“Death Valley is known for its extreme temperatures, and this year certainly didn’t disappoint when it comes to heat!” Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said after a summer that shattered several heat records.
I wholeheartedly believe that you can’t experience a national park to the fullest without spending the night there. As the saying goes, in many national parks “half the park is after dark.” So far, these are our all-time favorite national park campgrounds.
One of the best things about American national parks is their variety. From different landscapes to iconic wildlife to usually a historical aspect as well, there’s plenty to discover in these epitomes of nature conservation, especially if you have a car at your disposal.
Of all major attractions found in America’s national parks, sand dunes may just be one of the most underrated. Yet, you can explore and enjoy some of the most spectacular sandy landscapes in a handful of national parks, from the Southwest to the Great Lakes and even Alaska.
Home to huge sand dunes, panoramic vistas, rugged mountains, vast salt flats, colorful badlands and mysterious canyons, Death Valley National Park is a hiker’s paradise. In this post, I share my favorite Death Valley hikes, from easy strolls to strenuous loops.
There are half a dozen National Park Service sites within a half day’s drive from San Diego. Three of those are actual national parks. Joshua Tree, Channel Islands and Death Valley are all easily accessible on a road trip from San Diego, while there’s also an archipelago, national monument and desert preserve to be explored.
When many parts of America are still dusted with snow and suffer from below-freezing temperatures, others begin waking up after a long winter’s rest. Spring brings with it pleasant temperatures, roaring waterfalls and unique wildlife sightings, often including baby animals frolicking in spectacular landscapes.
Have you always wanted to ascend an epic mountain pass? Or encircle a volcano rim? Maybe ride through a desert or along a historic trail? Perhaps even share the road with iconic wildlife? Luckily, you can find all that asphaltic amusement in the following best national parks for road cycling.
All of these romantic lodges are open in winter and located in or near a beautiful national park, making them the perfect base for a Valentine’s Day getaway. Whether you’re looking for winter sports or a warm winter destination—maybe even a tropical getaway—you’ll find it at these amazing national park lodges.
A city famous for its glitz and glamour, celebrities and beach life, Los Angeles is so much more than Hollywood. Few people are aware that just beyond the urban sprawl of L.A., some amazing nature awaits. These seven beautiful national parks offer a fantastic escape from bustling L.A.
More than 40 National Park Service sites allow mountain biking, an increasingly popular outdoor adventure sport. Along with many NPS units like national monuments and national recreation areas, those include these nine amazing national parks for mountain biking.
As devastating as floods and forest fires can be, most of those pale in comparison with the potential threat posed by volcanoes. This makes visiting a volcano a more than averagely exciting thing to do. In the United States alone, there are no fewer than ten national parks with volcanoes you can visit.
Although often underrated and overlooked, birds are actually the most visible animals around. In national parks, too, they’re the easiest animals to spot. This is why I recommend making bird watching in national parks a priority. It’s not only about bears, moose and whales. Birds are fascinating to watch as well.
I might kick in an open door with this, but California is much more than sandy beaches, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and tech start-ups. The third-largest state in America, after Alaska and Texas, California is incredibly, exceptionally diverse.