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This 13-day Train Trip Will Take You to 5 National Parks Across the U.S.

See the American West in style.

Vacations by Rail invites you to take the slow route to see a few of America's most beautiful national parks .

The vacation company is well-known for its delightful trips by train across the globe, but one of its most popular journeys is its 13-day trip through the American West to visit five stellar national parks along the way.

The trip begins at Chicago's Union Station, where guests will board Amtrak's Empire Builder train and settle into their accommodations. They'll take the overnight train to the first official stop at Glacier National Park. Guests will have time to explore the park, hike through its awe-inspiring terrain, and see its 25 glaciers, hundreds of lakes, and flowing waterfalls. And in the mid-morning, guests will take a vintage open-air Red Jammer bus for a tour of the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road while they cross the Continental Divide.

From there, the journey continues to Yellowstone National Park. At the park, guests will get the chance to tour its famed attractions, including Upper and Lower Falls, Hayden Valley, Old Faithful, Fountain Paint Pots, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

The trip next takes guests to Grand Teton National Park for a float along the Snake River. On the water, guests can view the glorious Teton mountain range and maybe even spot a few bison, elk, and moose along the way.

The trip concludes with a visit to Utah to see both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, where guests can enjoy the gorgeous natural arches, red rocks, and incredible, vibrantly colorful sunsets.

The trip includes all rail travel, hotel accommodations for 12 nights (including four nights at Glacier Park Lodge or Grouse Mountain Lodge and two nights inside Yellowstone National Park), excursions and national park entrance fees, and all meals on board the train when guests upgrade to private sleeping accommodations.

The 13-day trip begins at $5,695 per person (double occupancy). There are still a few spots left for the June departure, but for more flexibility, check out its 2024 calendar , which includes departures June through September.

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The Pacific Surfliner travels along the coastline in Del Mar, California © Amtrak

More than a century ago, when the first US national parks were formed, most visitors didn't arrive by car or in RVs, but on trains. Automobiles were still prohibitively expensive, and there were no interstate highways then – most existing thoroughfares would have made for a rough road trip anyways.

While cars have eventually become king, there's magic and grandeur in arriving at a national park the old-fashioned way, ensconced in a railway car. No matter what kind of scenery you’re craving, from snow-capped mountains to raging rivers, there are several Amtrak train route options to choose from.

If you want to take an Amtrak train journey to a national park in 2022, here are 10 routes to consider. 

Ask LP: How can I explore the US by Amtrak?

Get to Yellowstone National Park on the California Zephyr

Route: Chicago to San Francisco

Is there an Amtrak route through Yellowstone National Park ? If you've ever wondered if you can get to this incredible park by rail, we have great news — you can take the California Zephyr , which goes from Chicago to San Francisco , and vice versa, to get to Yellowstone National Park. While onboard, you’ll see everything from farmland and barns that look like they’re out of a movie to mountainous terrain. If you’re looking for geysers, in addition to the renowned Old Faithful , you’ll have your choice of about 500. In fact, Yellowstone is home to approximately half of the world’s geysers. You’ll also find plenty of thermal hot springs, not to mention an endless variety of wildlife, from elk to grizzly and black bears to the nation’s oldest herd of bison.

Getting to the park:  You can take the Blue Line from Salt Lake City Central train station to the Salt Lake City airport, where you can pick up the Salt Lake Express north to West Yellowstone. Alternatively, take the Blue Line north to another city on the Salt Lake Express route, like gorgeous Ogden, Utah, before transferring and heading on to the park.

I'm a Yellowstone guide — here's what you need to know if you plan on visiting in 2022

Reach Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder

Route: Chicago to Portland/Seattle

The Empire Builder will provide you with authentic scenery of the American West while heading through the northern United States – it follows several parts of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail from the early 1800s, as well as takes you into Montana’s Big Sky country . No matter where you climb aboard the Empire Builder, you’ll want to get off at Montana’s East Glacier station, which is on the periphery of Glacier National Park . Once there, you can explore an endless number of hiking trails — more than 700 miles’ worth — as well as more than 130 lakes, all while taking in the glacier-carved valleys.

Getting to the park: The East Side Shuttle goes from the Glacier Park Lodge to St Mary Village, where you can catch the National Park Service Shuttle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road . Or you may want to join a historic Red Bus Tour to make your way around the park and its famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Fun fact: Several of the buses are restored originals from the 1930s.

These Glacier National Park hikes will make you want to get your backpack

Reach Crater Lake National Park aboard the Coast Starlight

Route: Los Angeles to Seattle

When you take the Coast Starlight north from Los Angeles toward Seattle , not only will you see picture-perfect coastal views and snow-capped mountains, but it’ll also take you to Crater Lake National Park . If you’re looking for an authentic Pacific Northwest experience, you’ll find it here. On more than 183,000 acres, there’s plenty to explore: you can camp, hike or chase waterfalls. Or, you can just admire the deep turquoise Crater Lake itself, which was formed from a collapsed volcano and is the deepest lake in the US at 1949ft and one of the deepest in the world.

Getting to the park: Get off the train at the Klamath Falls stop, amidst the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. Then there is a shuttle bus connection to take you to the park.

A complete guide to Crater Lake National Park (including whether you can swim)

Visit Olympic National Park via the Empire Builder or Coast Starlight

Route:  Empire Builder (Chicago to Portland/Seattle) or Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle)

As far as getting to Olympic National Park , it depends on what train route you prefer — land or ocean views — and where you’ll be coming from. The Empire Builder will take you into the heart of the American West whereas the Coast Starlight will take you north from Los Angeles toward Seattle . At the park itself, which is almost a million acres, there’s a surplus of nature to take in, from the sky-high trees of Hoh Rain Forest to Hurricane Ridge — hiking or skiing, anyone? — to Lake Crescent , the perfect place to hike, then camp for a night (or two). Of course, don’t forget to check out Mt. Olympus , a must for climbers.

Getting to the park:  From Seattle's King Street train station, you can take the Dungeness Bus Line to Sequim or Port Angeles, where you’ll find the Clallam Transit System ’s bus line that goes to several popular Olympic National Park destinations along the northern part of Hwy 101.

