reasons to visit a park

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10 Reasons Why Parks Will Make You a Better Person

The easiest way to feel happier and healthier and connect with friends? Head to the closest park.

Recent studies have proven what we at Outside have always known: Being outdoors makes you healthier and happier. In our increasingly digital world, unplugging is more important than ever. Fortunately, you don’t need to drive for days to a remote national park or drop a grand on fancy gear to enjoy the life-improving power of the outdoors. The nature fix you crave is likely closer than you think, be it the nearby state-park beach, revitalized urban river greenway, or one of the country’s newest national monuments. Still need convincing? Here are ten more reasons to head to your closest or favorite park.

1. It’ll Make You Smarter (and Less Stressed!)

Even walking for 25 minutes through a greenspace has positive benefits for your brain, according to a recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine . Study results showed lower frustration and higher levels of meditation, and concluded that urban greenspaces are essentially “mood-enhancing environments.” So spending more time would be even better, right? Absolutely, says researcher David Strayer, whose 2012 study showed that backpackers were 50 percent more creative after spending four days on the trail. “This is a way of showing that interacting with nature has real, measurable benefits to creative problem-solving that really hadn't been formally demonstrated before,” Strayer  said in an interview with the University of Utah. Author Florence Williams has written an entire book, The Nature Fix , about all the scientifically proven ways that being outside can improve your life. One of her best findings is the most basic: Feeling awe—the overwhelming sensation of reverence produced by that which is grand—is all it takes to spark your imagination. And the simplest way to experience awe? Take in the beauty of the closest natural wonder or park.

2. It’s Good for the Health of the City—and Society

Beyond making you a happier and healthier person, parks can actually improve the health of entire cities themselves. A report compiled  by The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit dedicated to creating parks and protecting public lands, shows that parks, greenways, and trails enable and encourage people to exercise, that exposure to nature improves psychological and social health, and that parks help build healthy, stable communities—they can become the gathering spaces that create stronger social connections and make people better neighbors. According to another like-minded nonprofit,  Urban Releaf , even the trees alone have tremendous benefits. They say trees help with cooling the air (by providing shade and transpiring), purifying the air by removing particulates (they essentially act as giant filters), and improving water quality and flow (by reducing run off and hazardous pollutants). 

3. There’s a Park for Everyone

And it’s probably just down the street. According to a 2016 study by Penn State and the National Recreation and Park Association, seven in 10 Americans can walk to a local park, open space, or recreation center. One of the main goals of NRPA is making sure that everyone gets access to great parks and recreation services, no matter who they are or where they live. “Underserved communities have historically gotten less,” says NRPA's Richard Dolesh, “but we’re looking seriously to reduce that trend and turn it around.” The NRPA also predicts we may soon see parks in new and unusual places: floating in lakes or ponds, on the roofs of buildings, or even underground. Professional surfer  Lakey Peterson  found her favorite park, which is on the water conveniently located near her house. “As a surfer I spend a lot of time at the beach—every one is unique and beautiful in it's own way, but I'd say I'm most connect to Chase Palm Park, which I'm lucky to have close to home,” Peterson says. Need help finding your new favorite? Check out the Oh, Ranger! app to find state, urban, and national parks near you. 

4. Parks Inspire Greatness

World-renowned rock climber Alex Honnold free-soloed Moonlight Buttress, one of his career-defining climbs, in Utah’s Zion National Park . Climbing phenom Ashima Shiraishi fell in love with bouldering in New York City's Central Park . The Williams sisters learned to play tennis on the public-park courts of East Compton, California. Professional ski mountaineer Chris Davenport learned to ski in the White Mountain National Forest and picked up basic mountaineering skills at New Hampshire’s Echo Lake State Park . John Muir was endlessly inspired by the wilderness around Yosemite , Aldo Leopold by the Northwoods around his Wisconsin home, and Terry Tempest Williams by the starkly beautiful landscape of her native Utah. Think of your favorite outdoor athlete or writer—Muir himself once mused that “between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life”—and chances are they had seminal moments at parks at a young age.

5. State Parks Are Often Hidden Gems

Our national parks are undeniably awesome (see #9), but they often overshadow the equally great and way more accessible and numerous state parks.  “I feel authentically me in parks—whether around the corner or thousands of miles from home, national, state and local parks inspire me. They're my creative canvas and a rejuvenating force that I cannot live without,” says Silas Fallstich , adventure photographer. “All in all, parks are my happy place.” There are more than 10,000 of them across the country , and odds are good that there’s a pretty great one within a short drive from your house. “If the national parks are the polished crown jewels of the U.S. public land system, our state parks are the geodes,” says writer Aaron Gulley, who's been living out of an Airstream, pinballing around the West, for the past six months. In Texas’ Palo Duro State Park —home to the country’s second-largest canyon—you can book one of three stone cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which sit atop the canyon rim and offer fantastic views. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee boasts six waterfalls within a 26,000-acre preserve.  John D. MacArthur Beach State Park   in Florida offers almost two miles of pristine Atlantic beach, mangrove swamps, trails that meander through canopies of trees, and incredible snorkeling. And at Minnesota’s heavily forested Itasca Lake State Park , you can wade across the shallow, cold Mississippi River as it leaves its headwaters. The list goes on and on and on…

6. National Monuments Can Be Way More Fun Than They Sound

Maybe it’s because the word “monument” sounds more historical and staid than fun and adventuresome. But national monuments can be every bit as beautiful and awe-inspiring as national parks, with far fewer crowds. Relatively new national monuments like Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters , New Mexico’s White Sands , Nevada’s Gold Butte , and California’s Berryessa Snow Mountain offer camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and plenty of other ways to enjoy them. And, because local constituencies often fought passionately to win designation, you’ll likely encounter devoted locals business glad to see you in town.

7. Parks Are Using Technology in Cool Ways

Parks are, of course, one of the best places to unplug and connect with nature, but that doesn't  mean new technologies don’t have their place. It’s partly a matter of meeting people where they are, says Edward Krafcik of Soofa , which makes a solar-powered phone-charging bench. “What happens if we refuse to provide services that are expected or demanded by the connected generation?” he asks. But it’s not just about keeping your devices powered up. New York's Central Park and many national parks are now offering VR tours and interactive and interpretive displays that educate visitors and enrich the experience. Or, consider the immensely popular live-video feeds that can bring the grizzlies of Katmai National Park in Alaska into your living room—and have inspired countless kids to ask their parents to take them there for their next vacation.

8. New Activity Parks Take Fun to New Levels

Parks with well-designed, activity-specific venues are popping up everywhere. Cities big and small across the country are erecting outdoor climbing walls—from Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park to Columbus, Ohio’s Scioto Audubon Park , and Bozeman, Montana’s six artificial bouldering structures . Boulder, Colorado’s Valmont Bike Park features dirt jumps, three pump tracks, and freestyle and cross-country mountain-bike routes. Whitewater parks, like Denver’s Confluence Park or on Bend, Oregon's Deschutes River , are like skate parks for paddlers, providing exhilarating hydraulic features for kayakers, canoeists, and rafters to play on. And speaking of skate parks, cities like Lake Forest, California ; Klamath Falls, Oregon ; and Sarasota, Florida offer state-of-the-art concrete wonderlands at little or no charge to the public.

9. The Rock Star Parks Are Worth the Effort

Sure, the crown jewels of the national park system can be crowded, but for good reason. They harbor some of our country’s most iconic national treasures: The Grand Canyon , Old Faithful , Mt. Rushmore , and so much more. The trick to seeing them is having a strategy. Visit during shoulder seasons—just after school starts or before it lets out. And be sure to have a destination or objective in mind, as visiting big, multi-featured parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite can be overwhelming. Make sure to camp—at least for a night—as you’ll tune into your surroundings in ways you can’t in a hotel or RV. Or, even better, book a room at one of historic lodges situated in some of the parks, like Zion Lodge , Great Smoky Mountains’ LeConte Lodge , or the Chisos Mountain Lodge in Big Bend National Park .

10. You Don't Need a (Real) Reason to go to a Park

You should just go. Grab a frisbee or your favorite pool toy and your Hydro Flask  filled with your favorite cold drink. Text your friends and invite them to join. Go sit on a log and catch up with an old friend. People watch. Take in the sunset. That's the best thing about most parks: You don't really need to have a plan or have to “do” anything to enjoy—and benefit from—them. Simply going for walk by yourself or goofing around with friends and family is reason enough. “Sometimes I find myself in a rut where I'm too busy working, planning, and running around to remember to get outside. But once I do it's incredible how much more productive, inspired, and generally happy I am,” says model and adventurer Annika Bauer .

At Hydro Flask , we believe in venturing out, seeing new sights, finding new experiences, and coming away with memories, and we believe this is something parks, of all shapes and sizes, can provide. To us, parks represent places that help make us healthier, happier, and more fulfilled.  Parks for All is our way of sharing the love we have for green spaces, and ensuring these special places get the attention and protection they deserve.

50 Reasons To Love The National Parks

50 Reasons to Love The National Parks

America's "best idea" –  its national parks  – have a lot more to celebrate this year than a centennial. They received a record-breaking number of visitors in 2015 – whooping 307,247,252 recreation visits, according to National Parks Service (NPS)  data . This is a 4.9 percent increase over 2014, which held the previous record of 292.8 million. The trend is clear – more and more people head out too explore the wilderness. Amongst the variety of outdoor adventures you can embark on , the reasons to love national parks are endless – they are educational, full of mysteries and provide spiritual inspiration.

City lights and air pollution have all but eliminated the opportunity to see stars at night. But there are national parks that have kept their natural nightscape and made it their goal to preserve the  awe-striking experience of stargazing . Big Bend is known as one of the outstanding places in North America  for stargazing, as it has the least light pollution of any other National Park unit in the lower 48 states, according to  NPS .  You can see meteor showers and lunar eclipses in Death Valley, as there is almost no artificial light disturbing the breathtaking views. Other ideal parks are the Badlands and Joshua Tree.

Exceptional biking

One of the best ways to explore national parks is by cycling, because a bike will take you places you won't be able to travel to  with a car. Deserts, mountains, forests, waterfalls, inspiring views and wildlife are all there for bikers to relish. Riding a bike on a woodsy trail can be just what you are looking for if you're tired of concrete streets and the same old views of skyscrapers, cars and people.

There’s life in one of harshest places on the planet

Death Valley, which is spanning from California to Nevada, is the lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America, but it blooms a little every spring . A very rare so-called "super bloom" recently occurred, thanks to low winds and a lot of rain – both rare conditions in the Death Valley. El Nino's weather patterns kept the flowers watered as they grew.

They will test your physical limits

Camping, hiking, and enjoying the stunning beauty of nature and the wilderness comes with some difficulties. Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park is very  popular  on the East Coast but it's also one of the most dangerous in  Acadia National Park . It's not technically difficult, but the steep drops and open cliffs make the walk very tricky. It's tempting to want to climb from the rim down the river along the Bright Angel Trail, but it's 4,380 feet in elevation and can get scorching hot. Other physically challenging places are The Narrows, The Maze, and Half Dome.

Underwater adventures

The national parks still have hidden places—a few million acres of geological gems, stunning wildlife and historical artifacts unknown to most because they lie not on land but underwater . Yellowstone Lake has dormant geothermal spires believed to be 11-13,000 years old; an American WWII M4 Sherman tank rests in the shallows of Tanapag Lagoon, Saipan; Channel Islands have some of the most amazing kelp forests in the world.

They make winter your favorite season

Winter is rarely a time  people are looking forward. But you may even find trading your hiking boots for new  skis or snowshoes  refreshing. The colder weather and the snow make going to a national  park a completely different experience . The busy trails are calm, less crowded, and the white fine fluff covering the landscape shows you another side of nature's splendor. While most people visit for incredible skiing opportunities, non-skiers have plenty to do .

You can escape the summer heat

Some of this nation's best playgrounds are preserved within the National Park System, including scenic rivers, vast lakes, and spectacular coastal waters. You can beat the summer heat by relaxing on beaches surrounded by trees, plunge into the deepest lake in the country, and go white water rafting or kayaking. There are copious options across the country.

Hiking a dangerous and active volcano is an exhilarating way to explore otherworldly terrain, steep slopes, lava flows and  hot springs  all in one trip. Beyond pure aesthetics Mount Rainier National Park offers visitors the chance to climb an active volcano. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is incredible, giving you the opportunity to visit two of the world's most active volcanoes . Try hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail to descend through a  lush rainforest  to the floor of the solidified but still steaming Iki Crater lava lake.

"Where Mountains, Ice, and Ocean Meet”

National parks are more than just endless green landscapes or deep canyons. They are incredibly diverse and are home to hundreds of different animal and plant species. Kenai Fjords National Park is, for example, "where mountains, ice, and ocean meet," according to NPS. The icebergs and glaciers there are majestic year-round. Spring is the time to visit if you want to witness gray whales coming back to Alaska. It is also the time to see how black bears live in their natural environment.

