Author Archives: J.D. Simkins

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn Are Aligning—Here’s How to See Them

From now through the end of April, half of our solar system will be putting on a rare display in the early morning sky of… Read More

Take Camping to New Heights with This Roomy Tree Tent

You’ve seen portable hammocks. They’re latched to trees next to trails or campsites, they pop up in city parks, and they even make an… Read More

Take Your Stargazing up a Notch with These High-Powered Binoculars

About seven years ago I walked outside of my apartment to see my neighbor staring resolutely into the night sky. It was a scene… Read More

Take Stargazing to the Next Level at These Dark Sky Campsites

Camping and stargazing go hand in hand. Starlit canopies, constellations, meteor showers, and planets make being outside infinitely more rewarding, and what better time is… Read More

The National Park-Themed Candles You Didn’t Know You Needed

I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but at one early stage of pandemic-fueled isolation, I became candle-obsessed. It was an actual problem. I spent… Read More

Tired of Crowds? Try These Underrated National Parks Instead

A total of 63 national parks dot the United States, some inevitably considered more popular than others. A number of those more attractive… Read More

Coming Soon: Visit Any National Park for Free

Is there any better way to kick off National Park Week than with a free visit to any of America’s 63 treasured destinations? (We… Read More

This Southwestern Region Was Just Named the Largest Dark Sky Reserve in the World

Yesterday, there were just 19 regions in the entire world that could claim the illustrious International Dark Sky Reserve designation. Today, that number stands at… Read More

6 of the Best Ways to Explore Wyoming’s Grand Tetons

Jackson, Wyoming, is a mountain town known as much for its opulence as is it for its unique amalgamation of resident ski bums, artists, nature… Read More

The Lightweight Foldable Kayak You Didn’t Know You Needed

Oru, a leader in the kayak industry known for its lightweight, foldable products, has unveiled its most portable and agile flatwater kayak yet. Read More

Gas Prices Ruining Travel Plans? Try These Cost-Cutting Tips

The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States on March 31 was $4.23, almost $1.40 more than… Read More

The Bay Area’s Newest Attraction Finally Gets a Grand Opening Date

What’s being billed as one of the most anticipated attractions ever unveiled at the Presidio of San Francisco will officially begin welcoming enthusiastic visitors… Read More

‘Who Gets to Profit off Our Culture?’ Indigenous Designers Are Growing Platforms for Change

Scrupulous attention to detail comprises each hat from Thunder Voice Hat Co. Every decision is intentional, from tracking the history of… Read More

A Guide to Pacaso Vacation Homes, and Why You Keep Hearing About Them

Owning a second home is a dream for many, but one budding real estate company is out to turn fantasy into reality by redefining accessibility… Read More

So You Didn’t Get a Yosemite Reservation? Here’s What To Do Instead

Reservations for day entry to Yosemite National Park between May 20 and Sept. 30 are officially on sale. Read More

Planning a Trip Around COVID Restrictions? This App Can Help

Are you a bit confused about planning adventures around pandemic-related restrictions? A travel app wants to be of service, thanks to a new… Read More

Reckoning with the Past: Amache Internment Site Granted National Park Designation

The United States government took a significant step Friday toward acknowledging an ugly part of the nation’s past when it granted the Amache internment… Read More

Our Favorite Camping Lanterns Also Look Good in Your Home

Welcome to another WildLands gear grab, where we highlight a piece of equipment you should absolutely get your hands on. We only recommend things… Read More

5 Apps to Download Before Your Next Camping Adventure

The old days of outdoor-centric app toggling on camping trips often posed quite the inconvenience. Best hiking trails in the vicinity? There’s… Read More

Fate of Wild Horses in Limbo as Overgrazing, Drought Decimate the West

Record numbers of wild horses and burros will soon be removed from public lands across the West as government officials struggle to… Read More

Your Next Prescription Could Be a Trip to a National Park

More cowbell may have been the only prescription that could remedy the Bruce Dickenson’s unrelenting fever in the beloved Christopher Walken Saturday Night Live sketch,… Read More

Score a Yellowstone Campsite Early: Our Guide to Top Spots

It’s about to get a lot easier to book the Yellowstone National Park camping trip you’ve been pining after. Beginning Feb. 14, visitors to… Read More

Ditch the Road, Embrace the Dirt: Top ATV Off-Road Destinations

Travel and adventure have taken on new meaning in the post-pandemic world. Once-opted for international jaunts yielded way to more accessible, therapeutic escapades… Read More

How to Enjoy Everything Zion Has to Offer Without the National Park Crowds

Camping in treasured southern Utah destinations like Zion and Arches national parks has lately been more challenging than in years past, as… Read More