Barbecue Central in Santa Maria Valley
Experience an affordable California food and wine getaway.
Author
Tori Peglar
Tori (she/her) is the former co-brand and content director of National Park Trips. She specializes in writing inspiring national park travelogues, foodie adventures and personal, heartfelt stories of people who shape our culture.
In 2018, Tori was recognized for her work with National Park Journal, winning three first-place awards for the Grand Canyon edition of the magazine. Later the same year, Tori was honored as a Folio: 100, a list of the top innovators, entrepreneurial thinkers, and industry-disruptors in magazine media.
Before joining National Park Trips, Tori worked for her alma mater as director of marketing for the CU-Boulder Alumni Association, developing and executing campaigns for national and local events and programs. She led an award-winning creative team of six and served as editor of the Coloradan magazine, which won two first-place national awards in 2011 and 2014 for magazine excellence, as well as two regional first-place awards and a second-place award in 2011-14.
Tori’s travels have taken her across the globe and she has lived in Hong Kong, Kenya, Ecuador and Nepal. Some of her favorite national park experiences are hiking the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, taking the trail down to the Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, snowshoeing to Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone and doing Rocky Mountain’s East Inlet Trail with her family. When she’s not in search of a story, she loves spending time with her family and skiing, running, biking, backpacking and traveling.
My Stories
Don’t Hit the Dirt Roads or Trails without Gaia GPS Maps
Avoid getting lost on remote dirt roads and gorgeous trails when you use Gaia GPS.
Drowning Danger in Yosemite National Park’s Waters
Yosemite has many wild waterfalls, rivers and streams, causing visitors who are unprepared and don't heed the posted warning signs to get into trouble.
The Living History of Yosemite’s Buffalo Soldiers
Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson brings to life the stories of the Black soldiers who served as the park’s first rangers.
Narrated Driving Tour Apps by GuideAlong
Listen to an entertaining guide that automatically tells you stories about where you are while you drive.
Channel Islands National Park
The American Galapagos
How Yosemite Came to Be
Pull back the curtains of history from the Miwok people to the establishment of the national park.
True Getaway at Evergreen Lodge near Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy
Looking to take a deep breath and disconnect?
Can I Bring My Dog to Yosemite National Park?
For the most part, pets are not allowed on any trails, minus these few exceptions. Dog food must be stored in bear proof containers.
Columbia State Historic Park
Experience the Wild West, drink Sarsaparilla and take a stagecoach ride.
Yosemite Webcams and Virtual Experiences
You don’t have to visit to Yosemite to see the majestic sight of water tumbling down Yosemite Falls, to visit the top of North Dome or hear its rangers speak.
Why Reusable Water Bottles Are Important
Here are 5 tips from EcoVessel on why drinking water from a reusable water bottle is so essential both on and off the trail.
Dive Deep into Bay Culture at 9 San Francisco Gems
Spend longer time at fewer places for a deep dive.
Harboring Fun in Oxnard, Calif.
In Oxnard, locals like to take time to coast. Take their advice with these three top things to do.
Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias in Yosemite
HIke two trails to remote groves.
Starstruck by Railtown 1897’s Hollywood Locomotive
Climb aboard and be pulled by Baldwin locomotive, Sierra No. 28, a newly restored steam locomotive at the Sierra Railway.
Experience Lasting Adventures in Yosemite
Choose from a guided day hike, backpacking trip or summer camp from this longtime Yosemite guiding company.
Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Reopened June 2018
After nearly three years of restoration and construction, the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite reopened on June 15, 2018.