Visiting a national park doesn’t necessarily require hiking. There are a variety of activities for all ages, including white water rafting, sandboarding, fossil hunting, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
What are the best national parks for people who don’t like hiking?
If you want to know what a particular national park has to offer, search for it on the National Park Service’s main website.Once you select a park, you’ll see a three-stick symbol.[メニュー]Click[訪問の計画]Click the arrow. When you do this, a drop-down menu will appear. Click “Things to do”.
Most of the parks below also have scenic driving trails that are perfect for resting and relaxing during your trip.
Badlands National Park — Fossil Hunting
South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain with rock formations and deep canyons. The park has one of the richest fossil beds in the world.
According to the National Park Service, during your visit, check out the fossil preparation lab. Here you can interact with paleontologists and park staff and study fossils found in the Badlands.
Scenic drive suggestion: Badlands Loop Road.
Canyonlands National Park — Whitewater Rafting
Utah’s Canyonlands National Park is home to stunning canyons and rock formations formed by the Colorado River. The park offers guided whitewater rafting tours on a daily basis.
The National Park Service shares links to all licensed businesses.
According to Raftmasters, before you set off, remember important safety precautions, including wearing a life jacket, holding your paddle properly, staying in the boat, knowing how to swim, not panicking, and listening to your guide. Be sure to remember the tips.
Scenic drive suggestion: White Rim Road.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park — Scenic Railroad
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio features forests, waterfalls, and the Cuyahoga River. Visitors can also take a scenic train ride to see the entire park and spot wildlife along the way.
According to the National Park Service, trains have been in Cuyahoga Valley for more than 100 years. Today, trains continue to run through the park, stopping at various stations to pick up passengers.
Scenic drive suggestion: Riverview Road.
Dry Tortugas National Park — boating, fishing, and snorkeling
Located off the coast of Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful place with crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and an old fort called Fort Jefferson.
According to the National Park Service, Dry Tortugas offers a wide range of water activities for families and friends.
Scenic Drive Suggestion: There is no such thing as a scenic drive. However, consider taking the ferry instead.
Great Bass National Park — Stargazing
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is home to tall mountains, old pine trees, and cool caves to explore. It is also widely known as a famous spot for stargazing.
According to the National Park Service, the lack of light pollution means you can see thousands of stars at night, including the Milky Way. Popular areas for stargazing in the park include the Astronomy Amphitheater near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and the Mather Overlook along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
Want to have the best stargazing experience? Try some of the tips below, according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Let your eyes adjust to the dark: Don’t touch your phone and use a red light to see where you’re walking. Learn about stars, constellations, and other features of the universe: Use a stargazing app, preferably with a red screen or lower brightness. Don’t forget you have a telescope. is not necessary: you can find a planet without it. Look at the dates of the meteor showers.
For optimal stargazing, it’s best to choose a time when the moon is not visible. This is because the moon’s brightness can obscure the stars and spoil the viewing experience.
Scenic Drive Suggestion: Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
Great Sand Dunes National Park — sandboarding and sand sledding
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado features towering sand dunes set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Enjoy surfing and snowboarding in the hot weather! According to the National Park Service, the Great Sand Dunes allows individuals to rent sand sleds and sandboards from retail stores outside the park and bring them into the park to slide down the large sand dunes.
Scenic Drive Suggestion: Drive a four-wheel drive vehicle along the Medano Pass Primitive Road.
Hot Springs National Park — Bathhouses
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is known for its historic hot springs. As an alternative to hiking, you can also explore the early 20th century baths.
There are two bathhouses within the park where you can completely soak in the hot springs. A spa and steam room are also available indoors, according to the National Park Service.
Scenic drive suggestion: Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive.
Lassen Volcanic National Park — Horseback Riding
Lassen Volcanic National Park in California features a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, including steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and rugged peaks.
Horseback riding is available on more than 100 miles of Lassen Volcano. Individuals can also stay overnight with the horses at certain ranches, according to the National Park Service.
Scenic drive suggestion: Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.
Yellowstone National Park — Camping
Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its geysers and wildlife. The park offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to overnight stays in lodges.
There are 12 campgrounds within Yellowstone offering over 2,000 campsites. He also operates nine lodges with more than 2,000 rooms. All locations are highly rated, according to the National Park Service.
Scenic drive suggestion: Great Ring Road.
Zion National Park — Rock Climbing
Zion National Park in southern Utah is known for its red rocks and narrow slot canyons carved by the Virgin River. There are many activities, but one of the popular options is rock climbing.
According to the National Park Service, Zion’s cliffs are world-famous among rock climbers. However, many routes are seasonal and are occasionally closed to protect nesting falcons.
To avoid accidents, follow these suggestions from Rock About Climbing Adventures.
Use proper equipment. Climb with a partner. Please take lessons in advance. Assess the terrain and weather conditions and listen to your body.
Scenic Drive Suggestion: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
