Activities

Spring may be the shortest season in Yellowstone National Park, but it positively bursts with activity. During the months of April and May, the park reawakens—very much in the literal …

Many amazing national parks wildlife conservation success stories involve some of America’s most iconic animals. This includes bald eagles, turkeys and alligators, wolves and bison. All came dangerously close to extinction, only to be saved by open spaces, wildlife management and, simply put, opportunity for survival in the national parks.

There are many things that distinguish Haleakala from all other U.S. national parks, including the enormous size of the Haleakala Volcano. In this post, you’ll find the top things to do at Haleakala National Park, from sunrise watching to stargazing to bird viewing. Hiking and swimming are popular activities as well.

From strolling through a forest of giant old-growth redwoods to walking around Roosevelt elk-inhabited prairies and hiking along pristine coastline, these amazing hikes in Redwood National and State Parks allow you to explore the various landscapes of this UNESCO-protected parks complex in Northern California.

Besides lounging on breathtaking beaches and snorkeling in coral reefs, another popular thing to do in Virgin Islands National Park is hiking. When I visited the park in January, I …

Wind blows through your hair while sun rays hit your scalp. Your favorite music streams from your car’s speaker boxes. Open views of the Shenandoah Valley alternate with thick forest scenery. As you zoom past yet another spectacular viewpoint, a deer scurries back into the brush. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of Shenandoah National Park’s black bears.

Iconic Joshua trees stand tall in a desert landscape dominated by huge jumbles of rock. Arid hills form a remarkable backdrop. Blue skies offer a stark contrast to the yellows, browns and greens of this unique scenery. Roadrunners scurry across the sandy desert floors while ravens circle overhead.

Although best known for its stunning beaches and world-class snorkeling, Virgin Islands National Park has no lack of beautiful landscapes and scenic views either. When visiting this gorgeous national park …

Oregon is known far and wide for its lush forests filled with moss-covered rocks and trees, many volcanoes and hundreds of photogenic waterfalls. Especially the Columbia River Gorge, which forms much of the border between Oregon and Washington State, is famous for being a waterfall hotspot.

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon will leave an everlasting impression on anyone who lays eyes on it. Simply gazing into this vast Colorado …

Preserving a portion of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and Colorado deserts—Joshua Tree National Park is dotted with striking geological formations, iconic vegetation, historic sites, and scenic views. There’s plenty …

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park are among the most numerous and best-preserved of their kind in North America. They are one of …

Few natural phenomena are as magical and captivating as the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. This is Mother Nature’s greatest show, a dazzling display of dancing lights in the sky. In the U.S., there are various places to see this amazing show, including these national parks.

The health benefits of hiking are well known and well documented nowadays. And few things are better for a “nature bath” than going on a reinvigorating hike in a national park. These are some of the greatest day hikes in the U.S. National Park System.