Nature Archives | All Roads North

Ranchlands: Duke Phillips III talks Paintrock Canyon Ranch

Sam — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:48:09 +0000

Whether you call it the Yellowstone effect or cowboy core, there’s no denying the current fixation with the American West. Travelers are craving wild, wide-open spaces where they can disconnect and live out their cowboy fantasies. For a full immersion into ranch life, look no further than Paintrock Canyon Ranch. This 80,000-acre working cattle ranch at the edge of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains is owned and operated by Ranchlands, a fourth-generation, family-owned ranch management company focused on land stewardship and conservation. Founder Duke Phillips III, a third-generation cattle worker, previously held leases on working guest ranches in Colorado, but this is the first property Ranchlands has owned outright. Now entering its third season, Paintrock Canyon Ranch provides guests an opportunity to saddle up and explore the rugged Big Horn Mountains, but also much more. Here, Phillips chats about the evolution of the project and how tourism can help protect working landscapes. (Title Image Credit: Ashli Butts)

Credit Left: Jared Chambers, Credit Right: Anais Wade

How is Paintrock Canyon different from your previous guest ranches in Colorado?

Scale-wise, it’s similar, but it has a lot more layers. There are more opportunities to experience day-to-day ranch work, like moving cattle, irrigating, fencing, and even observing baby calves being born. Paintrock Creek flows through the middle of the ranch, so guests have opportunities to swim and fish. We have access to one of the best fisheries in northern Wyoming and the rainbow and brown trout fishing is incredible. There is also great birding here. At the previous properties, we’d have to drive guests to trailheads for hiking, but we have so much that’s close here. And the vistas are so diverse. You have everything from huge mountains and beautiful rock formations to open prairie and the creek. The scenery is really multi-dimensional.

Credit: Anais Wade

What’s a typical ranch stay like?

The closest town is the speck of Hyattville, which is one-and-a-half hours from Cody and three hours from Billings, Montana. Guests arrive on a Sunday and depart on Friday for a five-night stay. We really cater to what guests are looking to experience. Some people want to ride a horse all day or help move the cattle. Some people want to hike. Others just want to sit and read at camp. We have 14 safari-style tents, all comfortably furnished and within a short walk to bathrooms and hot showers. I tell friends, this is not camping. You’re a 16th of an inch from nature all night long without being adversely affected by it. All meals are cooked outdoors over fire and served at communal tables. Our chef uses Ranchlands beef for many of the dishes. We also host wellness retreats, writing retreats led by notable authors like Molly Wizenberg, and workshops and clinics on everything from outdoor skills to stockmanship.

Credit Left: Claudia Elise, Credit Right: Megan Rogers

How are ranching and conservation intertwined?

Conservation is a product we produce, just like beef. We see ourselves as stewards of the land. It’s not an obligation, it’s an honor. From a business standpoint, the better we care for the land the more productive it will be. We graze our cattle in a way that restores the land, mimicking historic mobile herds. But it’s also a moral responsibility. When you live on the land you develop a relationship with it and the animals who live on it. You see a coyote every morning or the eagles nesting and want to protect them. People come here and it opens their eyes to how a working landscape can work in harmony with nature.

Duke Phillips was interviewed by Jen Murphy for All Roads North in April 2026.

To start planning your own journey through the American West, perhaps including Paintrock Canyon, please get in touch to speak with a Destination Specialist.

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Hidden Terroir | Exploring America’s Underrated Wine Regions

Cory Rossnagel — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:55:51 +0000

For thousands of years, humans have savored wine, each sip uniquely mirroring the land it comes from. The acidity, tannins, aromas, and flavors of each bottle echo the soil, climate, and character of its home. When we drink wine, we taste the very essence of a place, its culture, its traditions, and its people.

In America, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys have long been celebrated as the heart of the wine industry, propelled to fame by the infamous 1976 Paris Tasting. But American wine shouldn’t be limited solely to just the Golden State.

America’s vast and varied landscapes offer a stunning number of wine regions, each with its own unique personality and story. From volcanic soils and clay-rich terrains to windswept coasts and sun-drenched hillsides, the U.S. holds a treasure trove of terroirs for a nuanced array of varietals unseen in most other winemaking countries. Beyond the renowned Napa Valley, lesser-known wine regions are now stepping into the spotlight, revealing the rich, diverse tapestry of American winemaking.

Mendocino, California

Mendocino is a quietly unassuming and laid-back county in Northern California, where residents carry an air of genuine pride and authenticity. It stretches across some of the most rugged and untouched California coastline. Just north of the famous wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, Mendocino winemaking sets itself apart by its unique blend of authentic, sustainable ethos and authentically rebellious spirit. Known for its deep commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, Mendocino holds a third of California’s organic vineyards, creating wines that are proudly connected to the land. The cool push of the coastal breeze and the varied landscapes of Mendocino give life to wines as diverse as the region itself, from unassuming Pinot Noirs to bold Zinfandels. Here, winemaking is not just a craft, but an art form, driven by a profound respect for the natural world embedded in the California spirit.

Taste: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Winery Stand Out: Goldeneye Winery

Mendocino Road Trip Inspiration: Sonoma to Mendocino: A Farm-to-Table Road Trip

Charlottesville, Virginia

Virginia’s winemaking culture is a blend of Southern grit and Old World elegance, deeply rooted in history. Once led by Thomas Jefferson, the region’s winemakers have no choice but to innovate in a climate that fosters a sense of resilient creativity. The spotlight shines on the lesser-known grape varieties like Viognier and Petit Verdot, known for their rich, bold, and aromatic profiles. This dance of tradition and innovation crafts a wine identity that is as distinct as it is enticing, capturing a perfect balance between the timeless and the contemporary. In Virginia, every bottle tells a story of bold experimentation and spirited tradition.

