Destinations & Things To Do
Off-Season Travel Destinations for Every Month of the Year
Just because you’d rather avoid crowds of tourists when you travel doesn’t mean you have to boycott popular destinations—you simply have to know when to go. Off-season travel is the best way to feel like a local in a beautiful place. Even better, when you choose to visit somewhere during a less busy month, you’re also likely to find better deals on flights, hotels, and tours.
Whether you’re tempted by a quieter side of Venice or a trip to San Francisco when the weather might actually be good, here are 12 suggestions, one for each month, for off-season destinations to visit throughout the year.
January: Marrakech
The sun is strong in Marrakech, and for much of the year it’s pretty hot, but January is the city’s coolest month—the air is downright crisp. Start off the year here and you’ll be able to wander around the souk and Jardin Majorelle for hours without desperately seeking shade. Expect sunny days in the mid-60s and cool nights that get down to 40 degrees. Those clear skies are ideal for stargazing, too, so head up to the Atlas Mountains 60 miles or so away for nighttime adventures; after a devastating earthquake in September 2023, the High Atlas Mountains region is recovering and has bounced back thanks in large part to tourism. Remember that sunset causes a big temperature drop, as is typical for a desert, so pack a proper winter jacket and a fleece, some cashmere, or both. If you’re curious and a seasoned skier, try a few runs in Oukaimeden, a ski resort in the mountains—know, however, that facilities are basic.
Where to stay
Book now: Maison Brummel
Next to Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum is the eight-room Maison Brummell, a modern hotel highlighting traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with hand-woven carpets, a curving tadelakt staircase, and terrazzo floors and bathtubs. This is the place for those who want to be in a central and walkable neighborhood but avoid the bustling Medina.
Venice is the perfect wintertime destination for some romance and rain.
Photo by Julie Mayfeng/Shuttersplash
February: Venice
Venice without the crowds is a tall order, but one of the easier ways to have the canals almost to yourself is to come in February. The faded glamour of La Serenissima is only burnished by the damp days and dark evenings. If the rain gets to be too much, sit in any café for a restorative hot chocolate—even the always packed (if overpriced) Florian—without bumping elbows with tour groups.
Locals may grumble about acqua alta, or high water, the regular floods that hit the city in winter, but for visitors, it’s a quirky delight. Streets will be filled with tables that form makeshift sidewalks in a few feet of water, and walking around requires thigh-high plastic waders. Most hotels will have them on hand this month; just ask. Once you’re wearing them, we dare you not to splash around with toddler-like abandon. And plus, it’s Carnival the first half of the month, a great excuse to put on a jewel-studded mask.
Where to stay
Book now: La Calcina
La Calcina is a charming canal-side property in Dorsoduro, a region that’s less flood-prone (hence the name: hard back) that overlooks the residential island of Giudecca. The 26 rooms here, dominated by damask velvet textiles, have big radiators and thick curtains to keep out the chill.
Related: I Was a Tour Guide in Venice—Here’s Why Winter Is Hands-Down the Best Time to Visit
Kenya is teeming with life during its wet, aka green, season.
Photo by Andy Soloman/Shutterstock
March: Kenya
So many vacationers go on safari during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer that large crowds have been seen blocking wildlife migration paths in East Africa, stirring up controversy. One way to help the problem? Travel instead to safari-rich countries like Kenya during the wet season—the green season, really. Starting in March, this is a chance to see the countryside at its most abundant: Smells are intense as the plants and trees burst into life, and the torrential, but fleeting, rainstorms soak the landscape in spectacular fashion. You’re likely to see baby animals, since this is calving season for wildebeests, zebras, and many other species. Always look for responsible lodges and tourism operators, such as andBeyond and Angama Mara.
Where to stay
Book now: Angama Mara
Split into two camps with 15 tented suites each, Angama Mara’s perch on a cliff top overlooking the Mara makes for jaw-dropping views at breakfasts as the sun rises. The midcentury-inflected East African decor is a refreshing change from most lodges.
