Painted Desert & Petrified Forest
2 Arizona National Parks Combined Visit one, you should visit the other. The Petrified Forest and Painted Desert merge together.…
It may not seem like it now, as you sit in your office on the third floor of your largely concrete office building or look at the line of customers quickly forming in front of you, but the United States is actually full of natural beauty. Every state has relatively untouched gems in the form of national parks, and spring is a wonderful time to strap on your hiking boots and get to know them.
US National Parks are breathtaking reflections of Mother Nature’s beauty and grace. They will tantalize your senses, spark your imagination, and truly stir your soul. Whether you’re looking for the most beautiful vacation ever, or you’re just looking to get away for a nice weekend, I will help you find the perfect destination at one of the US National Parks. I will provide you with breathtaking photos, details, reviews of incredible hiking trails, and tips on getting the best out of a budget vacation.
Must-Visit National Parks to Visit
From the majestic peaks of Colorado National Parks to the tranquil forests of California National Parks to the deep canyons of Utah National Parks get ready for the virtual ride of your life to the spectacular and amazing United States National Parks. From rays of brilliant light at Antelope Canyon near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the beautiful lavender sunsets from Clingman’s Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will witness vision after magnificent vision of Mother Nature’s beauty in our National Parks blog posts.
US National Parks by State
America’s national parks are like a compendium of kingdoms, each with its own crown jewels and Nature firmly seated on the throne. Yes, the US government oversees them, but these parks were set up to protect, not to be presided over. There are 62 national parks in the United States, with some states having only one and others, such as California and Alaska, having nine and eight parks, respectively.
Alaska
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
Arkansas
California
- Channel Islands National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Sequoia National Park
Colorado
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Florida
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
Hawaii
- Haleakala National Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park
Kentucky
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
Nevada
- Death Valley National Park
- Great Basin National Park
New Mexico
North Carolina
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Dakota
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park
South Carolina
- Congaree National Park
South Dakota
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
Tennessee
Texas
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
Virginia
Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
American Samoa
- National Park of American Samoa
US Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands National Park
National Parks – Get Out of Your Car!
The National Park system in the United States is full of beauty and surprises. Still, you’ll be wondering if they’re worth it when you run into the crowds of other visitors.
Road Side Viewing
Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year, miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.
Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles traffic jam with a DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!
I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park experience.
Do you think the national park experience is looking out the window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most popular scenic spots that are located within a stone’s throwing distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots get to see.
The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leaves the hordes of armchair parkgoers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you’re willing to exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park visitors.
Thank goodness for the fast-food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on those boots and leave the crowds behind. It’s worth it.