Travel > National Parks
America's National Parks
Captivating Landscapes, Diverse Wildlife, and Adventures:
Discover the Majesty of America's National Parks
Escape to the majesty of America's National Parks! Retirees, immerse yourselves in breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless adventure. Hike majestic mountains, camp under starry skies, or simply embrace the tranquility of nature. National Parks offer something for everyone β invigorating hikes, serene campgrounds, peaceful fishing spots, and awe-inspiring beauty. Take advantage of senior discounts and fully experience these pristine wonders.
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Photo by Brigitte Werner / Pixabay | Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia National Park is a breathtaking coastal park known for its rugged granite peaks, pristine lakes, and picturesque coastline. Visitors can enjoy a unique combination of mountains and ocean, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and scenic drives along the Park Loop Road. September and October is a great time to visit when the park is in peak Fall color.
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| For a magnificent view, head up to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, it offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding area. You can drive to the top, or hike one of the trails that lead up to the summit. Visit Jordan Pond, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and forests, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and hiking. The Jordan Pond House, a historic restaurant, is located on the shore of the lake. |
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Photo by ClΓ©ment Proust / Pexels | Arches National Park
Located in the state of Utah, and renowned for its striking sandstone arches, spires, and rock formations. Arches National Park offers awe-inspiring natural rock formations, hiking paths and stunning viewpoints Visitors can hike among more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. The park's unique geology and stunning sunsets make it a photographer's dream.
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| Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, but summer can be scorching. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions for photography. There is a lovely campground with beautiful views of the distant mountains and desert scenery. |
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Photo by Jay Chung/ Pexels | Bryce Canyon National Park
Another treasure of the state of Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park mesmerizes visitors with its unique geological formations known as hoodoos. These tall, thin spires of rock create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The park offers various hiking trails and viewpoints to witness the captivating beauty of the amphitheater.
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| Spring and fall are ideal for moderate temperatures and colorful sunrises and sunsets that enhance the park's splendor. |
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Photo by Helena Bilkova / Adobe Stock | Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, nestled in the heart of southern Oregon, is renowned for its stunning centerpiece, Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the clearest in the world. Its origin is the result of a collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama, which erupted over 7,700 years ago.
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| The volcanic caldera transformed into a majestic lake, with its sapphire-blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, witnessing jaw-dropping views from viewpoints like Rim Drive and Wizard Island. |
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Photo by Julius Fekete / Adobe Stock | Glacier National Park
Known as the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park is a pristine wilderness featuring snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and stunning glaciers. The park offers numerous hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views.
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| Stay at the Many Glacier hotel, a large historic, Swiss-chalet style hotel built by the Northern Railway Company in 1914-15. The hotel is set on the shore of beautiful Swiftcurrent Lake, surrounded by glacier-clad mountains. Grizzly bear, moose and big horn sheep can often be spotted in the area. Summer is the best time to visit as the snow melts, and the park becomes accessible for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and wildlife watching. It's important to note that due to climate change, the glaciers are slowly disappearing, making the park's beauty even more precious and worth experiencing. |
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Photo by Simone Coltri/ Pexels | Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Arizona, this park is famous for its awe-inspiring views and vast, colorful canyons carved by the Colorado River. The park offers numerous hiking trails, mule rides, and helicopter tours to explore its immense beauty.
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| Spring and fall, specifically April to May and September to November, provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit and experience the grandeur of the canyon. |
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Photo by
theSOARnet / Pixaby | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Situated between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It is renowned for its majestic mountains, lush forests, and rich biodiversity.
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| The park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Spring, particularly April and May, is an ideal time to visit when wildflowers are in bloom and the park showcases its beauty. And if you want to experiencee gorgeous Fall color, Autumn is a great time to visit also. |
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Photo by Sspiehs3 / Pixabay | Joshua Tree National Park
Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park features scenic desert landscape, and namesake iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vast expanses of desert. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and photography.
