The best time to visit Yellowstone is a week after Labor Day. Most things are still open, but it'll seem like you have the park all to yourself. Everything is starting to close but rhey are still open. In the Fall with the colder temps make it more likely to see the wolves in morning
I actually like to go the last week of September. The park is as you describe it. Everything is still open. The park is pretty empty, and the cool temps and fall colors are nice. I did hit a blizzard there one year. That was a fun experience. People out on the boardwalks in inches of snow watching geysers in the snow and steam were pretty amazing.
I agree, just drove into random lodges and got a room without a reservation. Crowds were significantly lower that summer but the weather was still pleasant.
I have gotten to Yellowstone the first day the park opened, usually around April 20th and it was not crowded at all, also the hotels were a lot cheaper as well. Granted all the roads are not open yet, but still pretty nice, peaceful time to visit, I could not even imagine going in the middle of Summer, that would be terrible.
I did a 2-week, 100-mile circumnavigation for Isle Royal, and I have to say that it is by far my favorite national park of the many I have been to. One of my favorite things about IR is the almost absolute lack of tourists. Everyone is there for boating, hiking, or having a nice getaway at the island lodge, and when you get into the depth of the island away from people, it is truly magical. I hope you get a chance for an extended visit to this island, I assure you will not regret it.
I spent 5 days there, stayed at Harbor Lodge and spent hours hiking around Rock Harbor. It’s a 6 hour ferry ride on the National Park ferry, the boat leaves Houghton, Michigan at 9 am and gets to Rock Harbor around 3 pm. I had a red fox walk up to me, I swear I could have petted it. There a moose droppings everywhere. Saw a couple of moose .While there is really nothing spectacular about this park, somehow it’s just an incredible place to go and get away from everything. Warning the bugs can be terrible as there is water everywhere.
Been there twice on the one day ferry out of Grand Portage. First time saw bunch of moose circa 2002. This summer went back, apparently the moose are way interior due to too many people (shocker). Still a fun trip. Butterflies everywhere. What a jewel.
I spent 5 days on Isle Royale as a teen and it was a life changing experience. Breathtaking beauty, crazy encounters with animals, then there were things in solitude like the fog rolling through that felt otherworldly.
Have backpacked around Isle Royale and it is excellent! Going in through the Michigan and Minnesota ferry’s are both excellent and the “mainland” sides of each ferry offer their own lovely travel in their own rights
I think going through MN is perfect - gives you the opportunity to take a detour on the way there or the way back to visit Voyageurs and Boundary Waters.
@@maxwellerickson7066 The MN North Woods is a place I love dearly and I completely agree that there are so many other great places to go even just up and down that shoreline. The Michigan side does offer more access to the Apostle islands and the Porcupine mountains which are also fun sights if that side is ever more convenient to anyone
I went kayaking in Everglades last year for three days/two nights. I camped on two of those chickees (Hells Bay and Pearl Bay). I loved it! Complete solitude. The first two days I saw a total of two other people, the last day I only passed 4 or 5 people on my way back. I woke up one day to dolphins splashing around a dozen yards off the chickee. And paddling through mangrove channels is a challenge. One of my favorite national park experiences.
My favorite of the list is Big Bend. I have visited many national parks, but there is nothing like Big Bend. It is immense, stark, imposing, and with respect to geology, very complicated. I discovered the park many years ago, during my summer geology field camp, and I did my doctoral research in geology in an area very near the park. I have spent MUCH time there. My wife says that Big Bend (including Terlingua) is my "happy place".
Nice summary of national parks to visit over the course of a few days. I think that most national parks deserve multiple days to visit to get a feel for the park.
The Ferries at Isle Royal stop at various spots for an hour or so you can do some small exploring and see around the whole island if you want to spend the day on the ferry.
If I were you, I would have put Denali national park on this list, with all of the mountains you can climb up and just set up camp on them whenever you want.
Your videos just popped up in my recommended recently and they’re amazing. Thank you for all the info. I’ve subbed and can’t wait to put this knowledge to use!
I like this list overall, I just think the exclusion of any of the parks in Alaska is the only mistake. Maybe it could just be one entry, like any park in Alaska is amazing for multiple day trips
You mentioned the "High Sierra Trail" in Yosemite, but the High Sierra Trail is actually located in Sequoia National Park. It runs from Crescent Meadow in Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia to the Mount Whitney on the eastern boundary of that park. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Yosemite National Park, and the John Muir Trail originates in Yosemite Valley then joins up with the Pacific Crest Trail and follows the same route southbound out of the park. I assume you were referring to one of those trails in Yosemite. Great video overall -- I'm binging on several of your videos this evening.
For me, Yellowstone has always been a quick drive through. I would much rather take the ferry across Jenny Lake in Grand Teton national Park and hike up the Cascade trail or hiking along string Lake. The first time I visited the area I spent all my time in Yellowstone and not nearly enough time in Grand Teton, won't ever make that mistake again.
Big Bend is so big with so many areas inaccessible by car that it’s perfect for people with motorcycles who can access those areas and enjoy some true solitude. There are also river rafting tours of the nearby big bend state park which is a perfect thing to sandwich in between long hiking days to rest up a bit but still see hours of beautiful scenery.
I know there are so many great parks out there and you can't name 'em all. But I just loved being in Acadia for several days to see some of the different things there. Quite the change for an eastern park.
