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National Parks

Our Nationals Parks are the crown jewels of America. We break down the best parks for different activities and how to be prepared for your next visit.

A man hiking in Yosemite

Experience nature at its finest: The best national parks to visit this May

So, you’ve got a free weekend in May? There’s no better place to spend a glorious spring weekend than at one of our gorgeous national parks. Here are my top three recommendations!
Stargazing at Death Valley National Park

Stargazing in the darkest national park in the U.S. — what you need to know

joshua trees in desert

Joshua Tree National Park to close busiest entrance for massive revamp: What to know

blue ridge mountains along blue ridge parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway begins major repairs—what to know for your trip

Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Maine

The change at Acadia National Park you need to know before you visit

Yellowstone National Park volcanic vent over Nymph Lake

Yellowstone’s latest mystery: a new volcanic vent discovered

Mount Rainier, Washington state

National parks in Washington state: 7 hidden treasures you should know about

Fireflies at sunset

Witness nature’s most magical light show at Congaree’s firefly event this May

Salt flats in badwater basin in Death Valley

From salt flats to sand dunes: The hidden wonders of Death Valley National Park

Shenandoah National Park in the fall

These are the national parks undergoing controlled burns to cut wildfire risks

Chihuahuan Mountain Range at Big Bend National Park

Inside Big Bend National Park

Alligator relaxing on a log at Everglades National Park

Essential camping tips for an unforgettable Everglades adventure

Yosemite Falls

5 little-known national parks that are cooler than their overcrowded brethren

Visiting famous national parks during crowded seasons isn't fun. Here are some little-known national parks that are cooler than their famous counterparts.
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley camping: A guide to camping in the hottest, driest national park

Since there's so much to see and do here at Death Valley National Park, you might want to consider camping. Here's our ultimate guide to Death Valley camping. 
The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

Don’t miss out: This is when Glacier National Park reservations open for 2025

If you're looking to snag a coveted timed-entry reservation to Glacier National Park for this summer, don't wait. Here's what you need to know. 
Rugged and scenic terrain in Death Valley California

When you’re hiking in Death Valley, don’t do this

The National Park Service recently had to rescue a hiker from a near-death experience at Death Valley National Park. Here's how you can avoid a similar fate.
Big Bend National Park in Texas

Big Bend National Park will initiate trail closures because of this bird

Though these birds have recovered somewhat, they are still a protected species, which is why the NPS is closing parts of Big Bend National Park during the nesting period. 
Yosemite National Park in winter

Embrace the cold: The best places to camp in the winter

If you're looking for the best places to camp in the winter, there's nowhere better than our beloved national parks. Here are our top 3.
The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

Construction at Glacier National Park means changes for your trip — what to know

Since the construction project encroaches on parking, the National Park Service has announced that personal vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted. 
Yosemite Firefall at Yosemite National Park in Winter

Visit Yosemite’s Firefall in 2025 — without a reservation

If you're unfortunate enough to not snag a reservation for Yosemite's firefall, here's how you can experience it in 2025 without one.
Reflections of mountains at Yosemite National Park

Planning a visit? These national parks will require reservations in 2025

As outdoor enthusiasts gear up for the 2025 season, it's always a good idea to check out which national parks require reservations this year.
Moraine Lake at Banff National Park in Canada

5 must-see Canadian national parks that will take your breath away

From turquoise waters to arctic landscapes, Canada has so much to explore. Here are five of my favorite national parks in Canada and what you can do there.
Cast-iron skillet over campfire wood

How long can you go without food if you’re lost in the wilderness?

In the U.S., about 600,000 hikers get lost in the woods every year. If you've ever wondered how long you can go without food, here's what you need to know. 
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This popular Great Smoky Mountains trail will be closed for 18 months — where to hike instead

The National Park Service is committed to the safety of the Laurel Falls Trail, so the park has funded a rehabilitation project to give it a well-deserved makeover.
Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in winter

Your guide to Yellowstone’s winter secrets

While you do need to do some advance planning, and not everything in the park will be accessible, it's possible to have an amazing winter visit to Yellowstone.
camping hack for laundry toby wong fttvcvu89 m unsplash

No laundromat while camping? Try this classic laundry solution

If you've ever been on the road for any length of time, you'll know that one of the biggest challenges is the laundry. Here's how to wash your clothes on the trail.
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Maine

An adventurer’s guide to getting around Acadia National Park 

Whether you're swimming in Echo Lake or visiting island attractions, Acadia National Park is always ripe for adventure! Here's everything you need to know.
a man standing on a stone pillar in Grand Canyon National Park

