Two weeks ago, my family took on a 15-hour travel day, flying from Dulles International Airport to Salt Lake City, then driving a rental car through four states toward the west gates of Yellowstone National Park. Despite the lengthy day, the travel hassle became immediately worthwhile upon our arrival at the park. Here's five reasons you should visit America's first National Park!

1. The Views

If you’ve been surrounded by the suburban NoVa views all summer like me, then the Rocky Mountain views will come as a refreshing surprise. Even after ten days in the Midwest, I still couldn’t even believe my eyes when we came across miles of of mountain ranges or hillsides densely packed with tall, slim pine trees.

2. No Internet

At first, this seemed tragic, but our inability to connect to the world actually turned into a stroke of luck. Because we weren't distracted by our phones, my family was more focused on each other’s company and those awesome aforementioned views.

3. Perfect Temperatures

Tired of Virginia’s endless humidity and 100 degree days? Yellowstone is the place for you. With mornings between 30-40 degree and bone dry air, the weather couldn’t be any better.

4. Exercise You’ll Enjoy

If you’re like me and immediately reject the thought of thirty minutes on the elliptical or treadmill, you’re in luck: the hundreds of hikes at Yellowstone will ensure that you exercise without the monotonous pain of a gym machine. And the best part: breath-taking views come as a reward for all your hard work.

5. New Sights

From hot springs to mud pots to geysers, Yellowstone boasts a plethora of naturally-occurring sights that you’ve never seen before and may never see unless you visit! Not to mention the dozens of animals that make their home at Yellowstone: bison, moose, black bears, coyotes…we saw it all and you can, too!

Don't just take my word for it-- visit Yellowstone and see for yourself!