First, I love your videos!! I hope you get to Isle Royal. I spent a couple weeks there by water. Amazing place. Still one of my favorite national parks. There is a network of hiking trails on the island. If you paddle the park there are small sections of trails you can access to get to many parts of the interior of the island. There are some shipwrecks still intact you can paddle over. The water is stupid clear. There are little freshwater fjords. One of my best memories is cooking dinner in this amazing view and seeing a family of moose swim past me!! Yes, you will likely see more moose than people in this park. Yes, Isle Royal is a bit out of the way, but if you come up via Detroit make sure to stop by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's U.P. is a huge bonus particularly of your a kayaker. Think of the Artist's Palette of Death Valley but with water, sea caves, and rock arches. If you paddle the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin's section of Lake Superior is another great paddling location. You could easily spend three weeks in that area. The point is that yes Isle Royal is out of the way but there is so much other stuff up there to add to an Isle Royal trip. Lake Superior can get crazy rough and cold. Paddling pack a good wetsuit or drysuit.
I look forward to (hopefully) getting up there in September. I go to Michigan each fall (but not 2020) and usually end up at some friends' lake house in the UP. I'd really like to add a canoe trip to Isle Royale while up there next time.
I think there are two that need a nod to Shenandoah National park. So long that I think it's kind of a two day-er at least. Would be a great place to camp, great for a week long backpacking trip along the Appalachian trail., or you can do what I did and rent a cabin. Only food I highly recommend is a blackberry shake. It's also near Roanoke, which I loved. Another one is Acadia. I went there and it is varied and gorgeous but was frustrated by my one day. You can drive around but that's it. Bar Harbor is an interesting but expensive town near there. I did go on a kayak trip in the Everglades half day. Took a good long day. Found it very interesting--true didn't see everything but it was worthwhile.
Oregon has only one national park - Crater Lake. However, you can start a road trip from the north or south and incorporate many beaches, beach towns, state parks, two aquariums, and short trips inland will bring you to two different major waterfall side trips. You can drive or hike - either highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Trail. Rather like the Appalachian Trail, but it is the crest of the coastal mountains and pretty rugged in places but there are hot springs along the trail. There are campgrounds along the highway - some with their own waterfall. There is the waterfall road - old hwy 30 east from Portland with Multnomah Falls of course but many others as well. Another collection is near Salem OR - South Falls and more along a narrow canyon. Can you tell I love my adopted state?
I did Big Bend in one day, but it was an early morning departure from Alpine and a late drive back. Went west to east from Santa Elena to Rio Grande Village. Two or three days would have been better.
I nearly got frostbitten the first time going to Big bend. Assumed nights would be fairly moderate due to it's location. Brought a 45 F summer bag and knew i was in for a bad night. Ended up eventually getting some sleep and woke up without feeling in my extremities. It was extremely painful warming up. Second time there i decided to go on a 14 miles hike to a spring. Spring was dry. It was 95 F. i ran out of water and certainly got heat exhaustion. Was on my way into heat stroke. Luckily found cottontail falls. I would very much recommend going there. No one really knows of it. It isn't on any of the maps.
I used to work as a tour driver in Denali National Park. It's a park that's great for both 1-day and muli-day visits. I used to drive all the way from Anchorage in the winter just to go snowshoeing there in the winter and almost always saw caribou. I'm not sure if it would make anyone's Top 10 list, but there were days when I'd rather be there than anywhere else in the world.
Brother your content is amazing! Keep up the genuine style and content! Just wondering if you didn't include channel islands because it isn't worth going to. Planning on a Channell Islands camping trip and was wondering if you didn't care for it.
Isle Royal has been on my mind for a few years now. I'm not far from it and it looks like a great adventure. If your into canoeing... I did a 10 day journey into Quetico Provincial park not far from Isle Royal a little while back. It is amazing and for sure something to consider... Similar to northern Minnesota boundry waters but a bit better i think.
My only major disagreement is placing Sequoia-KC in the one day category. There is some seriously amazing hiking there that can not be completed in a day. I am just talking great day hikes, not even backpacking. And getting from Giant Forest and Moro Rock all the way to Cedar Grove is a good long drive that takes away hiking time. A minor quibble with Redwoods, since the location of the biggest and tallest trees there are not disclosed. But I had an amazing time finding some of the 'hidden' giants in that park over the course of a few days.
Hyperion tree (tallest tree in the world) is not in the national park, it is in the California Redwoods state park next to the national park, and it's location is a closely guarded secret
Rocky Mountain NP is best for multiple days as well. The backcountry trails off of Bear Lake Rd. & the westside of the park is something the tourists don’t have time to see.
I have been to a lot of NPs in the US in all the years,hats off to the NP Service for caring for these special places and the providing of well maintained infrastructure. I have started my road trips from Boulder, Colorado and there are a lot of fantastic NPs to see in the region of Colorado,Utah,Arizona,New Mexico & Wyoming
I know you do this in your more recent videos, but one suggestion would be to add the national park # at the bottom. I love the content though, especially March Madness Geography!! 👍
We stayed at a little motel 20 mins from big bend. We stayed 3 days ans wish we had stayed longer. Amazing trails! We went in May and shouldn’t have. My daughter had heat exhaustion and got sick on one of our hikes. I would go back in a heart beat!
I spent 3 days hiking/wilderness camping at Isle ROyale, essentially stayong awa from the north. "civilized," end of the park. Saw moose & wolves. Even managed to take the ferry around the island - a treat in itself. Well deserved to be in your multi-day vsit list
I hope your dad sees your comment. It will make his day. Been a long time since I heard a young man say ... I want to be like him (his father). You are a good son, Mr. Kalvi and I call you that to show you respect. You and your parents are very blessed to have one another. I hope when you are old enough you see and experience all you wish to. Be safe and God's blessings to you all your life. ~ Sherrie Allen (mom and grandma of 3 men (sons) and 3 future men (grandsons).