The best hikes in Olympic National Park offer sea stacks, waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs

Travel to Yosemite National Park on the  San Joaquins

Route:  Bakersfield to Sacramento/Oakland

The Amtrak train you need to get to Yosemite National Park is the San Joaquins , which connects the San Francisco area , Sacramento , Fresno and Bakersfield. And if you’re like me and can’t get enough Amtrak, you can first take another train route, like the Coast Starlight, before connecting to the San Joaquins. From the train, you’ll see all kinds of scenery, from fruit and nut trees in the early spring to orchards, vineyards and perhaps some of the Sierra Nevada itself, depending on the visibility. As you do so, you can sip on a regional wine or craft beer.

In no time, you’ll reach Yosemite. While the park may be known for its larger-than-life rock formations, including Half Dome , El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks, it’s also home to a countless number of waterfalls. At 2425ft, Yosemite Falls is one of the most renowned, as well as one of the world’s tallest. Between looking up at the waterfalls to looking down at the Merced River, no matter which way you look, there’s something incredible to see.

Getting to the park: Whether you get on the route in a place like Sacramento, Oakland or Emeryville, you’ll get off at the Merced, CA, station, and then transfer to an Amtrak bus via the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). This will take you to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance. Another option is getting off the train at Fresno and taking a YARTS bus to the South Entrance of the park . When you buy your Amtrak ticket to Yosemite, the shuttle bus and park admission are included. It’ll be such an efficient process that you won’t miss not having driven, waiting in long lines for parking, then trying to find a parking spot.

11 of the most stunning waterfalls to see at Yosemite National Park and how to see them

Get to Grand Canyon National Park on the Southwest Chief 

Route: Chicago to Los Angeles 

The Southwest Chief , which goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, and vice versa, will take you past a variety of landscapes, from nostalgic farmland to the Mighty Mississippi. Depending on the season, you could see leaves changing color or snow sprinkling the trees. But you’re about to behold an even bigger sight — the 277-mile long, 18-mile wide Grand Canyon National Park . Once there, the only problem will be deciding what to see. If you want expansive canyon views, as well as one of the Colorado River , Lipan Point is a favorite among many visitors. Or you can check out the renowned Desert View Watchtower . Standing at 70ft, it’s on the canyon’s South Rim and an ideal place to take in the larger-than-life ambience.

Getting to the park: In Arizona , get off at the Flagstaff Station and catch the Groome Shuttle bus. That will take you to Williams, where the Grand Canyon Railway will take you to the South Rim.

11 Amtrak routes with the most breathtaking views

Reach Rocky Mountain National Park on the California Zephyr

Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco (or from San Francisco to Chicago) and makes for a good way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park . But first, while aboard the train, you’ll see incredible scenery, from Midwest plains and charming small towns, with even smaller train depots, to the mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada — depending on which way you’re traveling from. Off the train, you’ll then have your pick of what to see and do at the Rockies, from camping and skiing to mountain biking and hiking — in case you’re curious, there are more than 300 miles’ worth of trails. You can also see how many types of wildlife you can spot, including bighorn sheep, deer and elk, as well as a countless number of birds.

Getting to the park: When you get off the train at Denver’s Union Station , you can catch the Estes Park Shuttle to the little mountain town at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. From there,  Rocky Mountain visitor shuttles go to famous sites such as Bear Lake.

How to conquer the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Reach Channel Islands National Park aboard the Pacific Surfliner

Route: San Diego to San Luis Obispo

The Pacific Surfliner is the perfect train route to take if you’re looking for a scenic journey along the coast — you’ll see palm trees swaying in the breeze one moment and surfers braving the waves the next. Plus, the train will pass plenty of idyllic small towns and vineyards, too, depending on where you get abroad. If you’re a cyclist or surfer, you can even bring your bike or surfboard along, then use them on the periphery of Channel Islands National Park — bikes are not allowed on the islands themselves. Since the park is made up of islands, many visitors spend time in and on the water, whale watching, kayaking in sea caves or snorkeling around the area — or both.

Getting to the park: You can depart the train in Ventura or Oxnard to reach the Channel Islands. Then, to get to the islands themselves, you’ll take a boat through Island Packers .

How to spend a perfect weekend in San Diego

Visit Harpers Ferry National Park on the Capitol Limited

Route: Chicago to Washington, DC

The Capitol Limited will take you from Chicago to Washington, DC, where you’ll pass various landmarks, such as the Potomac Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. You can also bring along your bike , which could come in handy once you reach the streets of Harpers Ferry National Park . Once there, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, you’ll find a charming community with rich history. You may recall that Harpers Ferry is where John Brown’s 1859 raid on the First Federal Arsenal took place. Whether you want to check out exhibits and museums, hiking trails or water activities — such as fishing, kayaking or swimming — there’s a wide array of things to do. Or, you can explore one of the battlefields that has been preserved.

Getting to the park: Get off at the Harpers Ferry station in West Virginia – you'll be less than a ten-minute walk from the park information center and John Brown's Fort .

Top 12 parks in Chicago

Reach Jean Lafitte National Park on Amtrak's Sunset Limited

Route: Los Angeles to New Orleans

If you’re a fan of desert scenery straight out of a painting, you’ll find it on the Sunset Limited , which goes from Los Angeles to New Orleans . First, you’ll see plenty of California mountains along this southernmost Amtrak route as you head East. As you slide into the south, it's hard not to feel the vibe whether it’s a deep purple and orange sunset or a person on horseback you spy outside the window.  

Once at Jean Lafitte National Park , which is just 17 miles from New Orleans, you’ll find Louisiana’s wetlands, with all the swamp, bayous and alligators you can handle. Plus, you’ll spot animals, reptiles and amphibians you may not usually see, including nine-banded armadillos, tree frogs and water snakes. And if you’re into birdwatching , this is the place: be on the lookout for over 200 species of birds, everything from herons to painted buntings to barred owls.

Getting to the park:  From the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, taking a taxi or using a rideshare service is the easiest way to get to the park , depending on what section(s) of it you’d like to visit – it should be a 20-30 minute drive.

Can I get to Zion National Park on an Amtrak train? 

Unfortunately, there is no direct route on an Amtrak train through Zion National Park . The closest Amtrak station is on the Southwest Chief route which stops in Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, the drive is about four hours. 

Making waves: the American Southwest’s best river trips

Does Amtrak go to Sequoia National Park?

