Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and if you're looking for ways to spend the long weekend to unwind and recharge, we've got some off-the-beaten-path destinations you won't want to miss. So grab your gear and get ready to spend more time exploring and less time driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic and dealing with crowded campgrounds.
In Arizona, Aravaipa Canyon attracts hikers with its remote, water-carved walls, offering basic camping facilities. In the Pacific Northwest, Washington's Enchanted Valley serves up glacier-fed waterfalls and the solitude that comes with no cell service. If you're headed to the Southwest, Utah's Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning, less-visited alternative to Zion and Arches, where you can hike through beautiful red rock canyons.
This Labor Day Weekend, get ready to go beyond backyard barbecues—there is nothing like the magic of the great outdoors when it comes time to unwind and recharge.
Washington's The Enchanted Valley (Olympic National Park)
Nicknamed "Valley of 1,000 Waterfalls," Washington's Enchanted Valley is tucked deep within Olympic National Park. This off-the-beaten-path destination lives up to its name with misty forests, cascading waterfalls, and a wild, remote beauty that is like stepping into a storybook. Geared for experienced hikers and backpackers, Enchanted Valley rewards the effort with dramatic cliffs, old-growth giants, and the historic Enchanted Valley Chalet standing alone in a vast, glacier-carved meadow.
The Olympic National Park offers a chance to truly disconnect, with many areas having no cell service or paved-road access.
Pro Tips: Permits are needed for backcountry camping, and snow can linger into early summer. Black bears are common, so bear canisters are required for overnight stays. Also, check the weather frequently as it can shift quickly in this temperate rainforest.
Arizona's Petrified Forest
Located in Northern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park offers a striking step back in time—both geologically and historically and is one of the most underrated destinations in the west. Quiet trails, such as the Blue Mesa Loop and Long Logs Trail, allow you to wander among prehistoric remnants without the rush of crowds. It's home to petrified wood that appears crystalized, shimmering in shades of pink and orange under the desert sunlight. You'll also find glimpses of the Park's history in the preserved tree trunks that remain scattered throughout the Park.
The best time to visit the Petrified Forest is during the cooler early fall months. Either way, be sure to check the weather before you go. If it's too hot, you can also opt to travel through the Park by car, which takes about an hour.
Pro Tips: There are no campgrounds inside the Petrified Forest National Park, and overnight backcountry camping requires a free permit. The Park is open daily but closes at sunset. Petrified Forest National Park is located 26 miles east of Holbrook on I-40.
Southern California's Carrizo Plain National Monument
Carrizo Plain National Monument is a protected grassland stretching roughly 50 miles, located about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles, east of San Luis Obispo. One of California's best-kept secrets, it offers wide-open solitude—no cell service, no crowds.
Traversed by the San Andreas Fault, this remote landscape offers a real-life glimpse into California's infamous faultline. Moreover, it features striking white alkali flats (Soda Lake), vast grasslands, Painted Rock, and ancient Native American rock art. Maps and brochures are available at the visitor center entrance when closed. The center is open Thursday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pro Tips: The Carrizo Plain National Monument does not provide any services such as water, food, or fuel, so be sure to fuel up ahead of time at either Taft, Maricopa, or McKittrick to the east on Highway 33. Or, Buttonwillow to the north on Highway 58.
Arizona's Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
If you're looking for a rugged outdoor adventure, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness won't disappoint. This secluded gem, tucked between Tucson and Phoenix in Arizona, offers an unspoiled escape into nature. With only 50 permits issued per day, this 19,000-acre wilderness remains uncrowded and serene. Be ready to photograph the scenery, including towering canyon walls, lush cottonwoods, and a year-round creek. Home to bighorn sheep, black bears, and over 200 bird species, Aravaipa is a haven for wildlife watchers and hikers alike traveling through this canyon oasis in the Sonoran Desert.
Pro Tips: Arizona's Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is a permit-only. There are no maintained trails, campsites, or facilities—just raw, rugged beauty. Be prepared for creek crossings and primitive conditions in this truly wild Arizona escape.
Florida's Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Located near the Everglades but far less visited, Florida's Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a swampy wonderland known as the "Amazon of North America," with its slow-moving tannin-stained water and dense stands of royal palms creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape unlike anywhere else in the state. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is considered to be one of Florida's last true wilderness frontiers. This 85,000-acre subtropical swamp is tucked away in the heart of the Everglades. It is home to ghost orchids, panthers, and beautiful boardwalk trails with serious Jurassic vibes. You can explore on foot or drive along the unpaved Janes Scenic Drive. Well‑behaved dogs on leash are allowed. The Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset daily once the sun dips below the horizon.
Pro Tips: With no cell service, minimal signage, and primitive conditions, Fakahatchee is best suited for adventure seekers ready to conquer untamed Florida.
Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park (Outside the Main Dune Area)
Intrepid hikers venturing into the backcountry zones of Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park will find surreal solitude, creeks, and alpine-meets-desert terrain. Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park is best known for being home to the tallest dunes in North America, with some reaching 750 feet high! Besides hiking and backpacking, there is also sand sledding and sandboarding. The Park is also known for its famous night sky—it's an International Dark Sky Park. Outside the dune basin, you'll find primitive roads, shady backcountry campsites, and chances to spot elk, black bears, or bighorn sheep.
Roads are best navigated with high-clearance 4WD. Expect to wind through creek crossings with access to remote trailheads and dispersed camping. This lesser-known side of the Park is an open invitation to unplug, stargaze, and experience the vastness of Colorado's high country without the crowds.
Good to know: There's no cell service, and aside from vault toilets and bear boxes, amenities are sparse.
Embrace the chance to escape the crowds this Labor Day Weekend by seeking out hidden gem destinations that showcase breathtaking scenery, inner peace, and adventure. From hiking Arizona’s remote Aravaipa Canyon to exploring Washington’s waterfall‑filled Enchanted Valley, these off-the-beaten-path getaways are sure to offer a refreshing escape without the typical crowds.
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