For years, parents have been telling their kinds to turn off the TV and play outside, and there is no better place to do that than in our country’s national parks. These spectacular destinations showplace our nation’s natural beauty and fascinating history, and they offer grand adventures for your kids to experience in the Great Outdoors.We’ve been chosen three of our all-time favorite parks to put on your domestic wanderlist, complete with must- see sites and insider tips, so you can start exploring our country’s spectacular backyard.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Must See Experience: Snow-capped Hoodoos in the Winter is a magical experience in Bryce Canyon National Park, and the snow-covered hoodoos are stunning when viewed during the winter months. See them from the Queens Garden Trail, where you’ll start at the top of the rim and then descend 320 feet to the bottom. Along this path, you’ll see famous formations, such as Chris Hemsworth’s – Thor’s – Hammer as well as Queen Victoria, for which the trail received its name.
Insider Tip: Make sure to start your trek at sunrise and see the mesmerizing sight of the sunrise above the canyon. Its rays flutter between the formations behind you and spread upon the hoodoos below, creating an ethereal experience not to be missed.
Zion National Park
Must See Experience: Watchman Trail Zion, meaning “the heavenly city” does not disappoint when it comes to views along the Watchman Trail. The discovery hike takes you along the base of the valley and boasts fantastic views of the Spring dale area. From here, you can see many of the park’s majestic sites, including Bridge Mountain, Beehives, Towers of the Virgin West Temple, and the Altar of Sacrifice. The trail ends at the Watchman Overlook with a view of the towering Watchman Spire.
Insider Tip: Try Oscar’s Cafe, just outside of Zion National Park’s entrance. Our seasoned national park adventurers recommend the Chili Verde Burrito with pork or shredded beef, fire roasted green chilies, tomatillos, onions and a blend of three cheeses. Grab the napkins and a good brew. It’s spicy!
Yellowstone National Park
Must See Experience: Fountain Paint Pots – Though Old Faithful will always be on the list of things to see, we recommend the natural phenomena of the Fountain Paint Pots. These mud springs intrigue with bubbles and popping. The trail showcases four hydro-thermal formations – geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and the aforementioned mud pots. Make sure to see the Clepsydra Geyser, which can shoot up to 200 feet in the air, and the stunning Silex Spring with its turquoise blue water.
Insider Tip: Yellowstone National park is one of the only places in the US you can see bison, the largest land-dwelling mammals in North America, roam freely. While at the park, learn about how they came close to extinction and see how many you can count. Our travelers reached 134.
Give us a call or visit our escorted National Parks Tours 2021 website to learn more.
