Top 10 Western Vacation Destinations

As finals week approaches us, many of us are thinking of where we might go to relax and destress. Worry no more, I have compiled a list of 10 GORGEOUS destinations in the Western United States. Good luck & happy traveling!!

1. Estes Park

Faith Balkenbush

Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town in northern Colorado. Known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, it fosters numerous species of wildlife such as elk, bears, deer, and MILES of trails.

If you make it during the on season, there are tons of things to do, such as taking in the views from atop Prospect Mountain via the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or driving through breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park all the way to the Western Slope on Trail Ridge Road.

This particular photo was taken from the vantage point of Sombrero Ranches, overlooking Long's Peak and Mount Meeker from the stable's front corral.

2. Moab

Faith Balkenbush

Moab, Utah, holds some of my childhood's finest memories. Home to Arches National Park, it is definitely a very interesting place. This desert town has tons of fun activities to participate in while you're here, such as taking a relaxing horseback ride through the same country that John Wayne himself made famous.

I took this photo of my stepmom during our vacation horseback ride at Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab.

3. Ennis

Faith Balkenbush

My first trip to Ennis, Montana, was on business. I agreed to day work for a ranch one fall and, after a week, fell in love with the place. The epitome of wide open spaces, Ennis has a small-town charm and a rich western history.

This photo was taken at the Birch Creek Ranch just outside of Ennis.

4. Basalt

Faith Balkenbush

Basalt, Colorado, is a booming mountain town. Located in the Roaring Fork Valley, Basalt is a hub for mountain biking.

Just outside of Basalt is my dad's favorite elk hunting spot, and a memorable vacation spot for our family. Chapman Reservoir & Campground is surrounded by the Aspen Mountain Range and the sound of the Frying Pan River provides a peaceful seclusion and tranquility.

This photo was taken of my grandparents and their Golden Retriever, Sally, within the property surrounding Chapman Reservoir.

5. Cheyenne

Faith Balkenbush

Cheyenne, WY, is the home of the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, the "Daddy of 'em All". You wouldn't think about it as a place to hike or get outside more than to go to the rodeo, right?

WRONG! Curt Gowdy State Park is about halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming, and is absolutely gorgeous.

This photo was taken at Hidden Falls. The hike to Hidden Falls is approximately 4 miles, round trip.

6. Jackson Hole

Larry Johnson / Via commons.wikimedia.org

One of the Moulton barns in the Mormon Historic District in Grand Teton National Park.

7. Lake Tahoe

SoCali @ Pixabay / Via pixabay.com

This border location is breathtaking. California and Nevada share upwards of 200,000 tourists on a good weekend. Hiking trails, picture-perfect vistas, and a stunning blue lake are only a few things that make Lake Tahoe wildly popular.

8. Cimarron

Faith Balkenbush

Cimarron, New Mexico, is home to some of my fondest high school memories. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains, Cimarron is a desert village that will forever have a piece of my heart. Possibly its most well-known claim to fame is Philmont Scout Ranch, with the historic St. James Hotel and Express UU Bar Ranch following close behind.

This photo of the famous boot sign was taken at Philmont Scout Ranch, with the Tooth of Time hiding in the background.

9. Taos

Faith Balkenbush

As a longtime participant at Philmont Scout Ranch, and later as a staff member, I discovered Taos, New Mexico. The hour drive up Cimarron Canyon is well worth the shops and views in Taos, not to mention the winter ski opportunities at Taos Ski Area.

You'll see this sign often around downtown Taos. It's a staple around there, and they aren't kidding. STAY OFF THE FOUNTAIN!

10. Petrified Forest

skeeze @ Pixabay / Via pixabay.com

Arizona can be a beautiful and testing place. Petrified Forest National Park, located near Holbrook, AZ, is over 225 million years old and, in an otherwise remote and featureless section of desert, is home to some very interesting deposits of petrified wood.