8 National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List
A national park is a protected area of natural beauty designated by a government to conserve the environment and wildlife. These parks are often open to the public for recreation and enjoyment. Here are 8 National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List!
Safety:
When visiting national parks, it’s important to be cautious and prepared. While these parks offer incredible natural beauty and adventure, it is important to stay safe. People can go missing due to getting lost.
Tips:
- Know the Weather
- Stay on Marked Trails
- Carry Enough Water
- Go with Someone
- Tell Someone About Your Plans
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings (EX: Know that you will find rattlesnakes at Guadalupe National Park)
#1: Everglades National Park-
The Everglades National Park in Florida features marshes,mangroves, and a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can spot alligators, Florida panthers, snakes, wading birds, otters, turtles, fish, and migratory birds. I booked an airboat tour to observe these incredible creatures from a safe distance, and afterward, they put on a wildlife show. I also had the opportunity to hold a baby alligator. BOOK THE TOUR!
#2: Arches National Park-
Arches National Park, in Utah, has thousands of natural stone arch formations, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The park features stunning red rock landscapes, pinnacles, and spires. Seriously, any photographer’s dream. My favorite trail was the Sand Dune Arch trail for many reasons. The deep, soft sand was unique. The trail led to a secluded arch sheltered by towering sandstone fins, a vertical wall of sedimentary rock. Here is a list of easy trails to hike:
- Sand Dune Arch Trail
- Delicate Arch Trail
- Elephant Arch Trail
#3: Grand Canyon National Park-
Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona, is a natural wonder like no other. The colorful canyon carved by the Colorado River is not to be missed. I loved Horseshoe Bend and watching the sunset at Mather’s Point. An amazing experience would be to go white water rafting through it, hiking to Ooh Aah Point, or taking a helicopter ride above the beautiful canyon. We opted to go hiking and stop at the lookout points and it was worth every second! Here are some must-see areas:
- Hike to Ooh Aah Point
- Mather’s Point at Sunset
- Horsehoe Bend or the Start of the Colorado River
- Visit the El Tovar Hotel
- Helicopter Ride
- White Water Rafting
#4: White Sands National Park-
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is famous for its vast fields of white gypsum sand dunes. The surreal landscape took my breath away! We took many photos and even rented a sled at the park entrance. Be sure to rent your sled before entering the park. I have to say, sledding down snow is even more fun — as a New Yorker, I might be a bit biased!
#5: Guadalupe Mountains National Park-
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas, and the rugged mountain scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We did get a little spooked when we saw a rattlesnake firsthand, so we decided to stick to the shortest trail. However, here are some trails we wish we had time to explore:
- Guadalupe Peak Trail
- Pinery Trail
- Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop
#6: Carlsbad Caverns National Park-
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico features massive limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The stalagmites grow from the ground, while the stalactites hang from above. At dusk, you can spot bats emerging from the caves, and anyone can explore the underground chambers. It was incredibly dark inside, but there was enough light within the cave to see where we were going. We began our adventure on the natural entrance trail. Here are trails to go on in the park:
- Natural Entrance Trail
- Underground Big Room Trail
#7: Zion National Park-
Zion National Park in Utah is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and the famous Narrows trail. Unfortunately, when we visited, both the Narrows and Angels Landing were closed, which was a blessing in disguise since I’m terrified of heights. Luckily, we were still able to enjoy a few trails, including the Canyon Overlook Trail. We also chose to hike the Weeping Rock Trail. If you’re afraid of heights, I strongly recommend avoiding Angels Landing! Here are popular trails at Zion National Park:
- Weeping Rock
- Canyon Overlook
- Angels Landing
- Narrows Trail
- Zion National Park Tour from Vegas
#8: Bryce Canyon National Park-
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is renowned for its stunning hoodoos. The tall, slender spires of rock, sculpted over millions of years by erosion, took my breath away. We enjoyed hiking the Navajo Loop and the Queen’s Garden Trail. The canyon’s vibrant colors and otherworldly scenery were absolutely breathtaking! Here is a list of trails:
- Navajo Loop
- Queen’s Garden Trail
- Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points
- Mossy Cave Trail
I absolutely loved visiting all eight of these incredible National Parks! Have you been to any of them? I’d love to hear about your experiences—please share in the comments below!
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