Name: Budget Travel LLC
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Rugged. Beautiful. And fun. The Southwest is the ultimate playground, luring adventurers with red-rock canyons, Wild West legends and the kicky delights of green chile stew. Day trips in this region conjure up visions of vast desert landscapes, rodeos, and lake adventures.
Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

<h2>Best day trips from Austin</h2>
Fredericksburg With a wealth of events, wineries and in-town attractions, it’s often hard to decide how to best spend a day in <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/fredericksburg">Fredericksburg</a>. It was settled by some of Texas’ first German immigrant families, and the European frontier ethos shines through in the architecture and history of the town itself. Further afield, vineyard tours are a hit with groups on weekend trips from Austin. 1hr 30min by car.

<img alt="shutterstockRF_168608633.jpg" title="shutterstockRF_168608633.jpg" width="850" class="rounded shadow-md lazyloaded" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2020-09/shutterstockRF_168608633.jpg?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;sharp=10&amp;vib=20&amp;ixlib=react-8.6.4&amp;w=850" style="border-style:solid;border-color:rgb(226,231,234);vertical-align:middle;height:auto;" />Fall foliage on the river at Guadalupe State Park ©Richard A McMillin/ShutterstockGuadalupe River There’s no better respite from the Central Texas summer than jumping in the water, and few places could beat the Guadalupe River; specifically, drifting down its course on an inner tube. Head to <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/hill-country/attractions/guadalupe-river-state-park/a/poi-sig/1183989/1318204">Guadalupe River State Park</a> for a family friendly float (plus campsites and hiking), or look for local private operators that offer a more party-focused experience on the river. 1hr 30min by car.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg The 425ft high pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock towers over the surrounding Central Texas hills. The popular Summit Hike tracks past vernal pools and rock fissures to panoramic views from the top. Queues form at the <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/hill-country/attractions/enchanted-rock-state-natural-area/a/poi-sig/1123068/1318204">State Park</a> gate as early as 8am on busy weekends, but campers with confirmed reservations cruise straight on through and into the park. 1hr 40min by car.

<h2>Best day trips from Dallas</h2>
<img alt="Cattle on the street of Forth Worth Stockyards" title="Cattle on the street of Forth Worth Stockyards" width="850" class="rounded shadow-md lazyloaded" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2020-09/GettyRF_539343248.jpg?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;sharp=10&amp;vib=20&amp;ixlib=react-8.6.4&amp;w=850" style="border-style:solid;border-color:rgb(226,231,234);vertical-align:middle;height:auto;" />The daily Texas longhorn cattledrive through the Stockyard streets ©typhoonski/Getty ImagesFort Worth Famous as being "Where the West Begins," Fort Worth still has the cowboy feel. It first rose to prominence during the great open-range cattle drives of the late 19th century. These days, the legendary <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/fort-worth/attractions/stockyards/a/poi-sig/1248110/362175">Stockyards</a> are the prime visitor destination, hosting twice-daily mini-cattle drives and rodeos every weekend. Downtown is bursting with restaurants and bars, while the Cultural District boasts three amazing art museums. 40min by car.

Waco, Texas In this college town, <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/waco/shopping/magnolia-market-at-the-silos/a/poi-sho/1568153/1318199">Magnolia Market at the Silos</a> draws more visitors than the Alamo. Once you’ve shopped, played and eaten at ‘Fixer-Upper’ duo Chip and Joanna Gaines’ biggest renovation project, stroll Baylor’s 1000-acre campus or stand-up paddle straight through town on the Brazos River. 1hr 30min by car.

Caddo Lake State Park <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/texas/caddo-lake/attractions/caddo-lake-state-park/a/poi-sig/1186468/1318216">Caddo Lake State Park</a> is a good place to start your lake adventure. Take an interpretive hike through the cypress forest on the lake’s western edge. Or, in summer, rent a canoe. The park has some great little cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the riverside tent sites are pretty sweet. 2hr 30min by car.

<h2>Best day trips from Phoenix</h2>
Saguaro National Park Saguaros are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert playground. <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/southwest/tucson/attractions/saguaro-national-park/a/poi-sig/1108863/362148">Saguaro National Park</a> is divided into east and west units, separated by 30 miles and Tucson itself. Both sections – the Rincon Mountain District in the east and Tucson Mountain District in the west – are filled with trails and desert flora; if you only visit one, make it the spectacular western half. 1hr 40min by car.

<img alt="shutterstockRF_413207977.jpg" title="shutterstockRF_413207977.jpg" width="850" class="rounded shadow-md lazyloaded" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2020-09/shutterstockRF_413207977.jpg?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;sharp=10&amp;vib=20&amp;ixlib=react-8.6.4&amp;w=850" style="border-style:solid;border-color:rgb(226,231,234);vertical-align:middle;height:auto;" />Watch the desert sunset in Sedona ©aaronj9/ShutterstockSedona Nestled amid striking red sandstone formations, Sedona's truly spectacular landscape has long attracted spiritual seekers, artists and healers. Outdoorsy adventurers have begun to see the light as well: there are some inimitable thrills to be had hiking, mountain biking and climbing amid these desert spires. <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/southwest/sedona/attractions/red-rock-state-park/a/poi-sig/1107640/362140">Red Rock State Park</a> has 5 miles of well-marked, interconnecting trails in gorgeous red-rock country. 2hr by car.

