Long believed to have healing properties many people sought out the mineral springs that flowed through what is now the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The nearby town of Sulphur sprang up in the 1890s and promoted these supposed healing powers. After awhile when it started getting popular, the residents decided they didn’t want to “overuse” the springs but rather preserve them. In 1902 the Department of the Interior bought the springs and 690 acres of land from the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations and turned it into Platt National Park.

A lot of the waterfalls and trails that you see throughout the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. They also planted over 500,000(!) trees, built pavilions, and paved roads. In 1976 Arbuckle Recreation area and other lands were combined along with Platt National Park to make this impressive 10,000-acre recreation area. Eventually the name was changed to Chickasaw National Recreation Area to recognize the Chickasaw Nation’s hand in helping establish the park.

Lake of the Arbuckles in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Lake of the Arbuckles has 36 miles of shoreline and a total surface area of 2,350 acres. That leaves plenty of room to fish, waterski, swim, or just relax on a pontoon boat. The water is crystal clear and offers fantastic visibility.

There are boat ramps near The Point, Buckhorn, and Guy Sandy campgrounds. Canoes, personal watercraft, and boats are all allowed on the lake. PWCs are only allowed from sunup to sundown. If you’re waterskiing, having a spotter along with the boat operator is required. Popular fish to catch include largemouth bass, catfish, and white crappie. You will need an Oklahoma license to fish; you can pick one up at the Chickasaw Visitor Center. Permits for boats and PWCs can be purchased near the boat ramps and are required.

Swimming is allowed in the lake during the day, just stay away from fishing docks and boat ramps.

Camping at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

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There are six campgrounds, three are in the Platt Historic District and three are around the Lake of the Arbuckles. To make reservations, go to the Recreation.gov website. Campsites are $20/$30 for non-utility/utility sites. Group sites are $30/50 depending on how big your group is. All sites have the standard fire pit, picnic table and grill.

Platt Historic District

Cold Springs, Rock Creek and Central are all in the Platt District. They have wooded campsites, and water spigots are scattered around the grounds, but there are no electric hookups. They have flushable toilets and sinks with running water in the restrooms, but no showers. Rock Creek (99 sites) and Central (10 sites) are only open during the summer, Rock Creek is a group only campsite.

Cold Springs has 65 campsites, sits along the Travertine Creek, and is open year-round. The sites are nicely wooded and can get relatively private. It’s set up for mainly tent camping, but small RVs may fit, basically, if you’re less than 20′ you’re probably good.

Close to the Nature Center and Travertine Creek, these are great campsites for families. You’ll want to check the Facility Information tab when you make reservations though, as there are special rules like no alcohol allowed between May 1st through September 30th (yes, really).

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Lake of the Arbuckles District

Campgrounds Buckhorn and The Point are on the north side of the lake and Guy Sandy is on the southwest side. Guy Sandy campground has 40 sites, no electricity, and no showers. Due to storm damage, it is closed until further notice.

The Point campgrounds are on the west side of Rock Creek and can be accessed from the west side of the town of Sulphur. There are 55 campsites on two loops and they’re open year-round. 12 of the sites have electricity and the water spigots are interspersed throughout the campgrounds.

All sites are wooded, and some are even close to the shore (guess which ones are hard to get). There is a shower in the lower loop with running water in the bathrooms.

On the northeast side of Lake of the Arbuckles is Buckhorn campground and can be accessed via Highway 177. Four loops (A,B,C,D) with 134 sites, loops C and D are open year-round and have 34 and 49 sites, about half have electricity. All loops have modern showers and restrooms. Loops A and B have 46 campsites and are first come, first served during the summer season and no electricity.

While you’re close to the shoreline on some sites at Buckhorn, there are none that are directly on the water.

Hiking at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Most of the trails at Chickasaw National Recreation Area are easy or moderate and are usually wide enough for strollers. Dogs are allowed on the trails except for the trails east of the Nature Center, just keep Rusty on a leash. Bikes are also allowed on the trails, so bikers/hikers, keep an eye out for each other.

Springs Trail

This trail starts at the Travertine Nature center and is a one-mile hike round trip over a gravel path. The main trail follows Travertine Creek, which is fed by Buffalo and Antelope Springs. Along the way you’ll travel on a wide gravel path through wooded areas. There are side trails that go deeper into the woods and over the creek. The side trails are usually single wide and there is a little bit of elevation gain. Each is about .5 miles each and will add two miles to your hike if you take them all and they are not stroller friendly.

The main trail takes you to the headwaters of both Buffalo Springs and Antelope Springs. Buffalo Springs has been built up with a nice sitting area where you can sit and enjoy the springs in a shaded area. Antelope Springs was left natural and has a rocky hill behind the headwaters that you can climb if that’s your thing.

Travertine Creek Trail

This is an easy 1.5-mile trail that follows Travertine Creek from Pavilion Springs to the Travertine Nature Center. Mostly gravel over long slopes, some bridges, and a set of steps. Your feet might get wet, if the water is high enough it’ll cross the road over the bridges. Along the way you’ll pass Little Niagara, a popular spot for wading and swimming.

Bison Pasture in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Almost two miles of varying grades including elevation gain/loss, narrow passage, stairs, and steep grades make this a moderate hike. Don’t hop the fence otherwise you’ll go into an instant extreme hike due to the buffalo in the prairie! You can also access the Bromide Hill switchbacks from the Bison Pasture Trail (see below) climb them for a great view of the town of Sulphur and the windmills in the distance.

Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails

Bikers, hikers, horses, and dogs are all allowed on the Rock Creek Trails. The mostly gravel trails make up four trails from 2.1 miles to 4.4 miles one way. Trail travelers will follow rustic pathways through prairies and forested areas. They also go through a hunting area, so if you’re planning on taking this trail during hunting season, make sure to leave the camo at home and wear brightly colored clothing.

Veterans Lake

This trial is a paved 2.9-mile loop around Veterans Lake, perfect for a morning run or evening stroll. You’ll pass upland prairies, beaches and a hardwood forest.