You’ll have the sunrise all to yourself by coming to Jackson after ski season ends.
Photo by Jay Yuan/Shutterstock
April: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This month, elk begin to migrate from the National Elk Refuge here to their summer home up north, so expect to see them idling everywhere—along highways, in yards, and, of course, the plains of Grand Teton National Park. It’s a chance to see the same thing happen across the countryside, as wildlife emerges from hibernation and bursts into life; come for fly fishing (the season opens on April 1), and you’ll see the water teem with fish and be jostling with far fewer anglers. (Be patient, as snow runoffs can spike some days.) The park is a favorite of stargazers, and International Dark Sky Week (April 13–20, 2026) is a good excuse to celebrate the great cosmos here. April 1 is also Gaper Day, the spoofish end-of-season slopefest when skiers dress up in impractical outfits to hit the slopes one last time—think ponchos, jeans, or Hawaiian shirts—and end the day with a raucous après-ski that lasts through the evening.
Where to stay
Book now: Hotel Jackson
Hotel Jackson, the 55-room hotel in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole, has views out across the Snow King and Jackson Valley mountains and decor that’s a winkingly stylish riff on Old West clichés. If the weather is less than ideal for outdoor adventure, read by the fireplace in the hotel’s Sacajawea Library or snag a seat in the rooftop hot tub, open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May is the just-right time to enjoy Hawai‘i, from the produce to its natural spaces.
Courtesy of Alain Bonnardeaux/Unsplash
May: Kaua’i, Hawai’i
Spring is the Goldilocks time for Hawai‘i, a place where there’s no weather-driven low season since the climate is consistent almost year-round. May, though, is that just-right time: no more winter rains, surf conditions remain impressive, and the extra jolt of summer heat hasn’t begun.
Crowds are thinner and attractions like the Kalalau Trail are easier to navigate—it’s much drier than in summertime when conditions can be slippery. Boat operators begin their season this month (wrapping up in September), so see the Na Pali coastline from the water. Try a sunset charter from Holo-Holo, with abundant drinks and a delicious spread from $230.
Where to stay
Book now: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Ultraluxe sustainable chain 1 Hotels is LEED-certified, has green roofs, and uses a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate its garden, 70 percent of which are filled with native plants. The hotel’s 252 beachy-modern rooms have ceiling fans to cut down on air-conditioning usage and views of either the Pacific, the surrounding mountains, or the hotel’s own garden.
Related: Gorgeous Beaches, Small Towns, and Waterfalls: This Is One of the Most Beautiful Islands in the U.S.
Towns throughout Utah remain outdoorsy even when the ski season ends.
Photo by Christian Tjernagel/Shutterstock
June: Park City, Utah
Ski destinations across the world struggle to gain traction with visitors when the pistes aren’t powdery—a shame, as any outdoorsy type can relish Park City even when it’s warm. Opt to hike and mountain bike many trails in the summer, when lift tickets are much cheaper: An adult scenic lift day pass is $39 rather than hundreds of dollars as it would be in peak winter ski season. Resorts like Deer Valley throw events to lure visitors, such as a series of free summer concerts, and the farmers’ market runs every Wednesday from late May through October. A bonus for Park City in particular: Winter Olympians train here off-season, so you can watch them at the water ramps and slides around town.
Where to stay
Book now: Montage Deer Valley
Soothe those aching muscles at the end of a day’s hike at Montage Deer Valley, a 10-minute drive from downtown Park City. The sprawling property has 220 rooms, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a smaller indoor pool. It also offers activities for guests such as guided hikes daily at 10 a.m., archery lessons, and nightly s’mores around the firepit.
Consider a coastal Mexican vacation instead of a Mediterranean summer.
