Every new year is an invitation to new adventures. So where should you go in 2025?
There’s nothing more disappointing than going to an overcrowded national park. Instead of a life-restoring breath of fresh air, you get stuck in a three-hour bear jam, or have to dodge crowds of tourists on the trail.
There are so many OTHER incredible places in this country of ours, so this year we thought we’d highlight a handful from each region in the continental US: the West Coast (plus NV), Midwest, Mountain West, South and East Coast. We’ve polled the Parks Channel community and selected can’t-miss options for each region of the country. Our criteria: unforgettable destinations that are less crowded, less well-known (in most cases) and less difficult to secure the necessary permits.
The Mountain West hosts the majority of our most beloved national parks, from the Mighty Five in Utah to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain and Glacier. They should all be on your life list and we encourage you to visit any of them in 2025! That said, those marquee names are also among the most crowded national parks every year, so we decided to showcase some less “loved-to-death” places that are very much worth your time.
Have other suggestions? We want to hear them! A submission form is at the bottom of this post. And if your trip involves hotel stays, be sure to try out Parks Channel Member Travel. Free signup will give you access to discounts of up to 50%.
COLORADO
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST. Matt Schoss of We’re in the Rockies recently noted that taking a ride on the Durango-Silverton steam train was “possibly my favorite experience of the entire year.” So while throngs of tourists head to Rocky Mountain National Park, consider a trip to the southwest corner of the state, where 1.8 million acres of dramatic landscapes beckon.
The San Juan region is steeped in history, dating back thousands of years to when Ancestral Puebloans called this land home. Their legacy is still evident in the mysterious cliff dwellings of nearby Mesa Verde National Park. Later, in the 19th century, the forest became the heart of Colorado’s mining boom, with towns like Silverton and Durango springing up as hubs of gold and silver prospecting. Today, remnants of these mining days can be found scattered across the forest in ghost towns and abandoned rail lines.
The San Juan National Forest is home to an array of ecosystems, from alpine tundra to old-growth forests. It’s also part of the San Juan Skyway, a scenic byway often dubbed “The Million Dollar Highway” for its jaw-dropping views. Wildlife abounds here—keep an eye out for elk, black bears, and the elusive Canada lynx.
Highlights:
• Ice Lake Trail: a 7-mile hike that bursts with wildflowers from late July through August, and leads a basin with gorgeous turquoise glacial lakes.
• Colorado Trail: for the more adventurous, this one runs for 567 miles! But it’s also one of the few major trails that allows mountain biking.
• Alpine Loop Scenic Drive: some of the best off-road driving in Colorado.
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UTAH
MORMON PIONEER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL. You don’t need to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to appreciate their incredible story of perseverance, faith and survival. The full trail stretches over 1,300 miles from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, but our suggestion for 2025 is to check out highlights of the final leg, in Utah.
In 1846, following the martyrdom of their leader Joseph Smith and escalating tensions with neighbors in Illinois, the Mormon pioneers embarked on an arduous trek across the American frontier. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, they navigated treacherous terrain, bitter winters, and the constant threat of disease. In July 1847, the first group arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, where they would build a thriving community and establish a new home.
Highlights:
• This Is the Place Heritage Park: Located in Salt Lake City, this park marks the spot where Brigham Young famously declared, “This is the right place.” The park features a living history village, pioneer exhibits, and a striking monument that honors the pioneers’ legacy.
• Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square: Once they reached the Salt Lake Valley, the pioneers began constructing the iconic Salt Lake Temple, which remains a centerpiece of LDS faith. Visitors can explore the meticulously landscaped Temple Square, home to historical buildings, museums, and the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
• Emigration Canyon: The pioneers descended into the Salt Lake Valley through Emigration Canyon. Visitors today can hike or drive through the canyon, reliving the moment when the pioneers first glimpsed their promised land.
• Golden Spike National Historical Park: Though not part of the original trail, this nearby site commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which eventually replaced wagon trains as the primary mode of travel for later pioneers.
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MONTANA
MAKOSHIKA STATE PARK. Glacier gets more love and headlines, but for those seeking a different kind of beauty — one shaped by time, erosion, and ancient history — Makoshika State Park offers an equally awe-inspiring experience. Right outside the town of Glendive, Makoshika (pronounced “ma-KO-shih-kuh”) is a world apart from Glacier’s alpine splendor. Instead, you’ll find surreal landscapes of rugged hoodoos, towering sandstone spires, and fossil-filled ravines. It’s a place where the whispers of the past echo through every wind-sculpted canyon.
The name “Makoshika” comes from the Lakota phrase meaning “bad land” or “earth bad spirits,” reflecting its stark yet mesmerizing terrain. For centuries, the region was significant to the Lakota, Crow, and Assiniboine tribes, who viewed the landscape as sacred and used it for spiritual ceremonies and hunting.
Highlights:
• Dinosaur Fossils and Geology: No, you can’t take a T-Rex home, but as part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, Makoshika is the site of more than 10 different species. Check out the Triceratops skull and other great info at the visitor center.
• Cap Rock Trail and Coulee Trail: The first leads you to a breathtaking natural bridge and the second offers incredible views of the badlands.
• Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing: Look for golden eagles, hawks, mule deer and – if you’re really lucky – a mountain lion.
IDAHO – WYOMING – UTAH
CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST. OK, so that mouthful of a name isn’t going to conjure vacation envy among friends and family, but if you’re craving the rugged beauty of the Rockies and don’t want to put up with the crowds at Yellowstone or Grand Teton, this is the place to go. Spanning three million acres across three states, it’s got all the outdoors you could ever want. The US Forest Service offers this charmingly old-school guide with tons of information.
Highlights:
• Darby Canyon Wind Cave: A moderate hike that leads to a stunning cave and cascading waterfalls. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing streams.
• Table Mountain: A challenging trek with jaw-dropping views of the Grand Teton, perfect for summer adventurers.
• Fishing and Boating: The forest is dotted with alpine lakes and crystal-clear rivers, offering excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Henry’s Fork of the Snake River is renowned for its world-class fly fishing, while Palisades Reservoir is ideal for boating and paddleboarding.
• Wildlife Watching: Look for moose, elk, black bears, and bald eagles. In spring, you’ll often spot young animals venturing out for the first time. Visit the Teton Basin for birdwatching or keep an eye out for mountain goats near Mount Baldy.
• Mountain Biking: The forest’s trails cater to both beginners and seasoned riders. Grand Targhee Resort offers a fantastic network of lift-accessed mountain biking trails in the summer, along with panoramic views of the Tetons.
• Camping and Stargazing: With its remote locations and dark skies, Caribou-Targhee is a prime spot for camping under the stars. Set up camp near Island Park or Teton Canyon, and enjoy some of the best stargazing in the region.
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• Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, where you’ll encounter stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and plenty of picnic spots. The Grassy Lake Road is another fantastic route that offers a quieter path to the southern edge of Yellowstone.
Top photo of the Ice Lake Trail in Colorado by Noah Lang (@noahawaii)
So what did we miss? If you've got a suggestion for 2025 travel we'd love to hear about it!
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