Other Trails and Highlights in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Flower Park and Veterans Trails

There are miles of trails throughout the park that are wide gravel paths and are stroller/wheelchair accessible. In the Platt Historic area, you have easy access to Flower Park Trail which flows through a park with a water fountain. Veterans Trail connects Pavillion Springs to the Oklahoma Veterans Center with a 1/2-mile-long easy gravel path.

Swimming in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Lakes, creeks, and waterfall areas are popular swimming areas in the park. There are no lifeguards so swim at your own risk. In the summer during busy times, they do check bacteria levels in the popular swimming areas, you can see the results here.

In Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake, swimming is allowed as long as you’re not near the boat launches or fishing docks. Popular areas to swim are the picnic areas at the Point Campgrounds, and the picnic areas near the boat ramp at Buckhorn. Just be sure to stay away from the, you know, boat launches.

Little Niagara is a popular spot to cool off in the creek; there are pools that allow for floating and swimming. Swimming is allowed from the falls to anywhere downstream; swimming is not allowed east of Little Niagara.

Travertine Creek across from the Point campground is another spot people like to wade or chill in the pools below the falls. The springs will run dry from time to time, so if it’s a particularly dry season Travertine Creek might not be flowing.

Rock Creek’s popular areas to swim are the Black Sulphur Springs area and the Forty Foot Hole right off the loop on Cat’s Eye Road.

Lincoln Bridge

The Lincoln Bridge is located at the south end of Flower Park and was the first major improvement to Platt National Park. It was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th, 1909. Its picturesque qualities have made it a focal point of the park in pictures for over 100 years.

Bromide Hill

To get to Bromide Hill climb the switchbacks accessed from the Bison Pasture Trail or do it the easy way and drive to the top. The switchbacks are steep and narrow and are a great climb if you’re in shape for it. Otherwise, you can drive to the parking lot on Perimeter Road and take a short hike for spectacular views of the town of Sulphur and surrounding areas.

The Leeper House

Once used as a courthouse, school, and community center, this 1894 brick house was originally built as a family residence for Graves Leeper and his family. The only known building remaining from the original town of Sulphur Springs is now used as a ranger station.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a perfect spot to cool off in the summer or enjoy a relaxing hike in the spring or fall. If you’re in the Dallas or Oklahoma City area or even if you’re going to be driving through, you should definitely spend a day or two there.

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Mesa Verde was the home of the Puebloan people as far back as 550 AD. In the late 1100s they moved from the Mesas to the cliffs where the overhanging structures offered protection from the elements. They built houses and lived among the cliffs for many years. After about 600 years the people started moving away and nobody is really sure why.

The only places to stay in the park are the Far View Lodge and Morefield Campground. Both are closed during the winter months. Operating dates generally start the third week of April, and they usually close around the third week of October. If you’re going to stay in the lodge, it’s $135 per night, if you’re camping or hanging out in the RV it’s a $38 dollars per night. Although lodging in the park is only available from April to October, Mesa Verde is open year-round. If you’re there during the winter months, or can’t find room in the park, the town of Cortez is about fifteen minutes away and they have a selection of hotels and restaurants.

The entrance to Mesa Verde is a scenic thirty-minute drive to the visitor center and main cliff dwellings. Along the way you’ll pass the campground and lodge, along with several fantastic overlooks.

There are nearly 600 cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, but these are the five main cliff dwelling archeological sites.

• Balcony House
• Cliff Palace
• Long House
• Square Tower House
• Step House

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Balcony House

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To get to this you need to climb up a ladder on the side of a cliff! No problem, it’s only a 32-foot ladder. There are 40 rooms in the dwelling, and you can only get there on a ranger guided tour. Once you’ve scaled the entrance ladder there are more ladders and even a tunnel that you go through. The tour lasts about an hour and is an adventurous tour, if you’re not afraid of heights, put this one on your list.

Cliff Palace

At 150 rooms Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, not to mention the most famous. Made out of the surrounding sandstone, the rooms were constructed with sandstone, wooden beams, and mortar. Ranger led tours are available for Cliff Palace. You traverse about 1/4 mile during the hour-long tour, and you’ll climb four ladders.

Long House in Mesa Verde National Park

The Long house is on the Mesa Top Loop Road, which forks off the main road in the Far View Area, this is a long way from the Cliff Palace and Balcony House, so keep that in mind when you’re making plans. There are 150 rooms and is the second largest dwelling in the park. It’s a two-mile trip that features ladders and an elevation gain of 130 feet. The ranger led tour lasts about 90 minutes.

Step House

You don’t need reservations for the Step House. It’s a self-guided tour of an area that was inhabited from 600 CE to 1200 CE. It has both pit houses from the early Puebloans to the cliff dwellings of the most recent inhabitants. The one-mile hike takes you on a dirt paved trail with stairs. Be sure to plan your hike so that you’re at the entrance before the 2:45 pm cut-off.

Square Tower House

If you want to go to the Square Tower House, you’re going to have to pay for it, physically. This strenuous hike features drop-offs, switchbacks, two ladders, and a walk along a narrow cliff ledge. Plus, scrambling over boulders and hiking steep gravel trails that descend 120 feet, all at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Reservations are required for the once daily ranger led tour. Once you get there, you’ll find the tallest structure in the park with an intact Kiva Roof and surrounding rock art. We shouldn’t need to say this but be sure to bring plenty of water.

Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park

Other than the trails to the dwellings, there are more trails in the park.

Petroglyph Point Trail

The appropriately name Petroglyph Point Trail is a 2.5-mile loop strenuous trail that gives you great views of Navajo and Spruce Canyons. The turnaround is at Petroglyph Point which gives you even more views of the Spruce Tree House, and you’ll see petroglyphs along the way.

Spruce Canyon Trail

The Spruce Canyon Trial is another strenuous trail with a 558 feet elevation change. Descending down to Spruce Canyon on a trail with numerous switchbacks, the diverse ecosystem of Mesa Verde is visible.

Soda Canyon Overlook

The Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is an easy hike through a pinyon-juniper forest that takes you to an overlook of the Balcony House and other cliff dwellings.

Knife Edge Trail at Mesa Verde National Park

If you’re looking for great sunset views, hop on this easy two-mile roundtrip trail along the old park road.

