top of page
PLAN MY TRIP

One Adventurer's Lone Journey Against the Wind to See the National Parks.




In the golden glow of a San Francisco sunset, Jonathan Baker straddled a rented motorcycle with the goal of seeing as much of the nearby beauty as he could in the weekend, not knowing that the twist of the throttle would kickstart an odyssey—traversing the wonders of America's National Parks. From the breezy coastal lanes to the towering redwoods, those initial 48 hours became the overture to a journey etched in tire marks and the echoes of freedom.


Q: What inspired you to embark on this epic journey of visiting all the national parks on a motorcycle?


Jonathan: I was on a work trip in San Francisco and decided to rent a motorcycle over the weekend to check out a bit of the coast. I had always heard people talk about the PCH and had always wanted to see redwood trees. During the 48 hours I had the bike, I put about 900 miles on the engine because the scenery was so breathtaking I just couldn't quit riding. My next trips were planned around some National Parks around my home state of Utah, and from there the goal emerged to eventually ride through all of them.


What started as a weekend escapade trasnformed into an audacious goal—to traverse the nation, visiting every national park he could on his motorcycle.


Q: Can you share some of your most memorable experiences during this adventure?


Jonathan: Being on Kona during the eruption of Manua Loa was incredible. Talk about good timing! During one of the few nights the lava flow wasn’t hidden by the clouds, I rode up. Ash was hitting me in the face with the visor being up, and I was awestruck by the power and beauty of nature.


Q: Did you have a favorite national park that stood out from the rest, and if so, what made it special?


Jonathan: Kings Canyon really shocked me, mostly because I had never really heard of it before planning the trip. It had elements of Yosemite and Sequoia, all in one. I loved the smells of the pines and a small hike I did where I was able to observe a black bear play with her two new cubs.


Every adventure has its challenges and Jonathan's was no different. Between blown tires, broken chains, and raindrops pelting against his visor, the road wasn't just a source of joy; it was a testing ground, challenging not only his bike's resilience but his own.


Q: Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?


Jonathan: Flat tire, blown tire, broken chain, torrential rain and near-freezing Temperatures. Sometimes had to improvise, other times the only option was to call AAA.


On a motorcycle, nature isn't a distant tableau viewed through a windshield, it's an immersive experience. The smells, the temperature changes, the wind—it's not just a ride, it's a sensory feast. Exploring on his motorcycle created completely different experiences in each of the parks, even to those he had been to before.


Q: Traveling on a motorcycle is quite different from other modes of travel. How did it shape your experience and connection with nature?


Jonathan: On a motorcycle, the scenery isn't framed in by a windshield so everything just appears bigger. While you are on a bike you are literally outside in nature, noticing all of the temperature changes, different smells, and feeling the wind. I had driven through Yellowstone several times in a car, I was shocked the first time I drove through on my bike, at how different and new of an experience it was.


Each pit stop, each interaction, and each park became a chapter in the book of Jonathan's adventure. From the sprawling vistas of Carlsbad Caverns to the icy wilderness of Denali, each place imprinted itself on his memory. Jonathan became more than a tourist but started to dig deep roots into the fabric of his surroundings. These trips helped him realize that this journey was more than a bucket list; it became one of the most impactful decisions he has made in his life.


Q: Can you share a heartwarming or enlightening interaction you had with locals?


Jonathan: Once while filling up with gas, a older gentleman asked where I was from and where I was headed and explained that when he was younger he did a similar journey. He asked if he could pray for me and when I said yes, he put one hand on my head and one hand on my bike and said a prayer for me to be safe and to "ride with the angels." I didn't really know what that meant but I was touched by how much he cared about me, being a complete stranger. That was near Durango, Colorado.


The journey wasn’t just a perpetual ride; it was nights under starlit canopies, sometimes in designated camping spots, other times in the nooks and crannies that only a seasoned traveler could find.


Q: Did you ever camp within the national parks, and if so, what was it like to spend the night in these natural wonders?


Jonathan: Yes - during Covid one of the park rangers at Carlsbad Caverns said he wanted me to set up my bed on a scenic overlook so that I could watch the sunrise over the valley. It wasn't a designated camp spot, but he said he would be the only one on patrol that night and I had his permission. That was awesome. Also those bats are insane!

 

Q: Your story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. What advice would you offer to others considering a similar adventure? 


