U.S. National Parks: A Lifetime of Domestic Bliss

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A recent post about a more thoughtful, intentional approach to travel left out a massive United States-sized hole in my personal bucket list. But of course I don’t think this country lacks for spectacular, noteworthy destinations! There are many amazing places here that I still hope to visit, and most of them are public lands. Despite there being some great cities in the U.S., those urban centers are no match for the grandeur of our greatest National Parks.

What’s in a Name?

Okay, let’s be really clear about something. Because titles might confuse people. There are 63 “National Parks” in the National Park System. But there are hundreds of properties managed by the National Park Service.

National Historical Sites, National Monuments, National Seashores, and National Parks – the list goes on. There are many types of NPS designations. One important thing to know is that there’s nothing hierarchical about it. One placename doesn’t trump another. A seashore indicates the type of habitat, obviously. A historic site probably protects resources of historic significance. Some of the titles are pretty dang specific, right?

But “National Park” doesn’t necessarily mean “bigger property” when compared to other NPS properties. After all, some national monuments are enormous, and some National Parks are not. (I’m looking at you, Gateway Arch).

And “National Park” doesn’t necessarily mean “more important” when compared to the other sites managed by the National Park Service. Gettysburg and Vicksburg are National Military Parks. The National Mall and Memorials is kinda just doing its own thing out there in Washington, D.C., being absolutely fabulous.

Heck, “National Park” mostly means it took an act of Congress to designate (a President can create a National Monument independently by Executive Order) and generally indicates the public uses allowed at the site. So the National Parks aren’t necessarily the “best” properties in the National Park System.

But many of them certainly are the jewels in the crown, containing some of the most iconic sights this country has to offer.

Step Away from That Screen

For the avid outdoorsy traveler, the National Parks are basically affordable playgrounds. Who needs water parks and roller coasters? We have geysers and glaciers and fjords and sand dunes.

Don’t like crowds? Take a hike. Literally, not figuratively!

Don’t like noise? There’s millions of acres out there. You can find solitude if you seek it, usually only a couple miles down the trail less traveled.

Tired of the city lights? Marvel at a flawless night sky at one of a dozen National Parks (of 27 sites in the system).

I love visiting our National Parks because they impart the briefest sense of serenity, of connection with nature. The entire point is to gawk at the world around us, whatever strikes our fancy. We can be wowed by the displays of vivid fall foliage, enjoy spectacular views after a challenging mountain ascent, or immerse ourselves in every type of desert landscape.

Oh, and there are also fjords and volcanoes. In case we get bored, I guess.

Sure, not every site is going to be as appealing (or as accessible) to every person. But it’s a good thing that NPS manages over 400 sites – there are plenty of locations, interests, and activities to choose from.

Domestic Bucket List

The point so far is that the National Park System is huge, diverse, and there are tons of worthwhile destinations. But in an effort to continue focusing on intentional travel, this is where I bite the bullet. I’m making decisions. I’m putting down in writing which National Parks I’d most like to visit.

Luckily blog posts are easy to edit, so I don’t feel much pressure!

(1) Glacier National Park

This is number 1 because I’m hoping to go here in September 2021. So it’s just going to be listed as #1, and that’s how it is. It also borders northern Montana (Canada). Glacier shares designation with Waterton Lakes National Park as an International Peace Park, so I sure hope to add a new country to my map!

But other than its proximity to the great nice north, I’m also very excited about the hikes, the scenery, and the Going to the Sun Road! We’d like to take at least one hike at Logan Pass and a long hike at Two Medicine.

Oh, and see bears. BEARS!!! Because I saw a grand total of ZERO brown bears in Alaska, and I’m bitter about it.

(2) Yosemite National Park

Because the canyons and waterfalls are supposed to be amazing. And it’s good enough for UNESCO, so I guess it’s good enough for me.

I might even want to hike half-dome, if I were able to get drawn in the lottery and felt completely crazy at the time. I dunno. Stupider things have happened.

