoestring budget, and I can attest that exploring "America's best idea" is well worth the effort and drive time. For those hoping to take an extended (and wallet-friendly) vacation, the national parks are a great place to look.
7 Incredible ‘Parkitechture’ Spots in National Parks Across the U.S.
Rustic wooden beams, natural stone fireplaces, and homespun quilt blankets are some of the quintessential elements that many of us picture when we dream up the perfect national park stay. Colloquially called “parkitecture” by the National Park Service staff, this nature-first aesthetic has led to some truly remarkable buildings in remote locations. Over the years, it’s evolved to include space-age sites with floor-to-ceiling windows and epic backcountry visitor centers.
Where to Go for Memorial Day Weekend 2026
We’ve got excellent news: We’re only three months away from Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. Rather than scatter for last-minute plans and the dregs of open bookings, the editors at Condé Nast Traveler are planning ahead.
An Adventure at Every Turn: Discover the Thrill of Puerto Rico’s West Coast
Experience the dual soul of Western Puerto Rico: the adrenaline of Rincón, the surf capital of the Caribbean, and the colonial elegance of Mayagüez. From legendary waves to storied city streets, it’s a journey through the island’s most iconic landscapes and top adventure sites. No matter how you spend your days, there’s always a smile and a plate of freshly caught mahi-mahi or arepas de coco waiting after each new adventure.
Circumnavigating The Land Of Ice And Fire
3 Uncover the extremes of Ice and Fire in Iceland, a land of volcanoes and stunning coastlines that will leave adventurers in awe. A ferocious wind whipped my hair around my face as I stood atop a vermillion-tinted volcanic crater, surveying the scene below. My breath ragged from the steep hike, I relished the perch on the summit of Eldfell, a massive volcano that erupted most recently in 1973. To my left was a colorful Icelandic village of 4,500 people.
I took my 63-year-old retired mother on a bucket-list trip. I learned you're never too old for big adventures. Original
Even though we live over 1,000 miles apart, my mom and I have always been close. As the single mother to an only child (me), she went out of her way throughout my childhood to take me on adventures of all sorts. Before I was 18, we had already road-tripped to Colorado, visited beaches in Florida, and spent numerous Christmases with her family in Sweden. My mom is, hands-down, the reason I've become such a fearless international traveler and wilderness backpacker in my 30s.
14 Best Arizona Resorts for Wellness, Wilderness, and Everything in Between
Known for its stunning desert landscapes, top-notch golf courses, and dry heat, Arizona is a state with plenty to offer—including when it comes to resorts. As a local, I’ve spent many a weekend enjoying a staycation at the properties in my own backyard, from wellness-focused hotels with excellent spa programs to nature-lovers’ paradises with red rock views.
14 Best Arizona Resorts for Wellness, Wilderness, and Everything in Between
Known for its stunning desert landscapes, top-notch golf courses, and dry heat, Arizona is a state with plenty to offer—including when it comes to resorts. As a local, I’ve spent many a weekend enjoying a staycation at the properties in my own backyard, from wellness-focused hotels with excellent spa programs to nature-lovers’ paradises with red rock views.
Bike Wheels Hand-Built in Belfast: Scribe Cycling Wants to Revolutionize Your Riding Experience
Scribe Cycling has been making big waves in the industry lately, racking up loads of excellent reviews from top gear publications and stellar fan reports on Trustpilot. From cross country to mountain biking to race-ready triathlon designs, the company boasts a massive fleet of high-quality wheels, ready to climb, descend, and coast with minimum drag. But why are top-tier cyclists turning to (UK-based) Scribe for their wheels?
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Pad Review
Price: $240 List Manufacturer: Therm-a-Rest By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 12, 2026 69 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #6 of 11 Comfort - 30% 9.0 Weight - 30% 4.5 Warmth - 20% 7.0 Packed Size - 10% 7.0 Construction Quality - 10% 7.0 Our Verdict Though it's heavier than just about every other backpacking pad we tested, at 25 ounces, the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad provides superior comfort for those who have trouble sleeping on backpacking trips.
Klymit Static V Lite Insulated Review
Price: $110 List Manufacturer: Klymit By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 12, 2026 69 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #5 of 11 Comfort - 30% 7.5 Weight - 30% 5.6 Warmth - 20% 6.4 Packed Size - 10% 8.5 Construction Quality - 10% 8.0 Our Verdict Brightly colored and sporting the brand's signature V-shaped baffles, the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite sleeping pad is decently lightweight and incredibly wallet-friendly, when compared to other top-performing pads on the market today.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated Review
Price: $229 USD List Manufacturer: Sea to Summit By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 12, 2026 77 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #1 of 11 Comfort - 30% 8.0 Weight - 30% 5.5 Warmth - 20% 9.5 Packed Size - 10% 9.0 Construction Quality - 10% 8.0 Our Verdict It's tough to find a sleeping pad with a high R-value that also checks the box of “ultralight.” However, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated does just that, boasting a slim packed-down profile, excellent pump sack, and a light heft...
Nemo Tensor All-Season Review
Price: $220 List Manufacturer: Nemo By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 12, 2026 75 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #2 of 11 Comfort - 30% 8.0 Weight - 30% 6.5 Warmth - 20% 7.5 Packed Size - 10% 8.5 Construction Quality - 10% 8.0 Our Verdict An awesomely comfortable rectangular shape pairs with aluminized film insulation to make the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated one of the best sleeping pads we've ever tested.
