Author Archives: J.D. Simkins

Why Utah’s Bears Ears Should Top Your Adventure Bucket List

Protections of over 2 million acres of treasured landscapes in southeastern Utah were at long last restored this past October in… Read More

These National Forests Are the Most Popular Destinations for RVers

Post-pandemic travel modifications have paved the way for a true road trip renaissance, as never-before-seen work flexibility, travel restrictions, and vigilance of crammed spaces continue… Read More

Under the Stars or on the Couch, Get Cozy with These Alpaca Wool Blankets

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

How to Enjoy a Joshua Tree Camping Experience Without the Park Crowds

Camping enthusiasm exploded in the wake of 2020’s pandemic-related shutdowns, as millions of households ventured into the outdoors for overnight respites from the… Read More

Beat Arizona’s National Park Camping Rush with These Nearby Alternatives

Record numbers of tourists have made national park camping more challenging than it’s ever been. A staggering 48.2 million United States households… Read More

Be Ready for Any Emergency with This 72-Hour, Do-It-All Survival Kit

Welcome to another WildLands gear iteration in which we highlight a piece of equipment you should be getting your hands on. We only recommend… Read More

‘California’s Protected Coast’: A Gateway to the Redwoods Is Now Preserved

The conservation organization Save the Redwoods League just lived up to its moniker—and then some—after a feverish fundraising effort… Read More

Plan Your Stargazing Road Trip Across the West with These Dark Sky Routes

More than 99% of the U.S. population lives in areas with light pollution capable of drowning out even the most prominent constellations and… Read More

Visit Any National Park for Free in 2022 on These Days

Fans of national parks and monuments will be treated to five free entrance days in 2022 at some of our nation’s most… Read More

Gravity Haus to Launch Adventure Community Near Lake Tahoe

An increasingly sought-after outdoor adventure social club that was once unique to popular destinations in Colorado is officially stepping out of state… Read More

From Backyard to Backcountry: These Are the Perfect Fire Pits for Any Scenario

Welcome to another WildLands gear iteration in which we highlight a piece of equipment you should be getting your hands on. We only recommend things we… Read More

This National Park Just Became the Latest to Require Reservations

Another national park is incorporating an entry reservation system to compensate for soaring visitor numbers and the host of complications that… Read More

Tommy Caldwell Climbs Toward a Future of Climate Change Activism

Few names conjure up images of herculean feats in the rock climbing world more than Colorado native Tommy Caldwell. And though he… Read More

The Road Trip Resurgence Isn’t Slowing Down, Report Shows

There’s no denying that the pandemic upended the way we think of travel. International trips relenting to border closures incited a recalibration of our personal… Read More

The Black Friday Camping Gear Deals You Should Get Your Hands On

Black Friday shopping. The mere phrase elicits thoughts of department store stampedes more reminiscent of World War Z than a civil shopping experience. Read More

Hiker Lost on Mountain Ignored Rescue Calls ‘Because They Didn’t Recognize the Number’

It turns out not all unknown calls are spam calls. That was the lesson learned last week by one unfortunate hiker… Read More

Straight from the River: CamelBak Systems Make Water Filtration Easier Than Ever

Another week, another WildLands gear iteration to highlight something you should be getting your hands on. We only recommend things we love. If you buy something… Read More

Coming Out in Jackson: A Wyoming Photographer’s Journey to Find Belonging

Stephen Shelesky was 25 years old the first time he told another person he was gay. Years of uncertainties stemming from a… Read More

Gifts to Give the Outdoor Adventurer in Your Life

The urge to get out into the great outdoors is unquestionably more prevalent than ever, as a public eager to escape the… Read More

This Global Hotspot Will Keep You Connected on Your Next off-the-Grid Adventure

Another week, another WildLands gear iteration to highlight something you should be getting your hands on. We only recommend things we love. Read More

Why Idaho’s Sun Valley Should Be on Your Stargazing Bucket List

“Why are you going to Idaho?” The misguided question springs forth from anyone who has yet to visit the region blanketed by… Read More

Fat Bear Week 2021 Is a Wrap—Meet Your Rotund Winner

Katmai National Park has bestowed the crown of its annual Fat Bear Week upon his majesty, Mr. Eat-All-Day-From-Katmai, Bear 480, also known as Otis. First… Read More

Volcano Erupts, Lights Up Night Sky in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is once again earning its moniker. On Sept. 29, a little after 3 p.m. local time, one of… Read More

Survival of the Fattest: Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week Is Here

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Alaska bear population is officially off to the races to add a boatload… Read More