America's Crown Jewels: Why Women Over 45 Should Explore National Parks

Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they discuss why America's National Parks offer the perfect adventure for women in midlife. This episode covers trending parks for 2025, practical tips for planning visits during off-seasons, and insights on accommodations ranging from traditional camping to luxury glamping. 

The hosts share their personal favorite parks—from Yosemite's majestic waterfalls to Grand Teton's dramatic peaks—while highlighting the unique perspective that life experience brings to these natural treasures. 

With this being National Park Week  (April 19-27), this conversation provides timely inspiration for women seeking adventure, peace, and connection with nature, regardless of their outdoor experience level.

Transcript

AMERICA'S CROWN JEWELS: WHY WOMEN OVER 45 SHOULD EXPLORE NATIONAL PARKS

Heide Brandes: Hello and welcome to another episode of Untethered and Wander Wise, where we inspire fearless women to go explore this beautiful world. I'm your host, Heide Brandes.

Nicky Omohundro: I'm your co-host Nicky Omohundro, and we are so excited to talk to you about one of our absolute favorite topics today, America's National Parks.

Heide Brandes: Oh hell yes, Nicky. I feel like we could talk about this literally forever. National Parks are truly America's best idea.

Nicky Omohundro: That's right, Heide. They really are. And you know what? I think this is especially magical for women in our season of life. If you're over 45 like us, these parks offer exactly the kind of adventure, peace, and perspective we're often seeking.

Heide Brandes: And with National Park Week coming up from April 19th to the 27th, with free entry on April 19th, there is no better time to plan a visit.

Nicky Omohundro: And we've got some insider tips for you today on the trending parks for 2025, where to stay, and why you might want to consider planning your visit during the off season.

Heide Brandes: Plus we'll be sharing our personal favorites and dream destinations. I cannot wait to talk about Yosemite.

Nicky Omohundro: And I'll be gushing about Grand Teton for sure. First, let's talk about why national parks are such a treasure, especially for women in our age group.

Heide Brandes: So Nicky, I think one thing that makes National Parks so special for women over 45 is this sense of accomplishment you get, whether it's hiking up to a viewpoint you never thought you could reach, or simply driving through landscapes that take your breath away. It really reminds us that adventure doesn't have to have an expiration date.

Nicky Omohundro: That's very true, and there's something empowering about navigating these spaces on our own terms, whether we're traveling solo, with friends, or with family. You really can tailor your experience to exactly what you want: hiking or peaceful contemplation, luxury lodges or rustic camping. This is one of those things where you can choose your own adventure.

Heide Brandes: And I think there's a unique perspective we bring to these experiences at this stage in our lives. When I visited Yosemite for the first time in my very early forties, it was beautiful, but when I returned in my late forties, the majesty of El Capitan and the peace of those ancient sequoias hit me differently.

It was more profound somehow.

Nicky Omohundro: I know exactly what you mean. There's a deeper appreciation that comes with life experience at this point in our lives. We're not just checking something off a bucket list like we did when we were younger, but we're truly present in the moment and we're connecting with something larger than ourselves.

Heide Brandes: I feel that deep in my bones. And speaking of Yosemite, I have to say it remains one of my absolute favorite parks. Those towering granite cliffs, the waterfalls that thunder down in the spring, the meadows filled with wildflowers. It's like stepping into a cathedral of nature and the stars out there.

I had never ever seen stars like I did in Yosemite.

Nicky Omohundro: Yeah, I can see why it's your favorite. I know according to data that I saw from Campspot, Yosemite is actually the most searched national park for 2025.

Heide Brandes: Well, that doesn't surprise me at all. The views are unmatched, but I have to say my heart is also deeply attached to Denali in Alaska. It's grand. It is huge. It's mysterious. Have you ever been, Nicky?

Nicky Omohundro: No, I've been to Alaska and I've seen Denali from Anchorage, but I've never actually been into the National Park.

Heide Brandes: Ah, well, there's something that makes it very special. I had the chance to visit Denali National Park during the summertime one time, and the sheer scale of everything out there. Denali itself is the highest peak in North America. The wildlife is incredible. We saw grizzlies, we saw moose.

