Zion National Park is a natural wonder famous for the majestic Zion Canyon which is carved over millions of years by the Virgin River. The canyon walls are composed of Navajo Sandstone, which display a magnificent array of colors, ranging from cream to pink to red. You will find a variety of hikes here.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological structures called hoodoos. These spire-like rock structures dominate the park’s landscape, creating a maze of vibrant red, orange, and white colors. This park is definitely worth a visit. If you are short on time like me, spending one day in the park is enough to get to all the popular spots.
Glacier National Park, a breathtaking expanse in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. Its dramatic landscapes encompass glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and over 700 lakes. Its spectacular wilderness makes the park extremely popular and crowded especially during the peak season of June through September. If you are wondering whether it’s really worth the hustle, my opinion is no based on my 2-day stay there.
Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, both located in the Canadian Rockies and next to each other, provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration and appreciation of nature’s grandeur. Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and most known for the stunning Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Nearby, Yoho National Park, smaller yet equally majestic, offers spectacular views of rugged mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. Yoho’s highlights include the serene Emerald Lake and the impressive Takakkaw Falls. Both parks are dog friendly.
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It offers an array of stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities. I liked it more than Banff National Park because of its diverse landscape. This 4-day itinerary allows you to experience some of the best natural attractions and adventures in this incredible park.
Denali National Park and Preserve, nestled in the heart of Alaska, is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) at over 20,000 feet. The park offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and adventure opportunities. It is also the first national park dedicated to protecting wildlife. We visited Denali National Park in 3 ways, each offering a unique perspective of this stunning park.
I don’t understand why North Cascades National Park doesn’t get as much hype as other national parks. It has spectacular views, dog friendly hiking trails, and an epic main driveway. So far, it is my favorite national park mainly because it’s much more dog friendly than others.
Although national parks are not very dog friendly, we were able to find some spots for Ariel to enjoy Olympic National Park. This’s our easy-to-follow two-day itinerary.
Around Christmas 2022, I brought Ariel to the Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is famous as the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the US. It features unique landscapes and wildlife.
The trip to Grand Canyon National Park and Arizona was long overdue. I finally made it happen during 2021 Thanksgiving. It’s our first time there, so my friend and I hit all the touristy spots in Arizona around Grand Canyon.