Mammoth Cave National Park  in central Kentucky is a jaw-dropping  family experience . Home to the longest known cave system in the world – more than 400 miles, this World Heritage Site will have you going back every chance you get. You'll have to crawl on your hands and knees to see certain places. Mammoth Cave consists of 390 miles of passageway. Visit the Wind Cave National Park and you'll have access to one of world's longest caves. Wind Cave, South Dakota boasts more passageways per cubic mile than any other cave in the world. The ice caves at Pictured Rocks are breathtaking.

Inspiring fall foliage

Some national parks have  stunning fall foliage displays that you won't believe actually exist . The gleaming yellows, oranges and reds form one-of-a-kind patterns in the trees and eventually gather in layers on the ground. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, and Acadia, which are some of the most popular parks in the U.S. , are also some of the most spectacular in the fall. 

Rock climbing

Black Canyon of the Gunnison  is known for their 2,000 foot tall canyon walls. If you love rock climbing, this is the National Park for you. However, it is recommended for expert climbers only. Don't overlook Joshua Tree National Park in California. It has more than 8,000 known climbs up the park's famous rock formations. It is especially popular in the winter when other more famous rock climbing destinations are closed. Arches National Park and Acadia are also popular destinations.

Horseback riding

Exploring some of the most scenic landscapes in the U.S. is arguably even more incredible when experienced from the same vantage point as our ancestors. For many, it's a simplistic and relaxing way to  reconnect with nature  and even allows for the navigation of terrains that might otherwise be inaccessible. Rocky Mountains, Shenandoah, Glacier National Park, Bryce National Park, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer many different tours ranging from riding a mule to week-long trips.

See some of the tallest trees on the planet

Kings Canyon National Park has several giant sequoia groves and the famous General Grant Tree, the world's second largest. The tallest trees are redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), which tower above the ground in California. These trees can easily reach heights of 300 feet. In late 2006 , naturalists discovered a new tall tree, dubbed Hyperion. It rises to 379.1 feet, which is nearly six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Explore the wilderness through the breathtaking canyons in Canyonlands National Park . The Grand Canyon is an incredible adventure destination . Bryce Canyon National Park is not actually a canyon , but Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to giant deep canyons where you can go bird watching, camping, fishing and climbing. Visit Zion to explore 229 square miles of sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs.

Scuba diving

Almost all National Park Service areas with significant water holdings are of some interest to divers, although scuba diving receives little publicity, according to NPS. The Isle Royale National Park has many lakes, bays, and islands waiting to be explored. Isle Royale is the largest island in the largest fresh water lake in the world. You can go  scuba diving  and explore the most intact collection of shipwrecks . Go  diving  from the shore of Tutuila Island at National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa) and view some of the over 950 species of fish and over 250 species of coral. The four volcanic islands of this remote park offer exceptional viewing of its diversity of species.  

You can see some of the oldest living things on earth

Bristlecone Pines in Bryce Canyon National Park are among the oldest living organisms on earth, according to NPS . "Clone-creating plant species like Quaking Aspen live to be much older if you age their root systems. Bristlecones are only found in six states, Utah included. The oldest living tree is called 'Methuselah' and is 4,765 years old. This tree is nearly 1,000 years older than any other bristlecone alive today." It lives in a secret location in the White Mountain range of eastern California.

You learn about people

Jonathan Irish , a professional outdoor, adventure, and travel photographer, and Stefanie Payne, his partner, are currently touring all 59 national parks to celebrate their centennial.  They call it the " greatest American road trip ." "We've been thinking about this whole concept of the  kindness of strangers ," Jonathan says. During a flat tire emergency, he says, the tire was not easily coming off the wheel and he didn't know what to do. "We're in the back country and suddenly this guy comes with his dog and helped us out." One time they were hiking but the trails and signs were covered in 3 ft. of snow. There was no one around except this one couple who was coming back and pointed them the right way. Another time Stefanie got stung in the eye on the trail and a family "totally came to my rescue." "People were always helpful," Jonathan adds.

Mind-blowing natural colors

You will find some of the most mind-blowing colors found in nature in Petrified Forest National Park. Petrified wood is the product of trees transitioning into stone. According to NPS, "each piece is like a giant crystal, often sparkling in the sunlight as if covered by glitter." The rainbow of colors is produced by impurities in the quartz, such as iron, carbon, and manganese. Geologists, paleontologists, historians, visit from all over the world to study the park. The Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone National Park is also stunning.

Most of them are pet-friendly

Pets are allowed in national parks even if they have to be restrained sometimes while you're not in a designated recreational area. Few pet-friendly national parks offer more opportunities to take a hike with your pooch than Acadia, according to the NPS . Spanning several islands along the rugged Maine coast, the park features 100 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads where leashed pets are welcome. Other pet-friendly parks are Great Sand Dunes, Shenandoah, and Cuyahoga Valley.

You make new friends

National parks are ideal for social interactions between kids as well as adults. Parks are an adventurous meeting place where people get closer, form healthy bonds, and share experiences. Unlike the urban and concrete jungles, you are surrounded by people who like the outdoors as much as you, love to go on adventures , relax in the wilderness, and breathe fresh air.

They are good for you physical and mental health

According to  science , people who spend time in parks  cope better with stress , feel happier and have more self-esteem. Leisure activities in parks improve moods and enhance a sense of wellness. When the warm weather melts the snow and washes the winter blues away , national parks become the preferred destination to reconnect with nature before temperatures get too high and beaches become too crowded.

They benefit the economy

Trip-related spending by visitors generates and supports a considerable amount of economic activity within park gateway communities, according to NPS . They received a record-breaking number of visitors in 2015 – whooping 307,247,252 recreation visits, according to data . In 2014, people spent more than $15 billion in local gateway regions, leading to 277,000 jobs, $10.3 billion in labor income, $17.1 billion in value added, and $29.7 billion in output. The lodging sector saw the highest direct contributions with 48,000 jobs.

Crater Lake in Oregon inspires wonder. "Scientists marvel at its purity: fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the U.S. and perhaps the most pristine on earth," according to NPS . "Lake Clark National Park is a land of stunning beauty, where craggy mountains reflect in shimmering turquoise lakes, and local people and culture still depend on the land and water of their home."

National parks encourage children to explore nature

National Parks give children the opportunity to connect with their natural and cultural heritage. They can explore and learn about an abundance of nature and wildlife . Bonus: Parks usually have a ton of children's programs to choose from, research the national park before you get there to figure out which one suits your child best.

View incredible wildlife

The untouched landscapes of our national parks make it a premier place for wildlife spotting . From 67 different mammal species in Yellowstone National Park to crocodiles in Everglades National Park, grizzly bears in Glacier National Park and bird watching in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park , there are tons of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Peace and tranquility

When many people think of national parks their mind usually goes to outdoor sports, adventures and wilderness. National parks also offer a sense of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the sunrise , admire the scenery, go for a peaceful walk, and relax within your wilderness surroundings.

If you love camping and exploring the wilderness, head to a national park. Some of the best national parks for camping include Big Bend National Park in Texas, Zion National Park in Utah, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Joshua Tree National Park in California.  

Great value

If you are looking for a great vacation at a reasonable price, head to one of America's national parks . Park entry is affordable and permits are relatively cheap.

They are protected areas

National parks protect wildlife, ecosystems and other treasured landscapes, according to nps . They are defined geographical spaces that are managed through means, to achieve long term conservation of nature.

Some of them are free

If you go at the right time of the year, you may get lucky, because national parks offer free entry . In 2016 they are free from August 25-28 for National Park Service 100th Birthday, September 24 for National Public Lands Day and November 11 for Veterans Day.

Hiking trails

National parks are commonly visited by hikers. There are tons of trails and loops to explore. A few of the most famous hikes include the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park , the Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend National Park, Long Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Sargent Mountain Loop in Acadia National Park , Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park and the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park .

Connect with nature

These parks give you the opportunity to explore nature. See wildlife in their natural habitat, watch wildflowers as they bloom, take a scenic trail walk, view incredible waterfalls and ultimately, discover the wonders of the natural world. Bonus: There are some national parks that offer nature activities for adults and children. Call ahead before you go to find out what programs will be best suited for your family . 

Some of them are empty

Go at the right time of the year and you will find that some of the parks are practically empty. Some of the least crowded U.S. national parks include Great Basin National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park and North Cascades National Park.

Hot springs

Who doesn't love the thought of relaxing in a warm hot spring? Visit Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and find peace in their soothing thermal waters. Click here for more information. *Also See: The Planet's Best Hot Springs

Park programs

Visiting a national park can be overwhelming, as you may not know what to do, where to go, or how to get there. National Parks provide park programs. Learn and explore national monuments , memorials, gardens , the wilderness, rivers and even caves.

Some national parks offer scenic adventures – road trips. Explore otherworldly landscapes, iconic landmarks and the wilderness. Two of the most popular scenic drives include the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway in Shenandoah National Park.

Photography

National Parks offer some of the most incredible photography opportunities in the world. Capture photos of wildlife, the sunrise, sunset, landscapes, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery . The roadways, lodges and campgrounds make for outstanding photographs as well. Some of the best places in national parks to photograph include Vampire Peak in the purple twilight in Badlands National Park , the Hayden Valley backdrop in Yellowstone National Park and the sand dunes at Death Valley National Park.

When we think of national parks, we usually think about hiking, camping and kayaking. Chances are that the thought of relaxing doesn't come to mind. That being said, we love the fact that some of our favorite national parks are home to gorgeous beaches . Some of the national parks with the best beaches include Dry Tortugas National Park, Haleakala National Park , Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park.

You can go solo

You don't have to take the entire family to get the most out of a National Park. In fact, more and more people are claiming traveling alone is one of the best ways to explore. Think about it – what's better than being able to create your own itinerary? Do what you want, when you want, and on your own terms .

They are full of mysteries

National Parks are full of mysteries, some of which are unsolved. Explore the land of unexplained mysteries and educate yourself on the truths that many people believe. For instance, it is said that ghosts of a bizarre plane crash and a mysterious underground city point to forces at work inside Grand Canyon National Park , according to the Travel Channel .

Learning opportunities

National Parks are more than just a place with a ton of recreational opportunities; they offer the chance to learn about our nation's history. For instance, learn about the Sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park and about the birth of the Industrial Revolution in America in Lowell National Historical Park .

National Parks spark to life when wildflowers start blooming . Explore Acadia National Park to view a wide array of flora and fauna, Yosemite National Park for a chance to see approximately 1,450 different species of flowers, and Redwood National Park for one of the longest flower seasons of any park in the U.S.

Waterfalls have been awe-inspiring forces of nature for ages. People travel from all over the world to see these natural wonders. The best part is that some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world are located in our favorite national parks . Visit Sold Duc Falls in Olympic National Park, Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park , Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park, Lower Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park, and Rainbow Falls in North Cascades National Park.

Spending time in the outdoors and breathing in the fresh air at a national park provides numerous health benefits. It helps improve your mood , clean your lungs, increase your energy, strengthen your immune system , and boost brain power.

Visit glaciers before they melt

You have the opportunity, right now, to visit one of the most spectacular glaciers before they melt . Glacier National Park started with 150 active glaciers; today it only has about 25. Sperry Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the park and it has withdrawn about 75 percent since the mid-18 th century. Get out to this park soon if you want to see the remaining glaciers before they are gone.

You will never run out of things to do

One of the reasons why we love national parks so much is because you will never run out of things to do. Each national park has a wide range of activities and adventures for you to embark on during any season. Go hiking, sandboarding, dogsledding, kayaking , whale watching, camping, fishing, swimming , bird watching, biking, rock climbing, ice climbing and more.

Family-friendly adventures

National Parks are great for families; they offer a ton of family-friendly adventures . Bond with one another by the campfire, explore scenic trails, learn about our nation's history, go wildlife watching, whitewater rafting , kayaking, hiking and explore the natural surroundings.

Spiritual inspiration

National Parks are more than just mountains, landmarks , forests and monuments; they represent a spiritual piece of America. The spectacular landscapes and awe- inspiring scenery have the power to awaken a sense of wonder. The natural beauties of these parks have a tendency to move people in inspiring ways.

They teach you survival skills

People have no control over what can happen while hiking in the mountains. But there are methods and tricks they can apply to  stay out of danger  in a dire situation -you're stranded in the woods, your phone is dead, your GPS is not working and your compass is broken. Many survival schools offer classes on how to make it through any dangers during a backcountry or camping trip. 

15 Reasons to Visit the National Parks This Summer

By editorial staff | jul 15, 2016.

While National Parks blanket 84.6 million acres, or 3.4 percent, of the United States, if you live in a bustling city, it’s easy to forget they’re even there. But America’s 58 National Parks—which span 27 states—are full of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a nature-lover, adventurer, or a city-dweller dreaming of seeing a bit of green, here are 15 reasons to visit the National Parks this summer.

