Do you remember the moment you fell in love with the National Parks? Was it peering over the rim of the Grand Canyon, or watching the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain at Acadia? Whatever your first park memory is, it’s clear that experts love our parks. In fact, 76% of experts polled visited two or more National Parks a year, with nearly 1 in 4 exploring over six parks during a calendar year. This season, we’re highlighting four expert-favorite parks — and the gear you’ll need to explore them.
1. Joshua Tree
Boasting over 300 miles of trails and even more climbing routes, Joshua Tree is unique because visitors can experience two distinct types of deserts — and even a desert oasis —in a single trip. Named after the popular yucca species found throughout its vast expanse, this park boasts activities for everyone from casual day hikers and campers to experienced rock climbers. Pack plenty of water, as there is none in the park.
Popular sites: Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Hall of Horrors
I love its landscape, solitude, weirdness, and the surreal beauty that unfolds within it. I love that Joshua Tree offers a bit of everything: expansive hiking trails (feels like I haven’t gone on the same one twice yet!), cool flora and fauna (I am still on my ever–long quest of running into a desert tortoise there), scrambling, bouldering, and new age offerings such as eccentric Airbnbs, music festivals, and funky little pioneer towns to escape into when the sun is at its highest.”
Alyssa Gilman ExpertVoice member since 2023
💡Expert tip:Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, boasting some of the best night sky views in all of Southern California. If you’re camping, plan your trip around a new moon in order to take advantage of the best stargazing opportunities.
One of Utah’s Mighty Five, Bryce is a year-round favorite for everyone from cross-country skiers to trail runners for its unique pink and red hoodoos and high-desert beauty. While the Amphitheater gets the most attention, you’ll also find more forested hikes. Like Joshua Tree, Bryce Canyon is considered an International Dark Sky Park, with ranger-guided stargazing programs available.
Popular trails: Queen’s Garden/Navajo Combination Loop, Bristlecone Loop, Fairyland Loop
“It’s like being on another planet. I love how vastly different [it] is from the East Coast (where I’m from) and how well–preserved the space is. Even when the park is packed the trails are wide enough to hike through without getting off trail and there’s always cool spots in the park that are empty for peace.”
Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain is a backpacker’s paradise, with over 200 backcountry campsites to be explored with a permit. And if you’re interested to sticking to more traveled trails, you’ll still find lakes, trees and elk herds galore.
Popular trails: Emerald Lake Trail, Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Bear Lake Trail
It has so much to offer, the town of Estes Park is nearby and the trails and views are second to none. There are challenging backwoods hikes, trail running, cross–country skiing and plenty of views and natural vibes to soak in. Camping in the park is also great, with wildlife a-plenty. I enjoy hiking Fern Lake to Bear Lake, one way and catching the bus back.”
Ryan Smith Fire & Rescue Professional ExpertVoice member since 2013
Synchronous fireflies, ghost towns, over 19,000 species of plants, fungi and animals — the Great Smoky Mountains (earning the name for their trademark smoky blue haze) are the most visited national park in the United States for a reason. You’ll find over 850 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, in the park, with no entrance fees to visit.
Popular sites: Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls, Cades Cove Loop Road
As for what I enjoy about it,it’s the sense of tranquility and escape it offers. Whether it’s the sound of waterfalls, the sight of wildflowers in spring, or the panoramic views from the mountain tops, the Smoky Mountains provide a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature and find peace.”
Elevate your camping experience There’s nothing quite like a night outdoors. But if you’ve ever tossed and turned in a tent, you know that it’s also hard to beat the comforts of home. What if you could have a bit of both? We’ve rounded up five ways to add comfort to your campsite. Check out […]
Living in Bishop, California, a small city located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Andrea Daniels is surrounded by an abundance of trails — and opportunities to hone her backpacking expertise. But her passions are as expansive as the mountain range itself. Andrea skis, hikes, kayaks, mountain bikes, you name it. And she’s […]
Have you experienced the magic of National Parks — stood mesmerized by the Redwood Trees, watched in awe as Old Faithful spews or wandered through the fall colors of Acadia? Whether you’ve visited all 63 national parks or you’re ready to start crossing them off your list, there’s no doubt — ExpertVoice members cherish National […]
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