Yosemite National Park Photo: Shutterstock.
It’s a big year for the US National Park System. 2016 marks the 100th birthday of the American National Park Service (officially on August 25th). To celebrate, the National Park Service has decided to throw a massive, nationwide b-day bash. The service is inviting everyone to celebrate by making every park open to the public free of charge from April 16th through April 24th for National Parks Week. It’s also offering free admission August 25th through August 28th. Not a bad way to celebrate!
Although National Park entry fees are usually pretty reasonable, these fees vary from park to park. A day pass at the Grand Canyon will cost 1 car $30, while a week pass at Yosemite will cost the same car $30. These are fitting prices for experiencing the beauty of our national parks, and these prices help keep the parks pristine. That being said, if you’ve been waiting to tackle a National Park adventure, the free admission should be the incentive you need to make it happen.
Below are 7 of the best ways to enjoy our country’s most stunning national parks now in April and during the next series of free entry days in August. So get out there, get active, and take it all in!
Climb Half Dome at Yosemite
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This should be on every Californian’s to-do list! You must enter a lottery for a climbing permit, but should you be selected, you too can climb Half Dome. Despite the sheer cliff basin commonly photographed for its beauty, climbing Half Dome from the backside is relatively accessible and can be done in a single day (10-12 hours round trip). Beginning May 27th, there are cables to assist you in your ascent (pictured above), and although it’s steep, if you’re in good shape, you can likely make the climb with minimal training. However, if you’re hoping to head to Yosemite this week, you can check out Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls as well as take the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls.
River Raft in the Grand Canyon
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Although April is considered a cooler month temperature-wise for taking a river trip, there are plenty of perks for rafting this time of the year. The water runs a clear or green color, and the canyon will be in its full spring blossom of wildflowers. In combination, this makes for epic scenery that won’t disappoint. Just be prepared for colder weather and shorter days, as the sun still sets relatively early. If you choose to go in August, you can expect much warmer weather, but also a plenty more visitors in the area. You can learn more weather information here and you can find information about trips and permits here.
Snorkel in the Virgin Islands
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This visit requires a little more effort if you don’t live in the islands, but that doesn’t make the experience any less incredible. Although the Virgin Island Coral Reef National Monument suffered a severe coral bleaching in 2006, the region is still absolutely beautiful. The reefs inside the Hurricane Hole are spectacular, and there are even coral formations thriving among the mangrove roots closer to shore. If water isn’t your thing, you can also hike around the lush trails in the mountains of St. John. You can learn more about boating and snorkeling guidelines and suggestions here.
Sandboard at the Great Sand Dunes
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Located in Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park features massive sand dunes rising over 750 feet from the floor of the San Luis Valley. The dunes were created over time by the sand and soil deposits of the Rio Grande. The best way to have fun at the dunes? Go sand boarding or sand sledding, of course. You can rent specially designed equipment there, or you can just pack a boogie board. You can learn more information here.
Wade Through The Narrows at Zion
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“The Narrows” is the narrowest portion of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park. The gorgeous stretch of canyon has walls that extend upwards to 1,000 feet, but are only 20-30 feet apart. Clear water flows through the canyon, and hikers completing the narrows must be comfortable doing a little bit of wading. It’s early season now in April, so you’ll likely experience some chilly water, but you’ll be able to enjoy The Narrows with a minimal crowd. Check out more information here.
Watch Wildlife and Check Out the Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone
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There are plenty of reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park, and there are plenty of things to do while you’re there. There is an amazing diversity of wildlife to experience in the park, and if you hike long enough, you’re bound to see everything from elk, to moose, to bison, to wolves, to bears, and more. Many people make the trek to see Old Faithful, but here is another attraction to add to your list: the Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s the largest natural hot springs in the US and the third largest in the world. Additionally, the spring is home to vibrant colored archaea that give the spring an incredible spectrum of colors. You can learn more about visiting Yellowstone here.
Kayak in Glacier Bay
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This is another one that that takes a little additional planning but is well-worth the extra effort. Glacier Bay is a stunning National Park located in Southeastern Alaska, and the massive park covers over 5,037 square miles of rugged land and . Kayaking is one of the best activities to do in the park because it allows you to get close (but still a safe distance away) from the park’s 7 tidewater glaciers. These glaciers come right up to the edge of the bay, and as the incoming tide weakens the ice front, massive chunks of ice as big as 200 feet can “calve,” falling dramatically into the water. This phenomenon is both intense and unpredictable, and larger boats can rarely come within 2 miles of a glacial front. However, kayaking can get you closer to the action (1/3 to 1/2 mile away). The park is open year round, however, it has limited services during the winter. These services begin operating again in May.
Feel free to share any of your favorite National Park activities in the comments section!