The Best Sleeping Pad for Women
By Emily Pennington ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated January 12, 2026 There's a huge difference between getting an okay night's sleep in the backcountry and a great night's sleep, and having a solid sleeping pad in your gear quiver can make or break your precious rest. A high-quality sleeping pad for women should offer body-specific support (even for side and stomach sleepers), adequate warmth, and a lightweight profile that packs down small into your backpack.
Embracing Mystery In Bhutan
5 Explore the magical kingdom of Bhutan, a land of stunning traditions, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes & adventure. Warm morning light trickles down from the three story atrium as I stand, awestruck, beneath a mind-melting assortment of hand-carved Bhutanese art. Everywhere I look, for thirty vertical feet, is a cornucopia of technicolor dragons, lotus flowers, and intricately crafted geometrical patterns.
Room, Board…Adrenaline? The Rise of the All-Inclusive Adventure Resort
Chris Levinson was skeptical when she stepped off a tiny bush plane and into the vast, Canadian backcountry that surrounds Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, an all-inclusive resort. She’d been burned before. The Los Angeles-based television writer, who travels frequently with her family of four, had recently experienced an “astronomical disappointment” at an all-inclusive ranch in Montana. She half-expected to suffer through another week of lackluster group excursions and awkward small talk.
Skiing In Grindelwald Switzerland
10 Explore the charm of Grindelwald, Switzerland. Discover stunning ski slopes and breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. I’m zooming down the crowd-free ski slopes of Grindelwald’s Lauberhorn, the cool breeze prickling my skin like a thousand chilly needles, the imposing north face of the Eiger in front of me when suddenly I realize, this is the most carefree I’ve felt in months. The storybook village of Grindelwald is tucked away in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of 3,392 feet.
A New $100 Fee to Visit US National Parks Was Just Announced Original
The United States’ most popular national parks will soon charge international visitors a fee of $100 USD per person, in addition to the standard $15-30 entry fees, beginning on January 1, 2026. The parks affected by this fee hike are Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
Backcountry Tree Lightings, Cave Caroling, and 5 More Hiker-Friendly Activities for This Holiday Season
If your idea of a silent night involves a tent, snow-capped peaks, and digging a cathole, it might not be in your best interest to celebrate the holidays in the big city. Thankfully, there are loads of national parks and mountain towns that host winter-specific programming every year for both naughty and nice nature enthusiasts. Whether you get into the spirit by cave caroling or playing in fluffy white snow, there's a family-friendly outing on this list for you.
Introducing GORE-TEX Pro: Their Most Advanced Textile Yet
For seasoned outdoor athletes, the brand GORE-TEX has become synonymous with top-tier performance in the gnarliest weather conditions. Everyone from ski guides to climbers and rescue crews relies on its durability and next-level waterproofing for safety in the mountains. Now, the storied company is elevating its gear and textiles to the next level with the announcement of the all-new GORE-TEX Pro line.
Multi-Sport Adventures Across Montana
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Avid adventurers know that Montana is much more than just Glacier and Yellowstone. Ever wanted to fly fish a remote river, stay at a real-deal dude ranch, or head out on a multiday backpacking expedition without a soul in sight? The Treasure State’s got you covered. With so much on offer, it’s the ideal state for car-camping road trippers and RVers alike.
Escape the Winter Chill in These 9 Beachside National Parks
Winter can often feel lackluster for those who love to lace up their trail runners. Favorite haunts are covered in snow and mountain roads can be dangerously icy or closed for the season. But for those who want to savor a little sunshine this season, there are a wealth of beachy national parks with miles of trails just begging to be explored. From Australia to American Samoa to the Lower 48, hikers can spend the fourth season enjoying sweeping ocean vistas.
Midland’s ER310PRO Is Its Most Advanced Emergency Weather Radio to Date
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Whether you’re the type of adventurer who spends loads of time recreating in the backcountry or someone who lives in a rural area that’s prone to big weather events, you likely already know the importance of having reliable and trustworthy safety gear in your arsenal.
Capable Pocket Knives for Every Adventure: Case Knives Has Your New Go-To
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Blade aficionados know that having the right tool to get the job done is a non-negotiable. Where ounce-counting backpackers might prioritize weight and packability above all else, hunters might seek out a fixed blade with superior stability for field dressing in rugged conditions.
Capable Pocket Knives for Every Adventure: Case Knives Has Your New Go-To
When ‘made in America’ becomes a warning label: food safety in the US vs. Mexico Why do tomatoes look perfect in the United States but taste better in Mexico? This might sound like the setup to a joke, but it’s sadly not. Produce …
Chasing Montana’s Elusive Paddlefish
Sure, Montana has long been known for its impressive dinosaur fossils, but did you know that you can fish for a living, breathing dinosaur in two of the state’s renowned rivers? It may sound like science fiction, but the mysterious paddlefish’s first relatives appeared on our planet roughly 125 million years ago. These massive trophy fish weigh in at an average of 60 pounds and often measure at a whopping 5 feet long.
The Pocket Knife Gift Guide: Find Your Go-To From Case Knives
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Finding the ideal pocket knife to gift a loved one can prove a tricky feat, especially if you’re seeking a classic model that’ll stand the test of time. Since 1889, Case Knives has been designing and creating capable, high-quality knives in the historic town of Bradford, Penn. Below, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what makes many of the timeless Case Knives so special.
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