TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Discover Hidden Gems in the National Parks of the American West with Kensington Tours
By The Kensington Content Team
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
By The Kensington Content Team
In the American West you can explore stunning landscapes, wildlife in natural habitats, stars unaffected by city light pollution, and a blend of cultural and wellness activities. While people from all over the world flock to this region, it is still possible to have a unique and secluded experience.
At Kensington Tours, we are not just about seeing the sights; we are about truly experiencing them. Our custom, private-guided experiences provide immersive adventures that focus on your interests. Whether it's exploring Yellowstone's geothermal wonders, hiking Capitol Reef's serene landscapes, or discovering a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, we bring you closer to nature and culture.
Off-the-beaten-path destinations sit in the hidden corners of popular national parks and the surrounding area that few visitors get to see. These places offer secluded trails, lesser-known viewpoints, and exclusive activities away from crowds. They allow you to connect more deeply with nature and enjoy the area's tranquility and beauty in a way that's both authentic and personalized.
Here, our experts are happy to share a few of their favorite adventures and experiences.
Stacey Ludlow, Kensington Tours’ Product Manager for North America, has a background in biology and environmental science. She’s passionate about nature and loves hiking and camping. Her expertise ensures that every tour is rich with opportunities to see amazing scenery and wildlife, "We offer unique ways to experience bucket-list places without the crowds. It’s not just about seeing Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring, we’ll get you the perfect distance to capture those iconic photos without being surrounded by thousands of tourists."
Shaina Molano, Kensington Tours’ Destination Lead for North America, lives in Sedona, AZ, and has a profound love for the national parks. With a background in archaeology, Shaina brings a unique perspective to our tours. "I'm an avid hiker and I hike on the trails every morning. I also love to go out camping and find those unique camping spots off the beaten path. That’s how I really experience these places.” When she’s not in national parks, Molano loves to explore the less crowded state parks near her like Goblin Valley State Park and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Located near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is one of Shaina’s absolute must-see destinations. “It's a very remote location, so you have to be very intentional about going." Most visitors experience the better-known Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. However, she strongly recommends exploring beyond these popular areas. "There are so many other facets of the canyon that are more private, where you can spend more time in the slot canyons.”
Antelope Canyon is situated on the Navajo Nation, and only Navajo guides can lead tours through this stunning site. Shaina emphasizes, "It's very regulated and for all the right reasons. You experience the canyon with a Navajo guide who's telling you how the tribe has existed on this land for generations and generations, how modern tourism is impacting the land, both good and bad, and you get these perspectives in addition to a once-in-a-lifetime location."
Often overlooked, Utah’s Capitol Reef is a hidden gem amongst national parks with unique rock formations and freedom to explore. Shaina highlights the park's distinctive charm: "It's the only national park with orchards that visitors can pick fruit from. It's a lovely treat to come out and pick fresh apricots or apples." Beyond the orchards, Capitol Reef offers incredible hiking trails and biking on unpaved roads that are less crowded and more intimate than other nearby national parks, making it a perfect spot for adventurers looking for solitude.
This stunning area, featuring broad landscapes and sharp geological features, is situated between Antelope Canyon and Sedona and is easy to reach if you’re traveling from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Sedona, or from Zion to Page. “It's just a spectacular piece of the United States that very few people visit,” says Shaina.
One of the unique aspects of Vermillion Cliffs is its wildlife. "They release rehabilitated California Condors, an endangered species, and you get to see these great birds flying overhead,” she says. In addition, you are also likely to see wild horses that roam in the area, “That's probably my favorite hidden place right now."
Although immensely popular, it is still possible to get a unique experience in the Grand Canyon. “You must be in the Grand Canyon for one sunset and one sunrise. The most spectacular times in the Grand Canyon are when the colors are changing because the light is changing," says Shaina.
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim offers a quieter, more intimate experience, "There are groups of Aspen trees that extend for acres up until the rim. Especially if you're going at certain times of year, you are driving through these golden Aspen trees for miles and miles. And then come winter, seeing the vibrant red rocks in the snow is such a special thing, It's really very spectacular.”
Stargazing at Canyonlands National Park, and other national parks, can be a magical experience. “They're great areas to stargaze, they’re rural with no light pollution," says Stacey. For a more unique perspective, Kensington Tours elevates this experience by providing expert guidance. "If that is something you want to do, let's actually get you out with an astronomer. Let’s get you looking up at the sky with an expert rather than using an app,” she suggests.
Despite seeing more than 4.5 million visitors a year, it is very possible to get a unique and secluded experience in Yellowstone. Stacey highlights the Lamar Valley, where you can join a local guide to track wolves, "They have the local expertise in tracking and finding these wolves. It is absolutely incredible and something that I would never dream of doing on my own. You need that experience."
Additionally, for photography enthusiasts, our tours can include a photography specialist to help you capture the perfect shots of wildlife, landscapes, and the geothermal features the park is famous for.
Exploring these areas is not just about outdoor adventure, though. In every corner there is the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture, dining, and relaxation.
Shaina is particularly fond of Torrey, Utah, outside of Capitol Reef National Park. "I just like everything about it, it's definitely my kind of vibe," she says. Torrey boasts a vibrant foodie scene with a small cidery and distillery, and boutique properties that highlight local products from across Utah, “In some of these places you can get a gorgeous room with a private hot tub overlooking the cliffs outside of Torrey," she notes.
For those looking for a unique dining experience, this restaurant is located along the scenic Devil’s Backbone Highway, between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. "It’s only open for a few hours each day with a really specialized chef," says Shaina. The drive itself is an incredible experience, with stunning cliffs on either side. "It's an incredible drive.”
The restaurant provides organic, locally produced food, much of which is from the restaurant’s two gardens and farm, with regionally and seasonally appropriate dishes.
Known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant arts scene, Sedona offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. The town itself is a hub of activity that caters to all skill levels, "Sedona has incredible hiking and biking trails, and the community here is amazing. It's a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm," says Shaina.
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, Sedona’s Mii amo spa at the Enchantment Resort is a standout. "The Mii amo just reopened after a huge renovation. It's probably the most exclusive feeling hotel in Sedona," says Shaina. The spa’s serene environment, combined with its luxurious amenities, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and indulge in some self-care. Whether it's a massage, a wellness treatment, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings, the spa experience in Sedona is unparalleled.
Exploring these hidden gems with Kensington Tours means you benefit from our deep knowledge and local connections. "We always look for partners and experiences that are private and customizable,” Stacey explains.
Our local guides bring unparalleled expertise and tailored itineraries. We make sure you see what you want without the hassle of planning. From securing permits to making dinner reservations, we handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Our experts, like Stacey and Shaina, ensure that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, so all you need to do is immerse yourself in the experience.
Discover the hidden gems of the American West and its national parks with Kensington Tours.
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