Article Overview: A Guide to Natural Bridges National Monument

Situated in the southeastern corner of Utah, Natural Bridges National Monument is home to the three of the world’s most breathtaking natural bridges. The park’s three crown jewels are Owachoma, Kachina, and Sipapu. There’s evidence of bridges that have collapsed over the eons, a fate that will eventually befall all of the park’s bridges (don’t worry, odds are against this happening in our lifetime).

Beyond the bridges, the monument is home to a host of incredibly well-preserved ancient Native American sites including ruins, petroglyphs, structures, and more. Of these sites, Horse Collar Ruin is particularly well-preserved and one of the top attractions.

For many, the top attraction in Natural Bridges National Monument is not something in the park at all but rather something you can experience within it – incredibly dark skies. In fact, these dark skies are known the world over. Natural Bridges was the first ever International Dark Sky Park, a prestigious destination that really tells you everything you need to know about stargazing here. I’ve traveled more than my fair share and I can safely say I’ve never seen better.

Natural Bridges National Monument

In this piece I’ll be sharing my personal tips for visiting Natural Bridges National Monument including what to see, how to spend your time, what you need to know, some hidden gems, and interesting information on the park. Let’s get started!

Why Trust Us About Natural Bridges National Monument?

Hi there, I’m Will and along with my brother Jim we’re collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers – we love public lands. In fact, we’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring these places working with all the top land management agencies to ensure they’re respected and protected.

Natural Bridges has long been one of our favorite public lands destinations ever since we first visited back in 2011. This place is special. This past year we collaborated with Visit Utah to bring it to life in a new and exciting way via a short film that showcases exactly what makes this place special. To make it happen, Jim and I explored almost every square inch of the monument over the course of a couple of weeks documenting what we found along the way. Needless to say, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what’s on offer here.

4 Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Natural Bridges National Monument

1. Entrance Fees are $20 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass.
2. Food options are non-existent in the monument so be sure to pack plenty of food, snacks, and drinks.
3. The best time to visit Natural Bridges is in the fall when the water in the canyon is low, temperatures are down, and the foliage is on full display. I’d recommend mid-late October as the best. However if you’re dreaming of epic milky way photos then August is better but keep in mind the heat is no joke.
4. Lodging: Here’s our favorite hotel near Natural Bridges.
5. The Nos: No drones & no pets on trails. Pets are allowed anywhere a car is allowed and no further. This is important to preserve the fragile desert ecosystem and rangers will write you up for it.

Basic Information About Natural Bridges National Monument

Location: Southeastern Utah
Size: 7,636 acres
Established: April 16, 1908
Managed by: National Park Service
Rank: #22

History of Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges became a National Monument at the stroke of Theodore Roosevelt’s pen on April 16, 1908 as Utah’s first national monument. The area was preserved for both it’s cultural and geological significance being home to not only some of the world’s finest natural arches but also ancient Native American sites. It’s estimated that humans have inhabited the area for nearly 10,000 years (since around 7500 BCE) and evidence of their time remains well-preserved to this day.

Getting To/Around Natural Bridges National Monument

If you plan to visit Natural Bridges you’ll need a car as there’s no public transport here. To get a car you’ll have to either bring your own from home (which poses quite a logistical challenge for most) or rent a car. The closest major cities to Natural Bridges where rental cars are prevalent are quite the trek :

• Flagstaff (4 hours)
• Albuqeurque (5.5 hours)
• Salt Lake City (5.5 hours)
• Santa Fe (6.5 hours)
• Phoenix (6.5 hours)

Most folks who end up visiting Natural Bridges tag it onto a Utah national parks road trip as its only 2.5 hours from Moab (home of Arches & Canyonlands), less than 2 hours from Four Corners, and under 1.5 hours from Monument Valley. Once you’re in the monument itself you’ll find getting lost (on the road) is impossible. The park consists of a simple, one-way loop road (Bridge View Drive) that takes about 40 minutes to complete.

Natural Bridge vs Natural Arch

Here’s the differences between a natural bridge vs a natural arch in the most basic terms possible:
Natural Bridge: Formed by water cutting through rock.
Natural Arch: Formed by erosion (wind, water).

Now there are some nuances for those interested. For example, while all natural bridges are technically arches because of their shape, not all arches are bridges. The key difference lies in how they’re formed and, specifically, the role that water plays in the formation of natural bridges. Allow me to elaborate.

Natural Arch

So, a natural arch is formed through the process of erosion. This can happen in various ways, such as wind or water eroding the rock, or even frost action where the freeze-thaw cycle causes cracks to expand over time. The main thing about arches is that they’re formed primarily by these natural forces acting on the rock, and they can be found in a variety of settings, from deserts to coastlines. They stand out for their graceful curves and openings that create a window-like effect on the landscape. Pictured above, the famous Delicate Arch in Utah is the perfect example of a natural arch!

Natural Bridge

On the flip side, a natural bridge is a type of natural arch, but with a specific difference: it’s formed by running water. Essentially, a natural bridge is created when a stream or river carves its way through rock, eventually creating an arch-like structure. This means that natural bridges are almost always found in areas where water flow, like a river or stream, has played a significant role in the erosion process. They’re like the earth’s version of an overpass, with water flowing beneath. A great example is the Sipapu Bridge in Natural Bridges where water flowing through a canyon has created this bridge.

Top Things to See & Do in Natural Bridges National Monument

1. Sipapu Bridge

Ask three different people and they’ll give you three different answers as to which bridge is their favorite in Natural Bridges National Monument. For me, it’s Sipapu. Here’s why. For starters, Sipapu is the largest and most imposing bridge in Natural Bridges National Monument. At 220 feet tall and spanning 268 feet across Sipapu is both taller than the space shuttle and longer (nose to tail) than a Boeing 747. If there’s only one bridge you see at Natural Bridges National Monument, this is the one.

• Height: 220 feet (67 meters)
• Width: 31 feet (9.5 meters)
• Span: 268 feet (82 meters)
• Thickness: 53 feet (16 meters)

The current name “Sipapu” was given to the bridge from the early 1900s surveyor William Douglas (not to be confused with the Supreme Court Justice) who mistakenly believed the area was most closely associated with the Hopi (rather than the Paiute). Sipapu is a Hopi word roughly translating to “opening between worlds”.

Sipapu Bridge Hike

• Distance: 1.4 miles (round trip) / .7 miles each way
• Elevation: 430 feet (each way)
• Time: 1-2 hours (depending on speed)

If you’re not mobility limited, hiking to Sipapu Bridge is the top thing to do at Natural Bridges National Monument. The hike starts not from the Sipapu Viewpoint (which comes first on the loop road) but rather the picnic area .3 miles down the road. All along the hike you’re treated to wonderful views of the canyon and bridge down below. There are several staircases and ladders that must be climbed to reach the bottom.

Once there you can link up with the loop hikes that follow the canyon and take you to more bridges (more on that below). I recommend starting the hike around sunrise for the best light. If you’re feeling extra adventurous (and have headlamps) seeing the stars through the bridge at night is especially cool.

2. Owachomo Bridge

Of the three bridges in Natural Bridges National Monument, Owachomo is the most delicate and most likely to collapse. Depending on how active the Moab fault decides to be, this is the one that could go even in our lifetime. While there’s no imminent threat of this happening, you never know!

• Height: 106 feet (32 meters)
• Width: 27 feet (8 meters)
• Span: 180 feet (55 meters)
• Thickness: 9 feet (3 meters)

It’s “fragility” aside, Owachomo is impressive albeit smaller than the other two bridges. Some folks prefer it to the others because it’s span is the thinnest of all the bridges at just nine feet and the most accessible. Also named by William Douglas (spoiler alert – they all were) for the Hopi word meaning “rock mound”.

Owachomo Bridge Hike

• Distance: 1 mile (round trip) / .5 miles each way
• Elevation: 180 feet (each way)
• Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on speed)

For folks seeking the easiest bridge to access, Owachomo is just your pace. A short half mile hike with minimal elevation gain leads you right to the bridge. While you’re not allowed to hike or stand on top of it, the view from below is enough to inspire.

3. Kachina Bridge

While not the largest or the smallest of the bridges, Kachina is the thickest by nearly double that of Sipapu. In terms of location, Kachina is situated about between Sipapu and Owachoma and thus is often referred to as the “middle bridge”. It is also the most recently altered bridge. In 1992 a massive 4,000 ton chunk of sandstone fell from the bridge enlarging the opening to its current state.

• Height: 210 feet (64 meters)
• Width: 44 feet (13 meters)
• Span: 204 feet (62 meters)
• Thickness: 93 feet (28 meters)

Named by William Douglas for the pictographs underneath the bridge that depict what he interpreted as Kachina dancers. The petroglyphs remain today and are really cool to see. Approaching the bridge from the Kachina Bridge Trail, the petroglyphs will appear on the right side just as you get underneath the bridge’s enormous span. Reflective pools often make for beautiful displays under Kachina.

Kachina Bridge Hike

• Distance: 1.4 miles (round trip) / .7 miles each way
• Elevation: 460 feet (each way)
• Time: 1-2 hours (depending on speed)

The Kachina Bridge Trail is similar to the Sipapu Bridge hike in almost every way. At 1.4 miles round trip the distance is nearly identical as is the elevation at 460 feet each way. Personally I think the Kachina Bridge trail is slightly more challenging as there’s fewer ladders and stairs. It is a steep descent and thus not a good choice for anyone with mobility issues.

4. World Class Stargazing

As the world’s first ever International Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges National Monument is one of the best places on the planet to observe the celestial happenings of the night sky. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars along with the milky way without any special equipment (aka with your own eyes). On a personal note, I have traveled the world over and photograph dark skies for a living – I’ve never seen better.

If you plan to visit for the dark skies, check out a moon calendar to be sure you’re visiting on or near the dark of the moon. The light of the moon greatly diminishes the amount of stars one can observe so try to plan your viewing after the moon has set. For those seeking stunning shots of the milky way, I recommend July and August as prime months to see the core (largest) section of the band.

5. Explore (And Respect) Horse Collar Ruin

Situated between Sipapu and Kachina Bridges (much closer to Sipapu) lies one of the best preserved Puebloan sites in the world known as Horse Collar Ruin. The ruin has been “lost” and “found” several times, most recently having been “found” in 1937 by the then superintendent of Natural Bridges National Monument, Zeke Johnson. Its current state of preservation is a testament to the area’s remoteness as well as park management.

The site is especially remarkable because of it’s almost fully intact kiva with original roof which gives visitors a glimpse into how these were constructed. Visitors are not allowed to touch or go into any of the structures but those willing to trek down to the ruin are afforded the exceedingly rare opportunity to get up close and personal with such a site.

Those interested in viewing the ruin have two options:

• Easy Option: .6 mile round trip hike with minimal elevation gain to the Horse Collar Ruin Overlook
• More Difficult Option: Roughly 3 mile round trip hike with about 500 feet of elevation (down then up) to Horse Collar Ruin itself.

To see it well from above really requires binoculars but better than nothing if you or someone in your party has mobility issues. If you plan on hiking down to Sipapu Bridge then adding Horse Collar Ruin (an additional 1.5 miles of flat hiking round trip) is a no brainier in my opinion. From the Sipapu Trail, continue southwest toward Kachina. They’ll appear on the right side of the canyon wall fairly early on. An easy scramble takes you right up.

6. The “Hidden” Kachina Ruins

Probably the coolest part of my most recent trip to Natural Bridges National Monument was discovering the “hidden” Kachina Ruins. Prior to visiting I knew of their existence but did not know where exactly they were located, only an approximation. I must say I almost didn’t find them and reached several dead ends before finally arriving at the ruins. There is no signage and no official trails leading you here.

Upon arriving you’ll see an area that’s roped off where the ruins lie as well as a little wooden box perched on a boulder. Opening the wooden box the NPS has left a nice little note which adds to the fun:

“Greetings! You have discovered one of the lesser known and least visited archeological sites at Natural Bridges.” The message goes on to implore visitors to be good stewards of the site which sadly many folks are not as footprints are clearly visible beyond the roped off area. At the site you’ll find some neat ruins with petroglyphs and pictographs on the wall nearby.

I found the “discovery” of this site to be half the fun and in that spirit I’ll give you the clues I used to find it. For starters, it’s located very close to Kachina Bridge. Prior to visiting I had seen photos like the one below and used the prominent orange water marks on the canyon wall as a guide to get to the site. If you make it to Kachina Bridge and look for those marks, it shouldn’t be too hard to find! If you want the adventure taken out of the process drop a comment below with your contact info and I’ll be happy to email it to you.

7. See the Many Hands Alcove

It’s interesting that the NPS doesn’t really mark where any of the archeological sites in Natural Bridges are except for Horse Collar Ruin and then they only mark where the viewing area from above is. There are no official signs that direct you to any of them and “Many Hands Alcove” is no different.

I’m working to get more information on this site and will update once I have it. I’m not sure how old these pictographs are but seeing them was really cool. Personally I enjoyed this more than the Horsecollar site. Seeing human hand prints connects with me more than the human built structures. If you visit, obviously don’t touch the handprints as tempting as it may be to compare yours with theirs. This can be done without touching the wall.

Getting to the Many Hands Alcove is a bit tricky. Follow the Sipapu Trail toward Horsecollar Ruin. Hang to the right of the canyon and look for a sandy bank. Behind it is the alcove. If you reach Horsecollar Ruin then you’ve gone too far and can try again on the way back.

8. Check Out the Bridge Overlooks

So we’ve chatted about each of the bridges and how to reach them. But some days you’re just not feeling the hike and that’s OK. Luckily Natural Bridges National Monument’s got your back. Each natural bridge has a designated viewpoint that offers some really impressive views of the canyon with the bridge below.

Better yet, each overlook has really a nicely paved path to reach it making them fully ADA accessible. Talk about a win for everyone. The overlooks are great places to watch sunsets & sunrises with Owachomo being the best for sunrise and Sipapu being the best for sunset.

9. Admire Bears Ears (From Afar)

A few years ago Jim and I created a short film on the Manti-La Sal National Forest in which lies Bears Ears National Monument with the US Forest Service and Visit Utah. The ears themselves are more impressive from afar than up close because with this region being relatively flat, the Bears Ears are visible for miles and miles away. This is no exception in Natural Bridges National Monument. Seeing them in person one realizes why they have been so important in native culture for so long.

The first image above is using a zoom lens while the next image below is more representative of how they appear from the monument. If you’re in the area I highly recommend checking out our Manti-La Sal article which has lots of great nearby and pretty under the radar spots to check out.

