Exploring national parks in the United States is an incredible way to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country.
From the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite to the colorful sandstone arches in Utah, each park has its own unique vibe and story to tell.
Whether you’re hiking through the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains or gazing into the endless expanse of the Grand Canyon, visiting these parks feels like stepping into nature’s most amazing artwork.
It’s not just about the views either – it’s about the thrill of adventure, the peace of being outdoors, and the memories you’ll make along the way.
Explore my blog posts to plan your next epic national park adventure!
From top hiking trails to detailed travel guides, I share practical tips and personal stories to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly hikes or thrilling summit climbs, you’ll find all the inspiration and information you need to create unforgettable national park experiences.
Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Northern Arizona spanning across the Colorado Plateau.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park covers over 1.2 million acres (around 1,900 square miles).
Highest Elevation: The highest points are found at Point Imperial on the North Rim (8,803 feet) and Navajo Point on the South Rim (7,498 feet).
Famous Viewpoints: South Rim – Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki Point, Grandview Point, Hopi Point, Ooh Ah Point, Plateau Point. North Rim – Redwall Bridge, Angel’s Window, Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial.
Popular Hikes: Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail.
Scenic Drives: Desert View Drive (East Rim Drive), Hermit’s Road, Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Tusayan, Williams, Kingman, Flagstaff, Page.
✨ Grand Canyon National Park Guide
Recent Blog Posts: Grand Canyon
Ultimate Guide to Hiking Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon
Hiking Bright Angel Trail is one of the most iconic experiences in Grand Canyon National Park, offering an epic journey into the heart of this…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Entrance Fee: No entry fee, but parking tags are required.
Size: Covers about 522,000 acres, making it the largest national park in the eastern U.S.
Highest Elevation: Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest peak at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters).
Popular Hikes: Alum Cave Trail, Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), and Abrams Falls Trail.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls.
Scenic Drives: Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Gatlinburg (TN), Pigeon Forge (TN), Cherokee (NC), Bryson City (NC), Townsend (TN).
✨ Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide
Recent Blog Posts: Great Smokies
Kuwohi: Everything You Need to Know (2025 guide)
Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, is Tennessee’s highest peak at 6,643 ft. Read this guide to prepare for stunning views, great hikes, and rich history!
Chimney Tops Trail Smoky Mountains (2025 guide)
The Chimney Tops Trail in the Smoky Mountains offers an unforgettable and challenging adventure and is a must-do hike when visiting this national park!
Grotto Falls Hike in Smoky Mountains (guide + tips)
The Grotto Falls hike is a scenic 2.8-mile trek that offers a perfect blend of nature and adventure – add it to your summer Smokies…
Joshua Tree National Park
Location: Southeastern California spanning parts of both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park covers 795,000 acres (approximately 1,240 square miles).
Highest elevation: Quail Mountain is the highest peak at 5,816 feet (1,773 m).
Popular Hikes: Hidden Valley Trail, Ryan Mountain Trail, Barker Dam Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden, Split Rock Trail, Arch Rock Trail, Wallstreet Mill.
Famous Rock Formations: Arch Rock, Heart Rock, Skull Rock, Split Rock, Face Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Wonderland of Rocks.
Scenic Drives: Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree’s North Entrance Road, Cottonwood Spring Road.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree.
✨ Joshua Tree National Park Guide
Recent Blog Posts: Joshua Tree
Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree: Ultimate Guide
Explore Joshua Tree’s Cholla Cactus Garden, home to the iconic teddy bear cholla! Enjoy stunning desert views and an unforgettable, otherworldly landscape.
Split Rock Loop in Joshua Tree (beginner’s guide)
Hike the 2.5-mile Split Rock Loop Trail in Joshua Tree! Enjoy towering boulders, sandy paths, Joshua Trees, and optional rock scrambling for extra adventure.
Explore Wall Street Mill: Historical Hike in Joshua Tree
Hike the Wall Street Mill Trail in Joshua Tree! This short trek features historic ruins, rusted vehicles, and the iconic mill, offering a glimpse into…
Sequoia National Park
Location: Central California within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: Covers approximately 404,000 acres (631 square miles).
Highest Elevation: 14,500 feet (4,420 meters) at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.
Famous Landmarks: General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Mount Whitney, Crystal Cave, Tunnel Log.
Popular Hikes: Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, General Sherman Tree Trail, Tokopah Falls, Moro Rock, Lakes Trail, Marble Falls.
Scenic Drives: Generals Highway.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Three Rivers, Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Woodlake, Porterville.
Recent Blog Posts: Sequoia
Hiking Mt Whitney in a Day: 2025 Ultimate Guide
Dreaming of hiking Mt Whitney in a day? This epic 22-mile trek demands training, planning, and acclimation – read my guide to prepare for a…
Lakes Trail: Most Scenic Hike in Sequoia National Park
Hike the Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park to explore four stunning alpine lakes – Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear – each offering breathtaking views!
Shenandoah National Park
Location: The park stretches along the eastern side of the Shenandoah Valley within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: Approximately 200,000 acres (311 square miles).
Highest Elevation: Hawksbill Summit is the highest point at 4,050 feet.
Popular Hikes: Old Rag Mountain, Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man, Mary’s Rock, Bearfence Mountain, Blackrock Summit.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, Cedar Run Falls, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, South River Falls.
Scenic Drives: Skyline Drive.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Crozet, Luray, Front Royal.
✨ Shenandoah National Park Guide
Recent Blog Posts: Shenandoah
Beginner’s Guide to the Old Rag Rock Scramble (2025)
Tackle the legendary Old Rag Rock Scramble with confidence! This guide covers key tips, gear, and what to expect for a safe and epic adventure.
Hawksbill Summit Shenandoah (guide + trail maps)
Plan the best adventure to Hawksbill Summit in Shenandoah National Park with my guide – route details, parking, tips, trail highlights, and more for epic…
Whiteoak Canyon Trail (2025 guide + trail maps)
Combine Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail into an 8-mile loop with waterfalls, swimming holes, and more! Find trail tips and highlights in this…
Yosemite National Park
Location: Central California within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park spans 750,000 acres (approximately 1,187 square miles).
Highest Elevation: Mount Lyell is the highest point at 13,114 feet (3,997 m).
Famous Landmarks: Half Dome, El Capitan, California Tunnel Tree, Yosemite Falls, Tuolumne Meadows.
Popular Hikes: Half Dome, John Muir Trail, Mist Trail (Vernal Fall), Panorama Trail, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Four Mile Trail, Clouds Rest, Upper Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Wapama Falls.
Scenic Drives: Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road.
Nearby Towns/Cities: El Portal, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, Mariposa, Fish Camp.
✨ Yosemite National Park Guide
Recent Blog Posts: Yosemite
How to Spend One Day in Yosemite: A First Timer’s Guide
This one day in Yosemite itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights and best trails to make the most of your trip and create…
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point in Yosemite (2025 guide)
Discover stunning views at Sentinel Dome and Taft Point in Yosemite! Read my hiking guide for trail details, tips, and the best spots for epic…
12 Best Tioga Pass Hikes for Adventure Lovers
Explore Yosemite’s Tioga Pass with epic hikes, top trails, best times to visit, and key tips in my complete guide to the best Tioga Pass…
Top Yosemite Travel Guides
