Places to Hear Yourself Think: USA National Parks to See in Your Lifetime
The wind in the trees, your breath in the air, the simple soundtrack of water trickling down deep valleys – there’s no better place to find solitude than a national park in USA.
The USA is renowned for its soul-stirring collection of jaw-dropping national parks that are dotted across the country, drawing millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re into exploring out-of-this-world sweeping landscapes, venturing into the raw wilderness or seeing wildlife up close, here’s a list of the top eight national parks everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Yosemite National Park, California
Lace up your boots and find adventure at Yosemite National Park in California, where around every corner opens a hypnotic display of natural vistas. Embrace tranquillity as you walk past grand cliffs, meadows sprinkled with colourful wildflowers and ancient, giant sequoias to the backdrop of gushing rivers. Yosemite Falls is at its most beautiful and impressive self in springtime, when the newly melted snow generously feeds the creeks and streams.
For those looking to get more attuned with this natural wonder, cast a line and try your luck catching trout swimming upstream, or for a true taste of yesteryear, pan for gold in the crisp waters in Mariposa County.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Take a scenic drive to Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, one of the most popular day trips from Seattle. Nearly two million visitors a year flock to Mount Rainier National Park for an awe-inspiring hiking, mountain climbing or backpacking adventure within the broad meadows surrounding the volcano, which stands 4390 metres above sea level. Listen out for the telltale tapping sounds of woodpeckers as you explore the shady, old-growth forests surrounding the Ohanapecosh River.
The Skyline Trail is the most popular trail and relatively easy for those less experienced. Cross a wooden bridge that looks as though it’s taken straight out of a children’s story book, over Edith Creek or head to the bank of the creek for the best view of the glacier-covered mountain rising above the trees. Come back during winter when the brilliant white snow falls for skiing, snowboarding and more.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Have an other-worldly experience at the Grand Canyon National Park. Located in Arizona’s northern reaches, this mind-blowing national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Most people stop for a photo of the Mars-like rocks, but true explorers spend a few days here to appreciate the full spectrum of the Grand Canyon’s splendour. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiking enthusiast to take it all in – hop on a bike and explore the desert on two wheels or mount a mule for a relaxing ride along the majestic canyon rim. If that’s not enough excitement, kick it up a notch with a white-water rafting ride down the mighty Colorado River!
Zion National Park, Utah
Picture this: sandstone cliffs of vanilla cream, dotted with pink and red that contrast magnificently against a bright blue sky. Welcome to Zion National Park in Utah! Discover the park’s dramatic attractions along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From the huge stone monolith piercing the sky at Angels Landing, to spectacular views from the bottom of the canyon at The Narrows, there’s plenty of ways to see this incredible slice of nature from all its stunning angles. Perfect for adventure-seekers, you’ll find hiking trails for all abilities, plus opportunities for horseback riding, canyoneering and rock climbing to excite any soul.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Be charmed by the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, established in March 1872. See the only wild bison herd on the continent, then head to pristine lakes, dramatic mountain passes and the famous Grand Prismatic Spring, dressed in bright rainbow bands of colour.
You may choose to live out your rugged explorer dreams with plenty of lodging choices, but really there’s no better way to experience these ancient grounds than by camping. With a total of 12 campgrounds and over 2000 campsites to choose from, you’ll be in prime position to explore Old Faithful, West Thumb Geyser Basin and the Mammoth Hot Springs.
Virgin Islands National Park, U.S Virgin Islands
Go beyond sands the colour of snow and explore Virgin Islands National Park’s underwater wonderland. With over 40 per cent of this national park existing beneath the waves, submerged lands and relics from the past await. Dive into aquamarine waters and discover a menagerie of wildlife – snorkel at Maho Bay to come face to face with turtles munching on coral, angel fish and octopus. When it comes time to dry off, wander through numerous trails including the Reef Bay Trail for ancient rock carvings and breathtaking ruins, where time seems to have stood still amongst lush trees and waterfalls.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Misty peaks, the verdant colours of evergreen trees and moss, and cascading waterfalls set the stage for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. As one of the USA’s most-visited national parks, it’s the best place to embrace pure wilderness. Thanks to a temperate climate and varied topography, you’re bound to encounter a biologically diverse range of wildlife on your travels. From black bears and groundhogs, to white-tailed deer and squirrels, there’s plenty of critters to meet in the Smokies.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
As the town of Seward in south-central Alaska ends, it triumphantly transforms into Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, unparalleled wilderness adventures await – get close to mind-boggling fjord and rainforest ecosystems, where historical remains meet abundant wildlife and icy-blue glaciers. Wind through cottonwood forests and valleys on the Harding Icefield Trail where dizzying displays of snow carve the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for the region’s residents including moose, bears, river otters, beavers and more that thrive in the icy waters and surrounding forest.