Matador Network's Blog, page 672
April 9, 2021
Amangiri Cave Peak stairway
Amangiri, the luxury Utah resort known for its stunning desert accommodation amid the rugged landscape, just debuted a steel stairway that ascends 400 feet above the ground. Named Cave Peak, it features 120 steps and is guaranteed to get guests’ hearts racing with views that stretch over canyons, mesas, ridges, and gorges.
Photo: Aman Resorts
The stairway was recently built as a new addition to the resort for 2021. While there are other suspension bridges on the property, Cave Peak is by far the most impressive and offers the most epic view of all. Those who conquer it will be rewarded with unparalleled panorama looking out to the vast desert.
The resort and area at large are favorite destinations for adventure travelers looking for heart-racing outdoor activities. The property spans across 600 acres and is located in Canyon Point, Utah, a short distance away from the Arizona border to the north. The property is home to many outstanding climbing locations including the Studhorse route, a 492-foot vertical climb in Studhorse Mesa, as well as the Skylight Arch that offers unobstructed views of Lake Powell.
Amangiri also has a huge range of other fun activities including Navajo-led tours of Monument Valley Tribal Park complete with storytelling, music, and dance sessions. They also have guided canoeing expeditions, where guests are able to explore the geological riches of the Colorado Plateau, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Powell reservoir. For horseback enthusiasts, there are a myriad of trails among the desert canyons, and for those who prefer to enjoy the view from the comfort of an aircraft, the resort also runs helicopter, plane and hot air balloon trips. 
The post Epic Utah resort opened a hair-raising stairway 400 feet above the desert appeared first on Matador Network.
One of the oldest known meteor showers will peak just in time for camping season
There are approximately 30 meteor showers a year that are visible to us on Earth, and this one occurring every late April can produce some of the brightest and fastest meteors. The Lyrid meteor shower will peak late at night on April 21, 2021, and in the early hours of the following morning.
The Lyrid meteor shower, named after constellation Lyra from where it appears to come from, was first observed in 687 BCE, and happens when Earth passes through the tail of the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, NASA explained.
The Lyrid meteors are known for being fast and bright. Sometimes the shower dazzles stargazers with up to 100 meteors per hour, though typically there are only about 10 to 20. This year is expected to see fewer meteors — closer to 10 than 100 — but you never know until you go out and look. Also characteristic of the Lyrids is their glowing dust trails that streak through the sky.
The best place to see the Lyrids is in the Northern Hemisphere after moonset and before dawn. As always with stargazing, make sure to find a place with low light pollution, away from city or street lights. Since the shower peaks so late in the evening, you might want to prepare by bringing a sleeping bag.
The post One of the oldest known meteor showers will peak just in time for camping season appeared first on Matador Network.
April 8, 2021
7 wild and weird Nevada attractions that have nothing to do with Las Vegas
There’s an old saying that goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” It could also say, “Whoever goes to Vegas stays in Vegas” and be just as accurate. Travelers are often so enamored by the bright lights of the casinos, nightclubs, and hotels that they fail to venture beyond Sin City and explore the rest of the state. In fact, you could spend weeks traveling around Nevada’s mountains and deserts without visiting Las Vegas at all.
Much like Vegas itself, the whole state of Nevada captivates with its weirdness and its sheer diversity of attractions. From art installations in the desert to alien-themed towns, there’s a whole other side to Nevada that doesn’t involve roulette wheels and strip clubs.
1. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Photo: IrinaK/Shutterstock
True to its name, this park, four hours north of Vegas, is named after the six historic charcoal ovens located on the site. The beehive-shaped ovens were used between 1876 and 1879 during the silver boom and served to produce, well, charcoal. Once they were no longer needed for charcoal production, they were used for shelter during inclement weather, and rumor has it bandits used them as hideouts. Located in the Egan Mountain Range, the park is popular for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife like mule deer, grouse, and elk.
2. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Photo: CrackerClips Stock Media/Shutterstock
You might think rural Nevada is all arid desert, but at Lake Mead, water sports and maritime recreation reign supreme. Just east of Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the country’s first and largest national recreation area. A diverse landscape of lakes, rivers, mountains, and desert combine to offer a range of outdoor adventures that feel a world apart from the lights and sounds of Las Vegas. Between the area’s mountains, slot canyons, valleys, and lakes, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping, boating, and swimming. From the waters of Lake Mead (or the smaller Lake Mohave located slightly more south), you can see the imposing Hoover Dam.