Point Lookout Trail

A moderate 2-mile trail with a 400-foot elevation change will give you spectacular views of the San Juan and La Plata mountains.

Prater Ridge Trail

You’re going to have to bulk up for this almost 8-mile trail with a 675-foot elevation change. Climb 1.1 miles to the top of Prater Ridge and you have your choice of the north loop, the south loop, or both. The north loop follows the edge of the mesa and overlooks Montezuma Valley, if you choose the south loop, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Prater and Morefield Valleys.

The Far View Sites in Mesa Verde National Park

Explore what used to be the Puebloan farming community between 900 and 1300 AD. Archeological sites on top of the mesa demonstrate how people lived and farmed. You can see the remains of an old reservoir, along with the Far View House, and four other dwellings.

Sun Temple

This ceremonial structure on Wetherhill Mesa had walls as high as 14 feet when it was built. From the overlook you get a great view of Cliff Palace.

If you’re going to Mesa Verde National Park for just a day or two, then Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Petroglyph Trail should be on your to do list. For more than that, explore until you’re exhausted, you won’t regret it.

Between April and October is the best time to visit since the tours are active at that time and the Far View Lodge and Morefield campground are open.

Once you’re done with Mesa Verde, your next adventure should be Toroweap Overlook on the Grand Canyon North Rim

The post Fantastic Things to do In Mesa Verde National Park appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Take a week to explore southwest and take an epic Colorado to Arizona road trip. Canyons, mountains, and ancient ruins highlight an adventure you’ll always remember.

This isn’t a circular trip, it has a start point and an end point that are hundreds of miles from each other. It’s up to you to get to the starting point. If you’re coming from the west, then by all means start at Toroweap Overlook and work your way west. The great thing about this trip is that it’s scalable, you can spend 1 night at all places, or you can mix up your stay length to suit your interests.

Starting Point: Durango Colorado

The start to this Colorado to Arizona Road trip begins in Durango, Colorado. Durango is the gateway to the San Juan National Forest. It’s also the gateway to days of adventure. Ziplines, river rafting, and hiking/biking trails are all within reach. If you want to slow it down a bit, there are museums, hot springs, fishing, and golfing.

Jump on board the 140-year-old Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad. Take in the views as you ride along rivers, into canyons, and over bridges. Cascade Canyon and the mining town of Silverton are popular day trips. Also offered are adventure packages that include ziplining on 56-1,400-foot ziplines, 27 different lines total. It’s the United States largest zipline course and the only way to get there is by rail. They also have rail-to-river raft tours, and rail-to-jeep tours. The train ride itself is pretty reasonable (starting at $98), but the Adventure Packages can get a bit pricey, $600 per person for the zipline, $227 for the raft, and $335 for the jeep package.

There are over 2,000 miles of hiking/biking trails around Durango, 300 miles are within 30 minutes of downtown. There is everything from a grueling 6 mile long, 2,000-foot elevation change trail, to a paved 7-mile trail that runs along the Animas River.

You could spend a week in Durango and not run out of things to do, but, once you do your next destination on this epic Colorado to Arizona road trip is waiting for you.

Mesa Verde National Park is the Second Stop on This Colorado to Arizona Road Trip

Mesa Verde is about 75 minutes west of Durango in southwestern Colorado. The park was established in 1906 and preserves more that 600 cliff dwellings that were built starting about 1,400 years ago. For 700 years the ancestral Pueblo people inhabited this area until cold and drought drove them to other places in New Mexico and Arizona.

The only places to stay in the park are the Far View Lodge and Morefield Campground. Both are closed during the winter months. Current operating dates are the third week of April to the third week of October. Rates are $135 per night for the lodge, and $38 for RV or tent camping. The city of Cortez is about a 15-minute drive from the park entrance and has lodging and restaurants.

The entrance to Mesa Verde is a thirty-minute scenic drive to the visitor center and cliff dwellings.

There are five guided tours of the cliff dwellings, pretty much the only way to make reservations is online at recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777. Make sure that you reserve your spot before you get there otherwise you’ll risk being left stranded on the curb while the tour leaves.

Cliff Palace and Balcony House are near the visitor center, have multiple tours per day, and can both be done in one day. Square Tower House, Long House, and Step House are considered “backcountry” and are only toured once a day.

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Cliff Palace

The largest cliff dwelling in the United States. You’ll go up and down ladders and stone steps, total distance is about 1/4 mile. The tour takes about an hour.

Balcony House

If you don’t mind climbing ladders up to 32′ while on the side of a cliff, this one’s for you. Bonus, at the top you get to climb through a tunnel. This one is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely an hour that’s worth it.

Square Tower House

The tallest structure in the park is the Square Tower House, it features a roof, intact plaster and paint. The two-hour tour includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, two ladders, and a narrow cliff ledge. All being done at 7,000 – 7,500 feet in altitude.

Long House

The trip to the Long House is over two miles and lasts about 90 minutes. When you get there you’ll find the second largest dwelling in the park with over 150 rooms.

Step House

No reservations are needed for the Step House. It has both pit houses (about 600 CE) and cliff dwellings (1200 CE) to cover the span of the Puebloan inhabitation. It’s self-guided but there are rangers that are there from time to time to answer questions.

There are several hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park. All but one are considered strenuous and are at 7,000-foot elevation. The Petroglyph trail is a 2.5-mile trail with elevation changes and great views. It starts out at the Visitor Center and there really are petroglyphs along the way.

On your way to the next location, make sure to stop at Four Corners Monument. There you’ll be able to stand in four states at the same time and buy some souvenirs from Native Americans.

Page, Arizona/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

About four hours west of Mesa Verde is Page Arizona, a small town on Lake Powell. One of the most popular things to do is to rent a houseboat and cruise around Lake Powell for awhile. While the lake is low compared to its historic levels, there are still a lot of canyons to explore.