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| Unfortunately recent fires destroyed 1.3 million Joshua trees, impacting 59% of the trees in the park. Some areas experienced complete devastation, while others were left relatively untouched. The most severe damage occurred in the northern and western sections of the park, which contain the densest Joshua tree forests. A replanting effort is underway, but it may take many years to recover. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is in the spring when the desert wildflowers bloom, or in the fall when temperatures are more moderate. |
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Photo byIntricate Explorer / Unsplash | Mount Rainier National Park
Located in Washington state, Mount Rainier National Park is home to a majestic stratovolcano with a 14,411-foot snow-capped summit, the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The park's landscapes encompass glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, and waterfalls, offering a diverse and captivating natural setting.
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| Stay at the historic Paradise Lodge, built in 1916 and designed in the National Park Service Rustic style. Step outside and step onto the iconic Wonderland Trail, a scenic 93-mile route encircling the mountain, and the vibrant wildflowers that adorn Paradise's subalpine meadow during the summer months. |
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Photo Ben Travis / Pixabay | Olympic National Park
Nestled in the state of Washington, Olympic National Park is a natural gem that showcases a diverse range of ecosystems. From the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to the towering peaks of the Olympic Mountains, to gorgeous Lake Quinault, this park offers a breathtaking landscape that is truly awe-inspiring.
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| Visitors can explore pristine beaches, wander through lush temperate rainforests, and marvel at dramatic alpine meadows. The park is also renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with numerous species of plants and animals calling it home. Hikers can embark on trails that lead to stunning destinations like Hurricane Ridge and Sol Duc Falls, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot unique species such as Roosevelt elk and bald eagles. |
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Photo by Rodcoffeehill / Adobe Stock | Redwood National and State Parks
Perched along the northern coast of California, Redwood National and State Parks stand as a testament to the magnificence of ancient giants.These parks are home to the world's tallest trees, the towering coast redwoods, which can reach heights of over 300 feet.
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| Stepping into this enchanting realm, visitors are immersed in a lush and mystical landscape filled with towering forests, tranquil rivers, and vibrant ferns. The parks offer a range of experiences, from scenic drives through the Avenue of the Giants to immersive hikes through groves that evoke a sense of awe and reverence. The park's unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and endangered species like the marbled murrelet. |
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Photo by David Mark / Pixabay | Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This expansive park encompasses towering mountain peaks, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
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| Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and you can stand at the top of the Continental Divide. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and the park's alpine wildflowers are in full bloom. Fall is another popular season, as the changing leaves create a spectacular display of colors against the mountain backdrop. |
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Photo by Zack Frank / Adobe Stock | Shenandoah National Park Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers stunning panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park through its extensive network of hiking trails, scenic drives along the Skyline Drive, and camping opportunities.
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| Fall is the most popular time to visit when the foliage paints the mountains in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Note this park is very close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park so if time permits you can enjoy both on the same trip. |
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Photo by Figidreamgrafix/ Adobe Stock | Yellowstone National Park Situated between Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park and is celebrated for its geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park boasts mesmerizing landscapes, diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves, and a collection of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.
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| Summer is the peak season, from June to August, offering pleasant weather and access to all park areas, but early fall can provide quieter trails and vibrant fall foliage. |
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Photo by Chris Lehnes / Pexels | Yosemite National Park Located in the golden state of California, Yosemite National Park is a jewel of the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. The park offers an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and photography opportunities.
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| The best time to visit is during spring when waterfalls are at their peak flow, and in fall for beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. |
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Photo by Simone Coltri/ Pexels | Zion National Park
Located in Utah, Zion National Park, a photographer's paradise, showcases remarkable red-rock cliffs, deep canyons, and a diverse desert landscape. It is a paradise for hikers and adventurers, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes like Angel's Landing and The Narrows.
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| Stay at the beautiful Zion lodge set along the Virgin River amidst towering cliffs and mingle with the many deer that frequent the grounds. Enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset highlighting the cliffs from the bridge over the river. The park's unique shuttle system provides convenient access to popular trails and viewpoints. Spring and Fall are good times to visit with pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, while Summer can be hot. |
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