Taste: Viognier & Petit Verdot

Winery Stand Out: Barboursville Winery

Nostalgic Road Trip Inspiration: 11 Best American Road Trips

Walla Walla, Washington

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Washington state, an all-too-often overlooked Pacific Northwest town, Walla Walla’s winemaking is where small-town warmth meets artisanal commitment to craft. The region is built on sun-drenched, arid landscapes where bold reds like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot thrive in a blend of sandy loam, silt, and basalt soils, and vines see an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Unlike many larger wine regions, Walla Walla takes pride in its small-batch craftsmanship, where each winemaker adds a personal touch, resulting in wines that are as genuine as the close-knit community that makes them. Visiting feels like stepping into a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes each wine-tasting experience deeply personal. With over 150 wineries, Walla Walla is rapidly becoming a winemaking region on par with the likes of Napa and Sonoma.

Taste: Syrah

Winery Stand Out: Abeja

Northwest Road Trip Inspiration: Four Beautiful Wineries in the Pacific Northwest

Finger Lakes, New York

For those enchanted by cool-climate wine regions like the Loire Valley, Germany, Champagne, and Burgundy, the Finger Lakes in New York is a treasure trove where these styles blend seamlessly in one idyllic place. In a region where winemaking might seem almost impossible— with its icy winters and short growing season—the Finger Lakes has 11 slender lakes that soften the rugged, unforgiving climate, creating a small haven for winemaking. Here, against the odds, the region produces its crowning jewel: Ice Wine. This rare varietal comes from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine in temperatures often plunging below 17°F, resulting in a wine with extraordinary sweetness and depth. But beyond these remarkable wines, the true magic of the Finger Lakes lies in its artisanal spirit and the proud, close-knit, collaborative community. Its residents’ genuine warmth and welcoming nature make each visit feel like a heartfelt return, where every bottle tells a story of unwavering passion and craftsmanship.

Taste: Gewürztraminer, Riesling & Ice Wine

Winery Stand Out: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

New York Road Trip Inspiration: New York to Montreal Road Trip

Texas Hill Country, Texas

Texas Hill Country is a picturesque blanket of rolling hills, dotted with charming vineyards and historic towns. The region reflects Texas at its best – rugged and independent, warm and generous – mixing Southern hospitality with an undeniable cowboy spirit. Winemaking in Texas dates back to the 1600s when Spanish missionaries planted the first grapevines near the modern-day city of El Paso. Today, the region is home to over 100 wineries. When traveling to Texas Hill Country, you’ll find a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where, more often than not, the person pouring your wine turns out to be the winemaker themself.

Taste: Tannat & Tempranillo

Winery Stand Out: Becker Vineyards

Texas Road Trip Inspiration: West Texas Road Trip

The post Hidden Terroir | Exploring America’s Underrated Wine Regions appeared first on All Roads North.

Luxury Winter Escapes From Alaska to Arizona

Cory Rossnagel — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 01:06:52 +0000

As fall gives way to winter across the U.S., each corner of the country embraces the season with its own quiet beauty, from icy lakes to fog shrouded coastlines. In the north, snow blankets the ground and bare trees stand watch under silver sunlight. In the Rockies, towering pines are dusted in white and Chinook winds whistle through the canyons. The South feels a gentler change, where crisp mornings give way to clear, cool skies. The air is filled with the smell of pine needles, spruce and the occasional tendril of wood smoke. Winter is typically a time of reflection, hibernation and rest.

But when much of the U.S. moves indoors to escape the colder months, winter offers a unique chance to experience the country from a different perspective, in a different way. Places tell alternate stories—from the quiet crunch of snow to the sight of dog sleds racing through frozen trails. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights from a mountain lodge in Alaska, ice-fishing with a private guide in Montana or slicing through freshly-groomed cross-country trails in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, we’ve composed a curated list of our favorite luxury winter escapes, where you’ll be fully immersed in the feel and the adventures of the season.

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Phillipsburg, Montana

Sitting in a pristine valley of Southwest Montana, the Ranch at Rock Creek is an intimate 19th-century homestead turned indulgent, luxury retreat. Here, you’re surrounded by majestic Montana mountains, crystal clear rivers, and meadows of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. In winter, this scenery shifts to a blanket of white stretching for miles, with forests of firs weighed down by fresh snow and lakes frozen like etched crystal. To experience the ranch during this season is to experience the best of Montana. Guests have the chance to ice fish with a private guide on Georgetown Lake, ice skate on a frozen Bikin Pond, skim over fresh nordic ski trails, or snowshoe any of the five peaks in the valley. Slip into the evenings by basking in the glow of a warm, wood-stoked fire with a warm drink in hand.

This luxury winter escape pairs well with: A Luxury Winter Vacation to Montana

The Lodge at Black Rapids

Delta Junction, Alaska

On a rocky bluff beneath the Hayes Range, in the heart of the Alaskan Range, sits the Lodge at Black Rapids. A few hours drive south of Fairbanks, this lodge is for those unafraid of winter solitude and excited by intrepid adventure. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the stark Alaskan winter by exploring the nearby Castner ice caves, slicing along fresh-cut cross-country trails, staking out the great Northern Lights on clear nights, and dog sledding across miles of the rugged and wild backcountry. End your evenings back at the lodge warmed by spiced drinks, local tales, and a roaring fire.

This luxury winter escape pairs well with: An Epic Alaska Road Trip

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton, Colorado

After following the West Fork of the Dolores River through an idyllic valley lined with aspen and pine, you’ll find Dunton Hot Springs nestled at the head of the valley. Once a small mining settlement, you’ll stay in authentically hand-hewn log cabins built by the original miners. During winter’s colder months, you’ll wake up to a winter wonderland waiting outside your door. Spend the day exploring the alpine valley through cross-country trails groomed by Olympic Nordic skier Wendy Wegner, snowshoeing through the San Juan Mountains, or bundling up for a carriage ride through softly falling snow. To warm up and recuperate from your day, soak in the rejuvenating mineral-rich hot springs, savor a melting raclette over dinner, or bundle up with a hot chocolate by the fireside.