Photo by Hello Cinthia/Shutterstock
July: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Who needs the overcrowded, overpriced, and often sweltering Mediterranean in summer? Puerto Vallarta has spectacular beaches and plenty of plush hotels. Even better, it’s a short-haul, direct flight to most major hubs stateside. The weather is glorious most of the season; when it rains, mostly in the midafternoon, use that downpour as an excuse to take a siesta after a long, indulgent lunch.
If you’ve got a group, consider chartering a yacht for a day or more out on the water. Underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are superb in and around Los Arcos, a collection of gray granite islands with arched caves about six miles off the coast that form a protected marine park.
Where to stay
Book now: Hacienda San Angel
Welsh actor Richard Burton’s former home is now an adults-only boutique hotel in a handsomely restored hacienda down the coast from central Puerto Vallarta. The 12 handsome suites at Hacienda San Angel have antique carved wooden furniture, marble floors, and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. Rooms are spread across a few villas connected by gardens with trickling fountains, and there are three pools, so guests can revel in plenty of privacy.
In Lofoten, northern Norway, use the long, bright days to float through the fjords or cycle around the islands.
Photo by Sina Ettmer Photography/Shutterstock
August: Nordic countries
In the northern reaches of the Nordic countries, the days are long and bright during summer, and night is a mere few hours. At the beginning of August, the sun goes down at 11 p.m. and comes up at 3:30 a.m., and by the end of the month, it sets around 9 p.m. and rises at 5:30 a.m.
Head to the edges of the Arctic Circle in Sweden and watch golfers tee off at Björkliden Golf Course, which runs for 24 hours a day this month. As for Finland, the sauna’s spiritual home, go for a bracing midnight swim and then heat up in a nearby cabin. Brave the steam rising from the heated coals (known as löyly) and soak in summer’s end.
If you really enjoy bundling up, go even further above the Arctic Circle to Lofoten, an archipelago in far northern Norway. Float through the fjords or cycle around the islands, moving from one quaint fishing village to the next. Their red-painted wooden cabins are backed by craggy peaks and overlook glassy (ice-cold) lakes.
Where to stay
Book now: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Finland’s Kakslauttanen sits in the country’s Lapland region and has log chalets (open from June 1 to October 30) and glass igloos that can be booked from the last week of August. Summer activities include gold-panning on property, cruising the river in Lemmenjoki National Park, horseback riding, and mushroom and blueberry foraging. To cozy up at the end of a long day, the resort has three smoke saunas—a type of sauna that uses firewood to slowly build its warmth.
The secret’s out: September is prime time to visit San Francisco.
Photo by Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock
September: San Francisco, California
There is a month when the weather in San Francisco doesn’t careen through four seasons in a single day. July and August can be particularly bad offenders, but come this month, and you’ll be sharing a local’s secret. September is when you won’t need to pack sunscreen, an umbrella, and a scarf in your day bag. The balmy, breezy temps stay consistent and (mostly) sunny all month, usually in the mid-70s. Given that San Francisco is a city where walking is both the easiest and most interesting way to get around, that’s a major plus. A handful of fun citywide events take place this month, too, like the Shakespeare Festival’s free performances in McLaren Park, the Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown, and Flower Piano concerts in the botanical gardens. September also brings the kink-friendly (and adults only) Folsom Street Fair, which donates proceeds to public health, the arts, and human services nonprofits.
Where to stay
Book now: Kimpton Hotel Enso
Most hotels in San Francisco are concentrated downtown, but branching out to neighborhoods such as Japantown is one of the best ways to get to know the city like a local. In a nod to the area’s heritage, Kimpton Hotel Enso has 131 airy rooms with light wood furniture, indigo-dyed textiles, and kimono-style bathrobes.
Related: These 10 Beautiful Hotels Will Give You a Reason to Visit San Francisco
Stretch out on Aruba’s golden sands in the fall.
Photo by Michelle Heimerman
October: Aruba
Hurricanes tear through the Caribbean in the fall, but not all parts of the region are affected. Aruba, a 69-square-mile island close to the Venezuelan coast, sits in the southernmost reaches of a small area that’s outside the hurricane zone. Come here for a can’t-miss beach vacation with postcard-perfect golden sands rimmed with palm trees: Try Eagle Beach for idling, water sports on Arashi Beach, and snorkeling off Malmok Beach.