<img alt="shutterstockRF_522864037.jpg" title="shutterstockRF_522864037.jpg" width="850" class="rounded shadow-md lazyloaded" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2020-06/shutterstockRF_522864037.jpg?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;sharp=10&amp;vib=20&amp;ixlib=react-8.6.4&amp;w=850" style="border-style:solid;border-color:rgb(226,231,234);vertical-align:middle;height:auto;" />Historic train station in Flagstaff at sunset ©Nick Fox/ShutterstockFlagstaff The laid-back charms of <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/southwest/flagstaff">Flagstaff</a>, the home of Northern Arizona University, are many; from a pedestrian-friendly historic downtown, bedecked with vintage neon, to hiking and skiing in the country’s largest ponderosa pine forest. 2hr 30min by car.

<h2>Best day trips from Las Vegas</h2>
<img alt="500px Photo ID: 6224684 - Rocky desert landscape at sunset, Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, Las, Vegas, Nevada, USA" title="500px Photo ID: 6224684 - Rocky desert landscape at sunset, Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, Las, Vegas, Nevada, USA" width="850" class="rounded shadow-md lazyloaded" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2020-09/500pxRF_6224684.jpg?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;sharp=10&amp;vib=20&amp;ixlib=react-8.6.4&amp;w=850" style="border-style:solid;border-color:rgb(226,231,234);vertical-align:middle;height:auto;" />Desert landscape at sunset at the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area ©Dean Pennalad/500pxRed Rock Canyon <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/nevada/red-rock-canyon/attractions/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area/a/poi-sig/1348107/1006422">Red Rock's</a> dramatic vistas are revered by Las Vegas locals and adored by visitors from around the world. Formed by extreme tectonic forces, it's thought the canyon, whose 3000ft red rock escarpment rises sharply from the valley floor, was formed around 65 million years ago. A 13-mile, one-way scenic loop drive offers mesmerizing vistas of the canyon's most striking features. Hiking trails and rock-climbing routes radiate from roadside parking areas. 30min by car.

Valley of Fire State Park A masterpiece of Southwest desert scenery, the <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/nevada/southern-nevada/attractions/valley-of-fire-state-park/a/poi-sig/1127075/1324576">Valley of Fire State Park</a> contains 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone, petrified trees and ancient Native American petroglyphs (at Atlatl Rock). Dedicated in 1935, this was Nevada's first designated state park. Its psychedelic landscape has been carved by wind and water over thousands of years. 50min by car.

Lost City Museum Wander away from the big city to unearth some of the best art, culture and history on the continent in the most unexpected places. At the <a href="https://lostcitymuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lost City Museum</a>, learn about the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans through reconstructed homes and the artifacts that were saved as this desert land developed. 1hr by car.

The 12 best day trips in the US Southwest

Budget Travel Lists

If you associate fall travel with perfect weather, elbow room, and a dose of vibrant foliage, you’re thinking like a Budget Traveler. So, what makes a national park ideal for autumn? Our criteria includes moderate temperatures, a low risk of tropical storms, and either small crowds or a hack or two to manage the hordes. And by choosing a national park for your getaway, you’re guaranteeing value – each park is adjoined by affordable lodging, and ample camping opportunities abound. Here, six national parks that provide something special in October and November–and one that’s even balmy and inviting well into December.

<h2>Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee &amp; North Carolina
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: October through mid-November

Hands-down the best national park for fall foliage, the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm">Great Smoky Mountains</a> are also a balmy place to enjoy hiking and camping into mid-November. At press time, vibrant colors are already starting to pop in the higher elevations, but the foliage forecast for 2019 suggests that the park’s maples, oaks, and autumn wildflowers will peak in November this year, leaving plenty of time to plan your trip. 
Bear in mind that autumn is a peak season for visitors to GSMNP – it can be as busy as summer. But we’ve got a hack for that: It’s a good idea to see the sights early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and traffic. Midday, explore one of the park’s gateway communities, such as Gatlinburg, TN, which Budget Travel named one of the <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/video/coolest-small-towns-america-2019">Coolest Small Towns in America</a>. We’re also quite psyched that the state of Tennessee has installed “colorblind viewfinders” in the park, which will help visually challenged visitors experience the vibrant colors as Mother Nature intended. 

<h2>Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: October through mid-November

Fall can be a time to discover a national park you’ve never heard of before, and the <a href="http://nps.gov/gumo">Guadalupe Mountains</a>, east of El Paso, fit the bill. Here, you’ll experience gorgeous mountains, canyons, and even desert sand dunes, all accessible via miles of hiking trails. Don’t miss the chance to hike to the “Top of Texas,” elevation 8700ft, on the Guadalupe Peak Trail (and be ready for some Instagrammable moments at the top). Visit the ruins of a stagecoach station at the Pine Spring visitor center, and see a restored ranch and its accompanying museum near the Smith Spring trailhead. 
Though Texas may not be especially known for its fall colors, the hardwood trees along the McKittrick Canyon Trail in Guadalupe’s northern section put on quite a show starting in mid-October. And consider stretching your stay with a trip to <a href="http://nps.gov/cave">Carlsbad Caverns National Park</a>, about a half-hour’s drive north, in New Mexico.

<h2>Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: October through mid-November

An easy escape from Mid-Atlantic and Southeast cities like Baltimore, DC, and Richmond, <a href="http://nps.gov/shen">Shenandoah National Park</a> is a good idea any time of year, but in autumn you’ll find fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, and the vibrant colors of the park’s maples, sumacs, and sassafras. Ideal for hiking, or just auto-touring the majestic Skyline Drive, Shenandoah is also one of the finest environments in the US for birdwatching and viewing the night sky. 
Drop by the Dickey Ridge visitor center for a schedule of upcoming ranger-led programs, which include talks about the park’s history and wildlife, hands-on programs, and ranger-led hikes that can feel like the ultimate outdoor classroom.