3. Thunder Mountain
Photo: Travel Nevada/Sydney Martinez
It might sound like a Disney World attraction, but Nevada’s Thunder Mountain is actually a peculiar art exhibition of sorts near Lovelock. Created by Fran Van Zant, also known as Chief Thunder, these unique roadside structures are inspired by Van Zant’s American Indian heritage. He wanted to commemorate the region’s original inhabitants by collecting items he found in the Nevada desert to create a monument, which also served as his private residence. He used the materials — including bottles, hubcaps, and guardrails — to build several surreal-looking structures and dedicated them to the Great Spirit. The site is now remotely managed from California by Van Zant’s son. Visitors traveling along I-80 are encouraged to stop and wander the grounds for free. All donations go toward maintaining and improving the structures.
4. Rhyolite
Photo: Doug Lemke/Shutterstock
Nothing says Nevada quite like a ghost town straight out of a Wild West movie. Rhyolite, population zero, is the epitome of such a town. Initially settled in 1905, this old gold-rush town used to be a busy hub. By 1920, however, the town fell into ruin and was abandoned entirely. Now you can visit its remains, including some forsaken houses and an old jail, bank, and railroad station. Walking the empty streets feels like walking through an elaborate movie set, which makes sense considering films like The Reward (1965) and The Island (2005) were filmed here.
5. Goldwell Open Air Museum
Photo: Goldwell Open Air Museum/Facebook
Just south of Rhyolite sits another attraction in the middle of the desert. The Goldwell Open Air Museum is an unconventional art exhibition created by a group of Belgian artists made up of massive outdoor sculptures. The sculptures include Dr. Hugo Heyrman’s Lego-like “Lady Desert,” the “Venus of Nevada,” and Albert Szukalski’s “Last Supper,” among others. Throughout the year, there are also events and cultural activities in the nearby town of Beatty to give people a reason to keep visiting.
6. Fly Ranch Geyser
Photo: Doug Lemke/Shutterstock
The Fly Ranch Geyser looks like a cross between Old Faithful and something you’d find at an amusement park. Located on 3,800 acres of land in northern Nevada, the geyser sits right on the edge of the Nevada Black Rock Desert and has three separate water spouts. Its formation began around 1964 when a geothermal power company drilled a test well there. The well wasn’t plugged properly, and burning hot water shot from the hole regularly, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate deposits that grew several inches each year. Now, those deposits have become three otherworldly-looking mounds, multicolored and filled with quartz, and they still shoot hot water high into the air to the delight of spectators. In 2016 the Burning Man Project, whose mission is to protect and restore the area’s natural habitats, including wetlands, natural springs, grasslands, and a beach, purchased the property.
7. Rachel and the Little A’Le’Inn
Photo: Logan Bush/Shutterstock
Nowhere has turned extraterrestrial life into a business quite like Nevada. Area 51, an air force base at the center of the country’s most widespread alien conspiracy theories, lies in the heart of the Nevada Desert and is accessible via the Extraterrestrial Highway. You can’t actually gain entry to Area 51 (or get anywhere close), but you can still stop in Rachel, the town nearest to this center of alleged alien activity. With a population of 54, Rachel is well-known among the UFO and aviation community for its Little A’Le’Inn hotel. The inn is decked out in alien-themed decor, including a UFO hanging from a crane outside and photos of UFO sightings. You can also enjoy Alien Amber Ale and buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Given the town’s location in the middle of the desert, it’s ideal for stargazing and (of course) UFO watching.
The post 7 wild and weird Nevada attractions that have nothing to do with Las Vegas appeared first on Matador Network.
Study abroad program gives professionals a second chance at travel
Sojrn, a study abroad program designed for professionals, is giving people who didn’t travel for a semester abroad in college a second chance to experience doing so.
The program is aimed at former office workers who are now remote and anyone who’s able to work from the road. “In a nutshell, we make it seamlessly easy to live abroad for a month, while continuing to work remotely at your current job,” Sojrn’s website states. During a four-week period, participants will travel with like-minded individuals and dive into immersive cultural experiences across the globe.