No, there is no Amtrak that connects to Sequoia National Park . The closest Amtrak stations are in Hanford, California (about an hour drive away) and Fresno (about 1:30 drive away). 

You may also like: 10 of the world's most amazing train journeys The best one-day itineraries for 5 US national parks Europe’s top 10 scenic train journeys for 2022

This article was first published Jul 7, 2020 and updated Apr 4, 2022.

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9 Best Train Rides for Exploring National Parks

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Even in the age of air and automobile travel, many people still prefer to travel by rail. One of the best aspects of train travel is that you can sit back, relax, and watch some of the country's most beautiful scenery roll past right outside your window. Trains are a particularly attractive way to travel in more rural areas, and they are an ideal option for getting to and going through America's best national parks and natural areas.

Here are nine trips that combine train travel with sightseeing in national parks and scenic locations.

California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park

Ricky Batista / Getty Images

Regional services can certainly put people in touch with the kind of scenery that makes train travel special, but for true aficionados, a real rail adventure involves cross-country travel.

Because it passes through the Plains, the Rockies, rural Utah, and the Sierras, the Zephyr, which makes the 2,400-mile east-west trip three times per week, is a good train for sightseeing. Plus, Zephyr riders can easily get to Yosemite from the Bay Area.

Once inside the park, visitors can take a totally different kind of journey: a four-mile steam train trip on the Sugar Pine Railroad. This route was formerly used to haul lumberjack-chopped logs down the mountain.

Coast Starlight and the Pacific Northwest

Loco Steve / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Amtrak's Coast Starlight runs three days a week between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. It runs along the Cascade Range, the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, and California's Central Coast. It also passes through some of the West Coast’s biggest cities: Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

Trails and Rails, a partnership between Amtrak and the U.S. National Park Service, has guides on select routes, including the Coast Starlight. These local guides provide onboard programs about national, state, and local parks. Travelers who want to get off the Starlight in San Francisco can get to Bay Area sites like Muir Woods National Monument with relative ease.

Ethan Allen Express and Green Mountain National Forest

Denis Tangney Jr. / Getty Images

The Ethan Allen Express is an Amtrak train that travels daily between New York City and Rutland, Vermont. The 241-mile journey takes just over five hours one way. The route passes through the Catskill Mountain region, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains, so there is plenty of scenery beside the rails.

During the winter, skiers use the Ethan Allen to get to Killington, Vermont, one of the best ski destinations in the Eastern U.S. During the summer, nature-seekers can use the train to get from New York City to upstate destinations like Albany and Lake George. The scenery starts right outside of New York City as the train enters the heart of the Hudson River Valley.

Alaska Coastal Classic and Kenai Fjords National Park

Ken Wiedemann / Getty Images

The Alaska Coastal Classic, which travels between Anchorage and Seward, is considered the most scenic train ride in the 49th state. During the 114-mile trip, the train passes the Cook Inlet and goes through the Kenai Mountains. Both the Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest are accessible from Seward.

The train has two cabin classes, a viewing "dome" car, and dining and lounge areas. There are guides aboard to provide insights into the wild scenery that the train passes. Much of Alaska is still roadless wilderness, so trains like the Alaska Coastal Classic are the only way to see the landscapes without having to fly.

Grand Canyon Railway and the South Rim

Ingus Kruklitis / Getty Images

The Grand Canyon Railway has been in operation for more than a century. The Train, as it is sometimes called, took its first passengers to the South Rim in 1901 . It replaced stagecoaches as the main mode of transportation for canyon visitors and started a travel boom. The firm that built the rail line, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, helped to develop the South Rim of the Canyon for tourism.

The current Grand Canyon Railway train features six cabin classes, including an observation dome and a luxury parlor. Though the train started the tourism rush to the Grand Canyon , it is now helping to temper the traffic at the famous landmark. This is because a number of people take the train instead of driving to the South Rim. The train runs round trip once per day, with passengers given several hours after the morning ride to explore the canyon before they return to Williams, Arizona, in the late afternoon.

South Shore Line and Indiana Dunes National Park

Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The South Shore Line, a commuter train line that runs between Chicago and South Bend, Indiana, is a great way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park. The 15,000-acre park became the nation's 61st national park in 2019. It has everything from shoreline and beaches along Lake Michigan to hiking trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.

The South Shore Line has four stops throughout the national park. One station — Dune Park Station — allows passengers to bring bicycles on the train.

Alaska Denali Star and Denali National Park

Len Turner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

The Denali Star travels through rural Alaska between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The journey takes 12 hours and includes a stop at Denali National Park . Like its sister train, the Coastal Classic, the Star travels through Alaskan landscapes that are usually only seen from the windows of a bush plane.

Another Alaska train, the McKinley Explorer, features domed cars that offer 360-degree views of the surroundings. The Explorer does not make the entire trip between Anchorage and Fairbanks like the Denali Star. Instead, it only travels as far as Denali National Park. It is popular among cruisers and is actually operated by Holland America and Princess Cruises.

Durango and Silverton Railroad and the Colorado Rockies

Cavan Images / Getty Images

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is certainly not one of the longest or fastest of America's scenic train trips, but it just might be the most breathtaking. The trip on this historic narrow-gauge railway starts in Durango, Colorado, at 6,500 feet above sea level. Over the 45-mile line, the early-20th-century steam engine climbs almost 3,000 feet to the town of Silverton.

The Durango and Silverton inches along at less than 20 miles per hour. The slow speed just means there is more time to take in the scenery of some of the tallest mountains in the Colorado Rockies and the trees of the Rio Grande National Forest.

Empire Builder and Glacier National Park

Hal Bergman / Getty Images

In addition to making its way to Glacier National Park, the Empire Builder train follows a portion of Lewis and Clark’s route in North Dakota and Montana. On the journey from Chicago, riders can spot a variety of terrain, from expansive plains to stunning mountain ranges.

The overnight trip runs three days a week. The station in Whitefish, Montana, is less than 30 miles from the park. After departing Montana, Empire Builder continues on to Portland, Oregon, or Seattle.

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Alerts in effect, scenic train ride.

