The national parks are famous for their wildlife. However, oftentimes the focus is on the larger mammals, such as bears and bison, while birds remain out of the spotlight. Yet, there are some spectacular national park birds in America. From mighty bald eagles and cunning ravens to industrious hummingbirds and cute puffins, these are the most iconic birds in America’s national parks.
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.
This national park birthday calendar provides a handy overview of the years of establishment, anniversary dates and names of all American national parks, from the first federally protected park (Hot Springs) to the world’s oldest national park (Yellowstone) to more recently designated national parks (such as Dry Tortugas and American Samoa).
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.
There are a number of Haleakala National Park trails in the park’s two tourist areas, from the desert-like Crater to the verdant Kipahulu rain forest, allowing you to explore each of them as you please. Feel like a challenging full-day hike? Or rather an easy coastal stroll? The hiking trails in Haleakala National Park are varied as its landscapes!