The past few years have taught us all that you don’t have to always travel across the ocean for a memorable vacation. The United States is home to 63 national parks that are managed solely for the “enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” and we have rounded up the best ones for you to visit!

Yellowstone

The easiest national park to start off with is the world’s first: Yellowstone. Back in 1872, Yellowstone was set aside as a national park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, saving it from a public or private property sale.

Today, the 2.2 million acres are visited by over 4 million people a year, and stand as one of the most popular national parks to date! The most popular attraction is the Old Faithful Geyser, which has eruptions that can shoot water and steam up to 56 meters high. The eruptions take place every 90 minutes, so you have some time to explore the other areas of the park. Even if you are only visiting for a short period of time, you are guaranteed to see so much wildlife. Yellowstone has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, with a total of over 60 species that call it home. You are sure to run into a bison, elk, or moose as you travel across the park, and hopefully, you might catch a glimpse of one of the more elusive animals!

Yosemite

California’s most visited national park is one full of natural wonders. Yosemite National Park was discovered in 1890 and was the third National Park founded in America. The “Father of the National Parks,” John Muir, loved the park so much that he lived at the base of Yosemite Falls.   

Every year over 4 million people visit to see the natural beauty the park has to offer. El Capitan is a 3,000-foot granite monolith that many rock climbers travel to every year to test their skills. In 1958 the first climber took 48 days to scale the beast, but in 2017 Alex Honnold was able to free solo climb in only 4 hours! If you are looking for a more serene atmosphere, then the Yosemite Waterfalls are a must! The waterfalls are made up of three parts, with a combined total of over a 2,400-foot drop which makes it the tallest waterfall on the continent! Before you leave make sure you stop by Mariposa Grove, which is located in the southern part of Yosemite. Mariposa Grove is home to the largest Sequoia trees, with over 500 mature trees to see in total! The Grizzly Giant is at the top of most lists, thanks to its age of over 2,700 years. 

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a true haven for nature lovers. This park is one of the last remaining intact ecosystems in North America and is found in Montana right across from the Canadian border. 

Glacier National Park is home to over 734 miles of hiking trails where you can walk alongside the glacially carved lakes or you can hike to Grinnell Glacier to see a glacier up close and personal! If you are looking for a scenic drive, the Going-to-the-sun road is approximately two hours of the most jaw-dropping views. You will twist and turn through the mountains and over the Continental Divide, there are also turn-outs where you can park and get a closer look and picture. You might recognize one of the most photographed spots, Goose Island. Goose Island is located on Saint Mary Lake and was featured in the opening scene of The Shining and you will find.  

Grand Canyon 

When it comes to national parks, one that’s widely recognized and at the top of many lists is the Grand Canyon National Park. The famous Grand Canyon lies within the park, and its stunning beauty offers breathtaking views and geological history.

There is a common dispute on how far back the Grand Canyon goes, most believe it traces back to before 1200 BCE! The Grand Canyon’s history also lies within its geologic history. The layered bands of colorful rocks reveal the history of how the Grand Canyon came to be today and give insight into the changing climates of the area over time. If you are looking for the best way to take in the views, there are over 358 miles of hiking trails to explore or you can take a tour on the back of a mule! If you are looking for a unique experience, you can take a raft tour on the Colorado River. You can see the wildlife and remains of past human civilizations, complete with petroglyphs and pictographs! 

Did any of these National Parks spark your interest? Give us a call today so we can get your next trip booked: (843) 626-9998.