There are wolves out there, and it still breaks my heart that I haven't seen a wolf in the wild yet. And caribou roaming freely. There's this sense of true wilderness that's becoming increasingly rare in North America and the world, to be honest, and the vastness of it makes you feel tiny, yet incredibly connected to the earth at the same time.

If you get what I'm saying.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, I completely get it, and it sounds absolutely magical. I know when I was in Alaska, just in Anchorage, it was my first time of seeing a moose in the wild. You really don't understand how majestic and large these animals are until you are able to see it in person. It's just mind-boggling. And I think everyone needs to go to Alaska.

Period.

Heide Brandes: There's another national park in Alaska I am dying to go visit. When I was in Alaska in the deep winter, we passed by it, but it was not the best time to go.

And that's Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. It's in the Brooks Range of Northern Alaska, the northernmost mountain range in the United States. The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve covers nearly 8.5 million acres. That's a huge expanse of land that lies north of the Arctic Circle, and I cannot wait to visit it one day.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, that's amazing. Now, one of the national parks I did see when I was in Alaska was the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Heide Brandes: Yes.

Nicky Omohundro: And this comprises the Harding Ice Field and there are nearly 40 glaciers flowing from that ice field. It's amazing.

Heide Brandes: I've been there. We got to take the tour through the water to kind of see the glaciers from the water edge, and then we did this wonderful hike to the top of this mountain where you could just see for miles and miles. There's really something beautiful about Alaska, and I swear this isn't a podcast just about Alaska National Parks, but...

Nicky Omohundro: No.

Heide Brandes: ...they have some pretty stunning national parks.

Nicky Omohundro: Very true. Now, my favorite park is not in Alaska. It is actually Grand Teton National Park. The thing that I love about Grand Teton is those jagged peaks that reflect into the lakes below. There's absolutely nothing like it, and it's number four on the most searched list this year, and for good reason.

Heide Brandes: Well, I've never had the pleasure of going to Grand Tetons National Park, so tell me what you love most about it.

Nicky Omohundro: Well, it's the perfect combination of accessibility and wilderness. I went about 15 years ago for the very first time, and it was a road trip that we took and we saw different national parks through Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Suddenly there's these dramatic mountain ranges rising straight up from the valley floor. You know, it's not foothills like you have here in Oklahoma, but they're truly dramatic peaks. The lake is perfect for paddling, and the wildlife viewing is absolutely incredible, and it's just a short drive from Yellowstone. But the crowd difference is night and day. At Grand Teton, you don't feel like you're gonna be in a crowded area, whereas if you go just north into Yellowstone, you're surrounded by a hoard of people.

So that's really one of the things I loved best. The topography and geothermal features are very different, but as far as getting out and getting to explore, Grand Teton tops Yellowstone.

Heide Brandes: Yeah, and there's a reason Yellowstone is so popular. It's number two on the trending list for one. Yellowstone itself is magical and geologically, it's fascinating.

I love how you can experience so much diversity in that region. Not just Yellowstone, but Grand Tetons. Glacier's somewhere up there too, which I still have to go to. I love how you can experience so much diversity in that region. You can go to Yellowstone, see the geologic formations there and go to the Grand Tetons. I think Glacier National Park is up there and I've never been there. In fact, there's a lot of national parks I've never been to.

One of the ones I'm just obsessed with right now is Everglades National Park.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, wow. Now I know it made the list of the top 15 on the trending list for 2025.

Heide Brandes: Yeah, and it's so different from the mountain parks that I usually gravitate towards, but that's what makes it intriguing. It's this vast subtropical wilderness with incredible biodiversity. You got alligators, manatees, more than 350 species of birds. I'm really fascinated by the way the "river of grass" is actually a slow-moving river that's 50 miles wide, but only inches deep in some places.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, that's fantastic. And I think too, the Everglades, you're able to see it much differently than you could some of the mountainous parks, because you can hike it, you can kayak it...

Heide Brandes: Yes.

Nicky Omohundro: ...do the Everglades boats with the big fan on the back of it. There's a lot of different ways. I know Everglades sounds fascinating, I've never been either.

You talked a little bit about Glacier National Park and according to Campspot, that was number three on the trending list. I know it's been at the top of my list, both for summer and winter sports. You've got those Alpine Lakes, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the glaciers themselves, but sadly, a lot of that is changing and disappearing due to climate change.

