See what 8 of the most popular national parks look like in the snow

Take a look.

Every year, millions of tourists visit America’s national parks. Not every park gets the same amount of visitors, though.

In 2023, some of the most visited national parks were Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Zion. The year’s number one most visited park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recorded 13,297,647 recreation visits. Grand Canyon National Park came in second place, with 4,733,705 recreation visits.

Unless you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you probably haven’t thought much about visiting national parks during snowy season. But, if you want to avoid crowds, winter might be the perfect time to visit some of the country’s most popular parks. Visitors who time their trips just right will even get to see these magical landscapes covered in shimmering, sparkling snow.

Take a look at what some of the most visited national parks look like in the snow with the gallery of stunning photos below.

Picture-perfect video captures Yellowstone bison in front of Old Faithful

It’s magical.

Bison are just one of the captivating animals you can spot trekking through Yellowstone National Park in the winter. If you regularly visit the park, you have probably been able to see one of the park’s beautiful bison before. But have you seen these majestic creatures posing in front of Old Faithful geyser right as it’s erupting? On Saturday, March 9, that is exactly what park visitor Cindy Shaffer caught on camera.

“That was an extremely special and tearful moment for me,” Shaffer said. “Tears of joy, of course.”

Experience the wonder for yourself in the video below. Plus, find out where you can go for a bison encounter of your own with this list of five places in the US where you can see wild bison.

Note: The featured image is a stock photo used to illustrate the story.

Rare orca sighting caught on video at Channel Islands National Park

See them swim!

Get a glimpse of some of the magnificent creatures that swim in the waters around California’s one and only Channel Islands National Park.

While several species call the Channel Islands home, some are more likely to make an appearance than others. One of the species known for staying out of the limelight is the orca. Eagle-eyed wildlife watchers have to be pretty lucky to spot one of these curious animals.

Recently, a ranger patrolling the area around the park’s San Miguel Island lucked out and saw a pod of orcas for himself. As Channel Islands National Park recently explained in a Facebook post, “Although sightings of orcas around the Channel Islands are rare, they can happen at any time of the year.”

See this orca sighting for yourself in the video below.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=765451632164134

Note: The featured image is a stock photo used to illustrate the story.

Discover the LA hiking trail frequented by stars like RuPaul and Taylor Swift

Visit a star-studded trail.

Celebrity sightings probably aren’t what draws most hikers to the great outdoors. Still, for fans of people like Taylor Swift, the chance to see your favorite star can be excellent motivation to explore a new trail. If you’re curious to discover a hiking hotspot frequented by celebrities like Swift, Ed Sheeran, and RuPaul, make your way to Los Angeles, California’s Franklin Canyon Park.

Visitors will find this lovely nature retreat tucked away between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. Rumor has it that couples like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis love to hike the trails within Franklin Canyon Park. In 2013, Taylor Swift and friend Ed Sheeran were even spotted hiking in the park. Swift was seen hiking Franklin Canyon again in 2019, with then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

https://www.instagram.com/taylahschild/p/C0AJQHgN4fL

Want to check out Franklin Canyon Park for yourself? While you’ll want to check the park’s official website for any closures, the area welcomes anyone looking for a place to unwind and escape the city. Get a sense of the area and learn what to expect there with the gallery of Franklin Canyon Park trail photos below.

A runner’s guide to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park

Race through the park.

The amazing recreational opportunities in West Virginia’s New River Gorge are no secret. This destination was recognized as a national river in 1978 and has long been beloved by rafters. But since becoming America’s newest national park in 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has grown even more popular.

What does this place in rural West Virginia have to offer? There are over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the rugged New River. You can hike, bike along an old railroad grade, raft, and rock climb. All the while, you’ll be marveling at the longest, deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. The park includes a variety of habitats that shelter rare and endangered animals. The Virginia big-eared bat, the Indiana bat, and the Allegheny woodrat all make their homes here. Rich human history is also evident, with rail and mining artifacts.