1. NATIONAL PARKS ARE AFFORDABLE …

The perfect vacation destination for travelers on a budget, National Park entrance fees vary, but even the most iconic destinations will only set you back a few bucks. A vehicle permit for the Grand Canyon, for instance, only costs $30, while weeklong individual passes to Yellowstone cost a measly $15 per person. Not only that, but the National Parks periodically offer free entrance days, opening the parks up to everyone for no cost. This summer, all National Park Service sites that normally charge a fee will be free from August 25 through 28, in honor of the 100th birthday of the National Park Service.

2. … AND CONVENIENT.

With 58 parks in 27 states, there’s a good chance you won’t have to travel far to find a National Park to explore. California has the most parks with nine, followed by Alaska with eight and Utah with five. National Parks can be found throughout America, from Biscayne in the Florida Keys, to Acadia on the ocean shore of Maine; from Oregon’s Crater Lake and Washington’s Mount Rainier on the West Coast to South Dakota’s Badlands and North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt in the Central U.S.

3. YOU’LL DISCOVER NATURAL WONDERS.

The wonders on display in America’s parks go far beyond a few bushes and trees. There are volcanoes (Lassen Volcanic, California) and glaciers (Kenai Fjords, Alaska), mysterious caves (Mammoth Cave, Kentucky) and snow-topped mountains (Mount Rainier, Washington). Visit the Petrified Forest in Arizona to see fossilized trees or Mesa Verde in Colorado to explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. No matter which park you choose, the National Parks protect some of America’s greatest natural treasures.

4. THEY ENCOMPASS A WIDE VARIETY OF ECOSYSTEMS.

Much like America itself, the National Parks encompass a vast range of ecosystems. Whether you’re craving ice and snow or a tropical vacation, there’s a National Park that will fit your interests—and, as noted already, there’s a good chance it’s a whole lot cheaper than other vacation destinations you might be considering.

5. THEY’RE EDUCATIONAL.

A trip to a National Park is a great opportunity to teach your child (or learn more on your own) about nature, science, conservation, and history—all while having fun. Most parks offer tours with professional guides who will teach you and your family all about the park. Some even offer classes on everything from geology and natural history to photography and fly-fishing.

6. THEY’RE PERFECT FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES …

The National Parks have plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities for even the most fearless adventurers. Rock climbers can scale the vertigo-inducing Half Dome in Yosemite or climb the craggy heights of Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. At the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, those with a need for speed can zip down the park’s eponymous dunes on specially-made sandboards and sleds. Bicyclists, meanwhile, can explore many of America’s National Parks on paved roads or dirt paths, with plenty of trails for road and mountain bikers alike.

7. … AND UNDERWATER ADVENTURERS.

The National Parks offer a wide range of scuba diving, snorkeling, and other watersport opportunities. At Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, for instance, divers can swim with the fish and explore 67,000 acres of coral reefs, soft sand, and even shipwrecks. But you don’t have to travel to a subtropical climate to find great diving: Parks all over the country, from Acadia National Park in Maine to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, offer all kinds of underwater diving adventures.

8. THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors has a vast range of health benefits, from boosting your immune system to enhancing creativity. In fact, according to one study, just seeing trees can make us feel healthier. Which means vacationing in a National Park is a great way to ensure you return home feeling better than when you left.

9. THEY’RE A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE A NEW REGION …

Planning a vacation to an out-of-state National Park is a great way to discover a new region or explore the United States. Take a road trip to Yellowstone and discover America along the way or visit a National Park near an urban area to get the best of both city and country. Visiting a National Park is a great way to anchor a summer vacation and let you discover new parts of the country.

10. … OR LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR HOME STATE.

Visiting a National Park in your home state can also be a wonderful learning experience, especially if you’re a city-dweller. Exploring a National Park close to home will teach you and your family all about local flora and fauna, and give you a sense of what your city might have been like before it was settled by humans.

11. THEY’RE IDEAL FOR RELAXATION.

America’s National Parks aren’t just for adrenaline junkies. They’re also a romantic place to watch the sun set with a loved one, and the perfect place to meditate or unwind in solitude. You can even visit Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and take a soothing bath in the park’s thermal waters for a natural spa vacation.

12. YOU CAN ESCAPE TECHNOLOGY …

The National Parks offer a rare opportunity to go tech-free. A National Park camping trip offers a unique opportunity to spend time with friends and family without the interruptions of constantly buzzing smartphones.

13. … AND LET YOUR FEET WANDER.

With thousands of miles of hiking trails, there’s no better place to go for a walk than in one of America’s National Parks. Whether you're a beginning hiker going on a day trip or an experienced backpacker looking for a camping adventure, the National Parks are full of trails for all skill levels.

14. EACH PARK HAS A UNIQUE HISTORY.

All of America’s National Parks have a unique story to tell. Some like Oregon’s Crater Lake and South Dakota’s Wind Cave were founded by President Theodore Roosevelt and are intrinsically linked to America’s political history, while others tell even older stories, about ancient peoples and the early history of the Earth itself. Badlands National Park, for instance, is full of ancient fossils, while Mesa Verde National Park is home to the cave dwellings of the ancient Pueblo people.

15. THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

The National Parks are often called America’s backyard, and for good reason: They have something for everyone. They can give children their first experience with the great outdoors and let adults reconnect with nature. They can teach us lessons about history and conservation, or simply provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind. No matter who you are, there are innumerable reasons to give the National Parks a visit this summer.

Why are National Parks important?

We explain why National Parks are important, and explore the history and benefits of these remarkable areas of natural beauty

If you’ve ever strolled through the silent but mighty redwoods, been dwarfed by the granite behemoth El Capitan or waited for Old Faithful to burst scorching mist through the earth’s surface, you’ve felt the immense power of our National Parks. But beyond stunning landscapes and boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure, did you know that these areas serve important environmental, economic and cultural purposes too? In this article, we explain why National Parks are important and how they benefit you. 

What are National Parks? 

If you were to ask Wallace Stegner, the late American novelist and environmentalist, he’d tell you that "national parks are the best idea we ever had.” National Parks are areas designated for their natural beauty, where conservation of land and wildlife is practiced. 

The seed of the idea for National Parks was most likely planted by some progressive thinking pioneers who traveled to Wyoming in 1870 to witness its now-famous geysers. While some members of the group were interested in exploiting the potential profits of these thermal waters, a lawyer by the name of Cornelius Hedges suggested these hot springs instead be preserved for the enjoyment of others. Soon after, in 1872, President Grant signed the act creating Yellowstone National Park, which is now widely accepted as the world's first National Park.

How are National Parks protected? 

The National Park Service was established in 1916 to consolidate management of America's federal parklands under one agency and today it manages 84 million acres across all U.S. states and territories including 63 National Parks, and serves as a model for other countries around the world.

Our National Parks boast unique geological features, diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities. They boast an astounding array of topography and ecology, from the deep valley of Yosemite and great sand dunes of Colorado, to the coral reefs of Biscayne and red sandstone rock formations of Arches . The native plant and wildlife in each of these distinctive settings is protected and people from around the world can recreate and learn about history and nature.

Learn more about our national parks in our article on National Park facts .

What is the main purpose of National Parks? 

The primary purpose of national parks is the preservation of the natural environment for the benefit, education and enjoyment of others. In the US, national parks protect areas of natural beauty including the plants and wildlife that live there, and provide access, recreational opportunities and educational programs for people to learn about these natural habitats. 

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Once an area receives National Park status, it means that the area’s resources and landscape will be protected from most development, excepting amenities like access roads, trails and toilets.

Without national park designation, many of our most treasured beauty spots might be lost, either to landowners seeking to develop them for profit or to industries looking to mine precious resources. Designating areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion as National Parks helps keep them safe from development an destruction so that their ecosystems can continue to thrive and so that future generations can continue to enjoy them 

Why do we need National Parks? 

National parks serve a vital role in maintaining ecological biodiversity , supporting our economy and providing cultural preservation and education. 

By nature, National Parks contain a wealth of natural resources such as hydraulic power, minerals, land, timber and thermal waters that many industries would be interested in owning for profit. Industrial interference would make these beauty spots off-limit, not to mention disrupt their native ecosystems and food chains. National Parks are largely free of development and human interference in the natural ecosystems, which means healthy flora and fauna and cleaner air, water and soil. They’re also well-organized to keep hikers on designated trails minimizing destruction of land. 

National parks also serve a vital economic role. US National Parks see approximately 318 million visitors every year who help support the countless communities surrounding the parks, and the NPS estimates it provides some 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs within the parks system, including biologists, engineers, historians, law enforcement officers and curators.  

Finally, National Parks serve an important cultural function, preserving historical sites as well as natural features, providing education and of course the boundless opportunities for healthy recreation – most visitors pack their hiking boots on a visit with plans to explore the 21,000 miles of trails in our national parks. 

Whereas many natural features in the backcountry are off-limits to those without outdoor gear and expertise, national parks are known for providing wheelchair accessible access and trails to geological phenomena such as Lower Yosemite Falls and the Grand Canyon’s north and south rims. 

Visitors to national parks learn about respecting nature and wildlife as well as about the natural environment, which helps foster appreciation of nature, and importantly, entry fees to all national parks are affordable to almost all income levels. All combined, National Parks promote access, equity, education and inspiration to millions of people. 

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book  Restorative Yoga for Beginners . She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.  

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7 Reasons To Visit A National Park

As of now, The United States has 61 national parks and each of them encompasses unique beauty that attracts crowds of tourists every year. National parks are one of the few most Instagrammable places to discover, but there are so many who haven’t even stepped foot into a national park to understand why they’re worth traveling to.

At one point last year, I became obsessed with going to national parks because I was hooked the first time I went and explored one. In fact, the first time I ever went to a national park was just last year of January 2018 on my birthday to see The Grand Canyon . As hard as it is to probably believe that… Fast forward to November 2018, I’ve gone to 7 different national parks within a year and visited The Grand Canyon 3 times within a year.

National parks are the biggest and the grandest parks you’ll ever find within my country (The United States). If you’re a travel lover and if you haven’t traveled to a national park yet, you should because they are a must-see in your travel adventures! If you appreciate nature and are curious about how the world formed HUGE mountains, canyons, lakes, and more, you should go visit these protected public lands called national parks!

1. Skip a luxury type of vacation, the true way to discover nature doesn’t have to cost that much like national parks.

National park visits make great trips for families, children, friends, and with your significant other. One of the things you don’t have to worry too much about are the expenses for yourself and everyone. To visit a national park and to witness its iconic views is affordable and usually only requires a vehicle permit that you must purchase (if you’re going to drive by with a car) or an entry fee. Most vehicle permits such as in Grand Canyon National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is $30 per vehicle and lasts usually up to seven days. The National Park Service sometimes offer free entry days on certain days such as the beginning of National Park Week (4/20), National Park Service Birthday (8/25), and National Public Lands Day (9/28). The other expenses to spend on national parks would include buying foods and souvenirs by the visitor centers and if you’re staying by a nearby lodge in one of the parks, that is.

2. You don’t have to travel too far to find a national park.

A lot of the parks I’ve gone to were mostly traveled to through road trips. There are at least 27 states that have national parks, so there’s a good chance you do not need to fly over to a state to discover one. Depending where you’re located, a road trip to a national park can take a few hours to several hours. A lot of people opting to do an all-American or southwest road trip consider traveling to different national parks through their trip. They are also spread apart from different parts of the country bordering and centered by the west, midwest, south, and to the east side.

3. Education is thoroughly found and explained in national parks.

If you’re curious about how the nature found in national parks occurred, there’s a guarantee you’ll find it within the park itself. There’s history, geology, science, and conservation that will be taught to you and even a greater opportunity for children to learn. Some visitor centers have museums you can walk right into with a lot of information displayed along with collected artifacts. Plaques are placed nearly everywhere in a national park and those will help you understand what you’re looking at in an area and the history of what happened there. There are also tour guides available at your service, which you can find out more about as you walk into a visitor center.

4. These places are unlike any regular parks and are usually massive with lots of discoverable wonders.

As you know, national parks are heavily photographed by everyone around the country and the world. It’s hard not to see why with the natural wonders that you can discover. Whether you’re trying to look at snow-capped mountains, massive crystal clear lakes, architecture left behind by Native Americans, active volcanoes, giant sequoia trees, badlands, and more, you’ll be able to witness the most unusual formations and creations on Earth. As if these weren’t enough to get you excited to visit a national park!

5. So much good things to take in within a park’s environment and it will treat your health good!

Lots of national parks are amassed of green spaces, fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of life around you. With all these elements found in an environment, you’ll be sure to receive the necessary health benefits when you take a walk within forests or on the mountains. Being outdoors in nature will increase your happiness and creativity, improve your immune system, help you become active, and connect you to socialization. Not to mention, it’ll help you get off technology and not have to wonder about finding Wi-Fi because there’s a good chance you’ll lose service. Your mind will be clear without the interruptions that tech can bring like back-to-back text messages or DMs from friends or family or spam calls.

6. There are many outdoor activities to do in a national park!

This is what keeps families and friends keep coming back to a national park are the outdoors opportunities you can explore in one. These parks are so huge and are thrilling to be in that you can make the most of a day trip or a week trip at a national park by staying active. There are many trails and places for camping, hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding, snorkeling, paddling, rock-climbing, and much more. I love national parks for the reason being it can be a real-time museum and a playground for nature.