Heide Brandes: Yeah, and I think that's something we need to talk about, the challenges our national parks are facing today.

Nicky Omohundro: You're right, Heide. And as much as we love celebrating these treasures, we really can't ignore the issues that are affecting them. The political climate and budget cuts in recent years, heck, even in recent months, have put immense pressure on our national park system.

Heide Brandes: I was talking with some of the people that represent Yosemite and they said there's been significant staffing shortages, maintenance backlogs, and the National Park Service itself currently has a maintenance backlog of over $22 billion.

With roads, trails, and facilities deteriorating. Meanwhile, visitor numbers keep going up.

Nicky Omohundro: One thing you didn't mention is the layoffs have meant fewer rangers to lead educational programs, protect the resources, and ensure visitor safety. It's concerning because these parks don't just protect natural wonders, but they also preserve our cultural heritage and scientific resources too.

Heide Brandes: Exactly. With climate change, parks are facing unprecedented challenges. From glaciers melting to increased wildfire risk to changing wildlife patterns, it's a tough time for our national parks.

Nicky Omohundro: I completely agree, and I think this is why our support as visitors is very crucial. We could say don't visit the national parks because staff isn't there, but I think we should visit the national parks, pay the entrance fees, and advocate for their protection.

They're contributing to our wellbeing, and we should contribute to their preservation for future years. It's one of those things we're not just taking something from our parents, but we're protecting it for our future generations.

Heide Brandes: The same lady I was talking to about Yosemite, she's like, please tell people to come visit us. We need the visitors. The visitors are what funds these parks, and one way to both improve your experience at national parks and reduce the strain on these parks: consider visiting during the off season.

Nicky Omohundro: That's a great point. The shoulder seasons can offer a completely different experience, and I think in my opinion, they actually offer a better one.

Heide Brandes: Take Yosemite in early spring, for example. The waterfalls are at their most spectacular as the snow melt feeds them, and there are far fewer crowds than you find in the summertime.

Nicky Omohundro: Yeah, and I know from personal experience Grand Teton in the fall, the Aspen trees turn their beautiful gold, the crowds thin out, and the wildlife are actually more active as they prepare for the winter months.

Heide Brandes: Most parks have their own rhythm and secret seasons. Yellowstone in winter is magical because the geysers create steam in the cold air and the wolves are easier to spot against the snow, even though I still haven't seen a wolf.

Nicky Omohundro: This is gonna be your year, just feel it.

Heide Brandes: I hope.

Nicky Omohundro: Then we have Acadia in late September after the summer crowds have left. Colors start to change and you can often have a sunrise on Cadillac Mountain almost to yourself.

Heide Brandes: That's up in Maine, right?

Nicky Omohundro: Yes, that is.

Heide Brandes: Okay. So for the hot weather parks like Everglades or Joshua Tree, winter is actually prime time. The temperatures are pleasant, and the wildlife is a lot more active.

Nicky Omohundro: That's such great advice, and I don't know if you knew, but I lived not too far from Joshua Tree a few years. I was just 20 minutes north of Joshua Tree.

Heide Brandes: Did you go often?

Nicky Omohundro: As often as my schedule would allow.

Heide Brandes: Okay, so share some tips about Joshua Tree because I know we have listeners who will likely be in Joshua Tree this summer, or fall, or spring.

Nicky Omohundro: I think a lot of people think Joshua Tree is not the place you wanna be during the summer months because it's hot.

Heide Brandes: Mm-hmm.

Nicky Omohundro: I don't mind the heat. I actually rather enjoy it. But if you're gonna do a hot park like that, go early in the morning. Plan to leave before sunrise, get into the park. Enjoy the sunrise while you're there. Do hikes.

I like to use something called All Trails. I will map out my hiking trail before I leave, download it to my phone with the paid version, and then just go. By late morning when the heat hits, we're back in the car and headed to do something else.

We talked a little bit about supporting the local parks during the year, but I think it's also important to highlight the communities around the parks.

Heide Brandes: Yes.

Nicky Omohundro: Businesses that are there year round. A lot of the national parks see the highest amount of visitors during the summer.

That's when local businesses make the majority of their money. So definitely get out into the communities, spend money with local businesses and support them. 'Cause I know they're gonna have a hard time this year as well.