10. Hike the Loop Trails

If you’re up for some longer hikes the consider one of the parks three loop trails. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Sipapu to Kachina Loop: 5.7 miles with roughly 1000 feet of elevation change. If you there’s one loop you do, it should be this one. It’s the shortest and pretty much all of the best archeological sites lie within these two bridges. You can start at either bridge trailhead (I recommend starting with Sipapu) and then descend down into the canyon, back up again, and then use the Mesa Top Trail which takes you back to the overlook you didn’t start with.
• Kachina to Owachomo Loop: 6.5 miles with roughly 750 feet of elevation change. This one I don’t really recommend unless you’re really just looking to check extra boxes. Same idea as above but less canyon scenery.
• Full Loop: 12 miles with roughly 1200 feet of elevation change. This trail is long and should only be attempted by experienced hikers who have packed plenty of water & snacks. This is a full day activity and should be treated as such. With that being said, would make for a fun hike if you’ve got the time.

My two cents is hike the Sipapu to Kachina loop and then drive to Owachomo. Once you’re down into the canyon you’ve got to come back up anyway, might as well do it at the next bridge and see all the cool sites in between. The loop adds three miles but well worth it especially since the added miles are flat.

Camping at Natural Bridges

If you’re visiting Natural Bridges it’s kind of a sin not to stay for the dark skies and if you’re staying for the dark skies might as well snag a campground. Few things invoke best times vibes like a campfire under the stars. The good news here is that Natural Bridges has a developed campground! Nine of the thirteen sites are able to be reserved while three are held for first come first serve (at least a portion of a campground’s sites should always be FF in my opinion).

Natural Bridges Campground Info

• $16/night fee
• 12 campsites
• Vault toilets
• 1 ADA site
• Campground reservations

For a desert campground there’s actually a decent amount of privacy via junipers & piñon pines. In the summer this place is really hot with temps that can soar into the triple digits but nights pretty much always dip back down at least into the 60s (typically even cooler) making camping here enjoyable even during the hotter months.

Watch the Natural Bridges Video

To make this film we spent a couple of weeks here in late October to shoot the park during the autumn season (our favorite time to visit). It was so much fun. During the process we shot terabytes worth of footage and condensed that down into the 3 minutes that capture the essence of this very special place. We hiked every trail in the park and visited every one of the top attractions (and many more).

Shooting at night was especially fun. We hiked down to each of the bridges with headlamps to grab time lapses of them. Many of the time lapses in this film are 10+ hours of time condensed into a few seconds.

This film (along with so many others we’ve created over the years) was made possible by the good folks at Visit Utah.

FAQ – Natural Bridges National Monument

Map of Natural Bridges National Monument

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The post Natural Bridges National Monument: Utah’s Dark Sky Wonderland appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Visiting Mount Rushmore was a long time bucket list item for me having seen this iconic location in photos, movies, and on TV growing up.

Its somewhat remote location in South Dakota long kept me from seeing it (as someone who grew up in the Southeastern United States).

I had several friends and family members visit Rushmore prior to my visit and heard a myriad of reviews from life-changing to disappointing.

Finally I was able to visit Mount Rushmore and I was certainly surprised in many ways by what I saw but not in the least bit disappointed.

In this article I’ll cover the following based on my (now numerous) visits to Mount Rushmore:

• What to Know for Visiting Mount Rushmore
• Things to Do at Mount Rushmore
• Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore (there’s a lot!)
• Interesting Mount Rushmore Facts
• The Mount Rushmore Controversy
• Best Time to Visit Mount Rushmore (including when its open vs closed)
• Information on the Black Hills of South Dakota
• Mount Rushmore Attractions

I’ll be mixing in things to know with things to do at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Ready to go? Let’s dive in!

Visiting Mount Rushmore

15. Things to Know Before You Visit Mount Rushmore

Entrance Fees: Good news here! Mount Rushmore does not charge an entrance fee for visitors. However, there is a parking fee which is $10 per vehicle.

National Parks Pass? If you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

The best map for the park: We like this map the best.

The best guide books for Mount Rushmore: This is our favorite all around guide for visting Mount Rushmore.

Cell Service is pretty reliable in Mount Rushmore. Verizon is pretty reliable – AT&T less so.

Where is Mount Rushmore Located?

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Closest Airport to Mount Rushmore: The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport which services most major US airlines daily.

14. Interesting Mount Rushmore Facts

Here’s some interesting facts to know about Mount Rushmore prior to visiting.

Whose Faces Are on Mount Rushmore?

There are four presidents faces carved into the face of Mount Rushmore including (from left to right on the mountain face):

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• Theodore Roosevelt
• Abraham Lincoln

Who Chose the Faces on Mount Rushmore?

Contrary to popular belief, the faces on Mount Rushmore were not chosen by the US Government but rather the chief sculptor, Gutzon Borglum.

According to the national park service these presidents were chosen to be included on Mount Rushmore by Borglum because they represent the “founding, expansion, preservation, and unification” of America.

How Did Mount Rushmore Get It’s Name?

Mount Rushmore was named after a New York attorney, Charles E. Rushmore, who visited the Black Hills long before the carving project was thought of.

How Long Did it Take to Carve Mount Rushmore?

The carving of Mount Rushmore National Memorial took 14 years to complete from 1927 to 1941. The original plan called for carving each figure from the waist up but funding ran short and that plan was abandoned.

Who Carved the Faces on Mount Rushmore?

Gutzon Borglum was the creator of the sculptures and design for Mount Rushmore. He oversaw the project from start to months before its completion when he died. The role of leading the project was passed on to his son, Lincoln Borglum.

13. What is the Mount Rushmore Controversy?

The controversy behind Mount Rushmore starts with the fact that the land that was chosen for the site is located in the heart of the Black Hills in South Dakota. This land is sacred to the Lakota Sioux who lived here long before Americans arrived on the scene.

A Little Mount Rushmore History (of the area)

After the Civil War, western expansion in the United States really picked up as did the governments cruel policies against the native peoples who lived in those lands.

Many of the generals who fought on both sides of the war went on to lead savage attacks against native tribes throughout the west, almost entirely extirpating these people from their lands.

As for the Black Hills, the US Government reached a settlement with the Lakota in which they were promised the Black Hills in perpetuity (known as the Treaty of 1868).

Perpetuity in the eyes of the government turned out to be a lot less perpetual than was originally agreed upon as gold was discovered in the Black Hills. In the 1870s the government forced the Sioux out of the region in favor of the gold hungry miners.

Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, & Wounded Knee

Faced with terrible reservation conditions and the prospect of losing their ancestral lands forever, the native peoples decided to resist the US Government across the plains.

The efforts in the Black Hills were lead by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull who fought against the federal troops. Their success peaked early at the Battle of the Little Bighorn where they defeated General George Armstrong Custer (a former Union cavalry commander).

This battle is also famously remembered today as Custer’s last stand.

Eventually the natives would go on to lose their war against the US Government with the last significant defeat taking place at Wounded Knee.

Despite commonly being referred to as a battle, the events at Wounded Knee were actually a horrific massacre carried out by the federal troops against innocent native women, children, and men. The massacre resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 natives.

The Heart of the Controversy

This leads us back to the controversy over the sculpting of Mount Rushmore. Less than 40 years after the Massacre at Wounded Knee, the faces of revered leaders of the same government that was responsible for the events were blasted and carved into the sacred Black Hills.

This was done despite early proposals calling for both native and US heroes of the west to be carved onto the mountain.

Today, the much larger Crazy Horse Memorial is being constructed just 17 miles down the road from Mount Rushmore as a response to the Rushmore project.

At present, many local native leaders would like the site returned to them and the focus of the park to be turned to the oppression of their people.

12. When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mount Rushmore?

The best time of year to visit Mount Rushmore is in the Fall and Spring when temperatures are moderate and crowds are lesser.

I have visited the memorial in all seasons and personally, I recommend visiting Mount Rushmore in the fall when the foliage throughout the Black Hills is spectacular.

The best month to visit Mount Rushmore is October for peak fall foliage but May & September are also great.

Summer in Mount Rushmore brings massive crowds (especially for the 4th of July) and major heat (sometimes over 90 degrees).

If you’re trying to have the memorial all to yourself then Winter is a great time to visit Mount Rushmore. This is the least crowded season at Rushmore with freezing temps and regular snowfall.

If you’re interested in road trips around the area, check out our article: 15 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime 2022 (+ Photos)

11. When is the Best Time of Day to Visit Mount Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore is open 365 days per year. On Christmas all of the buildings are closed but Rushmore is still open on Christmas Day!

Mount Rushmore Hours

• October 1, 2021 – March 12, 2022: 5am – 9pm
• March 13, 2022 – September 30, 2022: 5am – 11pm
• October 1, 2022 – March 11, 2023: 5am – 9pm

If you’re looking to avoid crowds then I recommend visiting Mt. Rushmore early in the morning (the earlier the better). The peak visitation time is around the lunch hour and middle of the day.

Around sunset the crowds begin to dwindle down again from their midday highs.

Evening is a great time to visit to see the Light Ceremony but make sure to book in advance.

10. How Much Time to Spend at Mount Rushmore

If you’re just looking to check the box then the shortest possible visit at Mount Rushmore is about 45 minutes. This would include:

• Parking the car, walking down the Avenue of the Flags (where every state flag is displayed), blazing through the visitor center, soaking in the main view from the Grand Terrace.

With two hours, you can stroll the Avenue of Flags, spend some time admiring the view from the Grand View Terrace, watch the film in the visitor center about the epic construction of Mount Rushmore, and even grab yourself a monumental breakfast at the cafeteria.

In one day, you can do all of the above mentioned things plus hike the Blackberry Trail (1 mile each way) to escape the crowds and get into a more natural setting.

With one week, see more of the incredible sites around Mount Rushmore including two national parks, two national monuments, a national forest, state parks, and more. Scroll below for more on the surrounding attractions worth seeing.

11. How Much Does It Cost to Visit Mount Rushmore?

We’ve got some good news here! Mount Rushmore National Memorial does not charge an entrance fee for visitors.

However, there is a parking fee which is $10 per vehicle which you must pay in order to park at Mount Rushmore.

Parking at Mount Rushmore

When you drive up to Mt. Rushmore, you’ll reach a ticket booth. Press the button to take the parking ticket and then park your car in the massive parking facility.

Keep your ticket to pay at one of the automated ticket machines located in the parking garages and at the Mt. Rushmore Entrance. To pay, simply insert your parking ticket into the parking machine then follow the prompts.

Cash and credit cards are accepted for the $10 fee. Once your ticket is returned to you from the machine take it with you. When exiting the garage simply insert the card back into the machine and up goes the gate.

NOTE: This parking permit is valid for an entire year from the purchase date. If you plan on returning to Mt. Rushmore within a year then hold onto it to use again.

Things to Do At Mount Rushmore

10. Walk the Avenue of the Flags

After arriving at Mount Rushmore, parking your car, and approaching the memorial itself, visitors enter through a grand promenade known as the Avenue of the Flags.

I was struck by the beauty of this viewpoint more than any other in the memorial as having the most grandeur.

This short stroll frames the faces on the monument beautifully between the flags of every state in the US. How long will it take for you to find your state’s flag?

The Avenue of the Flags serves as the main walkway from the parking area to the Grand View Terrace.

9. See the Faces from Grand View Terrace

The main viewpoint at Mount Rushmore and best place to see the president’s faces is from the Grand View Terrace. From this point you have clear, unobstructed views of the faces.

While impressed by the memorial itself I must admit I found the faces themselves to appear a bit smaller than I expected. Maybe it’s the Hollywood effect?

I am curious to know if you feel/felt the same way when visiting the grand view terrace – leave a comment below!

8. Hike the Presidential Trail

When visiting Mount Rushmore there are just two hikes in the memorial, the best of which is the Presidential Trail.

Most folks who visit the monument end their trip after seeing the Grand View Terrace but I recommend going further and hiking the Presidential Trail.

• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Elevation: 422 stairs
• Time Required: 30 minutes
• Skill Level: Easy

The Presidential Trail starts near the visitor center and takes you closer to the carved faces. At just .6 miles this trail is easy taking about 30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace but does involve 422 stairs to climb.

I recommend hiking this trail in the clockwise direction so that you are looking up at the monument most of the time rather than back at the visitor center.

7. Have a Monumental Meal at Carver’s Cafe

One of my favorite memories from visiting Mount Rushmore was having the “monumental breakfast” at Carver’s Cafe with my dad and brother.

This is a great way to soak in the moment with good enough food and epic views of Mount Rushmore.

The offerings here are basic including things like pizza, french fries, chili, sausage, eggs, biscuits, and so on.

I remember eating here once and having the place to ourselves when there was snow on the faces and a marmot crawling around on a rock just outside the window.

The prices were about what you’d expect for a place like this that can charge for the view. I believe we paid about $50 after tax for 3 people. This included monumental breakfasts for each of us + coffee.

6. Visit the Sculptor’s Studio

Located at the end of the Presidential Trail, the Sculptor’s Studio is a great spot to enrich your visit. The studio is a small building where Gutzon Borglum worked for two years while sculpting Mount Rushmore.

Operating Seasons:

• Open Daily Late May – October 1

Today you can see the scale model of the original concept for Mount Rushmore including the presidents from the waist up. This larger concept was abandoned due to the project running out of funds.

There are also daily ranger talks held here (on a seasonal basis) which are really great to gain a better appreciation for the memorial.

5. See the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

There is no better place to learn about the history and undertaking of Mount Rushmore than the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Manged by the National Park Service, this visitor center is a trove of photos and information that help one to gain a better understanding of the memorial.

Loaded with archival images, historical artifacts, and even a bookstore this is a great addition to your Mount Rushmore trip.

I highly recommend watching the free 15 minute film that can be viewed in the visitor center.

4. Treat Yourself to Some TJ’s Ice Cream

Who’s this TJ and what’s all the craze about their ice cream? Why it’s Thomas Jefferson, of course and this is his ice cream recipe!

According to the park concessionaire who manages the ice cream stand, “this extraordinarily rich ice cream gets its sweet vanilla flavor from vanilla beans sourced from where Mr. Jefferson would have gotten them in his day.”

The concessionaire also claims “President Jefferson has been given credit for having the first written recipe for ice cream to the United States.”

Whether or not any of that is actually true, the ice cream is delicious, especially on a hot summer day.

3. Extend Your Visit by Hiking the Blackberry Trail

The Blackberry Trail is one of only two trails located within Mount Rushmore Memorial. It was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2018 that connects with the Centennial Trail in the Black Elk Wilderness.

• Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
• Elevation: Minimal
• Time Required: 45 – 60 minutes
• Skill Level: Easy

The trail is a great way to escape the crowds and connect with the natural scenery of the Black Hills. Hikers are guaranteed to see and hear the countless birds of the region.

At just one mile each way with minimal elevation gain, the Blackberry Trail is an easy jaunt to stretch the legs.

2. Watch the Sunset Across the Memorial

One of the most magical times to see Mount Rushmore is at sunset as the crowds begin to die down and the mountain changes colors from grey to sunset hues.

If you have the time this is a great time to take a seat at the Grand View Terrace or in Carver’s Cafe and reflect on the majesty of the memorial.

Be sure to check ahead of time to see what time sunset is at Mount Rushmore if you’re interested in seeing this display.

1. Stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony

If you’ve watched the sunset at Rushmore you might as well stay for the evening lighting ceremony. At 45 minutes in length the ceremony starts at 9pm from late May to mid August and then 8pm from mid August to October 1.

Visitors can watch as the lights slowly begin to illuminate the faces of the presidents as night turns to day. Photos of the memorial at night take on a whole new feeling.

NOTE: This ceremony is seasonal running from late May to October 1.

Map of Mount Rushmore National Memorial

9 Epic Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is located in the heart of the Black Hills which are full of really incredible sites including two national parks, two national monuments, a national forest, state parks, and more.

For a more extensive list, check out our article on things to do near Mount Rushmore.

1. The Black Hills National Forest (borders Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 0 minutes (it touches the memorial)

If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore, you’re also visiting the Black Hills National Forest – why not go a little further?

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. To get to the memorial you have to (get to) drive through this beautiful forest.

Of all the magical natural places I’ve traveled to in America (and beyond), the Black Hills National Forest might just top the list.

Maybe it’s just the dazzling rock formations, beautiful pine forests, incredible wildlife, mesmerizing magic hour, and insane amount of recreation opportunities that exist here.

There’s something almost spiritual about this place (just ask the native tribes who’ve lived here for nearly 10,000 years). Sure the air is crisp, the forests are vibrant, and the land is serene, but there’s something intangible about the Black Hills that you just have to experience for yourself.

Things to Do in the Black Hills National Forest

Hike To the Highest Point In South Dakota, Black Elk Peak – Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point in all of South Dakota at 7,244 feet elevation. Hiking to the top is a wonderful way to see the best views in the Black Hills.

See the Stunning Spearfish Falls – Spearfish Falls is an 80 foot waterfall located on the Spearfish Creek that is often overlooked by folks as signage is lacking and the falls are not visible from the main road.

Drive the Incredibly Scenic Highway 16 Through the Black Hills – Highway 16 is an incredibly scenic drive that winds through the heart of the Black Hills National Forest. Several tunnels perfectly frame Mount Rushmore in the distance (by design). This is a lovely area to escape the Rushmore crowds and soak in the full beauty of the forest.

For more on the Black Hills check out our article: BLACK HILLS National Forest: An Epic Guide to South Dakota’s Crown Jewel

2. Wind Cave National Park (50 minutes from Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 50 minutes (38 miles)

Wind Cave National Park is a world-class destination home to not only what could be the longest cave in the world but also beautiful natural scenery.

Here you’ll discover a land where the Black Hills meet the plains complete with bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs.

Planning a trip to Wind Cave? Check out our article: 10 Epic Things to Do at Wind Cave National Park

3. Badlands National Park

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 85 minutes (75 miles)

It’s a great idea to couple a visit to Mount Rushmore with one to Badlands National Park (less than 90 minutes away).

Situated in the heart of the Northern Great Plains, Badlands National Park spans 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Here you’ll discover a land where bison still roam and towers rise from the prairie in dazzling formations.

This vast unending prairie is draped in a beautiful silence where the only sounds to be heard are the uninterrupted winds of the prairie and the song of the western meadowlark.

Things to Do in the Badlands

Take it all in at Big Badlands Overlook – This overlook provides the quintessential view of what makes the Badlands the Badlands. Here you’ll find a panoramic view of perfectly striped red and white hills extending into the distance. This is a great spot for sunrise.

Go on an unexpected hike at Cliff Shelf Nature Trail – An oasis of juniper trees in the middle of the Badlands. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset from a high vantage. You can also get out of the sun and cool off under the shade of old juniper trees

For more on the Badlands check out our article: 18+ (INCREDIBLE) Things to Do in Badlands National Park

4. Wall Drug (80 minutes from Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 80 minutes (77 miles)

If you don’t already know about Wall Drug you will when visiting the Badlands. Wall Drug is quite possibly the most famous roadside attraction in the world, a true slice of Americana as they say.

With billboards for hundreds of miles advertising their curious attractions and their 5 cent coffee and free ice water you simply have to go.

It also helps that Wall Drug is conveniently located in the town of Wall, SD, the gateway to Badlands National Park.

Here you can shop for souvenirs, grab a bit to eat, or just walk around and see what was so important that it needed to be cleverly advertised for hundreds of miles.

5. Devils Tower National Monument (2 hours from Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 2 hours 13 minutes (130 miles)

Devils Tower National Monument is actually America’s first national monument thanks to Theodore Roosevelt invoking his newly acquired powers under the 1906 Antiquities Act.

Devils Tower is a classic national monument that checks all the boxes road trippers and public lands enthusiasts are looking for in an outdoor destination.

Of course I’d be remiss not to mention the 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which of course was set here.

Having grown up on Steven Spielberg films it was a real treat for my brothers and I to visit Devils Tower and walk the loop trail around the tower searching for old filming locations and taking in incredible views.

6. Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is currently being constructed just 17 miles down the road from Mount Rushmore as a response to the Rushmore project. Visitors can tour the grounds, learn about the native history, and walk up to the memorial itself.

7. Buffalo Gap National Grasslands (1 hour from Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 1 hour (42 miles)

If you’re really looking to escape the crowds there’s no better place to do so than Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.

Consisting of 600,000 acres of beautiful rolling prairie, badlands formations, and home of the the world-famous Fairburn agate, this is a great thing to do near Mount Rushmore.

Check out the French Creek Campground area where you’ll find prime agate beds for rock hounding.

8. Custer State Park

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 44 minutes (20 miles)

Custer State Park is one of the largest areas of public lands located in the Black Hills and is one of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore.

I recommend a visit to Sylvan Lake and driving the Needles Highway.

9. Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway (5 miles from Mount Rushmore)

Distance from Mount Rushmore: 10 minutes (5 miles)

• Location: South Dakota, USA
• Distance: 70 miles (112 km)
• Suggested Time: 3 days
• Minimum Time: 1 day
• Best Time of Year: June & October

The Black Hills of South Dakota are one of the most magical places in all of America and no road does a better job of displaying them in all their glory than the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. This is truly one of the great All-American Road Trips.

I recommend taking your time, driving slow, stopping at all the viewpoints, and enjoying the incredible scenic beauty.

If you like scenic byways then check out our article: 15 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime (+ Photos)

If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll love these:

• 18+ (INCREDIBLE) Things to Do in Badlands National Park
• A (Very) Helpful Guide to BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK (Photos + Video)
• BLACK HILLS National Forest: Epic Guide to South Dakota’s Crown Jewel
• 6 EPIC South Dakota National Parks Worth Visiting (+ Photos)

Why Listen to Us About Visiting Mount Rushmore?

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us national parks experts.

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

If you’d like to follow along our journey we’d be delighted to have you!

And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Park

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

• Sticking to trails
• Checking the weather before going out on a hike
• Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
• Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

Pin Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore

More Helpful Articles

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone: Driving Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip

Hiking the Castle Trail: Castle Trail: Epic Hikes in Badlands National Park (Photos + Guide)

Hiking the Notch Trail: Hiking the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park (Photos + Guide)

Best Hikes in Badlands: 15 Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Badlands NP Guide: Helpful Guide to Badlands National Park

Things to Do in Badlands: 20 Incredible Things to Do in Badlands National Park

Things to Do Wind Cave: 10 Epic Things to Do at Wind Cave National Park

Visiting Mount Rushmore: 15 Helpful Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore

Things to Do Near Rushmore: 25 Epic Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Black Hills National Forest: Comprehensive Guide to the Black Hills National Forest

Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 BEST Things to Do Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Facts: 10 AMAZING Yellowstone National Park Facts

Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The BEST Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

The Wyoming National Parks: 10 EPIC Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)

South Dakota National Parks: 6 Epic South Dakota National Parks Worth Visiting

South Dakota Landmarks: 15 Amazing South Dakota Landmarks to See

South Dakota Historical Sites: 15 Incredible South Dakota Historical Sites

The post 15 HELPFUL Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore (Things to Do + Photos) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Situated in the heart of the Northern Great Plains, Badlands National Park spans 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Here, you’ll discover a land where bison still roam and towers rise from the prairie in dazzling formations. This vast, unending prairie is draped in a beautiful silence where the only sounds to be heard are the uninterrupted winds of the prairie and the song of the western meadowlark.

To find out when, where, and why to go to this western prairie wonderland – read on!

Our Travels to Badlands National Park

I first visited the Badlands with my brother Will and my Dad back in 2016 as we endeavored to make a film on the park. It was early April and the park was completely devoid of tourists and seemed magical.

The landscapes were dazzling and seemingly unending, and I knew then that I would be coming back for future visits.

Making The Badlands Film

As it was early April, the nights were cold, and the days weren’t much warmer. The prairie wind howled and routinely gusted upwards of 50 miles an hour. Our cameras and tripods were toppled many times resulting in the damage of no small amount of equipment.

But we adapted to the weather and managed to find ravines and nooks out of the whipping wind that provided the shots you see in our film.

Visiting in April meant the park was just about empty. We spent weeks there and rarely saw another person in our travels. The wildlife was abundant, and the vast silence of the prairie was something I’ll never forget.

Night skies were filled with stars, and our cameras even picked up a faint glow of the northern lights.

Why I Continue to Come Back to Badlands

I’ve heard it said that the Badlands is “an interstate park”, meaning a good park to pop into off of the interstate, but not necessarily one to plan a trip around. I’m here to tell you that Badlands National Park is well worth planning a trip around.

I’ve returned to the Badlands probably five or six times since my initial visit, and every time, I’m simply blown away.

Taking in a sunset somewhere near the Sage Creek turn off as the golden light transforms the landscape all around you is something you can never be prepared for and an event that’s sure to leave a lasting memory.

Badlands National Park is a Special Place

Watching the amber light sweep across the formations in the distance as the sun puts on its final dazzling show is truly something to behold.

Hearing the distant grunts of the bison from miles away, the yips of the coyotes, and the evening song of the meadowlark will make you feel transported, as if the cars, cities, and buildings that brought you here never existed.

Yes, the Badlands is a special place that stands in affirmation of everything America’s National Parks represent. It’s a place I’ll continue to revisit to revel in its quiet and spacious beauty.

Badlands National Park Guide

Things to Know Before You Visit

Entrance Fees: $30

Getting Around: Badlands is a very accessible park with the main park road taking visitors through various viewpoints, hiking opportunities, and interesting sites. Any vehicle will do in the main unit of the park, but you’ll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle if you’re interested in venturing into the seldom-visited south unit of the park. Either way, prepare for some scenic driving!

The Best Map: I like this map best for Badlands National Park.

The Best Guide Book: I like this guide book the best for Badlands.

Sunscreen: Visiting national parks during certain times of the year can mean lots of sun. Seriously, some of these parks can zap you if you don’t wear sunscreen. We happen to like this one because it works, AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Leave No Trace: We’re big fans of Leave No Trace here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principles of Leave No Trace here.

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

Dogs are not allowed on trails in most national parks due to their potentially disruptive presence in the natural ecosystem. The basic rule is they are allowed where cars can go so be sure to check the rules before bringing along your furry friend.

Details About Badlands National Park

Location: South Dakota

Established: November 10, 1978

Size: 242,756 acres

Visitors: 1,008,942 (2020)

Entrance Fees: $30/vehicle

The History of Badlands National Park

A Land of Beauty and Profound Tragedy

Native Americans have inhabited the area comprising Badlands National Park for more than 11,000 years. Paleo-Indians and later the Arikara and Sioux hunted and camped in the valleys and plains near freshwater sources where bison and other game were plentiful.

The tall badlands proved useful for spotting herds and potential enemies on the prairie in the distance. Bands of Native Americans typically hunted throughout the year here until winter set in, when they would follow the bison to warmer areas with more easily accessible water sources.

Homesteaders & The Dawes Act

By the late 19th century, homesteaders began to move into the area, and in 1887, the U.S. Government passed the Dawes Act, which effectively stripped Native Americans of most of their land in a supposed attempt to encourage them to “assimilate” into mainstream society.

Another stated goal of the Dawes Act was to create divisions among Native Americans and eliminate the social cohesion of tribes.

The result was disastrous for Native Americans. Stripped of their lands and their ability to hunt and crowded into reservations with miserable living conditions, many looked in vain for a way to restore their previous way of life.

The Ghost Dance

For many in the Badlands region, their new living conditions were particularly harsh. Thousands became followers of a Paiute prophet whose vision called on people to perform the Ghost Dance, which would reunite them with the spirits of their ancestors and bring about an end to white western expansion.

After being stripped of their lands and starved many Lakota began practicing the Ghost Dance in a desperate attempt to reverse their fortunes.

Disaster Strikes

The Ghost Dance frightened many white Bureau of Indian Affairs supervisors in South Dakota, who feared an uprising and quickly called for military reinforcements.

BIA supervisors singled out famed Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull for arrest for failing to stop his people from performing the ghost dance. In the attempted arrest, Sitting Bull was killed.

Two weeks later, on December 28th, 1890, Spotted Elk and his band of Miniconjou Lakota were stopped by a detachment of the 7th cavalry regiment containing some 500 soldiers while en route to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The Massacre at Wounded Knee

The cavalry forced the Lakota to camp at Wounded Knee Creek (less than 40 miles from the present-day park) that night in the snow. The next morning, the army surrounded the small encampment and went in to disarm the band of Lakota.

During the disarming, two soldiers ordered a Lakota man named Black Coyote to give up his rifle. The soldiers were repeatedly informed that Black Coyote was deaf and could not understand them, but they persisted.

Chaos and Bloodshed

As they grabbed Black Coyote from behind to disarm him, his rifle went off. The soldiers then opened fire into the camp, killing more than half of the Lakota men before they ever had a chance to raise their guns.

Some of the Lakota men grabbed rifles from the pile of confiscated weapons and returned fire. At this point, soldiers manning the four rapid-fire Hotchkiss Mountain guns pointed at the camp indiscriminately opened fire, killing women, children, and even some of their own men.

Army officers lost control of their men as they chased down fleeing Lakota men, women, and children and killed them.

