9 of the Best US Destinations to Escape Crowds
With its vast landscapes and diverse scenery, the United States can be difficult to find solitude in among popular destinations, especially during peak seasons. To help you escape the crowds, we asked our expert writers and staff for these serene destinations across the country.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Recommended by Deepa Lakshmin
One of Utah's Mighty 5 national parks, Capitol Reef stretches across quiet trails like Sulfur Creek and Cohab Canyon, where you can hike in the slot canyons and by waterfalls without the usual crowds. Stay in Torrey, UT, for easy access to the park, at places like the Skyview Hotel for a comfortable stay.
Montana Badlands
Recommended by Bailey Freeman
In total contrast to this mountainous west, Montana's eastern badlands spill out. Explore the surreal landscapes in search of dinosaur fossils in the Terry Badlands, or visit Makoshika State Park for its hoodoos and cliffsides, with night skies that are stunning if you want to go stargazing.
Coldfoot, Alaska
Recommended by Erin Kirkland
Situated in the Brooks Range of Alaska, Coldfoot serves as a gateway to vast and remote Arctic landscapes, perfect for travelers seeking adventure and trying to get to Gates of the Arctic National Park, catch the northern lights, or simply enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Hovenweep National Monument, Four Corners
Recommended by Liz Prado
Stop by Hovenweep National Monument to uncover the secrets of ancient Ancestral Puebloan villages, next to red rock canyons and vast desert landscapes. This archaeological treasure provides quietude away from the crowds that visit some of the more famous national parks in the area.
Superstition Mountains, Arizona
Recommended by Melissa Yeager
Get out of sprawl-y Phoenix and into the Superstition Mountains for demanding trails and vistas that stretch on forever. Top picks: Hieroglyphic Trail and Fremont Saddle; when other areas of Arizona get too many visitors, this will be the quiet alternative.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott
Take in the picturesque viewengendered by Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop amid road trips, hiking on a portion of the Appalachian Trial or identification of interesting towns like Staunton and Lexington.
Bellingham, Washington
Recommended by Chamidae Ford
Bellingham offers a great balance of that elusive PNW magic with outdoor pursuits sans crowds. Check out Chuckanut Drive for killer bay views, climb Oyster Dome, and finish it off with locals-only destinations like Mambo Italiano and breweries.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Recommended by Brekke Fletcher
For a real off-the-grid experience, visit Channel Islands National Park, right off the southern coast of California. Access these islands by boat from Ventura or Oxnard and behold landscapes that are pristine and teeming with rare wildlife—and some of California's best-kept secrets.
Jayuya, Puerto Rico
Recommended by John Garry
Find serenity in Jayuya, part of Puerto Rico's Central Mountains, and soak up indigenous history and natural beauty. Hike Toro Negro State Forest; visit coffee farms; cool off in the jungle pools at the base of cascading waterfalls.