Heide Brandes: It's a complete ecosystem, an economy. There are people whose whole livelihoods depend on national parks, but that doesn't mean that visiting national parks have to be expensive.

Nicky Omohundro: No, and I think it's worth noting that camping near national parks can make trips even more affordable.

Heide Brandes: You know what I love about camping near the parks? It extends the experience. You're not just visiting for a day, you're living in that landscape. You're waking up to those views, you're falling asleep under the stars, and it just brings this whole immersion to your national park experience.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, absolutely. And there's so many options these days. It's not your traditional tent camping anymore, which I find that's absolutely wonderful and I'm looking forward to it this summer. But there's RV resorts with amenities, glamping sites for those that want more comfort and luxury, even cabins at many campgrounds.

Heide Brandes: According to information from Campspot, there are fantastic options near all of the trending parks. For example, near Yosemite, you can stay at places like Indian Flat RV Park or Golden Pines RV Resort.

Nicky Omohundro: I know near Grand Teton, you've got great options like Sugar City RV Park in Idaho, Sky RV Resort. If you're not an experienced camper, some accommodationshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6gvsTWOYREC35p1q91yU7D?si=8ZNjw3sOT3ix2k0FAKfbgg can ease you into the experience.

Heide Brandes: I think that's a great important point for our listeners to know. You don't have to be a hardcore outdoors woman to enjoy these parks. There are experiences for every comfort level, every ability.

Nicky Omohundro: That's very true. And I will say if you're just getting started camping, check with your friends about borrowing some of their gear. You don't have to go out and buy a whole camping setup.

There are places like REI. I met a lady in Las Vegas that you can fly into Las Vegas, she will rent you everything you need to go camping, go to Grand Canyon. Use different campgrounds that have like a beginner setup already ready to go. I did one in Tennessee where the park ranger set it up. When we showed up, he showed me how to use it, how to do everything, and it was just a nightly fee. So it's really a one-stop shop, which is really nice.

Heide Brandes: There are also organizations that help beginner campers. We had a guest from Girl Camper on a couple months ago, and we'll link that podcast in the show notes here, but Girl Camper introduces women to camping. Maybe women who have never camped before or nervous about camping for the first time on their own.

And I know they're all over.

Nicky Omohundro: Yes they are. And that's a great way to do it if you're not sure, ask some people, check with campgrounds, see if there's any events. If you may wanna go solo, Girl Camper is great 'cause they have meetups all around the country.

Heide Brandes: Yeah.

Nicky Omohundro: Anyone and everyone is welcome to join them. Where you have an instant community of fellow women, outdoors people. It's kinda nice.

Heide Brandes: Yeah. If you don't like camping, girl, don't camp. Go get yourself a hotel. You know, stay in the RV. That's the thing. There are so many options at America's national treasures and these parks have a little bit of everything for anybody.

Nicky Omohundro: Right. When we talk about luxury glamping, there's companies like Under Canvas, which are near some of the major national parks where you can go and sleep in a safari tent in a four-poster bed with a potbelly stove and a gourmet meal every night. It does really run the gamut.

Or you can stay at a spa resort, you can stay at the Hilton. It's really up to you.

Heide Brandes: Yeah. And even when you're in these national parks, there's nothing to say you have to go take that long, arduous hike, or go on that crazy mountain biking trail. I mean, your experience in National Park can be geared to what you're interested in and your ability levels.

Nicky Omohundro: Right. If you want something kind of leisurely, there are parks like Acadia that have historic carriage roads that are perfect for leisurely walks.

Heide Brandes: Mm-hmm.

Nicky Omohundro: And then parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, which is number seven on the trending list. They offer scenic drives with pullouts for those who prefer to experience nature from the comfort of your car.

I was just in Great Smoky Mountains for the first time last fall, and I learned how to fly fish. I stayed at the new Embassy Suites by Hilton in Gatlinburg that had recently opened and was a really nice property, but they had an onsite recreation concierge, and they arranged the trip for us, took us out fly fishing, took us to do some hiking, and it was a really great experience.

So it's also one of those things where if you don't want to plan everything, you can choose a property or even an outdoor outfitter that will do the planning, the guiding, and leave it up to them. And that way you can just show up and enjoy your trip.

Heide Brandes: Yeah, that's really the most important thing is to get out there and experience these treasures in whatever way works for you.