A river cutting through a gorge at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Running at New River Gorge

Want to go for a run through New River Gorge? The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s Active Southern West Virginia initiative is here to encourage you. Brandon Mehlinger, an avid runner and running spokesperson for Active Southern West Virginia, wants to inspire people to get active outside.

“Two of the best trails in the New River Gorge National Park for trail running are Long Point Trail and Kaymoor Miners Trail,” Mehlinger said. “Long Point trail is a 3 mile out and back that leads you out to a stunning view of the river and the bridge. Kaymoor Miners trail takes you down through the remnants of an old coal mine area. It’s a unique trail that offers a challenging 821 step staircase at the bottom of the trail and can branch off in different ways on the way back up depending on how far you’re looking to run.”

Two runners on a paved trail at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

If you like to plan your travel around race events, New River Gorge offers two big days: the six-mile New River Gorge Rim to Rim Race in May and the Bridge Day 5K in October. Both involve the stunning and much-photographed New River Gorge Bridge. Runners pass under the bridge during the Rim to Rim. 

“The Bridge Day 5K allows runners the only opportunity of the year to run on the Bridge,” Mehlinger said. “Runners get to see the park and all its glory from above and really get to visualize the scale of it all. Both races give runners unparalleled views of the park – one from below, and the other from above.”

Runners crossing over a bridge at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park during a race.
Photo by Jay Young, courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

Can’t make a race day? Drop in for one of Active Southern West Virginia’s weekly running groups in Fayetteville or Beckley to explore trails inside the New River Gorge National Park.

Originally from Connecticut, Mehlinger came to West Virginia in 2022 as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Part of his role was expanding the Kids Run Club program to more rural elementary schools. Now, he’s the program coordinator of Active Southern West Virginia and a big advocate of both community and running.

A group of runners in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

“The New River Gorge National Park holds a unique allure for running enthusiasts, and it’s not just about the breathtaking scenery, although that’s certainly a major part of it,” he said. “What truly makes this place special for running is the heart and soul of the community that surrounds it. West Virginians are a close-knit group of individuals that take immense pride in their outdoors. The trails in the park follow century-old paths, revealing the history of timber and coal industries.”

Mehlinger urges people to get out on the trails to hike, mountain bike, or run. “It’s the people, the shared love for running, and the sense of community that make every stride in this park truly special.”

Pink flowers in the brush at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

See what trail running is like at Palo Duro Canyon’s Lighthouse Trail

Explore this running trail.

Hit up the Texas Panhandle for one of the state’s coolest running trails. Located in the small Texas town of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park appeals to outdoorsy adventurers who value the iconic “rugged beauty” of rocky canyons. Known by some as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is perfect for everything from geocaching and hiking to mountain biking and trail running.

Speaking of trail running, every sporty visitor who explores this stunning landscape should know about the park’s best running trail. Also one of the best hiking trails in Texas, Lighthouse Trail offers runners a rewarding challenge. Here’s what you should know and what you can see when running the Lighthouse Trail.

Your Yosemite National Park questions, answered

Get the info you need.

California is a state that enjoys a bounty of natural wonders. In fact, it has the most national parks of any state in America. The state’s nine national parks include Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, and last but not least, Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park is the third oldest national park, after Yellowstone and Sequoia. Established as a national park in 1872, Yosemite also became a World Heritage Site in 1984. The site protects roughly 750,000 acres of meadows, valleys, mountains, and more. These stunning landscapes help make Yosemite one of the country’s most visited national parks. Before you visit, get to know the area with these answers to some of the most commonly asked Yosemite National Park questions. Plus, find resources to help you plan your trip.

A mountain range overlooking a lake.
Photo by DJM Photos

Where is Yosemite National Park?

Let’s start with the basics. Where is Yosemite National Park? As the park website explains, since Yosemite “covers nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevada of California” there is no “single address” for the destination. When visiting the park, old-school maps and park-provided directions will be most helpful.

Visitors coming from San Francisco can expect the drive into Yosemite to take around four hours. If you’re coming from Reno, the drive will take between four and six hours. For help planning your trip, check out Yosemite’s driving directions hub for more detailed information. This resource even includes tips for driving between sites within the park.