7. National parks help with the economy.

With a lot of park rangers and other works providing service at national parks, you can see how they help people be employed. National parks have supported hundreds of thousands of people with jobs and the parks generate billions of dollars to help the economy. Thankfully, these tourist activities strive as tourism is the primary driver for business. When you visit a national park, you are supporting the nation’s protected public lands and the people who do duties to help protect them. You are also helping with the quality of life for both.

If you are now convinced that you should visit a national park, check out this detailed guide by LoveHolidays.com on “An Essential Guide to Enjoying National Parks Responsibly” . Stay safe out there and enjoy the wonderful once-in-a-lifetime things a national park has to offer you!

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This post has 4 comments.

I live about 2 hours from a Canadian National park and I visit as often as possible. I’ve only been to one in America though.

That’s awesome you get to visit it often and that’s pretty close than most national parks I’m near! I have yet to visit the Canadian national parks.

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Top 8 Reasons to Visit National Parks

By Dana Perkiss

The United States boasts a staggering 63 National Parks, each unique in their own way. They encompass about 84.6 million acres, yet often get overshadowed by cities like New York or San Francisco.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer the bustle of city life or if you’re a natural nature-lover, because national parks are special for everybody. here are 8 reasons you should visit more national parks.

Yosemite National Park

1. Cost-Friendly

National Parks are the perfect destination for people of all ages, and their low costs make them especially more ideal. You could get a 7-day vehicle pass for the Grand Canyon National Park for just $35, or walk for just $20. If you’re traveling on a budget, National Parks are a prime destination, and you have your pick of 63! Plus, they often offer free admission on national holidays and other occasions.

Navajo National Park

2. Easily Accessible

Spanning over 27 states, it’s pretty easy to find a National Park to visit — or optimize to visit a state with multiple! California, Alaska, and Utah have the most (a total of 22 combined) so you could take advantage of your time in those states. Alternatively, you could take an adventurous road trip along the West Coast from Washington down to Arizona, or head East to Utah and Colorado. On the East coast, new River Gorge National Park has opened in West Virginia as the newest National Park.

Grand Canyon

3. Fun and Educational

National Parks provide the perfect combination of fun and education. As you explore through the parks, you’ll be able to spot plaques and other signs along the way with information about the area. Many visitor centers have a museum and/or tours with professional guides, so you can have a firsthand learning experience about the park’s conservation, history, and nature. It’s safe to say that visiting a National Park will be the best environmental lesson you’ve ever had.

Horseshoe Bend

4. Marvel at Nature’s Wonders

Going to a National Park is unlike any other park experience — you won’t just see some woods and creeks, but instead natural wonders that you probably never believed were in the U.S. Try to picture it: you can watch cascading waterfalls at Yosemite Falls, witness active volcanoes shooting lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, snorkel in the bright coral reefs of Biscayne National Park, and explore the largest cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park. The U.S. is filled with spectacular natural wonders, and you’ll be stunned by the National Parks.

Denali National Park

5. Choose your Season

Since National Parks span all over the U.S., you can choose your pick of which ecosystem you’d like to visit. Do you prefer the dry heat of the Grand Canyon, or want to brace the cold in Alaska? Whatever type of weather you prefer, there’s a good chance one of the 63 National Parks will offer that.

Zion National Park

6. They Improve your Health

We could probably all use extra time away from our screens, and National Parks are the best technological escape. Step away from the hastle of everyday life and walk into something healthier where fresh air and greenery surround you. Spending time outside is good for your health as it helps boost your immune system, provides physical activity, and nature will surely improve your mood and creativity. Not to mention, in the world of COVID-19, parks are a safe public space where you can easily stay more than 6 feet apart from people.

It’s definitely tempting to take as many Instagram pictures as one can while visiting a National Park, but it’s worth putting your phone away for some time to appreciate nature.

7. National Parks are like Adult Playgrounds with ADVENTURES

Zip lining, rock climbing, scuba diving, oh my! Most, if not all, National Parks offer thrilling activities that’ll get your adrenaline racing. Whether you’d like to zip line over sand dunes, climb craggy cliffs, or dive with the fishes in the beautiful coral reefs, there’s an adventure awaiting everyone. You can even go horseback riding or cycling through the parks if that’s what you prefer. National Parks are basically an adventurous amusement park and interactive museum in one, so let yourself play.

8. They’re also Perfect for Relaxing

Just because National Parks offer adrenaline-inducing activities doesn’t mean you have to participate. They're just as perfect for casual strolls through nature or meditating in a serene spot. Plus, you can easily enjoy National Parks solo if you’re traveling alone, so you can truly relax in solitude.

National Parks are a true testament to the natural wonders and diverse ecological landscapes of the U.S., and their low-cost with easy access over 27 states make them the perfect getaway — especially during COVID-19. Yet, even before, National Parks were always incredible destinations beyond worthy of overshining any of the big cities.

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6 Reasons Why It’s Great To Visit A National Park

Looking forward to the upcoming weekend? Where will you find the perfect place to escape the monotony of life and to get away from technology for a little while? We’ve got the answer for you. It might seem too mainstream, but you have to trust us when we say that national parks are the best place to visit if relaxation and refreshment are what you’re looking for. Maybe you won’t take us on our word still you can’t deny these 6 reasons why it’s great to visit a national park.

1.  Affordability

Maybe your wallet feels a little light but still, your heart is ready to take that flight. If you’re traveling on a budget, national parks are the best places to visit. The entrance fees of different national parks across your country may vary but even the most iconic parks will cost you much less than other tourist attractions. Moreover, on some days of the year, most national parks are open for anyone and everyone to visit free of charge. If you plan a trip to a national park close to your location, you can cut down on the traveling costs as well. Can there be a trip better and cheaper than this? We don’t think so.

2. Adventure

One thing that national parks have in common is their tendency to fulfill the fantasies of adventure-seekers. From mountain climbers to scuba divers, everybody can find their place of solace in one of the national parks spread across the states. If you’re also one of the avid climbers, the peaks of Yosemite or Devils Tower National Monument are the places you should be. People seeking thrill with some speed can visit the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado to sled their way down the dunes, while the luckiest are the cyclists with plenty of trails, dirt paths, and roads to traverse through the luscious national parks of the country. National Parks even have opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, letting the adventurers swim across acres of a coral reef without actually having to visit an exotic island. 

3.  Convenience

The United States of America has over 50 National Parks spread across 27 states. The number of options makes it possible for people to travel less and enjoy their time more by visiting parks closer to their location. Although all parks have a distinct attraction of their own, this article recommends making the choice depending on what you like to do in the outdoors – whether it’s extreme sports or simply relaxing. The states of California, Alaska, and Utah have many parks to choose from. It doesn’t matter which part of the States you reside in, you’ll find several national parks close to you.

4.  Discovery

Do you imagine bushes and trees when someone says “National Park”? If you do, here’s an eye-opening revelation for you. National Parks  filled with natural wonders ranging from volcanoes, glaciers, snow-covered mountains, to even mysterious caves. You can discover wondrous things in a Park. But still, the best thing that you can discover is yourself. Cutting yourself off from the outside world and connecting with nature will let you dive deep within yourself and find things you didn’t know existed within you! 

5.  Education 

Parks can hold wonders of the world. If you have kids, tag them along on the educational journey. You can educate yourself too about nature, conservation, science, and history on this journey. Professional guides are available all across the country’s parks to help you understand and learn some amazing facts about the location. You and your family can have a lot of fun learning about geology, photography, and even fly-fishing! 

Last but not the least, visiting parks has a vast range of health benefits. It is proven that spending time outdoors and closer to nature helps people align themselves, boost immunity, and enhance creativity. It is beyond doubt that strolling or hiking through a natural park will make you feel more energetic and alive than you generally feel. You’ll return home in a much better state physically, mentally, and emotionally than how you first arrived. That’s the magic of nature, isn’t it? 

We can go on about why visiting a national park is a great idea for you. As stated before, the idea of traveling to a familiar yet unfamiliar ecosystem in your own country is not only convenient, affordable, and exciting but is also educational and healthy for you and your family. Having an experience of being connected with nature doesn’t come easily if you lead a busy life. So the next time you’re planning a vacation with your family or friends, do consider the wonderful benefits of visiting a national park!

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Why you should visit National Parks

S ome of the better-received articles in the ecotourism series have been those that focus on unconventional forms of ecotourism, such as indigenous or urban ecotourism . This week, however, we’ll be taking things in the opposite direction and discussing one of the most conventional, obvious ways to practice ecotourism: visiting a national park. It’s my hope, however, to provide some information about visiting national parks that you may not have previously considered, as well as to provide a platform to share some truly beautiful photos.

Because there are thousands of articles already floating about the internet that discuss why you should visit national parks, especially while travelling, I’ll do my best to stay away from typical reasons like “seeing cool animals” or “enjoying the fresh air.” These are certainly important reasons to visit national parks, but chances are you already know. Instead, we’ll look at some other, less talked about reasons to visit national parks, such as…

Providing Demand for the Service

Land is a commodity. Some nature lovers may not agree, but in the eyes of most people, land is something that can be bought and sold, and developed. From that perspective, it’s remarkable that national parks exist at all, especially the parks that are close to major cities and sit on highly enviable pieces of real estate. This is especially true when you consider the minimal cost of entry most national parks charge.

Clearly, there are lots of other ways that the land a national park occupies could have been used, but the government has chosen to preserve the land. As great as it would be, the choice to preserve land isn’t typically because the governments recognizes its natural beauty, but because there is a demand from local and international tourists to visit the place. This is one way you can help to preserve national parks without having to do anything. Simply by visiting them, you help to inflate the demand, which helps incentivize the government to continue protecting that land.

This is especially the case in less wealthy countries, who could really benefit from turning their national parks into plantations or factories. For example, Malaysia has made a commitment to protect Bako National Park, even though much of the land surrounding the park has been converted into profitable palm oil plantations.

Bako is extremely beautiful, and I’m grateful that the Malaysian government finds it worth it to protect the land. It’s one of the few remaining habitats of the proboscis monkey , as well as a number of other species endemic to Borneo. Still, I won’t delude myself by thinking that the Malaysian government is protecting this land because they particularly love the proboscis monkeys. They do love the proboscis monkeys, but for the same reason they love the beautiful land the national park occupies – it’s a part of their national heritage that draws visitors. By simply visiting the park, you can help convince the government that investing in national parks is worth it.

One on One Interactions with Local Nature Lovers  

Besides the actual preservation of the park, helping to keep national parks alive and thriving is also helpful to the local nature lovers that work at the park. These are some of the most friendly people imaginable, and they genuinely want to help ecotourists get the most out of their experience.

For example, we visited the Poring Hot Springs outside Ranau, in hopes of finding the elusive rafflesia. Though the park was very beautiful and the hot springs were nice enough, we were disappointed that the rafflesia garden didn’t have any blooming specimens.

We mentioned this to a park employee, and she happily pointed us down the road to a locally owned rafflesia garden (you can read more about this experience in the article on Indigenous Ecotourism ). I’m glad that a portion of my entry fee will go towards paying this employee’s salary, as it means she can spend more time helping tourists get connected to nature.

Spreading the Joy to Friends  

We’ve already mentioned how simply visiting a national park is an easy way to promote land conservation, but there’s another way you can promote ecotourist activities without having to do anything you don’t already do – just take pictures! In today’s world of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and the thousands of other social media services available, it’s easier than ever to share pictures and messages with your friends of you having fun at a national park. For example below, here’s my girlfriend and I doing just that in Malaysia .

Better yet, these social media services provide a platform for you to talk about ecotourism, or even just encourage your friends to get outdoors. It’s been proven time and again that the most effective reviews are those that come from a source you know personally and trust. That’s why a friend’s recommendation for a restaurant is a thousand times more powerful than a commercial, and why your advocacy for a national park is far more effective than an article I can write.

The Beautiful Sights

Okay, okay. I know I promised to write an article about national parks without mentioning obvious benefits of visiting national parks, but it’s worth repeating that these places are stunningly beautiful. That’s why there was a demand to preserve these places in the first place. National parks are the cream of the crop in the unflinchingly beautiful landscape we call planet earth.

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• Motivations for visiting national parks in the U.S. 2022

Most common reasons for interest in visiting national parks in the United States as of September 2022

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January 2023

United States

September 26 to 29, 2022

1,000 respondents

18 years and older

respondents had at least some interest in visiting a national park

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Respondents were asked by the source what their motivations were for visiting national parks in the United States.

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Why We Should Visit and Support the National Parks

National Parks are some of the best places to visit, no matter where you live, no matter your interests. Most countries have National Parks, protecting and preserving special natural, historical and archaeological sites.

Table of Contents

Designating an area as a National Park or Nature Preserve protects it from future development. We preserve some of the most beautiful, and most fragile ecosystems or historical sites for the enjoyment of future generations. National Parks are more important now than ever; in most cases it is the only way to stop development and in some cases mining, the destruction of some of the most fragile ecosystems or cultural heritage sites.

