Our national parks system is the crown jewel of the United States’ public protected lands. Since Yellowstone was established in 1872—the first national park—the list of preserved wild places for public enjoyment has grown. Iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, with their stunning natural features, are well-known, while others offer equally rich experiences for all ages.
There are now 63 official national parks. Recent additions include New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia, known for hiking and whitewater rafting, and Pinnacles National Park in California, a volcanic park offering hiking, climbing, and birdwatching.
Consider adding these four parks to your bucket list.
Canyonlands Mesa Arch. | Photo courtesy of the Moab Office of Tourism
Canyonlands National Park
Utah
Close to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park offers a quieter landscape. It features vast canyons, glowing mesas, and sandstone spires shaped by nature. Canyonlands, which also has arches, attracts fewer visitors, allowing peaceful exploration.
The park consists of three districts—Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Island in the Sky offers sweeping views above the Colorado River, while the Needles provides hiking among rock formations and remote trails. Summer rafting or kayaking along the Green and Colorado Rivers offers a different perspective.
Bikers can explore 211 miles of new e-bike trails around Moab, avoiding traffic on the park’s White Rim Road.
Great Basin National Park. | Photo courtesy of Travel Nevada
Great Basin National Park
Nevada
Nestled in Nevada’s high desert, Great Basin National Park is defined by alpine lakes, ancient forests, and clear night skies. Located less than five hours from Las Vegas, it feels worlds apart. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the park offers free online lectures on its ecology and history.
Visitors can hike to ancient bristlecone pines on Wheeler Peak trails or explore alpine loops with glacial lakes. Birdwatching and elk spotting are popular near the Sage Steppe Loop. Lehman Caves, set to reopen on May 22, offer intricate limestone formations. The park’s Gold Tier International Dark Sky status provides exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Channel Islands National Park. | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Channel Islands National Park
California
Beyond the California coast, Channel Islands National Park consists of five rugged islands, often called the “American Galápagos.” Visitors encounter coastal cliffs, kelp forests, and thriving wildlife, including sea lions and gray whales.
Reaching the islands involves a boat trip, often a full-day adventure. Start at the Ventura Harbor visitor center or board a boat with Island Packers. Santa Cruz Island is the most accessible, offering views along the Cavern Point loop.
Day visits focus on one island, as boats do not shuttle between them. Longer stays allow for backcountry hikes and camping on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. Reservations are crucial, especially for scuba diving, and sea conditions can change rapidly, rewarding those who persevere.
Voyageurs National Park. | Photo courtesy of R. Lehto/NPS
Voyageurs National Park
Minnesota
Northern Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park is named after French-Canadian voyageurs who once navigated its waters. It’s one of the few places in the lower 48 states to see the northern lights.
The park is best explored by boat, with much of it accessible only via water. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or motorboats to explore the islands. Water taxi services ferry campers to island campsites.
While the park’s fall foliage peaks in late September or early October, many services are closed by then. However, some boat tours and trails remain available, offering a more solitary park experience with limited access.
Original Story at www.sierraclub.org