<h2>Yosemite National Park, California
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: October and November

Yes, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm">Yosemite</a> is spectacular year-round, but autumn is a sweet spot during which temperatures in the Yosemite and Wawona Valleys can remain in the 60s and 70s but summer crowds have vanished. (That being said, it’s important to remember that at higher elevations, lows in the 30s and the chance of snow arrive with fall, so short-term closures of some roads and areas are possible after September.) 
Enjoy independent or guided hikes and iconic sights such as Half-Dome, El Capitan, and Vernal Falls (rivers and waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls, tend to run low or even dry in fall). In mid-October, you may spot some fall foliage among the park’s sugar maples, black oaks, cottonwoods, and dogwoods, but overall the forests of Yosemite are filled with evergreens, whose deep greens can evoke a feeling of endless summer on a sunny autumn day. 

<h2>Zion National Park
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: October and November

We’ll be honest: The number-one reason to visit <a href="http://nps.gov/zion">Zion</a> in October or November is the cool temperatures, a relief from summer’s mind-blowingly intense heat. Minus summer’s heat and crowds, Zion is a perfect place for taking in the splendor of red sandstone cliffs by day and stargazing by night (the state of Utah has taken exceptional measures to reduce light pollution). The park is closed to private vehicles, and a spectacular shuttle system takes you to trailheads and other points of interest. Epic hikes such as the Narrows are the main draw here. 
Stop by a visitor center for a weather update, as flash floods can occur any time of year and pose a danger to hikers. And though Zion is not exactly a leaf-peeper’s mecca, October visitors will see their share of reds, yellows, and oranges. And the park is one of the finest for camping, with ample BLM sites available free of charge. Looking for something a little more luxe? Glamping sites just outside the park’s borders are increasingly popular.

<h2>Everglades National Park, Florida
</h2>
Best Time for a Fall Visit: November and December

If you’re looking for a national park to visit in late fall, the <a href="http://nps.gov/ever">Everglades</a>, Florida’s peerless natural environment featuring beautiful waterways and wildlife that includes black bear and gators, is ideal. Though temperatures in this region of Florida tend to be balmy year-round, starting in November, the dry season begins, lasting into April. 
Dry season means it’s not as hot and humid as the summer months (dry season temperatures range from highs in the upper 70s to lows in the mid-50s), the risk of tropical storms is, at least in theory, over, and pests such as mosquitoes and biting flies vanish. Wildlife viewing is enhanced in fall, as animals gather around ever-shrinking watering holes, and birdwatching is exceptional as many feathered species head to South Florida to escape the approaching chill up north.