Historian Dee Brown estimates that 300 of the 350 Lakota were killed or wounded, with only 51 survivors being loaded onto wagons and returned to the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Army reported 25 dead and 39 wounded soldiers.

The End of an Era

The massacre at Wounded Knee marked the end of an era for Native Americans and the United States. Hostilities between the U.S. Army and Native Americans largely concluded in the ensuing years, and the period historians refer to as the American Indian Wars wound down.

The ghost dance had ended in profound tragedy. The destruction of a people and their way of life was nearly complete.

Stronghold Table in the South Unit of Badlands National Park was the site of several ghost dances in the 1890s and is believed to be the site of the last known ghost dance of the 19th century.

Today, the South Unit is managed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe in cooperation with the National Park Service. The site of the Wounded Knee Massacre is some 40 miles from Badlands National Park on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Recommended Reading: Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Adding Insult To Injury | Bombing Sacred Badlands

Fast forward to 1942 as the United States was entering the second world war. The area comprising what is now the south unit of Badlands National Park was part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where native families continued to live and work.

In a cruel twist of fate, the U.S. Government seized over 340,000 acres of this culturally and spiritually significant reservation land through the use of eminent domain to establish an aerial bombing range.

Not only were the Oglala Lakota forced to pick up and leave their homeland (again), but the Air Force would be routinely bombing the sacred land they fought so long to protect.

Furthermore, the National Park Service states that:

“the acquisition of the Bombing Range increased competition for land in the area and inflated the price of replacement sites to the point that the relocated persons were not able to buy substitute land with the compensation they had been paid. In many cases, individuals were forced to dispose of their livestock because their rangeland had been taken“.

If You Can Believe It, It Gets Worse

Long after the war, in 1968, the Air Force finally declared all but 2,486 acres of the bombing range as excess property and the land was returned to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. But not without a catch. Through a series of murky legal twists, the Oglala Sioux found themselves once again on the wrong side of a land deal.

In order to “keep” their land, the tribe had to agree to hand over management of much of the area formerly taken as part of the bombing range to the National Park Service to manage as the south unit of Badlands National Park (at the time, Badlands National Monument).

Surrendering the Land, Again

As the National Park Service writes, “if the Tribe did not approve it, the lands previously held in individual trust would be disposed under surplus property procedures and permanently lost to the Tribe. Only by surrendering management of the land to the NPS would the land be held in trust for the Tribe.”

In effect, the tribe had no choice but to surrender their newly reacquired sacred land yet again to the government. The silver lining, if you care to see one, was that instead of being bombed, the land would be protected, and the tribe would be allowed to visit.

To date, the South Unit of the park is a very contentious issue for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, most of whom believe the area should be given back to them. You can learn more about the South Unit on the park website here.

Badlands National Park Map

Where is Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is located amidst the Northern Great Plains in southwestern South Dakota. The park is about an hour east of Rapid City and nicely paired with a trip to the Black Hills area.

Getting to the Park – Directions & Location

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota near the town of Wall (home of the famous Wall Drug roadside attraction)

Closest Airport: RAP – Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City)

The fastest way to get to Badlands National Park is almost certainly by flying into Rapid City. From Rapid City (or just Rapid, as the locals call it) you can rent a car and be in the Badlands in under an hour. Rapid City is a terrific gateway city to Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and the Black Hills National Forest.

Navigating the Park

Badlands National Park is conveniently located off of Interstate 90 in southwestern South Dakota. You can fly to nearby Rapid City Regional Airport or travel by car via I-90. The nearby town of Wall offers lodging and food options, making for a great base camp for your Badlands adventures – the 5-cent coffee at Wall Drug isn’t bad either!

From I-90, you’ll exit for Badlands National Park and arrive at one of two northerly entrance stations, Pinnacles Entrance Station or Interior Entrance Station. With a park map in hand, you’ll find that navigating the park is very easy as there are only three possible roads you can take.

Popular Roads in Badlands National Park

Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240) is the main park road and will take you to most of the destinations on your park map.

Sage Creek Rim Road is a dirt road that will take you along the north rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area and allows you to access Sage Creek Campground.

Sheep Mountain Table Road is a 4WD recommended dirt road taking you into the wild heart of the park. The road can be inaccessible at various times throughout the year as a result of storms. It’s recommended to check with the Visitor Center before going.

Things to Keep in Mind

Badlands is an open hike park. This means that you can hike off-trail anywhere inside the park and camp freely in the backcountry as long as you follow backcountry camping rules. You must camp a half mile away from any roads or trails and stay out of sight of the trails & roads.

Badlands is only an hour from Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Black Hills National Forest. So plan a trip to this corner of South Dakota and see them all!

RELATED: 15 HELPFUL Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore (Things to Do + Photos)

The South Unit of the park is remote and relatively inaccessible. This area is sacred to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, so if you visit, please be respectful and leave any items you find where they are.

Watch the Award-Winning Badlands National Park Video

BADLANDS 8K is the culmination of several weeks spent filming in the rugged Badlands of South Dakota. Situated in the heart of the Northern Great Plains, Badlands National Park spans 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Journey with More Than Just Parks to discover the land where bison still roam, and towers rise from the prairie in dazzling formations. This is the Badlands.

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park

Knowing when to visit Badlands National Park will help you make the most of your trip to this great American destination. Certain times of the year will offer the best opportunities to get the most out of your visit.

The best time of year to visit Badlands National Park is  May or September in the shoulder seasons when the park is spectacularly empty and the weather is mild.

Summers can be hot and you’ll have to share the park with lots of motorcycles if you plan on visiting in the month leading up to the nearby motorcycle rally in Sturgis. Winter in the park is quite cold, and the area is blanketed in snow.

Badlands National Park Seasons

Spring in Badlands National Park

Spring in the Badlands is windy and still fairly cold, but the grass begins to take on a more vivid green and the entire park is open and accessible. Spring is a great time to go if you want to skip the crowds of summer and don’t mind a little cold.

Plus, the seasonal wildlife has largely returned to the park, including the western meadowlarks, bringing with them the sweet chorus of Spring.rs throughout much of the days.

Summer in Badlands National Park

Summer in the Badlands gets HOT. Temperatures can routinely soar into the upper 90s and even triple digits while the prairie sun beats down on you. If you don’t mind the heat, it’s a great time to visit with magical sunsets and pleasant mornings and evenings.

Nearby Wall is fully open and offers more amenities during the summer months as well.

With the summer also comes crowds so be prepared to share the park’s main attractions with lots of other tourists and plenty of motorcycles.

Fall in Badlands National Park

Fall is a great time of year to visit the Badlands if you don’t mind a little sweater weather. Afternoons are pleasant and the park is mostly devoid of the busy summer crowds. September is a great time to visit before it gets too cold.

Winter in Badlands National Park

Winter here is typically cold, harsh, and desolate. What life there is on the prairie seeks shelter from the elements wherever they can find it. The prairie dogs keep to their burrows and the birds have long since left for greener pastures down south.

You’re likely to see snow-draped bison roaming the white prairie in search of food and shelter.

If you don’t mind snow and cold weather and want to see the area transformed this can still be a great time to visit. Please note that most nearby services and seasonal roads are closed during winter.

Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park

1. Take in the Views

Badlands National Park offers countless overlooks, each with their own unique views of this endlessly fascinating spot on earth. Peer out over an overlook and gaze at the perfectly striped hills continuing into the distance.

Listen for the sound of Bighorn Sheep effortlessly ambling up and down the ridge lines. Spot a lone bison on a distant patch of earth and listen to the wind rustle the tall native grass. It’s about as “national park” as it gets.

2. See the Emblem of the American West

Perhaps more iconic than the Badlands themselves, the park’s many resident bison are truly a sight to behold. These mammoth animals seem right at home amidst the swaying grass and endless vistas of the badlands. Any visit to the park will bring you up close to these beautiful animals for an unforgettable national parks moment.

Note: Please remember to keep a safe and respectable distance from the bison, they are powerful animals and can be very dangerous if approached.

3. Take in a Badlands Sunset

This should probably be #1. The world seems to stand still as the light sweeps across the castle-like peaks of the badlands and continues on into the distance. Looking out over these vast, magnificent vistas as the sunset paints them in brilliant hues is truly a sight to behold.

Badlands National Park boasts several fantastic overlooks where you’ll have the opportunity to see these incredible sunsets first hand.

4. Explore the Badlands

There’s something exhilarating about setting off on a trail here where you can gaze into the distance and see nothing but more badlands. Find the right trail for you by visiting the park Visitors Center or consulting the park website and set out for a magical national park experience.

Don’t forget that Badlands is also an open hike park, meaning you can literally set off and hike anywhere you like. Isn’t that an exciting prospect? (Remember to always have a plan and let others know where you’re headed if you decide to set off).

5. Stargaze in Big Sky Country

Badlands National Park offers spectacular stargazing opportunities due to its rural setting and near total lack of light pollution. From almost any part of the park you can take in unimpeded views of the vast South Dakota night sky.

Where to Stay – Camping & Lodging

Camping

Badlands National Park has two campgrounds, each offering a different type of camping experience. Read on to find the right one for you.

Campgrounds

Cedar Pass Campground, next to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, offers 96 reservable campsites with 4 group sites available. Fees vary depending on your vehicle and how you will be camping. It is recommended that you visit the Cedar Pass Lodge website to make reservations or check availability. There are no campfires allowed in this campground.

Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come-first-serve campground located off of a dirt road in a more remote section of the park. There are 22 campsites, and no RVs or trailers are allowed. Campfires are not permitted.

Backcountry Camping is also a great way to explore the park. Badlands National Park is an open hike park, which means that you can hike and camp nearly anywhere inside the park as long as you follow backcountry camping rules.

You must camp a half mile away from any roads or trails and stay out of sight of the trails & roads. Be sure to get a map and register at a backcountry registration station. For more information on backcountry camping in Badlands National Park visit the park website.

Lodging

Badlands National Park is located in a rural area with limited lodging options. However, there are still some great places to stay. We’ve linked the most popular ones below. For tent options, see the camping section above.

Lodging options around the park include:

• Best Western Plains Motel (Wall)
• Super 8 by Wyndham (Wall)
• Econo Lodge (Wall)
• Thunderbird Lodge (International Falls)
• Days Inn (Wall)
• Travelodge (Wall)
• Americas Best Value Inn (Wall)

Where to Eat – Restaurants

The nearby town of Wall, South Dakota, is home to the world-famous tourist attraction Wall Drug, which is a must-see. You will no doubt become familiarized with this famous interstate destination on your way to the park as it is cleverly advertised for hundreds of miles.

Apart from Wall Drug, there are a number of other places to grab a bite to eat close to the park; I’ve linked the most popular ones below:

• Wall Drug (Wall)
• Red Rock Restaurant (Wall)
• Badlands Bar (Wall)
• Cedar Pass Lodge & Cafe (The only restaurant within the park)
• Subway (Wall)
• Horseshoe Bar & Grill (Interior)

My Favorite Spot in Badlands National Park

Hay Butte Overlook offers, in my mind, perhaps the best view in the park. Here, you can look out at what makes this place so special: a seemingly endless maze of striped pinnacles and towers rising above the surrounding prairie in stunning fashion.

You’ll see bison roaming in the distance, bighorn sheep gliding up and down the hills, and hear the song of the western meadowlark amidst the tall native grasses of the prairie. Sunset here is where the park really stands out.

The world seems to stand still as you watch the light sweep across the castle-like peaks of the badlands and continue on into the distance. There are few better views than one enjoyed alone overlooking this vast and beautiful expanse at sunset.

Photo Gallery – Badlands National Park

Photos from the production of our Badlands Film.

Nearby Attractions

• Black Hills National Forest
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Wind Cave National Park
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Minute Man Missile National Historic Site

See Our Full National Park Rankings

We actually ranked ALL 63 National Parks from best to worst using the same point system featured in this article here. Curious to see how Badlands stack up against the rest of the parks nationwide? Click here!

Summary | Leave Us a Comment!

That’s a wrap! Hopefully, you feel like you’ve gleaned everything you need to know for your next trip to Badlands National Park. Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or thoughts!

Hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

More Helpful Articles

Hiking the Castle Trail: Castle Trail: Epic Hikes in Badlands National Park (Photos + Guide)

Hiking the Notch Trail: Hiking the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park (Photos + Guide)

Badlands NP Guide: Helpful Guide to Badlands National Park

Things to Do in Badlands: 20 Incredible Things to Do in Badlands National Park

Visiting Mount Rushmore: 15 Helpful Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore

Things to Do Near Rushmore: 25 Epic Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Black Hills National Forest: Comprehensive Guide to the Black Hills National Forest

The post A (Very) Helpful Guide to BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK (Photos + Video) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Virgin Islands National Park is a bucket-list destination for park fans like myself. I had long planned my trip to the tropical park and was devastated when Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc.

When I finally made it to the park two years later I quickly realized that the differences in expectations versus reality were going to be stark.

While the idyllic leaning palms are gone (over 90% of them anyway), and the landscape is forever changed, Virgin Islands National Park is still spectacularly beautiful.

Would I visit again? In a heartbeat. What this island has to offer is unlike anywhere else in the world.

About My Travels to Virgin Islands National Park

I first visited Virgin Islands National Park in 2018, nearly two years after the island of St. John (along with much of the Caribbean) was devastated by hurricanes. All the landscapes I had seen in photos of the park when researching prior to my visit were radically altered.

Sometimes I would arrive at a destination and wonder if I was actually there because the photos were so different than the reality on the ground. So, I set out to document the park in it’s current form to give folks an idea of what to expect now.

To do this, I explored nearly every square inch of the park land on the island along with my wife. It was an unforgettable time. If you’re wondering if the island still has it’s charm just watch the film I made below!

Virgin Islands National Park Guide

Table Contents

1. About the Park
2. History
3. Map
4. Directions & Location
5. Video
6. Weather & Seasons
7. Things to Do
8. Camping & Lodging
9. Photos

About Virgin Islands National Park

Situated along the outskirts of the Caribbean on the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park is a picture-perfect tropical paradise featuring crystal-blue waters, world-class snorkeling, jungle ruins, white sand beaches, sea turtles and so much more. 

Virgin Islands represents one of only a handful of truly tropical National Parks in the system and is the closest one to the East Coast.

Things to Know Before You Visit Virgin Islands National Park

Please, Wear Sunscreen.

• SUNSCREEN: Many sunscreens have been outlawed in the Virgin Islands due to reef-damaging ingredients. Goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway – wear sunscreen! The Caribbean is unforgiving on unprotected skin. We’ve made that mistake enough times to make lathering up a top priority. We highly recommend this one (which is reef-safe).