There are 12 locations to choose from, including Greece where participants can embark on a journey of studying ancient philosophy and discovering thousand-year-old ruins. In Italy, the focus will be on exploring wine varieties in the countryside along with the best of Rome’s art and architecture. Sojrn also offers a mental wellness program that takes place in the lush jungles of Bali as well as a month of learning Spanish in Colombia. The other destinations include Mexico, Egypt, Sweden, South Africa, France, Japan, Germany, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Argentina.
So if you missed out on a study abroad semester in college, now’s the time. The program is currently accepting applications for the various locations. Those who are interested can get on the waitlist for their respective program starting with Greece in September 2021. Prices start at $2,800 for four weeks, which includes accommodation, Wi-Fi, and curated activities. Each four-week program is referred to as a “chapter,” and each chapter accepts between 20 and 40 people, offering an easy way to build new friendships and make memories.
The post Study abroad program gives professionals a second chance at travel appeared first on Matador Network.
This map shows the most popular Disney ride in every US state
IN HONOR OF Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in March, Upgraded Points conducted a nationwide survey to determine each of the 50 states’ favorite ride.
A total of 5,300 Americans responded, revealing which of the four parks was their top choice along with the specific ride. Disney World in Florida currently has four parks Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The top choice for each state was determined by each ride’s votes. The findings vary.
Photo: UpgradedPoints
The survey data reveals that the classic rides such as Space Mountain — the high-speed, futuristic roller coaster — comes in first place in 13 states. Those include Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The Haunted Mansion came in a close second, favorited in 12 states, followed by Big Thunder Mountain and It’s a Small World, which tied for the third spot with five states each.
The survey also delves into detail about the respondents, indicating that Space Mountain was favored by men, while women across the US opted for the Haunted Mansion. The majority of rides chosen by the respondents in their top 10 are a part of Disney’s Magic Kingdom with one exception, The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror.
Disney has adapted to the new regulations put in place due to the pandemic with a slow and cautious reopening. Disneyland Resort in California announced potential plans for expansion, including bringing new restaurants, rides, and themed worlds as a part of its Disneyland Forward Initiative. The resort is set to open up again at the end of April.
The post This map shows the most popular Disney ride in every US state appeared first on Matador Network.
The most perfect surf spots on each Hawaiian island for your skill level
Maybe you’ve been surfing for a couple of years and want to take your wave riding skills to the next level in Hawaii. But where to go? On Oahu, Waikiki is famously an awesome place to learn to surf and the North Shore is the province of experts. But where does someone who’s good on a shortboard but not exactly getting tube rides to go? On any island, finding the best break, or surf spot, for your ability is the first step to a vacation full of excellent rides — whether straight towards the beach or deep in the barrel.
The choice of where to surf is a dynamic one, since the time of year, weather, and other factors affect the waves. The winter months of November to February tend to promise bigger waves, even huge ones in the northern beaches, favoring the most hardcore surfer. These same north-facing breaks can look like lakes in the summer, while breaks on the south side of the islands are getting their best waves of the year. Likewise, an offshore wind can make for excellent surf, while a side- or onshore wind can turn the swell into a pile of choppy slop.
With all that said, Hawaii is packed with surf options, and these are the best surf spots in Hawaii for beginners, intermediates, and pros on the major Hawaiian islands.
OahuOahu is where the surf scene first entered the greater imagination. Duke Kahanamoku, a swimming gold medalist in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics who is credited with popularizing surfing in the 20th Century, lived on Oahu. The first major surfing contest held on the North Shore was named for Kahanamoku. Yet nowadays the most popular breaks can be quite full, so be prepared to paddle in at the crack of dawn if you don’t want a crowd.
Beginner — Waikiki
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
No place evokes easy, graceful surfing on a longboard better than Oahu’s Waikiki Beach. The waves here build up ever so slowly and hold their shape long enough for those just learning to surf — and hence doing so on a lengthy, stable board — to catch the wave, stand up, and ride it towards shore. Waikiki’s only drawback is its fame. It gets crazy crowded, and a lot of surfers in the water means more obstacles to hit and more people vying for the same wave. And it doesn’t matter how good the waves are if you can’t get a couple for yourself. An alternative not far from Waikiki is the surf at Diamond Head. And if you are on the North Shore, then the inside of Chun’s Reef is suitable for beginners if there isn’t a big swell.