(3) Yellowstone National Park

Wildlife! Photos! Geysers and hot deadly holes in the ground!

You’re right, it’s crazy that I haven’t been to Yellowstone yet. I absolutely agree.

(4) Acadia National Park

It just sounds pretty. And I’ve never been to Maine.

Also, do you even realize how close Acadia is to… PUFFINS???! Definitely need to go to Maine. I mean, Acadia! (But also Maine.)

(5) Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

I mean, there are flippin’ active volcanoes. It’s another of our UNESCO world heritage sites. And it’s in Hawai’i, with habitats and fauna that are sure to be unlike that of the continental United States. Surely, it is the most unique of the 63 National Parks. Sign me up!

and… how many birds would I see??? Well, not as many as I’d like. Many are endangered. And yet… So many new birds!!!

Been There, Done That – Might Go Back

Some pretty amazing National Parks are on my above list, I know. Those are the big guns, there. It’s not even terribly hard to make this list with those options!

So far, I’ve only been to 19 of our National Parks. Not even half! But at least a few notable parks aren’t on my above list solely because I’ve already been at least once. That isn’t to say that return trips aren’t worthwhile. Sometimes you fall in love with a place and its all you need. Many people love to vacation that way, and I feel a sort of envy at that type of… contentment? satisfaction?

But I suppose wanderlust drives me to want to see all the pretty things or exciting things. Or, maybe more accurately, the new-to-me things.

Some already-visited national parks, like the Grand Canyon or Olympic, I just loved. My trip to Mammoth Cave was back in 1992 or so, long enough that there are no photos and the memories are faded. My stop in Denali was a rainy half-day with little opportunity to explore. Of course I’d go those places again!

But I’ll leave them off the bucket list for now, only because they don’t carry the same urgency as those I’ve yet to explore.

Quibbles and Caveats

For all my love our our National Park System, I can’t claim it’s a well-kept secret. Most people have probably ventured to at least a few of these properties, but some of them bring astounding crowds. Each year, literally millions of people flock to the most popular parks. Solitude and quiet must be intentionally sought; they probably will not be granted to you upon arrival at the Visitors Center!

Vacation Considerations:

Planning. Just check out basic information for any Park before visiting. Best seasons? Road construction? Trails might have been washed out, roads could be closed. All sorts of little details that could impact your trip can easily be found on each Park’s NPS site. For instance, the in 2020-2021 the pandemic is certainly changing shuttle stops and availability, access, and even capacity. If you’re aware of changes, you might at least be able to minimize disappointment or plan alternatives.

Crowds. If you’re traveling during the summer when children are out of school and most Americans can also travel, you’ll encounter the most crowds. This is true pretty much everywhere. This doesn’t mean “don’t go”. The best time to go is… whenever you can go! But if you want less crowds, look for less popular sights/trails. And if you can, travel during the shoulder season.

Lodging. Some Parks have lots of options both inside and at local towns nearby, some don’t. Many notable Parks have some rustic, historic lodges (if you’re willing to pay the price and sometimes book a year early). Some have fantastic campgrounds (Zion and Bryce Canyon are amazing examples!). You’ll need to check out availability if you want to reserve one (and some must be reserved well in advance).

Pets. Ah, as a traveler with a big more flexibility in timing, I can avoid crowds more easily than I can avoid this complete disappointment. Alas, most National Parks are not at all pet-friendly. You’d need to check into this for any Park before visiting. Often pups are allowed in campgrounds and, often, on certain paved trails. But a more liberal trail policy is certainly the exception, rather than the rule. My previous post describes one shining example of a dog-friendly National Park, if you are indeed hoping to bring fido on your hikes.

Ready to Go?

I definitely appreciate our U.S. National Parks for beauty, recreation, and access to nature. I think they’re some of our best vacation destinations.

How do you feel about the U.S. National Parks? Are you a Park “collector”, or do you have a favorite Park that keeps drawing you back?