Map & Guidebook

• This is the best map to use for Virgin Islands National Park.
• And this is the bet guidebook we found for Virgin Islands National Park (and we ordered several)

Sandals are your friend.

•  SANDALS: There’s nothing like the feeling of warm sand between the toes. There’s also nothing quite like the feeling of something sharp and pokey in the toes. We recommend these sandals that we love, and these sandals which have straps.
• SHOES/BOOTS: Some of the hikes on the island are best attempted with a sturdy pair of boots or hiking shoes.

Goggles and flippers for the win.

• SNORKEL GEAR: There is an actual underwater trail in Virgin Islands National Park – how cool is that? In order to best experience it along with so many other amazing underwater spots, you need snorkel gear! This is the inexpensive set we used. We also liked this cool American Flag swimming cap

Underwater camera housing… to ruin, or not to ruin.

• UNDERWATER CAMERA HOUSING: So here we must add the caveat that we lost a camera to the depths in Virgin Islands National Park (at Maho Bay). Anytime you get your camera near water, let alone saltwater, you’re taking a risk. With that being said we have used this underwater camera housing in the past and had luck with it.

Rash guards are great for extra UV protection, especially after that inevitable burn.

• RASH GUARD: We were told to be sure and pack rash guards for this trip not so much for the coral etc but for extra UV protection (especially for Will who burns easily). We got these inexpensive ones off Amazon and we were sure glad to have them.

Do not touch our dear friend, the sea turtle.

• Sea Turtles: Green Sea Turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Believe it or not, it is a felony to touch one. As tempting as it might be, resist the urge and admire from a distance. We’ve all gotten pretty good at social distancing – best to apply these practices to our sea turtle friends as well.

Things to Pack for Virgin Islands National Park

Map: I use this one.

Guide: I highly recommend this one.

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

Shoes/Boots: Some of the hikes on the island are best attempted with a sturdy pair of boots or hiking shoes.

Details About Virgin Islands National Park

Location: St. John, US Virgin Islands

Established: August 2, 1956

Size: 7,259 acres

Native Land: Ciboney, Kalinago (Carib), Taino (Arawaks)

Visitors: 112,287 (2018)

Entrance Fees: Free (or $80 for America the Beautiful Pass)

Virgin Islands National Park History

Prehistoric

Virgin Islands National Park has prehistoric artifacts dating as far back as 840 BC. It is one of very few national park with that sort of prehistory.

According to the National Park Service, there are significant prehistoric sites on nearly every beach and bay within the park.

Native Peoples & The Arrival of Columbus

During the Archaic period the island was inhabited by nomadic hunter gatherers. Fast forward to 1493, the area was inhabited by the Taino people who were there to greet non other than Christopher Columbus.

From there, the island’s history takes a dark turn (thanks a lot, Columbus). Enslaved peoples are imported to do the work of Europeans looking to exploit the islands resources for strategic, military, and financial gain.

To this day, ruins from these times still exist on the island and are amazing to see and explore (more on that below).

Establishment of the National Park

Fast forward a few hundred years to next to get to the park’s founding. According to the National Park Service, a wealthy young philanthropist happened to be taking his boat around the Caribbean (as wealthy young philanthropists do) and spotted “one of the most beautiful places” he had ever seen.

The philanthropist was none other than Laurance Rockefeller, son of oil tycoon John D Rockefeller. Lucky for future generations, Rockefeller decided this place was so beautiful it ought to be preserved for future generations.

Rockefeller along with the Jackson Hole Preserve (founded by his brother) set out to purchase 5,000 acres which they eventually turned over to the federal government for the creation of Virgin Islands National Park.

RELATED: If you’re interested in learning more about island history, check out our Cumberland Island post.

Virgin Islands National Park Map

Where is Virgin Islands National Park?

Virgin Islands National Park is located along the outskirts of the Caribbean Ocean in the US Virgin Islands. The majority of the park is located on the island of St. John.

Getting to Virgin Islands National Park – Directions & Location

Closest Airport: STT – Cyril E. King Airport (distance – 13 miles from Cruz Bay)

The fastest way to get to Virgin Islands National Park is by plane, flying into St. Thomas’s Cyril E. King Airport Airport. Cyril E King Airport on the neighboring island of St Thomas (also part of the US Virgin Islands so no passport required for Americans) is the closest (and most affordable) place to fly into to get to Virgin Islands National Park.

Rental Car: St Thomas (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, more)

Ferry to St. John

Ferry: After flying in to St. Thomas you’ll need to catch a ferry over to St. John. This can be done in one of two places currently: Charlotte Amalie, or Red Hook (furthest from the airport but closest to St John). The cost per adult to ride the ferry is $20 each way.

Award-Winning Virgin Islands National Park Video

About the Virgin Islands Video

VIRGIN ISLANDS 8K is a visually stunning journey through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Virgin Islands. Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore this tropical paradise located on the outskirts of the Caribbean Sea.

Swim with sea turtles, explore ancient jungle ruins, relax on white sand beaches, and soak in the island beauty. This is Virgin Islands National Park.

How We Did It

To make this film we spent weeks on the island of St John (part of the US Virgin Islands) hiking every trail in Virgin Islands National Park and swimming every bay (for good measure).

We visited the park after the 2017 Hurricane Maria damage and were frankly quite surprised by what we saw. When you look at a lot of the photos and video online it does not represent what exists in the park today.

All of our footage represents the park in its current, post-hurricane, status.

Virgin Islands National Park Locations:

• Trunk Bay
• Maho Bay
• Lameshur Bay
• Cinnamon Bay
• Reef Bay (trail, ruins, & sugar mill)
• Annaberg Plantation Ruins
• Ram Head
• Caneel Hill Trail
• Margaret Hill
• Catherineberg Ruins
• Honeymoon Beach
• Salomon Beach
• Francis Bay
• Waterlemon Cay
• Little Lameshur Bay
• and more

RELATED: 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Virgin Islands Seasons & Weather

The weather at Virgin Islands National Park is fairly predictable. Warmth and sunshine are abundant year-round. The major caveat here is hurricane season which can (and does) wreak havoc on the island.

Best Time to Visit Virgin Islands National Park

The best season to visit Virgin Islands National Park is Winter when temperatures are still warm and both humidity and crowds are down.

Winter is also known as the rainy season but rain typically comes and goes quickly in the Virgin Islands. This is a great time of year to visit as well as winter marks the end of Hurricane season.

Who doesn’t dream of tropical islands during the dead of winter? Can’t just be me…

I would recommend visiting anytime between December through April.

RELATED: 12 (AMAZING) Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park

Spring in Virgin Islands National Park

Spring in Virgin Islands is lovely with warm to hot temperatures and no shortage of sunshine. Spring brings more tourists than fall & winter but still not as many as summer.

A big added benefit for visiting Virgin Islands in the spring over fall & summer is hurricane season is over.

You can also find less expensive flights to the Virgin Islands than in summer when visitation peaks.

Summer in Virgin Islands National Park

Summer in Virgin Islands National Park is the most popular time to visit with hot temperatures, abundant sunshine, bigger crowds, and higher prices. This time of year brings the biggest crowds to the Virgin Islands.

Summer also marks the real start of the hurricane season although fall is peak time for hurricanes.

Fall in Virgin Islands National Park

Fall in Virgin Islands National Park is an underrated season with visitation dwindling, temperatures still warm to hot, and abundant sunshine. Fall is a shoulder season on St. John for sure which makes it nice in some ways (fewer tourists) but comes with minimal store/restaurant closings.

The major drawback to planning a trip to Virgin Islands in the Fall is that it lands your visit squarely in the middle of hurricane season. The flights are cheaper for a reason – it’s a bit of a roll of the dice.

One of the pros of visiting in the fall is smaller crowds due to the shoulder season.

RELATED: 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide)

Winter in Virgin Islands National Park

Winter in Virgin Islands is a lovely season with visitation down, temperatures a bit cooler (but still warm to hot), and a plethora of sunshine. During this time of year you’ll see more tourists than fall but still not as many as spring & summer and is considered a shoulder season on St. John.

A big added benefit for visiting in winter over fall & summer is hurricane season is over.

Plus, you can find less expensive flights to the Virgin Islands than in summer & spring when visitation peaks.

Best Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is a world-class tropical island paradise. There are an abundance of incredible things to do in Virgin Islands like snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring jungle ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches, kayaking to offshore islands, and more.

We’ve listed some of our favorites things to do in the Virgin Islands below. For a complete list visit our 12 (AMAZING) Things to Do in Virgin Islands post.

1. Relax at Maho Bay

Maho Bay is one of the most stunningly beautiful bays in all the world. Here you will find palm trees, sea turtles, crystal blue waters, and white sand beaches. The bay is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day on the beach soaking in one of the most beautiful sites on the planet.

RELATED: Maho Bay Guide

2. Kayak the Crystal Blue Waters

What better way to experience the stunning beauty of the Virgin Islands than by kayak. Kayakers can see deep into the crystal blue waters and spot sea turtles, fish, and rays.

There are several places to rent kayaks of which my personal favorite is Maho Bay.

3. Explore the Beautiful Jungle Ruins

Virgin Islands National Park is full of beautiful ruins covered by jungle foliage. Exploring these ruins feels like taking a page out of the Indiana Jones playbook.

Beautiful ruins can be found all over the island. Some of the best spots include America Hill, Reef Bay Sugar Mill, Annaberg Plantation, and more.

4. Swim and Snorkel With Sea Turtles

Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling is among the best in the world with all sorts of marine life including sea turtles, sharks, fish, coral reefs, and more.

The warm, crystal blue water on St John along with the plethora of sheltered bays makes for wonderful snorkeling conditions.

5. Catch a Sunset From Caneel Hill.

Caneel Hill trail is one of the most popular trails in Virgin Islands National Park due to it’s proximity to the resort and Cruz Bay. This Trail takes hikers to the top of Margaret Hill which (via some rocks) offers panoramic views of St. John perfect to soak in a spectacular sunset.

6. Discover the beauty of Waterlemon Cay

Waterlemon Cay is one of the most beautiful areas to explore in Virgin Islands National Park. Snorkeling here is incredible with rays, sharks, and beautiful reefs. Hikers can take in the scenic panoramic views of the bay from the Leinster Bay Trail.

7. Soak In the Idyllic Tropical Setting of Trunk Cay

Arguably the most iconic location in all of the Caribbean, Trunk Bay representing the epitome of the idyllic island paradise. Palm trees, crystal blue waters, sea turtles, snorkeling, and even the famous “underwater trail” await you at this beautiful white sand destination.

Trunk Bay is easily accessed via the main park road and is full of wonderful things to do.

Where to Stay – Camping & Lodging

Cinnamon Bay Campground

Great news here folks! After years of rehabilitation following the devastating affects of a series of hurricanes, Cinnamon Bay Campground has re-opened for campers offering the only camping in Virgin Islands National Park!

The new grounds are pretty amazing with a variety of services including bare sites for tents, tents rentals, luxury eco-tents, and even cottages.

I highly recommend checking out this camping area and reserving a campsite as early as you can.

Virgin Islands Hotels, Motels, & Resorts

Virgin Islands National Park has a single flagship resort inside the park with luxurious onsite dining options that was open prior to the hurricane. As a result of damage sustained, and disputes with the current owners and the US Department of Interior, Caneel Bay Resort is closed at least through 2022.

Where to Eat – Restaurants & Food Options

Virgin Islands National Park has a number of dining options located in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay:

• The Longboard (Cruz Bay)
• Cruz Bay Landing (Cruz Bay)
• Lime Inn (Cruz Bay)
• High Tide (Cruz Bay)

Driving in Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park has no official park shuttle to get around the park. To get around the park visitors will need to bring their own mode of transportation.

Currently a car is the best mode of transport in the park and can tourists not from the island should find a rental car from St Thomas and take the ferry to St John.

Alternatively, there are a few taxi services that operate on the island, mostly open air “safari-style” vehicles. Many of these taxis run on a fairly regular basis from Cruz Bay to many of the top tourist spots on St. John.

Photos of Virgin Islands National Park

Photos of Virgin Islands from the production of our film.

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap folks! Hopefully you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to Virgin Islands National Park. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

So, I hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

Here’s Some Related Posts

• Washington’s National Parks are the Best in the World – Complete Guide
• EPIC Guide to All of Alaska’s National Parks
• ALL 63 National Parks Ranked from Best to Worst 2021
• 10 Best National Parks Road Trips in America

Pin Virgin Islands National Park!

The post Virgin Islands National Park (An Expert Guide + Stunning Video) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

ARTICLE OVERVIEW: 2024 Solar Eclipse Path

The 2024 Solar Eclipse will bring a brushstroke of darkness from Texas to Maine on April 8, with 43 million people in its path and millions more on the way. The prime destinations should be along a narrow line called the “Path of Totality.” Even just a few miles one way or another can limit the exceptional experience of totality.

You aren’t too late to start planning your 2024 eclipse trip, and we’re here to help you as we’ve been planning this adventure since just after the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. Another total solar eclipse won’t cross the United States until 2044.

America’s public lands are some of the best viewing locations. First, they are preserved with plenty of space for everyone. Second, experts will be on hand to help maximize the experience. Thirdly, the two national parks in the path of totality have no entrance fees!

Where is the best viewing spot? How long will it last? Where can you get glasses to view the eclipse safely? And is the 2024 Solar Eclipse really worth it?

Let’s dive into the details.

Table of Contents: Solar Eclipse 2024 at National Parks

What is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse?

It helps to understand how the Earth, Sun, and Moon orbit to wrap your head around the rarity of a solar eclipse. The moon rotates around the earth every 27 days or so while the Earth orbits the sun in a full cycle that spans 365 days.

The moon rotates with a 5° tilt, which is how we get different phases of the month throughout the year. That slight tilt means it takes a very particular set of circumstances to experience the rarest of all eclipses – a total solar eclipse.

This can only happen when the moon is directly between Earth and the Sun. But that’s only part of the equation. As we saw in the 2023 Annular “Ring of Fire” eclipse, the Moon was perfectly aligned between Earth and the Sun.

The only hiccup was that the moon wasn’t close enough to Earth to cover the sun fully. The “Ring of Fire” was the overflow of the sun around the moon.

However, during a Total Solar Eclipse, the Moon – which is 400 times smaller than the Sun – also happens to be 400 times closer to Earth than the Sun. That’s why the sun and the moon look similar in size from your perspective. On the rare occasion when the moon can completely block the sun by being just close enough to the earth, we get the Total Solar Eclipse, as will happen on April 8, 2024.

The Moving Moon: The moon moves about 1.5 inches away from Earth every year. That means in the (very, very distant) future, a total solar eclipse won’t be possible.