*Stations with an asterisk are close to river access. Know your destination before you get on the train; bikes are arranged by stops. Remove all items from bikes and kayaks before boarding. Detach trailers so they may be loaded separately. Use the CVSR's Train Tracker App to keep track of the train. Learn more about the Explorer program on CVSR's website . Check our Current Conditions page for any Towpath Trail closure alerts.

Over a Century of Train Service

The history of trains in the Cuyahoga Valley stretches back more than 100 years. In 1880, the Valley Railway began operations, transporting coal to Cleveland, Akron, and Canton from the Tuscarawas River Valley. It also provided passenger service. For people living in the industrial cities, leisure excursions into the countryside provided relief from the pressures, pollution, and crowding of urban life. After a decade of operation, the Valley Railway became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In the 1900s, competition from automobiles, trucks, and buses caused the decline of both freight and passenger service. Interest in the line was renewed in 1972 as a scenic excursion route. The Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association was born. Originally known as the Cuyahoga Valley Line, the scenic railroad now operates as Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

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Northern Rail Experience with Glacier National Park

$4,649 - 12 Days

• Chicago >
• Santa Fe >
• Grand Canyon >
• Flagstaff >

Venture from the breathtaking great plains of the Midwest, to the pristine mountains and lakes of Glacier National Park, to the serene waters of the Pacific Coast on this scenic rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco, with a stop in Glacier National Park and Seattle. Enjoy the landscapes as you tour the famous Going-to-the-sun Road ascending high in Glacier. Explore Seattle on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Discover the sights of San Francisco. Spend some quality time in two majestic parts of Northern California: Muir Woods and Sausalito. Then head back to the “Windy City” on board one of most beautiful train trips in all of North America.

Reservations: 1-800-268-7252

For pricing and availability from your Amtrak Station:

Highlights:

• Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise of Glacier National Park
• Big Sky Circle Tour of Glacier National Park
• Admission to the Space Needle and Chihuly Glass & Garden Exhibit 
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Seattle
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
• Sightseeing tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito
• Sightseeing cruise in San Francisco

Package Also Includes :

• One-way Amtrak® from Chicago to Glacier National Park to Seattle on the Empire Builder®; Seattle to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®; San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr® in Coach accommodations
• 6 nights' accommodations; 5 nights on board Amtrak
• 4 meals included (2 breakfasts and 2 dinners)

Call us to customize this vacation!

Other Packages Available:

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Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

DAY 1 YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN CHICAGO Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon, travel on your own to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak to Glacier National Park. The Empire Builder takes you along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Settle in for an exciting adventure through the majestic wilderness as you venture out West, following the footsteps of early pioneers! (Overnight onboard Amtrak) DAY 2 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK This morning, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains and cross over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle as you make your way to “Big Sky Country.” This evening, you'll arrive in Glacier National Park, home to two different mountain ranges, 130 lakes, 1,000 species of plants, and over a million acres of pristine landscapes. (Overnight in Glacier National Park) DAY 3 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Today, you will explore Glacier National Park on a Big Sky Circle Tour, which features a breathtaking ride along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, stops at Goat Lick for wildlife viewing and Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park. Afterward, you'll return to the Glacier Park Lodge for your final night's stay in the park. (Overnight in Glacier National Park) B, D DAY 4 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK This morning you'll travel to Two Medicine Valley, a hidden gem in Glacier National Park, where you'll enjoy a scenic boat cruise in this gorgeous area. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Glacier Park Lodge before taking a short walk to the East Glacier Station to board Amtrak continuing your train journey west. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) B DAY 5 SEATTLE Welcome to Seattle! The “Emerald City” is full of gorgeous sights just waiting for you to discover! Upon arrival, you will travel on your own to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore all Seattle has to offer. (Overnight in Seattle) DAY 6 SEATTLE Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to see some of Seattle's most popular sights! Your tour will connect you to downtown attractions such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Seattle Center, Seattle's Waterfront and more! (Overnight in Seattle) DAY 7 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK Today, travel on your own to Seattle's Amtrak station and prepare to take a beautiful ride on the Coast Starlight to San Francisco. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is truly breathtaking. Enjoy the majestic landscapes right outside your window as you wind through lush forests, fertile valleys, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) DAY 8 SAN FRANCISCO You will arrive in San Francisco this morning and then head to your hotel to check in and drop off your belongings. Then, it's time for some sightseeing! Climb aboard a hop-on, hop-off tour that includes all San Francisco's great locations, like Fisherman's Wharf, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and many more. You can hop off the tour at any of the designated stops to explore them at your own pace. (Overnight in San Francisco) DAY 9 SAN FRANCISCO Today, get ready to discover the beauty of the Muir Woods and Sausalito! On the drive to Muir Woods, you'll cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and disembark in the serene redwood forest. Once you've taken in all that Muir Woods has to offer, you'll stop over in Sausalito, a “California original.” This charming coastal town is home to many artists and has a delightful array of restaurants, galleries, walking paths, and spectacular Bay and City views. You'll have some free time to explore all Sausalito has to offer before your 30-minute bay cruise, which takes you back to Fisherman's Wharf. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at a popular local restaurant. (Overnight in San Francisco) D DAY 10 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr® back to Chicago. This route is said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) DAY 11 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK Wake up this morning on the California Zephyr and take in the gorgeous landscape of the American countryside as the train ventures east to Chicago. There are so many great sights to behold on this ride! Keep your eyes peeled for the Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyons, and Midwest plains. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) DAY 12 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN CHICAGO

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The 5 Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.

From western landscapes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, our national park expert maps out five beautiful road trips—all doable in a week

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Here’s the dream: Quit your job and hit all 64 national parks in one huge multi-month road trip where you live mostly in a van and finally see all of these iconic landscapes for yourself. To call that dream unrealistic is an understatement, at least for me, for a variety of reasons (see “quit job,” above), though it’s been accomplished by an Outside writer.

The closest I’ve ever come was in my 20s, spending a month driving around the Rocky Mountains and American Southwest in my VW Jetta during summer break from graduate school. A decade or so later, I re-created that trip with my wife and our then four-year-old twins. Both experiences were awesome. One of them had more tantrums.

You can plan a great park trip that captures the open-road spirit on a smaller scale. Below, I’ve outlined five itineraries that take in multiple parks, all within a week. I picked a variety of terrain—lonely desert basins, ice-cold swimming holes, perfect hikes, and cultural wonders. There are one or two classic routes.