Intermediate — Malaekahana Beach
At one end of Waikiki Beach is Publics, a surf break that has Diamond Head is also great for intermediate surfers honing their skills. The break by the Diamond Head Lighthouse is a faster wave, suitable for surfers already on shortboards or skilled longboarders. Alternatively, get away from the bustle of the south side altogether and head north to Malaekahana Beach. Variable conditions there mean it can be good for early learners and, depending on the swell, for experts, too.
Expert — Bonzai Pipeline
Photo: Michael Hillman/Shutterstock
If you’re not from Oahu but you are into surfing, you have to go to Pipeline — to watch. Not to surf. The wave here is one of the fastest, most challenging waves you’ll find anywhere, and, moreover, locals are very protective of it. It was here that Kelly Slater, the most decorated surfer of all time, developed his skills as a teenager along with a posse of other surfers who each had illustrious surf careers of their own. So go to Pipeline, grab a towel, sit yourself down on the beach, and marvel at the locals getting barreled in the green room. It’s one of the best surf spots in Hawaii for spectating.
KauaiAlthough Oahu may have made Hawaiian surfing famous in the 70s and 80s, some of the world’s most legendary surfers call Kauai home. Titus Kinimaka, is a surf legend who became one of the best big wave surfers around, grew up on Kauai. Bethany Hamilton, who continues to win international competitions despite losing an arm, was also raised in Kauai.
Beginner — Poipu Beach or The Pier at Hanalei
Photo: EJ Nickerson/Shutterstock
From February to May, the north shore gets a nice swell, and the best spot is Hanalei Bay by the Pier. There, the swell gets tamed by the eastern wall of the Bay and the outer reef, so that by the time the wave gets to you it’s slow-rolling and gentle. The Pier is a beach break with a soft sand bottom.
If you’re in Kauai in the summertime or after April, head to Poipu Beach in front of the Ko’a Kea resort for gentle waves on top of a reef. The reef means that you will enjoy consistent waves that break more or less in the same place, making it easier to hone your skills. On the other hand, you will need reef booties and know how to fall flat, lest you fall on the sharp reef. A good bet is surf lessons from a number of surf schools.
Intermediate — The Bowl
In Hanalei Bay, the Bowl is the perfect spot for a solid intermediate — one who reads the waves well, knows how to avoid getting caught in a reef, and can pop up quickly but not necessarily as quickly as might be required on a steeper, hollower wave. The Bowl demands a very long paddle out but once you are there you’re rewarded with a fast and exciting right-hander that’s forgiving to long boards, holding its shape long enough for you to get a couple of good turns in and paddle back for more.
Summer is a bit more challenging on Kauai since you are limited to breaks on the south and west shore. If you go at high tide, Waiohai is an exciting wave that holds its shape and has some good power. Don’t go at low tide, since in a best-case scenario you will end up with a foot full or urchin spines.
Advanced — Hanalei Point
Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock
Hanalei Point and Tunnels Beach on the North Shore are typically thought of as more advanced breaks in Kauai, while in the summer months the top dogs might head out on the dirt road to the hot, dry beach at Polihale or, for a short fast break, Shipwreck Beach in Poipu. We’ve heard the rare guide mention Anahola as a place to surf. That beach is adjacent to land that is set aside for those of Hawaiian descent and, as such, the surf break is as local as you can get. Respect the locals’ right to surf there, and keep that break for them. If you want to surf on the east side of the island, opt for Kealia Beach instead, which has a perfect, clean left when the wind isn’t blowing.
MauiMaui is best known as the place where kitesurfing became a thing. But Maui is also home to Jaws, one of the most formidable big waves in the world, the kind of wave that only a handful of people can actually surf, among them one of the people behind the start of surfing into a wave behind a jet ski, known as tow-in surfing: Laird Hamilton.
Beginner — The Cove at Kihei
Photo: Jarred Decker/Shutterstock
Kihei is the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet, so to speak. Although some of the beach has a sand bottom, there are spots where there is reef, so newbies should in fact wear reef booties. The waves are nearly always small and slow and, in fact, the issue is more often that it’s hard to catch a wave without that push on the surfboard from the instructor. It’s a good thing there are plenty of them around, as a few surf schools teaching at the Cove. As with any surf break, keep your eyes on the swell and forecast, for the handful of days that the Cove is too big for learners.
Intermediate — Olowalu
Photo: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-ph...