Best Cities to View 2024 Eclipse

Without getting too scientific on you, the axis tilt and evolving movement of the Moon and Earth means a short window for total darkness during an eclipse. The entire experience is 2-3 hours in length as the moon moves in front of the sun. During a few fleeting minutes, the moon’s shadow covers a narrow slice of land.

Anyone in the path of the eclipse will experience one of two shadows.

• The umbra is the darkest part of the shadow (total eclipse), where no light from the source can reach. It is located directly behind the object casting the shadow. The umbra is cone-shaped, with its apex at the object and its base expanding away from the object.
• The penumbra is the partially shaded region of the shadow (partial eclipse), where some light from the source can still reach. It surrounds the umbra and is less dark than the umbra. The penumbra is also cone-shaped, but its apex is wider than the apex of the umbra.

At the same time, it’s important to know that not every city along the path of the eclipse will have darkness for the same length of time. We’ve done the math to offer you the longest totality locations in the path of the 2024 Solar Eclipse.

Top 10 Cities for Longest Solar Eclipse Totality

The longest totality is 4 minutes and 23 seconds, with the shortest totality being 1 minute and 23 seconds.

Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses Now: Even the parks that offer free glasses are likely to run out and the closer we get to April 8, the more expensive and hard-to-find the glasses will become. We recommend these glasses as they meet all the NASA standards to protect your eyes.

States and Cities in 2024 Solar Eclipse Path

The eclipse goes through 13 states after entering from Mexico into Texas and before exiting Maine into Canada.

Those states are:

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Arkansas
4. Missouri
5. Illinois
6. Kentucky
7. Indiana
8. Ohio
9. Pennsylvania
10. New York
11. Vermont
12. New Hampshire
13. Maine

As you can see in the map below, only narrow slices of those states are included. The number of major metropolitan areas is whittled down to just a handful. Knowing these cities might also help with your air travel plans.

• Dallas, Texas
• Fort Worth, Texas
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, New York

Solar Eclipse 2024 Interactive Map

National Parks in 2024 Eclipse Path

Choosing to view the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at a National Park or National Park Service site makes sense since there’s a lot of space and a safe environment for families.

For the April 2024 Eclipse, just two National Parks are on the path, and they each bring something unique to explore beyond the celestial sights. However, I’ve put together a full list of National Park Sites and National Forests in the path.

Get your children involved by helping them become an Eclipse Explorer through the Junior Ranger Program.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

April 8, 2024, will mark the first time Arkansas has been in a Path of Totality since 1918. Located in the heart of Arkansas, the park encompasses over 5,500 acres of scenic landscapes.

One thing some visitors will like is that the park doesn’t feel like a traditional national park since it’s technically an “urban” park. That means downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row will also be brimming with eclipse activities.

Best Views in Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park offers 26 miles of hiking trails and some scenic drives that lead to seven great overlooks. The spacious skies from these overlooks in Hot Springs National Park will make ideal viewing for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

• Hot Springs Mountain Lookout Point: Stunning views of the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains.
• Goat Rock Overlook: A view above the Zigzag Mountains and Silver Mountain.
• West Mountain Lower Overlook: This is one of my favorite overlooks in the park. Bathhouse Row is below, and the view is straight across to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Overlook.
• West Mountain Picnic Overlook: Higher up that same mountain, a picnic area built in 1924 offers better views of downtown Hot Springs.
• West Mountain Loop Overlook: This is the top of West Mountain with 180° views of the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton.
• Hot Springs Mountain Tower Overlook: The best panoramic views in the park, the Mountain Tower stands nearly 1,300 feet above sea level.
• Balanced Rock Overlook: Located in one of the most remote park sections, this spur trail to Balanced Rock is off the Sunset Trail.

Bathhouse Row Views

One of the most unique aspects of Hot Springs National Park is its historic Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight ornate bathhouses dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These grand buildings, with their towering architecture and intricate details, provide a picturesque backdrop for viewing the eclipse.

Camping at Hot Springs National Park

The park has one campsite with 40 sites, but those were sold out quickly. We do have some helpful information we research to find campsites that might be available for you. Simply use this link to Recreation.gov, and you can see nearby available campsites. Keep in mind that “nearby” might be liberal when it comes to finding a site for this busy event.

Best Places Near Hot Springs National Park to See the Eclipse

You can make a long weekend of the 2024 Solar Eclipse experience because the town hosts several locations with activities beginning on Friday, April 5.

We’ve gathered up local events and activities across the Arkansas 2024 Solar Eclipse path of totality to help expand your trip options.

• Attractions Near Hot Springs
• Jonesboro
• Little Rock
• Mountain Home
• Texarkana

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Ohio’s path of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse includes the largest metro areas and a national park on the entire path. The park is tucked between Cleveland and Akron, yet once you’re immersed in the scenery, you feel miles away from any urban area.

With more than 33,000 acres of forest, waterfalls, gorges, and waterways. Train rides and historic buildings add to the experience before or after viewing the eclipse. The park’s length spans 22 miles of roadway, offering several entrance and exit points along the way. Pick your viewing location ahead of time to avoid sitting in miles of traffic.

The chance of seeing an eclipse again won’t happen until 2099, and the previous one was in 1806!

Best Views for 2024 Solar Eclipse in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The park regularly offers night sky activities, and we’re tapping into those locations as the best spots to see the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Ohio. We’re breaking this down by the direction of the sky you’ll see. The path of totality moves from southwest to northeast.

Western Sky Views

• Beaver Marsh: Located on the southern end of the park, try to score a spot on the walkway for the best viewing and photos.
• Jaite Meadows: Centrally located in the park, this is off the Red Lock Trailhead.

North and East Sky Views

• Pine Hollow: Pine Hollow offers amazing views to the north and is one of the best places in the park to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) when conditions are right. Check the Space Weather Conditions during your trip.
• Oak Hill Trailhead: While this spot offers the darkest night skies in the park, it’s also one of the prime viewing locations for the eclipse.

Map of Best Solar Eclipse Locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Camping in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Most importantly, there isn’t camping in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can consider other camping options within 50 miles of the park, but those will likely sell out quickly. We checked many of the closest ones to the park, and they are sold out already in 2023.

We recommend starting with the campsites in the “Under 50 Miles” category, as there are openings as of late 2023.

Places Near Cuyahoga Valley to See Total Solar Eclipse

As noted above, many communities are planning weekend events since the eclipse happens on a Monday. In fact, many schools on the path of totality across Ohio are closed for the 2024 Solar Eclipse.

You can use this link to find other parks and spaces within the 124-mile span of eclipse totality. Here are a few ideas to expand your Ohio 2024 Solar Eclipse trip to include nearby communities. We’ve made it easy for you to visit the tourist sites for each location.

• Akron
• Cleveland
• Findlay
• Mansfield
• Shores & Islands: Includes Cedar Point, Sandusky, and Put-In-Bay.
• Toledo

All National Park Service Sites in Path of 2024 Eclipse

National Forests in 2024 Solar Eclipse Path

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds of the national parks, consider the national forests under the Forest Service that are also in the path of totality. Finding last-minute Solar Eclipse 2024 camping options at these forests might be better than chasing down individual spots.

FULL LIST: National Forest Locations in Path of 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Arkansas

Ouachita National Forest: The entire forest is in Path of Totality.

Ozark St. Francis National Forest: The eastern half is in the eclipse path.

Missouri

Mark Twain National Forest: The southeastern section is in the eclipse path.

Big Spring – Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Event with Smokey Bear and Zark Side of the Moon Festival.

Illinois

Shawnee National Forest: Most of the forest is in Path of Totality. Designated campsites are expected to sell out, but dispersed camping is allowed.

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest: Here’s a map showing the parts of the forest in the path of totality.

New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest offers advice and safety guidance due to Mud Season.

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest: Very small sections of the forest are in the path, but campsites might be more readily available here if you can drive to the total solar eclipse portion.

What State is Least Likely to Have Cloud Cover for Eclipse 2024?

We crunched some data to help make an educated guess decision on where the clouds are most likely to be cloud-free on April 8, 2024.

Based on the average cloud cover, the states with the best chance of clear skies for a solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, are, from best to worst:

1. Texas
2. New Hampshire
3. Maine
4. Vermont
5. Arkansas
6. Oklahoma
7. Missouri
8. Ohio
9. Indiana
10. Illinois
11. Pennsylvania
12. New York
13. Kentucky

We tracked the weather on April 8, 2023. For example, Maine’s Houlton and Katahdin Woods & Waters had clear skies. Dallas had 30% cloud cover. Hot Springs was completely cloud-covered. Akron was dealing with severe thunderstorms and an EF-1 tornado nearby.

While just a matter of luck, it’s also important to realize other aspects of the weather in each region. For example, Maine is in the middle of what’s called “Mud Season” in April. That means many trails and roadways will be thick with mud or closed to protect the trails.

April is also known as Tornado Season from Texas to Ohio. Actually, the eclipse path looks a lot like what a severe thunderstorm path could be!

Places like Maine, Vermont, and New York could still get a big snowstorm in early April.

Keeping a close eye on the weather in the 10 days before the eclipse is important for viewing locations, but also for outdoor safety.

Pin 2024 Eclipse in National Parks

Helpful Related Links in 2024 Solar Eclipse States

Visiting Missouri?: Gateway Arch National Park

Show Me More Show Me State: 6 GREAT Missouri National Parks (Photos + Helpful Tips)

Viewing from Dallas?: 5 EPIC National Parks Near Dallas You’ll Love (Photos + Guide)

Headed to New Hampshire?: 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In New Hampshire (Guide + Photos)

More About Maine: 6 EPIC Maine National Parks Worth Visiting (Helpful Guide + Photos)

Vermont Visitors: 3 (EPIC) Vermont National Parks for Your Visit to the Green Mountain State

Little Rock Love: 6 EPIC National Parks Near Little Rock You’ll Love (Photos + Guide)

Oklahoma Is More Than OK: 7 SURPRISING Oklahoma National Parks (Photos + Tips) 2023

Let’s Go Ohio!: 10 EPIC Ohio National Parks Worth Visiting (Helpful Guide + Photos)

Indiana Adventures: 5 SURPRISING National Parks Near Indianapolis You’ll Love (Guide)

Land of Lincoln: 5 EPIC Illinois National Parks (An Expert Guide + Photos)

Plan for Pennsylvania: 22 EPIC Pennsylvania National Parks Worth Visiting (Guide + Photos)

Know More About New York: 25 EPIC New York State National Parks to Visit (Helpful Guide + Photos)

Race Around Kentuck: 6 BEST Kentucky National Parks Worth Visiting (Guide + Photos)

The post ULTIMATE 2024 Solar Eclipse National Park Planning Guide appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Gateway Arch National Park is unlike any other national park in the country, providing an urban experience around the nation’s tallest monument.

At just 91 acres, the national park around Gateway Arch remains the smallest in the country. Instead of climbing mountains, you can ride to the top of the 630-foot Arch. Around the park, you learn about westward expansion and critical civil rights issues that shaped our nation.

I grew up in St. Louis, and I’ve been visiting “The Arch,” as we call it, since my 1st-grade field trip. I sat on those famed riverfront steps every year to watch the 4th of July fireworks.

Living in Florida in 2018, a friend said, “Hey! Your hometown has a national park at the Gateway Arch.” I said, “Oh, no, The Arch isn’t like Arches National Park. It’s a structure built by humans in the center of downtown.” Maybe it was a national monument now?

I was flabbergasted, as many were, but yet still proud of my hometown making things happen. Especially so in a downtown more known as the “Most Dangerous City in America.”

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or just plain curious, this guide covers it all. You might be surprised how much stuff they can fit into 91 acres of urban Mississippi riverfront.

Online Editor & Social Media Manager

Jennifer Hardy

5 Quick Things to Know about Gateway Arch National Park

1. Walking the grounds outside the Gateway Arch and inside the museum is free, but you’ll pay for tickets to ride the tram, take a riverboat cruise, or other add-ons. Your America the Beautiful Pass will get you a discount on some of the attractions here, plus access to 2,000+ public lands for a year.
2. The National Park Service doesn’t offer parking, but you can get a discount at the 200 S. Broadway parking garage. Since the garage is shared with the public and is close to Busch Stadium, you’ll want to pay for parking in advance. Otherwise, park at your own convenience around downtown St. Louis.
3. Timed entry for tram rides to the top of Gateway Arch is in place year-round. Buy your tickets as soon as you know you’ll be visiting. Especially in summer, these can sell out quickly.
4. Expect to go through security when going inside the Gateway Arch, much like you do at an airport. This could take up to 30 minutes.
5. Two park seasons here mean hours change between Memorial Day and Labor Day for summer, and winter hours are in place from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The riverboats only run from March through November.

Where is the Gateway Arch?

Gateway Arch National Park sits on the Mississippi River at the edge of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The city rises around the park, making it the only urban setting national park in America.

The main section of the outdoor “park” setting is between the river, I-44, Poplar Street, and the Eades Bridge access road. It’s worth noting that the park walks over the interstate in a way that makes you not realize there’s an interstate below you.

In addition, several trails wind around the reflection ponds of the park, and that area spans more than 12 football fields in length from north to south and about three football fields from east to west. That said, this is far from “hiking.”

A two-block section stretches west past the highway walkover. That’s where Luther Ely Smith Park and the Old Courthouse are located.

Gateway Arch Map

FASCINATING FACTS: To learn more, check out our 10 Fascinating Facts About Gateway Arch National Park article.

Getting to Gateway Arch National Park

The drive from Gateway Arch National Park to St. Louis Lamber International Airport takes about 20 minutes on I-70. You’ll pass some of the most dangerous parts of St. Louis, so don’t leave the interstate.

I would recommend going a few more miles to drive I-64/Highway 40 to I-170 to get to the airport. Plus, you’ll pass some of the more iconic locations of the Gateway City.

St. Louis’ downtown offers a perfect position for a road trip, as it’s where I-64, I-55, I-70, and I-44 meet.

• Chicago: 296 miles, 4:30 Drive Time
• Kansas City: 249 Miles, 3:50 Drive Time
• Louisville: 260 Miles, 4:00 Drive Time
• Memphis: 284 Miles, 4:00 Drive Time
• Oklahoma City: 499 Miles, 7:25 Drive Time

The Amtrak station in St. Louis is just 1.5 miles away and also close to Union Station.

Things to Do at Gateway Arch National Park

For the purposes of this article, we’re just going to focus on things to do at Gateway Arch National Park or activities affiliated with the park. For more about visiting St. Louis, check out Explore St. Louis.