But mostly, I chose these because they go to parks that don’t get the massive amount of attention some of their cousins receive. So gas or charge up and go.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, from Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains

Virginia/north carolina, distance: 470 miles, duration: four-plus days.

This trip is in my backyard, so I’m biased, but it’s also awesome, because the entire 470-plus-mile route is within a national-park unit. The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles along the peaks and valleys of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, connecting two of the country’s most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina/Tennessee and Shenandoah in Virginia.

Driving the entire length of the parkway is slow (speed limit is between 25 and 45 miles per hour) and full of curves in the road, and also overlooks,  side hikes to swimming holes, and mountain hikes through a lush landscape with elevations that top 6,000 feet. And that’s just the road between the two great national parks.

Heading south on the parkway, you will find picnic areas, trailheads, and scenic views. Give yourself at least a couple of days to complete the road alone, making sure to hike the three-mile out-and-back Sharp Top Trail in the Peaks of Otter area near Bedford, Virginia, which leads to a panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. When you get to North Carolina, hit Grandfather Mountain State Park, where you can climb the 7.6-mile out-and-back Profile Trail , scrambling along outcroppings and climbing ladders to the summit of the 5,964-foot Callaway Peak.

Adventures in Shenandoah: Located just 70 miles west of Washington, D.C, Shenandoah National Park is home to 200,000 acres of 4,000-foot peaks, dense hardwood forest, waterfalls, and historic farmland. The most popular hike is also one of the park’s toughest; Old Rag Circuit is a 9.2-mile loop that requires rock scrambling with some use of your hands to reach Old Rag Mountain, which offers 360-degree views of the park and surrounding farmland. You need a permit to hike the mountain between March 1 and November 30. It’s only $2, but permits are limited to 800 a day, so get them up to 30 days in advance .

If you’re looking to cool off, hike the Whiteoak Canyon/Cedar Run Circuit , an 8.1-mile loop that gains 3,000 feet while traversing two tight gorges packed with waterfalls and swimming holes. Lower and Upper Whiteoak Canyon Falls are the highlights, as Upper Falls drops 86 feet between narrow canyon walls, and Lower Falls has a primo plunge pool.

Adventures in Great Smoky Mountains : The Smokies comprise a mix of rocky streams stacked with waterfalls and swimming holes, and steep slopes thick with vegetation. It’s hard to get across just how green this park is. On the northern end, you’ll find Midnight Hole, a deep, cold swimming hole at the base of a small waterfall. The pool is lined with 15-foot boulders, and locals like to jump from them into the deep part. Access is via the easy three-mile out-and-back Big Creek Trail . If you want to ditch the crowds (GSMNP gets 14 million visitors a year), hike deeper into the park. Ramsey Cascades Trail is an eight-mile round trip through stands of old-growth tulip poplars to the 100-foot Ramsey Cascade, the tallest waterfall inside the park.

A few historic fire lookout towers still stand inside the park, but the most scenic is Mount Cammerer, a circular wooden building perched on a rocky outcropping, nearly 5,000 feet in elevation, offering views of 5,000- and 6,000-foot peaks as well as the Pigeon River Gorge. Hike this 11.6-mile out and back from Big Creek Parking Area, and you will do a piece of the Appalachian Trail, enjoying scenic stretches along Big Creek before climbing to the ridgeline.

Stay : In Shenandoah, Big Meadows is a historic stone-and-chestnut lodge in the middle of the park. Choose from lodge rooms or rustic cabins (from $251 a night ), and wander the mile to Big Meadow after dark for stargazing . Lodges and campgrounds are spaced all along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, so it’s easy to break the journey up into chunks if you’re not in a hurry. Julian Price Campground is one of the most popular overnights ($20 per night, reserve six months in advance). The 190-site facility sits next to Julian Price Lake, where you can rent canoes . Under Canvas has a glamping resort on 182 acres of hardwood forest near the Gatlinburg entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each fully furnished safari-style tent has a private bathroom, and the place features live music, campfires at night, and yoga in the morning, not to mention an on-site restaurant with seasonal dishes and craft beer.

2. Joshua Tree to Death Valley, California

Distance: 250 miles, duration: at least three days.

This route will take you to an underappreciated gem.

Is it weird to spend several days in Southern California and not go to the beach? Well, this desert romp is packed with so much wild terrain you won’t miss the Pacific Ocean. Joshua Tree National Park is 800,000 acres of sandstone boulders, crusty desert floor, and stands of the eponymous trees, while 250 miles north, Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48, at 3.5 million acres. Inside are 14,000-foot peaks, expansive craters, dunes, and slot canyons.

Weather is a factor with this itinerary because both parks are in the desert and hot as hell in the middle of summer (temps can reach 120 degrees). So consider this a late-spring or early-fall trip. (If you ever go in summer, do all of your adventures at dawn, take a ton of water, and be back at your place or camp before lunch. Also tell someone exactly where you are going.)

The 250-mile drive is mostly two-lane highway that offers a mix of desolate beauty (you’ll drive between Leghorn Lakes Wilderness and Sheephole Valley Wilderness) and California weirdness (the World’s Largest Thermometer is on this route). Want more adventure? As you drive between these two standout parks, try a pitstop at Mojave National Preserve, which has the largest grove of Joshua Trees in the world, natural springs, and towering dunes.

You can fly into Las Vegas or Los Angeles. L.A. to Joshua Tree is about 150 miles and not terribly interesting, so let’s just go straight to the park.

Adventures in Joshua Tree : J-Tree is a bucket-list rock-climbing destination, but the hiking is easily as good, and just being in the place is amazing. The 2.5-mile Split Rock Trail gives hikers a chance to see and scramble on some of the park’s signature boulders, including Split Rock, a 20-foot-tall formation with a fissure in the middle, and to explore a few small caves. If you want to see a lot of Joshua Trees (who doesn’t?), hike the Panorama Loop in Black Rock Canyon, a 6.5-mile lollipop that traverses one of the densest groves of Joshua Trees in the park, or sections of ridgeline trail, with long-range views of the 11,000-foot peaks inside the nearby Sand to Snow National Monument .