National Parks are the best places to experience nature surrounding us.

National Parks Offer Opportunities for Animal Encounters

Most of us live in cities, where we rarely see wild animals, or any kind of animals unless we have pets. But in a national park, no matter when you go, you will almost always see at least a few animals who share the park with you.

We most often wee deer in the National Parks, no matter when we visit. Herds of deer graze near the lodges in both Bryce Canyon and Zion national Parks; usually in the early morning and at dusk. Often, we can get very close to them.

Though not as often, we’v also seen elk in National Parks. During one of our visits to the Grand Canyon National Park , we saw a large, beautiful elk grazing by the road.

But we’ve never seen as many animals during one visit to a National Park than when we spent a week in Banff National Park in Canada. We would usually see them by the road on the Bow River Parkway , or at different sites in the park.

Memorable encounters in the park included a large porcupine on the shore of Lake Louise, herds of bighorn sheep on the shore of Bow Lake, coyotes, and Canadian geese, among others.

But our most memorable encounter in Banff was with a grizzly bear, by the road, with miles of traffic stopped to watch the bear. Park rangers were out in their bear-watch van, teaching people about bear encounters, making sure everyone stayed in their car and left the bear alone. One of the rangers told us that it was a “teenage bear” from the vicinity of Lake Louise, wandering off away from his mother. He wandered by the train tracks, then eventually crossed the road and disappeared into the forest.

We Might Even Spot Endangered Species

As we were driving out of Sunset Crater Volcano National Park , my daughter suddenly exclaimed:

“It’s a pronghorn sheep! Wow! I can’t believe I’m seeing it! It is an endangered species!”

I caught a glimpse when I looked over, but I couldn’t tell what it was.

“Maybe it is a deer.”

“No, Mom. I know what I saw. It was a pronghorn sheep. I know my animals.”

She does. She plans to become a wildlife conservationist, she’s been studying wild animals in zoo camp every summer, and that’s all she reads about. Yes, I did believe her.

Luckily, a few feet ahead we had an opportunity to stop at a pull-out. The two animals were fairly far from us by then, but we could see them through our binoculars. We didn’t get a very good photo, but it was seeing them and understanding how special the encounter was that made our stop worth it.

It was a pronghorn sheep couple, grazing in the meadow just outside Sunset Crater. The female was following the male, and they were moving in our direction.

We spent a good half hour watching them, as they made their way in our direction. Eventually, they walked farther into the distance in disappeared from our view in the tall grass. Understanding that we were watching endangered animals made us enjoy the encounter even more.

National Park Visits Give Us a Chance to Learn About Our Planet

By the way they are set up, National Parks offer learning opportunities for all who visit them. They offer a chance to learn about our environment, about our planet, and understand how everything works in nature. Our visits offer opportunities to:

Understand Different Ecosystems

National parks protect different ecosystems, sometimes very fragile ones. The visitor centers are great places to stop and learn about them, then it is a treat to walk on the trails and experience what you have learned. Ecosystems are communities of all living things (plants, animals, organisms) and their environment (soil, rocks, sun, weather, atmosphere) in a given area, interacting with each other.

Depending on the location, we can find forest , desert , grasslands, aquatic (both freshwater and marine) ecosystems within the National Parks. They all offer great learning opportunities; when we understand how they work, how everything is interconnected, we also understand how we can preserve and protect each ecosystem and its environment. This also helps us understand how things are interconnected, and how they relate to each other.

Learn About Earth’s Formation and Geology

How do canyons, rock formations, mountains form? Instead of reading about it, you can see the answer for yourselves when you visit a National Park like the Grand Canyon , Bryce Canyon , Sunset Crater or Crater Lake.

Walking the rim trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon gives you a glimpse of how the different layers of rocks formed the Earth’s surface. The exposed rocks themselves are a visible geologic record of what was going on over 500 million years ago on our Earth. For a great learning experience, stop at each level on the interpretive trail, and read about the layers at different levels.

In Bryce Canyon , you understand newer geology. You see, how the soft rocks, like sandstone, are eroded, forming exquisite natural sculptures, named hoodoos. You also gain an understanding of how the same formations get eroded over time, forming a lower whole.

Visiting Sunset Crater, or Mt St. Helen’s gives you a glimpse of the volcanic activity that forms mountains.

In Sunset Crater National Monument , you have the opportunity to walk on lava rocks or sand, and even walk climb a crater , and marvel at the way that new vegetation grows, new forests form.

At Mt. St Helen we witnessed an eruption a few years ago. As we entered the park’s Visitor Center, we noticed a note saying: “Contrary to general belief, Mt St Helen is erupting right now.” As we watched in the distance, we could see smoke coming off the mountaintop, and we watched the seismograph record small earthquakes.

National Parks also Teach Us about Human History

The first National Park set aside to preserve “the works of men” was Mesa Verde . Walking through the ruins of an ancient civilization gives you a better understanding of mankind, of the way our ancestors lived in different environments.

Other examples of this kind of park in the US are Chaco , Aztec , Wupatki and a lot of others scattered through the Southwest and beyond.

Visiting a National Park Forces Us to Unplug from Electronics

The lodges in the national parks don’t have televisions. In most places within the parks, you won’t have cell connection either, or it will be very poor. The wi-fi works sometimes, but you can’t count on it either all the time in all of the parks.

This gives you a great opportunity to connect with your family or companions, while enjoying your surroundings. After exploring the park during the day, spend your time reading a book, drawing sketches or writing in a journal. Clear your mind from the constant buzz of electronics.

Bringing the Kids to the Parks

Visiting National Parks probably has the biggest impact on children, so it is important to bring them and offer them a chance to get involved in activities the park system offers for them. These visits teach them about their human heritage and environment and the importance of protecting it.

The Junior Ranger program for kids is a great way to get the younger generation involved in preserving the environment around them, and learning about it all, as well as about history. They enjoy getting a badge after completing the booklet and learning answers to questions they might not know they had.

As Junior Rangers, they lead the way in cleaning up the pristine forests.

Years ago I hiked up to a pristine lake in Washington (State) with my oldest two kids who were preschoolers at the time. They were still new to the Junior Ranger program, just got their badge in Mount Rainier National Park. We took it slow and made it to the top of the mountain. On the way, they picked up every single gum wrapper, plastic bag, a tiny piece of paper, and anything human-made that did not belong in the forest. Let me just say, my backpack became a garbage bag by the time we got back to the parking lot.

We felt good, they felt good and knew that they made a difference, however small. They must have saved at least one bird or animal that might have ingested some of the wrappers or plastic pieces.

Outdoor Activities in a National Park Offer Us Opportunities to Enjoy the Surrounding Nature

National parks comprise some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, from snow-capped mountains to low deserts and everything in between. Hiking trails crisscross all the parks, offering hiking choices for visitors of all abilities. You’ll find short, easy paved interpretive nature trails surrounding Visitor Centers, where you can learn about the specific environment in each park. Besides that, trails from flat, one-mile walks to over ten-mile strenuous hikes in gorgeous setting offer opportunities for all levels.

Besides hiking, many parks offer horseback riding, rock climbing, and bicycling opportunities. But to spend most time in nature within a National Park, you can try camping in one of them.

You can camp in virtually every National Park, and enjoy the surroundings. One of our favorite spots to camp is in Sunset Crater National Park , in the Lava Bonito Campground. We use a tent, but the campground is designed to be both a tent and Winnebago-friendly with hookups. No matter how you do it, camping in a National Park brings you closer to nature, giving you a better understanding of your surroundings.

The best part of camping in any National Park? The night sky.

Dark Sky Parks teach us About Astronomy

Far from the light pollution of cities, the parks feature some of the best night sky views on the planet. Many times we got up in the middle of the night to look at the Milky Way outside our tent. We see it so clearly, I understand why my ancestors called it the Road of Warriors (Hadak Útja) or why the Ancient Maya called it the Celestial Monster.

It is hard to fathom our place in the Universe, but watching the clear skies in a National Park, we understand it all, we see it with our own eyes.

Chaco National Park has its own observatory, to enjoy the night sky and understand its significance. The campground in Chaco is in an alcove of ancient ruins.

In Bryce , one of the exhibits in the Visitor Center compares the night sky in cities, smaller towns, and the park. After understanding the difference, you’ll want to go outside in the middle of the night to see it all.

Why We Should Protect and Support Our National Parks

Outdoor activities offered in National Parks improve both our physical and mental health. Researchers established a link between outdoor activities and a decrease of depression, and stress-related illnesses. Even the shortest walks will improve your health, since you are outside, in nature, far from pollutants of the cities.

The parks also offer us a glimpse into the beauty of our environment, a place to see wildlife and experience nature first hand. In our day-to-day stressful lives, they offer an oasis of calm and relaxation, a way to unwind and remember what really matters.

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10 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Yosemite National Park

If you have never been to Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Madres you are missing the experience of a lifetime. There are 1,169 square miles of parkland to explore. President Abraham Lincoln, signed the Yosemite Grant, giving Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to the state of California in August 1864. It became Yosemite National Park in 1890. Here are 10 great reasons why you should visit Yosemite National Park.

1. Waterfalls Galore

The park has five waterfalls of 1,000 feet or more. They are at their best in late spring when the waterfalls are carrying snowmelt from the mountains. Some are an easy walk to visit and some are a more challenging hike. Yosemite Falls is a good choice to see, and there are different trails to different views of the falls.

Photo by Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash

2. natural wildlife.

According to the park’s website, there are over 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that live in the park. You might spot woodpeckers, owls, lizards, mule deer, fox, bighorn sheep, and bear.

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

3. big skies and starry nights.

Yosemite is famous for starry skies. During the summer months, there are guided astronomy walks, and even night time bike tours.

Yosemite RV Resort – Mountain Cabin

4. don’t feel like hiking, we have you covered..

The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour is a two-hour open-air tram tour is a great introduction to Yosemite.

Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash

5. the fascinating history and preservation of yosemite national park.

The Happy Isles Nature Center introduces you to the wildlife in the park through exhibits and interactive displays. There are also bonfires at night.

Map provided by the National Park Service. Download a full resolution copy here .

6. yosemite camping.

If you plan to camp, there are 13 campgrounds inside the National Park, and more just outside the park.  

Yosemite RV Resort offers tent camping, Full-hookup RV Sites, cabins, cottages and Yurts.

7. fun workshops for all ages.

The Yosemite Art Center offers art workshops. There are workshops for kids as young as six.

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8. some of the best views in the country.

Glacier Point Tour is a four-hour round-trip tour to Glacier Point and back. It is available late spring until mid-fall as road conditions allow. Glacier Point is a viewpoint that offers amazing views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Clouds Rest.

Photo by Leo SERRAT on Unsplash

9. get your raft on.

In the summer, rafts are available for rent to raft down the Merced River .

Photo by Dan A. Cardoza on Unsplash

10. fishing in the national park.

You can fish inside the park during specific seasons with a license. Learn more here.

Photo by Chris Sarsgard on Unsplash

Pick a season and go, then go back again in a different season. There is always something new to discover all year round.

About RVC Outdoor Destinations

RVC Outdoor Destinations develops, owns, and operates vacation resorts set within naturally beautiful environments and in close proximity to local attractions and activities. We offer RV Sites, Cottages, Yurts, and Tent camping at our 8 locations across the country! Visit our website  rvcoutdoors.com  for more information or to speak with a reservation specialist through our Live Chat!

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Glacier National Park is one of the top 10 most visited parks in the United States . Every year, more than a million people trek to the peaks and valleys of the world’s first Peace Park . The views here are spectacular, the history is rich, and the glaciers are monstrously large while visibly fragile. Glacier National Park is arguably one of the best places to refresh your perspectives and build your appreciation for the natural splendor of this vast country. While there are endless reasons to visit this gorgeous landscape, here are the top eight that are sure to tempt you towards the waiting mountains.

The History

While the commonly known history of the U.S. is still relatively recent, certain locations serves as tangible backdrops for memories and stories that allow us to be more intimately connected to the land and the people who created the first paths. Glacier National Park is one such place. For more than 10,000 years , humans used and operated in the areas in and around what is now Glacier. But this isn’t just the generational homeland of numerous Native American tribes, the park is a living creature and visitors can feel the historical and spiritual significance of this land. Visit the gorgeous lodges built early in the 20th century beside shimmering blue lakes, or even book (far in advance) one of the rooms that still keep to the era of the hotel's rustic roots.

The Glaciers

Visit Glacier National Park for its namesake: the icy views of some of the last remaining glaciers in the United States. While thousands of years ago most of America was buried under miles of sculpting, flowing glaciers (to which we owe the landscapes known today), only a few national parks still offer a glimpse of these endangered frosted giants.

Today there are 25 glaciers in the park. Steadily declining both in size and numbers, Glacier was once completely covered by over 150 glaciers. By 2030, there may not be any left. Many hikes will take you near to the layers of ice, snow, and rock so you can see the enormity up close. In the region of the park called Many Glacier, take the steep Grinnell Glacier trail , or stop at the overlook along the Going-To-The-Sun Road to see Jackson Glacier.