Two other main attractions in the area are Horseshoe Bend, you’ll know it when you see the pic, and Antelope Canyon. Both are in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area and require an entry fee ($15-$30). Despite how remote it looks; Horseshoe Bend is right off the highway. Park in the parking lot which is owned by the City of Page, and they want their $10. After you pay, it’s just a short 1 1/2 mile hike up to the rim that overlooks the Colorado River. Make sure to bring your camera, because you’ll definitely want to post it to the gram.

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Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, and you must have a tour guide to enter. There are multiple tour operators that’ll take you through the canyons, prices range from $65 – $100. Tours are about 1 1/2 hours long, but if you’re a photographer they have special tours that go to less crowded areas so you can get spectacular shots.

Before you leave town, sign up for a tour of the Glenn Canyon Dam.

The Grand Canyon North Rim

On your two-hour trip from Page to the North Rim, you’ll pass over Marble Canyon on the Navajo Bridge. You’ll want to take some time here, when the new bridge was built in 1993, they converted the old bridge to a pedestrian bridge. Now you’ve got great views, you can look for and photograph the California Condor who frequent the bridge, and you don’t have to worry about being hit by a car. There is also an interpretive center on the west side of the canyon.

Unfortunately for the remainder of 2025 the Grand Canyon North Rim is closed due to fires. Jacob Lake and Toroweap Overlook are still open.

There is one campground in the Grand Canyon on the North Rim, and one lodge in the park. If you make reservations early it’s usually easy enough to find accommodations. If you don’t have any luck with those, there’s a great campground about 15 minutes north of the park, Demotte campground in the Kaibab National Forest campsite rates are $38 a night. There is also the Kaibab Lodge, which offers small rooms for $142 per night. A little further away, about an hour and a half from the entrance is Jacob Lake. There you can hike, horseback ride, and camp at the Jacob Lake Campground.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers views that are unmatched and fantastic hiking. For a relatively easy hike with wonderful views take the 1/2-mile Angel Point Trail to Angel Point. A little more strenuous hike is the 2.1-mile Uncle Jim Trail. Offering great views of the canyon but keep your eye out because this loop trail is used by mules also.

The North Kaibab Trail is the most popular trail on the North Rim. It stretches all the way down to the Colorado River in the bottom of the canyon. There are multiple popular turnaround spots for day hikers with up to 2,200′ of elevation change. Make no mistake, this is a strenuous hike so be prepared by taking plenty of water and fuel for your body. The North Kaibab Trail is also the starting point for the “rim-to-rim” challenge, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The Grand Canyon North Rim should be on everybody’s bucket list. It’s less crowded than the South Rim, and it’s also 1,000′ higher. It has wonderful views, and you can hike for days on a different trail each day.

Toroweap Overlook is The Last Stop on this Colorado to Arizona Road Trip

A three hour sometimes very rough drive from the Grand Canyon is the Tuweep area of Arizona. Named by the Native Americans who lived there, the Tuweep area is a high elevation plateau. High clearance vehicles are recommended for this trip due to the terrain you’ll be crossing. Getting there is half the fun, the other half is spent walking right up to the edge of a 3,000 foot drop off and exploring the cliffs around the overlook.

There is a remote campground with no facilities, but what it lacks in creature comforts it makes up for in nighttime views! No light pollution in this part of the country means that you can gaze up and see more stars than you ever have in your life. This is a great overnight trip from the Grand Canyon, or you can do it in a day. Just check the weather because the road does get impassable when it rains.

That’s the trip, now it’s time to turn back around and go home unfortunately. This is a great trip for a week, or even two weeks or however long that you want to get lost for. If you love it so much that you want to stay at the Grand Canyon indefinitely, you’re going to have to go to the South Rim, because the North Rim will close in the middle of October.

For more detailed information about Toroweap Overlook just click on over here.

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Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland Florida is a playground for watersports. Whether you’re into snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, or maybe you just like to relax on an innertube on crystal clear water, this is the place for you. And, as the name of the park suggests, there are manatees that visit during the year.

If you’re more of a stay on land type of person, there are 8.5 miles of trails for biking and walking. For the fisherman, fishing is available on the Suwannee River, where you can catch bass, sunfish, and catfish.

If you want to stay at Manatee Springs State Park, they have 80 campsites that are split for RVs and tents.

Manatees at Manatee Springs State Park

When the water in northern Florida starts to get cold, manatees will head to warmer waters. It’s unsafe for manatees to stay in water below 68 F, but, fortunately for them, the spring water in Manatee Springs State Park stays right around 72 F year-round. And fortunately for you, there are about 20 manatees that show up at the park from November to April.

If you find yourself in the water at the same time as the manatees, please be aware that there are laws regarding touching and interacting with these gentle giants. Florida has a strict look, but don’t touch the manatee law, so don’t ever harass, try to touch, or chase a manatee.

Camping at Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park has 80 wooded campsites spread out over three loops. Each loop has showers and restrooms. Camp sites all have electricity and water, and pets are allowed, as long as you keep Rusty on a leash. The Hickory Camping Area has 20 campsites and is exclusively for tent campers. RV campers can spread out in the Magnolia 1 and 2 camping loops which offer 49 sites to set up camp. If you don’t mind intermingling, Magnolia 1 Loop also has 11 campsites for tent campers.

If you want to go all out and camp like your favorite influencer then you are in luck, because Manatee Springs State Park offers a glamping experience. Three sites are set up on the Hickory Loop. Just a few of the amenities included are pre-pitched tents, towels, bedside lights, and extra charging stations (because you never want to be ready to post to the “gram” and find that your battery is dead). Rates are $90-$225 a night depending on time of week, month, or year.

Check out the ultimate camping adventure in Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park!

Hiking at Manatee Springs State Park

There are 8.5 miles of hiking/biking trails in the park. They are split into three different trails; they are mostly easy trails with a max elevation gain of 59 feet. The Scenic Trail is almost 4 miles long, runs through a hardwood forest, and is a popular trail for birding. The Sinkhole Trail is a short and quick trail that features sinkholes that were formed many years ago. The Campground Trail is a 3-mile hike in the forest around the…campgrounds! All three trails are heavily wooded which will keep the sun off you in the Florida summer, and the Florida winter too, for that matter.

Hikers, keep a heads up because they do allow bikers on the trails, and bikers, be respectful of the hikers.

