BlogToday in 1919, Congress established the Grand Canyon National Park, protecting the area from further development and preserving the incredible landscapes for future generations to visit and enjoy.
Let’s take a look at some of the incredible national parks across the United States.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most recognizable landscapes in the entire world, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is an amazing place to visit. The Colorado River carved the mile-deep canyon over millions of years. The gorgeous, multi-colored rocks and sediment left bare by the river are stunning, and the miles-wide gap from rim to rim are beautiful, breathtaking, and humbling for all those who visit.
People can hike, bike, and ride horses down into the basin of the Grand Canyon, or they can simply travel to the rim to enjoy the vistas and reflect on their place in the world. Either way, you’ll never forget your trip.
During the day in summertime, the area can get hot, but since it’s a desert, it still gets cold at night. And if you choose to venture onto one of the amazing trails, you must always be prepared. The weather can change within minutes, from sunny and dry to flash flood producing rainstorms that can be deadly.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Among the most famous national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks are side by side in the California Sierra Nevada mountain range. Sequoia National Park is named after the famous “giant” trees that are among the largest and oldest trees in the world.
They reach over 200 feet high, can be 25 feet in diameter, and some are estimated to be as much as 3,500-4,000 years old! These trees are truly something to behold, but the two national parks also boast some excellent hiking, beautiful vistas, and wonderful opportunities to commune with nature.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon in Utah is a unique canyon full of beautiful and breathtaking outcroppings, shaped rocks and valleys. Most unique are the “hoodoos”, colorful limestone rocks that are shaped by wind, rain, snow melt and erosion over thousands of years. These rock formations, ranging from a few feet to several stories tall, can be viewed on various hikes, ranger tours, scenic drives and even overnight backpacking excursions.
Be prepared for any weather–even in the summer the nights at the high elevation of Bryce Canyon can be frigid and even dangerous if you’re not dressed right!
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island, a lesser-known park located in Maryland and Virginia, is full of beautiful seascapes, ocean views and most famously, wild horses that roam the island. Visitors are able to bike, hike, camp, canoe and even drive on the beach in permitted areas.
The horses are beautiful and visitors can get very close to them and other wildlife, but it’s important to remember that they are wild! Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen when for your visit to this seashore park!
Dry Tortugas National Park
One of the most remote parks in the National Park system, Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands off the coast of Key West, Florida accessible only by boat or seaplane. It includes fun activities for everyone, including touring a lighthouse and an old military fort, camping, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking and relaxing on the beach.
Keep in mind that since it is a remote national park, you’ll need to bring everything you need for your stay, including water, food, sunscreen and anything else you might want on this remote island paradise park!
Wherever you are, from the west to the east coast, from north to south across the United States, you are never far from one of the 58 national parks and 2022 will be a great year to start visiting these national treasures! Perhaps you’ll be inspired to dust off your hiking shoes and camping gear, and have a “grand” adventure of your own!
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