This week, through April 28th, is National Parks Week. During this time, parks, programs and various partners will be hosting events and activities for you, your family and friends to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a hiking challenge, a peaceful scenic drive, or the thrill of wildlife viewing, national parks offer endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Additionally, many parks offer accessible trails, facilities, and programs designed for all ages, people with disabilities, and pets.
rocky mountain national park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking landscape in Colorado, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With towering mountains, deep forests, and beautiful lakes, it’s a great place for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Wildlife: elk, elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bears, birds.
Personal tip: Follow the trail’s ridgeline to reach the highest point in the national park and have the chance to see elk from just a few feet away. Bicycles are recommended as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but most visitors arrive by car.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui is a site of cultural significance. The park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, rainforest, bamboo forest, and pools.
Wildlife: Ne-ne (Hawaiian goose), mongoose, uau (Hawaiian shearwater).
Personal tip: Wake up early to catch the sunrise. You can watch the sunset at the top of the volcano, but the sunrise is more spectacular, less crowded, and you can even join in the traditional Hawaiian “E Ala E” chant.
Zion National Park
The red rocks of Zion National Park in southwestern Utah were carved by the Virgin River. Here, visitors can explore scenic trails, hike the Virgin River, see waterfalls, and visit ancient rock art.
Wildlife: mule deer, bats, bighorn sheep, rock squirrels.
Personal tip: It’s worth getting a permit to hike Angel’s Landing. A thrilling hike involves climbing over steep sections of the mountain and holding on to a chain to safely navigate your way. In addition to the sense of accomplishment, it’s great to be able to see the entire park from the top.
yellowstone national park
Yellowstone National Park is primarily located in Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho. The park is best known for its wildlife and geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts regularly.
Wildlife: bison, elk, bear, wolf, moose.
Personal tip: Visit Yellowstone in early spring, around April. At this time of year you can see all the newborn bison with their beautiful red coats. Moreover, it can still snow in early spring. Even when snow falls on a bison’s fur, it doesn’t melt. It’s incredible to see.
glacier national park
Glacier National Park, located along the Canadian border in Montana, is a wilderness of mountains, ancient glaciers, and lakes. The glacier has more than 1,100 miles of trails, giving you the opportunity to do a wide range of activities besides hiking, such as whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Wildlife: bears, elk, bats, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, pikas.
Personal tip: Plan a trip to the glacier with friends and family and spend a week there. The park offers biking, going-to-the-sun roads, boating, fishing, hiking, and stargazing, many of which are fun activities for all ages.
