While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches …
Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this national memorial draws 2 million visitors per year. Mount Rushmore is worth a quick visit, whether you are touring South Dakota or road tripping across the United States. In this post, learn how to visit Mount Rushmore, with …
Badlands National Park is a highly underrated park in the United States. The colorful buttes, spires, and pinnacles create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the country. Bison and bighorn sheep roam the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The sunrises and sunsets are magical, the hiking trails are short and sweet, and for those looking for more …
With 62 national parks and thousands of miles of hiking trails, your options are endless for exploring the American national parks. We narrowed down the list for you to 20 of the best day hikes in the national parks, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful country. Hike to the tallest peaks, through massive canyons, and to gorgeous alpine lakes. …
Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest cave systems in the world. Touring the cave is the main reason for visiting this park but there is a lot more to do here than explore this underground world. Above ground, Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the largest mixed-grass prairies in the United States. …
Grand Teton National Park truly is a hiker’s paradise. Hike through picturesque canyons, around glacier-fed lakes, and up to the highest peaks. Wildlife sightings from the hiking trails are frequent, with elk, moose, and bear making regular appearances. If you want to add some adventure to your visit to Grand Teton, strap on your hiking shoes and take your pick …
The Watchman Trail is a relatively easy hike that offers nice views over Springdale and the southern end of Zion National Park. Since this trail starts at the visitor center, no shuttle is necessary, making this a convenient trail to hike if you are struggling to get shuttle reservations. Here’s how to do it. Facts About the Hike Distance: 3.3 …
If you are planning a family vacation in the United States, the national parks make an excellent destination. There are currently 62 national parks in the USA…that’s a lot to choose from. We have narrowed down the list to 10 great national parks to take the kids. When you are traveling with kids, you want a place that’s easy to …
The Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop is one of the best hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. In just one hike, you can visit a handful of the park’s top spots: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon. Throw in panoramic views across the Teton mountain range and a few moose, and you …
The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see three very pretty alpine lakes (Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), with the option to add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. The Emerald …
Wild, rugged, remote…North Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, you’ll have to hit the hiking trails. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. …
The Beehive Trail is one of the most thrilling hikes in Acadia National Park. This trail is a tamer, easier version of the Precipice Trail. It features sections of cliff walks and metal rungs, but with less elevation gain and less exposure, this is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail. …
The hike from Hurricane Ridge to Mount Angeles is a spectacular day hike in Olympic National Park. Along the Klahhane Ridge Trail you have panoramic views over this side of Olympic National Park. To get up onto Mount Angeles, it’s a tough hike that ends with some tricky rock scrambling, but you are rewarded for your efforts. On a clear …
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a highly underrated national park. In some ways, it’s a smaller, less crowded version of the Grand Canyon. You can enjoy the views along both rims, hike the rim trails, or go on a real adventure by hiking below the rim. You can explore both the North and the South rims of the …
Driving South Rim Drive Road is one of the best things to do in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Along its short distance, you can take your pick between 12 overlooks. This is the easiest and fastest way to get panoramic views of the canyon, see the unique, striated cliffs, and peer down to the Gunnison River. In this …
Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. This park preserves the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archeological sites that are hundreds of years old. Short hikes, scenic drives, and viewpoints make the to-do list, but the best way to experience this park is to get up close …
North Cascades National Park is not a place that easily reveals itself. Sure, the drive along Highway 20 is lovely. And the viewpoints over the lakes and mountain passes are gorgeous. But, to really see this park, you are going to have to invest some time on the hiking trails. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints …
The Twin Sisters Peak trail, which crosses between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest, offers 360° views from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. Since this hike is on the far eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get a panoramic view of the national park, with Longs Peak and Mount Meeker in the foreground. …
For jaw-dropping views of Mt. Rainier National Park, it’s hard to beat the Skyline Trail Loop. The entire hike is a beauty. Starting in Paradise, you will hike past lovely Myrtle Falls, through pine forests, and then ascend the slopes to the base of Mt. Rainier. From Panorama Point, enjoy spectacular views over the park, and on a clear day …
For outstanding views of the North Cascades, put the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike on your list. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. You’ll hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. …
