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NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURES

EXPLORE AND VISIT NATIONAL PARKS

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Find Things to do at National Parks for Your Next Adventure

Visiting a national park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural environment and learn about its wondrous features. Whether you’re looking for the mighty peaks of the Rocky Mountains or the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon, America’s national parks have you covered.

Of course, there’s more to national parks than scenic landscapes. They’re vital to our efforts to keep our natural resources and ecosystems safe. Many plant and animal species found in parks are critically endangered or threatened. National parks play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term viability of these species and the ecosystems in which they thrive, making them a valuable legacy gift to future generations.

National parks serve multiple purposes, including environmental protection, economic development, and social welfare. The tourist and outdoor recreation sectors benefit greatly from the billions of dollars in annual revenue generated by America’s national parks. The natural environment and time spent outside have been linked to improved physical and mental health, both of which can be facilitated by visits to national parks.

In that case, why go to a national park? National parks are great places to go if you want to learn about the environment, take in some breathtaking scenery, or do any combination of the two. Get your camera and your spirit of exploration ready, since a trip to a national park is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

National parks offer a wide variety of experiences for visitors. There are countless things to do in national parks, and the list becomes longer with each park’s unique set of features. The following are some of the most popular options:

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HIKING & BACKPACKING

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Many national parks provide trails that visitors can use to experience the park’s natural beauty up close and personal.

ROCK CLIMBING & BOULDERING

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Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Joshua Tree in California offer excellent rock climbing and bouldering.

KAYAKING, RAFTING & FISHING

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Acadia National Park in Maine and Olympic National Park in Washington are great places to go kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

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Many national parks are excellent places to view wildlife, such as bears, wolves, bison, birds, and many others.

CAMPING

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Guests of several national parks can pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars in designated camping areas.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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The incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife make national parks a popular attraction for photographers.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

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Many parks have ranger-led tours and programs to help visitors learn about the park’s history and natural features.

SCENIC DRIVES

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Some national parks offer scenic drives so visitors can see the sights without leaving the comfort of their own vehicles.

Explore All of the National Park Locations

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Acadia National Park

Acadia is full of breathtaking natural beauty and limitless outdoor activity, nestled on the wild coast of Maine. There is something for everyone to do in Acadia, from hiking and bicycling on more than 120 miles of trails to swimming and boating in the park’s pristine lakes and ponds.

Arches National Park

Southeast Utah is home to Arches National Park, which is famous for its red rock landscapes and more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. From hiking and camping to rafting, there are numerous reasons Arches National Park is exceptional.

Badlands National Park

Derived from the Lakota words “mako sica,” which translate to “bad lands,” this stretch of jagged canyons and buttes has traditionally been a harsh environment to travel through. Nowadays, Badlands National Park holds unique geological formations and fossils from ancient wildlife. 

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a site of breathtaking natural beauty and boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure. It is situated in the middle of West Texas. Hikers, rock climbers, and people who simply like nature will find the park to be a veritable paradise due to the area’s rough mountains, deep valleys, and different ecosystems.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park, which can be found to the south of Miami, is a haven for people who enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving. The park is a veritable underwater paradise thanks to its extensive coral reefs, mangrove forests, and miles upon miles of sandy beaches.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a destination of astounding natural beauty and geological marvel, and it can be found in the southern part of the state of Utah. The park is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and nature lovers thanks to its hoodoos, spires, and towering cliffs.

Denali National Park

Are you an adventure seeker looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than Denali National Park located in beautiful Alaska. With its towering peaks, deep forests, and endless outdoor adventures, the park is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning national park located in Montana, along the border with Canada. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows, and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning national park located in the panhandle of southeastern Alaska. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including glaciers, forests, and marine environments, and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a natural gem that offers breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. From its rolling sand dunes to its lush forests and pristine beaches, this park is a true feast for the senses.

Isle Royale National Park

Nestled in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a true wilderness gem. From its rugged terrain and crystal-clear waters to its diverse wildlife and rich cultural history, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is a true wilderness wonderland that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With its rugged terrain, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Welcome to Kenai Fjords National Park, where towering glaciers, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife come together to create a truly magical experience. This park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique and unforgettable adventure for visitors.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is so scenic because of its unique geological features and diverse landscapes. The park is home to a variety of volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. These features create a stunning and otherworldly landscape that is unlike anything else in the world.

Mesa Verde National Park

Welcome to Mesa Verde National Park, where history, culture, and adventure come together in a breathtaking landscape. This park is home to some of the most well-preserved ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world, offering a unique window into the lives of the people who lived here over 700 years ago.

Mount Rainier National Park

Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park, where stunning natural beauty, adventure, and serenity await you. This park is home to the majestic 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, one of the most iconic peaks in the United States, as well as a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.

Olympic National Park

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From its towering peaks and misty rainforests to its rugged coastline and alpine meadows, Olympic National Park is a place that has captured the hearts of visitors for generations.

Petrified Forest National Park

Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Petrified Forest National Park is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and geological wonder. For centuries, visitors have been drawn to this unique landscape, with its colorful hills, towering mesas, and petrified wood that has captivated the imagination for generations.

Pinnacles National Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of Central California, Pinnacles National Park is a place of breathtaking beauty and geological wonder. With its towering spires, jagged cliffs, and rich variety of wildlife, Pinnacles National Park is a place that has captivated visitors for generations.

Redwood National Park

Embark on a journey to the rugged northern coast of California and experience the grandeur of Redwood National Park. Here, where towering redwoods soar towards the sky and pristine beaches stretch endlessly along the horizon, you will be swept away by the park’s stunning beauty and ecological significance.

Shenandoah National Park

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park’s 200,000 acres of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant forests offer a wealth of unforgettable activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Virgin Islands National Park

Journey to the idyllic Virgin Islands National Park, a captivating haven of white-sand beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. A true tropical paradise, offering an array of unforgettable activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park has a diverse landscape of interconnected waterways, lush forests, and rugged islands nestled along the border of Minnesota and Canada. Spanning over 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park offers a unique experience, as more than a third of the park is covered by water.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is an otherworldly landscape of shimmering white gypsum dunes nestled in the heart of New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin. Encompassing 275 square miles of surreal dunes, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is a hidden gem featuring one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems, nestled in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Wind Cave National Park is world-renowned for its unique boxwork formations and intricate cave patterns, offering a range of unforgettable activities.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a vast wilderness encompassing towering mountain ranges, immense glaciers, and untamed rivers, located in the remote expanses of southeastern Alaska. As the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers an unparalleled wilderness experience.

Yellowstone National Park

The iconic Yellowstone National Park, a diverse landscape of geothermal wonders, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone offers unparalleled wilderness experiences.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has a vast landscape of granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush meadows nestled in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. An unparalleled wilderness experience with a range of unforgettable activities available for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a vivid landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and serene desert oases, located in southwestern Utah. Zion National Park offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, providing a range of unforgettable activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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