This luxury winter escape pairs well with: Aspen to Crested Butte: A Luxury High Mountain Adventure

Castle Hot Springs

Morristown, Arizona

Just over an hour’s drive north of Phoenix, Arizona, Castle Hot Springs is an adults-only resort tucked within a canyon known for its restorative hot springs. Sitting on 1,100 acres of rugged and rocky desert, this resort serves as a secluded oasis, with multiple mineral rich, geothermal hot springs spread throughout the estate, along with a rich and storied history. As winter greets the rest of the country, you’ll trade the cold, dark and gray for the warm, sunny and rejuvenating. There is a deep history embedded in these canyons, as Castle Hot Springs once welcomed figures like John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, Cecil B. DeMille, who all sought refuge from harsh winter weather in other parts of the country. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the historic mineral-rich springs, eat from the year-round garden, trek through the Sonoran hills on horseback, or explore the canyons via a via-ferrata, all under a cool, clear southwest winter sky.

This luxury winter escape pairs well with: The Red Rock and Canyon Country of Arizona and Utah

Inn at Five Graces

Santa Fe, New Mexico

In the heart of Santa Fe, watched over by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sits the Inn at Five Graces. Meticulously decorated with Central and South Asia antiques in traditional adobe style lodging, the Inn is a strong reflection of the city’s eclectic and vibrant personality. Firmly situated in the American Southwest, Santa Fe is home to 23 tribes, nations and pueblos, and known for its strong sunshine and high desert landscape. But in winter, a whole new side emerges. The temperature cools, a light dusting of snow occasionally falls, but the days stay clear and bright. From the Inn, you’ll have the chance to experience Santa Fe during these extraordinary months, by walking through the Barrio de Analco, exploring the white sandstone cliffs of Plaza Blanca or attending a chocolate tasting at nearby Kakawa. On cool winter nights, the kiva fireplaces throughout the Inn and Five Graces burn New Mexico’s signature piñon pine and fill the air with its homely fragrance.

This luxury winter escape pairs well with: Back to the Future in New Mexico

The post Luxury Winter Escapes From Alaska to Arizona appeared first on All Roads North.

Off The Eaten Path | Restaurants Worth The Journey

Cory Rossnagel — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 23:36:10 +0000

When it comes to American cuisine, the spotlight of prestige and prowess has always been pointed at big city restaurants – but that’s beginning to change. Chefs who once ran prestigious restaurants in hot spots like New York or Los Angeles are now packing their bags and moving to smaller towns, turning the spotlight on to the often overshadowed, lesser-known, and harder to reach destinations across America. Finding stronger roots in rural and wild places, away from the concrete jungles, these chefs are rediscovering and reinventing the American restaurant’s deep connection to the land and the people who cultivate it. These smaller enterprises are focusing more on the seasonal and sustainable by elevating local ingredients and sourcing local produce, often directly from their own on-site farm or garden. This shift is bringing renewed attention to seldom mentioned places like Marathon, Freedom and McMinnville, where these restaurants are worth the journey.

The Lost Kitchen

Freedom, Maine

The Lost Kitchen, developed by Erin French, is run out of an old renovated mill and sits deep in the woods just outside a small town named Freedom, Maine, with only 722 residents, one general store and a single post office. It’s the kind of place where locals say “if you drive too fast, you might miss it”. The Lost Kitchen opened in 2017, with no fanfare, no marketing, and no grand expectations besides hoping to make it through one season, but word of the heartwarming, wholesome meals and quirky reservations system quickly spread. The only way to get a seat at the restaurant is to mail in a physical postcard and be chosen through a lottery. French’s meals are unstuffy and simple, yet confident, bold, and most importantly – viscerally memorable.

Maine Road Trip Inspiration: Islands and Inlets: Maine Maritime Adventures

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ōkta

McMinnville, Oregon

Founded in 2022, ōkta sits on main street in downtown McMinnville, Oregon. ōkta aims to tell the story of the Willamette Valley as an independent and rebellious wine destination in the Pacific Northwest. For decades, this Oregon region has been on the brink of becoming the next Napa and McMinnville is its unofficial capital. The restaurant, led by Michelin star chef Matthew Lightner whose previous stints have included Denmark’s Noma and New York’s Atera, is as unpretentious and down-to-earth as the Pacific Northwest itself (the dress code is simply “come as you are”) but offers a refined and inventive 10-course tasting menu that shifts with the seasons using produce from ōkta’s five acre regenerative farm and fermentation lab. Just a short drive southwest of Portland, visiting McMinnville and ōkta and experiencing this hidden gem in Oregon wine country is worth the trip.

Oregon Road Trip Inspiration: The Pacific Coast and Willamette Valley: A Luxury Oregon Road Trip

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The Harbor House

Mendocino, CA

The Harbor House sits atop a rugged cliffside in a private cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just 16 miles from the small town of Mendocino, California. Each season, the award-winning restaurant innovates with the local flavors of the coast, elevating delicacies like sea urchin, seaweed, lace lichen, feather boa, kombu, wakame, nori and rainbow leaf. Chef Matthew Kammerer even harvests the restaurant’s salt directly from the ocean. The creativity and vision is evident in every dish, earning the restaurant its rightful place as the only one with Michelin stars in Mendocino county. But the true beauty of the experience lies in the remote setting, where you’ll savor a thoughtfully crafted meal in this hidden corner of California, with the waves of the Pacific crashing just beyond the restaurant’s doors.

NorCal Road Trip Inspiration: Sonoma to Mendocino: A Farm-to-Table Road Trip

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Aragosta

Deer Isle, Maine

Nestled in the coastal pine forests, near Stonington, a tranquil community on the rocky shores of Deer Isle, Aragosta is a hidden, culinary gem. Led by James Beard nominated chef Devin Finigan, the unassuming restaurant gives off a down east sense of hospitality, strengthened by its close-knit relationships with local growers, cheesemakers, fishermen and foragers. The menu reflects ingredients that are true embodiments of Maine – lobsters, halibut, mackerel, oysters, mussels, scallops – completely immersing you in this coastal seafaring culture.