The Museum at Gateway Arch

One of the best reasons to explore Gateway Arch National Park is the free museum underneath the legs. I am so used to calling it the Museum of Westward Expansion, but the name changed with renovations in 2018. It was the first facelift since 1976.

Here’s what to expect:

• Six interactive galleries: Explore over 200 years of history through six distinct galleries, each with its own unique theme. You’ll encounter stories of the city’s founding, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Dred Scott case, and the construction of the Gateway Arch itself.
• Multiple perspectives: The museum strives to present a well-rounded understanding of history by showcasing diverse viewpoints and experiences. You’ll encounter stories from Native Americans, European settlers, African Americans, and other groups who have shaped St. Louis.
• Artifacts and interactives: The museum brings history to life with a collection of over 1,000 artifacts, including clothing, tools, and documents. You can also engage with interactive exhibits that allow you to explore different aspects of St. Louis’s past.
• Universal design: The museum is designed to be accessible to visitors of all abilities. Wide pathways, clear signage, and tactile exhibits make it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience.

Ride Up the Arch

The ride up the arch offers an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Somewhere between a gondola and an amusement park ride, the “pods” fit. You do need timed entry tickets to take this ride.

Gateway Arch Tram Ride

Get to Gateway Arch National Park a good hour before your tram tour time since you’ll need to go through security and walk to the tram access points. Be prepared to wait up to another 30-60 minutes to get on the tram. During this time, video and ranger presentations will keep you attentive.

Five people can fit in a pod at one time, meaning you could share the pod with people outside of your party, or your larger party might be split up between two pods. Trams go up and down the “legs” of the arch.

DON’T LIKE SMALL SPACES? If you’re not good with confined spaces, you should know this is a small, futuristic pod about five feet in diameter. You can ask to sit in a pod to see if you’re comfortable enough to take the tour before you buy a ticket.

The ride takes four minutes to the top, traveling about 750 feet (remember, you started underground) at nearly four miles per hour. The pod sort of clunks along on its way up, like a Ferris Wheel or rollercoaster. The doors have windows, but you won’t see anything but the mechanical inseam of the Arch legs.

Top of the Gateway Arch

You arrive at the top to find the long, arched hallway that is the top of the Gateway Arch. The window designs give you an awkward but intimate look at the landscape. The top of the Gateway Arch offers 32 windows (16 on each side), and the window size is about half a foot tall by over two feet wide. You’ll lean over on the “counter” below the windows to get the best views.

One thing that changed at Gateway Arch National Park once the official designation was given is that you can’t stay at the top as long as you’d like. You’ll get no more than 10 minutes to soak in the views and snap photos. As many as 6,400 people a day take the ride to the top during the busy summer months.

SCARED OF HEIGHTS?: I’ll admit, I don’t like heights. However, the Arch is one place that never bothered me too much. You aren’t constantly aware that you’re 630 feet up. The only vertigo happened when I leaned in to look out a window. However, some people would not handle the heights here well. I think the cramped pods are worse for claustrophobia than the top of Gateway Arch is for acrophobia. Disagree? Let our readers know in the comments below. We all have different experiences.

The ride back down takes three minutes, with gravity helping shave off a minute.

To get the best views a the top of the Gateway Arch, plan your trip in winter, and time your entry to the sunset. You’ll get a great view looking west over St. Louis as the sun drops on the sky – well, at least 10 minutes of it.

Virtual Reality Tour

Another add-on or individual ticket purchase available at Gateway Arch National Park uses virtual reality to transport you back to the 1850s in St. Louis. The Cobblestones & Courage ticket is no more than $10 and is recommended for those five and older.

Guests sit in a theater wearing VR goggles and see the working waterfront during the Steamboat Era of the Mississippi River.

Since most of what was first downtown St. Louis was torn down to make way for the arch in the mid-1900s, it’s the most vivid way to see what life was like back then.

Monument to the Dream Movie

The 35-minute documentary focuses on the architecture and engineering of the Arch, from architect Eero Saarinen’s Design to those that made the Arch defy gravity and stand taller than any other monument in America.

You can find copies of this documentary online for purchase, but unless there’s a bootleg YouTube video, the $7 ticket price to watch the movie under the Arch is one of the best values.

Monument to the Dream received an Oscar nod for Best Documentary Short at the 1968 Academy Awards. It didn’t win, but guess what did? The Redwoods, a movie that helped create Redwood National Park in 1968.

Riverboat Ride

As an avid Mark Twain fan in my younger years, I dreamed of boarding one of those riverboats and taking off with Huck Finn to explore.

Your choices for a boat ride include a one-hour ride with narration along the way, special cruises (like with an NPS Ranger guide or Marine Highway System expert), or a cruise with a meal for lunch or the skyline at dinner.

For what it’s worth, the price to take the one-hour boat is almost 40% less than the boat ride for Many Glacier at Glacier National Park. In addition, the riverboat ride in St. Louis is the same if you purchase it with your national park tour or as a separate activity.

Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse in St. Louis holds more history than the average non-Missourian would know off the cuff. A major renovation project slated to finish in mid-2025 will tell the stories of the hallowed halls with new exhibits and revamped services for all.

The courthouse dates back to 1828, but the increase in the population of St. Louis demanded another courthouse, which was built including the original structure in the 1840s. Another period of construction followed in 1851.

The dome of the Old Courthouse taps into the design of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, much like the U.S. Capitol Building does.

We’ll update this section with more photos and information as the renovation completion nears.

Old Courthouse History

The Old Courthouse in St. Louis holds a significant place in both American and civil rights history. Here are some of the noteworthy events that transpired within its walls:

• Dred Scott Case: In 1847 and 1850, the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case, which challenged the legal status of enslaved people in free territories, took place here. Although Scott initially won his case, it was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court, significantly escalating tensions leading to the Civil War.
• Virginia Minor’s Suffrage Case: In the 1870s, Virginia Minor argued her right to vote in the Missouri Supreme Court within the Old Courthouse. While she ultimately lost, her case became a rallying cry for the women’s suffrage movement.
• Underground Railroad Connection: While not directly part of the Underground Railroad network, the Old Courthouse witnessed hundreds of suits for freedom filed by enslaved people, highlighting the fight against slavery in the region.

Gateway Arch National Park Grounds

The outdoor space at the Gateway Arch National Park includes five miles of walking paths, two reflection pools, stairs leading to the levy of the Mississippi River, and a small park called Luther Ely Smith Square, named after the man who championed the effort to build a memorial here.

The Grain Staircase’s 65 steps feel more intense because they are wider than your average steps, with some longer spans in the middle to rest or soak in the views. The staircase spans 300-400 feet across, and many people sit here to enjoy lunch or watch the sunrise.

The pathways offer kiosks explaining local history and some of the surrounding landmarks like Eades Bridge, Laclede’s Landing, and Lewis & Clark’s adventures.

Places Near Gateway Arch National Park

The boundaries of the park are detailed on the map provided above, but without a fence or marked boundaries on site, you might not realize when the park ends and the city of St. Louis begins.

A few historical places to note:

• The Old Cathedral: The formal name is the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and it was the first cathedral on this side of the Mississippi River. Self-guided tours are free, or you can visit on Sunday after mass to get a guided tour. The history here dates back to the 1760s.
• Eades Bridge: The northern pathways of Gateway Arch National Park take you along the edge of this marvelous feat of engineering and the first bridge over the river in St. Louis, finished in 1874. Some of the engineering inspired the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Walt Whitman called it “a structure of perfection and beauty unsurpassable.”
• The Captains’s Return: A celebratory statue of Lewis & Clark with Lewis’s dog Seaman after exploring the West and returning to St. Louis several years later.
• Laclede’s Landing: “The Landing,” as locals call it, was where St. Louis all started as Pierre Laclede set up a fur trade in 1763. It’s right next to the Gateway Arch and is a great place to explore, but more of an entertainment district if you don’t know what to look for in the stunning architecture.

Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, is just a few blocks away, and Ballpark Village is another great place to hang out before or after a visit to Gateway Arch National Park.

Why is Gateway Arch a National Park?

Many people wonder (or argue) about how a human-created Arch and courthouse fall into the National Park category. That’s in the same tier as the likes of Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Denali.

As it turns out, the memorial on the riverfront in St. Louis was always wrought with controversy.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Downtown St. Louis was derelict in the 1930s, at least the initial plot of land that held so much history through the Revoluntionary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the first steps of Lewis & Clark. Luther Ely Smith convinced President Theodore Roosevelt to put it under the National Park Service.

Iterations of litigation followed, with some fighting back against taking 40 acres of prime riverfront and leveling it for a memorial. In the end, the strongarm of the federal government forced the railroad and utility companies off the land. A memorial was coming – like it or not, and that land no longer belonged to the city of St. Louis or its residents.

World War II stopped the process for a while, and then the search for an architect to create an icon was underway. The Gateway Arch was finished in 1965. It is now a global icon for St. Louis, though it’s unclear how many people know at first glance what it’s for.

National Park Designation

In 2007, a plan to create a multi-use riverfront park was presented without the support or knowledge of the National Park Service. (And I have a better chance of fitting into the jeans I wore in high school than the National Park Service ever giving up its land.)

In the 2010s, St. Louis began an effort to improve and renovate the area, but it took $380 million dollars and didn’t bring the financial boon that was expected. In June 2017, Missouri Senator Roy Blunt presented a bill to remove the name Jefferson Expansion National Memorial and change the name (and status) to Gateway Arch National Park.

Even the acting Deputy Direction of the Department of the Interior said in congresional hearings, “National parks contain a variety of resources and encompass large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources. The existing 59 designated national parks protect, at a minimum, thousands of acres each, and some span millions of acres… we believe that the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is too small and limited…to be called a national park. Since it is a site similar to the Statue of Liberty National Monument…we believe that a more fitting name for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial would be ‘Gateway Arch National Monument.'”

In an era where Congress moved slowly on many important topics, somehow, President Donald Trump signed the act establishing America’s newest national park just eight months later.

Political favors? A chess move to get more tourists? A tweaking of the stature that comes with national parks? Everyone has an opinion. Nobody has a choice but to accept it for what it is and enjoy the honoring of history, not the controversy.

Pin Gateway Arch National Park Guide

Helpful Related Links

More Near St. Louis: 5 EPIC National Parks Near St. Louis

Show Me More MO: 15 MUST-SEE Missouri Landmarks (Expert Guide + Photos)

Cross the River: 5 EPIC Illinois National Parks (An Expert Guide + Photos)

Land of Lincoln: 20 MUST-SEE Illinois Landmarks (Expert Guide + Photos)

Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited National Parks (+ Complete List)

Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks (+ Complete List)

List of National Parks: Complete List of US National Parks

National Parks Ranked: All 63 US National Parks Ranked by Experts

Map of the National Parks: Printable Map of the National Parks

The post The BEST Gateway Arch National Park Guide (+Ticket & Tram Help) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Overview: Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Over the years, largely due to the film my brother Jim and I co-produced being picked up by National Geographic (see below), we’ve had a lot of requests from friends, family, and strangers to create itineraries for their trips to Grand Teton National Park.

About Our Travels to Grand Teton National Park

What started many years ago as lengthy text messages, then a Google doc, has finally been turned into an “official” Grand Teton National Park Guide.

My brother Jim and I first visited Grand Teton National Park back in 2016 with a small film crew and were tasked with finding the most beautiful places in the park.

What an undertaking! Grand Teton is truly one of those places that anywhere you look seems to be postcard worthy. Since that trip, I have returned almost yearly to bask in the pristine beauty that comprises Grand Teton National Park.

I prefer Grand Teton to Yellowstone, which is located just north of the park, because of the overall scenery, wildlife, and crowds.

Earlier in 2023, we (me & my brother/co-founder Jim – pictured above) ranked all of the national parks, and Grand Teton made the #2 spot on the list!

Is Grand Teton Still Worth the Visit?

In recent years, the park has seen a massive influx of folks (like myself) who want to get a glimpse of this breathtaking destination. Who can blame us? However, one question I’ve been getting asked more and more lately is, “Is it still worth it to visit Grand Teton despite the crowds?”

The answer is yes. It just requires a bit more due diligence and planning these days to have the best possible time.

This post is different from others in that our goal is for you to see the most amazing sites (including wildlife), beat the crowds by going to some of the lesser-traveled (but equally amazing) spots, and visit the park safely.

I want you to be able to visit Grand Teton in a way that leaves it in great condition for the next folks. I’ll also cover things to do, the best places to eat, where to stay, getting to the park, and more.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Let’s get started!

Visiting Grand Teton National Park – A Guide

About Grand Teton National Park

Located in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.

This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty.

The park derives its name from the mighty Teton Range, popularly known as simply the Tetons or the Grand Tetons. The park’s creation and eventual scale (in terms of acreage) was largely made possible by John D. Rockefeller Jr., son of the famous oil tycoon.

Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Entrance Fees

$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months, we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) which gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Grand Teton Map

The best map for the park: We like this map the best.

Best Guide Book

The best guide book for Grand Teton: This is our favorite guide for Grand Teton.

Mosquitoes

During the months of June and July, expect to find mosquitoes at varying levels. I recommend this bug spray which has worked for me in the park and is environmentally friendly.

Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park

The Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park is in Spring and Fall to take advantage of lesser crowds and beautiful scenery. Summer is a great time to visit as well, but it will be crowded.

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principles of Leave No Trace here.

Bear Spray

Bear Spray: It’s a good thing to have on lots of the trails here. We like this one.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on trails in most national parks due to their potentially disruptive presence in the natural ecosystem. The basic rule is they are allowed where cars can go so be sure to check the rules before bringing along your furry friend.

Details About Grand Teton National Park

• Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Established: February 26, 1929
• Size: 310,000 acres
• Native Land: Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Nez Perce, Shoshone
• Visitors: 3,289,638 (in 2020)
• Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle; $70 annual pass (or $80 for America the Beautiful Pass)

Grand Teton National Park Map

RELATED: Best Grand Teton National Park Maps

Where is Grand Teton National Park?

Grand Teton National Park is located on the Western side of Wyoming in Jackson Hole. The park shares a border with the more popular Yellowstone National Park to the north, the less-visited Bridger-Teton National Forest to the east, and the even lesser-visited Caribou-Targhee National Forest to the west.

Getting To The Park – Directions & Location

There are many ways to get to Grand Teton. The deciding factors in getting to Grand Teton are cost and time.

Closest Airport: JAC – Jackson Hole, WY (distance 0 miles from the park)

The fastest way to get to Grand Teton National Park is by plane, flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The airport is basically in the park and offers sweeping views of the Tetons from the grounds.

