Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Millions of people come to Acadia for our distinctive rocky coastline.

Acadia's rocky coastline

As the tallest point on the eastern seaboard Cadillac Mountain provides fantastic viewpoints.

Sunset atop Cadillac Mountain

Whether it's a stroll along Ocean Path or a difficult ascent up The Precipice, there are hiking trails for everyone!

Climbing The Precipice

With dark skies, Acadia is a fantastic place to come see the stars.

Starviewing

During the colder months snows transform our landscape into a winter wonderland.

Heavy snow-laden trees

Acadia National Park

Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Exploration awaits at Arches

An afternoon at Delicate Arch

Double O Arch is one of many large arches in the Devils Garden area

Double O Arch

Delicate Arch is perhaps the most famous natural arch in the world.

Delicate Arch

Arches offers some excellent night sky viewing.

Milky Way over the Garden of Eden

The Park Avenue trail is one of many hiking trails at Arches, ranging from easy to strenuous.

Park Avenue Trail

Arches National Park

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

Badlands National Park

Winter in Badlands National Park often creates snow covered wonderlands throughout the park.

Badlands in the Winter

The park has seasonal changes in colors so plan ahead!

Clover Landscape

Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.

Badlands Rugged Peaks

The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.

Badlands Yellow Mounds

Summer storms are frequently violent and unpredictable.

Badlands Storm

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...

Big Bend National Park

Santa Elena Canyon

Big Bend is a place of expansive views

View from the South Rim of the Chisos

Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert

Desert Scenery

The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary

Rio Grande Scene

Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!

Vermilion Flycatcher

When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert

Blooming Ocotillo

Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives.

Century Plant Agave

Volcanic features abound near Castolon

Fascinating Geology

Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.

Blooming Cenizo

The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.

Balanced Rock

Hiking the Lost Mine Trail affords many amazing views.

Top of the Lost Mine Trail

The Chisos Mountains rise above the desert

Chisos Mountains

Desert Vista from Dorgan House

Desert Vista

A female javelina, or collared peccary, and her young, often called reds because of the color of their hair when very young.

Javelina and Young

View of the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park.

River Vista

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

South Rim Vista and Claret Cup Cactus

South Rim Vista

Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park's high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description.

Viewpoints of the iconic Bryce Amphitheater are located along the first 3 miles of the park road and are a popular destination at sunrise.

Bryce Amphitheater from Inspiration Point

Here at 8,000' (2438 m) winter comes early and stays late. Snow transforms the landscape and requires seasonal closures in some areas and trails.

Winter sunrise at Sunset Point

Bryce Canyon's clean air and dark night skies are some of its most precious and vulnerable resources. Full moon nights also provide a unique experience of seeing the park after dark.

Milky Way over the Hoodoos

More strenuous trails below the rim provide up-close views of the hoodoo rock spires, while easier walks along the rim give perspective from above.

Queen's Garden Trail

The park's highest elevations at its southern end and backcountry areas provide views of over 100 miles (161 km) atop high steep cliffs.

Bristlecone Loop trail near Yovimpa Point

Bryce Canyon National Park

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.

View of the Congaree River during the Fall

Congaree River

Congaree National Park

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.

Looking at Crater Lake and Wizard Island from Discovery Point

Wizard Island

A view from Garfield Peak along the rim of Crater Lake

Chaski Bay

A view across Crater Lake from the lakeshore

Crater Lake

A view of the caldera from Mt. Scott, the highest point in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake from Mount Scott

Water flowing over Vidae Falls

Vidae Falls

Wildflowers along the Wizard Island Summit Trail

Wildflowers on Wizard Island

A view of Crater Lake in the winter

Crater Lake in Winter

Clouds in the Crater Lake Caldera

Clouds in the Caldera

Crater Lake National Park

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

A group of kayaks passing a rocky beach on the Cuyahoga River in summer.

Kayakers on the Cuyahoga River

Visitors taking in the view at the Ledges Overlook in fall.

The Ledges Overlook in Fall

CVSR Engine 6777 motors down the tracks.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Brandywine Falls viewed from the upper boardwalk.

Brandywine Falls Viewed from the Upper Boardwalk

Visitors watch a lock demonstration at Canal Exploration Center.

Lock 38 and Canal Exploration Center

Blue Hen Falls is one of dozens of waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley.