Jonathan: Make sure you have all the tools and skills you need to solve any mechanical issue you might face, especially if you are riding alone. Invest in AAA and carry a Satellite phone. Check in with friends/family or share your location so that people can follow you on your journey. Always carry some wet wipes and zip-lock bags in case of an emergency lol.


Q: What kind of preparation and planning went into a multi-year road trip to visit all the national parks?


Jonathan: I really only had to plan about 10 days at a time, and a lot of the planning was just figuring out the order of the parks that I wanted to hit. I never planned on where I would sleep or what I would eat, but would figure it out as I went. Usually I'd sleep next to the bike and just eat gas station food. The most planning I had to do was when I went to the east coast and had to store the bike in a storage unit for a month so I could fly home for a few months and go back to work before continuing that leg of the journey.


Jonathan had to push boundaries to accomplish this huge feat, it became a delicate balancing act. With only two weeks of vacation per year, this meant pushing his limits--riding for 12 to 14 hours to maximize park time and see them all.


Q: How did your journey impact your perspective on conservation and the importance of preserving these natural spaces?


Jonathan: I've always been a big proponent of conservation, these trips just made me appreciate the natural spaces more than ever. Wish there could be more law enforcement to keep people on trails and away from wildlife.


Each park had its own character, a unique piece in the mosaic of America's wild beauty. From the grandeur of Rainier to the misty allure of Olympic, each stop was its own adventure.


Q: What Parks would you go back to see again?


Jonathan: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite (smells) Smoky Mtns, Glacier, Olympic, Acadia, Death Valley.


Now, as the dust settles, Jonathan has a new chapter to write. A chapter that involves sharing the wonders he discovered with family and friends.


Q: What's next on your adventure bucket list?


Jonathan: Take family and friends to the national parks to enjoy them together now.



One mile, one park... these moments add up and the numbers underpin this epic tale. What would it look like to traverse the nation, visit every national park, and live the dream of the open road?


Miles:

  • Over 12,000 miles traveled

Hours on Motorcycle:

  • Over 155 hours logged

Hotel (when used):

  • approx. $125 a night

Fuel:

  • At $5,000 for fuel, with 250 fill-ups at 40 mpg

Food:

  • Approximately $3,000 for food, a mix of gas station snacks and canned goods

Motorcycle:

  • A KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Supplies:

  • Tools for the bike, a satellite phone for connectivity,pannier, and essentials like wet wipes and zip-lock bags



Jonathan's journey wasn’t just about visiting parks; it was about getting to know America, intimately. Each park, each town, each interaction contributed to a deeper understanding of the country he calls home.


From the Bay Area's cool breeze to the epic heights of the Smoky Mountains, from the fiery spectacle of a Hawaiian eruption to the deep crevices of the Grand Canyon, Jonathan's journey was a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure, resilience, and a love for the open road. Much of the experience Jonathan gained can't be taught/learned any other way than going out and becoming apart of it.


His motorcycle, more than a mode of transport, became a conduit connecting him to the pulse of America. As his wheels traced the contours of the land, Jonathan's epic adventures continue to echo through the canyons--a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most profound stories are written not with pens and paper but with the hum of engines and the winding roads of the great American landscape.







Follow for more of Jonathan's epic adventures.

Best sellers

National Park Framed Posters

T Shirt

Modern Maverick: Saddlebags, Scenery, and the Spirit of the Parks

Jul 23, 2024

Search

ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Updated: May 17, 2023


BAR HARBOR ITINERARY: Exploring the Charm of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine


Welcome to a unique and unforgettable excursion that combines the natural wonders of Acadia National Park with the charm of Bar Harbor, Maine. This itinerary is designed for those with a few days to spare, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park while experiencing the quaint allure of the seaside town.


Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.


Begin your adventure in Bar Harbor, where you'll discover a delightful array of shops and boutiques nestled in the heart of two parks: Village Green and Agamont Park. Take your time to wander through the town, indulging in window shopping and savoring the quirkiness and character that Bar Harbor has to offer.


Next, embark on a thrilling whale watching tour. It's best to schedule this early in your itinerary to avoid weather-related cancellations. The renowned "Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co." is the go-to company for these tours, offering a chance to witness majestic creatures such as Puffins, Seals, Fin Whales, and Humpback Whales. As a bonus, you'll also get to admire a lighthouse perched on a nearby island—a sight that shouldn't be missed.