No matter what kind of hiker and explorer you are, Glacier National Park has a trail perfect for you, with flowers, unique rock formations, and sloping landscapes. Many hikes take you through alpine meadows and over streams on long, flat boardwalks, like the popular Logan Pass trail beside the Visitor Center. Others will take you on steeper, thin paths cut into the sides of rocky mountains like the Highline Trail .

Through cedar forests and lush underbrush, around sparkling lakes, and up to the very peaks, the trails in Glacier are ideal for entire day journeys (including picnics) and for brief jaunts after horseback riding. After some time climbing, you’ll come to another essential reason to visit this national park: the views.

The Mountain Views

Regardless if you’re the kind of hiker who is drawn to the the colorful displays of wildflowers alongside the trail, or if you want to climb as high as possible for that next, incredible view, Glacier has the panoramas you’re looking for. There are over 700 miles of trails in the one million acres of natural landscape. Some are guided, with detailed explanations of the flora and fauna you may pass. On others you may not see another soul, arriving at the summit with only your own breath and sprawling landscapes of waterfalls, lakes, and cliffs that will attempt to take it away.

Glacier Park isn’t just for hikers, it’s also for drivers. On the 50 mile Going-To-The-Sun Road, cars wind around snaking curves and through dark tunnels that open onto blinding sun-lit rows of peaks. There quite simply isn’t a bad view no matter which way you turn on the roads in Glacier National Park, especially on the ones that take you up into the mountains and over lakes cupped in the crooks of valleys.

In your own car, or in a shuttle or tour-bus (like the popular Red Bus tours ), cutting through Glacier along St Mary Lake and Lake McDonald is an entire day of adventure. Stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center, begin one of the many hikes that cut off the main roads, or spend an entire day hopping from pull-off to pull-off, staring at the views until the sun goes down.

The Wildlife

Hikers and awe-seekers are never far from animals in Glacier National Park. Whether they’re being careful not to lure one of the 300 grizzly bears into their campsite with loose food waste, or stopping to watch bighorn sheep lumber across their path, visitors are in for a treat. While you’re not promised a view of the black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and lynx that live in the upper mountains, you might see deer, elk, and maybe even a moose or two traipsing through the woods or wading into one of the many bodies of water. Keep an eye on the ground and marmot, pika, and badgers that may accompany you to your picnic spot atop your new favorite climb.

The Waterfalls

With so many glacial formations leaving pools and runnoff in their wake, Glacier National Park is a paradise of waterfalls. You’ll pass the interestingly curved drop of St. Mary Falls on your way to the 50-foot Virginia Falls, as well as several other unnamed water slides. Easier trails lead to Redrock Falls, a series of cascades with several sub-alpine lakes, to Running Eagle Falls in the Two Medicine area, or to Johns Lake Loop just off the Going-To-The-Sun Road. No matter where you hike, the water pulled by gravity cascades down into the valleys you move through, providing the perfect cool down on a hot summer day.

When glacial lakes form, the melting ice fills the space the glacier has carved out, leaving behind a unique turquoise that looks, well, too perfect to be real. This is due to “rock flour,” the fine minerals made from pulverized rocks crushed by the moving ice that settle at the bottom of lakes. Glacier National Park’s bodies of water are quite simply stunning, the perfect accompaniment to the gigantic ridges made of multicolor strata of rock. Take a boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company across Lake McDonald or Two Medicine Lake, and hike to chilly Iceberg Lake to swim to an actual ice formation. Among the hundreds of reasons to visit this picturesque park, trips to Glacier just wouldn’t be the same without a stop at one of the mountain lakes — just brace yourself for the cold should you choose to jump in.

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8 Reasons to Visit Grand Teton

8 reasons to visit a national park lodge.

Millions of visitors pour into our national parks every year looking for a slice of heaven, a close-up encounter with nature in its purest form. They come seeking the unspoiled beauty that generations upon generations before them have enjoyed.

But what if you could get even closer? What if you didn’t have to leave the splendor of the park at the end of the day? 

The truth is, you don’t. When you book lodging inside a national park, you get an exclusive, insider glimpse of natural beauty that most visitors miss. Imagine: You pull yourself out of bed, bring your coffee to the front porch, and there, right in front of you, is a glistening lake, granite mountain range, or alpine meadow full of elk, wildflowers, and maybe a moose.  That's the appeal of staying overnight at a national park lodge: nothing else puts you closer to the grandeur.

We asked an expert on the topic,  Annette McGivney, an award-winning author who writes for outdoors magazines and specializes in covering national parks what the best reasons to book lodging inside a park are. Here's what she had to say:

1. Better access to what really matters.  “The park lodges are INSIDE the park so you are getting to experience the landscape, wildlife and history of the park more readily -- perhaps even from the deck of where you are staying,” says McGivney.  Also it can reduce driving time and ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your vacation.

2. You get the best of both worlds – nature and convenience.  Communing with nature doesn’t have to mean giving up the comforts of home. National park lodging puts you at nature’s doorstep and gives you everything you need to fully enjoy it.

3. National park lodging is more eco-friendly than traditional lodging.  For example, Jackson Lake Lodge, a Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) property, is an eco-friendly resort, offering high-efficiency lighting, water conservation features, recycled content carpets and mattresses, low or zero VOC content in its products, refinished historic furniture, and more.

4. A chance to unplug.  National park lodges are comfortable and offer most of the amenities you’d expect from a fine hotel, including nice linens, a pool or fitness center, in-room coffee makers, and restaurants. But one thing you won’t find in most rooms is a television.  You’ll have the chance to unplug, be active, and truly engage with your park experience. (There is complimentary Wi-Fi for those who need to connect).

5. Everything is at your fingertips.  You don’t have to spend months planning activities for your national park vacation.  Many resorts, like Colter Bay Village, Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge have onsite gear rentals, outfitters,  group activities  and guides for everything from park tours, to fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking and more.

6. Stay with the people who know the park best.   You’ll get the ultimate insider experience. “Compared to chain hotels in a town outside the park, the historic park lodges and cabins attract people from all over the world who are truly interested in experiencing the wonders of that particular park,” says McGivney.

It is interesting to exchange stories with these park visitors and also find out about their travel experiences. “The same goes for people working at the national park lodge -- they are often from all over the world and there because they love the place and have a lot of stories to tell.”

7. Sample a piece of history.  Many park lodges in the west were built by notable architects or are historic buildings that have been updated for modern use.  Some are even on the National Register of Historic Places. “These building are historic in their own right and also part of the national park's history and sight-seeing attractions.”

8. Choose how rustic you want to be.  The lodges offer a spectrum of comforts, from a four-star luxury hotel experience to historic rustic cabins, RV sites, and even tent platforms.  You can savor the best of National Parks like Grand Teton or Yellowstone while still enjoying creature comforts that make a vacation, well, a vacation.

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Top Reasons to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park’s natural beauty is unmatched throughout the rest of the world. Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles (446 kilometers) of the Colorado River, including the famous Grand Canyon, where layered bands of colorful rock reveal millions of years of geologic history. Rim-to-rim hiking, donkey rides, and whitewater rafting are popular ways to view the majestic beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. Beyond the natural beauty, Grand Canyon National Park is also home to National Historic Landmarks and incredible museums.  

Whether you're looking for a scenic drive to view the highlights of the park or considering a multi-day adventure, Grand Canyon National Park is loaded with opportunities that will not let you down. Here are the top reasons to visit Grand Canyon National Park.

New to camping? Read our Camping Tips: A Beginners Guide to Their First Trip .

Photography

Way before the advent of Instagram , photographers were flocking to Grand Canyon National Park to capture the vast landscapes and stunning vistas that make the park so famous. We’ve all seen photos stuck to refrigerators or tucked away in family scrapbooks. Simply speaking, if you visit the park, you better get your photo with that iconic background.

The desert landscape can change drastically depending on the season or even the time of day. Orange and red tones cover the cliffs during sunrise. Cloudy days bring out hues of purple and blue. Perhaps the best is when winter brings dustings of snow to the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is filled with so many amazing places for photography. Here are some of the top spots to capture a worthy photo.

• Yaki Point - Best photos are captured at dawn when the Vishnu Temple and Wotans Throne are silhouetted against the sky to the east. To the west, you’ll see O’Neil Butte lit up by the dawn light. Visitors can access this point via the Kaibab Rim Route Shuttle Bus.
• Ooh Ahh Point - A spectacular lookout point that is reached via a 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) along the South Kaibab Trail.   
• Desert View Watchtower - This historic 70-foot (21 meters) cylindrical stone building offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the top. Though you can also frame it in the foreground while capturing the sweeping views of the canyon behind the building. The Desert View Watchtower is located at the East Rim Entrance to the park.
• Angel’s Window - This spot is less crowded as it requires driving along a road that is only accessible from May through October. This natural arch is located at Cape Royal near the North Rim. The arch is best viewed in the morning.

Exploring Grand Canyon National Park by foot is one of the best ways to experience the majestic grandeur of the park. Most people don’t realize that the best views aren’t from the top. To get the real scope of the park’s size and beauty, visitors should lace up their hiking boots and hit the trails. With over 358 miles (576 kilometers) of established trails, there is something for every level of hiker to enjoy. Here are a few of our recommended hiking trails:

• Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian to Indian Garden Campground - this 8.8-mile (14 kilometer) trail takes hikers past 2 billion years of geology and incredible rock towers. This is one of the premier hiking trails in the park.
• South Kaibab Trail - this 7-mile (11 kilometers) path descends 4,780 feet (1,456 meters) to the river, passing Ooh Ahh Point and Skeleton Point along the way.
•  Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa - descend steeply down the canyon walls for 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to a flat platform extending out into the space of the canyon, known as Horseshoe Mesa.

Additional reading:  Top Hikes in Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks

Mules have been carrying visitors through the canyon since the late 1800s. Nowadays, guided trips offer visitors a unique adventure while taking in breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park. Mule trips are offered for day-trippers and those that want to head down to the Colorado River for a one or two-night stay at Phantom Ranch. South Rim tours are offered year-round though reservations are required and do fill up fast. North Rim tours are offered from mid-May to mid-October, these trips do not go down to the Colorado River.  

Float for a half-day or multiple days along the Colorado River as it snakes its way through Grand Canyon National Park. Not only will you experience the awe of the canyon’s breathtaking beauty, but you will be tossed and turned through hundreds of roaring rapids along the way. Along the scenic river, you may spot bald eagles and desert bighorn sheep, plus the remains of past human civilizations in the form of rock granaries, ruined stone shelters, petroglyphs, and pictographs. If rapids aren’t your thing, there are smooth-water trips as well.

There are several options for biking within Grand Canyon National Park, on both the South and North Rim. The Hermit Road, which is closed to private cars from March through November, winds along the South Rim for 7 miles (11.2 kilometers). Cyclists can also follow the Greenway Trail to Yaki Point, for more spectacular canyon views. The Arizona Trail segment on the North Rim provides great mountain biking opportunities. The trail traverses 12.1 miles (19.5 kilometers) of forest inside the park. The trail continues north of the park boundary in the Kaibab National Forest, which is also home to the legendary Rainbow Rim Trail .

Additional reading:  16 Must-see Parks in the Southwestern United States

Museums and Historical Sites

On September 17, 1901, the First Steam-Powered Train, a spur line of the Santa Fe Railway, arrived at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. With the arrival of the train, the quiet area of the South Rim rapidly expanded into the bustling Grand Canyon Village. Today visitors can take a step back in time and wander through this historically preserved village dating back to the early 1900s. 

Several museums and historical buildings designed by Mary Colter also serve as top attractions within Grand Canyon National Park. Here are a few worth visiting:

• Yavapai Geology Museum - discover the story of the Grand Canyon's formation through beautiful photographs, topographical models, artwork, and interactive exhibits. 
• Tusayan Museum and Ruins - Over 800 years ago, the Pueblo Indians built a thriving community on the edge of the Grand Canyon. With its collection of pottery, arrowheads, and household items, the Tusayan Museum and ruins provide a unique window into their way of life.
• Hopi House - Mary Colter created this building to pay tribute to the Hopi and their ancestors that have inhabited the Grand Canyon for centuries. Today visitors can view a large selection of Native American art that is housed here.

Looking for that next solo adventure? Read our Top Travel Solo Destinations in the United States . ‍

Must-See Destinations on Your First Trip

So perhaps you may not have enough time to explore every corner of this amazing park, so if you’re limited on time, be sure to check out these iconic spots:

• Bright Angel Point - Most people’s first glimpse of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim, Bright Angel Point is the centerpiece for a series of mindblowing viewpoints.
• Point Imperial - The highest point on both of the North and South Rims, offers dramatic views of the canyon and the Painted Desert.
• Mather Point - Located a short walk from the Visitor Center in the South Rim area, visitors can view one of the most dramatic sceneries in all of the park.
• Hermit’s Rest Road - This scenic road follows the canyon rim for 7 miles (11 kilometers) with 9 designated viewpoints and opportunities for short or long walks. The road is closed to private cars from March through November but can be accessed by a shuttle bus.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of America’s most distinguished landmarks and a natural wonder you must see to believe. Its rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, displaying layered bands of colorful rock, revealing millions of years of geologic history. Whether you are seeking a multi-day adventure packed with adrenaline-rushing activities or simply just want a scenic drive through the picturesque desert, you’ll find your expectations met.  