Where to stay
Book now: Boardwalk Hotel
Twins Stephanie and Kimberly Rooijakkers own the adults-only Boardwalk Hotel, a charming alternative to the generic chains that tend to form the bulk of on-island accommodation. The hotel has 49 casitas and two pools, and it’s a three-minute walk from Palm Beach, where you can stretch out on the provided sunbed beneath thatched umbrellas.
Provence shows off its off-season beauty in late autumn.
Photo by TK_Taiwan/Shutterstock
November: Provence, France
Come in late fall to this bucolic corner of southern France and you can gorge on two delicacies at once. It’s truffle season, and up to 80 percent of the black varieties of this tuber that grow in France originate right here, in Vaucluse. By train or even by bike from Avignon, head to the Friday market in Carpentras (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) to watch truffles sell for prices that crypto-bros might envy. Or try one of the tasting menus at a local restaurant that incorporates them into a multi-course meal—it’s pricey but unforgettable to dine at Sevin, right in the center of Avignon next to the Palais des Papes.
It’s also olive season, a much more affordable treat. From roughly October 15 to November 15, join a tour at Les Pastras in Cadenet, an hour’s drive from Avignon, to pick your own and enjoy a light Provençal picnic for €25 (approximately US$29) per person.
Where to stay
Book now: Hotel de Cambis
Two hours and 45 minutes by train from Paris, Avignon is a quaint base for exploring Provence. Keep the gastronomic theme going by staying at the colorful Hotel de Cambis, where the rooms are categorized like wines (premier cru, grand cru) and the decor is heavy on burgundy, red, and pink. The hotel is around the corner from excellent contemporary art museum Collection Lambert Avignon, spread across two 18th-century mansions.
There’s plenty to celebrate in Dubrovnik when December rolls around.
Photo by OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock
December: Dubrovnik, Croatia
In December, Dubrovnik is festooned with a Mitteleuropa-style Christmas in its cobbled old town. Come to the Dubrovnik Winter Festival to taste local delicacies (look for orahnjaca, a yeasty walnut roll cake) and soak up the ambiance with outdoor concerts, carol singing, and plenty of souvenirs.
December 6 is a highlight of the calendar—it’s St. Nicholas Day, when Santa leaves gifts for good kids, and the hairy demon Krampus leaves a stick or two for anyone who’s been naughty. Stay around until New Year’s Eve, and you can celebrate with a three-day music festival that climaxes with a symphony performance on January 1. Winter in Dubrovnik is cold, so come well prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and shoes so you can stay outdoors and truly enjoy the colorful holiday installations.
Where to stay
Book now: The Pucić Palace
The 19-room Pucić Palace in the heart of the old town offers a chance to channel your inner aristocrat, whether Hapsburg or Targaryen—think heavy drapes, marble bathrooms, and antique furniture. The hotel is a minute walk from Luza Square, where Dubrovnik’s main Christmas market is set up from late November through January 6.
Related: Make the Most of Croatia’s Many Charms—Without the Crowds
This article was originally published in 2022 and most recently updated on August 1, 2025, with current information. Sophie Friedman contributed to the reporting of this story.
Last night I had made plans with Taylor to get a ride back to trail this morning around 6:30 AM. My hope is to be hiking north once again right around 7 AM. Which considering I stayed in town last night, is about as good as it’s going to get. It was hard waking up this morning because I stayed up super late last night. But I had bought myself a giant piece of raspberry cake which I ate for breakfast. That sure helped. Then Taylor drove me back to trail.
Even though I didn’t spend a ton of time in Quincy last night, that was absolutely amazing. It’s crazy how just sleeping in a bed and taking a shower can be such a major reset. Even after doing a big day and not getting much rest. It definitely feels like more of a reset than just ending the day in my tent for the night. Plus, I got to get in tons of calories last night.
