Amelia Arvesen

Contributing Writer, Via

Amelia Arvesen is a journalist of nearly 10 years focused on writing about travel and the outdoor industry. She roams the U.S. in her converted camper van with her husband.

Featured Publications

Her work appears in Backpacker, Outside, Climbing, and SNEWS, where she was an editor on staff.

Education


People wander inside SFMOMA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7 Romantic Scenic Spots in the West

Rekindle your love for one another with these day trips and getaways.
Aurora Winter Train glides through the snowy landscapes of Alaska.

8 Winter Wonders in the West

Experience the season’s magic at these unique destinations.
Johns Hopkins Glacier on a clear day as seen from the water below.

10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit in the West

Prepare to be wowed by these natural and cultural wonders.
A car drives through a light tunnel at Christmas in Color in Salt Lake City.

Best Drive-Through Holiday Lights in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada

Celebrate the season with a shimmering spectacle seen by car or on foot.
Cacti and other desert plants grow in Tucson's Saguaro National Park underneath a cloudy sky.

Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park

Marvel at giant cacti and learn about the Sonoran Desert in this celebrated Arizona park.
Chabot Space and Science Center at night overlooking downtown Oakland, California.

Best Destinations in the West for Stargazing and Astronomy

Observe far-off galaxies at these 9 space centers around the West.
two people on snomobiles carve through fresh poweder in Ely, Nevada.

Visit These 5 Quieter Winter Destinations Instead

Appreciate the colder months in these quaint communities.
A runner in a neon green shirt turns on her headlight.

How to Walk, Run, and Ride in the Dark and Be Seen

Boost your visibility at dawn and dusk to stay safe.
A woman looks at a mobile driver's license on her phone.

Mobile Driver’s Licenses Are Coming

Digital IDs are being adopted in Arizona, Utah, California, and elsewhere in the West.
An airstream trailer parked at an ocean-side campsite at Kirk Creek Campground along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California.

7 Best Campgrounds in the West for Fall

Book a site at one of these prime campsites.
A monarch butterfly rests on a pink flower.

How to Help Save the Western Monarch Butterfly

Implement these strategies in your yard and community to help the butterflies bounce back.