Celebrate Fall In 6 Ultra-Autumnal National Parks

National Parks

Your family has hit the theme parks, the iconic art museums, the baseball stadiums, and national parks. You've done a road trip, walked through Times Square, <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/confessions-white-water-rafting-guide">conquered white-water rapids</a>, and eaten lobster rolls in Maine and barbecue in Texas. And all that's done is kindle your kids' wanderlust. When you're planning your next trip, check out one of these destinations where learning, adventure, and fun are all part of the package. 
<h2>1. Roam with Dinosaurs in Utah </h2>
<img src="https://img.budgettravel.com/dinosaur-national-monument.jpg" alt="dinosaur-national-monument.jpg?mtime=20190426080904#asset:105633" />(Kelsey Mcquisten/Dreamstime) 
“Back in the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth" is a familiar refrain, but until you see the fossils up close, it’s easy to underplay the significance of these near-mythic beasts. A trip to Utah's Dinosaur National Monument (nps.gov/dino/index.htm) gives kids a clear understanding of how very real and astonishing the ancient reptiles were. There are all the standard activities that you’d expect to find in a state known for its outdoorsiness—white-water rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, and hiking in the rugged, remote backcountry. But this 80-acre area, the largest quarry of dinosaur bones in the U.S., features something the kids won’t expect from a National Monument: fossilized bones, many of which are partially exposed and intact, from hundreds of prehistoric creatures embedded in rock formations. As an added bonus, they can get a closer look at dinosaur remains at the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum State Park in Vernal, 20 minutes from the monument. (You can’t miss it from the road—it’s the building with the tremendous stegosaurus outside.) Plan your trip right, and you’ll catch one of town’s seasonal festivals or rodeo celebrations.
<h2>2. Study African-American History in Washington D.C.</h2>
The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu), which opened in September 2016, is the culmination of years of work, from the search for and acquisition of the 35,000 items that make up the collection—many donated by descendants of slaves and slave owners—to the hard-fought Congressional battle for funding, which started when President George W. Bush authorized its construction. Located on the National Mall, the sweeping 400,000-square-foot museum is a chronological telling of centuries of African-American history in the United States—the anguish and the accomplishments. The story starts 70 feet below ground in a dramatic space dedicated to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The exhibit halls cover slavery, emancipation, segregation, civil rights, and today’s current events, telling stories in text, verse, and images, punctuated with objects like Frederick Douglas’s cane, Nat Turner’s bible, Rosa Parks’s mug shot, and Harriet Tubman’s shawl. The top floors are a celebration of culture and sports, with music video footage and recordings enlivening the space. It’s an American history lesson that the kids will never forget.
<h2>3. Dance and Dine in New Orleans</h2>
<img src="https://img.budgettravel.com/New-Orelans-Street-performance.jpg" alt="New-Orelans-Street-performance.jpg?mtime=20190426082232#asset:105637" />(Kenneth D Durden/Dreamstime) 
If there’s one thing you should know about New Orleans, it’s that there is much, much more to the city than Bourbon Street. Especially for kids. First, there’s the food. Who wouldn’t love to sit under the giant tent that stretches over the tented patio of Café du Monde, the smell of powdered sugar and fried sweets in the air, and indulge in a classic beignet or two. (Parents: there’s a steady supply of the café's famous chicory coffee for you.) Guided excursions that give kids a sense of New Orleans’s legends and fabled past are readily available. Try a voodoo tour or a ride through the swampland for a sense of the myths and folklore that define this town. Then check out the global history on display at the the National World War II Museum (nationalww2museum.org). Among its many interactive exhibits are ones devoted to the D-Day invasion, submarine warfare, and the Nazis' rise to power, plus a 4-D film narrated by Tom Hanks. But you could make the case that the <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/video/new-orleans-bars-music">brassy, jazzy music best captures the city’s spirits</a>. Clubs and music halls are not ideal for little ones, but music is everywhere. Small ensembles—heavy on the trumpet and trombone—and solo sax players often spontaneously break out in music on the sidewalk or in parks, and dancing cannot be contained.
<h2>4. Head West to a Dude Ranch</h2>
The legend of the American West is a cornerstone of our country's mythology, and the idea of a dude ranch is the stuff of cowboy fantasies, what with the cattle drives, horseback riding, campfires, and lackadaisical pace. Every child should have a chance to get a glimpse of the day-to-day reality—the duties and pleasures alike—of a rancher in Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, or any of this country’s magnificent western states, a back-to-the-land lifestyle that might even make you forget about your beeping, buzzing, ringing device. All dude ranches are not created equal, though, so it’s important to seek out places that are particularly kid-friendly. The Crossed Sabres Ranch (crossedsabresranch.com) in Cody, Wyoming, eight miles from Yellowstone’s east entrance, features archery, scavenger hunts, Yellowstone tours, and, for aspiring rodeo stars, roping lessons. At Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge (flatheadlakelodge.com) in Bigfork, Montana, about an hour from Glacier National Park, kids can learn the basics of horse care with a Junior Wrangler program, kayak and swim in the lake, and partake in a mountain steak-fry in the woods, a Wednesday night tradition with live music. 
<h2>5. Show Some Texas Pride</h2>
<img src="https://img.budgettravel.com/Alamo-San-Antonio.jpg" alt="Alamo-San-Antonio.jpg?mtime=20190426080621#asset:105632" />(Island_images/Dreamstime) 
Remember the Alamo? A visit to the battle site in San Antonio will ensure that kids never forget the historic clash. But now’s a prime time to explore the south Texas city, the seventh largest in the U.S., because <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/locals-know-best-san-antonio">2019 marked its 300th anniversary</a>, so things are livelier than ever. Allow yourself ample time to explore Broadway Cultural Corridor, a two-mile stretch along the San Antonio River that recently underwent a $500 million rejuvenation. You can duck in and out of remarkable sites like the San Antonio Museum, which turns back the clocks with its classical art; the DoSeum (thedoseum.org), an interactive children’s museum; the San Antonio Botanical Gardens (sabot.org), the 50-acre San Antonio Zoo (sazoo.org), and the Witte Museum (wittemuseum.org), an institution that chronicles the Lone Star State’s galvanizing history, from ancient times through today. Kids can dive deeper into the region’s history at the missions, built by Franciscan priests when they arrived in the 1700s. These mini-cities, which collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassed everything early settlers needed to maintain a self-sufficient community, like chapels and craftsmen’s workshops, and some are still-functioning villages, complete with modest taquerias and public art.
<h2>6. Follow the Maple Syrup Trail in Vermont</h2>
A quintessentially New England industry, the sugar houses and maple-tree forests of Vermont can serve as the keystone of a memorable nature-centric getaway. At many farms, workers head out to the forest to tap the maple trees year-round, and many properties are open to visitors, offering a lesson in the age-old process with guided tours and, of course, plenty of samples. Some are family-run operations, like Sugarbush Farm (sugarbushfarm.com), which has 8,500 trees producing four different grades of syrup, as well as a dairy operation making cheddar cheese. Mitch’s Maples (mitchesmaples.com), a 70-plus-year-old institution, is open year-round, but tours are only offered during the spring. The rest of the year, it’s a popular destination for stocking up on all types of maple candy. Goodrich’s Maple Farm (goodrichmaplefarm.com) is known for its “sugar on snow” parties, part sweet indulgence, part physics lesson. (How else to explain 231-degree sugar caramelizing on contact with snow?) For a deep dive into the science of the process and the history of the industry, make sure you have the town of Rutland, home of the Maple Museum, on the itinerary. 
<h2>7. Look Up at the Milky Way</h2>
Cleaning up the planet is the center of many conversations these days, from eliminating single-use plastics and the importance of recycling to green energy and wildlife conservation. But we don’t talk as much about cleaning up the sky. As cities expand, light pollution increases, and to bring greater awareness to the matter, the International Dark-Sky Association (darksky.org) is making great strides in preserving night’s darkness. A nonprofit that raises awareness on the negative impacts of artificial nighttime light on human health and wildlife, it's <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/canada-best-stargazing-destinations">established Dark Sky Places on five continents</a>. In North America, sites range from national parks and monuments to forests and lakes, some of which have family programs to orient visitors to the celestial landscape. The Astronomy Rangers tour at Bryce Canyon National Park, for instance, promises views of about 7,000 stars on its tour. You don't have to be a kid to be gripped with childlike wonder when confronted with gliding comets and countless stars piercing the darkness.
<h2>8. Batter Up and Throw a Left Hook in Louisville</h2>
<img src="https://img.budgettravel.com/Louisville-Slugger-Museum-Factory.jpg" alt="Louisville-Slugger-Museum-Factory.jpg?mtime=20190426081437#asset:105636" />(Thomaskelley/Dreamstime) 
<a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/take-a-tour-through-american-history-along-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail_68417">The bourbon boom has increased tourism to Louisville</a>, Kentucky, by millions over the past few years, but there are reasons for kids to visit this vibrant city, too—things that illustrate the deep impact of sports on culture and society. The downtown Louisville Slugger Museum (sluggermuseum.com) greets guests with a 120-foot replica of Babe Ruth’s bat and gives kids a behind-the-scenes peek at the classic American pastime. The destination is a working factory as well as a museum, and families can take a guided, hands-on tour of the production line. There are also batting cages where kids can take a swing and a bat vault that houses about 3,000 models designed over the decades for the league’s most famous players. A few blocks down is a shrine to native son Muhammad Ali (alicenter.org), and it’s as much a sports institution as it is a museum chronicling civil rights in America. It’s compact but jam-packed, so it’s worth reserving a generous chunk of time in your schedule. Look for memorabilia from his boxing career, like his gloves and flamboyant robes, and an elaborate display of his art, plus cuts of interviews and a sitting station where you can watch entire fights on a personal television. Ali's involvement in civil rights, social activism, and anti-war activity as well as his spiritual journey is recounted in photographs and interactive videos.
<h2>9. Get in Touch With Your Inner Cowboy and Cowgirl </h2>
Dating back to 1887, Cheyenne Frontier Days is the second-oldest event in the United States, outdone only by Mardi Gras. For 10 days in July, thousands of people overtake the state capital for an epic event that includes rowdy standoffs between bulls and cowboys, bronco-bucking events in Frontier Park, parades, concerts, and parties. But the grounds are a destination year-round, thanks to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum (cfdrodeo.com/cfd-old-west-museum/), which houses a vast and comprehensive collection that defines the old west. Costumes, videos, and artifacts, along with a rodeo hall of fame, tell the history of Frontier Days, while separate exhibits focus on other chapters of western life, like the evolution of covered wagons. Women take the spotlight at the Cowgirls of the West Museum (cowgirlsofthewestmuseum.com), a modest storefront affair that chronicles the many achievements of boundary-blasting western women in the past two centuries. These trailblazers were an integral part of Wyoming's history--as you'd expect from the first state where women were granted the right to vote. 
<h2>10. Soak Up Science in New York and New Jersey</h2>
From iconic art palaces like the Guggenheim and the Met to <a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/new-york-city-alternative-museums">smaller gems spotlighting unique topics</a>, like the history of lighthouses or the public-transit, there’s no shortage of museums in New York City. And if there’s one category that can hold the kiddos' attention for a marathon stretch of the day, it’s the city’s science museums. The most obvious, of course, is the Museum of Natural History (amnh.org), known for its 94-foot-long fiberglass whale and renowned planetarium. But it’s definitely worth making time to visit spots that are a little more far-flung. In Queens, the New York Hall of Science (nysci.org) features exhibits on biology, nature, technology, and physics, plus mini golf and other outdoor activities. There’s a preschool playroom and workshops for older kids. It's located near the Queens Zoo, the Mets’ baseball stadium Citi Field, and the Billie Jean King Tennis center (home to the U.S. Open), so it's easy to make a day of it. Back in Manhattan, the Intrepid Air, Sea &amp; Space Museum (intrepidmuseum.org) is located on a historic aircraft carrier—a WWII fighting vessel and a National Historic Landmark—docked in the Hudson River at Pier 84. Kids can explore the Enterprise space shuttle and the Growler, the only American guided missile submarine open to the public. Virtual visits to the International Space Station are a highlight of the shuttle exhibit. You can also take the PATH train across the Hudson to the increasingly vibrant and hip Jersey City, where the Liberty Science Center (lsc.org) has interactive exhibits on space, wildlife, microbiology, and architecture, plus a high-tech planetarium and lots of climbing space for the little ones.