Now today, I am only about 23 miles from the town of Belden. A tiny town with a general store, motel, and RV park, which the trail passes right through. And the overall structure of the day today is actually very similar to yesterday. The first 23 miles of the day there isn’t a ton of elevation gain. I think I’ll have one or two small climbs. Then I drop down 4000 feet to get into Belden. And leaving Belden I have to climb back up 4000 feet again.
The views through the Dixie burn are beautiful in their own way. You just need to change your perspective a little bit.
The morning wound up being really nice and easy. Plus the temperature was super cool. When I was in this part of Northern California in 2022 it was during a heat wave. And this area is just absolutely brutal when it’s over 100°. Because of all the damage from the Dixie burn there really isn’t a lot of coverage. So I’m incredibly grateful that this time around my experience has been the polar opposite. The temperature has been really moderate most days and even cool at times.
Yesterday it felt like there were a ton of blowdown along the trail, and I went through a good bit of fire damage. But today it was basically all fire damage all day. The entire trail is just completely burnt, and the trees are left behind like a little black toothpicks. Some sections of trail do have a good bit of new growth. But shocking other sections of the trail really don’t.
About 4 miles into the day I crossed over another major road. This is the second road where you can hitch into Quincy. And it’s the recommended road for hitching into Quincy because it’s a lot more populated than the road that I got picked up that last night. After crossing over the road, I began a very gradual climb for the next few miles. Then I was basically just up for a while riding along the ridge. Even though I was mostly just looking at burn, I did get some really beautiful views of Bucks Lake in the distance. I can only imagine what the Bucks Lake wilderness looked like prior to this fire. It must have been really beautiful.
The walking today felt a little monotonous at times. But on a bright side, it also felt like the time went by really quickly. It looked like I would be getting into Belden before 4 PM. Which was amazing because I was planning on going in and out quickly and then hopefully doing another 10–12 miles. I was also really dreading the descent into Belden. In 2022 this is where Peg Leg came to be. I was having really mild IT band problems prior to this decent. Then the trail dropped 4000 feet over 5 miles into Belden. And I think on that downhill I was going about a mile an hour.
I wound up spending a couple days at the RV park in Belden. Then somehow continued along and made it to the town of Chester. In Chester, I took another few days off for injury and eventually got everything sorted and started my road to recovery. It’s just so funny being back here where the name was born. This time around though I was pleasantly surprised by the downhill. It was graded really well and wasn’t nearly as bad as I remembered. I actually wound up enjoying it honestly.
I got down into Belden just before 4 PM and headed into the store. OutsideJay had left me a box with some resupply goodies. I also bought some cold drinks and soda. I knew it was going to be a very hot and exposed climb coming out of town. So I wanted to hydrate a bunch and also take a lot of goodies with me.
In my memory, I picture this porch covered in hikers hiding from the heat of the day. But today when I arrived, there wasn’t a soul in sight.
At this point, I was planning on potentially doing this entire upcoming climb this evening. It was about 13 miles of uphill. So I chugged a Red Bull, ate an ice cream, and got rolling. I had seen one other backpack outside of the store while I was there, but the hiker never came by. Not long after I got moving again, though, they came running up behind me. They must’ve asked the clerk about me or something like that. Because the clerk told them my name and I think they came to catch up to me.
This hikers name was Data, and our paths actually crossed earlier in the year. There was one late night where I set up my tent by a water source with one other tent nearby. Apparently next to him and his wife’s tent. The next morning when they got up, I was super apologetic about whether I might have woken them up the night before. But they said they hadn’t even heard me. Since then, his wife has gotten off trail because of a combination of things. But he’s planning on continuing to finish.