While in Bar Harbor, make sure to visit Bar Island. During low tide, a sandbar emerges, allowing you to walk across to this small island and explore its hidden treasures.

For breathtaking coastal views, take a leisurely stroll along the Shore Path. Start at either Wayman Lane or Agamont Park and revel in the picturesque scenery of the coast, islands, and bay.


To add a touch of luxury and create lasting memories, consider renting a bike. Pedal your way through town, enjoying the fresh air and taking in the sights of Bar Harbor at a relaxed pace.


From Bar Harbor, it's a short 10-minute drive to Acadia National Park. Begin your park exploration with some of its most notable highlights:

  1. Hiking Beehive: This exhilarating trail is not for the faint of heart. Challenge yourself as you navigate granite boulders, ladders, and iron rungs. Though it requires some effort, the reward of reaching the top is truly worth it. To beat the crowds and the heat, start your hike early in the morning.

  2. Looking for a more serene hike with spectacular views? Try the "Great Head Trail," located near Sand Beach. This mostly flat trail offers a tranquil experience amidst breathtaking scenery.

  3. Don't miss the iconic Park Loop Road, a one-way route that winds along the coast, treating you to mesmerizing ocean views. Be sure to make stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs—each offering its own unique beauty.

  4. Venture to Jordan Pond, where you can hike the Jordan Pond Path, Jordan Cliffs Trail, and the trail to Bubble Rock. The Jordan Pond Path is an easy loop trail, while the Jordan Cliffs Trail is an exhilarating iron rung trail that leads to Penobscot Mountain's Cliffs (usually closed during the summer). Bubble Rock is a must-see attraction that can be reached by a short hike or by driving and parking nearby.


 

For dining options and to refuel, consider visiting Jordan Pond House (although slightly pricey) or the small convenience store located above the gift shop.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Cadillac Mountain at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and sunset. The mountain offers a paved trail that loops around its peak, providing easy access to breathtaking panoramic views. Take your time driving up, as there are several roadside stops that offer different viewpoints to enjoy.



 

If you have an extra day, consider engaging in sea kayaking or rock climbing. You can rent sea kayaks from either National Park Sea Kayak tours or Coastal Kayaking tours, each offering unique experiences and routes to explore. For rock climbing enthusiasts, Acadia Mountain Guides at Pebble Beach and Otter Cliffs are ready to assist you in embarking on thrilling climbing adventures.


And let's not forget the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park, which provide a fantastic opportunity for biking enthusiasts. Rent a bike and cruise along these picturesque paths, immersing yourself in the park's beauty while enjoying the serenity of nature.


For those seeking a more detailed checklist or itinerary for Acadia National Park, whether you have a few hours, a full day, or an entire week, be sure to check out "Plan Your Trip to Acadia National Park." This resource will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don't miss any of the park's incredible attractions.


Remember to plan your trip according to the seasons. If you're visiting during the winter, consider starting your journey in the southern regions and gradually making your way north. On the other hand, if you're exploring during the summer, begin in the northern areas and work your way south. This strategic approach allows you to optimize your experience while taking advantage of the best weather conditions.

When it comes to budget-friendly accommodations, Bar Harbor offers a range of options, including cozy bed and breakfasts, comfortable motels, and affordable campgrounds. Research and compare prices to find the best fit for your budget and preferences.


As you embark on your national park road trip, keep in mind that flexibility is key. Weather conditions, park regulations, and unexpected events may require adjustments to your itinerary. Stay informed, check for park updates, and be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly.


So, grab your map, pack your essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure along the national park road trip of a lifetime. Whether you're seeking breathtaking views, thrilling hikes, or tranquil moments in nature, this journey through Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine, promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.


Note: It is always important to respect and follow park rules and guidelines, practice Leave No Trace principles, and prioritize safety during your visit to national parks.



Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.


All rights reserved © My National Parks Adventure. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited, by human or A.I.

Commentaires

ABOUT

CONTACT

TERMS OF USE

MY NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE

© 2014-23 My National Parks Adventure All rights reserved.

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Facebook Icon

ADVERTISE

PRIVACY

"ONE CAN'T SEEK THE THRILL WITHOUT THE JOURNEY." - MARK TWAIN

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

  • Twitter
  • Youtube

DISCLOSURE

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

​

My National Parks Adventure is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com.

Join the Adventurers

Be the first to know about favorite gear, places, and events

bottom of page