At 68 years old, Elaine completed her goal of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks—finishing her journey with Adventures in Good Company in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her final stop marked not just a personal milestone, but a celebration of the adventurous spirit we hold dear at AGC: the belief that it's never too late to chase a dream, that confidence grows with each mile, and that time in nature—especially when shared—is transformative. From childhood camping trips to solo hikes and small-group AGC adventures, Elaine’s story reminds us of the power of curiosity, community, and wild places to change our lives for the better.
Where the Journey Began
Growing up, Elaine’s family embraced budget-friendly summer road trips, winding their way through the scenic landscapes of the U.S. Their first National Park visit was to Shenandoah, which sparked a deep and lasting connection for Elaine to the National Park system.
“As a child, being out in the woods was my happy place,” Elaine recalls. “I loved learning about the history of the parks and the people who had come before us.”
That early joy never faded. It stayed with her through the years as she raised her children, built a career, and eventually took to the road full-time in her RV with one ambitious goal: to visit every national park in the United States. Those early family road trips left a lasting impression, as today, Elaine continues to go on road trips to scenic parks across the country.
What Inspired Her National Park Goal
Elaine credits three key influences that inspired her quest to visit all 63 National Parks.
First was her mother, a trailblazing traveler in the 1940s who instilled a sense of adventure early on. Second were the AGC guides and trips that helped build confidence and deeper curiosity.
“My first AGC trip was to Greece in 2009. It was exhilarating to go hiking every day in beautiful settings and meet local people,” Elaine said. “There were moments on each trip where I felt challenged and a bit out of my comfort zone, but the guides were very reassuring. AGC trips were what built my confidence and resilience.”
Elaine’s third key influence was the community of women she met on AGC trips—women who offered support, inspiration, and practical know-how.
“When I met women 15–20 years older than me still out there killing it on the trails—I thought, if they can do it, so can I,” Elaine said.
How AGC Helped Fuel the Journey
AGC wasn’t just a travel company for Elaine—it was a catalyst. Her first trip in 2009 to Greece lit the fire, and each experience since added fuel. Whether it was learning geology in Death Valley or navigating group dynamics in Cuba, Elaine took mental notes from AGC guides and used them to structure her own solo adventures.
“The trips were exhilarating, but also educational. I studied how they were put together and how the guides handled challenges, it helped me grow my own skills.”
Even the idea to live in an RV came during an AGC trip to Mongolia. A fellow traveler mentioned camp hosting, and a new chapter in Elaine’s journey was born.
Favorite Parks? Too Many to Count.
When asked her favorite park, Elaine couldn’t choose. And honestly? We get it. Each park is so unique from the next.
“How would you ever compare Dry Tortugas to Glacier? They’re just so different while providing significant learning and physical experiences.”
She loved iconic parks like Glacier, Zion, and Yosemite but also found joy in lesser-known gems like Bandelier National Monument and Escalante-Grand Staircase. She was continually surprised by the diversity of the parks, the depth of their stories, and the wildlife encounters she had—from moose swimming across lakes to manatees snorting behind her kayak.
Travel Lessons from a Life on the Road
Elaine’s experiences hiking solo and with AGC have taught her how to approach the trail confidently and carefully.
“People always ask me if I’m scared to hike alone,” she says. “But I don’t just pull up to a park and wander off.”
Elaine shared that she prepares thoroughly for solo adventures, studying maps, checking weather forecasts, packing extra gear, and leaving detailed trail logs in her truck. She carries a Garmin InReach satellite device and even sends updates to her kids before and after hikes.
“All this planning is one of the big differences between hiking on my own versus with a group. But I learned so much of it through AGC.”
Her time with AGC also sharpened her instincts and expanded her trail knowledge, from spotting bear scat to picking up gear tips and navigation skills from guides and fellow travelers.
“There are definitely times when there’s safety in numbers,” she says, recalling moments when other hikers helped her navigate bear encounters in Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks. “And beyond the safety, I really do miss the camaraderie of hiking with a group. Other people notice things I’d miss. I try new activities. And let’s be honest—it’s a treat to have someone else handle the driving, the meals, and the logistics.”
For Elaine, solo hiking is empowering—but traveling with AGC brings connection, variety, and ease. “With AGC, I just show up and know I’m in good hands.”
Ready to Begin Your Own National Park Journey?
Though she’s checked all 63 parks off her list, Elaine isn’t slowing down.
“I may have checked all the boxes, but I’m not done yet,” Elaine ensures us. “I will go back to some of the parks that I just didn’t get enough of previously or visit at another time of year because the experience will be different. I can’t recommend this kind of travel more highly.”
Elaine’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to start something big and that every park, every trail, and every connection along the way is part of something greater.
So, whether you dream of visiting every park or simply trying your first group hike, let Elaine’s story remind us that the wild places we visit shape us, and the trail is always better with good company. Book your next National Park adventure with us!