Snorkeling and Swimming at Mantatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a first-magnitude spring with a flow rate of 50 – 150 million gallons of water per day. With that much water movement the springs will stay clear as long as the Suwannee River isn’t overflowing.

Most of the year the springs are clear and offer spectacular snorkeling. If you’re looking for someplace to cool off in the summer this is the place to go. 72-degree water really refreshes and makes you forget about the heat.

The water does have a current, see the 50–150-million-gallon flow rate above, so it’s advisable to wear swim fins to help with navigating the waters.

Innertubes and swimming floats are allowed in the springs, just don’t forget to bring the pump, or a long-winded spouse.

The park can get a little crowded in the late morning/early afternoon, do yourself a favor and go early to stake out your spot.

Scuba Diving

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Scuba diving is permitted in the springs of the park. Certified Open Water Divers must register at the ranger station. Don’t forget your diving partner as you’re not allowed to dive as a single. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, don’t touch or remove any fossils or artifacts. Just leave them where they are so others may enjoy them.

You need to complete your dive at least one hour before sundown. And if you see any manatees, you’re required to stay at least 50 feet away.

Catfish Hotel is the body of water southwest of the springs and is the entrance to the caverns. While open water certified divers are allowed to dive the pond, you must be cave certified to enter the cavern. Remember, make sure to not dive beyond your abilities.

More info can be found on the park’s website here.

Kayaking and Canoeing

The Suwannee River runs right alongside Manatee Springs State Park and it’s a perfect place to do some paddling. If you don’t have a kayak, or you didn’t feel like loading one up, you are in luck as they rent kayaks at the concession stand.

Fishing is allowed from the shore or boats, but you’ll need a license from the Florida Wildlife Commission whether you are a local or a visitor.

The concession stand is open year-round, in addition to kayak rentals, they most likely have that thing that you forgot on the counter at home. Sunscreen, towels, and of course t-shirts. They also have a grill and other edibles if you somehow forgot the cooler.

There are pavilions available for rental, as well as first come first serve picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

Admission into the park is $4 for a vehicle with one person, $6 for a vehicle with 2-8 people and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists.

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The Deering Estate is a 450-acre historic preserve just south of Miami that should not be missed. A diverse ecosystem including coastal mangroves, exotic plants, rare butterflies, turtles, and snakes. Oh, and it also houses a converted hotel from 1896, and a stone mansion built in 1922 to house industrialist Charles Deering, his family, and his collection of fine art and furnishings. Hey look! Education below!

Charles Deering

Charles Deering was born into a wealthy family. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. Between the navy and his family business, Deering spent a lot of time in Europe and Asia. This is where he found his love of Spanish Arts. After his stint in the Navy, he went to work for his father’s company. His father was William Deering, founder of the Deering Harvester company, which later turned into International Harvester. His brother was James Deering who built his own mansion just north of the Deering Estate in Coconut Grove, Villa Vizcaya Estate, which is now also a museum.

The Richmond House

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Charles Deering was visiting south Florida and saw the potential for growth. At the time there wasn’t much development in the area. He bought the Richmond Cottage in 1916 as a winter house for himself and his wife. The Richmond Cottage was originally built as a residence for S. Howard Richmond, and in 1900 was converted into the only hotel between Coral Gables and Key West.

The Deering Estate was soon built out with a carriage house, pump house, and power house, along with a concrete and limestone wall surrounding the property. The Great Chicago Fire spooked Charles so much that he specified 18″ concrete walls for his new residence.

As long as you’re in the area check out where all the cool kids put their kayaks in on Biscayne Bay.

The Stone House

The Stone House was designed by well known Coral Gables architect Phineas Paist. The Mediterranean -Revival style home was built with the aforementioned 18″ concrete walls, oolitic limestone, brass encased doors, and no stove to alleviate Charles Deering’s fear of fire. All cooking was done in the Richmond Cottage. The Stone House kitchen only had refrigeration and storage cabinets.

What The Deering Estate Stone House lacked in cooking facilities, it made up for in modern conveniences. Included in the house was an Otis Elevator and in true “rich guy in the prohibition era” fashion, a hidden wine cellar. The wine cellar was behind a false wall and a bank vault door. The room was big enough to hold hundreds of bottles of wine and other liquors. The vault door was so formidable that in 1945 a hurricane flooded the room and apparently blew away the key to the door, because it was not opened again until 1985, by a safecracker no less. Unfortunately, by that time all the liquor was ruined, but they kept the bottles and now display them.

In 1992 Hurricane Andrew came ashore and deposited 16 feet of storm surge after pummeling the house with 170 MPH winds. After seven years and $7.2 million the Stone house and the Richmond house were renovated into what you see today.

The house was built to accommodate Charles’ extensive art (and evidently liquor) collection as he was an avid collector. He moved all the artwork that he accumulated in his travels and had staged in his residences in Spain to the Stone House. Deering always intended for the house to showcase his books and art collection, but currently there are only a few pieces on display and most of the rooms are empty.

The Grounds at Deering Estate

Turns out that you can fit a lot of stuff in 450 acres. About 111 acres of it is a tropical hardwood hammock that you can tour on the Nature Preserves Tour. There are also so many birds flying through it’s part of the Important Birding Area (they missed the boat to add very to the name and make it the VIB-Area). Anyway, you can find out about the guided bird walks here.

There’s actually a fossil record that dates back to 10,000 B.C.. Bringing things a little bit closer in time, there is also a burial mound from the Tequesta Tribe. There are estimated to be about 12-18 burials there from around 1600 A.D.. You can visit the site but the only way to get there is to take the tour. Find out more information here.

At some point they decided that the boat basin wasn’t big enough for them and it was made bigger. Luckily for you, it worked out alright…

Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket or use one of the convenient tables. As you’re eating, you can gaze across the bay or maybe a manatee will pop out in the basin for you. Wait, is that Miami across the way? Why, yes, it is, you’ve forgotten you were even near the city it’s been so quiet since you got there.

Keep track of all your vacation memories with one of our tropical writing journals. Perfect for capturing all your thoughts about the places that you’ve been. Each interior page has a lightly superimposed image of the cover.