Maine Road Trip Inspiration: Luxury Holiday to New England

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Inn at Little Washington

Washington, Virginia

Tucked away in a tiny, charming village just 70 miles west of Washington D.C., the Inn at Little Washington has become a destination for heads of state, Supreme Court justices, celebrities and even a queen. It’s the only restaurant in the DC area to earn three Michelin Stars and five James Beard Awards for culinary excellence. Iconically historic, the inn and restaurant started 45 years ago out of a converted gas station garage. Now, it sits in a small village with only 85 residents. The restaurant is led by chef Patrick O’Connell, self-taught and a Virginian born-and-raised, who works closely with local growers to elevate seasonal fare year round.

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12 Gage Restaurant

Marathon, Texas

Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Texas Mountain Trail Region, The Gage Hotel and Restaurant resides in the enchanting town of Marathon, Texas. Flanked by both the Rocky Mountains and the Chihuahua Desert, Marathon draws from the cultures of the North American Indians, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo Cowboys and harks back to the Old West. The restaurant, led by chef Todd Ruiz, embraces its big Texas personality with pride, and takes its cue from simple and hearty hospitality. The menu showcases its Texan cuisine through elevating locally sourced wild game, beef, fowl and vegetables sourced directly from the restaurant’s garden. During your meal, you’ll be enveloped by an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, making your meal and visit to Marathon deeply personal.

Texas Road Trip Inspiration: Going Wild in West Texas: A Private Ranch Road Trip

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Tutka Bay Lodge

Homer, Alaska

A remote retreat nestled in an emerald bay across Kachemak Bay from downtown Homer, Tutka Bay Lodge has a reputation as one of the top wilderness lodges in the world. Serving as a perfect basecamp for travelers, the Alaskan lodge is situated at the head of a deep nine-mile fjord surrounded by vast pines, seaside coves and rocky coasts. Kirsten Dixon heads the culinary experience at the lodge, where she weaves the wild elements of Alaska backcountry into rustic and refined dishes. During your visit, you’ll be immersed in the surrounding wilderness through cedar-planked salmon, king crabs, Kachemak Bay oysters, reindeer tenderloin, poached halibut and alder-smoked wild mushrooms.

Alaska Road Trip Inspiration: Luxury Alaska Adventures on the Kenai Penisula

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Interested in planning your own luxury American road trip?

Get in touch to speak with a Destination Specialist and begin planning your own custom road trip.

The post Off The Eaten Path | Restaurants Worth The Journey appeared first on All Roads North.

Crisp Air, Golden Landscapes and No Crowds | Embracing Fall Travel

Cory Rossnagel — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:38 +0000

Fall is a time to dust off our sweaters, simmer hearty soups, and cozy up by a warm fire. The season evokes a sense of nostalgia with its fading sunlight, coloring leaves, and the rich smell of earth. It’s a time when the world slows down, summer’s brilliant intensity behind us and in anticipation of the coming winter. As the days grow shorter and the nights lengthen, the fragrance of ripe apples, warm spices, and wood smoke lingers in the air. With summer’s end, and as many prepare for a new school year, the bustling destinations of the past months begin to quiet, offering the perfect opportunity to explore and experience the landscape’s graceful shift.

In that autumnal spirit, here is a taste of why the fall can be our favorite time to hit the road in the U.S., paired with a few of our most requested autumn journeys.

Dynamic Landscapes

There is a day in September, yet to be revealed, when we first notice that fall is here, when forests, valleys and mountains begin to transform around us. The air carries a scent of fallen pine needles, ripening fruits, damp morning dew and perhaps a hint of wood smoke from seasoned pinon, mesquite or oak.The leaves change from emerald hues of green to shades of crimson, gold, and yellow. The Rocky Mountain aspens turn to an electrifying yellow, the cottonwoods of the West Coast shades of gold, and the maples of New England a majestic red. The high deserts of the southwest see its first frost and the peaks of the Northern states see their first snow. These rich tapestries of color, blanketed across the U.S., are the perfect backdrop for traveling through some of the most unique spots in the country during this time.

A Classic Fall Road Trip: Luxury Holiday to New England

Perfect Fall Weather

As autumn unfolds, America’s landscape’s shift alongside the very feel of the air. Early autumn brings a palpable change—from the lingering warmth of summer to the crisp, cool embrace of fall. The New England coasts witness powerful storms, their waves crashing dramatically against the shore. Snow begins to dust the highest peaks of Colorado. The Midwest awakens to the first frosts, while the Pacific Northwest’s emerald forests are gently misted by autumn rains. California and the Low Country’s cooler evenings provide a much needed relief from months of scorching summer nights. In the high deserts of the Southwest, the first signs of frost sparkle at dawn, and the summer rains fade away. Despite the cooler air inviting us to cozy up by the fire, the feeling of exploring places like Joshua Tree under a mild sun or feeling the chilled breeze along Maine’s rugged coast makes for unforgettable experiences unique to this singular time of year.

Cooler, Crisper Fall Evenings: The Best of New Orleans and Cajun Country

Bountiful Harvests

The arrival of fall also marks the start of harvest season, a time of abundance when farmers reap the rewards for all the long days and cold nights of the previous year. Orchards in the Pacific Northwest and New England burst with apples, ready to be pressed into crisp cider, while in New Mexico, Hatch chiles are picked and roasted to perfection. Idaho’s fields yield their famous potatoes, and the forests of Washington offer mushrooms ripe for hearty dishes and stews. Across the country, food is harvested, gleaned, pickled, cured, stewed, smoked and stocked. It’s the perfect time to spend time with local producers, visit our favorite wineries or walk the woods on a foraging experience.

Farm-to-Table Inspiration: Sonoma to Mendocino: A Farm-to-Table Roadtrip

Wildlife on the Move

Fall is also a time to experience remarkable changes in the natural world. As animals across the country prepare for the colder, darker months of winter, bears scavenge and hunt to fatten up for hibernation, amorous deer and moose enter the rut, and birds embark en masse on their southern migration. Monarch butterflies leapfrog south to California’s eucalyptus and cypress groves, bison trek to lower elevations for the last shoots of vegetation, and salmon start their upstream river journey to spawn. Fall can offer a unique and intimate view of these incredible natural events, in the company of our expert private guides in the field.