Though one of the most visited parks I think people don’t rate it as the most intriguing park since it’s heavily wooded with few if any profoundly unique experiences. I live very close to it and love going through it on the less popular trails with limited parking at the trailhead without having to go through the often busy main entrance.
Thats great, As a person from India, we do have numerous trekking locations but most of the beautiful national parts trekking not allowed due to snakes, elephants, Tiger, Leopard ..etc. It is not safe
I know a ranger who works there! They drop him off on a lake on one side of the park by float plane. He hikes to the other side of the park, then they pick him up on the other side of the park.
As a lifelong Colorado resident, I might be reverse-biased, but it's all the same. It's all just trees and steep roads/trails, and while the whole park is very nice, there aren't really any jaw-dropping views or locations. A long visit would just get boring in my opinion.
@@joshkirkfield I’m from Kansas City do anything with some sort of elevation would impress me😂 got any places that really made you in awe? Somewhere you’ve seen jaw dropping?
@@Shawn-eq8zw I would say slightly further south in the Rockies, anywhere between Boulder and Denver in latitude is pretty amazing in my experience, especially further west into the mountains. Vail is quite a drive, but well worth it in my opinion. I'm not sure exactly what it is though, maybe the mountains are bigger or the trees are slightly different or something.
@@joshkirkfield so you mean more west out Denver like places such as Aspen, Vail, Breckinridge? Anything outside the state you think is more beautiful? Sorry I’m asking a lot of questions, I’m just very curious.
@@Shawn-eq8zw In terms of just nature, I haven't actually seen a ton out of state. I haven't yet been to Yosemite, but from the pictures it looks great. But my number one pick is probably Alaska, everything is just so big and grand and endless, and every spot is photo-worthy. I have actually visited the Galapagos Islands, and while the wildlife and volcanoes are certainly cool, it is way over-hyped for the cost.
If you're a hiker, you need to spend some time in the North Cascades National Park in Washington. But be warned, the trails are steep and rugged and *will* kick your ass. The best part is there aren't really many other people compared to most other parks. If you're not a hiker there isn't much to do there other than drive through on Highway 20 and so most people don't see what the park has to offer...which is some of the most spectacular views on Earth.
And that is why North Cascades is the least visited NP in the lower 48, even Dry Tortugas in Florida which requires a 90 minute boat ride from Key West sees more people.
I’m from california and have been to most everything on the west other than arches and Zion. I have wanted to go to glacier soooooo much for my entire life. I think another one that could be on the list is sequoia kings canyon. I is so huge has caves, trees, mountains, and canyons as it’s main attractions. I would recommend going through a drive through sequoia instead of going to places like Sherman and grant grove because those are completely ruined by crowds. Another place I would recommend is crystal cave in sequoia
Check out hiking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's a super busy national park but when you do the hiking instead of canoeing it's quite isolated. You can have an entire lake to yourself. Maybe you'll have a beaver swim across the lake. They weather is so peaceful that the beaver swimming will cause a ripple all the way to the shore.
Other quick USA tours: Carlsbad Caverns (NM) - lots of cave and much of it is even wheelchair-friendly Alabaster Caverns (OK) - weird cave with no stalactites or their counterparts, pretty alabaster stone and bats Grand Canyon, North Rim (AZ) - you need to be very physically fit to do this one. Just go down a little ways because going up is much tougher. Multnomah Falls (OR) - You can hike all the way to the top and break a sweat, or just do a gentle walk to the cool part. Then there are other fun things to do in the area like salmon places on the Columbia river and numerous farmer's markets in the spring. If you are more adventurous, in nearby Portland where I used to live, you can enjoy vandalism, graffiti, homelessness, drug addicts, and needles on the ground!
I think as far as whether a national park is great for a one day visit or not, also depends on WHEN you go. Weekdays even during the summer, (not to close to Memorial day, 4th of July, Labor day), even the most popular national parks aren't that bad. I've been to the Grand Canyon in mid-June during the week the year before last (2019) and I never felt like I had to fight any crowds at all. I was able to stop and linger at multiple viewpoints, do a guided tour at Tusayan ruins, and go on a 5-6 mile hike down Hermits Rest where I was practically the only one. This year the outdoors have been SLAMMED due to Covid, since cities are a ghost town for now with everything practically shut down. Here in California, EVERYONE and their Mom is discovering the great outdoors close to the cities, however the most popular national parks, including Yosemite - you have to reserve in advance to reduce capacity for social distancing. I went to Yosemite TWICE this year. Once, really to spend more time in the Valley in June, when the waterfalls were gushing, and in August did a 12 mile hike from the Tuolomne meadows, and the day I was driving back, did a short (2-3?) mile hike at Mariposa Grove. It was great seeing it was a more reasonable crowd size. Of course I'm a little lucky - I teach community college and I often have anywhere between a week and three weeks in between semesters, even with teaching summer school, but its something to consider.
So glad you mentioned Big Bend. I worked near that park for a few years and made many trips there. The Chisos South Rim hike is one of the best in the country. Then you went and mentioned Isle Royale...you must go and do a multi-day backpack.
@@GeographyKing The bugs die off in early August and after Labor Day the people thin out, but you'll be lucky to see anyone in the backcountry. I've been backpacking for over 40 years and the best night I ever spent was at Moskey Basin on Isle Royale...swam in Lake Superior, watched the moon rise and listened to the wolves howl. The Lakeshore Trail in Pictured Rocks is a nice Upper Michigan hike too...about 40 miles and gets a fair amount of traffic so you have to reserve sites. Day hiking to Chapel Rock and Grand Portal Point is an easier option. As for Big Bend the NPS closes much of the South im Trail in January for a few months for falcon nesting. So the sweet spot there is probably November when it's cool enough, but before the holiday hikers show up.