Olawalu is one of those surf breaks that is perfect for those who already have been surfing for a couple of years and know how to surf the board down the line — as opposed to just going straight and riding the wave’s messy whitewater towards the shore. The wave is sloped enough (as opposed to steep and hollow) for longboarders and less confident shortboarders. That said, like any surf spot, conditions can vary and, when it’s double-overhead out there, leave this place to the experts.
Expert — Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay in Maui’s northwest corners is the island’s answer to Bonzai Pipeline. It has a steep, hollow left-hander over a shallow reef that creates the perfect conditions for those surfers skilled enough to get in and out of the barrel in one piece. The wave is strictly for experienced surfers and has been the site of more than one surf competition. Experts also head out to Ho’okipa, just beyond the town of Paia and the island’s best known kitesurfing locale. If you do go there, be sure you leave the far-right spot at Ho’okipa, Pavilions, to the locals.
Professional surfers — Jaws
P
Photo: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock
We only list this spot as a must-see — not must-surf — destination for avid surfers. It’s on this wave at Pe’ahi on Maui’s North Shore that tow-in surfing became a thing. That’s because the wave is just too big and fast-moving to paddle into with one’s own strength. So a jet ski pulls the surfer into the wave, the surfer lets go and rides the wave, and the jet ski driver presumably zips away in time to avoid the wave. Anytime from November to as late in the big surf season as March, a forecast of monster waves at Jaws will attract top big wave surfers from around the world to surf this heavy, thick beast.
Island of HawaiiThe Island of Hawaii — also known as the Big Island — is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of the best surf spots in Hawaii. But it’s a gem that is full of hidden adventure spots, and it has a few great places to catch waves as well.
Beginner — Kahaluu Beach in Keauhou
Right near the resorts of the popular and ever-sunny Kailua-Kona coast, Kahalu’u Beach is the perfect place to learn to surf, particularly in summer, as it gets southwesterly swells. The reef bottom does mean learners should wear reef booties, but makes for consistent, predictable waves that make learning easier as well. You’ll find a few surf schools operating at Kahalu’u Beach as well.
Intermediate — Kohanaiki Beach Park or Pohoiki Beach
Photo: Gary Gilardi/Shutterstock
The Kohanaiki Beach Park lies north of Hawaii Island’s western bulge, so the surf break there — also known as Pine Trees Beach — gets the faster swells coming from the north. In winter months, Pine Trees attracts both intermediate and expert surfers. The shore is very rocky, so it’s not an ideal place to swim or just hang out — unless you are hanging out to watch the locals who carve up the wave face here. On the west side of the island near Hilo, Pohoiki isn’t just a startlingly beautiful black sand beach; in low winds, it’s a lovely break. Just note that it is often blown-out; i.e.; the waves are smashed down and turned into a soupy broth by Trade Winds from the east.
Expert — Honolii Beach Park
Photo: Ty King/Shutterstock
Like Pohoiki, Honolii Beach Park is also on the eastern, Hilo side of Hawaii Island. Because of the eastern winds, conditions here are rarely clean or glassy, meaning the waves don’t have the smooth look from windless conditions. However, in summer you can get offshore winds there that hold the waves up nicely. This spot is crowded with some of the better surfers on the island, so be respectful of their wave.
The post The most perfect surf spots on each Hawaiian island for your skill level appeared first on Matador Network.
Detroit houses for sale for $1,000
Italy has become famous for attempting to boost its population and economy by offering homes for $1. Now the strategy is coming to the US, with Detroit trying it out for itself. Motor City has announced that it would put 663 homes up for sale, listed at just $1,000 each. Sure, it’s more expensive than a $1 home in Italy, but it’s still quite a steal.
Detroit’s new housing offer is an attempt to reverse troubling population trends. The city has lost nearly half of its population since 1950, and over 15,000 houses were demolished starting in 2014. To avoid creating vast stretches of empty land, hundreds of houses were put up for auction starting at $1,000. Each home goes up for bid at a specified time, designated by a countdown clock. You’ll be able to view the square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the neighborhood in the listing. If you’re interested, you can schedule a time to see the home before purchasing.
Much like the Italian offer, however, Detroit’s $1,000 homes come with a caveat. Closing and title fees could cost around $450 to which you need to add recording and tax certification fees, as well as title insurance. Also, since many homes have discontinued water service, you’ll have to pay to reconnect it, which could cost up to $10,000.
