NATIONAL parks are among America’s most treasured destinations, but as they’ve grown in popularity visiting them has brought challenges – from crowded parking lots to special permits and lotteries, full campsites and overbooked hotels.
No surprise, then, that a Stateside agency has been commissioned to draw up a list of a magnificent seven trips ranging from Yosemite to Acadia and Glacier Bay, each of which promises to ease planning a national park adventure.
Yosemite AutoCamp Trekking
On a tour of Yosemite National Park with Wildland Trekking, take in pristine winter scenery and stay in AutoCamp’s unique accommodations, including classic Airstream vans.
Spend days hiking and snowshoeing among soaring granite peaks, frosty waterfalls and snow-covered sequoias, then return to camp and relax in your chic caravan. Summer tours are also available.
Glacier Bay Outback
Book a cruise on Alaska’s Glacier Bay through Adventure Life and enjoy opportunities to hike, kayak, paddleboard and more. Along the way, watch for glacial ice and a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, bears, birds and moose.
End the voyage by dropping anchor and exploring an area of Glacier Bay National Park rarely visited by others.
Acadia and Mount Desert Island Cycling
Spend a long weekend exploring Acadia, Maine’s only national park, with Adventure Cycling Association.
Circumnavigate Mount Desert Island, riding the park’s famous carriage roads, visiting small towns like Southwest Harbor and Bar Harbor, and summiting Cadillac Mountain.
Yellowstone Adventures
Set on the edge of Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure.
Guests can explore the natural wonders and wildlife of America’s first national park while hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and more, on their own or by booking a guided tour.
National Parks RV Trip
Autumn is a great time to visit national parks for fewer crowds, less traffic and pleasant temperatures.
Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure Winnebagos with an all-inclusive pricing including unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, a free annual pass to the national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance.
See: www.blacksford.com
Camp & Mountain Bike Canyonlands
The 100-mile White Rim Trail meanders among multicoloured spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado rivers in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park.
On a four-day mountain biking and camping tour with Escape Adventures, guests ride the famed off-road route, occasionally detouring to admire hidden slot canyons and ancient Puebloan ruins.
Jackson Hole Glamping
Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 pint-sized luxury houses designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, making it the perfect place to hole up for an autumn or winter getaway.
Snowshoe across Grand Teton National Park, enjoy a snowmobile tour with Scenic Safaris, or sit back and relax around a cozy fireplace.