10 Places Every Kid Should Visit

Family

Visiting a U.S. national park is a bargain no matter what day it is, but this weekend, on April 18 and 19, admission to every park is free in celebration of <a href="http://www.nationalparks.org/national-park-week" target="_blank">National Park Week</a>. Can't decide which one to visit? Take the National Park Service's <a href="http://findyourpark.com/find" target="_blank">quiz on FindYourPark.com</a> to find out which of the U.S.'s 407 parks you should explore first. (The Statue of Liberty is one of them!) The site and social-media hashtag <a href="http://findyourpark.com/share" target="_blank">#FindYourPark</a> is part of a public awareness campaign for the service's centennial anniversary in 2016.
We want to guide you in the right direction too. Asking the BT staff members to choose a favorite national park is a little like asking us to choose a favorite child, but we sifted through our best travel memories and each picked one that's special to us. We hope our stories help inspire your next adventure.
<h3>BT staffers weigh in: What's your favorite national park, and why?</h3>
"<a href="http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm" target="_blank">Glacier National Park</a>, in Montana, is not just my favorite national park, but also my favorite place on earth. Pristine mountain lakes, easy hikeable trails, mountain goats greeting you at the continental divide at Logan Pass, plus huckleberry ice cream." —Robert Firpo-Cappiello, editor in chief
"<a href="http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm" target="_blank">Badlands National Park</a>, the first place I visited during a road trip through the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. The landscapes were like nothing I'd ever seen before, and I kept pulling over at every sign that said 'scenic overlook' because I knew there was another amazing view behind it. If you go, give yourself plenty of time to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and listen to the sounds of nature around you. Just remember to stick to the walking paths—those are rattlesnake rattles you're hearing!" —Kaeli Conforti, digital editor
"<a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a>. Enveloping the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is unparalleled in the fall. The specks and flecks of warm-colored foliage are painted throughout the layered mountain range as its signature fog hangs between peaks, making any view of this park a remarkable one." —Whitney Tressel, photo editor
"<a href="http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm" target="_blank">Arches National Park</a>, near Moab, Utah, is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. It's what I imagine being on Mars would feel like: The landscape is an incredible, fiery ochre, and delicate rock formations defy gravity. Basically, you'll spend the day here picking your jaw up off the ground." —Sophie-Claire Hoeller, contributor
"<a href="http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm" target="_blank">Haleakala National Park</a>, on Maui, is amazing and one of the most unusual parks in the USA. You can explore lush rain forest and the colorful crater of a volcano all in one park, a trip that will definitely earn you bragging rights." —Darley Newman, contributing editor
"If you want to guarantee a wildlife encounter during your national park visit, it's impossible to beat the Florida <a href="http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm" target="_blank">Everglades</a>. From the second you enter the park, you're bombarded with more than 350 bird species—plus alligators and crocodiles out catching rays. And you can skip the binoculars; you'll practically be tripping over wildlife during your entire trip." —Nicholas DeRenzo, contributor
"I've always loved this quote by John Muir: 'The mountains are calling, and I must go.' To me, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite</a>, in California, is the most beautiful national park, from the first moment you see the incredible vistas at Tunnel View to the stunning reflections of the immense mountains in the valley streams. I'll never forget hiking to Vernal Falls with my best friend and how we were both in awe once we got to the top." —Jennifer O'Brien, marketing manager
"Putting the unique beauty of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm" target="_blank">Joshua Tree National Park</a> into words is nearly impossible, but I still try to describe the feeling I had when I first saw it for myself. I've told people the towering boulder piles, spiny trees, and arid desert floors are 'otherworldly,' 'alien,' or 'incomparable,' but 'spiritual' is probably the best term for Joshua Tree, as the park will speak directly to your soul." —Jamie Beckman, senior editor