Witness Yellowstone’s Bison Migration: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Road Trip

More Locals, Less Crowds

Lastly but perhaps most impactfully, as fall arrives, schools return, international arrivals slow, and locals emerge to enjoy their own backyards. . As the fast clip of summer starts to slow down, it gives travelers the perfect opportunity to explore the country at a more reflective pace and September and October become ideal for visiting small mountain towns, sought after hotels and popular national parks across the country. Experience the breathtaking views of Yosemite or Yellowstone, visit the alpine lakes in Glacier or Mt. Rainier, all without the summer crowds, while enjoying cooler temperatures along with the stunning backdrop of golden, autumnal leaves.

See the Red Rocks of the Southwest: Red Rock and Canyon Country of Arizona and Utah

For even more autumn inspiration, see the Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in October.

The post Crisp Air, Golden Landscapes and No Crowds | Embracing Fall Travel appeared first on All Roads North.

Right Place, Right Time | Elusive Natural Events in the U.S.

Cory Rossnagel — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:35:27 +0000

After years of crafting journeys to match the intrepid spirit of our clients, we’ve learned a little about getting people in the right place at the right time. This includes some of the most elusive and evanescent natural events that take place for only a fleeting moment each year. From hiking mountain paths flanked by wildflower super blooms or witnessing turtle hatchlings take their first journey to the sea, to watching the Aurora Borealis light up the sky over Alaska or catching a celestial equinox alignment at sunrise in the desert of New Mexico, this curated selection is for the highly curious, those travelers seeking experiences that transcend the ordinary.

Take In a Wildflower Super Bloom

National Park: Mount Rainier National Park
State: Washington
Dates: Mid-July Through Mid-August

Mount Rainier, a dormant volcano known for its abundant winter snowfall, has valleys laden with volcanic ash. Each spring, this landscape provides a spectacular display of thousands of blooming wildflower blossoms as far as the eye can see. During this time, the Paradise region – named in the 1800s by being described as a “literal paradise”- overflows with seas of avalanche and glacier lilies, asters, columbine, lupine, paintbrush and phlox along the mountain’s southern slope. The peak bloom is dependent on the weather and can differ each season, but flowers are blooming typically by mid-July.

Itinerary Inspiration: Seattle to San Francisco: The Great Pacific Road Trip

Experience The Dance of Synchronous Fireflies

National Park: Congaree National Park
State: South Carolina
Dates: Mid-May Through Mid-June

With over 2,000 species found worldwide, fireflies are a marvel of nature’s diversity and evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for those warm summer nights in the American South. Although in North America, there are only three species known to perform the phenomenon of synchronous flashing.

Congaree National Park, nestled in the hardwood forests of South Carolina, becomes a temporary home to these glimmering fireflies each year. For approximately two weeks, from mid-May to mid-June, the park comes alive with the dance of synchronized flashes. It’s a truly magical sight as they light up the night sky in search of a mate. In order to protect critical firefly habitat, entrance to the park is extremely limited during this event. All Roads North can assist with the lottery as part of the planning process.

Itinerary Inspiration: Charleston, Savannah and the Golden Isles

Witness The Fire Falls of Yosemite

National Park: Yosemite National Park
State: California
Dates: Late February

The “firefall” in Yosemite is a surreal natural phenomenon that occurs at Horsetail Fall, a seasonal waterfall cascading down the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Each year in mid to late February, the setting sun aligns perfectly to bathe the waterfall in a fiery glow, transforming it into a cascade of orange and red light, as if molten lava were literally pouring down the granite cliff. For the extraordinary sight to unfold, several conditions must align: crystal clear skies, sufficient amounts of flowing water from rainfall, and the sun must dip precisely at the right angle. When all of this falls into place, the “firefall” creates a stunning spectacle that draws photographers from around the globe.

Itinerary Inspiration: Stunning Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks

Watch Hatchlings Make Their Way to the Sea

National Parks: Canaveral National Seashore, Florida; Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
State: Florida, Texas
Dates: Mid-June Through August

For animal and nature enthusiasts, witnessing a sea turtle hatch is a truly unforgettable experience. Canaveral National Seashore, a diverse coastal wildlife sanctuary on the east coast of Florida, is one of the best places to watch and volunteer with sea turtle hatchlings. The area provides vital nesting grounds for several threatened and endangered sea turtle species, including the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. Park staff take an active role in monitoring and protecting sea turtles and their hatchlings, which are vulnerable to raccoons, birds and other predators, and All Roads North can arrange for clients to make a difference by joining night watches during June and July. These volunteer opportunities offer a prime chance to see hatchlings emerging and making their way to the ocean, while helping from a distance to ward off danger.

Itinerary Inspiration: Going Wild in West Texas – A Private Ranch Road Trip

See The Carlsbad Bats in Flight

National Park: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
State: New Mexico
Dates: Nightly, May Through October

During the warmer months, Carlsbad Caverns becomes a significant roosting site for a colony of 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats. These bats migrate to the caverns in the spring, usually arriving in April or May, and stay until late October. With temperatures hovering around 56 F all year long, the caverns provide a perfect temporary home for them, offering stable temperatures and high humidity levels. Every evening, they emerge in a mass cloud from the cave, to fly off into the night to scavenge for food, and every morning, the same camp of bats come home to roost.

Itinerary Inspiration: Back to the Future in New Mexico

Paddle Through Bioluminescent Waters

National Park: Point Reyes National Seashore
State: California
Dates: June Through October

If you’ve ever been kayaking or canoeing on warm summer evenings, there’s a chance you’ve seen glowing blue and green lights trailing in the water behind you. This is the phenomenon of Bioluminescence.

Bioluminescence is typically blue or green in color and has been described as a “language of light” or “sea sparkle”. When these living organisms are moved by waves or the paddle of a kayak or canoe, it activates the glow that gives these living organisms their brilliant color. The best times for catching the sight of bioluminescence glimmering in the water are in the summer and fall on dark, cloudy nights just before the moon has risen or right after it sets. All Roads North’s local guide partners will make sure you’re in the right place at the right time.

