Tag: Parks

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.

8 reasons why you should visit Texas’s Big Thicket National Preserve

You’re in for an adventure.

About two hours away from Houston, nature-loving adventurers can find Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, Texas. This intriguing destination gained national preserve status in 1974, alongside Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. These two spots were America’s first national preserves. The National Park Service established the national preserve category to help protect precious natural resources. As an area where “multiple habitats meet,” Big Thicket is a key region for preserving biodiversity. Within the preserve, visitors can discover fascinating ecosystems, from bayous to forests. Plan your journey through the wilderness with this list of the eight best things to do and see at Big Thicket National Preserve.

Plus, find even more curiosities to explore with this guide to Texas’s top five nature destinations. Or, start planning your spring break getaway to the state’s beloved South Padre Island.

This year, celebrate Christmas at these 3 national parks

Spend Christmas at a national park.

For many people, Christmas conjures up images of home, family, and traditions like gathering in front of a cozy fireplace hung with stockings. However, lots of folks don’t have a big family they want to spend time with or a house with a fireplace. Instead of feeling like you’re missing out on a perfect holiday, you can start a new tradition this holiday season. Consider spending time in one of America’s beautiful national parks. Stunning parks across the United States invite visitors to go for a hike, enjoy fresh air, and appreciate scenic beauty. This winter, stay at one of these three properties offering festive activities near national parks.

A hotel lodge sitting room with a Christmas tree and presents by a fireplace.
Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon. / Photo courtesy of Xanterra Travel Collection

The outdoorsy traveler’s guide to Redding, California

Discover the city’s top adventures.

California gives adventurous travelers seemingly endless outdoor travel possibilities. You can surf by the shore, ski the summits, and hike gorgeous trails. The state even has nine national parks to visit. Among those national parks are heavy-hitters like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Yosemite. With so many activities and destinations to explore, individual California towns can sometimes be overlooked by tourists planning their next trip. Don’t make that mistake the next time you’re near the charming town of Redding.

Redding, California, claims the title of “sunniest city in all of California.” It also enjoys spectacular views of nearby Mount Shasta. On a recent trip to the area, Outdoors Wire scoped out some of the city’s best spots and recreation opportunities. What we found will have you itching to plan a visit. Here are five awesome outdoor activities to experience in and around Redding.

Celebrate the National Park Service with these fabulous gifts

Find great park-themed presents.

In 1872, the United States became the first country to create a national park: Yellowstone. Over the next four decades, various government entities oversaw the country’s parks, monuments, and reserves, including the Departments of Agriculture, War, and the Interior. Then, in 1916, the National Park Service was born. It’s grown to be America’s favorite public agency. Now, the National Park System has 423 sites, 63 of which are full-fledged parks. The rest fall into categories like national monuments, seashores, trails, recreation areas, and historic sites.

Do you have a park lover on your holiday shopping list? These gift ideas will keep fond memories of hikes and views top of mind year-round.

8 wild animals and plants you can discover at Saguaro National Park

Meet snakes, cacti, and more.

Desert landscapes are more diverse and vibrant than you may think. These unique ecosystems are more than just hot weather and scorpions in the sand. Few places prove this point better than Tucson, Arizona’s Saguaro National Park.

At first glance, this park may seem like your average desert. Dust, rocks, and cacti cover the land. But the longer you look, the more you’ll see. Flowers bloom from the cactus plants. Tortoises snack on prickly pears. Saguaro National Park is alive with a world of fascinating plants and animals. Get to know a few of these species in this photo guide to the park’s wildlife.

The best things to see and do at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Explore this park’s volcanoes.

If the classic baking soda volcano science fair project sparked a lifelong interest in volcanoes for you, then Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-visit destination. There are four main volcano types (composite, cinder cone, shield, and plug dome). Lassen features all four.

“The greater Lassen area has been volcanically active for about three millions years,” the park explains. “While the area sleeps now, steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mudpots remain active–direct evidence that the volcanic center still smolders. No one can say when or where the next eruption will occur. We can only say that it will.”

Learn more about the park’s explosive history by visiting. And when you go, let this list of the best things to see at Lassen Volcanic National Park help guide your trip.

Warm up this winter by exploring Florida’s Bahia Honda State Park

Escape the cold weather.

When cold winter weather has you trapped inside, you might start dreaming of a sunny beach vacation. In Florida, you can experience that magic year-round at Bahia Honda State Park. While most people only think about visiting the beach come summertime, it can be worthwhile to make the trip in cooler months. You can look forward to less crowded shores, gorgeous views, and early sunsets.

Tourists will find this park all the way down south, where pleasant temperatures stick around through winter. When you visit, take advantage of the great weather and scenic landscapes by getting active. Here are seven fun sightseeing spots and activities to consider when planning your trip.

You’ll be surprised by what you can find at Kobuk Valley National Park

Explore remote Alaska.

Where can you see sand dunes, streams, and mountains all in one place? Did you guess Alaska? If not, it’s high time you discover the beauty of Kobuk Valley National Park.

Located in the remote Alaskan wilderness, this park is only accessible via aircraft, watercraft, and snowmobile. With no roads, campgrounds, or trails, Kobuk Valley is most suited for backcountry adventurers who know how to handle rugged conditions. As the park explains, “For visitors with the right skills and gear, it’s a trip of a lifetime.”

Tourists who aren’t ready to battle the elements can still enjoy Kobuk Valley, though. Local charter companies offer flightseeing tours over the park that give guests an aerial view of the region. Get a sneak peek at the sights you can see there in this stunning photo guide.

Valley of Fire State Park is a ‘geological wonderland’ just outside of Las Vegas

Hike through the Valley of Fire.

Less than an hour northeast of the bright lights in Las Vegas, one special destination invites curious travelers to explore a “geological wonderland.” At Valley of Fire State Park, petroglyphs and petrified trees from over 2,000 years ago decorate a landscape of sandstone and limestone rock formations.

This park is like few others in the world. While the park was established in 1935, the region’s history dates back much further. On a hike through Valley of Fire, you’ll see petroglyphs carved by Puebloans about 2,500 years ago. These historic carvings are in stark contrast to the glamorous hotels and casinos located roughly 46 miles away in Las Vegas. Get a taste of what this trip back in time is like with this photo guide to Valley of Fire State Park.