Time to dust off the ol' hiking boots, hop in the road trip van, and #getoutside! The US has some INCREDIBLE National Parks, each with unique and challenging beauty. Here's a list of 7 of our favorites, in no particular order. (In fact, one or two may surprise you!)
1. Yosemite National Park
California, USA
WHAT TO SEE
If you needed a reason to visit California, now you have one. Yosemite National Park is a nature lovers paradise! With breathtaking Mountains, Forests, and Waterfalls around every turn, Yosemite is sure to get you connected to your wild side. Brave the 10-12 hour hike up Half Dome, marvel at the 3,000 ft. towering granite face of El Capitán, or feel the raw thundering power of Yosemite Falls - No matter what you do, you won't be disappointed.
BEST TIME TO GO
In the Summertime, the weather is gorgeous, but it's difficult to stay inside the Park. (Reservations for campsites are often made a up to a year in advance!) Go in the Late Spring (best for waterfall viewing) or Early Fall (amazing colors) to avoid crowds but still get great weather.
Tip: Winter is beautiful, too! Just be aware of seasonal road closures.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
California, USA
WHAT TO SEE
Joshua Tree National Park is home to super artsy vibes, otherworldly landscapes, and funky looking tree things. Go for a drive and scope out the views. Be sure to check out some cool desert hikes to Arch Rock or the Cholla Cactus Garden, then cool off with a burger and brew in one of the artist towns nearby of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, or Yucca Valley. One thing's for sure, you'll never be far from an instagram-worthy photo op!
BEST TIME TO GO
It gets HOT in the summer and pretty chilly in the wintertime! Best to visit in Early Spring or Late Fall.
Tip: Check out this super cool Mid-Mod Airbnb in Twentynine Palms!
3. Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, USA
WHAT TO SEE
Yellowstone National Park is a true American gem. At 3,500 square miles of wilderness, this park has it all- canyons, rivers, forests, geysers, hot springs, and incredible wildlife. Check out Old Faithful and the other geysers, visit the picturesque Yellowstone Lake, and watch for herds of bison or elk. Go for a scenic hike or white water rafting adventure - just watch out for bears!
BEST TIME TO GO
Summertime is amazing in Yellowstone!
4. "The Mighty Five" - Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park
Utah, USA
WHAT TO SEE
OK, so we're kind of cheating with this one- "The Mighty Five" are Utah's 5 National Parks- and they each deserve their own spot on this list, for sure. If you're feeling ambitious, take a road trip and hit them all at once! Check out incredible rock formations and enjoy hiking in colorful slot canyons carved over millennia. Take a scenic drive on winding roads, or bring your camera and capture an iconic sunrise or sunset. We suggest staying somewhere inside the parks to enjoy stargazing!
BEST TIME TO GO
Moderate crowds and temps make April-May & September-October the best times to go- but these parks are magical year round!
5. Glacier National Park
Montana, USA
WHAT TO SEE
Montana is truly epic wilderness and natural beauty at its finest. If you're adventuring here, make sure you bring your sturdiest hiking boots, some bear spray, and of course your camera!
Check out the Going to the Sun Road Scenic Drive on the continental divide, or hike to a super-blue Glacial Lake like Grinnell Glacier, Avalanche Lake or Lake McDonald. On warmer days, go for a scenic float or whitewater rafting adventure!
BEST TIME TO GO
July and August are the most popular times to travel here. Daytime temps can be in the low 80's and nighttime temps can dip into the 40's- so pack layers and rain gear!
6. Death Valley National Park
California, USA
WHAT TO SEE
There's just something about a desert that draws us in. Death Valley is a vast wilderness in stark contrast to the lush beauty of Montana. This forbidding landscape has some of the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth.
While you're here, you'll want to stargaze on the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes, soak in the pastel hills of Artist Drive, snap a photo at the Teakettle Junction and see the strange sight of boulders moving across the sand at Racetrack Playa. Stop by in Springtime and maybe you’ll get lucky to see a Superbloom of wildflowers.
BEST TIME TO GO
Spring or Fall
7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Michigan, USA
WHAT TO SEE
Ok, you got us. This one’s lesser known and technically a National Lakeshore... but take it from us, it deserves the spotlight!
Best viewed from the water, get a kayak or take a boat tour over the crystal clear freshwater to see the multicolored cliffs of the Pictured Rocks soaring at times 200 feet above you. Check out Miners Castle and Chapel Rock, picnic at a secluded beach or sand dune, see some historic lighthouses like Au Sable. Eat local favorites like pastys and smoked trout, and see waterfalls like Tequamenon near the northern town of Munising.
BEST TIME TO GO
Summer or Early Fall
Well there you have it, our list of 7 of our favorite US National Parks! Which National Park is your favorite? Have you visited any of these? Comment and let us know!
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