Blue Hen Falls

Many park visitors ride the scenic excursion trail through the valley or take advantage of the Bike Aboard option to ride one way with their bike.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula

One of Cuyahoga Valley's most popular trails, the Ledges Trail proved glimpses of great color and rock formations throughout the year.

Along the Ledges Trail

Anytime of day or night there is some wildlife at the Beaver Marsh to capture your attention.

Sunset at the Beaver Marsh

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

Artists Drive Scenic Loop

The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point.

Sunset from Zabriskie Point

A mile above the salt flats in the valley below, Dantes View provides breathtaking vistas.

Sunset at Dantes View

Higher elevations provide a respite from the heat in this alpine ecosystem.

Lupine and Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Nearly a century and a half old, these are some of the best preserved kilns in the western U.S.

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

About once a decade, rains at the right times can lead to a rare superbloom!

A rare superbloom of Desert Gold.

Summers are infamously hot, as for 6 months of the year temperatures above 120 degrees are regularly recorded.

Hottest Place on Earth

There are numerous canyons to explore across this vast park.

Winding canyons await

Rainbow over Devil's Golf Course

Coyote

Greater Roadrunner

Salt Pan Polygons & Stormy Sky

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Bighorn Sheep

Death Valley National Park

A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Logan Pass is one of the most beautiful, and busy, destinations in the park.

Logan Pass at Sunset

Flowers grow thick along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Morning

Glacier National Park is sculpted by water.

St. Mary Falls

Fireweed are common along Going-to-the-Sun Road in late summer.

Flowers along Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road in the St. Mary Valley

East Side Sunset

Winter in Glacier is a little quieter than summer.

Mountains Beyond Lake McDonald

View of Logan Pass and the Continental Divide from the summit of Mt. Oberlin

Logan Pass from Mt. Oberlin

View of St. Mary Lake from Wild Goose Island Overlook

St. Mary Lake and Wild Goose Island

Sunset on the mountains at the head of Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald at Sunset

View of Bowman Lake in the northwest corner of the park

Bowman Lake

Lobby of the historic Lake McDonald Lodge

Lobby of the Lake McDonald Lodge

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park June 2022

Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim. South Rim is open. North Rim closed for winter. Daily updates >

Experiencing sunset from Yavapai Point on the South Rim.

Yavapai Point Sunset - Sept. 2021

People come from all over the world to view Grand Canyon's sunset

Grand Canyon Mather Point Sunset on the South Rim

A popular outdoor site for weddings and receptions, Cape Royal Amphitheater is located 23 miles (37 km) from the North Rim developed area.

Grand Canyon National Park: View from Cape Royal on the North Rim

The Watchtower is located at Desert View, the eastern-most developed area on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon National Park: Desert View Watchtower (South Rim)

A view down the Colorado river from Nankoweap in Marble canyon.

Looking down the Colorado River from Nankoweap at river mile 53

Aerial view of the El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, Colter Hall and Kachina Lodge. Passenger train at the station, in the Historic District on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Aerial View of Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon National Park

Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

Backpackers in North Fork Cascade Canyon approaching Paintbrush Divide.

North Fork Cascade Canyon

Winter sunrise on snow-covered Teton Range

Winter Sunrise on the Teton Range

Grizzly bears are found throughout Grand Teton National Park

Grizzly Bear

Lake Solitude is a favorite hiking destination in the park.

Lake Solitude with the Cathedral Group

Mount Moran at Oxbow Bend is a classic autumn view.

Oxbow Bend and Mount Moran

The Snake River Overlook is a where Ansel Adams took his iconic image of the Teton Range.

Visitors at the Snake River Overlook

Two Moulton brothers built adjacent icon barns on Mormon Row. John's barn is pictured. T.A., his brother, built a barn just to the south.

John Moulton Barn at Mormon Row

Grand Teton National Park

Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

DISCOVER THE BEST OF AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS

Acadia National Park

Arches National Park

Badlands National Pa...

Big Bend National Pa...

Bryce Canyon Nationa...

Congaree National Pa...

Crater Lake National...

Cuyahoga Valley Nati...

Death Valley Nationa...

Glacier National Par...

Grand Canyon Nationa...

Grand Teton National...

Great Smoky Mountain...

Guadalupe Mountains...

Isle Royale National...

Joshua Tree National...

Mount Rainier Nation...

Point Reyes National...

Rocky Mountain Natio...

Sequoia & Kings Cany...

Shenandoah National...

Theodore Roosevelt N...

Yellowstone National...

Yosemite National Pa...

Zion National Park

Dakota Prairie National Grasslands