We got to talking and then fell in line together and making our way up the climb. I think sometimes it’s hard for me to hike with other people. I simultaneously crave the connection while also craving the routine that I’ve created for myself. I find it really easy to hike by myself, make big miles, and allow time to slip away. I think sometimes when I hike with other people that time also flies by quickly. And sometimes when I hike with other people, it makes it more difficult for time to go by quickly. That might not make a lot of sense, but it’s just something that I’ve thought about recently. Every instance is different.
It was nice having someone to talk to and we walked and talked for the next few hours. The climb was graded pretty well, which allowed us to keep chatting. We were basically just continuously going uphill for the entire rest of the day. Thought it was the perfect time a day and was starting to get a little cooler. We also started getting brief segments of shaded trail. As the day went on the trail would get more and more shaded as well.
An hour or two after leaving Beldon though I took a really bad fall. It was just one of those perfect falls where your foot get stuck on some thing and you’re not able to free it. But my backpack is super light right now so I’m hiking without my hip belt attached. Which means when I fell forward, my backpack basically tried to jump up and over me. Which just made for a much harder hit onto the dirt and rock covered trail.
I knew almost immediately that I was completely fine. I could tell I had definitely roughed myself up a bit, but hadn’t done any major damage. Data seemed super concerned as I sat there on the ground. But I just always need to take a minute and slowly get up on my own.
A couple days ago I took a soft fall and scraped my knee a little bit. Now this time I re-scraped the knee and had ripped all of the skin off. So that was bleeding a little bit. But it definitely didn’t hurt as bad as the time earlier this year when I fell and smashed my knee on a rock. The only other damage done was that I smashed my left hand into a rock or onto the hard ground. It was super sore pretty much right away. But considering how hard I hit the ground, that actually didn’t seem to be too much damage.
We kept moving after that and the climb just went on and on. As time went on, though, I could definitely tell that my left hand was more hurt than I’d realize. It was very clear that it wasn’t broken. I took a similar fall on the Appalachian Trail in 2023 and my right hand hit a rock so hard that it turned purple almost immediately. This was clearly not as bad as that. And that also wasn’t broken. But over the next hour or two my hand started to throb and was incredibly uncomfortable. I also basically couldn’t use my left hand at all for anything. Which meant I couldn’t take my water bottle out of my pockets or do just about anything with my hand.
As we continued up the climb, the trail crossed over a lot of water crossings. A couple of them were a little bit tricky to get across with dry feet. I had actually read someone’s comment that they wished they had just gotten their feet wet because they hurt themselves doing one of the crossings. And at one point when I was crossing one particularly easy river I made a grave error.
I stepped out onto a rock that seemed super sturdy. But it was slick like oil and I just couldn’t tell. When I actually put weight onto it, my foot immediately slipped off of it, and I fell sideways partially into the river and partially onto some rocks. Once again, it was the type of fall that I knew immediately that I was ok. Honestly, the worst part was now half of my body was wet at 7 PM.
Data was behind me and saw this happen and ran over so quick. I thought it was hilarious that this man was here to witness two of the only falls I’ve taken in the last thousand miles. He seemed so incredibly concerned when he ran up to me. But I said that I was definitely fine, just soaking wet. The only thing that I did notice right away is that I had hit my right hand on a rock when I went down. I had a couple cuts on two of my fingers from smashing into a rock. So now both of my hands were sore.
On the bright side, it was only 7 PM and we were planning on hiking until just around dark. Which meant I had plenty of time to dry out before camp. I figured I’d still be a little damp later, but definitely not as wet as I was after falling in the river. It seemed like Data was originally planning on doing a slightly shorter day. But I said I was going to go up to the top of the climb and he wanted to tag along. Sometimes it’s easier to hike later into the evening or go further when you’re hiking with somebody else.
The last couple hours of the day the trail was basically the same as it had been. The elevation gain wasn’t too bad and was just very continuous. Honestly, though, I was feeling super sore after the two falls. Both my hands were throbbing and my right knee really hurt. It was scraped open and bleeding. Neither fall was that particularly bad. But it’s always jarring and bruises you up a little bit to say the least. I was definitely excited to get to camp for the night.