BT Staff Picks: 8 National Parks We Love!

Including advice on why some loop trails should be hiked counter-clockwise, and why, even though it seems more exhausting, if you've got a choice you really should hike uphill on the steepest sections of trails.
Kevin Poe is a park ranger at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm" target="_blank">Bryce Canyon National Park</a>. Known as "The Dark Ranger"&mdash;not for nefarious reasons, but because he's in charge of some of the night sky programs at Bryce, where 7,500 stars are visible on clear nights&mdash;Poe was kind enough to give me loads of insights and tips for this summer's <a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2010/06/06/AR2010060603937.html" target="_blank">Trip Coach on National Parks</a>. Check out Poe's solid insider advice:
Are there any easy ways to avoid crowds in the summer?
KP: If you decide to visit during the busy season, the best way to avoid the crowds is to simply get out on the trails. This does not necessarily mean you have to go backpacking. While it's generally true that the best stuff is their backcountry, some parks like Bryce Canyon and Arches have the greatest scenery within day-hiking distance. Besides, even the most busy parks become increasingly backcountry-like with each mile you distance yourself from the roads. Plan your hiking so that you're on the most popular trails in the early morning or in the early evening (dinner hours). This will help you avoid the crowds.
(Also: Check out <a href="http://blog.budgettravel.com/budgettravel/2010/07/5_ways_to_beat_the_crowds_at_y.html" target="_blank">5 ways to beat the crowds at Yosemite</a>.)
What's your take on visiting parks in the off-season?
KP: Visiting during the off season (usually winter) allows you to have the park to yourself, but realize that there are trade-offs, including extreme weather, needing to bring the extra clothes and gear like snowshoes or skis, fewer ranger programs being offered, and some road closures. But all things considered, off-season visits are great. For one thing, you'll get bragging rights at your next cocktail party. Yes, everybody's waited in air-conditioned vehicles for their turn to see the grizzly in the middle of a "bear-jam" at Yellowstone, but how many have snowshoed under a full moon?
Any good hiking tips you care to pass along? 
KP: When considering a loop trail ask the rangers at the visitor center which is the best way to hike the loop: clockwise? counter-clockwise? Most of us rangers will have a preferred direction, based on scenery and difficulty, for hiking every loop trail. When you hike a loop in the same direction as everybody else (the ranger recommendation), the trail will seem a lot less crowded than if you are going against the flow.
Another consideration for loop trails is the age-old debate about whether it is easier to go uphill or downhill. While everybody (especially guide book authors) has a fiercely guarded opinion on this issue, consider that medical doctors who mend injured hikers and park rangers who "carry out" injured hikers are in complete agreement: It's better to hike uphill on steep sections of trail and downhill on the more gradual slopes because lungs heal faster than ankles, knees, and heads. If you take the opposite approach because it's easier on your heart, you probably shouldn't be hiking that trail in the first place.
What about footwear? Are sneakers or a good pair of sandals OK?
KP: Hiking without hiking boots is like SCUBA diving without a SCUBA tank. Not smart. So if you plan on hiking, bring your hiking boots. Hiking shoes with boot-like "lug" traction are better than nothing but don't provide critical ankle support. Tennis shoes/sneakers are not hiking shoes because they lack "lug" traction! Even though hiking sandals are more comfortable than boots (I own a pair with aggressive "lug" traction that I sometimes day-hike with), realize that sandals offer zero ankle support. Seriously, bring the boots! If your boots won't fit in the suitcase, then wear them on to the airplane.
Finally, what's the best easily doable hiking trail in the U.S., in your humble opinion? 
KP: YES it is true, just like everybody says, the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon National Park IS the best three-mile hike in the world. In spite of what my ranger friends at Yosemite National Park might tell you, their Vernal Falls Loop only rates as a close second.
For more info on national parks, go to the parks homepage, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/index.htm" target="_blank">nps.gov</a>, and check out coverage from Budget Travel. We have an <a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/tripideas/nationalparks/" target="_blank">entire section of BudgetTravel.com</a> devoted to the topic we hold near and dear to our hearts.