Snow by a river with a rocky canyon in the background and the moon overhead.
Photo by Anita Ritenour

What to do in Yosemite?

Curious tourists will find endless things to do in Yosemite National Park. Sightseers can explore a variety of gorgeous overlooks and marvel at the majesty of El Capitan or the serenity of the Merced River. Hikers will feel on top of the world during a Half Dome Hike and can enjoy fall color on Valley Loop Trail. Rock climbers can also find fun adventures at Yosemite. Try a crack climb at Merced River Canyon, go alpine climbing at Cathedral Peak, or do a trad climb up El Capitan. This guide will point you toward even more climbing options at Yosemite.

That’s not all Yosemite has to offer, though. Scenic drives, wildlife viewing, biking, fishing, stargazing, and more make the park paradise for active travelers. Yosemite also ranks as one of the top 10 most accessible national parks, so everyone can join in on the fun.

A gray mountain.
Photo by docentjoyce

What to see in Yosemite National Park?

Now that you know some of the activities available at Yosemite, let’s dive into the incredible things you’ll see when you visit. With 1,200 square miles of wild beauty, Yosemite National Park has a lot of sights to see. Here are a few of the park’s most iconic landmarks to look out for:

  1. El Capitan
  2. Half Dome
  3. Bridalveil Fall
  4. Glacier Point
  5. Mariposa Grove
  6. Merced River
  7. Tunnel View
  8. Tuolumne Meadows
  9. Yosemite Falls
  10.  Cathedral Peak

If you’re near Yosemite during February, you’ll also want to try catching a glimpse of firefall at Horsetail Fall. Here’s a glimpse of the magic you’ll be able to see there.

Water flowing off Horsetail Fall glows orange while backlit from the setting sun.
Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Mind-blowing sights you’ll see on Glacier National Park’s best hike

It’s a stunner.

Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in Montana. Some hikers may even consider it the best hike in America. Join us on a trek through the woods to see what makes Avalanche Lake so special.

Two key factors help determine a trail’s popularity: accessibility and scenery. Spectacular views draw people to a trail, and accessibility ensures that those visitors can actually enjoy exploring the trail. While few trails are accessible to all people, the Avalanche Lake hike’s moderate difficulty makes it manageable for a wide audience of hikers. Plus, the Trail of the Cedars section of the hike is accessible using off-road wheelchairs.

Now, let’s dive into the scenery you can look forward to during your Avalanche Lake hike. If you’re looking for crystal clear waters and breathtaking natural landscapes, you’re in luck. Here are seven photos showing off the best of Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake hike.

Can you handle trail running along Mount Rainier’s Skyline Loop?

Shake up your running routine.

Washington state’s Mount Rainier National Park draws in visitors from all over the world. The park’s outstanding landscapes and inviting trails make it a treat for outdoorsy adventurers. But did you know it’s also a great place for trail runners looking for a challenge?

One of the region’s most captivating trail running spots is none other than Skyline Trail, aka Skyline Loop. With an elevation gain of roughly 1,700 feet and a round-trip distance of about 5.5 miles, this hiking/running trail welcomes athletic guests who want a strenuous workout. Runners brave enough to tackle this loop trail will be rewarded with some truly life-changing views. Get a sneak peek at those sights with these photos of Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail.

What it’s like to explore The Narrows at Zion National Park

Discover The Narrows.

Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in America. It’s also one of the most visited national parks in the United States. As of 2022, the park ranked fourth on a list of the country’s most visited national parks.

So, what makes Zion National Park stand out against other beloved destinations, like the Great Smoky Mountains or the Grand Canyon? Well, while the park’s breathtaking sandstone rock formations certainly earn it a lot of love, hikers will tell you that their favorite parts of Zion are the magnificent trails. At spots like Angels Landing, hikers can challenge themselves to tackle a complicated trail and earn mind-blowing views for their efforts. Then, you have trails like the ones that pass through The Narrows of Zion Canyon. These treks present their own challenges and sights that make them irresistible to hikers. Here’s what you should know before visiting The Narrows at Zion National Park.