Uncovering The Best National Park Destinations
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Traveler, would you like to laze by majestic mountains, stare into colossal glaciers, gaze into steep canyons, or play hide-and-seek with waterfalls? Swing by one of the US national parks sprinkled across the country, for they have them all. Crane, your neck, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. You are now in a state of relaxation. Straighten your back, survey your surroundings, and fix your gaze upon the mapped area. You are now ready for your life-changing trip.
As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I’ve had the amazing blessing of seeing a lot of these jewels of the natural world first-hand. Here is a travel guide highlighting, from my point of view, the top national park destinations and how to plan an unforgettable vacation.
Understanding National Parks
Before we chart the best ones, we should define what makes for a national park. A national park is an area of land protected by the government of the United States due to special qualities, such as exceptional natural beauty, unique geological features, biological diversity, and recreation opportunities.
They do more than guard our country’s heritage in nature. These parks are outdoor classrooms where children and adults learn about our environment and what we need to do to become stewards who can conserve our ecosystems so that future generations can enjoy these places.
We can and should go to the parks. We can appreciate and enjoy our natural world while keeping it safe for others.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Destination
With more than 60 national parks dotted around the United States, how do you decide where to visit? Ask yourself a lot of questions:
Location and Accessibility
First, decide on what region or state you wish to visit: If you’re visiting from out of town, you might want to consider one that is close to a major airport or to a train or bus station, and if you plan to use a car, one that is geographically convenient.
Park Features and Attractions
Each of these national parks is different and has different attractions. Some have dramatic mountain ranges; others have canyons or waterfalls. Some have a lot of wildlife, and others have many cultural and historical sites. Follow your interests.
Seasonal Considerations
The time of year you visit has a big bearing on your experience. Some parks come alive at certain times of the year when the weather is at its best, the crowds are few, wildlife is migrating, or the fall colors are vivid.
Budget and Accommodations
Entry to national parks is generally very cheap, but think of other expenses, including the cost of camping or staying in accommodation, fuel, and food. Look into accommodation inside and outside the park to find something within your budget.
Top National Park Destinations
Now, with no further ado, here are some of the most unequaled national park gems, destinations that every adventure-seeking human should have on their bucket list:
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and contains treasures you’ll see nowhere else on Earth:
- The predictable eruptions of the bubbling Old Faithful geyser
- The exotic swirling rainbow of giant Grand Prismatic Spring
- The dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
You can hike through wildflower-specked meadows hosting thousands of shaggy bison, elk, and wild horses. And your family can learn about the park’s rich history and cultural legacies.
Tip: The scale of the geothermal features at Yellowstone fountains and steam spouting hundreds of feet into the sky makes them extraordinary. Watching Old Faithful erupt is an inspiring experience. It is difficult not to feel a little outclassed by nature.
Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite is a paradise for hikers in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It is famous for its cliffs of granite rock, like El Capitan and Half Dome, its many waterfalls, especially Yosemite Falls, the undisputed queen of the park, the heavily forested meadows, its rough and tough hiking trails, and the Yosemite Valley itself – a place of spectacular natural wonders.
Personal view: As a keen rock climber, I utterly adored Yosemite. I delighted in the sense of achievement in getting to the top of the granite faces that surround you and in the sense of looking down upon the world from up there. Yosemite’s unfettered nature and stillness are unparalleled.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
To behold the raw force of erosion, no place beats the Grand Canyon. A 277-mile-long chasm of color, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a hike to the river, a long, strenuous cross-country rim-to-rim hike, or a relaxing raft ride down the Colorado River that snakes through the canyon. You may also take in the vastness of this life force while driving to any of the numerous overlooks.
Tip: Looking over the edge of the South Rim with my jaw agape, the immensity and the age of the Grand Canyon overwhelmed me with an overwhelming sense of awe. My sense of humility and gratitude at beholding such a natural masterpiece is immense.
Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion National Park is a beautiful refuge surrounded by the southern Utah desert, with hues of red and white sandstone, towering sheer cliffs, and thin, nearly vertical slot canyons. Hike Angels Landing, navigate the river-carved slot canyon of the Narrows, or hike one of the many other trails the park offers. The park features beautiful canyons.
Turns out, there’s a reason why visitors often describe their time in Zion as being too beautiful, too rugged, too still, too open, or, as I have been known to say, too perfect.
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Spectacular Alpine Glacier National Park – its pristine glaciers, rocky peaks, and aquamarine lakes – is a place that must be experienced. Travel by car or bicycle on the famous and spectacular mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This awesome place is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Tip: Glacier National Park was the absolute highlight of my time in America. Smelling the fresh air and standing by the edge of the glacial lake with huge peaks behind me in the wilderness are some of my best memories so far.
These are only some of the dozens of amazing destinations within our national parks – and within our grasp. Whether you’re experienced or just curious, a seasoned trekker or a nature lover, each one offers its inspiration and adventure.
Travel Tips for Unforgettable National Park Experiences
Below are useful travel tips to ensure a memorable (although thoroughly safe!) experience in a national park.
Planning and Preparation
With planning, you can make the most of your national park visit. Check the park’s regulations, get permits or reservations for specific activities that require them, and be sure to pack the right gear for your planned activities.
You’ll probably want to throw in a backpacking pack with its tent, sleeping bag, and clothes you’ll need for your overnight adventure, as well as a first-aid kit and ample water and snacks.
Safety and Leave No Trace Principles
These places can be enjoyed under the strict protection of park rules and Leave No Trace principles. Respecting the park rules and following principles of minimum-impact philosophies such as Leave No Trace means staying on trails, thoroughly wrapping up and burying food trash, and keeping at least a safe distance away from wildlife.
We are participants in the environment—not intruders—and we must play by its rules.
Photography and Wildlife Viewing Etiquette
While national parks afford plentiful opportunities to get close with a lens or engage in wildlife-watching, both activities must be done in a manner that is both respectful to wildlife and ethical.
National parks need to be enjoyed for the experiences and special places they are rather than stripped of their uniqueness due to actions and routines triggered by the singular imperative of getting a shot. When shooting, use lenses or binoculars, regardless of the lens length, to view and photograph from a distance that minimizes disturbance to wild animals.
Accommodations and Dining
Contact visitor centers in advance, as many national parks may have a variety of accommodations, from rustic campsites to elegant lodges or adjacent facilities. Some parks, especially in the southwest, provide only limited seasonal accommodations, usually reservable in advance.
Most parks provide plenty of options for day hikers and backpackers. If you choose to bring prepared meals, make sure to pack enough supplies from home. However, many parks have restaurants, often inside the main Murray or Canyon lodges, as well as smaller sites in other scenic areas.
Final Words
National parks are authentic treasures, a door to some of our planet’s most beautiful, majestic landscapes. By discovering them respectfully and appreciatively, we can enrich valuable memories and contribute to their preservation for the future.
After reading this, grab your puffy jackets and hiking boots and embark on this adventure to discover these phenomenal natural jewels. If you like to be alone among the high peaks, trek on bare rocks, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, or practice all of the above, you can find all of these and more in the United States.