Adventures in Mojave National Preserve: Just 70 miles north of Joshua Tree, Mojave NP offers a convenient diversion on your way to Death Valley. Stretch your legs by hiking the three-mile out-and-back trail into Kelso Dunes , a 45-square-mile field with mounds of sand that rise 650 feet from the valley floor. The Kelso Dunes actually produce “booming,” which is a deep, rumbling vibration that you can hear and feel from the crest of one. Be aware that hiking in dunes is tough, as the sand shifts below your feet with every step.

Adventures in Death Valley : You hiked dunes in Mojave, so in Death Valley National Park, let’s focus on the canyons and peaks. Fall Canyon is a six-mile out and back through a slot canyon so narrow that at points you can touch both sides from the middle.

If it’s your first time to the park, you’re obligated to visit Badwater Salt Flats, the lowest and hottest point in the U.S. There’s no designated trail through the flats, so wander at will through the flat, crispy valley, flanked by the Panamint Mountains and Black Mountains.

Stay: The Inn at Death Valley is a historic lodge located inside the park, with five-star accommodations. Consider this an oasis in the desert, complete with a spring-fed swimming pool (from $359 a night). At Joshua Tree, try to reserve a spot at Indian Cove Campground , which has sites tucked between massive boulders. There are no hookups, but RVs are allowed ($25 a night). If you can’t score an advance reservation there, Hidden Valley Campground has first come/first serve sites ($15 a night). Also, Field Station is opening a new location outside of Joshua Tree in May, with campsites for van-lifers and private rooms, all of which have access to the property’s gear shop, coffee shop and communal spaces (rooms from $127 a night).

3. White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park

New mexico and texas, distance: 300 miles, duration: four to five days.

Want variety? This trip has a trio of national parks that are close geographically, but a world apart in terms of terrain. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is all about the subterranean, protecting 119 caves, the biggest of which are open to exploration. Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers a swath of 8,000-foot peaks in West Texas, and those include eight of the 10 tallest in the entire state. White Sand Dunes National Park is home to a 275-square-mile gypsum dune field that rolls towards the horizon in a series of white tidal waves.

All three parks are within a couple hundred miles of each other, and El Paso serves as an ideal starting point to fly into the area and rent a car. These parks don’t see the crowds that some of the big-ticket units draw in summer, so there’s a better chance for quiet and good campsites. The three also have totally different climates. White Sand Dunes is hot (but not like J-Tree or Death Valley), Carlsbad is underground, and Guadalupe is chilly.

Other than a brief period where you skirt around the edge of El Paso, you’re driving mostly two-lane highways with a real “middle of nowhere” vibe between the parks. Think sand and scrub brush for as far as the eye can see.

Adventures in White Sand Dunes: Alkali Flat Trail is a five-mile loop through the heart of the sand dunes, following red trail markers. You’re climbing and descending 60-foot dunes the entire time, so pace yourself and expect your legs to be worked at the end. Bring a sled (sold at the visitors’ center if you don’t have your own), as you’re allowed to slide down the steepest slopes along the route.

Adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park : The signature adventure is hiking the 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak , with a craggy, treeless summit, the tallest in the state of Texas. The views stretching east over the plains are endless, but to earn them you will climb 3,000 feet in just over four miles. Bring a jacket, as the summit is notoriously windy. But the real treat of Guadalupe Mountains is Devil’s Hall Trail , a four-mile out-and-back that’s rocky with mandatory scrambling to traverse a dry river wash. Towards the end, you’ll climb Hiker’s Staircase, an easy hand-over-hand natural rock ladder out of the wash and into a narrow slot canyon.

Adventures in Carlsbad Caverns : Start with a self-guided tour of the Big Room, the largest single-cave chamber in the U.S., loaded with bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. An elevator could deliver you into the cave, but instead walk the switchbacks down via the Natural Entrance, and feel what it’s like to go from the surface into the cold, dark underground. The full hike down the Natural Entrance and into the Big Room is 2.5 miles and should take a few hours; without the walk in, the hike is 1.25 miles, with a .6-mile shortcut also possible, and parts of the Big Room are wheelchair accessible . If you want something spicier, sign up for a ranger-led tour of Lower Cave , which requires descending 60 feet of ladders and ropes to a series of smaller rooms with crazy rock features, like the skinny, tall “Texas Toothpick” or “cave pearls,” which look like clusters of eggs ($20, reservations required).

Where to Stay: Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns are close enough that one campground works as a base camp to explore both. Check out Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains, which has 20 tent sites and 13 RV sites you can reserve in advance ($20 a night). A number of hiking trails (including Devil’s Hall) begin here. The closest campground to White Sands is in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, which has private desert sites ($10 per night). The backcountry campsites in White Sands are closed indefinitely, but nearby Alamogordo has a variety of chain hotels.

4. Denali National Park to Kenai Fjords National Park

Distance: 400 miles, duration: five-plus days, but if you’re flying all the way to alaska, take your time.

Alaska is an awe-inspiring collection of giant mountains, permanent ice fields, and jagged coast, and Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks encapsulate choice slices of that unique topography. Denali National Park covers more than 6 million acres of Alaska’s interior, including the 20,310-foot Denali, but also the tundra and spruce forest that surround it and attract big-time wildlife like caribou and brown bears. Kenai Fjords National Park couldn’t be more different; instead of forest and towering peaks, it’s home to 600,000 acres of glaciers, inlets, bays, and islands. More than half of the park is covered in snow and ice year round, and the majority is accessed by water. While much of Alaska isn’t conducive to road trips because of a lack of roads, these two parks are less than 400 miles apart and connected by highways.

The two-lane blacktop between the main destinations rolls out like a highlight reel of Alaska, offering views of Denali’s snow-capped peaks at one point and the Cook Inlet at another. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales, which live and breed in the inlet. Chugach State Park , with its 3,000-foot mountains, is also on the route.

A visitor can fly into Anchorage, halfway between the two parks. You’ll basically have to ditch the car at each destination, as car travel is limited in both parks. There are few roads in Kenai, and the main road through Denali is limited to shuttle traffic to minimize impact on the landscape. But that’s part of the charm here.

