As of 2026, the US is home to 63 national parks, from Yellowstone (America's first national park, est. in 1872), to New River Gorge in West Virginia, the newest addition (est. in 2020). I am on a mission to visit all of these although it will take some time with 8 in Alaska alone (and pretty much inaccessible for much of the year). I have my National Park Passport handy in my glove compartment and will continue adding new additions as I explore more. As of 2026, I have checked 16 off my bucket list.
So far, I've visited 9 Western parks including: Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Saguaro, the Petrified Forest, White Sands, Redwoods, the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Tetons. I plan on visiting the rest of the Utah and the Southern California parks this year so check back for my updates. It's hard to pick which one is my favorite as they are so unique. Scenery-wise, I really loved seeing the towering red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Saguaro in Tucson is really underrated and the only place where you can see so many exotic Saguaro cacti up close.
One of the best hikes at Bryce Canyon is located outside of the main amphitheater. I really loved the short & scenic trek to Mossy Cave.
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Queen's Garden is an awesome moderate hike into the Bryce Canyon amphitheater. You will get to see the famous Queen Victoria hoodoo.
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On a recent trip to Bryce Canyon, we hiked the moderate 1.5 mile trek from Bryce to Inspiration Point. It's one of the best in the park!
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My guide to exploring Saguaro National Park. Your admission fee includes access to both park district (East and West) for 7 days.
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The Pa'Rus is the only trail open to biking at Zion National Park. The flat and scenic 3.5 mile journey winds along the Virgin river.
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On a recent drive through southern new Mexico, we got to walk on the "cool to the touch" white gypsum sand dunes at White Sands Monument.
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The Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world.
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A guide to vacationing at Zion National Park. Discover the best trails including the gorgeous Emerald Pools.
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Info and pictures from the 4 scenic lookouts at Bryce Canyon. I've also spotlighted a few incredible hikes from each point.
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One of the best non hiking activities at Bryce Canyon is driving the gorgeous 18 mile Southern Scenic Drive. I love the hoodoo viewpoints!
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How to spend a weekend at Bryce Canyon. I share the best scenic overlooks, hikes, and more to maximize your time.
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My experience hiking the challenging, scary, scenic, & rewarding Kaibab trail at the Grand Canyon South Rim. Amazing views to Skeleton Point!
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The Grand Canyon Railway is a unique means of transportation to the Grand Canyon. Travel 65 miles from Williams to the beautiful South Rim.
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My guide to visiting the beautiful Grand Canyon. I've included details on the best hikes, overlooks, and lodging choices.
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The best ways to save money on a Grand Canyon vacation including dining, lodging, attraction, transportation tips, and more.
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My trip to Redwood National Park and Trees of Mystery in Northern California. Both are great stops along Hwy 101.
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The stunning Emerald Pools trail at Zion National Park features 3 waterfalls and stunning views of the ancient rock formations.
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A beautiful spring drive around Yellowstone National Park viewing geysers and mudpots, and seeing wildlife in action.
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My guide to exploring Yellowstone, America's first national park. What to do, where to stay, and wildlife watching hotspots!
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The Watchman Trail at Zion National Park offers great views of the ancient rock formations in exchange for a moderate climb.
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10 amazing Western national parks to add to your bucket list including favorites like the Grand Canyon & Zion and hidden gems like Saguaro.
30 min readWhile there aren't as many parks in the Eastern states, you have the incredible Smoky Mountains which is home to the highest concentration of black bears in the country. One of my favorite experiences thus far was seeing a black bear and cub right in front of me on the Laurel Falls trail. In the East, you will find 3 of the 5 newest additions to the NPS system: Indiana Dunes, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and New River Gorge in West Virginia. The Dunes is really underrated: I love the beaches and the Diana's Dare Challenge!
Three Waterfalls Loop is a wonderful hike to 3 incredible waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. The hike begins in laid-back Bryson City, NC.
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The most scenic easy Smoky Mountain hikes including 80 foot tall Laurel Falls and the Kuwohi, the highest point in the Smokies.
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My favorite easy waterfall trails in the Smokies including 80 foot Laurel Falls. These hikes are perfect for families & casual walkers.
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Challenge yourself to the Diana Dunes Dare at Indiana Dunes National Park. The steep trail offers amazing views of Chicago & Lake Michigan.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, one of the nation's only free national parks, is home to a gorgeous 60 foot waterfall.
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I love biking the beautiful Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trail one way and taking the train back the other way.
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Congaree National Park is one of the country's few remaining free national parks. This South Carolina gem is home to many Champion trees.
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The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the US is located in the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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My favorite things to do on the quieter North Carolina side of the Smokies. HIking and whitewater rafting are 2 fun summer activities here.
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One of my favorite winter activities in the Smokies is taking the tram ride at Ober Gatlinburg. This is a great family friendly attraction.
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The best things to do on any Gatlinburg vacation including hiking within the Smoky Mountains and walking across Skybridge.
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My experience staying in a cozy 1 bedroom cabin rental in the Smoky Mountains. I loved the hot tub and secluded mountain setting.
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My weekend guide to visiting the Smokies in the winter season. The best things to do, places to eat, cabin rentals, holiday events, and more!
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The best things to do in the Smoky Mountains including hiking to 80 foot Laurel Falls and walking across the longest pedestrian cable bridge.
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Check out these wonderful free national parks I've explored during my travels including a hidden gem in Ohio and America's newest addition.
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America's newest national park (#63) is New River Gorge Park in the pretty Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. I love the overlook here!
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