Recently updated on January 20th, 2020 at 07:08 pm
In honour of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ National Park Service, we’ve compiled some of our favourite National Parks in America to visit in 2016. From sculpted glaciers in Alaska to Hawaii’s dramatic volcanic scenery, these parks perfectly encapsulate the extraordinary diversity and incredible natural beauty that can be found within the varied landscapes of the United States.
Yosemite National Park, California
Situated within the Sierra Nevada Mountains and encompassing deep, forested valleys, tumbling waterfalls and giant sequoia trees, it’s no surprise that Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And with people coming from around the world to camp, hike and climb within its borders, the park is set up incredibly well for visitors. Aside from hiking, rock-climbing and horseback riding, find out about Yosemite’s history at the CA State Mining & Mineral Museum, and take in the iconic sights on a tram ride through the park.
Visit Yosemite National Park with California Dreamin’, The Californian, Northern Californian, Western Discoverer, and San Francisco and Wine Country Delights.
Redwood National Park, California
Travel through this UNESCO World Heritage National Park to see trees that are more than 1,000 years old. This area of natural beauty has become famous worldwide as the home of the tallest trees anywhere on Earth – standing beneath these giants, looking up at the sunlight glimmering through the leaves so far overhead, is sure to be an unforgettable sight. But what many don’t realise is that the park also has prairies, woodland, winding rivers and a coastline to explore, with wildlife flourishing throughout.
Visit Redwood National Park on the Adventures in the Wild Northwest trip.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Characterised by its red, orange and pink spire-shaped rock formations, the unique eroded terrain of Bryce Canyon National Park has become one of Utah’s most famous sights, and one of the best-known National Parks in America. And as the world’s largest expanse of these unusual rock formations, walking amidst them and looking out from the panoramic viewpoints around the park is certainly a humbling experience.
Visit Bryce Canyon National Park with Pioneer Adventures of the Old West, The Trailblazer, Western Frontiers, and Scenic Parks Explorer.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Running across a section of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a spectacular region to drive through, with over 75 panoramic lookout points along the way. On foot, visitors have an entirely different experience as they navigate the extensive network of trails that lead them through the wilderness to waterfalls and historic sites.
Visit Shenandoah National Park on the Historic Highlights trip.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
With the accolade of being the first ever National Park to be established in America, Yellowstone National Park is persistently popular, astounding visitors with its surreal beauty. As one of the planet’s few active supervolcanoes, Yellowstone is a mass of bubbling geysers and natural hot springs. By venturing to the park’s largest hot spring, Grand Prismatic Spring; the world-famous geyser, Old Faithful; and the Fountain Paint Pot mud pots of the Lower Geyser basin, visitors can witness the true volcanic power of this incredible landscape.
Visit Yellowstone National Park with Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos (Ends Denver, Ends Rapid City), National Parks Wonders, Western Frontiers, and Scenic Parks Explorer.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Named a National Park back in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has long been recognised for its dramatic beauty. So dramatic, in fact, that two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, are situated within it. The park’s easy access makes it possible for people to see the land constantly change through its volcanic activity, while visitors can hike and drive around the craters, through the surrounding desert and rainforest, and into the Thurston Lava Tube, where a river of lava once flowed.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Hawaiian Explorer, Hawaiian Discovery, Best of Hawaii, Hawaii Four Island Adventure.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park takes up a staggering 2,116 square kilometres of its south-eastern coastline near Juneau, with a spectacular landscape of snow-capped mountains, wildlife-rich forests, icy lakes and captivating glaciers. Visitors can explore on land by following the well-trodden hiking trails, or take a boat out onto the glacial waters for possible sightings of whales.
Visit Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve with Majestic Alaska with Cruise, Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise, and Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with Alaska Cruise.
Image credits: cover photo of Yosemite National Park / iStock / 4nadia. Second image of Yosemite National Park @ iStock / lucamoi. Redwood National Park © iStock / Lisa Blue. Bryce Canyon © iStock / PytyCzech. Shenandoah National Park © iStock / gqxue. Yellowstone National Park © iStock / Poul Riishede. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park © iStock / George Burba. Glacier Bay National Park © iStock / fallbrook.