5 Epic US National Parks You Should Explore this Year
It's no secret that the US has some incredible National Parks. Spread across the United States, the US park systems is home to incredibly diverse landscapes that offer abundant opporunities for exploring.
Today we are highlighting 5 National Parks to add to your list of places to explore this year! Our family is working towards visting all the US National Parks and are keeping a list of our top parks. We’re approaching our halfway mark and today I want to share some of our top National Parks to explore.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park on Maui, Hawaii feels like you are visiting another world. Hike down into a large volcanic crater and walk across the bottom of the crater over 10,000 feet above sea level.
This lush and stark National Park is home a large biodiverse ecosystem. Many people visit Haleakala during sunrise or sunset or to explore one of the many hiking trails. We spent a day hiking across the crater and saw only a few other people, some very friendly birds and sweeping views of the crater amid the clouds.
Zion National Park
Zion Canyon is known for it’s stunning red rocks that form large and impressive valleys and gorges. Popular activities in Zion National Park include hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering.
The two most iconic hikes in Zion include Angels Landing and the Narrows, but you can find hiking trails for every level. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, and its diverse landscapes support a wide range of plant species.
With its towering cliffs and majestic vistas, Zion National Park is a must visit US park.
Voyaguers National Park
With less of a wow factor than the other parks on this list - Voyageurs offers something the other parks don’t offer - quiet!
This park is best explored by boat and is really a series of connected waterways and islands perfect for exploring by motorboat, houseboat, canoe or kayak. Spend a few nights camping on the islands and fishing and you will leave feeling restored.
Glacier National Park
Named for the glaciers that still cling to the mountainsides, Glacier National Park is known for its rugged mountains and alpine lakes. Glacier is a hikers paradise with over 700 miles of hiking trails.
Most people drive the Going to the Sun Road and explore some of the trails like the Highline Trail, Iceburg Lake Trail and Grinnel Glacier Trail. Glacier National Park is also home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Acadia National Park
This is our closest National Park and we love the rough and rugged coastline and variety of outdoor activities. Climb, bike, hike, kayak, and eat your way through the Maine Coast.
Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination within the park, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Looking for something shorter? Consider hiking the beehive or take a swim in a freshwater lake.
Are you planning to visit a US National Park this year? We’ve got at least 4 on our list! Follow us on Instagram to follow along.
Have fun out there,
Gretchen