America's Top 10 National Parks
Many travelers know that Yellowstone is our oldest National Park, so named by President Grant in 1872. The youngest? Pinnacles in California, which earned the lofty designation in January of 2013. The country boasts only 59 National Parks total, found in 27 states. GAYOT.com has selected the best of them that offer rich and varied natural experiences and unparalleled beauty. Enjoy America's Top 10 National Parks.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For a primordial experience, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home of two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the world's largest. The vivid landscape changes daily due to continuous lava flow. Be sure to check in at the Kilauea visitor's center before your day of exploration for an update on daily flows. While you can easily experience the area in one day by driving through it, we recommend settling down for a few days near the summit of Kilauea. From there, you can access the park by car, air, sea or foot. A helicopter tour truly brings home the grandeur of this landscape, while a boat expedition gets you up close and personal with the newest land on earth where molten lava flows right into the water.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Hikers will rejoice over Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park with more than 300 miles of hiking trails and the opportunity to gain some real altitude: the tallest of the 60 peaks tops out at 14,259 feet. The park's Trail Ridge Road crests at over 12,000 feet, and the surrounding 415 square miles encompass alpine wonderlands and stunning vistas. Taking advantage of the great outdoors, travelers can experience a field seminar to learn about the surrounding flora and fauna. Capture the beauty of the Rockies for posterity with a guided photo safari, get up close and personal on an "Elk Rut Safari" between September and October or submit to the sublime quiet and beauty of a guided safari in the winter.
San Juan Island National Historic Park
The San Juan Islands are full of natural and historical charm. The archipelago, off the coast of Washington, roughly equidistant from Seattle and Vancouver, comprises four islands open to visitors year-round. The park is a draw for whale watching, sea kayaking, and hiking, and even offers the experience of traveling back in time. Pig War re-enactors from the U.S. and Canada gather annually to celebrate the border and peace agreement, which followed a territory dispute between the Americans and British for possession of the islands in 1859 after the shooting of a pig. Accessible by air or sea only, charter planes and ferries serve the islands from Seattle, Bellingham, Anacortes and Sidney, B.C.
Yellowstone National Park
Classic destinations always stand the test of time, and as the world's first national park, Yellowstone certainly qualifies. Most notably the home of Old Faithful Geyser, the park features an impressive collection of lakes, mountain ranges, canyons and rivers. Centered over the Yellowstone Caldera — the largest supervolcano on the continent — the park is a singular destination for wildlife viewing in the spring, summer and fall, and is ideal for skiing in the winter. For a first-rate photo opportunity, don't leave Yellowstone without venturing into the Hayden Valley, a prime location for grizzly bear sightings and bison encounters.
Yosemite National Park
The indelible images of Yosemite National Park made famous by the photographer Ansel Adams in the early twentieth century still pale in comparison to the real thing. A half-day's drive from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Yosemite cuts a wide swath through the Central Sierra Nevada, characterized by grand views, hidden waterfalls, glacial lakes and boulder fields. A backpacker's paradise and a rock climber's mecca, the park offers innumerable options for adventurers and casual naturalists alike. Yosemite Valley, home to the Half Dome and El Capitan, covers only one per cent of the park but is the most widely visited. Accommodations range from basic campsites to the grand Château du Sureau to a National Historic Landmark, The Ahwahnee.
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