Adventure Awaits: Five Unforgettable National Park Experiences
Sep 28, 2021 | AON
This year, travelers are thinking outside the box and reimagining adventure, and for many, that means staying stateside and exploring the great outdoors. With that, national park tourism has skyrocketed in 2021. In July, Yellowstone had its busiest month ever, exceeding one million visitors for the first time. But with 63 national parks in the United States to choose from, how do you decide? Here are some extraordinary experiences to check off your bucket list:
Stargaze in Denali
Denali Park, Alaska
Want to unplug and gaze at the night sky? Look no further than Denali National Park. It sits on a whopping six million acres of uninhabited land and has stunning views of snow-covered tundra and majestic alpines. With little light pollution, you can often spot thousands of stars. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dazzling neon green, pink or yellow auroras, better known as the northern lights. But keep in mind, from May until early August, the sun doesn’t set in Alaska, so it’s best to stargaze during the spring, fall or winter months.
Hike up Haleakalā Summit
Maui, Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park is situated on the island of Maui. Haleakalā means “house of the sun,” so the best time to hike it is at dawn or dusk. The massive volcanic crater is about one million years old. If you measured Haleakalā from its lowest point on the ocean floor to its summit amongst the clouds, it is about 30,000 feet tall. Beware, you will need a coat or a rain jacket because the weather atop the summit can be unpredictable, but the views of the horizon and the coastline are breathtaking.
Scuba Dive at Channel Islands National Park
Ventura, California
The Channel Islands are comprised of eight separate islands just off the coast of Southern California from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. The underwater ecosystem is one of the world’s most biologically diverse. It’s filled with more than a thousand different marine plants and animals, making it a dream destination for scuba divers. The underwater landscapes are distinctive – some include dense kelp vegetation while others have colorful reefs and rocks dotting the Pacific Ocean floor.
Ride a Horse Through “Hoodoos”
Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Don’t be tricked by its name. Bryce Canyon – one of Utah’s five national parks – is not a canyon; it’s actually a group of more than a dozen natural amphitheaters. One of the best ways to experience its scenic topography is on a horse. Along your ride, you’ll be able to take in magical plateaus and towering orange and red rocks called “hoodoos.”
Climb Rocks and Boulders in the Desert
Twentynine Palms, California
Located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is an ideal destination for climbers, boulderers and highliners. The park is nestled between two different deserts – the Mojave and the Colorado, giving it a unique aesthetic. While it’s best known for its distinct, unusually shaped prickly plants, it also boasts more than 8,000 climbing routes that are prefect for beginners or experts.
The Aon Travel Takeaway? “You don’t need to leave the country to have an adventure-filled vacation. National parks give you the opportunity to try new experiences, enjoy nature and learn about history,” says Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “As parks continue to see record-breaking numbers, it’s important to plan your excursions ahead of time and arrive at your destination early to beat the crowds.”