Perfect for planning your travels. Buy one today, just click here! Or check out our Planners and Journals page for more options.

The Fun Stuff at Deering Estate

While taking a tour of the house and grounds is interesting, Deering Estate also offers cruises, kayak tours, camps, and concerts. To match up your free dates with their schedule of events, mouse over here and press the button.

They have summer camps that cover a variety of educational aspect of nature, so rip that phone from your kid’s hand and kick them out into nature.

Photography buffs will want to look into their moonrise and sunrise photography events. Just a word of advice…DO NOT FORGET THE MOSQUITO SPRAY. If you do, just leave your contact information with the attendant because you’re not coming back.

Kayak tours are great on Biscayne Bay, keep your eyes peeled for manatees, sea turtles, and sting rays. Plus they offer both regular kayaks and clear kayaks.

If you want to go all in on your wedding, they also rent out the grounds for weddings and other events.

They have a lot of activities covered so be sure to check out their schedule.

Hours and Admission to Deering Estate

Deering Estate is open everyday except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM. Just a warning, don’t think that you’re going to roll up at 4 PM and get in, the entrance gate closes at 4.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, veterans and active duty, and 7 for children aged 4-14. Better yet, become a foundation member and get in for free!

On your way to Key West? Well, we’ve got the ultimate guide for you right here.

The post Deering Estate: A Unique Florida Historical Site appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Chapman Field Park is located at 13601 Deering Bay Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33158, it’s about 30 miles south of Miami, Florida. Checking in at almost 500 acres, Chapman Field Park features a baseball/softball field, a huge, split, dog park, a kayak launch, and a couple of small hiking trails. There are rumors and signs warning about crocodiles, so keep a look out if you go. A great feature to the park is that the admission is free.

Chapman Field Park: Pest Friendly

Before you go, you need to understand that the first rule of Chapman Field Park is: you do not forget the bug spray. The second rule of Chapman Field Park is: you do not forget the bug spray. The park is mostly a mangrove forest, and it borders on Biscayne Bay, with two lakes, and saltwater estuaries to boot. So yes, there is a fair share of mosquitoes and no-see-ums.

Dog Friendly

There is only one road into and out of the park. Driving to the end will put you at the two dog parks. One for big dogs and one for small dogs. Both are fenced and have a collection of trees in them with plenty of room for Rusty to roam. There are big banyan trees with park benches under them to relax on as Rusty and the other dogs plot their escape. It’s a really nice place to take the dogs, just don’t forget to take water with you. For some inexplicable reason, when they remodeled the park in 2021, they didn’t put water in the dog parks.

Hiking Friendly

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There is an asphalt hiking trail that’s about a mile long, from the baseball fields to the dog parks and ends at a gated fence. Presumably to keep the crocodiles out. Actually, if you go through the gate, you can access two short hiking trails to the bay. It’s best to walk them at low tide, as high tide partly covers them. Also wear some type of water shoe because you’re going to get wet and or mucky.

Enter the gate and the “road” will lead you to the first trail that goes to the bay. It twists around to the left and dead ends after a short hike through mangroves and palm trees. There’s a newer looking bridge that’s been twisted and deposited on the other side of a pool of water, most likely by one of the recent storms. At some point it must’ve connected the two trails together.

Staying on the road past the first trail entrance, almost to the end, is where the second trail starts. This one is only about 500 feet and pretty much just ends in a mixture of water and trees. A word of caution though, some of the muck can be thigh deep. Unless you’ve been wanting to see if the movies are right about getting caught in quicksand, it’s best to stay on the trail.

Find out about other places to kayak in South Florida. Just click here.

Kayak Friendly

Even though Florida is literally surrounded by water, it’s still hard to find a place to launch a kayak south of Miami. Outside of traipsing through someone’s yard to get to Biscayne Bay, there are only a handful of spots to launch. Fortunately, Chapman Field Park has a great kayak launch and fantastic kayaking trails.

About halfway between the park entrance and the dog parks is the kayak launch. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking for cars and vehicles with trailers.

The kayak launch is a dock and has a slot with rollers for kayaks to sit in and launch. From the launch, if you turn right, you’ll do a short paddle through the mangroves to a small tranquil lake. The clear lake is ringed by trees and the occasional condo building.

Going straight off of the launch will take you through a tree lined canal and under an arched bridge made of fossilized coral blocks. After the bridge, there’s a mangrove tunnel that leads to another lake. This one is bigger and has an island in the middle of it. Paddling along the shore you will see plenty of birds and the occasional jumping fish.

Kayaking to the back of the lake leads you to another mangrove tunnel. This one is a little more technical because you’ll most likely be dodging branches and downed trees. There are a few offshoot tunnels, but they dead end so you can’t really get lost. During high tide the water is really clear, and you can spot barracuda and other fish closer to the bay.

After about a 30-minute paddle from the kayak launch, you’ll come to the end of the mangrove tunnel and you’ll find yourself in Biscayne Bay. Once you’re out in the bay, there’s a chance to see manatees, stingrays, and other tropical fish. The great thing about this kayak trail is that if it’s windy, you can stay in the protected tunnels and lakes and not be affected by the wind.

Heading to the Keys next? Read about John Pennekamp State Park here.

Chapman Field Park: Softball Friendly

During the renovations the baseball/softball field was completely redone (there were elevated levels of arsenic, the land was remediated) and is now open. Slow pitch softball leagues are starting again. For information click here.

Chapman Field Park is conveniently located just 40 minutes south of Miami if you’re looking for someplace to take the dogs, or kayak, or take the dogs kayaking.

Looking for a park that you can camp at? Read about Bahia Honda State Park, just click here.

The post Chapman Field Park: Kayaking, Dogs, and Softball, in Miami appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

There are so many things to do in Cozumel you can’t do them all in one vacation. Fortunately that just gives you an excuse to come back again, and again, and again, rinse and repeat.

Feeling lazy and just want someone to map out 5 perfect days for you? Boy, do I have some good news for you. Just wander over here.

