Jill K. Robinson
Contributing Writer, Via
![Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Jill K. Robinson](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto,q_auto:best,f_auto/legacy/files/undefined/jill-k-robinson-570.jpg)
Articles by Jill K. Robinson
![Red and pink rocks glow in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1705012290/valley-of-fire-state-park-nevada-winter-via-magazine-aaa-stock_59079238_Large.jpg)
8 Best State Parks to Visit in Winter
Enjoy nature with plenty of elbow room.
![Three cross-country skiers on a trail at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky Montana.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1701473689/lone-mountain-ranch-big-sky-montana-nordic-cross-country-skiing-via-magazine-aaa-courtesy.jpg)
Best Beginner Cross-Country Skiing Spots in the West
Head out to these Nordic skiing hot spots, ideal for first-timers and beginner skiers.
![Skiers and snowboarders at the top of Big Dipper at Heavenly Mountain Resort in Tahoe, Nevada.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1699037910/heavenly-ski-resort-where-ski-nevada-utah-via-magazine-aaa-courtesy-Vail-Resorts-Heavenly.jpg)
6 Best Places to Ski and Snowboard in Nevada and Utah
These stellar ski areas deserve a spot on your list.
![a family sitting on snow overlooking a snow-topped mountain with the sun](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1651707451/singularity-migrated-images/save-money-ski-weekend-family-snow-gear-mountain-cr-LOGVINYUK_YULIA-shutterstock_1185635023_hero_0.jpg.jpg)
8 Tips for a Less Expensive Ski Weekend
Next time you hit the ski slopes, ease your wallet with these simple tips.
![McWay Falls in Big Sur, California in fall at sunset, image](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562551/singularity-migrated-images/waterfall-overlook-trail-mcWay-falls-big-sur-coastal-hikes-west-pacific-coast-via-magazine-shutterstock_92576863-hero.jpg.jpg)
7 Beautiful Coastal Hikes in the West
Explore the coast on foot with these memorable hikes.
![Sunset view from the overlook on Cape Royal in Grand Canyon North Rim in the Grand Canyon](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647565019/singularity-migrated-images/cape-royal-grand-canyon-north-rim-hidden-national-park-sites-less-crowded-places-go-via-magazine-shutterstock_316842272.jpg.jpg)
Hidden Delights in the West’s Top National Parks
You’ve seen the major highlights. Now it’s time to experience these lesser-known delights.
![Mountain campsite views from tent, picture](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562720/singularity-migrated-images/best-places-rent-camping-gear-tent-outdoors-via-magazine_0_0.jpg.jpg)
The Best Places to Rent Camping Gear
Don't spend your whole paycheck on new camping gear. Rent from one of these companies instead.
![Whale watching overlook in MacKerricher State Park, image](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564148/singularity-migrated-images/mackerricher-state_park-whale-watching-weekend-mendocino-ca-via-magazine.jpg.jpg)
Whale Watching Weekend Trip to Mendocino, CA
Redwood groves, a lofty lighthouse, gray whales. It’s time for some salty air.
![A whale tail visible above the water in Monterey Bay, image](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564584/singularity-migrated-images/monterey-bay-whale-watching-northern-california-oregon-via-magazine.jpg.jpg)
Whale Watching in Northern California and Oregon
The Pacific Coast has some of the best places for whale watching—you don’t even have to leave land.