Itinerary Inspiration: Couple’s California: A Refined Luxury Road Trip

Witness a Celestial Alignment During The Summer Equinox

National Park: Chaco Culture National Park
State: New Mexico
Dates: Spring and Fall Equinox

Witnessing a once-in-a-year celestial event like an equinox sunset, is an otherwordly experience, one that leaves us humbled and awestruck. The Chacoans, ancient ancestors of the Pueblo people in New Mexico, held great respect for astronomical events and were considered expert skywatchers. Having once lived in an arid and secluded community in Chaco Canyon, they were skilled architects and built intricate rooms in their pueblos called “kivas”. Round and subterranean, kivas were not only gathering spaces, but ceremonial rooms built to track lunar and solar events. The largest and most impressive kiva is in Casa Rinconada.

Every spring and fall equinox, due the kiva’s two doors open precisely on the north-south axis, the sunrise aligns directly in the center of the doors, offering a breathtaking sight for those who rise early enough and know exactly where to catch it.

Itinerary Inspiration: Luxury Winter Road Trip Through the Southwest

Catch Sight Of The Northern Lights From The Arctic Circle

National Park: Denali National Park
State: Alaska
Dates: Between August and April

Extremely rare and elusive, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights has been a dream of travelers for centuries. Not for the faint of heart, the Northern Lights are typically only seen above 60 degrees latitude, mainly in Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Alaska.

The best time to have a chance to see this phenomenon in Alaska is in winter, accurately named Aurora Season, when the nights are longer and darker. Although the green and blue lights could appear at any time during the night, those who want a chance at seeing them dance across the sky must aim for between 10pm and 2am. From ideally located accommodation to professional photography guides, All Roads North can make sure you make the most of your time in Alaska witnessing this rare occurence.

Itinerary Inspiration: Luxury Alaska Adventures on the Kenai Peninsula

Photograph The Bisected Sunset at The Washington Monument

National Park: National Mall & Arlington Ridge Park
State: Washington D.C.
Dates: Spring and Fall Equinox

The Washington Monument, is a 555-foot marble obelisk built in honor of George Washington, and is known as a towering presence over the National Mall in Washington D.C. The Netherlands Carillon, on the other hand, is a 130 foot bell tower settled on a ridge in Arlington, Virginia, overlooking the National Mall. Surrounded by fields of wildflowers, the carillon was a gift in honor of the relationship between The Netherlands and the United States.

Twice a year, during the weeks of the spring and fall equinoxes, the sunrise aligns perfectly with the east-to-west arrangement of the Mall, providing a stunning view of the sun directly bisecting the Washington Monument. The best place to catch this rare sight is in the gardens of the Netherlands Carillon. Photographers who stake out the perfect spot in the gardens, and rise early enough, come away with photos resembling something from another world.

Itinerary Inspiration: Festive Family Adventures in New York, Washington D.C., Aspen and L.A.

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The West’s Best Hot Springs Resorts

Sam — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:49:19 +0000

No matter the season, natural hot springs are the perfect respite to soak away stress. Some of the West’s most historic soaking spots have been majorly updated with state-of-the-art spas, farm-to-table restaurants, and stylish accommodations. Here are the mineral-rich waters worth a detour on your next road trip.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

Just over an hour’s drive north of Phoenix, this 1,100-acre, adults-only resort is tucked within a canyon known for its restorative hot springs. Most of the 32 rooms feature outdoor soaking tubs and three secluded soaking pools vary in temperatures from 86 to 106 degrees. Creekside spa cabanas offer a menu of treatments ranging from prickly pear and shea butter wraps to cranial sacral therapy. Meals are a highlight. An organic farm provides ingredients for dishes such as white corn pozole and harvest panzanella.

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Colorado

This historic property has had many lives including a gambling hall in the 1930s, a dude ranch in the 1940s, and a Western film set that hosted stars like Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne in the 1950s. Its new incarnation is a beautifully landscaped mountain oasis with more than 20 mineral pools, six onsen soaking tubs, a 25-meter saltwater pool, cold plunges, plus a full-service spa. Food trucks sell snacks and drinks, and stage hosts live music every Tuesday and Friday. There aren’t accommodations but downtown Durango is less than 15 minutes away and the Rochester Hotel recently got a stylish makeover.

Murietta Hot Springs Resort, California

This storied 1900s resort located between Los Angeles and San Diego re-opened in February after a 30-year-closure. Re-imagined accommodations include 174 rooms spread between three historic lodges, plus hillside suites with private pool access. The historic bathhouse has been outfit with a steam room, panoramic sauna, cold plunge, and terra thermal mud loft. There’s also a serious spa and fitness center where guests can reset with yoga sessions, aqua sound baths, and re-mineralizing scrubs. But the property’s steamy, mineral-rich waters remain the star attraction.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, New Mexico

Many consider this high desert retreat located halfway between Abiquiu and Taos America’s first health spa. Sulfur-free, therapeutic hot springs have been luring people here for centuries. Today, the resort offers a fabulous spa, a yoga yurt, suites with kiva fireplaces, and an excellent farm-to-table restaurant. A recent renovation added bathhouses with saunas and steam rooms. Day passes are available but an overnight allows guests to take advantage of the wilderness trails just beyond the resort’s doors.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

An 1800s ghost town turned Relais & Châteaux getaway, Dunton Hot Springs is one of the West’s most celebrated retreats. Not one to rest on its laurels, the property recently unveiled a multi-million-dollar makeover. The iconic Saloon & Dance Hall and historic bar both have a fresh look, and a new family-friendly cabin, Chuck’s, has been added and features two bedrooms with modern bunk beds. The restored 19th century Bathhouse, with its healing bicarbonate soaking pool, remains the heart of the property and guests can also soak under the stars at the source.

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Connections: Jackson, WY with Hatmaker Christy Sing Robertson

Mary Cate Long — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:43:55 +0000

For this week’s Connections interview, we spoke with Christy Sing Robertson, a hatmaker and small business owner in Jackson, Wyoming. An outdoors and adventure mecca, Jackson is a captivating gateway to the American West in the heart of the majestic Grand Teton Mountains.