I absolutely agree with you about the Grand Canyon. I did the quick 1 day visit and left disappointed. Why? Because I didn't interact with the park. Everything I saw was far away and I never got away from the crowds. That part of my trip was a waste of time and I didn't enjoy it at all. ~Sherrie Allen
And don’t use the little bells on walking sticks and backpacks. The sound doesn’t travel very well, and when a bear does hear it, it’s much more likely to go investigate you and there’s a chance you’ll spook it, making it charge at you.
You missed Death Valley Ntl Park! Biggest in the entire lower 48 states! Its size alone should be enough to be a top pick, there are endless trails, caves, mountain peaks and diverse terrain to explore
Glacier National Park does NOT go into Canada. The Canadian counterpart is Waterton Lakes National Park, which is actually older (1895) than Glacier (1910). In 1932, the two parks became known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first of its kind International park in the world. Railroads often promoted these parks in the years immediately after their formation, and there is no greater collection of these hostelries as in Waterton-Glacier National Park. These classic structures remain in use at West Glacier, Essex, East Glacier, Many Glacier, and Waterton (Prince of Wales). The boat trip from Waterton townstie to Goathaunt, Montana is a must. Goathaunt is America's least-busy international port!
Spend three nights on Isle Royale, and the whole trip was like I was on my way to meet some mystical wizard or something. There is just nothing like it. The terrain, the seclusion, and the only development is on the two main harbors. You could hike for a whole day and only see a handful of other people.
Isle Royale has lots of Moosen and Wolfs. They have a symbiotic relationship. Well the wolfs don't do much but the moosen are important to support the wolfs.
I'd love to but I haven't done it myself. I only do videos where I have first-hand knowledge of the places I'm discussing with a few exceptions. But it's high on my list of things to do.
@@GeographyKing What about a video that lays out the itinerary of your Dream European road trip? I have my own dream European road trip planned out and I'd be interested in seeing what kinds of locations are on other people's lists 😀
Don’t let Michiganders hear you relate isle Royale to Minnesota. Lol, while it’s closest to Minnesota, they get very agitated when people bring that up. One ranger there was very strict about how Minnesota has 0 rights to it. Which is true, but man was that ranger sensitive😂
Yup. South Kiabab is the usual trail people take to the bottom from the south rim, Bright Angel is the usual trail people use to climb back up to the south rim (Mules go the opposite way as they can't descend S Kiabab safely). North Kiabab is the only trail that goes from the north rim to the bottom.
Ok real quick, the woman standing on top like that, that’s dangerous. I wouldn’t even do that and i love taking risks. But one wind being blown will knock her right off…cmon
The issue with RMNP is you're from sea level you will need a few days to acclimate to the altitude before attempting any of the more strenuous hikes. Almost the entire park is above 10,000ft.
The best time to visit Yellowstone is a week after Labor Day. Most things are still open, but it'll seem like you have the park all to yourself. Everything is starting to close but rhey are still open. In the Fall with the colder temps make it more likely to see the wolves in morning
Yes.
I actually like to go the last week of September. The park is as you describe it. Everything is still open. The park is pretty empty, and the cool temps and fall colors are nice. I did hit a blizzard there one year. That was a fun experience. People out on the boardwalks in inches of snow watching geysers in the snow and steam were pretty amazing.
I agree, just drove into random lodges and got a room without a reservation. Crowds were significantly lower that summer but the weather was still pleasant.
I have gotten to Yellowstone the first day the park opened, usually around April 20th and it was not crowded at all, also the hotels were a lot cheaper as well. Granted all the roads are not open yet, but still pretty nice, peaceful time to visit, I could not even imagine going in the middle of Summer, that would be terrible.
The West had a big snow storm right after Labor Day this year, but that is somewhat rare.
I did a 2-week, 100-mile circumnavigation for Isle Royal, and I have to say that it is by far my favorite national park of the many I have been to. One of my favorite things about IR is the almost absolute lack of tourists. Everyone is there for boating, hiking, or having a nice getaway at the island lodge, and when you get into the depth of the island away from people, it is truly magical. I hope you get a chance for an extended visit to this island, I assure you will not regret it.
I live in Michigan and haven’t been, but this is definitely inspiring, thank you!
It is truly magical. I want to go back now lol
I spent 5 days there, stayed at Harbor Lodge and spent hours hiking around Rock Harbor. It’s a 6 hour ferry ride on the National Park ferry, the boat leaves Houghton, Michigan at 9 am and gets to Rock Harbor around 3 pm. I had a red fox walk up to me, I swear I could have petted it. There a moose droppings everywhere. Saw a couple of moose .While there is really nothing spectacular about this park, somehow it’s just an incredible place to go and get away from everything. Warning the bugs can be terrible as there is water everywhere.
@@matthewdennison5502 same. Top of the bucket list
Been there twice on the one day ferry out of Grand Portage. First time saw bunch of moose circa 2002. This summer went back, apparently the moose are way interior due to too many people (shocker). Still a fun trip. Butterflies everywhere. What a jewel.
I spent 5 days on Isle Royale as a teen and it was a life changing experience. Breathtaking beauty, crazy encounters with animals, then there were things in solitude like the fog rolling through that felt otherworldly.
Sounds amazing!
I went for 5 days as a teen too and I’ve wanted to go back ever since, but have never gotten around to it
If you do Glacier I would highly suggest doing a boat tour. Really differnt perspective sitting in a boat looking up at the mountains.