Let Under30Experiences handle the logistics of your next camping and hiking adventure on our Grand Canyon, Moab, & Arches trip.

Check out other national park-related articles:

• Visitor Guide to Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Visitor Guide to Yellowstone National Park
• Visitor Guide to Yosemite National Park

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16 Reasons Why Crater Lake is a Must-Visit Destination

Posted: April 18, 2024 | Last updated: April 18, 2024

Crater Lakes holds the claim as Oregon’s only national park, which is certainly worth the designation! This stunningly blue lake is a newborn in geological terms, as it was formed only 7,000 years ago when Mt. Mazama, which formerly stood in its place, collapsed during an eruption. The crater left behind slowly filled in with melting snow, creating this nearly 2,000-foot-deep crystal clear lake.

Today, the lake is a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors who hike, bike, and drive around the crater rim and even make the 1.1-mile trek from the rim down to the lake itself.

Crater Lake is obviously the main attraction here, with its stunningly blue waters framed by the steep cliffs of this ancient mountain.

The lake has no inlet or outlet flows, so the only water sources are snow and rain, and the only outlets are evaporation and some seepage into the ground. This means the lake water has virtually no sentiment, leading to its incredible clarity and stunning blue color.

Did you know that Crater Lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world and the second deepest in North America?

Epic Scenery

The road circling the rim above the lake allows visitors to take in the lake from every angle and capture stunning sunrises and sunsets. There are also various peaks around the lake that allow for unique vantage points, so long as you’re willing to hike a little to reach them!

Geological Marvels

Crater Lake is unique in that it is such a young geological formation. The lake was previously the 12,000-foot-tall Mt. Mazama, which collapsed onto itself during an eruption. You can also find unique geological features around the park, like hoodoos along the Pinnacles Trail and ghostly islands that look like they are floating in the lake.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Biking

During the late summer, a large portion of the road around the Crater Lake rim is closed to vehicle traffic for the Ride the Rim bicycling event. These car-free days ensure bikers can enjoy the same views offered to motor vehicle traffic during the rest of this summer.

This demanding ride will test even the heartiest bikers with the road’s high base elevation, steep hills, and occasional rough weather.

If the full 33-mile loop is too much, there are also shorter options with shuttles to take you and your bike back to the start.

The Historic Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge was built in 1915 and offers one of the most unique lodging destinations in the world. Imagine waking up and having your morning coffee with this incredible lake outside your window!

Rooms at this lodge fill up quickly, so book early if you want to enjoy this unique experience.

Wizard Island

Crater Lake is home to two small islands that have managed to rise up from the depths. Wizard Island is the larger of the two and the only one you can reach (by tour boat) and explore.

This cinder cone island sits near the western shore and has a 2.4-mile trail that leads to the top of the cone, which stands 750 feet above the lake’s surface.

There are no private boats allowed on Crater Lake, so the only way to get around is by tour boat. These two-hour tours take you past sights like Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship and along the base of the rim, offering a unique perspective not found from the top of the rim drive.

The trail to the boat dock is not for the faint of heart. It is 2.2 miles long and drops 760 feet to the lake.

The Old Man

The Old Man of Crater Lake is a quirky tourist attraction that is fun to try and spot from various viewpoints around the rim.

This attraction is a 30-foot-long hemlock log that has been floating vertically around the lake since at least the late 1800s. Testing on the log shows that it is 450 years old, so it may have been floating for centuries!

Only the top 3 feet of the log stick above the water, so spotting it takes a keen eye!

Did you know that despite Crater Lake having no inflow or outflow of water, a large population of kokanee and rainbow trout call the lake home? This is because the lake was stocked with a number of different species of fish back in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Today, you can try your luck at catching one of these fish; there are no bag limits, size restrictions, or fishing licenses required! The only place to fish the lake is from the boat dock, as waders and personal floating devices are not allowed.

Swimming in the Deepest Lake in the Country

Those who aren’t faint of heart can take a dip in this stunningly clear lake near Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island. Due to the lake’s high elevation and depth, the water remains stunningly chilly even during the hot summer months—a welcome respite after hiking the hot and dusty trail down to the water!

Amazing Hiking

Crater Lake is surrounded by hikes that range from gentle strolls to lovely overlooks to strenuous climbs up the numerous peaks that surround the lake.

The Garfield Peak trail starts and ends at the Crater Lake Lodge and is popular for its stunning views and easy access.

Those looking for a bit more adventure can head to the 4.3-mile Mt. Scott trail, which climbs 1,275 feet to the summit and provides some of the best views of the park.

Star Gazing

Crater Lake National Park is located deep in southern Oregon, with Umpqua National Forest to the west and the high deserts of eastern Oregon to the east. This means that the skies around Crater Lake are incredibly dark and provide incredible star-gazing opportunities.

Shots of the lake with the Milky Way overhead are a favorite for photographers.

A Remote Winter Wonderland

Despite the park’s high elevation and massive annual snowfall (41 ft!), it remains open year round for winter enthusiasts who want to try their hand at remote skiing, snowshoeing, and camping.

During the spring months, while there is still plentiful snow on the ground, the rangers lead snowshoe hikes from the lodge. These tours are completely free and even include a free set of snowshoes to use!

The History

Crater Lake feels like a park that remained untouched for millions of years but, as we discussed earlier, the lake itself is only 7,000 years old. Natives from the area even have stories passed down for millennia of the eruption that created the lake!

The lake’s history as part of the national park it now belongs to began in the late 1800s, and it took until 1902 for the area surrounding the lake to finally be enshrined into Crater Lake National Park.

The Road Trip

Crater Lake is a long way from most places, including any major airports, so anyone who wants to visit has to do so either as part of a tour or as a road trip. Luckily there are plenty of places to visit no matter which direction you are road tripping in from.

To the north you have Bend, Oregon and the beautiful high desert and cascade mountains. To the south you can drive through southern Oregon and Mt. Shasta in Northern California. And to the west you have the stunning waterfalls of the Umpqua National Forest and the Oregon Coast.

The Phantom Ship

Phantom Ship Island is a small rock outcrop rising abruptly out of the lake. At 500 feet long and 170 feet high, its steep spires have led many to believe it looks like a ship floating through the lake. This is especially true when the weather is foggy or rainy and you can only barely make out the island in the distance.

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Four Great Reasons to Visit the Florida Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is an American treasure that is also a World Heritage Site. With 1.5 million acres of marsh, Everglades National Park is an enormous subtropical wilderness in the United States. That equates to more than 2,300 square miles.  This massive marsh is also an International Biosphere Reserve that protects an unmatched landscape that serves as critical habitat for various rare and endangered species such as alligators, snakes, birds, the Florida panther, and other exotic animals.  There are many great reasons to visit this unique national park.

Outdoor Adventures

The park provides a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking, boating, canoeing, bird watching, camping, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of the activities available. Many people attend science courses and guided tours and volunteer to learn more about the park’s environment and nature.

Fantastic Boat Rides in Orlando

It is practically impossible to visit the Everglades without taking a boat excursion and probably post it on social media to share the moments with your friends. An airboat ride of the Everglades is a fast method to view a lot of the area in a short time. You’ll go through tight canals and open water areas, seeing animals in their natural habitat.  An astonishing fun fact is that there are 68 different types of mosquitos in the Everglades. Fortunately, most of those species aren’t interested in humans. Instead, they’d rather suck the blood of a crocodile or an alligator.

A Haven for Animal Lovers

The Everglades is a perfect getaway for animal lovers and home to various endangered species, including the American crocodile, wood stock, snail kite, the Florida panther, and four different sea turtles.  The mangroves in the everglades protect surrounding communities against strong winds and hurricane storm surges and are also a habitat for marine species such as wading birds and fish such as red drum and spotted seatrout.  The park is one of the few natural paradises on the planet where you may witness alligators in their natural environment. Visitors can see the Alligators sunbathe on lily pads and turtles sunbathe on lily pads.

Until humanity arrived, this shallow, slow-moving sheet of water covered over 11,000 square miles for thousands of years.  By the 1900s, people had begun to convert the swamp to dry ground to create farms and cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Everglades National Park was founded in 1947 to conserve and protect the natural landscape and prevent additional damage to the land, plants, and animals.  The Nike Missile launch site, an abandoned missile station, is in the Everglades.   These are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider visiting the Everglades National Park on your next Florida getaway.  To experience this natural wonder up close and personally, contact us to book our airboat rides in Orlando on your trip today. 

Beautiful (and less crowded) alternatives to the 10 most popular US national parks

National parks are popular for a reason but with visitation numbers growing each year, some travelers might be looking toward similar experiences with less of the hassle that comes with visiting a top 10 national park. 

I’m Ashley, and I’ve been covering travel and the outdoor space for nearly a decade. Every year, the National Park Service releases annual visitation numbers from the previous year, and as a travel expert and journalist, I think it’s a helpful tool to use when researching national park travel. 

The most visited national parks generally remain the same year to year with some variance due to weather and other events. In 2023, two parks rose to top 10 status, Grand Teton and Olympic, which were further down in visitation in 2022. 

GORGEOUS ALL YEAR: The best national parks for every season 

To help recommend some alternative destinations to the most visited national parks, I talked to Erin Ruane from RV Trader to get her takes on locations that give you the same feel and opportunity for similar activities. 

Instead of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit…

With nearly 13.3 million visitors last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP for short) saw 14% of all national parks visits. There’s so much to see in the surrounding areas that you can get a similar feel and activity offerings just outside the park. 

PARKITECTURE: Check out these iconic national park lodges

To avoid the crowds and parking fees of GSMNP, Ruane recommends visiting Cherokee, North Carolina, which is home to the park’s quieter entrance, Oconaluftee: “Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, one of three recognized Cherokee tribes in the U.S. While it’s a sovereign nation, visitors are invited to experience the area’s culture through arts and crafts shopping, native elk viewing, and historic attractions.”

More options: 

• Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
• Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina 
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Instead of Grand Canyon National Park, visit…

I love the Grand Canyon for families , but there’s no getting around its crowds at popular times of year given that the park attracts 4.7 million annual visitors.

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Ruane recommends another large canyon in Arizona, Sycamore, which is the state’s inaugural designated wilderness area. Ruane loves the canyon's “vibrant cliffs, towering pinnacles, and desert riparian zones, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and various other creatures. Encompassed by the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests, key attractions within the wilderness include Sycamore Falls and the Paradise Forks climbing crag.”

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado 
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
• Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Instead of Zion National Park, visit…

Zion can be a fickle national park to visit between crowds and weather, you really have to time your visit right to have a go at popular hikes like Angels Landing and the Narrows. 

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Instead of competing with the parks annual 4.6 million visitors, consider activities in the surrounding Greater Zion area, like the Belly of the Dragon hike (bring a flashlight or headlamp), Red Hollow Slot Canyon, and Kanab Sand Caves: “These experiences not only involve a moderate hike but also provide opportunities to enhance your agility. The blend of natural wonders and man-made formations within these sites offers breathtaking views of canyons, creating a genuine sense of adventure as you navigate through captivating caverns,” says Ruane.

• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
• Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Instead of Yellowstone National Park, visit…

Yellowstone’s geothermal features and wildlife make it one of the most popular parks in the U.S. with nearly 4.5 million annual visitors. 

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But the park’s surrounding area offers other similar activities, like in West Yellowstone: “West Yellowstone is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, boasting ATV, UTV and snowmobile trails, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting. The southern Montana town also has year-round family friendly events and restaurants serving up regional specialities,” recommends Ruane.

More options:

• Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota 

Instead of Rocky Mountain National Park, visit…

With 4.1 million annual visitors and timed entry passes required during peak season, Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of alternatives that offer similar activities and geography with more flexibility in planning. 

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Ruane recommends the nearby, 1.5-million-acre Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: “Renowned for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, the forest offers numerous trails and campsites. Visitors can explore the Indian Peaks Wilderness, enjoy scenic drives along the Cache la Poudre River, and witness diverse wildlife.”

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
• Pinnacles National Park, California

Instead of Yosemite National Park, visit…

California’s crown jewel of a national park attracts nearly 3.9 million visitors every year and requires seasonal entrance passes that need to be reserved in advance. 

CLOSE TO THE PARK: Best hotels near Yosemite National Park

A little over 2 hours south, you’ll find Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks that offer similar landscapes and activities to Yosemite: “Sequoia, situated in California's Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its towering sequoia trees, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth … Kings Canyon, adjacent to Sequoia, is characterized by the impressive Kings Canyon, one of the deepest in North America. The park offers a mix of rugged terrain, waterfalls, and scenic canyons. Notable attractions include Zumwalt Meadows, Roaring River Falls, and the majestic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway,” says Ruane.