We wound up grabbing water a couple miles before the end of the day. Then had the freedom to continue up to the top of the climb and camp wherever we wanted to. As we continued along, the sun began to set, and it was absolutely beautiful. Then just before it got dark, we got up to the top of the climb. The views of the sunset from up there or even better. Unfortunately, there weren’t a ton of flat spots anywhere anywhere nearby. We just kept walking and walking and hoping we would find something. But eventually we went past some mediocre spots and decided to make the most of them. It just didn’t seem like we were going to be getting a significantly better option anytime soon.
It felt really good to be done for the day to finally be able to lay down. But setting up camp was already ridiculously annoying with my bad hand. You don’t really realize how much you use both of your hands until you can’t use one of them. This is exactly what happened on the AT in 2023 when I bruised my other hand. I’m just hoping that it feels significantly better tomorrow.
Of course, though, after everything that transpired today, the possibility of taking a zero on Friday was sounding a whole lot better. And there was a slight change of plans today that made that dream seemed like a possibility. OutsideJay texted me today and asked if I wanted him to put me in touch with any Trail Angel’s from Chester. I told him that I was contemplating taking a zero on Friday but that there were no rooms available in town. He said he was on it and he would find a person to host me for the night on Friday. So it looks like I might get that zero day after all!
Inside my tent, I didn’t have the energy to do hot dinner. I just decided to eat a bunch of snacks instead. I also didn’t have service so I wasn’t able to do too much on my phone. But I got a little bit of writing and video work done before calling it a night. Thanks to doing a big mile day today, now tomorrow I’m only 31 miles out from Chester.
My plan for tomorrow is to start early and get into town as quickly as possible. I’m going to stay in a room tomorrow night, which will be nice. I’ll be able to get a bunch of writing and video work done and enjoy some privacy. Then the following day, I will hopefully be staying with someone in Chester for the night. Jay makes magic happen so I know that I don’t have to have all of the details to have faith that it will work out.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to support my hike by buying me a soda or a snack along the way, there is a “Tip the Author” button below! It links directly to my Venmo. Any and all support is incredibly appreciated!
Our journey began on July 2nd as we made our way up to Harts Pass – thank you to trail angels Ani & Tigger for the local tour and ride up from Bellevue, WA!
We checked in with Ranger Terry at the Harts Pass Ranger Station and then began the 30 mile walk to the US/Canadian border. The trail was stunning from Harts Pass -> Canadian Border – as lifelong east coasters this is our first time on the west coast and we are thrilled to be here.
On July 3rd we arrived to the northern terminus monument at 6:00 pm and hiked 3.7 miles (officially heading south now) – if we hiked this mileage every day we wouldn’t arrive to the US/Mexico border until next June!
The section from the border to Stehikin was one of our favorite parts of Washington and we are already making plans to return. Rocky and Woody Pass were one of my favorite areas. We saw lots of hummingbirds, marmots, wildflowers, and hung out with lots and lots of mosquitoes.
After the first 100 miles, our time in Washington seemed to go by quicker and quicker. We swam in endless pristine back country lakes, hiked over pass after pass, walked through old growth forests, and hiked around volcano after volcano. We stopped in the towns of Stehikin, Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Pass, White Pass, and Trout Lake and were so appreciative to those who helped us out (Right Time, WAC volunteer – helped Matt get new trail runners, Jo Ellen, and so forth).
We are taking a couple of days in Cascade Locks to rest up before heading through Oregon! We have been loving the trail and are so grateful to share this experience with one another. We are realizing just how fast this journey will go so are taking everything in as much as possible. We are thankful for all of the love and support from family, friends, and folks we’ve meet along the trail! Looking forward to Oregon and hopefully meeting up with some friends.
