National parks prove that there is still so much beauty in this world. They offer anything from rocky sand dunes to crimson-colored arches and from glacier-capped mountains to ocean coastlines! The flora and fauna that are found within the parks are truly magnificent and everyone should take the time to see these stupendous places. Here is a list of some of the national parks in the United States and why you should to go them.
1. Arches National Park, Utah
Located in the eastern part of Utah, Arches National Park offers plenty of activities for adventurers. The beautiful array of colors that make up the towering arches and the clear, starry night skies make this places a photographer's dream. Besides photography, there are many other activities, including backpacking, canyoneering, horseback riding, and rock climbing, which all lead to you seeing the very best that the park has to offer.
2. Mt. Rainer National Park, Washington State
A winter wonderland half the year and wildflower wonderland the other half, Mt. Rainer National Park is a gorgeous adventure just waiting to happen. The 'episodically active' mountain is home to glaciers, animals, trees and flowers, which make it one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the lower 48.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park in California seems to have everything that any traveler could hope for. The opportunities to explore the park lead you to the most gorgeous destinations, including cascading waterfalls, vast lakes, beautiful meadows and wetlands and giant, magnificent sequoia trees.
4. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California
This park is truly a magical place. The biggest trees in the world, surrounded by grasslands and mountains, and the elevation of the park (which has a range of 13,000') make Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park one of the most adventurous parks in the United States.
5. Katmai National Park, Alaska
Alaska seems to be home to the coolest (literally) national parks in the United States. Katmai National Park was dedicated in 1918 in honor of the incredible volcanic region that makes up the area. The stunning craters and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, as well as the tall peaks, make this park a destination for anyone who loves adventure, and maybe a few thousand brown bears.
6. North Cascades National Park, Washington State
Less than three hours from Washington's biggest city of Seattle lies the North Cascades National Park. With over 300 glaciers and the lakes and mountains that are a product of those glaciers, this park offers so much to do, with camping, climbing, backpacking and the opportunity to photograph a beautiful park.
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Just looking at the picture above, I have no idea how I have never heard of this park. It looks absolutely amazing and offers so much, including kayaking, rafting, rock climbing and scenic drives. The rocks that make up the canyon and the river that carved through them provide so much beauty for the area that it would be impossible not to want to go there.
8. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Some of Earth's natural monuments are the volcanoes that built the foundations of the world that we live in now. The Hawaiian islands are perfect examples of the beginning of our continents and they are highly volcanically active, which makes the national park one of the most interesting places to visit. The erupting volcanoes pour molten lava effortlessly into the awaiting ocean and create beautiful plumes of smoke.
9. Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Joshua Tree National Park has so many of these spirally, goofy looking tress that are found in the two deserts that make up this national park. Located in Southern California, the heat may be excessive, but the views and culture that makes up the area is unforgettable.
10. Olympic National Park, Washington
The alpine meadows that are filled with snow and wildflowers tempt even the most adventurous people to hike to the peaks and lakes that make up the mountains ranges that run through the area. The park has rich human history and over 70 miles of coastline, which add to the beauty that is Washington.
National parks are the few untouched places that we still have in this world. While this is only part one of the list of national parks, I encourage you to go to https://www.nps.gov and discover more about the hidden beauties that live in the United States.
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."