At All Roads North, we believe that a place is nothing without its people. So often, when we ask our clients the most memorable parts of their journey, it’s not the Instagram-worthy landscape or acclaimed hotel that they mention, it’s the encounters they had along the way. That’s why our trips are carefully designed to make those connections, providing you with an authentic and immersive experience. These experiences– whether it be with a local craftsman, musician, chef or marine biologist– are the inspiration for our Connections series, where we talk to friends of All Roads North to get an insider’s look at some of our favorite places across the U.S.

Tell us about your Jackson story?

I moved to Jackson in 2003 to work on a guest ranch and I decided to stay. I got a word from God telling me to move here– and I had never even been here before.

What three words sum up Jackson for you?

Outdoor lovers paradise

What major Jackson Hole attraction lives up to the hype?

The grandeur of the Grand Tetons. They are absolute magic. They rise up in the distance and are so expansive. When you’re staring straight at the mountain range it’s incredibly humbling.

What’s your favorite neighborhood to wander?

Wilson. It’s a little community in Teton county. It’s still a place where old timers, long time Jackson locals and newcomers all live.

Underrated in Jackson Hole, overrated in Jackson Hole, and personal favorite?

What’s underrated is how close Jackson is to the wild. What’s overrated is that Jackson isn’t something here for everyone. This is an outdoor place. There aren’t many indoor options. There’s great restaurants and things like that, but there’s not really much to do indoors.

A personal favorite is a small cafe called Healthy Being Juicery. They have all fresh ingredients, and create their juices and nut milks in small batches. It’s just a small cafe. I love getting the bagel and lox.

By Joeseph Haeberle

What’s your Sunday morning in Jackson Hole?

My Sunday morning looks like church, at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole with my family. I’ve been going to this church for several years with my husband and children.

What restaurant do you take friends from out of town for dinner, a casual local’s favorite, and a weekend brunch?

I’d take friends to Local Restaurant. A favorite local’s spot is Persephone Bakery. And Cafe Genevieve is a great place for a weekend brunch.

Where do you go to get into nature?

I love to hike the local trails. These spaces are so special and precious to locals. I love to get a hard workout in a short amount of time and I love being outside. The sounds and smells, and the beautiful views of nature here. Sometimes I will be able to see wildlife, like deer and elk.

What inspired you to begin your hat business?

I had a similar experience entering hat making as I did moving out here. I heard a word from God in the middle of my happy life to do something different. Both times, it fully uprooted my life. I was working, then this idea to make hats entered my head out of the blue. I did an apprenticeship about a year after I had the idea, and I started my business in 2018. I could try to sound cooler and explain a more concrete reason, but it wouldn’t be true.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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The 2024 Hotlist: Adventures in the Wild

Mary Cate Long — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 23:28:04 +0000

All Roads North creates customized journeys that transcend the ordinary and our approach to North America’s great outdoors is no different. Rather than cookie cutter tours, we’ll pair you with knowledgeable, engaging locals, who can share their passion and expertise with you in a way that helps you really connect with a landscape. Instead of following the crowds to the same old photo ops, we’ll lead you into some truly wild places for a fresher perspective on North America. For those adventurously-inclined, for those craving the restorative stillness of nature: read on for some of our favorite people, locations and inspiring experiences in America’s wild places.

Bear viewing in Alaska with Photographer Michael de Young

Michael de Young is a professional photographer and long time lover of America’s wild places, whose time living in Alaska as an Air Force meteorologist and forecaster has given him insight into the most stunning scenery at its best light. With Michael as your guide, you’ll set off for a short small-plane flight to Lake Clark National Park and Silver Salmon Creek Lodge to enjoy a full day observing and photographing bears.

Silver Salmon Creek has emerged as one of Alaska’s premier locations for viewing coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. You’ll observe them as they forage in the local meadows for sedge grasses, dig for razor clams at low tide, or chase salmon returning to their native streams. This region is home to a subset of local bears, most of which are mothers with cubs and juveniles, although you may see the larger males during breeding season. It is not unusual to watch bears from the deck of your cabin, as the free-ranging omnivores wander in and out of the camp.

Unlike other locations in Alaska, here you’ll move into the habitat of the bear, avoiding the necessity of viewing platforms and designated sites. As a result, you’ll see behaviors not commonly seen, including nursing, courting and mating activities.

Into the Heart of Yellowstone on an Overnight Pack Trip

Yellowstone National Park covers a sprawling 2.2 million acres, and most visitors stick to the same well-trod paths and barely scratch the surface. With All Roads North, you’ll experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in a way that few get to see it– venturing deep into the heart of its awe-inspiring wilderness on the back of a horse.

We will connect you with an experienced team of female wranglers who will guide you on your overnight journey into the park. With a deep knowledge and love for their horses, your guides will pair you with the perfect horse based on your riding experience. All of your belongings and supplies will be packed on the backs of mules and horses before you set off into the heart of Yellowstone. The experience is customized to interests so you could encounter anything from wildlife to waterfalls. For a trip focused on geothermal features, you can soak in naturally-heated springs that can only be reached by horseback and backpacking. Your dinner does diminish in spite of the remote location– expect to feast on fire-cooked meals like blackened chicken alfredo and broccoli.

Trek Across Glaciers at Sheldon Chalet

Built by the family of legendary Alaska pilot Don Sheldon, the chalet was built as a companion to the original Sheldon Mountain House on a skinny slice of rock known as a ‘nunatak’ above the expansive Ruth Glacier. The only property located literally ‘on’ Denali, the Sheldon Chalet offers unparalleled luxury coupled with opportunities to explore the glaciers and mountain vistas surrounding the Sheldon Amphitheatre. Try trekking across a glacier’s frozen surface, or adventure into an ice cave formed years earlier. Enjoy a snowy picnic looking out over the vast, snowy landscapes of Denali or enjoy a sled ride across the nunatak.