Cozumel is a beautiful island just off the tip of the Yucatan of Mexico. You can fly directly into their international airport or make your way to Playa Del Carmen and take a short ferry ride over. Of course if you’re on a cruise, you’ll have 8+ hours to spend there, which is still plenty of time to do something awesome.

Beaches

It’s an Island, it’s ringed with beaches, so of course you’re going to find a beach that you like. Cozumel has beach club beaches, secluded beaches, crowded beaches, even adventure beaches, take your pick. Some of the more popular ones with things to do in Cozumel are:

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Located at the southern end of the island, Punta Sur is always a fun thing to do in Cozumel. They have Crocodiles, a lighthouse and unbelievable snorkeling (the reef is a 300 meter swim so be prepared). This is one of our favorite beaches, it’s on a beautiful stretch of clear water and fine white sand.

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Lions, Crocodiles! Holy crap! Is this a beach or a zoo? There’s even snorkeling and scuba diving, not to mention the Eco Archaeological tour.

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club

Horseback riding, massages, a pool with a swim up bar, are you sure that this is a beach? Yes, it is. There’s great snorkeling here too as well as a play area with huge inflatables. Spring for one of the all inclusive packages and you can drink all day and not pay a dime, just don’t forget to tip your bartenders and waiters.

The East Side Beaches

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Drive along the undeveloped East side of the island and the whole coast is lined with beautiful sandy beaches meeting spectacular turquoise water. The east side beaches are directly on the Caribbean Sea and they’re a little rougher so bring your surfboard (see below). You can stop at any of the many restaurants next to the beach and have mouthwatering fresh seafood. If you have a chance to get to the east side, do it.

Go Topless on a Jeep Tour

One of the most popular things to do in Cozumel is the take a Jeep tour. Jump in your topless Jeep. What? What else would I mean when I say topless? Anyway, jump in your topless Jeep and tour the island, you can do food tasting tours, tequila tasting tours, off road driving tours to cenotes. This list goes on. Or you can just rent a Jeep or dune buggy and explore by yourself.

Cozumel is a small island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico in the Riviera Maya. Check out our guide to the Riviera Maya.

Snorkeling

Yes, you can practically put yourself into the water anywhere in Cozumel and you will find tremendous snorkeling. You can also sign up for one of the snorkeling tours offered by catamaran or boat. They will take you out to one of the many reefs that are located around the island. Once you get there you can be amazed at how buoyant you are in the Caribbean Sea. The coral and marine life is amazing, and there is always the chance for turtles and shark sightings. They supply the snorkel gear and the drinks, and you supply the energy, so what are you waiting for?

Scuba Diving

Where to start with this? First off, this is the perfect spot for scuba diving and it should be number one on your list of things to do in Cozumel. Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar, Columbia and San Francisco Reefs are just a few of the popular reefs in the area.

Diving around the island of Cozumel is an exhilarating experience, the water is clear, warm and refreshing, (can you say no wet suit?) the visibility is perfect, the marine life is abundant, and the coral is breathtaking. Do a two or three tank dive and experience the best dive of your life.

You’ve never dived before? There’s an easy fix for that, find a PADI certified dive shop and tell them you want to do a “discover scuba” dive. They’ll go over the basics that you need to know and take you down, usually to about 30′. After you’ve gone down just once, you’ll wonder what took you so long to try Scuba Diving.

San Gervaiso Mayan Ruins

San Gervasio is the most populated collection of Mayan ruins on the island. The site is dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility, Ixchel. Supposedly all Mayan women journeyed to the island to be blessed by Ixchel. While it’s not as big as some of the other Mayan sites on the mainland of Mexico it still offers some nice ruins.

Tour the place by yourself with a self guided tour or spring for a guide. Either way you’ll find yourself in a very tranquil spot surrounded by the jungle. It’s not a huge area so when your done there you can go explore the island.

Jade Caverns

You can get to Jade Caverns by x-rail dune buggy, ATV, and Jeep. Your guide will take you on an adventure off road through the jungle. Once you get to the caverns you will learn about Cenotes and the Mayans. Taking a dip in the water feels fantastic after the ride through the jungle. While you’re there, be a thrill seeker and climb to the top and jump in.

Cozumel Pearl Farm

The farm is located in crystal clear water, you get to snorkel among the oysters that make the pearls. It’s a great way to unwind and relax as you will be the only people around as you learn about what it takes to keep a pearl farm going.

Playa El Cielo

A sandbar loaded with starfish in the clearest water that you’ve ever seen. It’s a nice couple of hours hanging out and snorkeling. It’s not a beach as you’ll be in waist deep water the whole time. Pro tip – Take one of the smaller boats so you’re not fighting with a crowd the whole time.

Sport Fishing

Charter one of the many sport fishing boats and spend a day on the water catching fish. Cozumel is a sport fisher’s paradise due to the warm tropical waters and being near the second largest reef in the world. Depending on the time of year you can catch barracuda, grouper, marlin, and mahi mahi. If you’re lucky you can land that coveted sailfish and hang it on the wall in your living room until your wife makes you move it to the mancave.

Atlantis Submarine Expedition

Do you want to experience getting up close and personal with the fishes of the reef, but you don’t like that whole getting wet thing? Then this is the tour for you. Get yourself into one of the subs that prowl the reefs. They’re air conditioned for that cool feeling while hanging out on the seafloor, and it has guides who will tell you about the reef and marine life that inhabits it.

Hang Ten

Cruise on over to Cozumel Surfing and hook up with Nacho Gutierrez (yes, that’s his name) and learn how to surf or improve your skills. He’s been in business for over 20 years. Nacho has surfed all over the world and has taught thousands of people to surf.

The post 15 Awesome Things to do in Cozumel appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Want to spend 5 perfect days in Cozumel? Of course you do. Cozumel is a beautiful island with endless things to do. World class scuba diving, spectacular snorkeling, not to mention minerally enriched cenotes and inspiring beaches.

