USA

In spring, and in some parks early-summer, colorful wildflowers put up quite a spectacle in certain national parks, carpeting desert flats, covering mountain slopes and adding color to old-growth forests.

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.

Arches National Park is home to the world’s densest concentration of natural rock arches and one of the most photogenic national parks in America. The park encompasses more than 2,000 catalogued rock arches. They range in size from three feet, which is the minimum required length of an arch, to almost three hundred feet.

Dotted by Civil War battlefields and military parks, historic sites and monuments, and home to one of the East’s greatest national parks—Shenandoah—Virginia is a great place to explore for history buffs and nature lovers alike. This post features the best National Park Service sites in Virginia.

Located in the heart of Virginia, high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park protects a historic mountain landscape characterized by endless mountain ranges, dense forests, large tracts of wilderness, beautiful waterfalls and lots of wildlife.

Honoring one of America’s greatest ever Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is home to thousands of wild animals. Spread out over three different units—the South and North Units and Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch—, it’s a superb place for scenic drives and up-and-close wildlife encounters.

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.

Wolves have always been a source of both fascination and fear among people. Once revered and respected… then hated and hunted… now both, wolves are a symbol of wildness arguably unlike any other animal in the world. In America, you can see gray wolves in the wild in these amazing national parks.

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.

To really experience the beauty and depth of iconic Arches National Park, there’s no better way than hiking. The Arches trails I’ve selected in this blog post take you to, through and around several of the 2,000+ natural rock arches in the park, the greatest concentration of those rock formations on Earth.

The five national parks that offer the best brown or grizzly bear viewing opportunities are either in the northern Rocky Mountains or southern Alaska, places featuring rugged mountain ranges, wide river valleys and expansive meadows, pristine woodlands and lakes.

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.