Have backpacked around Isle Royale and it is excellent! Going in through the Michigan and Minnesota ferry’s are both excellent and the “mainland” sides of each ferry offer their own lovely travel in their own rights
I think going through MN is perfect - gives you the opportunity to take a detour on the way there or the way back to visit Voyageurs and Boundary Waters.
@@maxwellerickson7066 The MN North Woods is a place I love dearly and I completely agree that there are so many other great places to go even just up and down that shoreline.
The Michigan side does offer more access to the Apostle islands and the Porcupine mountains which are also fun sights if that side is ever more convenient to anyone
I went kayaking in Everglades last year for three days/two nights. I camped on two of those chickees (Hells Bay and Pearl Bay). I loved it! Complete solitude. The first two days I saw a total of two other people, the last day I only passed 4 or 5 people on my way back. I woke up one day to dolphins splashing around a dozen yards off the chickee. And paddling through mangrove channels is a challenge. One of my favorite national park experiences.
My favorite of the list is Big Bend. I have visited many national parks, but there is nothing like Big Bend. It is immense, stark, imposing, and with respect to geology, very complicated. I discovered the park many years ago, during my summer geology field camp, and I did my doctoral research in geology in an area very near the park. I have spent MUCH time there. My wife says that Big Bend (including Terlingua) is my "happy place".
Nice summary of national parks to visit over the course of a few days. I think that most national parks deserve multiple days to visit to get a feel for the park.
You need more views Sir. Great Job
Thanks!
100% agree. Quality content here.
Thanks to you too!
Geography King agree again, I love your channel so much!
Viewers are told not to travel. He will get a lot of views when viewers are told that travel is ok. If ever...
The Ferries at Isle Royal stop at various spots for an hour or so you can do some small exploring and see around the whole island if you want to spend the day on the ferry.
Thank you. I was not aware of that.
As a western Washingtonian I love the Olympic Nat’l Park. Rainforests and traditional pine forests exist side by side and it’s sick.
If I were you, I would have put Denali national park on this list, with all of the mountains you can climb up and just set up camp on them whenever you want.
Your videos just popped up in my recommended recently and they’re amazing. Thank you for all the info. I’ve subbed and can’t wait to put this knowledge to use!
I absolutely adore US geography and especially your national parks. Thank you for this wonderful video
I like this list overall, I just think the exclusion of any of the parks in Alaska is the only mistake. Maybe it could just be one entry, like any park in Alaska is amazing for multiple day trips
I think he hasn't been to Alaska yet, as far as I know. Can't judge something you've never experienced after all
You mentioned the "High Sierra Trail" in Yosemite, but the High Sierra Trail is actually located in Sequoia National Park. It runs from Crescent Meadow in Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia to the Mount Whitney on the eastern boundary of that park.
The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Yosemite National Park, and the John Muir Trail originates in Yosemite Valley then joins up with the Pacific Crest Trail and follows the same route southbound out of the park. I assume you were referring to one of those trails in Yosemite.
Great video overall -- I'm binging on several of your videos this evening.
been on it, amazing trail.
For me, Yellowstone has always been a quick drive through. I would much rather take the ferry across Jenny Lake in Grand Teton national Park and hike up the Cascade trail or hiking along string Lake.
The first time I visited the area I spent all my time in Yellowstone and not nearly enough time in Grand Teton, won't ever make that mistake again.
Big Bend is so big with so many areas inaccessible by car that it’s perfect for people with motorcycles who can access those areas and enjoy some true solitude. There are also river rafting tours of the nearby big bend state park which is a perfect thing to sandwich in between long hiking days to rest up a bit but still see hours of beautiful scenery.
Heyyy glacier made it onto the list! I live about an hour and every time it’s breathtaking going up there.
I know there are so many great parks out there and you can't name 'em all. But I just loved being in Acadia for several days to see some of the different things there. Quite the change for an eastern park.
First, I love your videos!! I hope you get to Isle Royal. I spent a couple weeks there by water. Amazing place. Still one of my favorite national parks. There is a network of hiking trails on the island. If you paddle the park there are small sections of trails you can access to get to many parts of the interior of the island. There are some shipwrecks still intact you can paddle over. The water is stupid clear. There are little freshwater fjords. One of my best memories is cooking dinner in this amazing view and seeing a family of moose swim past me!! Yes, you will likely see more moose than people in this park. Yes, Isle Royal is a bit out of the way, but if you come up via Detroit make sure to stop by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's U.P. is a huge bonus particularly of your a kayaker. Think of the Artist's Palette of Death Valley but with water, sea caves, and rock arches. If you paddle the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin's section of Lake Superior is another great paddling location. You could easily spend three weeks in that area. The point is that yes Isle Royal is out of the way but there is so much other stuff up there to add to an Isle Royal trip. Lake Superior can get crazy rough and cold. Paddling pack a good wetsuit or drysuit.
I look forward to (hopefully) getting up there in September. I go to Michigan each fall (but not 2020) and usually end up at some friends' lake house in the UP. I'd really like to add a canoe trip to Isle Royale while up there next time.
I think there are two that need a nod to Shenandoah National park. So long that I think it's kind of a two day-er at least. Would be a great place to camp, great for a week long backpacking trip along the Appalachian trail., or you can do what I did and rent a cabin. Only food I highly recommend is a blackberry shake. It's also near Roanoke, which I loved. Another one is Acadia. I went there and it is varied and gorgeous but was frustrated by my one day. You can drive around but that's it. Bar Harbor is an interesting but expensive town near there. I did go on a kayak trip in the Everglades half day. Took a good long day. Found it very interesting--true didn't see everything but it was worthwhile.