Explore the heart of Utah’s Red Rocks from Ulum Moab

Ulum Moab is a new, upscale glamping concept from the same group that brought us Under Canvas. Surrounded by a majestic wall of sandstone rock, the Ulum Moab provides immersive access to the desert just 25 miles south of Moab, and the treasure trove of national parks and red-rock public lands the area has to offer. Deep connection with nature doesn’t come at the cost of comfort at this glamping property. Crisp, clean canvas stretches over 360-feet of accommodation space, with amenities like king size beds dressed in Parachute linens and rain showers in the en-suite bathrooms decked out with Aesop bath products.

Ulum’s location just outside Moab puts you at the doorstep of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Mountain biking, rafting and offroading are just a few of the ways adventurous spirits can explore this red rock wonderland.

Itinerary Inspiration: Alaska Adventures on the Kenai Peninsula

Known as “Alaska’s Playground,” the Kenai Peninsula offers pristine forests, turquoise rivers, and rugged coastline, and is the backdrop for many iconic Alaska adventures. On this luxury Alaska adventure, take the opportunity to become part of the Alaska wilderness at intimate, remote lodges that grant you access to truly wild areas and deliver an astounding level of comfort and service. You’ll see glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound, observe brown bears feasting on salmon in Katmai National Park, and kayak the quiet coves of Resurrection Bay.

See the full Journey: Alaska Adventures on the Kenai Peninsula

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Elevated Experiences in America’s Wild Places

Mary Cate Long — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:27 +0000

While we’ve mastered the art of the open road here at All Roads North, sometimes the adventure only begins when the pavement ends. From high-mountain Montana pack trips to canoe expeditions through the Texan borderlands, we’ve created a series of immersive adventures that we can weave into your wider journey. In the company of legendary guides, you’ll access North America’s wildest places and experience the luxury of true solitude and mesmerizing natural beauty. The hardships of a departure from modern life are softened by the small details of a warm shower or hearty camp meal prepared over an open fire.

Get ready to trade the familiar hum of tires on asphalt for the clip of horse hooves, the rush of rapids, and the creak of ship masts. These are five elevated experiences that will take you beyond the road into the American wilderness.

By Pack Trip

Wyoming’s Paintrock Canyon

Vast meadows, alpine valleys, and the star of the show—Paintrock Canyon, an 8-mile wonderland of limestone slopes and color-shifting red cliffs. This is the setting for your pack trip journey in the Bighorn Mountains.

After a day or two of laid-back evenings and meals at Paintrock Canyon Ranch, you’ll saddle and head through the canyon to your homebase at the foot of Cloud Peak in the Bighorn Basin. The next three days will be spent visiting surrounding creeks to fish, hiking miles of trails, and riding out to the cow camp to spend the day with the ranch team. Back at camp, evenings are spent around a campfire under the stars, telling stories and enjoying a warm drink. Meanwhile, a private chef will prepare dinner over an open fire. The trip offers the best of both worlds: absolute remote seclusion in the wilderness and the luxuries of warm showers and expertly-made meals.

By Canoe

The Texan borderlands of Big Bend

As the country’s fifth-longest river, the Rio Grande showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes, from dramatic canyons to expansive flat deserts. This overnight canoe expedition gives you the chance to intimately experience many sides of the great river’s personality. The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande have some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of any river trip in the Southwest, and some of the most challenging rapids and whitewater. The trip is an epic 82 miles in total, taking about seven to ten days on the river. As the most remote stretch of river in Texas, the sounds of the paddle and river are the only soundtrack as you wind through never-ending temples of steep-sided canyons. Breakfasts of eggs and sizzling bacon on the riverbanks begin each day and dinners of al-fresco vegetables and steak or chicken finish out the day’s adventures. Each trip is tailored to your preferences, whether that be dietary restrictions or adjustments to the length and challenge of the trip.

By Raft

The Colorado’s mighty Cataract Canyon

Whether you opt to experience the full 100 mile, four-day journey along the Colorado River or a one night excursion, a whitewater rafting trip is an unforgettable way to to experience Canyonlands National Park.

Your first day on the river in the whitewater RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) is mostly mellow, taking you through calm water where you’ll float beneath canyon walls, hike to waterfalls and enjoy incredible vistas. Wildlife is all around, so keep an eye out as you lazily make your way along the upper river miles. In the evening, you’ll end at a simple and comfortable camp with a Western-style meal prepared by your guides to be enjoyed at the riverside. Fall asleep under the dark desert skies, lulled by the sound of the river. Then, it’s into Cataract Canyon– famous for its great rapids, secluded side canyons and historic ruins. In between coursing along more than 30 rapids, you’ll hike to native hideouts, towering overlooks, and vistas in all directions.

Raft between Backcountry Lodges in Alaska

Nearly every adventure in Alaska is an “off road” journey, as so much of the Last Frontier is not easily navigable on land. What the state lacks in roads, however, it makes up for in riverways and float plane expeditions. One notable way to experience the road-less Alaskan wilderness is with this three night rafting expedition between two backcountry lodges. Starting in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge at Kenai Riverside Lodge, you’ll navigate the rivers of the Kenai River on a full day of rafting. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bear, caribou, and birds. At your final destination, Kenai Backcountry Lodge, enjoy a wood-fired sauna as you relax in one of nine guest cabins located around a glacier-carved lake.

By Schooner

The uninhabited islands of Midcoast Maine

This schooner journey takes place along Maine’s serene mid-coast. Mornings begin with the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and muffins, setting the tone for a relaxed day at sea. After a laid-back breakfast, relax and enjoy the salty breeze, or join in raising the sails, as guests are invited to actively participate in all shipboard activities. You’ll spend approximately six idyllic hours daily navigating the scenic islands and bays, encountering seals, porpoises, and the ever-changing coastal panorama.

As the sun sets, you’ll anchor in a tranquil harbor off a fishing village or uninhabited island. Explore ashore with rowboats at your disposal, or plunge into Maine’s crisp waters for a refreshing swim. Evenings onboard offer a mix of stargazing, storytelling, and camaraderie, enhanced by on-deck dining featuring three homemade meals daily complemented by hors d’oeuvres, desserts– all culminating in the iconic beach lobster bake with fresh caught Maine lobsters.

Nick Parson

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