National parks tips from the 'Dark Ranger'

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Rio Mar Beach Resort &amp; Spa The best response we receive between Jan. 1 and Jan. 30, 2009, wins two nights at the Rio Mar Beach Resort &amp; Spa, A Wyndham Grand Resort in R&iacute;o Grande, Puerto Rico. Prize includes round-trip airfare for two, a coffee-scrub treatment for two, and dinner for two at Palio restaurant. Prize has an estimated retail value of $1,500, and trip must be taken within one year. For more info on Rio Mar: 800/474-6627, <a href="http://www.wyndhamriomar.com" target="_blank">wyndhamriomar.com</a>.

How to enter E-mail us at <a href="mailto:TrueStories@BudgetTravel.com" target="_blank">TrueStories@BudgetTravel.com</a> or mail us at True Stories, Budget Travel, 530 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10018. For a complete rundown of the contest guidelines, please see <a href="http://www.BudgetTravel.com/truestories" target="_blank">BudgetTravel.com/truestories</a>.

Winner #1: Six-night trip for two in Oman, courtesy of Adventure Center. My wife and I were driving from Jackson Hole, Wyo., to a microbrewery in Idaho. We were halfway there when we came upon a man who waved a flag and told us to slow down. We assumed there was road construction ahead, but when we turned the corner, we saw hundreds of sheep crossing the road. Our timing for the stampede was perfect! Eric Gongora, Woodstock, Ga.

Winner #2: Airfare and a seven-night Italian villa rental, courtesy of Endless Vacation Rentals. At a hotel in Florida, a housekeeper kept studying us intently. We finally asked her about it. Since we had put up &quot;Happy 50th&quot; banners in our room, she was trying to figure out which of us was 50. My husband and I are nowhere near that age; we were celebrating bringing our children to all 50 states. We still tease each other about who looks older. Penny Zhitomi, Shelton, Conn.

Next stop: Grand Teton I was in Cuzco, Peru, with my friends Marion and Kelly, and we were trying to find the Sacsayhuam&#225;n ruins. Marion, who's pretty busty, was wearing a tank top, so she got a lot of whistles from the guys. While we were looking in our guidebook, a young boy came up to us and said &quot;sexy woman&quot; to Marion and pointed to the top of the hill. Marion got hit on by an 11-year-old! When we came to the ruins, we kept hearing everyone say &quot;sexy woman, sexy woman.&quot; Turns out that's just how Sacsayhuam&#225;n is pronounced. Marianne Kroutchkevitch, Santa Monica, Calif.

We often feel that way too On a family trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, my dad evidently looked like a local. While he was hanging out one day, someone asked him a question in German. He replied, &quot;Sorry, I don't speak German.&quot; A few minutes later, someone else came by and asked him something in French. He answered, &quot;Sorry, I don't speak French.&quot; Just as my mother and I walked up, we saw a man ask my father, &quot;Where is the nearest bank?&quot; My mom and I were shocked to hear my dad say, &quot;Sorry, I don't speak English.&quot; Tricia Abegglen, Vernal, Utah

It kind of works both ways Before going to Paris with my friend, I taught her some French, such as ne me touche pas (don't touch me), which made her giggle because touche sounds like douche. One day we became separated on the M&#233;tro. I heard a woman across the car wail, &quot;No me douche pas!&quot; I wondered why someone would announce that she didn't shower, and then I saw that it was my friend! She was fending off a homeless man who was petting her hair. Elizabeth Montez, Costa Mesa, Calif.

It usually takes several years to get to that point My husband and I spent the first night of our honeymoon in Venice. I had read that some Italian cities have a high petty crime rate, which made me anxious. Since it was warm, we left the shutters open&#8212;it seemed safe because we were on the fourth floor. During the night, I heard a noise and bolted upright. To my horror, I saw a man at the foot of the bed! I shrieked, &quot;Get the [bleep] out!&quot; Seconds later, the man said in a hushed voice, &quot;It's me....&quot; It was, of course, my brand-new husband, who had gotten up to close the shutters. The event was so disturbing that we were both shaking for days. Now, only 12 years later, we laugh about it. Kerry Ascione, Tinton Falls, N.J.

Taking a page from Rick Steves While studying abroad in Italy, my best friend and I often took trains. One night we pulled into a station very late, and since the next train wasn't till morning, we had to spend the night there. We went to the bathroom to freshen up. There was no toilet paper and no paper towels, but I had my Rick Steves travel guide. Ripping pages out of the book saved the day. Jessica Presto, Raleigh, N.C.

So did it taste like chicken? After two weeks of traveling in Thailand, our group was tiring of Thai food. One morning our guide promised a treat: a stop at a barbecue stand. Imagine our dismay (and disgust) when we found that the only item on the menu was fresh grilled rat! Betsey House, Denver, Colo.

Isn't that what bras are for? One night I was going out in Barcelona with friends, and I didn't want to take my purse. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to put my money in my underwear. It would've been fine if it weren't for the sangria! I forgot my ingenious plan, and that's how I flushed &euro;50 down the toilet. Natalie Decker, Ignacio, Colo.

One of these guys is bound to learn someday On a recent trip to Barcelona, I warned my companion that as a 60-something out-of-shape American, he would be a prime target of pickpockets. We decided that if he was going to be robbed, we might as well have fun with it. I bought six wallets and put play money in them. In the 53 hours we were there, five of those wallets were stolen! Carol North, Sandwich, Mass.

