Four of the most secluded places to explore across America
America is a place full of contrasts – bustling, ultra-modern cities as well as remote wildernesses that are home to more animals than humans. While the excitement and variety of city life is appealing to many – or perhaps for a short period of time – finding America’s secluded spots is one of the best ways to experience the heart of this beautiful country. You can explore at your own pace, marvel at the natural wonders of the landscape, and breathe in the fresh air, coming home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
America is a big country, and as such, there’s plenty of amazing secluded places to explore. But if you’re looking for inspiration before you book your trip, here are four to start you off.
Death Valley, California
Despite the less-than-appealing name, Death Valley is actually very beautiful. Famous for its dry, arid landscape and soaring temperatures, the trick to a successful trip here is getting your timing right; according to travel experts, November to March tend to be the best months for exploring, particularly if you’re hoping to hike.
With scenic vistas such as the Ubehebe Crater, Mosaic Canyon, Darwin Falls (an oasis that’s hidden away in the desert), and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, it’s easy to escape the crowds that clutter some of the more easily accessible national parks and enjoy all this natural beauty in peace and quiet.
Pro tip: Bring layers. Even in the desert, mornings and evenings can cool off quickly. The Coalatree Evolution Hoodie is a perfect companion—breathable, packable, and made from recycled coffee grounds.
Frank Church Wilderness, Idaho
As the largest contiguous federally-managed wilderness in the US (outside of Alaska), the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to secluded spots to explore.
It’s also sometimes called the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, but don’t let that name put you off. The term originated from the tricky conditions the river provided for the salmon fishermen, but there are plenty of safe camping locations to choose from that allow you to explore this beautiful area. Wilderness rules actually prohibit groups larger than 20 without prior permission, so there’s no risk of your peaceful moment being overrun by a big group.
The remote location and park restrictions can make it difficult to get to Frank Church Wilderness, so make sure to do your research rather than just deciding to set off yourself. You may need to book with a local guide to truly get the best experience and ensure your comfort and safety. Trust us, it will be worth the effort.
What to pack: Durable gear is essential when you're far from civilization. The Trailhead Pants from Coalatree are water-resistant, tear-resistant, and stretch in all the right places—perfect for rugged trails and cold mornings by the river.
Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska
Alaska is the great wilderness of America, with more than 90% of National Park land in the state being designated as a protected wilderness. As the first designated state park in Alaska, Kachemak Bay encompasses over 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, ocean, and forest, making it the perfect place to find solitude and reap the benefits of nature. It’s a haven for wildlife, acting as a home for seals, sea otters, whales, bears, moose, mountain goats, and eagles, amongst many other species.
Bear in mind that you can only access Kachemak Bay by boat or airplane, so you’ll need to book your trip in advance. You can pick up a water taxi from Homer, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the boats are even outfitted to carry kayaks across so you can explore the park from the water.
Adventure essentials: With limited access to shelter, bring gear that works as hard as you do. The Kachula Adventure Blanket is water-resistant, transforms into a poncho, and even doubles as a travel pillow—perfect for long boat rides or warming up after a chilly paddle.
Boundary Waters, Minnesota
As the name suggests, Boundary Waters is an area that is plentiful when it comes to tranquil waters. Consisting of 1,100 lakes that collectively create 1,200 miles of interconnected water, Boundary Waters stretches from the northern US all the way to Canada. This vast coverage makes it the largest wilderness area west of the Rocky Mountains.
It’s also a ‘Dark Sky sanctuary’, giving you the chance to leave light pollution behind and enjoy some truly stunning night skies, including the Aurora Borealis. To get the most out of a trip here, try to arrange to stay for a few days – there’s no way you can truly appreciate it in one. Fortunately, unlike many other secluded destinations, Boundary Waters is easily accessible, so you don’t have to be a confident mountain climber to explore here.
Rest under the stars: Sleep under the night sky in style and comfort. The Puffy Kachula Blanket is insulated, weather-resistant, and snaps into a sleeping bag or wearable wrap. Ideal for those long evenings stargazing on the lakeshore.
An Adventurous Spirit
Stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking out more secluded locations is one of the best ways to truly see all sides of America. While the hustle and bustle of the cities has its place in your itinerary, it’s only when you lie back and look at the stars that you can truly appreciate the world around you.
With a few smart gear choices from Coalatree, you can turn any trip into a more comfortable, sustainable, and memorable adventure.