Adventures in Denali: Denali isn’t a “drive through” park. In fact, private vehicles aren’t allowed past mile 15 of the scenic Denali Park Road, though bikes get the green light. To ride in, start at the Savage River Visitor Center (mile 15) and bike to Sable Pass between miles 37 and 42, where the final 1,500-foot climb to the pass is rewarded by views that stretch all the way to Denali itself. But Sable Pass is best known for its wildlife. Mostly treeless and full of berry bushes, it attracts brown bears, caribou, and Dall sheep, which often graze in the tundra near the road. From the top of the pass, you can turn around and bike back, or, if you pre-arrange it, hop on the free Savage River Shuttle , which has bike racks. Bike Denali offers rentals (starting at $75 per day).

Or consider a guided rafting trip on the Nenana River, a glacier-fed stream that forms the eastern border of Denali. Book a mild or wild day trip with Denali Raft Adventures . The 11-mile canyon run is packed with class IV rapids with names like “Coffee Grinder,” and the full ride, for ages 12 and up, is a brisk two hours. A different short option, the two-hour-long Wilderness Run, is ideal for young families, as it contains mostly class I-II rapids and offers a good chance to see wildlife like moose and caribou. (From $130 a person, May through September).

Adventures in Kenai: Kenai is a coastal park with most of its goods accessed via boat, but land lovers have options, too. Hike on the edge of the Harding Ice Field , the largest permanent ice field in the U.S., stretching for 700 square miles and feeding Exit Glacier, which forms a half-mile-wide river of ice that melts into Exit Creek. Start at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and hike the 8.2-mile out-and-back Harding Icefield Trail , which climbs a total of 3,000 feet through the surrounding forest to gigantic views of the icefield. If you really want to throw yourself into the landscape, book an intro-to-ice climbing trip with Exit Glacier Guides , exploring crevasses and climbing pitches of vertical ice with use of rope, crampons, and axes ($249 per person).

For a water-borne adventure, head to Bear Glacier Lagoon, 12 miles south of Seward, where a thin beach separates a glacier-fed lake from the Gulf of Alaska. The lake sits in a deep bowl rising to green ridges, and the water is littered with house-sized icebergs. Liquid Adventures offers fully outfitted day trips to the lagoon ($550 per person).

Where to Stay : In Denali, book a spot at Savage River Campground , which has 32 sites tucked into a spruce forest ($49 a night). Located on mile 13 on the Denali Park Road, it’s easy to reach with a car (some campgrounds in Denali are only accessible by shuttle bus), but the real prize is access to Savage River and incredible views of Denali via a short gravel-road walk. Reservations are recommended, but not required. In Kenai, Exit Glacier Campground has 12 walk-in tent sites, first-come, first-served. They’re free, but fill up most nights during July and August. The Seward Adventure Lodge , in the middle of downtown Seward, is a seven-room mid-century-era motel with renovated rooms located just minutes from the edge of Kenai ($190 per night, two night minimum).

5. Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks

Distance: 160 miles, duration: three days.

Rocky Mountain National Park gets most of the love in Colorado, and while it’s incredible, the Centennial State has other unforgettable national-park units. Mesa Verde National Park and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are nestled into the southwest corner of the state, proximal enough to make for an ideal weekend road trip. Mesa Verde is a cultural treasure, containing more than 5,000 archaeological sites, including the early cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is altogether different, enveloping a nearly 2,500-foot-deep gorge surrounding the Gunnison River. It’s a deep, dark chasm with sheer vertical walls, rugged hiking and climbing, boating, and world-class trout fishing.

You can fly into Durango to kick the trip off, and Telluride is smack dab in the middle of the route between parks if you want to throw in a visit to a classic mountain town. The Jud Weibe Trail , a locals’ favorite and handy but fantastic afternoon outing, offers views of the ski area and entire valley on varied and forested terrain.

The majority of this road trip cruises through San Juan National Forest on a highway with views of some of Colorado’s tallest and most iconic peaks, including the 14,158-foot Mount Sneffels and 14,023-foot Wilson Peak. You’ll pass right through Telluride, but you can also make a 22-mile roundtrip detour to Ouray to soak in the hot springs.

Adventures in Mesa Verde: Get your bearings by driving the six-mile Mesa Top Loop Road, which winds along past excavated mesa-top villages, with overlooks to see cliff dwellings, including the Cliff Palace, which archaeologists believe could house up to 100 people. There are 30 miles of hiking trails inside the park, so you can see a lot of the area in a day. If you’re limited on time, hike the 2.4-mile Petroglyph Point Trail , which will have you squeezing through boulder passages and traversing cliffside singletrack to a large petroglyph panel. To see the cliff dwellings up close, reserve a spot on a ranger-led Cliff Dwelling Tour ($8 per person, reservations possible 14 days in advance). The Balcony House Tour is the most adventurous: you ascend a cliff face into the 700-year-old dwelling via a series of ladders, then worm through a narrow tunnel that connects rooms.

Adventures in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison : The BCOG is a tough canyon to navigate, as there are no bridges connecting the North Rim and South Rim, so it’s a circuitous two-hour drive between the two sides of the park. The South Rim is the more developed, with a dozen overlooks, a visitors’ center, and an 88-site campground. The North Rim is more primitive, with a gravel road providing access to a few developed trails and a handful of overlooks. Both sides are stunning, but I’m pointing you to the South Rim for its hiking and scrambling routes. If you want to stretch your legs and enjoy the view, stroll the two-mile Rim Rock Nature Trail for shots of the canyon and river below. But you’re here for the scramble to the bottom of the gorge via the unmarked Tomichi Route , which drops 1,960 feet in just one mile (the park allows use of the trail and offers a video about it). There’s a lot of down climbing and loose rock, but at the bottom you’ll have the Gunnison River all to yourself. Bring a fly rod; the Gunnison is a gold-medal trout stream. This is a full-day adventure, and you’ll need a permit (free) to descend into the canyon. Get one at the South Rim Visitor Center.

Where to Stay : Both parks have large campgrounds, if you want to keep it simple and budget friendly. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s South Rim Campground is convenient (only a mile from the visitors’ center), but don’t expect a ton of privacy ($20 a night, reservations recommended). The North Rim has a smaller campground , with 13 sites separated by piñon and juniper trees ($20 a night, first-come, first-served). Morefield Campground , in Mesa Verde, is large, with 267 sites within a broad, grassy canyon ($38 a night, reserve in advance).

