Discover Six Hidden Summer Getaways from a Well-Traveled Road-Tripper

Sarah Anderson and her spouse, Myles, have embarked on road trips across 33 states over a decade. Their annual drive spans approximately 7,000 miles, from coast to coast. With summer around the corner and expected national park congestion, Sarah has pinpointed less trodden paths that promise peace and adventure.

Custer State Park, South Dakota: A Quiet Retreat

In the summer of 2022, the Andersons celebrated the Fourth of July camping at Custer State Park. Unexpectedly, they managed to snag a last-minute camping spot without encountering crowds. The park, basking in sunny weather with temperatures around 75 degrees, was a hiker's paradise.

What makes Custer standout are its spectacular rock spires and reflecting rock formations on Sylvan Lake, which Sarah found uniquely captivating. The park's vast grasslands also host a variety of wildlife from bison to donkeys.

For those looking to explore beyond Custer, a drive connects you to the Badlands National Park and the iconic Mount Rushmore, creating the perfect roadmap for a scenic journey.

Idaho’s Eastern Unseen Treasures

July 2023 was the time for Sarah to uncover eastern Idaho's hidden wonders. Although the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park draws many, few venture to the Idaho Teton Valley, offering enchanting wildflower trails, majestic mountains, and stunning waterfalls.

A unique attraction included solitary sand dunes, which the Andersons visited at sunset, having the vast sandy expanse essentially to themselves except for a handful of ATV riders.

Sedona, Arizona: Serene Late Summer Trails

Often avoided in the hotter months, Sedona sees lesser tourists in late August. In 2024, Sarah found the temperature more bearable with fewer visitors around. An ideal spot for early risers or sunset trailblazers, Sarah appreciated the solitude during her sunrise and sunset hikes.

For those seeking downtime, she suggests Ambiente Sedona, a hotel for adults that offers relaxation by the pool during peak heat.

Escape Charleston Crowds: Canoeing on South Carolina’s Edisto River

While Charleston attracts many, the Andersons discovered a lesser-known spot at Carolina Heritage Outfitters along the Edisto River. Through their tour company, they experienced canoeing to a treehouse where they spent the night, a favorite venture among locals.

This canoe adventure covered an easy 10-mile downstream stretch, offering unique overnight treehouse accommodations, a journey Sarah describes as one of their most original experiences.

Wyoming: Unseen Natural Wonders

Wyoming has its share of well-known sites like Yellowstone, yet its less heralded areas like the Wind River Range, south of the Tetons, offer abundant solitude. In July 2024, Sarah pitched a tent in the secluded Green River Lakes area, accessible only after a long dirt road, which rewarded them with absolute tranquility.

Another gem in southern Wyoming is the Medicine Bow National Forest, which they visited in summer 2023. Its scenic lakes and mountain peaks left Sarah astounded by its relative anonymity.

Mammoth Lakes, California: A Summer Hiker's Dream

Famous for skiing, Mammoth Lakes sees fewer visitors in summer, despite its incredible appeal for hiking enthusiasts. During their 2022 summer visit, Sarah indulged in mountain treks and enjoyed the pristine lakes through swimming and kayaking.

This destination offers a classic summer escape, replete with breathtaking views and tranquil aquatic adventures.