Monkeys know what's up! I was resting by the pool in Kenya when a monkey grabbed my envelope with a pair of earrings and my money and leapt up a tree. I chased him, but he was too fast. He slowly started dropping my things. When a bill would fall, 20 people would try to catch it&#8212;the monkey just sat in the tree and watched. I did finally get everything back. Donna McShane, Centennial, Colo.

It was all part of his plan My boyfriend and I went to Grand Cayman recently. As we floated in the ocean together, I accidentally hit his hand. He told me not to move&#8212;I had knocked an engagement ring into the ocean! He dove to retrieve it but came up empty-handed. After 45 minutes of searching, he finally surfaced with the ring and proposed. I said yes! Kim Ceppi, Conroe, Tex.

Travelers' Tales

Trip Coach: April 8, 2008

<h2>What's Included</h2>
<ul><li>Stay Thursdays-Sundays through June or any day July-August<ul><li>$189 per night ... Traditional King or Two Queen Room</li><li>$219 per night ... Deluxe or Balcony King or Two Queen Room</li></ul></li><li>Travelzoo member perks:<ul><li>Daily $25 resort credit</li><li>Waived resort fee (reg. $18 per night in March; and $25 per night April-August)—covers Wi-Fi, parking, access to the pool and fitness center, a $25 food-and-beverage credit and more</li></ul></li><li>Not available: April 11-14, 18; May 2-4, 9, 16; June 6</li><li>Price is per room, not per person</li></ul>
<h2>More Reasons to Go</h2>
<ul><li>Amenities include a Kids Club, 200-foot lagoon-style pool with a waterslide and a splash pad, hot tub, 24-hour fitness studio and complimentary local shuttle service </li><li>The resort sits adjacent to a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, who is considered one of the best golf course architects in the U.S. </li><li>It's less than a 10-minute drive from the numerous shops and restaurants at The Shops at Legacy and less than 30 minutes from both Plano and Dallas, which offer a number of great museums, parks and nightlife </li></ul>

Travelzoo

Frisco 4-star Westin w/daily credit, reg. $304 - $189

<h2>What's Included</h2>
<ul><li>$999 ... Two guests can stay Mondays-Saturdays through April 26 or Sept. 30 - Jan. 17</li><li>Travelzoo member perks:<ul><li>Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (excludes alcoholic beverages)</li><li>One 1- to 1.5-hour <a href="https://ranchodelaosa.com/outdoor-adventures/" target="_blank" tabindex="0">activity</a> per person, per night (activities begin the first morning after arrival; daily activity varies based on schedule)</li></ul></li><li>Add additional adults and children five and older for $349 per person</li><li>Not available on: Feb. 28; March 7-19; Oct. 7-12</li><li>Travelzoo Tip: Learn more about Rancho de la Osa on the <a href="https://www.travelzoo.com/blog/john-wayne-loved-rancho-de-la-osaand-so-will-you/" target="_blank" tabindex="0">Travelzoo blog</a></li></ul><h2>More Reasons to Go</h2>
<ul><li>The ranch's history dates back to the indigenous Tohono O'odham people—and many artifacts, including pottery shards, have been found on site </li><li>Former Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, along with actors John Wayne, Joan Crawford and Caesar Romero, have all stayed here </li><li>The ranch neighbors the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge and offers stunning vistas of the Baboquivari Mountains and Baboquivari Peak</li></ul>

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Vernal, the county seat and largest city in Uintah County is in northeastern Utah, approximately 175 miles (280 km) east of Salt Lake City and 20 miles (32 km) west of the Colorado border. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,089. The population has since grown to 10,370 as of the 2018 population estimate.

Pink Dinosaur Welcomes Tourists to Vernal, Utah

Established in 1998 as America’s favorite Go-To travel magazine, Budget Travel inspires and empowered millions of Americans to become savvy travelers and see more for less. For over two decades, Budget Travel has provided readers with the how-to advice they won’t find elsewhere: Destinations where the dollar goes the farthest; authentic, under-the-radar tips; and a template for getting the most from each travel experience. We focus on U.S. domestic travel, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, road trips, cool small towns, American cities of all sizes, weekend getaways, theme parks, cruises, national and state parks, round-ups of the best budget destinations, island escapes, start-today tips and how-to stories. Budget travel is not about cheap places and backpacking, it is about creating the best travel memories with whatever money you have. That's why our new site experience integrates a private booking platform with discounts of up to 50% in all sorts of hotels, from 5-stars, chic boutique hotels, and even motels.

<title>Budget Travel | Vernal</title>

Vernal

Flaming Gorge is a census-designated place in Daggett County, Utah, United States. The population was 83 at the 2010 census.

Flaming Gorge

Carbon County is a county in the U.S. state of Utah. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 21,403. Its county seat and largest city is Price.The Price, UT Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Carbon County.

Carbon County

Meeker is the Statutory Town that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 2,475 at the 2010 United States Census. The town is largely an agricultural community, located in the wide fertile valley of the White River in northwestern Colorado. Relatively isolated from other communities, it sits near the intersection of State Highway 13 and State Highway 64, on the north side of the White River and at the base of a long ridge, known locally as China Wall. The Bureau of Land Management has a regional office in the town. Meeker is the home of the annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog trials.

Meeker is the Statutory Town that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, United States.  The town population was 2,475 at the 2010 United States Census.  The town is largely an agricultural community, located in the wide fertile valley of the White River in northwestern Colorado. Relatively isolated from other communities, it sits near the intersection of State Highway 13 and State Highway 64, on the north side of the White River and at the base of a long ridge, known locally as China Wall. The Bureau of Land Management has a regional office in the town. Meeker is the home of the annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog trials.

Meeker

This is a list of individual National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) American football records, including Division I (FBS, and FCS), II, and III.

 Division 1

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Frisco 4-star Westin w/daily credit, reg. $304 - $189

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