THE TOP 5 NATIONAL PARKS YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS YEAR

The US is home to some of the most incredible scenery and beautiful landscapes in the world. From the mountains and valleys to wildlife and national parks, there’s so much to discover and explore when it comes to nature. With countless national parks available, the US has some of the most incredible views you can feast your eyes on. 

So, in order to fill your year with stunning scenery, here are the top 5 national parks you should visit this year: 

Isle Royale 

One thing that makes this national park a must-visit this year is that it isn’t nearly as widely discovered as the rest. An online guide mentions that when you’re visiting Isle Royale, you’ll be able to experience a secluded island that has some of the most incredible trails. With trails combining the greenery and water sides of the island, it is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss. 

Because it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, it is one of the least visited national parks, but is also one of the most re-visited ones, as anyone who sets foot on its mesmerizing lands cannot stay away for too long. It also has many different kinds of landscapes, which makes it a hidden gem for backpackers. Whether you choose to paddle the rocky coast, hike the remote campsites or just get familiar with its wildlife, Isle Royale is definitely worth the trip.

Grand Canyon 

It’s impossible to mention national parks without adding the Grand Canyon somewhere near the top. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has so much natural beauty to offer, making it an amazing day trip to take to spend an interesting day surrounded by wildlife, nature, and serenity. One of the things that makes Grand Canyon a great national park to visit is that during the different seasons, the landscape completely transforms, making visitors experience something entirely new each time. It’s a great place to go hiking, fishing or just to sit back and enjoy the surrounding nature and have a picnic.

Denali National Park 

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage, you should definitely visit Denali National Park, especially during winter. While most people avoid hiking and exploring nature in the winter due to weather conditions, this national park offers exceptional activities, making use of the cold, snowy weather. From cross-country skiing and dog-sledding, it’s an experience any visitor will truly enjoy in terms of activities. The park is also incredibly picturesque, which makes it a great destination for its natural beauty. At Denali National Park you’ll also be able to get a once in a lifetime experience of seeing Mount McKinley which is the highest mountain in North America.

Yosemite National Park 

California is known for its beautiful landscapes as well as its gorgeous weather. That’s why it is an absolute must to visit Yosemite National Park when you’re in this heartwarming state. Whether you feel like relaxing near the water, soaking in the granite monoliths that are found there, or checking out the towering Sequoia trees, the Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point and Half Dome are bound to give you an incredible time at one of the most beautiful national parks in the area. While there are countless reasons to visit this exceptional park, the falls, scenery and incredible encounters with nature you can experience there make it worth the visit. Whether you’re going on a day trip or planning on a backpacking adventure for a few days, nature will have so much to provide to make your trip exciting. 

Gates of the Arctic 

One of the reasons why this national park is so special is that it is untamed and screams wilderness, making it a destination that is worth discovering. Its primitive nature without roads or trails makes it not as easily accessible to everyone, but highlights its vast landscapes filled with jagged peaks, sweeping tundra and unique wildlife. Visiting this park will help you appreciate nature in all its glory without any man-made interferences, allowing the animals to go about as they please. It’s secluded and truly unique, offering an experience you won’t find at any other national park. 

Depending on the type of national park you’re looking for and the kind of experience you’d like to have, there are countless options in the United States that suit everyone’s needs. However, these 5 national parks offer an incredible experience, making them definitely worth the visit in 2020. Just be sure to check the weather forecast and ensure that it’s a good time to visit within the year before you set out on your new adventure. 

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: TOP THREE US NATIONAL PARKS FOR WILDLIFE SPOTTING

The National Park Service states that the United States parklands are 52 million acres of land holding about 5,399 species of vertebrates. With so many animals living in the borders of the United States, there’s no need to travel to Africa for a safari or swim with the animals in the Galapagos Islands. You can find everything you need right at home. However, you have to know where to go and what you’re looking for. If you’re ready for your next wildlife spotting trip, check out one of these national parks, where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the nation’s most beautiful animals.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Although most people know Yellowstone for Old Faithful and many of its other geysers, the park is also known as the American Serengeti. This name was bestowed upon the park because of its extremely rich wildlife and gorgeous landscape. Yellowstone is 2.2 million acres and contains about 67 different mammal species – the largest of any national park. On a trip here, you can easily spot animals such as bison, elk, coyotes, wolverines, gray wolves, mountain lions, and black and grizzly bears. If you’re looking for some of the big animals, check out Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley for the best view of the park’s infamous wolves.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The southern part of Florida is home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire country. At about 1.5 million acres, the Everglades combines freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial ecosystems to provide you with an immense variety of animals. It is the particularly known as the only place in the country where you can spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. You will also see alligators, ibises, flamingos, bobcats, manatees, and the Florida panther. To make the best out of your trip, you should get closer to the wildlife on a riverboat, canoe, or kayak through the Everglades.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Encompassing five islands and their adjoining ocean, Channel Islands National Park is full of natural resources and beautiful views that you won’t find anywhere else. The park’s land has been isolated for thousands of years and therefore is home to many unique animals and plants that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet. Visitors here often spot common dolphins and the rare Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins. During the winter, gray whales migrate and pass through the park’s channel and you can see them among humpbacks, blue, orca, and fin whales. You will also see sea lions, the Island Fox, Island Deer Mice, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Island Night Lizard. If you’re interested in animals of the past, check out some of the archeological digs on the islands. There is an incredible collection of pygmy mammoth fossils, which represent an extinct animal that hasn’t been found anywhere else in the world.

If you're looking to get up close and personal with the animals, these locations and tips will help you find the best spot. You'll become introduced to some animals you'll never see anywhere else and become exposed to some of the most amazing views in the United States.