Oregon has only one national park - Crater Lake. However, you can start a road trip from the north or south and incorporate many beaches, beach towns, state parks, two aquariums, and short trips inland will bring you to two different major waterfall side trips. You can drive or hike - either highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Trail. Rather like the Appalachian Trail, but it is the crest of the coastal mountains and pretty rugged in places but there are hot springs along the trail. There are campgrounds along the highway - some with their own waterfall. There is the waterfall road - old hwy 30 east from Portland with Multnomah Falls of course but many others as well. Another collection is near Salem OR - South Falls and more along a narrow canyon. Can you tell I love my adopted state?
I did Big Bend in one day, but it was an early morning departure from Alpine and a late drive back. Went west to east from Santa Elena to Rio Grande Village. Two or three days would have been better.
I nearly got frostbitten the first time going to Big bend. Assumed nights would be fairly moderate due to it's location. Brought a 45 F summer bag and knew i was in for a bad night. Ended up eventually getting some sleep and woke up without feeling in my extremities. It was extremely painful warming up. Second time there i decided to go on a 14 miles hike to a spring. Spring was dry. It was 95 F. i ran out of water and certainly got heat exhaustion. Was on my way into heat stroke. Luckily found cottontail falls. I would very much recommend going there. No one really knows of it. It isn't on any of the maps.
I used to work as a tour driver in Denali National Park. It's a park that's great for both 1-day and muli-day visits. I used to drive all the way from Anchorage in the winter just to go snowshoeing there in the winter and almost always saw caribou. I'm not sure if it would make anyone's Top 10 list, but there were days when I'd rather be there than anywhere else in the world.
Brother your content is amazing! Keep up the genuine style and content!
Just wondering if you didn't include channel islands because it isn't worth going to. Planning on a Channell Islands camping trip and was wondering if you didn't care for it.
I've never actually been there so I can't say for sure. It's one of the few National Parks I haven't visited.
Isle Royal has been on my mind for a few years now. I'm not far from it and it looks like a great adventure. If your into canoeing... I did a 10 day journey into Quetico Provincial park not far from Isle Royal a little while back. It is amazing and for sure something to consider... Similar to northern Minnesota boundry waters but a bit better i think.
I'd love to go to Quetico. Seems like it would be less busy than BWCA.
4:45 I would do it the other way round, a week in Zion NP and one day in Sin City.
My only major disagreement is placing Sequoia-KC in the one day category. There is some seriously amazing hiking there that can not be completed in a day. I am just talking great day hikes, not even backpacking. And getting from Giant Forest and Moro Rock all the way to Cedar Grove is a good long drive that takes away hiking time.
A minor quibble with Redwoods, since the location of the biggest and tallest trees there are not disclosed. But I had an amazing time finding some of the 'hidden' giants in that park over the course of a few days.
Hyperion tree (tallest tree in the world) is not in the national park, it is in the California Redwoods state park next to the national park, and it's location is a closely guarded secret
isle royale is the most revisited national park, I have been there at least a dozen times
paddling is definitely the way to go
Isle Royale is amazing! We took our time and took 5 days to hike from one end to the other. You’ll get very close to a lot of moose and wolves.
They have moose and wolves on the island? Wow, that’s cool.
Rocky Mountain NP is best for multiple days as well. The backcountry trails off of Bear Lake Rd. & the westside of the park is something the tourists don’t have time to see.
I remember hiking down to the bottom and back in one day in Grand canyon. I didn't run this bcs I'm not that crazy.
Planning a trip. Really helpful. Thanks so much.
I spent a week on Isle Royale - no motor vehicles, you hike everywhere. Some of the hiking is pretty rugged.
I have been to a lot of NPs in the US in all the years,hats off to the NP Service for caring for these special places and the providing of well maintained infrastructure. I have started my road trips from Boulder, Colorado and there are a lot of fantastic NPs to see in the region of Colorado,Utah,Arizona,New Mexico & Wyoming
I know you do this in your more recent videos, but one suggestion would be to add the national park # at the bottom. I love the content though, especially March Madness Geography!! 👍
We stayed at a little motel 20 mins from big bend. We stayed 3 days ans wish we had stayed longer. Amazing trails! We went in May and shouldn’t have. My daughter had heat exhaustion and got sick on one of our hikes. I would go back in a heart beat!
I spent 3 days hiking/wilderness camping at Isle ROyale, essentially stayong awa from the north. "civilized," end of the park. Saw moose & wolves. Even managed to take the ferry around the island - a treat in itself. Well deserved to be in your multi-day vsit list
My dad used to go to many national parks when he was young and hike 200 miles when I can travel (I’m 13) I want to be like him.
I just went on my first road trip by myself. I'm 23. Don't wait as long as I did. Get some friends and go when you're 18.
I hope your dad sees your comment. It will make his day. Been a long time since I heard a young man say ... I want to be like him (his father). You are a good son, Mr. Kalvi and I call you that to show you respect. You and your parents are very blessed to have one another. I hope when you are old enough you see and experience all you wish to. Be safe and God's blessings to you all your life. ~ Sherrie Allen (mom and grandma of 3 men (sons) and 3 future men (grandsons).
me too me too can’t wait til i’m old enough to travel by myself on bikes hikes
What about Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Though one of the most visited parks I think people don’t rate it as the most intriguing park since it’s heavily wooded with few if any profoundly unique experiences. I live very close to it and love going through it on the less popular trails with limited parking at the trailhead without having to go through the often busy main entrance.
I think there are places to stay not far from Big Bend just west of the park in Terlingua.
Thats great, As a person from India, we do have numerous trekking locations but most of the beautiful national parts trekking not allowed due to snakes, elephants, Tiger, Leopard ..etc. It is not safe
Gates. Of. The. Arctic.
