National Parks Vacation -

National Parks Vacation

A National Parks vacation is an ideal way to spend fun, quality time together. And while each family’s definition of adventure is different, it’s hard to deny the appeal of embarking on an unforgettable journey with your loved ones. The National Parks Foundations has created reference guides to help with the daunting planning experience.

Plan an Unforgettable National Park Adventure

The National Park Foundation recommends six easy steps to Help You Plan an Unforgettable National Park Adventure.

• Choose a Park
• Research and build your itinerary
• Pack everything you need and only what you need
• Plan out how you are going to get from Point A-Point Z
• Prepare to enjoy your trip courteously and safely
• Share your experience

The guide will help you discover where to go, what to do, and how to make sure you have a fantastic, safe, and unforgettable adventure.

Most Visited National Parks in the West

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Encompassing nearly 2,000 square miles in the Arizona desert the Grand Canyon is visited by more than 6 million people annually. With legendary lookouts, rafting in the Colorado River, and the sheer awe the vast canyon inspires.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

This jaw-dropping park in the southwestern Utah desert is the third most visited National Park. Camping, hiking, iconic red cliffs, and an overall blissful vibe were enjoyed by more than 4.5 million visitors in 2018. Aside from Zion, Utah boasts four other incredible national parks that are just a road trip away from Zion.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Rocky Mountain, in northern Colorado is one of America’s favorite national parks. Luring more than 4.4 million visitors in 2018 this park straddles the continental divide, and delivers gorgeous aspen and endless trails.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

More than 1,000 square miles in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite hosted more than 4.3 million visitors last year. With its giant sequoias, incredible waterfalls, and “stars” like Half Dome and El Capitan Yosemite is iconic to everyone.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

In Yellowstone, “rush hour” can mean being stuck behind a herd of bison that can stop traffic for miles. Including portions of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, Yellowstone’s 3,400 square miles were the very first national park in the world. Families of grizzlies, geysers like Old Faithful, and gigantic waterfalls, are a few reasons over 4.1 million visited in 2018. Yellowstone is a road trip away from Montana’s Glacier National Park and adjoins Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Craving a real American rainforest? Washington State is where you’ll find one! Encompassing more than 1,400 square miles on the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Peninsula more than 3.4 million people visited in 2018.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Grand Teton’s 310,000 acres, in Wyoming, boast enough wonders to keep any visitor busy for days. Last year over 3.3 million visitors enjoyed the incredible hiking, camping and fishing the Tetons offer. You can easily combine a trip to Grand Teton with a trip to neighboring Yellowstone.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Covering more than 1,500 square miles in northwestern Montana, you may find snow in the July and August here! Also Glacier offers the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road; this takes visitors up to the continental divide at Logan Pass.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Over 800 square miles in North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular National Parks in America. Abundant campsites, hiking routes and incredible foliage make this park one of the most beloved travel sites in the U.S.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

For travelers who can’t decide between a mountain and a seaside vacation, Acadia, in Maine, obliges. And more than 3.3 million people visit each year.

National Parks Travel Resources

Below are several websites that offer great content for planning national parks trips:

• The National Park Service is a clean and comfortable site to navigate with tons of information.
• The National Park Foundation is the official national non-profit partner of America’s National Parks. On its website, you can download, reference guides in PDF format to help with planning.
• National Parks Traveler shares news about the national parks and details on lodging.
• Fodor’s Travel provides tips on everything from what to pack to where to stay its visiting the parks 101.
• National Parks Trips Media offers free National Park Trip Planning Kits. They include 12-page trip planners, email newsletters, and travel information and deals from preferred travel partners.

Whether you are headed to a National Park or a going on a romantic vacation Chapman Concierge can help with your travel planning needs. Contact your onsite lifestyle management specialist or visit HERE.