Amelia Arvesen
Contributing Writer, Via
![Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Amelia Arvesen](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto,q_auto:best,f_auto/legacy/files/ecb745c8-0c3d-4923-ae1a-b3a355259ae2/Amelia-arvesen-via-magazine-contributor.jpeg)
Articles by Amelia Arvesen
![Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park on a party cloudy day.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1721923387/bear-gulch-reservoir-pinnacles-national-park-guide-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_2234012523.jpg)
Complete Guide to Pinnacles National Park
In California’s Central Valley, caves and spires are the backdrop of this biodiverse destination.
![A road cuts through Zion National Park in Utah.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1718920824/best-utah-road-trips-zion-national-park-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1676497969.jpg)
5 Best Road Trips in Utah
Drive through one of the most geographically diverse states.
![The view of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway in Sequoia National Forest, California.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1717083719/kings-canyon-scenic-byway-kings-canyon-national-park-via-magazine-aaa-Ovidiu-Hrubaru-Alamy.jpg)
Complete Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Wander among giant sequoias and granite rock formations in the southern Sierra Nevada.
![A hiker stands at an overlook in Sedona, Arizona.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1713285697/summer-hiking-tips-sedona-arizona-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_686757589.jpg)
7 Essential Tips to Hike Safely This Summer
Prevent sunburns, dehydration, and heat illnesses while hiking.
![A trail through Muir Woods National Monument.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1648511674/singularity-migrated-images/muir-woods-reservations-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1162959946.jpg.jpg)
These 7 National Parks and Monuments Require Reservations This Summer
Plan your trip in advance for a hassle-free experience at these popular parks in the West.
![Frozen Emerald Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647565478/singularity-migrated-images/lassen-volcanic-national-park-emerald-lake-winter-best-national-parks-visit-winter-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1499854685-h2.jpg.jpg)
7 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Bundle up and venture out for a frosty view of the United States’ treasures.
![Snow in the mountains above the cabins at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground in Benson, Arizona.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1704487513/arizona-winter-camping-roper-lake-state-park-courtesy-Arizona-State-Parks-and-Trails.jpg)
8 Best Arizona Campgrounds For Winter
Enjoy quiet camping at these spots.
![Hatcher Pass scenic drive in Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska in fall.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1694898212/hatcher-pass-aslaska-fall-hikes-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_2318552533.jpg)
9 Hikes to See Fall Color in the West
Walk amongst the golden leaves.
![A group of friends camp on Second Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1678744577/second-beach-olympic-national-park-washington-beach-camping-via-magazine-aaa-cultura-creative-rf-alamy.jpg)
9 Best Beach Campgrounds in the West
Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to an ocean oasis.
![Turtle Rock in Vedauwoo Recreation Area, near Laramie, Wyoming.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1677800580/turtle-rock-vedauwoo-recreation-area-laramie-wy-less-crowded-hikes-via-magazine-aaa-witold-skrypczak-alamy.jpg)
12 Spots to Hike Without the Crowds
Go at your own pace on these calmer, less-traveled routes.
![People wander inside SFMOMA.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1678140562/inside-SFMOMA-best-modern-art-museums-west-via-magazine-aaa-Matthew-Millman-Photography.jpg)
6 Best Modern and Contemporary Art Museums in the West
Immerse yourself in all types of artistic mediums, from sculptures to paintings to films.
![A father and daughter watch tv on a computer in bed.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647566250/singularity-migrated-images/cut-cord-cable-streaming-via-magazine-shutterstock_646215046.jpg.jpg)
Should You Cut the Cord on Cable?
Here’s how to decide if switching to streaming is right for you.
![McCloud Falls on a spring day in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1675202456/Via/mccloud-falls-california-spring-waterfall-hikes-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1867489117.jpg)
10 Spring Waterfall Hikes in the West
These beginner-friendly trails reward you with stunning views.
![A couple snowshoe at Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff, Arizona.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1674495479/Via/arizona-nordic-village-flagstaff-snowshoeing-via-magazine-aaa-credit-an-pham.jpg)
Best Places to Snowshoe in the West
From frozen waterfalls to ranger-led walks, explore these beautiful snow-covered trails.
![A group of friends soak at the Bozeman Hot Springs in Bozeman, Montana.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1671119820/Via/Bozeman-Hot-Springs-romantic-spots-via-magazine-aaa-credit-maddison-fritzler-photography.jpg)
7 Romantic Scenic Spots in the West
Rekindle your love for one another with these day trips and getaways.