Fire restrictions and water shortages hit Grand Canyon visitors—what to know

The Transcanyon Waterline springs a nasty break that's bad enough to shut it down. Here's how to handle the newest hiking challenge at the Grand Canyon.
Joshua Tree National Park sunset

Joshua Tree camping: Where to stay for for every type of camper

With nine distinct campgrounds to choose from, camping at Joshua Tree National Park has something for everyone.
Yosemite National Park in winter

This is when you can go to national parks for free in 2025

The National Park Service has just announced six free entrance days for 2025 so visitors to enjoy the beauty and history of America’s national parks.
Yosemite National Park in winter

Why winter is secretly the best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has so much winter fun to offer you and your crew. Here's everything you need to know (and more) about Yosemite in winter.
Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Good news if you’re visiting Hawaii: This stunning attraction has reopened

Due to the trail crew's hard work, trail crews have wrapped up construction on Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Sulfur Bank Trail a whole month early.
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Mount Rainier to transform in 2025: How it will affect your trip

Mount Rainier National Park is about to undergo two exciting construction projects in the coming year.
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Going to Mount Rainier National Park this winter? Here’s what you should expect

Winter is almost here, and Mount Rainier National Park is gearing up for the 2024-25 winter recreation season with updates to its schedule.
A view of the grand canyon during the day

The Grand Canyon might be raising campground prices for the first time in 20 years

The National Park Service hasn't raised fees for over 20 years, but as the Grand Canyon has increased in popularity, and so have the operational costs. Here's what that might mean.
Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana.

How to plan your Glacier National Park visit for 2025: Reservation deadlines and key rules

Because of the congestion in recent years, the National Park Service has been enacting a reservation system for entry to the park.
grand canyon in the winter

December at the Grand Canyon: Enjoy the beauty without the crowds

Whatever you end up doing, December remains one of the best time to visit the Grand Canyon — especially for introverts. 
West ridge of Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in the winter

National parks nationwide waive entrance fees for Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, national parks across the United States invite all visitors to enter free of charge in honor of the service and dedication of America’s veterans
Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This is when you should avoid visiting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park this month

Currently, flight operations are scheduled for November 12, 15, 20, and 22. Visitors may experience noise and trail closures.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

You’re now able to visit most of the Blue Ridge Parkway after hurricane damage

Restoration efforts have been under way at the Blue Ridge Parkway as the National Park Service clears 55 miles of debris from Hurricane Helene.
sediment slide alters water flow at canyonlands national park fishmouth slump 10 29 2024 d ippolito

How a recent sediment slump will affect your trip to Canyonlands National Park

tay informed about current river conditions by checking the Canyonlands National Park website, and heed all safety recommendations while out and about. 
Sunset at "The Window" near Chisos Mountain Lodge at Big Bend National Park

Discover Texas through its stunning national parks

The Lone Star State has a lot to offer when it comes to national parks. There are two official national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. 
least visited national parks three bright yellow tents on red autumn tundra with mountains blue sky  amp survey equipment

Looking for solitude? These are the 3 least visited national parks in America

If you're sick of crowds at your favorite national park, you're not alone. Here are some of the least-visited national parks according to 2023 statistics.
A stand of Giant Sequoia trees in California.

Plan your adventure: The best time to visit Sequoia National Park

So which time of year is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park? No matter what time of year you go, this national treasure has a lot to offer.
A view of the continental divide mountains in Rocky Mointains National Park on a Sunny day

What you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park road closure

Effective on October 25, 2024, the Trail Ridge Road, also known as U.S. Highway 34, has been officially closed to through-traffic.
where to stay in yosemite national park matthew fournier yedrqd2phy8 unsplash

Where to stay for your unforgettable multi-day trip to Yosemite

Yosemite has so many great lodging options to choose from. Select one that suits your needs, then get ready to explore the most treasured national parks.
Bear 399 and her cub at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton’s beloved bear Grizzly 399 meets tragic demise in a vehicle incident

This particular bear had captivated wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and visitors from around the globe for nearly three decades, making her one of the most recognized grizzlies in the world.
West ridge of Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in the winter

Now’s your last chance to visit this popular national park before winter closures

Starting November 1, the West, South, and East entrances, along with most park roads, will close to regular vehicles as park officials prepare them for snowmobile and snowcoach season.
California's Channel Islands

Here are the most jaw-dropping national parks in California

These five California national parks provide some of the most awe-inspiring outdoor experiences in the country. There's something for everyone.
A picture of the Yosemite Valley during springtime

Juggling between Yellowstone vs. Yosemite? Here’s where you should go this year

If you've only got enough PTO for one trip this year, there's a chance you might be juggling between Yosemite and Yellowstone.

Snow Sports

Camping

Hiking

Snowboarding