Instead of Acadia National Park, visit…

As the only national park in the Northeast, Maine’s Acadia National Park attracts nearly 3.9 million visitors each year.

While it’s the getaway to the national park, Bar Harbor offers plenty to do without needing to enter Acadia: “The town boasts an array of quaint shops and diverse restaurants, providing a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and exploration. The waterfront views are especially captivating, providing a backdrop of rugged coastline and serene harbors. Bar Harbor's welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Acadia make it an ideal base for those seeking a balance between outdoor adventures and charming coastal experiences,” says Ruane.

• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont
• Voyageurs National Park National Park, Minnesota
• White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire 

Instead of Grand Teton National Park, visit…

Wyoming’s Grand Teton saw 3.4 million annual visitors, adding it to the top 10 list of most visited parks this year.

Instead, Ruane recommends visiting the nearby Snake River, located in the Jackson Hole valley: “A scenic float trip allows for a leisurely drift along the river, providing breathtaking views of the Teton Range and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Alternatively, adrenaline seekers can embark on thrilling whitewater rafting adventures, navigating the river's rapids for an exciting and immersive experience.”

• Curt Gowdy State Park, Wyoming
• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Colorado and Wyoming
• Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

Instead of Joshua Tree National Park, visit…

Southern California’s Joshua Tree is a popular location for weekend trips from Los Angeles and shoulder season travel seeing about 3.3 million visitors each year.

To the southeast you’ll find the state’s largest lake, the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, where there's "birdwatching, fishing, and exploration of the lake's distinct desert landscapes. The area's diverse ecosystem attracts a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers,” says Ruane.

• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Channel Islands National Park, California
• Mojave National Preserve, California

Instead of Olympic National Park, visit…

The Washington park went from the 14th most visited park in 2022 to the 10th in 2023, seeing nearly 2.9 million annual visitors.

Enjoy similar landscapes nearby at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, near Port Angeles: “Visit the Dungeness Spit, a unique sand spit that extends into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It's a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal scenery,” recommends Ruane.

• North Cascades National Park, Washington 
• Redwood National and State Parks, California
• Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, California and Oregon

Beautiful and less crowded alternatives to the 10 most popular U.S. national parks originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 11 tourist attractions that live up to the hype
• The most incredible national park campgrounds
• How to make the most of a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

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7 Amazing Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan April 2024

7 amazing things to do in kennedy space center april 2024, 7 amazing things to do in honduras april 2024.

9 Reasons Why to Visit Glacier National Park in April 2024

Nestled in the heart of Montana, Glacier National Park was established in 1910 to preserve the pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Named for its more than 25 named glaciers, the park has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to Native American tribes who revered the area’s sacred beauty.

Reasons to Visit in April 2024

1. unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Spring is a time of renewal and awakening in Glacier National Park, and wildlife viewing is at its best. As the snows melt, animals emerge from their winter shelters to forage and mate. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic grizzly bears, elusive cougars, playful moose, graceful elk, and soaring bald eagles.

2. Tranquil Trails

While the park’s renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens to vehicles in early June, April offers unparalleled tranquility on the trails. Hike through lush forests, alongside roaring rivers, and up to stunning viewpoints with minimal crowds. The more adventurous can embark on backcountry skiing or snowshoeing amidst the pristine wilderness.

3. Photography Paradise

The soft, ethereal light of spring transforms Glacier National Park into a photographer’s paradise. Capture breathtaking images of snow-capped peaks reflecting in shimmering lakes, wildflowers bursting into vibrant hues, and wildlife roaming the open valleys. Bring your best lenses and prepare to witness nature’s artistry at its finest.

4. Waterfalls in Abundance

As the snowpack melts, waterfalls throughout the park come alive. From the thundering spectacle of Hidden Lake Falls to the cascading beauty of St. Mary Falls, each waterfall offers a unique and captivating display of nature’s power and beauty.

5. Intimate Lodges

Unlike the busy summer months, April is an ideal time to experience Glacier National Park’s intimate lodges. Cozy up by the fire in Many Glacier Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge, both of which offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the park’s history.

6. Wildlife on Weston Road

Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens, Weston Road provides a unique opportunity to spot wildlife. This scenic road is closed to vehicles during winter, allowing animals to roam freely without disturbance. Be on the lookout for bears, deer, and other creatures that inhabit this pristine environment.

7. Spring Wildflowers

As the snow recedes, the park’s alpine meadows and forest floors burst into a kaleidoscope of spring wildflowers. Lady slippers, glacier lilies, and arrowleaf balsamroot paint the landscape with vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking spectacle that is not to be missed.

8. Park to Yourself

One of the greatest reasons to visit Glacier National Park in April is the absence of crowds. With many roads still closed and visitor numbers low, you’ll have the park practically to yourself. Enjoy the solitude and tranquility of this iconic wilderness.

9. Economic Savings

April is considered the “shoulder season” in Glacier National Park, which means lower prices on lodging, tours, and other amenities. Take advantage of these great deals to experience the park without breaking the bank.

Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels

In addition to its natural wonders, Glacier National Park offers a rich cultural history. Visit the Many Glacier Museum to learn about the Native American tribes who once called this land home. For the best experience, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) to avoid the crowds and unpredictable weather of summer.

The nearest airport to Glacier National Park is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. Glacier National Park can also be reached by Amtrak’s Empire Builder train, which stops in Whitefish, Montana.

Local food in the Glacier National Park area includes locally sourced grilled meats, homemade pies, fresh-caught trout, and huckleberry treats. Some of the best hotels near Glacier National Park include Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and St. Mary Lodge.

April offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the stunning wilderness of Glacier National Park. With unparalleled wildlife viewing, tranquil trails, breathtaking photography, and affordable prices, it’s the perfect time to escape the crowds and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, a trip to Glacier National Park in April 2024 will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur and the timeless beauty of this American treasure.

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Ladakh: 5 reasons to visit Hemis National Park, India's largest national park

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , LADAKH / Created : Apr 15, 2024, 23:05 IST

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Explore Hemis National Park in India, home to diverse wildlife including snow leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, and more. Experience breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and conservation initiati … Read more

Explore Hemis National Park in India, home to diverse wildlife including snow leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, and more. Experience breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and conservation initiatives for a memorable wilderness encounter. Read less

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Explore Hemis National Park in India, home to diverse wildlife including snow leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, and more. Experience breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, adventure activit...

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

Sorry, LA! The Poppy Superbloom Is Not Happening This Year. Here's Why

All bets are off with climate change

Spectacular poppy blooms are actually quite rare, plenty of other reasons to visit.

Major storms earlier this year brought a considerable amount of rain to Southern California, temporarily ending our drought and fueling hopes for a radiant wildflower season.

One of the go-to spots for the rare feat, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, had been tempering expectations about a spectacular bloom. As we head toward late April, park officials are confirming that while there are patches of poppies around, that "postcard image" of a sea of orange blooms just isn't what nature has in store for the 1,800-acre reserve this year.

"There's poppies in the park for sure," said Callista Turner, a state park interpreter working at the Antelope Valley reserve. "But it's not like we're talking about [an extraordinary] bloom."

Turner said parks officials use data from years past to come up with an educated guess on the scale of each season's blooms. But with climate change, those calls are becoming harder and harder to make — particularly because of the wild swings it's caused in California's weather.

"California is never [a state with] an average rainfall. It's always either above that or below that significantly — almost like a heartbeat. But when you start getting a beat that has a really high spike and then a really low trough, it causes like a lot of stress," said Turner.

Turner cited the severe drought the state endured between 2019 and 2022, only to follow with the record rainfall in the last two years, as examples. That volatility has meant greater uncertainty.

"We're making predictions, but we're making it off of data that is starting to show how it's becoming obsolete with these new climate changes," Turner said. "It was never easy to predict, and now it's just becoming increasingly more difficult."

While a wet winter in 2023 had made for a respectable poppy bloom, the same cannot be said of this season.

"In an environment like the Poppy Reserve, which is right on the edge of the Mojave Desert, many of the plants that are native are adapted to desert climate," said Turner. When there's extra water, "that's when the non-natives that aren't as adapted kind of capitalize on that and crowd out everything."

Which is precisely what has happened this year, where non-native grasses have edged out the poppies because of record back-to-back year rain.

"With the grasses, last year they produced a ton of seed, and so this year we see those seeds germinating," Turner said. "It does create these kind of like lush grassy fields, but that's not why people come to the poppy reserve. They want the poppies."

But those incredible displays where flowers carpet a whole valley are more the exception than the rule.

"I would say in 10 years we maybe get, you know, one, two, three, years where we have really nice, exceptional blooms," Turner said, adding that while 2023 wasn't a bad year, the truly incredible years in recent memory were in 2019 and again in 2020.

Still, Turner said there are plenty of other flowers that are in bloom.

"As of right now, there's still big chunks of goldfields that are blooming and we have this beautiful purple owl's clover, that is making this really eye popping contrast," she said, adding that some cream cups and bush lupins are also starting to bloom.

If you are down to help, members of the public are invited this weekend and on Earth Day on Monday to the reserve to learn more about the park and to help weed out the non-native mustards, which produce a compound that may inhibit the germination of other plants.

All that is to say, there are plenty of things to see and do until the next ultra-bloom — whenever that is.

"If I could tell people when the poppy peak is or what the season's going to be like, I would absolutely," Turner said. "I love our public visitors. I want them to come and have a great experience. Unfortunately, it is a natural reserve, which is subject to the climate that we have and the weather as it comes through."

BREAKING:  House passes nearly $61 billion in aid for Ukraine after months of delays

Man dies after setting himself on fire outside courthouse where Trump trial is being held

Warning: This article contains an image some may find disturbing.

A man who set himself on fire Friday outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place has died, New York City police said early Saturday.

The man, whom police identified as Maxwell Azzarello of St. Augustine, Florida, was in the designated protest area outside.

No time of death was given by police. He was declared deceased by staff at the hospital where he had been taken, the NYPD said.

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey told reporters that Azzarello walked into the center of the park, shuffled around his clothes, opened a backpack and took out and threw numerous pamphlets on the ground. He then pulled out a canister, poured a liquid accelerant on himself, lit himself on fire, fell on a police barrier and then fell to the ground.

Police said the man entered Collect Pond Park, across the street from the courthouse, at around 1:30 p.m. before setting himself on fire. Bystanders, court officers and police used coats and fire extinguishers to try to put out the fire and help him, Maddrey said.

It appeared to happen around the time that the jury for Trump's trial was fully empaneled — with 12 jurors and six alternates selected to sit for a trial that's expected to last about six weeks. It occurred just before the court took a lunch break.

New York City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh told reporters that Azzarello was taken to the burn unit at Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he had been described as alive but in critical condition.

Four police officers and one court officer sustained minor injuries from dealing with the fire, Kavanagh said.

Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Azzarello was born in 1987 and arrived in New York City earlier in the week. He said that family members police were in contact with after the incident were unaware that Azzarello was in New York. Kenny said Azzarello's pamphlets seemed to be "propaganda-based" about Ponzi schemes and conspiracy theories.

Police said they don't believe Azzarello was targeting any particular person or group.

Law enforcement deployed a bomb squad search team just in case, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said, and no devices were found in the area.

Three law enforcement sources told NBC News earlier that the man appears to have been a follower of some conspiracy theories and may have had emotional issues. He may have posted his intention to set himself on fire in advance, the sources said. 

Moments after setting himself on fire, the man was lying on the ground, burning. At times, he appeared to seize. Police tried to use a small fire extinguisher to put the fire out, but were unsuccessful. While still on fire, the man tried to sit up. Police then used a large extinguisher to put out the fire.

A 73-year-old man from the Upper West Side, Dave, watched it happen. Dave said the person threw up a bundle of pamphlets, picked them up and threw them again.

“I heard this clattering,” he said. “That caught our attention. Then he pulled out a can.”

David said he saw the man begin to douse himself in something before taking out a lighter.

“There I thought, this could be awful,” he said. “I’m old enough to remember the Vietnam War.”

He said the person then set himself alight and was quickly engulfed in flames. The person didn’t make a sound as people around him looked on, horrified.

Ed Quinn, a freelance photojournalist who lives in the East Village, said he was facing the court when: “I heard someone scream, ‘He’s going to light himself on fire.’” 

“I see him dumping gasoline on his face, very deliberately,” he said. “He had [a] gray t-shirt on. It soaked his face. It soaked his shirt. Boom, he went up.”

Quinn said it took the police about a minute to arrive. 

“Women were begging, screaming, put it out, put him out,” he said. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call  or text  988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  or chat live at  988lifeline.org . You can also visit  SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources  for additional  support .

Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.

Susan Kroll is an awarding winning producer of domestic and international stories for NBC News including Nightly News and "TODAY."  She has covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Boston Marathon bombings and various political campaigns. Kroll has been honored with multiple Emmy, Murrow, National Headliner, NABJ awards.

Katherine Doyle is a White House reporter for NBC News.