50 states, 35 national parks, no permanent home: You’re too old for that

“You’re Too Old For That” is a regular series that explores inspiring activities being pursued by those over 50 years old who feel you’re never too old to do what lights you up.

Walt Meyer had just turned 60 when the pandemic hit. During the lockdown, he saw several friends and relatives die — one from Covid, the rest from other causes — while others began to face serious health problems. Many of those he lost or saw struggling were younger than him. The losses made an impact; if there were places he wanted to see or things he wanted to do at this stage of his life, he had to stop waiting and get moving.

So, Meyer began taking long road trips, and he hasn’t stopped moving. He’s now been to all 50 states and 35 national parks. And, well, he happily no longer has a permanent address he calls home.

Meyer’s Big Adventures

Meyer knew he wanted to kick things off but wasn’t sure where to go or how to start. That all changed in 2022 when a writer friend posted on Facebook that he was working in Grand Teton National Park that summer and there was an opening for a night auditor.

“I had visited Grand Teton for a few days the previous year and loved it,” Meyer said. “Other than working there, how else could I afford to stay in that beautiful place for months? I took the job. And once I got in motion, I have stayed in motion ever since. The following year, 2023, I had enough writing projects to keep money flowing in for a while, and I could live and write much more cheaply in Lisbon or Tenerife or Bulgaria than in San Diego (where I had been living). So I got to experience a lot of Europe. In 2024, I again took a job in a national park for the summer — Denali — and while in Alaska, I hit four of the other parks in the 49th state. This summer, I returned to Grand Teton.”

His Favorite Destination

Since he started traveling, Meyer, now 67, has been to Europe, all 50 U.S. states and 35 national parks. When asked what his favorite destination has been so far, he didn’t hesitate.

“I have spent the most time in Grand Teton National Park, and it is still my favorite. It has the best of everything. Breathtaking scenery. Lots of opportunities to see wildlife. A variety of hikes for all abilities. Beautiful lakes to hike around or kayak on. I am sure I will keep finding my way back there forever.”

Bold and Risky Decision Making

“I suppose all of the other risks — to drive to Alaska via the Yukon and Alcan Highways, to drive north of the Arctic Circle and hike alone in Gates of the Arctic National Park, to fly around Alaska in small planes — all are extensions of the boldest decision I made, which was to just start going for it,” Meyer said.

He explained that once he made the decision to start exploring the world, he got rid of his place, his furniture and many smaller items. Now, everything he owns fits neatly in about one-quarter of a friend’s garage.

“If things had not worked out to get jobs along the way and to be able to keep traveling, it would have been a challenge to put my life back together — acquire a place, furniture, etc. But a musician friend of mine once described the risks he takes in his life and career as, ‘I have always believed in jumping out of the airplane and having the confidence I could stitch a parachute on the way down.’”

What Has Surprised Him Most About His New Lifestyle

Meyer said he’s much more adaptable than he thought because he’s able to pivot as needed when plans involving accommodations or destinations change. He also realized he’s much more resourceful than he gave himself credit for.

“When standing on a train platform in a country where I can’t read the language on the signs and there is no one else to ask, I have been able to figure things out,” he explained. “I had to.”

Meyer added that his new lifestyle also has been very freeing.

People often say, ‘Yeah, traveling is fun, but won’t you be glad to get home and sleep in your own bed?’ I am now okay with not having a real home or bed of my own. It is liberating in its own way.”

How He Views Aging After 60

Meyer admitted that he’s never acted his age. He said most of his friends are decades younger in their 20s and 30s. He said that he watched his parents and their friends fade away in a retirement home and decided long ago that he wasn’t going to follow the same path.

“What has changed is my notion of what I am still capable of,” he said. “I have kept up with a 19-year-old on a 13-mile hike up Cascade Canyon. I have hiked up Lassen Peak alone on a very hot day. I have hiked alone across the tundra with wolves and bears around. There were many days walking around Europe that I was surprised to look at my phone and see I had walked 15 miles. (“The cathedral is only two kilometers. Let’s just walk there.” And by the end of the day, I had covered miles.)

However, he does know his limitations.

“I am not going to climb the Grand Teton ever, and I have accepted that certain things like that are beyond me, but as long as I keep in shape, I am ready to keep challenging myself to try new things and see new places and keep going as long as I can,” he said.

Meyer’s Message to Those Who Think They’re Too Old

Meyer’s adventures are making a positive impact on his peers. He said that friends and friends-of-friends who’ve read of his adventures and seen his photos on Facebook have contacted him to say he’s inspired them to do the same.

“Why say ‘someday’ and think about it when none of us know how many years we have left at 80 … or 40,” said Meyer.

And for those who have physical limitations, that doesn’t mean it’s a dealbreaker. Meyer said a friend-of-a-friend who’s a few years older than him messaged him that he realized he could go out and experience the world because Meyer had inspired him. The gentleman explained to Meyer that while hiking or walking long distances is not in the cards for him at this stage, he did book a train ride across Canada.

“I encourage anyone to assess where they are — if those limitations are physical, a river cruise or a bus trip might be better than a hiking adventure,” Meyer said. “If those restrictions are monetary, get a job in a national park or find some remote work that allows a Paris café to be your office. At almost any age, there are ways to keep living and not succumb to ‘being old.’’’

Are you doing something inspiring? Do you know someone who is pursuing a passion in their older years? If you or someone you know is 50 years old or older and should have their inspiring story told, please email the editors at Nifty 50+