Day 1 of 5 Perfect Days in Cozumel

Take it Easy…or Not

It’s your first day of vacation so you’re out of bed and ready to go at 6:30 am right? Of course not, that’s why you want a beach day. Hang out at the hotel beach or head on over to one of the many beach clubs. Beach clubs have an entrance fee but they provide showers, restaurants and bars. Some beaches have awesome huge inflatable beach toys. “Beach toys?!” That’s right, think launching your friend off of the 6 person 10′ high teeter totter.

Be prepared to be awed by the crystal clear water at the beach. Walk right in with your snorkel gear and check out the countless numbers of amazing marine life steps off of the beach. What? You didn’t bring your snorkel gear? Don’t worry you can rent it either at your hotel or at the beach club.

If you feel like getting your party-vacation-self going then check out one of the beach clubs that are as much party as they are swimming like the Money Bar.

Day 2 of 5 Perfect Days in Cozumel

X-rails to Jade Cavern

You know what’s fun? Driving your x-rail go cart through the Yucatan Jungle. Speed over the dirt road and and be sure to hit those mud puddles so you can splash the losers behind you. When you get to Jade Cavern, don’t be a baby, climb to the top and jump in the water, you won’t regret it. This cenote is filled with jade green water and it’s as refreshing as the name is cool. Take your time and swim in the water while you’re there, check out the tropical foliage around you, explore the cave because there’s no rush to get back.

Do yourself a favor before you go back to town, head on over to El Cedral, the little town right outside the gate of the Jade Cavern tour. There you will find a quaint little Mexican town where you can see Mayan ruins and an old Catholic church.

Jean Lafitte Pirate Dinner Cruise

Think of an interactive dinner show on a pirate ship (don’t worry, they won’t make you walk the plank). From the time that you get on the ship both the drinks and jokes are flowing. Your dinner is a choice of chicken, lobster or steak, you can’t go wrong with any of them, but the lobster is excellent! It’s a great sunset cruise with an entertaining crew. Just a warning, there is audience participation, so be prepared to get involved whether you want to or not.

Day 3 of 5 Perfect Days in Cozumel

Adrian Cozumel

Adrian’s parents knew that he was going to know so much about Cozumel they named him after the island! While he offers fishing charters and catamaran snorkeling charters, the charter to take is to the Lighthouse of Punta Molas (the northern tip of the island where the abandoned north lighthouse is). The lighthouse is so remote, the only way to get there is by a long dirt, mud, sand and rocky road only accessible by 4×4 or by a boat captained by someone who can navigate the rock infested shallows.

He’ll load you up in his small boat, necessary for the shallow water, and set out for the north side of the island. Once there you’ll have to walk through waist deep water and rocks to get to the lighthouse so be sure to bring some type of water shoes. After the hike through the water you can climb up to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the views and get your share of pictures in. Adrian will give you the history of the lighthouse and even the island.

Lighthouse of Punta Molas

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After the lighthouse you’re on you’re way to snorkel a reef with shipwrecks from the 1700’s, colorful fish and coral.

The Sound House Mayan Ruins

From snorkeling Adrian will take you to Rio de la Plata Lagoon. Once you land you’ll walk a half mile in waist deep water over an old Mayan road to an island. On the island is a Mayan ruin of an old sound house. The lack of any noise in this part of the island is incredible and it really adds to the atmosphere. Again Adrian will give you a brief lecture on the history of the house and what the Mayans used it for.

Last stop before home is the clearest water that you’ve ever seen! This water is so clear you will wish that it was in your swimming pool! Have a drink, get in the water and enjoy the solitude.

A bonus on this tour is that the group of people that you are with will probably be the only people that you see during the trip. To get in touch with Adrian you can find him on Facebook at Adrian Cozumel.

Day 4 of 5 Perfect Days in Cozumel

Fury Charters or Scuba Diving

That’s right, you have a choice. Sign up for one of the Fury Catamaran snorkeling tours and have a fun day sailing, snorkeling and swimming. Sail out to Palancar Reef on a 65′ catamaran. Jump into the water and get a guided tour of the reef. Afterwards head over to a private beach and have fun in the crystal clear water.

Want to get a little deeper in the water? Then give scuba diving a try. Contact one of the many PADI certified scuba shops and sign up for their discover scuba dives. You don’t have to be licensed, they’ll go over your equipment and safety procedures, and then they’ll take you down. Some will take you out to a reef on a boat and some will just walk you off the beach. Either way you’ll go down about 30′. Pro tip – take an underwater camera so that you can endlessly show your friends pictures of you in your scuba gear.

Day 5 of 5 Perfect Days in Cozumel

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Rent a jeep, rent a scooter, or just take a taxi. San Gervasio is the most populated collection of Mayan ruins on the island. The site is dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility, Ixchel. Supposedly all Mayan women journeyed to the island to be blessed by Ixchel. While it’s not as big as some of the other Mayan sites on the mainland of Mexico it still offers some nice ruins.

Tour the place by yourself with a self guided tour or spring for a guide. Either way you’ll find yourself in a very tranquil spot surrounded by the jungle. It’s not a huge area so when your done there you can go explore the island.

Explore the Island

The main highway is a loop around the island. Head south along the west coast and by the time that you hit the south point (Punta Sur) you’ll see a fantastic beach with a Reggae bar in front of it. If you turn right off the highway onto the dirt road that will take you to the Eco Park. There’s a fee to get in but there’s a light house that you can climb, possible crocodile sightings and a great beach with spectacular snorkeling.

Head north along the east side from there and you’ll find more beach areas with restaurants. Stop at one and get some fantastic and fresh seafood for lunch. After that browse the small shops nearby and haggle on pricing for a souvenir. You can even have put your feet in an aquarium and have them cleaned by small fish (thankfully those aren’t the seafood that they’re selling in the restaurants).

After your done with your beach hopping, head north again and take the road back into town. When you get into town find a parking spot and explore. The town of San Miguel is a typical Mexican town with a square in the middle of the shopping plaza. There are restaurants throughout the town, stop at one and have the best Mexican dinner that you’ve ever had. Enjoy it because you’re going home to Chilis tomorrow.

Not enough for you? Then you’ll want to read 15 Awesome Things to do in Cozumel.

You can also get off the island and head over to Riviera Maya and explore the mainland. Check out our guide.

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