If you want to spend a night in Telluride, check out The Bivvi , an upscale hostel with private or shared rooms that caters to road trippers (from $40 per night).

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national parks columnist. He’s currently trying to convince his 15-year-old twins to re-create the national parks road trip they undertook a decade ago. It’s not going well.

For more by this writer:

The 9 Most Fun Adventure Lodges in North America

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

The 8 Most Adventurous States in America. Number 1 Is …

11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit

• Denali National Park and Preserve
• Fly Fishing
• Joshua Tree National Park

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Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

We're now recruiting for Summer/Fall and Winter/Spring RV campground hosts at Camp Doris.  See Volunteer.gov for announcement and application instructions.

An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie —a lasting refuge for wildlife. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation.

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Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking. 

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The wildlife and habitats of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are managed using prescribed fire, grazing management,  invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species control, reservoir management, fish stocking, public use management, Wilderness management, and controlled hunts to manage wildlife populations. 

Our Species

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to a whole host of animals—from large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful “Mountain Boomer” lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration. 

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Underrated, But Worth A Visit: California's Least Visited National Park

Despite being overlooked because of the more popular national parks, Channel Islands is worth visiting for many reasons.

• Channel Islands National Park is an underrated gem with pristine beaches and amazing hiking trails for unforgettable adventures.
• The park boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, making it a unique and scenic destination off the California coast.
• Island Packers' whale-watching tours offer the chance to see a variety of marine species, including gray whales and orcas, in the Santa Barbara Channel waters.

California is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., with Yosemite , which welcomes almost four million vacationers per year, being the most recognized park. Other more popular national parks in the Golden State include Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park . However, Channel Islands National Park, California's most exotic offshore destination , although underrated, is worth visiting for many reasons.

Often referred to as the "Galápagos of the North," it is one of the best national parks on the West Coast and has a lot to offer. The islands have always been compared to Hawaii, thanks to their pristine beaches and lush landscape. Despite being underrated, Channel Islands National Park is a world-class outdoor getaway with some of the most unforgettable remote camping, bird-watching, hiking, and scuba diving adventures.

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What to know about channel islands national park, the park is historic, scenic, isolated, and comprises five of the eight channel islands.

While Channel Islands National Park was only established in 1980, the area boasts a long history that dates back to more than 12,000 years ago. Several native Chumash communities called it home for thousands of years.

Europeans made their first appearance on the islands in the 16th century and stumbled upon a rich culture that depended on the islands' resources to thrive.

By the 19th century, the islands' land and sea were a source of food for both plants and animals. Each of the islands boasts a unique history and travelers can learn about the very first inhabitants and the stories that make it an interesting historical site to explore.

Out of the eight islands, only five — Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa — are part of the Channel Islands National Park.

Channel Islands National Park is one of the most scenic travel destinations, thanks to its gorgeous sea caves and scenic trails which offer 360-degree ocean views. It's situated in an isolated location off California's Pacific Coast.

Channel Islands Is The Least-Visited National Park In California

This park only receives 323,000 visitors per year.

When it comes to whether a tourist destination is underrated or not, the number of visitors speaks volumes. With only 323,000 travelers in a year, Channel Islands National Park is the most underrated national park in California, and one of the least-crowded in the U.S.

Yosemite, which is located 288.5 miles away, welcomes 3.9+ million tourists every year , despite the fact the Channel Islands is more unique, and offers an adventure like no other.

While both parks offer beaches, the Channel Islands' beaches are better, and come with many secluded options. The park is also home to plenty of scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Why Channel Islands National Park Is Worth Visiting

Explore the pristine beaches.

One of many US national parks with beaches , Channel Islands National Park might be an underrated island destination, but its scenic beaches, which are available in many varieties, make it bucket-list-worthy.

Start your beach adventure at Anacapa Island, which features three small islands; the East, West, and Middle, but most people visit the East Isle because it's the most accessible of them all.

Love kayaking? Then Channel Islands National Park is perfect for you , and Anacapa Island's East Isle offers some of the best kayaking opportunities. Kayaking to the east end of the isle leads paddlers to the Arch Rock, an iconic symbol of the park. The island also offers amazing scuba diving experiences.

Travelers can also visit a small gorgeous beach called Frenchys Cove on the western side of the island.

Smugglers Cove Beach on Santa Cruz Island is another perfect place beach bums shouldn't miss on their itinerary. Santa Rosa Island is also home to beautiful white sand beaches, and Water Canyon Beach , which can be accessed from either Bechers Bay or the campground, just a short walk down the canyon, is a must-visit.

Beach camping, boating, swimming, and surfing are some of the beach activities vacationers can enjoy on Santa Rosa Island. San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands also offer amazing beaches that tourists can explore.

Hike the scenic trails

There are plenty of scenic hiking trails that suit hikers of all levels in the Channel Islands . For an easy hiking experience, try the Cavern Point Loop on Santa Cruz Island. The hike guarantees breathtaking vistas and allows tourists to experience the island from a different perspective.

Tourists willing to explore a strenuous trail can opt for Montañon Ridge Loop, which takes vacationers through some of the most popular vistas on Santa Cruz Island. For a moderate hiking adventure, try Pelican Bay, an out-and-back hike that's located near Ventura, and features stunning views, wildflowers, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

The hike to Pelican Bay, which is a portion of the Nature Conservancy coastal property, is only accessible to private boaters with a valid landing permit.

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Take a whale-watching tour with island parkers.

Channel Islands National Park boasts incredibly diverse and beautiful aquatic species, including dolphins, porpoises, and whales. One of the best things to do in the park is whale-watching, and these species can be seen in a wide range of varieties.

Island Parker's whale watching tours , which can depart from either Ventura Harbors or the Channel Islands, take tourists through Santa Barbara Channel waters. Tourists will enjoy seeing whales, along with other marine species, including sea lions, dolphins, and seals.

Island Packers' captains are experts at sighting whales and are well-informed about the different species of marine creatures found in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Travelers can learn a lot on a whale-watching adventure.

A lot of things make this scenic, but underrated national park in California worth visiting, from scenic hiking trails to incredible whale opportunities. This is one of the islands you can visit without leaving the U.S. and rewards tourists with unforgettable adventures.

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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