Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/74547
Beat the heat Refreshing splash Sprawled over more than 70 acres, Noah's Ark Water Park boasts 49 waterslides, two wave pools, two "endless rivers" and more. Truck parking available, but limited, and not overnight. $33.99+tax. Take Exit 89 off I-90 in Wisconsin. 1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 53965. Visit NoahsArkWaterPark.com. Urban frying pan On average, America's hottest city is Yuma, Ariz. • Average Jun-Aug high: 104.3° • Average number of 100°+ days/year: 114 days • All-time record high: 124° (July 28, 1995) Mountain magic The cool, bell-shaped Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, N.M., is the perfect place for a heat-beating dip. The 81-foot-deep artesian spring-fed pool has a constant averages 64 degrees. Swimming is free, and bathroom facilities are on site. The Blue Hole is also one of the nation's most popular scuba diving spots (permit required). It is located on Blue Hole Road about one mile south of I-40 at Exit 275. Visit SantaRosaNM.org Desert oasis A 20-mile drive off Exit 86 of Interstate 40 in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains still leaves you plenty of time to explore the many attractions of the Little Switzerland community. Dress appropriately for outdoor activities, which include visiting the Grassy Creek Waterfall and hiking Crabtree Falls. Because of the 3,000-plus-foot elevation, the average high in August is only 76 degrees. Visit LittleSwitzerlandNC.com. SWEET TREAT TIPS FOR HOT WEATHER If you ever drive around Wyoming, you've no doubt seen the billboards for the Little America Hotel & Resort Travel Center 50-cent ice cream cones. August is as good a time as any to fi nally try that vanilla soft-serve! • Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you're exposed to the sun more than a few minutes. • Wear UV-protective sunglasses. Polarized glasses help remove glare. • Check UV index at Weather.com. If levels are moderate or high, wear light, loose clothing over arms to protect them while driving. • Drink water to prevent dehydration. Make the most of your downtime by visiting these truck-friendly spots to cool off. August 2012 | Overdrive | 55 Weather.com