Tripadvisor just released a list of the top 10 most popular national parks, so I thought of releasing a list of my own: Top 10 National Park vacations.
10) Grand Canyon
Either hike rim to rim, or just visit the place Griswold style on the way to more fun in Vegas or LA. Still, the views are worth a view and the remote stretch of desert road, but beware heat waves and the worst crowds in the NPS.
9) Everglades/Biscayne Bay/Dry Tortugas
For a more laid back trip involving lots of water (salt and fermented), take an airboat on the swamps or scuba in the pristine waters of the grossly underrated Biscayne Bay. Then drive across the US 1 bridges that span the Florida Keys before sailing to complete isolation at Dry Tortugas. Of course, a stop in Key West for… thirsty individuals couldn’t hurt.
8) Pacific Coast: Redwoods, Crater Lake, Olympic, Mt. Rainier and North Cascades
This is a pretty large list, but the drive up US 101 alone is worth it. Camp in the shadow of Mt. Rainier and under the branches of the mighty redwoods, drive through the famous Skagit flower fields, marvel at the pure, snow-fed Crater Lake and spend a night on one of the many protected Olympic Beaches… or its rainforest… or in its mountains. You know, maybe just travel to Olympic National Park and forget the rest. Just avoid the town of Twin Peaks; weird things happen there.
7) Great Smoky Mountains
Black Bears, waterfalls and guaranteed memories await you in the Redneck Alps. Just a few hours from civilization, the jewel of the Appalachians offers the perfect getaway trip for any Southerner with wanderlust.
6) Arches/Canyonlands
Take in the vistas of the Island in the Sky after catching a sunrise at either Delicate Arch or Mesa Arch. At sundown, watch the sun play off of the Fiery Furnace, then set up a telescope for stargazing beneath Double Arch. While on the warm, dry side, these two parks offer plenty of avenues for day hikes and off-road adventures.
5) Glacier
Often called “America’s backbone,” pristine lakes, alpine ecosystem and the Going-to-the-Sun road provide for some of the best views in the country. While far from, well, every part of the country, many pair this park with a visit to Yellowstone, four to five hours south.
4) Wind Cave
While the cave itself is neat, the proximity to other landmarks make Wind Cave a perfect spot for a trip. Hike over the boulders around Sylvan Lake in Custer State park after viewing Mt. Rushmore via Iron Road. Then take a day to frolic around Badlands National Park to the east or to Devil’s Tower in the west. Also, make sure to take time to watch the Bison and the prairie dogs that pepper the grasslands of Custer and Wind Cave.
3) Yosemite
Easily the most beautiful park of them all, the famous Yosemite Valley offers strenuous hikes but easily accessible views. With the alpine meadows to the north, a Giant Sequoia grove to the south and the best rock climbing in the USA, make sure that you plan for at least four days to drink it all in.
2) Zion/Bryce
Odd, but colorful rock formations and the prettiest canyon in the United States make for a perfect road trip destination. Cheap places to camp, eat and the best day hiking in the NPS combine for an easy second.
1) Yellowstone/Grand Tetons
Geysers, waterfalls, a grand canyon (of the Yellowstone River), the American Serengeti, the prettiest mountains in the world and some of the best burgers and pizza in the NPS make this the obvious #1 choice. Just make sure you reserve hotels/campsites and leave at least a week to enjoy the two parks.
