Our Top 10 National Parks To Visit In Western USA!
We love hiking, camping, and moving our bodies at AC, especially when it involves visiting a beautiful National Park! That’s why we’ve created this list of 10 National Parks that we recommend! Any type of movement is welcome in the parks, like trail running, walking, yoga, and more! Plan your time based on your daily movement or simply relax and take in the view!
Hoh National Park in Washington State
If you like a cooler and milder climate, then The Hoh Rainforest might be just what you are looking for! There are towering trees with beautiful shades of green moss covering almost everything. You will see many different types of plants from ferns to a variety of berries like the salmonberry. There are trails that you can walk and restrooms nearby which make visiting this park much easier. The proximity to the beach is great as well! The beach that lines the west coast of Washington is only a 45-minute drive away from this National Park!
Glacier National Park in Montana
If you are looking for a park that offers remote wilderness, Glacier National Park is perfect for you! The nearest bustling towns are miles away which offers some peace and quiet when on the trails at this park. Bring your hiking shoes and you will be able to participate in a plethora of beautiful hikes. Sweeping views are a cornerstone for this National Park!
Yosemite National Park in California
Warm weather and beautiful outdoor scenery are what you will get to enjoy when visiting this park! It’s located in the mountains of California with tall sweeping Sequoia Trees and magnificent waterfalls. Year round you can enjoy a hike in this area with the entire family or plan a solo trip that you’ll remember for a long time! Make sure to reserve any nearby camping early, as this park’s reservable camping fills up fast!
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a staple when thinking about your travel plans or doing a road trip! It’s divided into several sections that you can choose to visit depending on what time of year it is and what you would like to see. There is a historic section in the South rim of the park where you can learn about the history of the Grand Canyon in the pioneer days or visit the less traveled areas of the north rim from May thru October while the weather is great! With either option you will be happy you visited!
If you love an adventure, then Zion is a great option for you! Characterized by steep cliffs that are bright red in coloring; this area is very photographic! You will also get plenty of sunshine while visiting this park! It is located in southwest Utah which in the Spring and Summer usually has temperatures ranging from 62 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees.
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
For those that love to hike, we suggest visiting Mount Rainier National Park! There are so many options for places to see and paths to explore! If you haven’t had a chance to see the magnificent landscape that surrounds this mountain, we highly recommend it! You can snap a few photos from any direction and it’s sure to be beautiful. This versatile mountain is good for a variety of ability levels. We recommend doing some research based on the amount of distance and incline you would like to hike when visiting.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the United States! It’s crystal-clear waters make it a unique place to photograph. It’s also the perfect place to go camping with the whole family or all of your friends, as there are many options for campsites that you can reserve in advanced. With the large span of the park you will have plenty of outdoor activities to do and sights to see!
Redwood National Park in California
Towering Redwood Trees and plenty of trails that intertwine through the forest is what you will find at Redwood National Park! This park tends to be busy during the day, so we would suggest getting an early start to your day so you can enjoy the trails thoroughly! The beach is also nearby, making this the perfect family vacation or romantic getaway! If you’re traveling solo you might even want to find a quiet spot in the woods to do some yoga!
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
There’s always so much to see at Yellowstone National Park! We suggest this park for those that like to kayak, hike, climb, and those that love the outdoors in general. There are so many different animals to see and routes to take that you will be soaking in the views for days! Plus, you can choose from many different types of accommodations at Yellowstone such as staying in a cabin, a yurt, camping, or bringing your RV!
Joshua Tree National Park in California
Many say that the desert is therapeutic and with Joshua Tree National Park, we agree! Joshua Tree has a landscape full of beautiful desert foliage that is very unique. Plus, the warmth of the desert and stillness that it offers, makes it perfect for meditation. Find a boulder to sit on and you have the perfect spot to soak in the sunshine while finding your meditative center!
We're so excited for you to enjoy the great outdoors and invest in your mind, body, and soul! Let us know how your adventures go!
With so much positivity,
AC