For badasses only
I know a ranger who works there! They drop him off on a lake on one side of the park by float plane. He hikes to the other side of the park, then they pick him up on the other side of the park.
Thats the best named park. What a name
I wanna go there haha
Never heard of it... it sounds mysterious and alluring. Alaska is like a different world.
Have you been to the Great Smoky Mountain NP? What are your thoughts?
You should go to Olympic and Glacier in the summer. Parts of the parks are closed in the winter due to snow
when i saw the grand canyon, i was there for only 2 hours probably. It was amazing though and i'll never forget it. i hope i get to go back
No Rocky Mountain national park? It’s one of my favorites right up there with Zion, and Yosemite.
As a lifelong Colorado resident, I might be reverse-biased, but it's all the same. It's all just trees and steep roads/trails, and while the whole park is very nice, there aren't really any jaw-dropping views or locations. A long visit would just get boring in my opinion.
@@joshkirkfield I’m from Kansas City do anything with some sort of elevation would impress me😂 got any places that really made you in awe? Somewhere you’ve seen jaw dropping?
@@Shawn-eq8zw I would say slightly further south in the Rockies, anywhere between Boulder and Denver in latitude is pretty amazing in my experience, especially further west into the mountains. Vail is quite a drive, but well worth it in my opinion. I'm not sure exactly what it is though, maybe the mountains are bigger or the trees are slightly different or something.
@@joshkirkfield so you mean more west out Denver like places such as Aspen, Vail, Breckinridge? Anything outside the state you think is more beautiful? Sorry I’m asking a lot of questions, I’m just very curious.
@@Shawn-eq8zw In terms of just nature, I haven't actually seen a ton out of state. I haven't yet been to Yosemite, but from the pictures it looks great. But my number one pick is probably Alaska, everything is just so big and grand and endless, and every spot is photo-worthy.
I have actually visited the Galapagos Islands, and while the wildlife and volcanoes are certainly cool, it is way over-hyped for the cost.
I once went 11 days in the Grand Canyon w/o seeing another person
Is it “overrated” as some claim or is it as amazing as it looks?
@@wm_9640
It's indescribably amazing
@@nickyl9040 good to know. How many days do you recommend to get the full experience
If you're a hiker, you need to spend some time in the North Cascades National Park in Washington. But be warned, the trails are steep and rugged and *will* kick your ass. The best part is there aren't really many other people compared to most other parks. If you're not a hiker there isn't much to do there other than drive through on Highway 20 and so most people don't see what the park has to offer...which is some of the most spectacular views on Earth.
And that is why North Cascades is the least visited NP in the lower 48, even Dry Tortugas in Florida which requires a 90 minute boat ride from Key West sees more people.
love your channel
very helpful video's mate!
I’m from california and have been to most everything on the west other than arches and Zion. I have wanted to go to glacier soooooo much for my entire life. I think another one that could be on the list is sequoia kings canyon. I is so huge has caves, trees, mountains, and canyons as it’s main attractions. I would recommend going through a drive through sequoia instead of going to places like Sherman and grant grove because those are completely ruined by crowds. Another place I would recommend is crystal cave in sequoia
Check out hiking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's a super busy national park but when you do the hiking instead of canoeing it's quite isolated. You can have an entire lake to yourself. Maybe you'll have a beaver swim across the lake. They weather is so peaceful that the beaver swimming will cause a ripple all the way to the shore.
Death Valley has so many different things to see. Definitely worth worth spending a few days there, but not during the summer.
Other quick USA tours:
Carlsbad Caverns (NM) - lots of cave and much of it is even wheelchair-friendly
Alabaster Caverns (OK) - weird cave with no stalactites or their counterparts, pretty alabaster stone and bats
Grand Canyon, North Rim (AZ) - you need to be very physically fit to do this one. Just go down a little ways because going up is much tougher.
Multnomah Falls (OR) - You can hike all the way to the top and break a sweat, or just do a gentle walk to the cool part. Then there are other fun things to do in the area like salmon places on the Columbia river and numerous farmer's markets in the spring. If you are more adventurous, in nearby Portland where I used to live, you can enjoy vandalism, graffiti, homelessness, drug addicts, and needles on the ground!
I think as far as whether a national park is great for a one day visit or not, also depends on WHEN you go. Weekdays even during the summer, (not to close to Memorial day, 4th of July, Labor day), even the most popular national parks aren't that bad. I've been to the Grand Canyon in mid-June during the week the year before last (2019) and I never felt like I had to fight any crowds at all. I was able to stop and linger at multiple viewpoints, do a guided tour at Tusayan ruins, and go on a 5-6 mile hike down Hermits Rest where I was practically the only one.
This year the outdoors have been SLAMMED due to Covid, since cities are a ghost town for now with everything practically shut down. Here in California, EVERYONE and their Mom is discovering the great outdoors close to the cities, however the most popular national parks, including Yosemite - you have to reserve in advance to reduce capacity for social distancing. I went to Yosemite TWICE this year. Once, really to spend more time in the Valley in June, when the waterfalls were gushing, and in August did a 12 mile hike from the Tuolomne meadows, and the day I was driving back, did a short (2-3?) mile hike at Mariposa Grove. It was great seeing it was a more reasonable crowd size.
Of course I'm a little lucky - I teach community college and I often have anywhere between a week and three weeks in between semesters, even with teaching summer school, but its something to consider.
Several outstanding National Parks in Alaska, but nothing that made this list.
Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai, Katmai.... probably for the best.