To purchase one of the $1,000 Detroit homes, you must also prove either that you’re a Michigan resident or that you will be living in the home after it’s renovated. Winning bidders must provide photos of the house within 15 days of purchase, showing that debris has been removed, and continue to document your renovation progress every 30 days. By 180 days, owners need to show proof of completion and occupancy.
The post Detroit is putting houses up for sale for just $1,000 appeared first on Matador Network.
Amtrak has a BOGO deal for summer
As people start making travel plans again after a long hiatus, Amtrak wants to be top of mind. They’re doing this by offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on private roomettes this summer. When you purchase a private roomette between April 6 and April 16, you’ll get to bring a friend along for no additional charge. The deal is valid for travel between June 1 and September 30 of this year. To qualify for the discount, just use code “C645” during checkout when you book.
A roomette is a private room that comes with two beds (seats that turn into berths when needed), a window, fresh towels, linens, and bathroom and shower access. The perks for roomette passengers extend to stations, too, where you’ll get complimentary meals and lounge access.
The deal is only available on limited rail routes, however. The 15 routes for which the discount can be applied include:
The Auto TrainCalifornia ZephyrCapitol LimitedCardinal, City of New OrleansCoast Starlight, CrescentEmpire BuilderLake Shore LimitedNortheast RegionalSilver StarSilver MeteorSouthwest ChiefSunset LimitedTexas EagleIn accordance with social distancing rules, passengers are required to wear masks on trains. Amtrak also allows you to view the train’s capacity and occupancy level online. If you’re uncomfortable with how crowded the train will be you can change your ticket with no extra fee.
The post Amtrak has a BOGO deal for summer train travel appeared first on Matador Network.
Buckingham Palace gardens
A picnic in Buckingham Palace sounds like something you’d only see in a period drama, but as of this summer, it’ll be a very real possibility for members of the public. Queen Elizabeth II has announced that she will be opening the gardens of her historic London residence for self-guided tours for the first time in the palace’s history. From July to September, paying visitors will be allowed to tour the 39-acre garden freely and picnic on its lawns.
Guided tours will also be available each day and will include access to the southwest garden, which features a summer house, wildflower meadow, and rose garden. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the public will be able to enjoy meadows “carpeted with primroses and bluebells … flowering camellia, magnolia and azalea shrubs and trees,” as well as the views of the property’s 3.5-acre lake and beehives.
Photo: Royal Collection Trust + © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021 + John Campbell
Guided tours inside the palace itself will also be offered between May and September, assuming COVID-19 lockdowns continue to loosen in England. These tours will bring visitors through the palace’s historic rooms, which are furnished with “the finest English and French furniture in the world,” according to the Trust.
The current design of Buckingham Palace’s gardens dates back to the 1820s when King George IV decided Buckingham House would become an official palace. The grounds feature rare plants and more than 1,000 trees, including Mulberry trees and plane trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The post The Queen is opening Buckingham Palace gardens for public picnics this summer appeared first on Matador Network.
Mesa Verde National Park stargazing
Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park was just named one of the best places to go stargazing in the United States by the International Dark-Sky Association. The park was accredited as the 100th International Dark Sky Park, which puts it in the top darkest places in the world.
An epic place to explore, Mesa Verde has a sustainable approach to lighting, which is what earned the park its official dark-sky certification. In order to qualify for the classification, a protected area needs to be evaluated according to pollution surveys, undergo an inventory of light sources, and make energy-efficient upgrades if needed.
The announcement comes in the midst of International Dark Sky Week, which runs April 5-11. “National parks are some of the best places in America to see a breathtaking array of stars, planets, and neighboring galaxies,” Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer commented in a press release. The park is now one of 169 spots in 21 countries around the world that comprise the International Dark Sky Places Program. The program was founded in 2001 as a way to encourage communities and areas to preserve the dark skies through sustainable and responsible lighting policies. Light pollution is a serious issue that can negatively disrupt wildlife, waste valuable resources, and contribute to climate change.
Mesa Verde National Park is as enticing and diverse to explore at night as it is during the day when visitors can discover over 5,000 known archeological sites featuring petroglyphs and rugged cliffs. The park has become a favorite spot for astronomy lovers to observe the Milky Way and tops the bucket list of many post-pandemic exploration trips.
The post Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park is named a top stargazing spot in the US appeared first on Matador Network.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
