Originally Posted on Expedia A 1-Day Guide to 12 US National Parks
The U.S. National Parks contain many of the world’s natural wonders. Each park has its own character, and even in a short trip you can get a true sense of why they are loved by so many.
If you are fascinated by glacial formations, Glacier National Park is a haven for visitors, hosting more than 700 miles of trails where you can discover many of the 762 crystal blue lakes surrounded by iconic peaks. With only a day, choose a trail and try to spot grizzlies and goats or even the enigmatic grey wolf.
Always wanted to catch a glimpse of the famous Half Dome? You can make that happen by visiting Yosemite National Park in California where you’ll also find wondrous glaciers, waterfalls, and meadows to explore. With such a vast and varied topography, those with limited time are encouraged to hop on a bicycle and follow a trail. Alternately, the Mirror Lake Trail offers the chance to take a cooling dip in the summer.
If tropical wildlife is your thing, you’ll be happy to find yourself at the Everglades National Park in Florida, where several of the world’s endangered species have made their home in the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. If you just have a few hours to spare, consider taking a Slough Slog, a guided off-trail hike through the River of Grass. Be prepared to get your feet wet as you get up close to some of nature’s most amazing creatures.
At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, you can scuba dive in beaver country, while across the country in Redwood, California, you’ll want to look upwards at the tallest trees on earth. Keep a keen eye out for the exotic Roosevelt Elk—named on behalf of the former president who campaigned for their preservation.
With 59 parks spread across 27 American states, deciding on which park to visit can be daunting. Fortunately, Expedia.com is proud to present a new infographic breaking down 12 of the best options for enjoying the great outdoors, even if you only have a day or two at your leisure. To begin planning your own national parks trip, visit Expedia.com/nationalparks to get started.