So glad you mentioned Big Bend. I worked near that park for a few years and made many trips there. The Chisos South Rim hike is one of the best in the country. Then you went and mentioned Isle Royale...you must go and do a multi-day backpack.
I plan on visiting Isle Royale in September. I was going to be there this past September but that got changed.
@@GeographyKing The bugs die off in early August and after Labor Day the people thin out, but you'll be lucky to see anyone in the backcountry. I've been backpacking for over 40 years and the best night I ever spent was at Moskey Basin on Isle Royale...swam in Lake Superior, watched the moon rise and listened to the wolves howl. The Lakeshore Trail in Pictured Rocks is a nice Upper Michigan hike too...about 40 miles and gets a fair amount of traffic so you have to reserve sites. Day hiking to Chapel Rock and Grand Portal Point is an easier option. As for Big Bend the NPS closes much of the South im Trail in January for a few months for falcon nesting. So the sweet spot there is probably November when it's cool enough, but before the holiday hikers show up.
I absolutely agree with you about the Grand Canyon. I did the quick 1 day visit and left disappointed. Why? Because I didn't interact with the park. Everything I saw was far away and I never got away from the crowds. That part of my trip was a waste of time and I didn't enjoy it at all. ~Sherrie Allen
Isle Royale reminds me of Voyageurs (neither of which I've been to), what do y'all know of the latter?
Great job. Isle Royal is worth it. Not hard to get to.
How do you edit your videos where shows your face then while talking shows photos but still plays voice in sync? I been trying find a way to do that.
I use editing software so I can overlay images on the video file without affecting the audio.
@@GeographyKing mind sharing what that is?
Bring bear spray if traveling to Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks. You're welcome!
And don’t use the little bells on walking sticks and backpacks. The sound doesn’t travel very well, and when a bear does hear it, it’s much more likely to go investigate you and there’s a chance you’ll spook it, making it charge at you.
Great info! Thanks!
Wettest or rainiest? because Louisiana and Florida are pretty wet.
You forgot Death Valley NP!
It’s the largest outside of Alaska, and you’d need at least 3-4 days to see just the highlights.
Rock Reef Pass. Got that picture too 😁
Canyonlands actually has 4 districts. Island in the sky, Needles, Maze, and Canyonlands Rivers
You missed Death Valley Ntl Park! Biggest in the entire lower 48 states! Its size alone should be enough to be a top pick, there are endless trails, caves, mountain peaks and diverse terrain to explore
It's pronounced ZI (long i sound, like eye) un (like the "on" sound in onion). And Kolob is pronounced KO lob with a long o sound for the first o.
Glacier National Park does NOT go into Canada. The Canadian counterpart is Waterton Lakes National Park, which is actually older (1895) than Glacier (1910). In 1932, the two parks became known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first of its kind International park in the world. Railroads often promoted these parks in the years immediately after their formation, and there is no greater collection of these hostelries as in Waterton-Glacier National Park. These classic structures remain in use at West Glacier, Essex, East Glacier, Many Glacier, and Waterton (Prince of Wales). The boat trip from Waterton townstie to Goathaunt, Montana is a must. Goathaunt is America's least-busy international port!
Spend three nights on Isle Royale, and the whole trip was like I was on my way to meet some mystical wizard or something. There is just nothing like it. The terrain, the seclusion, and the only development is on the two main harbors. You could hike for a whole day and only see a handful of other people.
Isle Royale has lots of Moosen and Wolfs. They have a symbiotic relationship. Well the wolfs don't do much but the moosen are important to support the wolfs.
I thought I was the only one that thought that Canyon Lands was better than the Grand Canyon. Nice to know I am not alone.
None of the Alaska parks? We are visiting in May for the first time.
Can you do some videos about road tripping Europe?
I'd love to but I haven't done it myself. I only do videos where I have first-hand knowledge of the places I'm discussing with a few exceptions. But it's high on my list of things to do.
@@GeographyKing What about a video that lays out the itinerary of your Dream European road trip? I have my own dream European road trip planned out and I'd be interested in seeing what kinds of locations are on other people's lists 😀
@@GeographyKing Based on your videos, you'd really, really enjoy Switzerland and Austria. Once travel is a bit more do-able, treat yo'self!
@@GeographyKing If you ever want to road trip through the Benelux, HMU. Not that there's a lot to see on the way, we're about as flat as Kansas hahah
Don’t let Michiganders hear you relate isle Royale to Minnesota. Lol, while it’s closest to Minnesota, they get very agitated when people bring that up. One ranger there was very strict about how Minnesota has 0 rights to it. Which is true, but man was that ranger sensitive😂
Blue Ridge Parkway
You: Zion
Me, from Utah: yeah okay you’re not wrong
I went to Zion a couple years back I which I spent more time there it was a magical place
Voyager’s -need a boat
Not to be confused with South Kaibab
Yup. South Kiabab is the usual trail people take to the bottom from the south rim, Bright Angel is the usual trail people use to climb back up to the south rim (Mules go the opposite way as they can't descend S Kiabab safely). North Kiabab is the only trail that goes from the north rim to the bottom.
Interesting map at the end. Funny how God put the most beautiful state, Colorado, next to the most boring state, Kansas!
Zion is pronounced Zi-en
Yeah I always forget
Ok real quick, the woman standing on top like that, that’s dangerous. I wouldn’t even do that and i love taking risks. But one wind being blown will knock her right off…cmon
Surprised and disappointed Adirondack Park isn't on this list, even if it's a state park. One of the best parks in North America.
Shame RMNP did not make the long or short list of parks to visit.
The issue with RMNP is you're from sea level you will need a few days to acclimate to the altitude before attempting any of the more strenuous hikes. Almost the entire park is above 10,000ft.