National Park Service 100th anniversary: Picture perfect parks
To celebrate the National Park Service's 100th anniversary this August, Paste BN is highlighting one national park per week in a countdown to the centennial on August 25th. Here's a look at some of the beautiful national parks we are celebrating:
Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872 (44 years before the National Park Service even existed), Yellowstone's 3,472 miles of stunning geological sites, beautiful wildlife and untouched wilderness must be seen to be believed. Take a look, then plan your trip with our visitor's guide.
Death Valley National Park
Larger than Connecticut, Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest place in North America. But in spite of the conditions, life still blooms throughout the park.
Olympic National Park
The Pacific Northwest's rugged coastline has imposing mountains and sprawling forests in Olympic National Park. Almost one million acres of pristine wilderness await visitors, and with three distinct ecosystems, the park has something for everyone.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Over the course of the past two million years, the Gunnison River has carved its way through the rugged terrain in southwest Colorado with incredible results. Today, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, features some of the steepest cliffs, most incredible spires, oldest rocks (we’re talking 2 billion years old) and dramatic vistas in all of the USA. It's no wonder the park, established in 1999, is known as “Colorado’s own Grand Canyon.” Here are 10 things not to miss when visiting.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Though scientists can’t definitively say how old the sand dunes are at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in southcentral Colorado, the dunes are magnificent: They are the tallest dunes in North America and one of the most fragile and complex systems in the entire world. Annually, about 300,000 people visit the park to play in the sand and all of the other areas of the park.
Glacier National Park
The receding glaciers of the last ice age created the geological features of Glacier National Park. Over one million acres of scenic beauty await visitors, including one of the best drives for sightseers, Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Over 250,000 acres of the front range of the Rockies offer camping and hiking opportunities for all skill levels, and wildlife ranging from the small (pikas and snowshoe hares) to the large (moose and black bears).
Grand Teton National Park
Over 200 miles of hiking trails open wide before visitors as they explore Grand Teton National Park, not to mention fishing, mountaineering, and camping. The park is full of outdoor activities with an unbeatable view.
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is only accessible by seaplane or boat, so just visiting requires leaving much of the modern world behind. Get a glimpse into the park, then check out our visitor's guide.
Grand Canyon National Park
The size of Grand Canyon National Park, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, depends on how you look at it. On the surface level, it has more than 1 million acres (or 1,904 square miles) of land, but most people prefer to measure by the miles the Colorado River winds through the park, which is 277 miles. But how long does it take to travel? A trip to the bottom of the canyon and back, whether by foot or mule, is two days; hike rim-to-rim one-way in three days; or raft for two weeks or more.
Great Smoky Mountains
In addition to sweeping views of the mountain ranges, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is popular with hikers (more than 800 miles of hiking trails are found within the park’s boundaries), campers, bicyclists, fisherman and woman, horseback riders, picnickers, wildlife and wildflower enthusiasts, and so many more. The Great Smoky Mountains is, by far, the most popular national park.
Acadia National Park
The oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River is Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor on Maine’s Atlantic coastline. When visiting the park, hike up the Cadillac North Ridge Trail in time to watch the sun rise over Cadillac Mountain. Don’t be surprised if you’re not alone, though – sunrise on the mountain is popular and it may be busy.
Zion National Park
In Southern Utah, Zion National Park and its 229 square miles of towering cliff walls, narrow canyons and absolutely stunning scenery lie about 300 miles from Salt Lake City and 160 miles from Las Vegas. Visitors quickly see why Zion National Park gets its name from the Hebrew word for refuge.
Sequoia National Park
You could strain your neck trying to see the top of General Sherman, the world's largest living single stem tree, at Sequoia National Park, but don't miss all the wonders down below. You may be surprised to learn that an intricate cave system lies underneath; in fact, more than 200 caves have been found within the parks.
Arches National Park
More than 2,000 natural stone arches have been recorded throughout the 119-square-mile park, as well as hundreds of pinnacles, fins and balanced rocks. Arches National Park isn’t only a destination for geologists, but for anyone who enjoys admiring natural beauty as well.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The park covers 1.5 million acres, many of which are covered by water. No singular landmark stands out. Instead, the whole park whispers with wonder. See what it's like to wade in the swamps with this 360-degree video.
Joshua Tree National Park
In Southern California, just outside of Palm Springs, the Mojave and Colorado deserts combine in Joshua Tree National Park. A variety of animals and plants – including the iconic Joshua Tree for which the park is named – make their homes in the desert ecosystem, and it’s also a terrific playground for humans.