Pick A National Park
You don’t have to go far to find an adventure and nothing proves that better than a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks. Each park has its own striking natural features, dramatic landscapes, and unique attractions. But it can be tricky to know how one park varies from another, or which you might like to visit most.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK; Perfect for the Thrill-Seeker
Yosemite is home to diverse alpine terrain, stunning waterfalls and lakes, and perhaps most notably, some of the world’s best rock climbing areas. The landscape is guaranteed to delight thrill-seeking travelers who can descend the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half-Dome, should they wish. Or, if scaling a sheer rock face isn’t really your speed, there are plenty of other activities to engage in – hiking, fishing, gold panning and biking.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK; Perfect for the Wildlife Lover
While Yellowstone is home to many famed geothermal features, it is also home to the largest concentration of mammals in the United States. Its most notable inhabitants are grizzly bears, bison, elk, wolves and bighorn sheep. Here, it’s not uncommon to see bald eagles soaring overhead or for a family of bison to be strolling alongside the road, making it the perfect national park for those looking to safely interact with wildlife.
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK; Perfect for the City-Slicker
A few hours outside of San Francisco lies Redwood National Park, home to the world’s tallest trees. This park is the perfect escape for San Fran or Sacramento’s city-slickers (because we ALL need a break from the hustle and bustle sometimes). There are a lot of great hiking trails but if you’re not the most outdoorsy, this park is a great choice because much of the sightseeing can be done from the comfort of your shuttle bus or motorcoach.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK; Perfect for the Photographer
Aside from being one of the most iconic U.S. landscapes, the Grand Canyon, and it’s many unusual natural features, is a photographer’s dream. The dramatic colors, ever-changing light, and burning sunsets make the Grand Canyon an ideal place to capture nature’s raw beauty. Try these few favorite spots to get the perfect snapshot - Yaki Point, Horseshoe Bend, and nearby Antelope Canyon!
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK; Perfect for the Snow Fanatic
There are a lot of beautiful mountain ranges in the U.S., but perhaps none quite as striking as the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons. While the park is open year-round, a wintertime visit offers an equally serene and adventurous experience, giving outdoor lovers the opportunity to snowshoe, cross-country or downhill ski or snowmobile against an incredible mountainous backdrop.
There is still time! Contact land tour specialist ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to help you knock one off your bucket list! She'll make it both easy and enjoyable.