For more updates follow along on IG or Facebook @ashleydefayette
Happy Trails
~Matt & Ashley
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Sunday, August 3, 2025
Located in the heart of Utah, Heber Valley is a hidden gem that offers a great mix of outdoor adventures, rich history, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush, a peaceful nature retreat, or a look into the region’s culture, Heber Valley has something for every traveler. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains, the valley features stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and a range of attractions for all ages. From scenic train rides to hiking trails and from cultural venues to lakeside activities, Heber Valley is a must-visit destination in any season.
Scenic Train Rides: A Unique Experience on Heber Valley Railroad
One of the best ways to experience Heber Valley is on the Heber Valley Railroad, a heritage railway that runs year-round. The train journey through Provo Canyon offers some of the most beautiful views of the valley, including the majestic Mount Timpanogos, Cascade Mountain, and the sparkling Provo River. The ride itself is immersive; passengers can listen to the train’s whistle and take in the surrounding landscape as they relax.
For those wanting a touch of holiday magic, the Heber Valley Railroad offers special themed rides like the “Polar Express” during winter. This festive ride brings the classic holiday story to life with decorations, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa, making it a favorite among families. Whether you enjoy breathtaking views in summer or the festive spirit in winter, the Heber Valley Railroad is a unique way to see the valley.
Outdoor Adventures: Soldier Hollow and Mirror Lake Highway
For those seeking outdoor fun, Heber Valley is a paradise. Soldier Hollow, located in the valley, offers a range of activities throughout the year. In winter, it becomes a great spot for cross-country skiing and tubing. During warmer months, it turns into a popular location for mountain biking and hiking. With its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Soldier Hollow is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite activities.
In addition to Soldier Hollow, Mirror Lake Highway is a scenic route that offers some of the best views in the area. This highway winds through the Wasatch Mountains and gives access to numerous alpine lakes, ideal for fishing, picnicking, or wildlife watching. The area is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors and add vibrancy to the already picturesque landscape. Mirror Lake Highway is great for anyone wanting to experience Heber Valley’s natural beauty.
Cultural Experiences: Heber Amusement Hall and the Timpanogos Valley Theatre
Beyond its natural wonders, Heber Valley also has a rich cultural scene. One of the valley’s historic gems is the Heber Amusement Hall, a venue that has been a center for community events since 1908. The hall hosts the Timpanogos Valley Theatre, where visitors can enjoy local performances, plays, and musical productions that showcase the region’s artistic talent.
The Heber Amusement Hall reminds us of the valley’s deep-rooted history and its commitment to arts and culture. Whether you’re attending a theater production, a local concert, or a community event, the hall provides a great opportunity to engage with the local culture and enjoy the region’s creative spirit.
Family Fun: Deer Creek Reservoir and Heber City Park
Families looking for a fun day outdoors can head to Deer Creek Reservoir, located just outside of Heber City. The reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking, offering a relaxing environment to spend a day by the water. Whether you’re renting a boat to explore the lake or just enjoying the shore, Deer Creek Reservoir is perfect for family getaways.
Heber City Park also offers plenty for families to relax and have fun. The park features playgrounds for children, sports fields for outdoor games, and walking paths for a stroll. It’s an ideal spot to spend a day with family, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
Conclusion: Heber Valley – A Place for Everyone
Heber Valley, Utah, is a destination that has something for everyone, regardless of interests or the season. From the scenic train rides on the Heber Valley Railroad to thrilling outdoor adventures at Soldier Hollow and Mirror Lake Highway, the valley is a year-round playground for all ages. With cultural richness found in the Heber Amusement Hall and relaxing family fun at Deer Creek Reservoir and Heber City Park, it’s clear why Heber Valley is an unforgettable destination.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, Heber Valley offers it all. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this hidden gem in Utah. With something for everyone, Heber Valley is waiting to be explored any time of the year.
(Source: Heber Valley Tourism, Heber Valley Railroad, Soldier Hollow, Mirror Lake Highway, Deer Creek Reservoir, Timpanogos Valley Theatre, Heber City Park)
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