Nicky Omohundro: These parks belong to all of us and there's no wrong way to enjoy them as long as we do so respectfully and leave no trace.

Heide Brandes: So for our listeners who might be inspired to plan a national park trip this year, what would be your top pieces of advice?

Nicky Omohundro: That's a great question. Well, first being me, I'm gonna say always do your research and plan ahead. You know, there's certain things to take into consideration. Many popular parks now require reservations for entry and specific attractions, especially during peak season.

Heide Brandes: Yeah, and I'll add consider starting with a park that matches your interests and comfort level. If you're new to outdoor adventures, maybe begin with a park known for its accessibility and varied experiences like Great Smoky Mountains or Acadia.

Nicky Omohundro: Yes, and I'd also recommend connecting with the park community before you go. There are wonderful Facebook groups, forums, and websites dedicated to specific parks where you can get insider tips and up-to-date information.

Heide Brandes: Don't be afraid to try something new. Maybe you've never kayaked before, but paddling through the mangroves in the Everglades might be the perfect place to start. Or perhaps you've always wanted to try stargazing and you've never done it before. Well, Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bend National Park...

Both those offer some of the darkest skies in the country, and they usually have stargazing events and tours.

Nicky Omohundro: That's very true and I love that. I actually have an article on Little Family Adventure about Joshua Tree, specifically on stargazing.

Heide Brandes: Go check out our site folks.

Nicky Omohundro: I'll be sure to drop the link. But National Parks are the perfect place for gentle adventure and pushing your boundaries a little. And remember, like we've said, you don't have to do it all in one trip. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences come from getting to know just one small area of the park rather than trying to see everything in a matter of days.

Heide Brandes: Oh, that's so true. Finally, I'd say document your experience, not just with photos either, but perhaps keep a journal. There's something really special about reflecting on these magnificent places and how they made you feel, and you can share that with your friends, your grandkids, your children.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, definitely. And perhaps more importantly, you can connect with other women who share your interests. There are wonderful groups like Women Who Hike, that organize group trips, provide support for women who are exploring the outdoors.

Heide Brandes: Okay. We're gonna have to wrap up. So let's remind our listeners about National Park Week. National Park Week is April 19th through 27th. They have free entrance on April 19th at all national parks, but it's still the perfect time to go explore a nearby park or plan a future adventure.

Nicky Omohundro: If you're planning further ahead, remember that there are still five fee-free days throughout the year, plus the America the Beautiful annual pass. That's a great value if you plan to visit multiple parks.

You can actually get it at REI. They will also make a donation to a charitable organization, same price as you would buy it in the park.

Heide Brandes: That's awesome.

Nicky Omohundro: Mm-hmm.

Heide Brandes: And we can't forget to express our gratitude to the National Park Service staff who work tirelessly to preserve these treasures for future generations, especially now with limited resources.

Nicky Omohundro: Definitely. They're truly heroes and as visitors, we can all do our part by practicing leave no trace principles. Staying on trails, respecting wildlife from a distance, not trying to pet the fluffy cows, and being patient and kind to both staff and fellow visitors.

Heide Brandes: Yep. The ladies from the Yosemite area gave a great tip. They said, if you're out on a hike, bring one of those canvas bags with you and pick up trash. It's a simple way to help your national park and it helps the overworked park rangers and staff do their jobs a little easier as well. Then you feel like you have a little bit of ownership in the caretaking of the park you're visiting.

Nicky Omohundro: Oh, definitely. And national parks truly are our shared heritage, and they're a gift that we've given ourselves as a nation. Never been a better time for women in our season of life to experience them.

Heide Brandes: They offer us adventure, peace, perspective, and connection. All the things that become even more precious as we grow older and wiser. So to all our listeners, especially the women over 45 who might be wondering if these adventures are for them, we say emphatically, yes, these parks are waiting for you and you deserve to experience their wonder.

Nicky Omohundro: We'd love to hear about your national park experiences or the dreams you have of visiting one in the future. Connect with us on social media at @UntetheredWanderWise on Instagram. Or email us at Untetheredwanderwise@gmail.com.

Heide Brandes: So thank you for joining us today on this journey through America's Crown Jewels. Until next time, stay untethered and wander wise.

Nicky Omohundro: Happy Trails, friends.