If money is no issue and time is paramount, this is the way to go. Major airlines such as Delta service this airport, so finding a flight shouldn’t be a problem – the price, however, is typically steep.

The cheapest way to get to Grand Teton is by simply driving to the park. This is a great, budget-friendly option. Depending on your access to a car and the distance you’re willing to drive (see my national park road trips post), you may want to fly somewhere more affordable and rent a car from there.

My recommendation is to check both rental car prices and flight prices at other nearby airports like Salt Lake City (SLC) – 5 hours away and Twin Falls (TWF) – 4.5 hours away. The savings for finding an alternative airport to fly into and rent a car from can sometimes be in the thousands.

RELATED: The Ultimate National Parks Road Trip

Watch the Award Winning Grand Teton Video

About the Grand Teton Video

GRAND TETON 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and the foothills of the Teton Mountain Range.

Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.

Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic beauty. This is Grand Teton. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.

To make this film happen, we spent nearly a month in Grand Teton during June & July. Of all the films we’ve shot, this one features the most wildlife. We captured bison, elk, moose, bears, foxes, beavers, and more.

RELATED: 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Grand Teton Weather & Seasons

Weather in Grand Teton can be fairly unpredictable, so always come prepared for a range of weather regardless of what time of year you plan to visit.

Best Time to Visit Grand Teton

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is late spring and early summer (the end of June & beginning of July).

Visitation during this time of year has not yet hit its peak, temperatures are warm enough but still mild, and wildlife is on the move.

The downside of visiting during this time of year is precipitation and mosquitoes.

It’s difficult to time when exactly the mosquitoes hatch each year, but basically, the same reasons that make it a great time to visit for you apply to them.

Grand Teton National Park Seasons

Spring in Grand Teton

Spring can be a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park as crowds are down and temperatures are on the rise.

I recommend late spring (think June) for the best experience. Make sure to plan for rain if you visit in the Spring as it’s all but guaranteed.

Late June can bring mosquitoes so pack bug spray (I recommend this eco-friendly one)

Summer in Grand Teton

Summer is the best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park as temperatures are pleasant reaching the upper 70s with lows in the mid 40s.

Wildflowers pop all over the park during July creating some dazzling displays. Wildlife is out and about with bears coming down from the mountains, wolves rearing pups, and more.

The major downside to summer is the crowds. Popular places like Jenny Lake will be at capacity by mid-morning with lines and traffic.

If you’re planning to visit this time of year make sure to plan early wake ups and pack your patience.

Fall in Grand Teton

Fall can be a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park as visitation plummets with kids going back to school.

Peak fall foliage in the park can be spectacular but happens earlier than most of the country, typically in mid to late September.

RELATED: 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide)

Winter in Grand Teton

Winter is a favorite time of year to visit the park for snow enthusiasts. There are great skiing opportunities and all sorts of breathtaking scenery to take in with none of the crowds.

Winter is my least favorite season to visit Grand Teton, but it doesn’t have to be yours.

Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

1. Schwabacher Landing

As one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park, Lower Scwabacher Landing is popular due to the mirror reflection of the tetons in the water creating a stunning photo composition. This is one of the best spots in the park to see a sunrise.

RELATED: 17 EPIC GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK HIKES

2. Sunset at Snake River Overlook

Perhaps the best place in the park to see sunset, Snake River Overlook is one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park. This location was actually made famous by Ansel Adams back in the day.

Since Adams famously photographed this spot, the national park service has allowed trees to grow in and obscure this treasured viewpoint.

3. Wildlife Viewing

Grand Teton is home to an incredible array of wildlife, much of which can be viewed safely and easily when following best practices. Bison, Elk, Beavers, Wolves, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Moose, Deer, Pikas, Marmots, and so many more animals can be seen here thriving in their natural habitat.

For more on where to see wildlife read on.

4. Hiking

Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America happen to be in Grand Teton. A few of our favorite hikes include:

• Taggart Lake Loop
• String Lake Loop
• Death Canyon
• Cascade Canyon Trail
• Jenny Lake Loop
• Amphitheater Lake Loop

RELATED: 17 EPIC GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK HIKES (Photos + Video)

5. Rafting the Snake River

The Snake River is a congressionally designated Wild & Scenic River meaning it is stunningly beautiful. There’s no better way to soak it in, then rafting down it.

6. Moulton Barn

The Moulton Barn is part of the area known as Mormon Row in the park, which features a few beautiful and historic barns.

Located off of the aptly named Antelope Flat Road, this barn is surrounded by some great wildlife viewing areas.

7. Oxbow Bend

Grand Teton is most beautiful during the sunrise hour of the morning. The best place in Grand Teton to catch a sunrise is from Oxbow Bend, where the reflection of Mount Moran dazzles on a clear day.

Where to Stay in Grand Teton – Camping & Lodging

Camping in Grand Teton

Grand Teton is home to 6 campgrounds containing 1052 individual campsites (including standard, hiker/biker, electric, full hook up, pull through, and group) and an RV park with an additional 122 sites.

That may sound like a lot, but these sites fill up fast, especially during the peak summer season.

For detailed camping & campsite information, including availability, seasons, and more, visit the park service site.

Grand Teton Lodging – Hotels & Lodges

Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful national park lodges in the world.

The Jackson Lake Lodge & Jenny Lake Lodges are considered by many to be among the crown jewels of the entire system.

The catch is the price – most of these lodges come with a hefty price tag which makes staying at one of these unattainable for most American families.

Prices at the Jackson Lake Lodge, for example, start at $356/night for their classic “two queen room” and run all the way up to nearly a thousand dollars for their “Moran Suite.”

If you think that’s steep, just ask for a “Deluxe Suite Cabin” at the Jenny Lake Lodge, which sleeps 4. The price? A cool $1,770.00 dollars per night.

When Yellowstone (Grand Teton’s neighbor to the north) was created as the first national park, it was done so with the phrase “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

The question today regarding the lodges is which “people” were the legislators referring to?

List of Lodges at Grand Teton National Park (with 2021 prices):

• Jenny Lake Lodge (rooms ranging from $576 – $1,770)
• Jackson Lake Lodge (rooms ranging from $356 – $880)
• Colter Bay Cabins (“tent cabins” starting at $79 – up to $276 for more deluxe options)
• Signal Mountain Lodge ($288 – $528)
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins (“camper cabins ” starting at $81 – up to $341 for the “premium cabin”)

Other Lodging Options

For more lodging options, check out the town of Jackson, which has a few hotel and B&B options. They will also likely be pricey regardless of the time of year.

Beat the Crowds on the Bridger-Teton National Forest

If you’re tired of wading through national park crowds, we don’t blame you! Parks are crowded these days, especially Grand Teton (although Yellowstone is 10x more so). But don’t worry; there’s an easy way to escape the masses.

Check out the Bridger Teton National Forest, which shares a border with Grand Teton National Park and has equally as stunning views with a fraction of the visitors. The forest is minutes from the park and has breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and nearly all of the same scenery as the park.

You don’t take my word for it. Just watch the 3 minute video I co-produced above!

Grand Teton Photos

I have taken thousands of photos of Grand Teton over the years. These are some of the ones that best represent this amazing place.

Where to See Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is the best national park to view wildlife within the lower 48 states. So many of our favorite and most iconic animals call Grand Teton home.

Seeing them can be a bit tricky – it’s about knowing where and what time to go.

Make sure you give wildlife distance in the park, especially bears. If a bear crosses the road in front of you stay in your car. Your actions not only put yourself at risk but the bear as well. Be sure to go over the National Park Service’s 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife before your visit to Grand Teton.

Beaver – The best place to see beavers in Grand Teton is Upper Schwabacher Landing. The dams they’ve created in that area are astounding.

Bison are seen all over the park but especially near the Moran Junction at Elk Ranch Flats Turnout.

Grizzly Bear – Willow Flats Overlook is probably the most reliable place to spot Grizzlies in the park.

Black Bear – I’ve seen black bears off the Highway 89 at the Christian Pond Loop, stalking the trash bins at the Jackson Lodge, and in the field off Lupine Meadows Road.

Elk – Great places to see elk are Elk Ranch Flats Turnout & Lupine Meadows Road.

Fox – Foxes are found throughout the park. I recommend the Blacktail Ponds Overlook is a great place to start.

Pronghorn – Elk Ranch Flats Turnout, Lupine Meadow Road, & Antelope Flat Road are great places to spot pronghorn antelope.

Moose – Moose-Wilson Road is the top spot to see moose in the park, but Lupine Meadows Road is another good one.

Wolves – I’ve only seen two wolves in the park; both were off of Pacific Creek Road, headed up Lozier Hill.

More Places to See Near Grand Teton

• Yellowstone National Park is located just 10 minutes north of the Grand Teton Northern Entrance. In the words of Andy Dusfresne, if you’ve come this far, you might as well go a little further! Just be prepared for lots of humans and traffic.
• Bridger-Teton National Forest is a must-see while you’re visiting Grand Teton. It’s literally right next to the park and offers more solitude and equally amazing scenery. Odds are you’ll cross in at some point and not even realize it.
• Jackson, Wyoming, is a great place to stop in and grab a bite while you’re in the park. If you forgot something at home, odds are they’ll have it somewhere in town.

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap, folks! Hopefully, you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to Grand Teton. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

Helpful Related Articles

Grand Teton Hikes: 18 Epic Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)

Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Ultimate Guide

Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 Epic Things to Do Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Maps: The Best Maps for Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Facts: 15 Amazing Facts About Grand Teton National Park

Oxbow Bend: Oxbow Bend: Tips on Visiting Grand Teton’s Best Viewpoint

Phelps Lake: Phelps Lake: Expert Visiting Tips

Schwabacher Landing: Visiting Schwabacher Landing – What You Should Know

Snake River Overlook: Visiting Snake River Overlook

Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 Best Things to Do Yellowstone National Park

The Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley: A Trip to Yellowstone’s Best Wildlife Viewing Spot

Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Where to Stay in Yellowstone – Best Hotels + Helpful Guide

Yellowstone Facts: 10 Amazing Yellowstone National Park Facts

Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The Best Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

The Wyoming National Parks: 10 Epic Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone: Driving Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip

The post These Are the Top Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park 2024 appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Article Overview: Zion National Park Planning Guide

Zion National Park is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Looking up at those impossibly big canyon walls for the first time is a feeling you won’t ever forget.

It’s no wonder why millions of people every year come to visit this breathtaking place. Millions of people visit lots of national parks each year that don’t have the sort of overcrowding issues that Zion does – so what gives?

The major difference is that most national parks that see millions of viewers a year have a larger area for folks to spread out. In Zion, the main canyon is extremely narrow and just a mere 15 miles long.

Don’t let that deter you from visiting! There are still ways to see Zion without the crowds. In this post, I’ll detail exactly how I go about doing this year after year.

About My Travels to Zion National Park

I first visited Zion National Park back in 2015 and vividly remember my first impressions of the park. It was truly awe-inspiring. The towering red canyon walls were mesmerizing but, surprisingly, so were many other parts of the park that I had never seen any of my friends post about.

The primary goal of my visit was to experience the park to its fullest and capture the essence of the place for a film my brother and I produced on the park. The video we produced was featured by National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler

To do this, we traveled every road in the park, visited every overlook, and went on most of the hikes. It was an unforgettable adventure, so much so that I’ve been back several times since.

About Zion National Park

Exquisitely carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, Zion Canyon is one of the most stunning places on Earth. But don’t stop there!

This Utah park offers so much more outside of the main canyon. Golden meadows, sweeping vistas, red rock mountains, towering white temples, and powerful ancient rivers comprise this incredible treasure spanning nearly 230 square miles.

5 Quick Zion National Things to Know

1. Entrance fees in 2024 start at $20 per person or $35 per car. That pass lasts a full week. The interagency pass “America the Beautiful” is accepted here. The smart investment saves a lot of entrance fees if you’re exploring more of Utah’s Mighty 5.
2. Don’t go to Zion without sunscreen. The intense rays cause sunburn faster than you can say “Angels Landing.” The Thinksport SPF 50+ does the trick and is eco-friendly.
3. Hiking Angels Landing requires a permit year-round. If you don’t have a permit, you won’t be able to go above Scout Lookout.
4. As More Than Just Parks first reported in early December of 2023, Zion’s fees for campgrounds and wilderness permits increased in 2024. You’ll also need a Recreation.gov account to book those reservations.
5. You’ll want a map of Zion and a Zion National Guidebook with you in the park. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation unless you use offline maps. James Kaiser is the gold standard when it comes to national park guidebooks, so we recommend his Zion guidance.

Details About Zion National Park

Location: Springdale, Utah

Established: November 19, 1919

Size: 323,431 acres

Native Land: Hopi, Navajo, Northern Ute, Pueblo of Zuni, Southern Paiute

Visitors: 4,692,417 (2022)

Zion National Park History

Native Peoples of Zion

The earliest known human inhabitants of the area now conserved as Zion National Park were present about 8,000 years ago during the Archaic period. These peoples were primarily hunter-gatherers.

At around 2,000 years ago, the inhabitants of Zion began building structures, planting crops, and settling in the area. Eventually, the Anasazi people arrived in the area, approximately 1,500 to 800 years ago and inhabited the area for hundreds of years.

When the Europeans eventually arrived, the native occupants of the area were primarily the Paiute people.

The Arrival of Mormon Pioneers to Zion

In the 1800s, Mormon pioneers and explorers began to filter into the area, settling the Virgin River area in 1847. They gave the area the name “Kolob,” which in Mormon scripture is a heavenly place.

In 1851 Nephi Johnson, a Mormon missionary led by a Southern Paiute guide, entered the Virgin Canyon area for the first time and wrote about its agricultural potential.

Those reports reached Isaac Behunin, who settled on the Zion Canyon floor in 1863, residing near the area where the Zion Lodge is located today. It was Behunin who gets credit for naming the area Zion after the biblical place of peace.

The Powell Expedition in Zion

In 1869, the Powell Expedition led by the famous John Wesley Powell entered the canyon for the first time, bringing with them survey photographers.

One of these photographers, John K. Hiller, took photos that eventually made it back east and stimulated excitement about the area.

Mukuntuweap National Monument

In 1909 the hype around the Zion area (largely due to depictions of it at the 1904 World’s Fair) was sufficient enough for President William Howard Taft to conserve it as Mukuntuweap National Monument. The name came from a word John Wesley Powell mistakenly thought was what the Paiute called the area.

The name was changed to Zion on the recommendation of the acting park service director as a result of complaints by the local Mormon population.

Establishment of Zion National Park

On November 9, 1919, Zion was congressionally designated as a National Park. Upon the park’s designation, road construction began, opening the park to average folks.

A Presidential Visit

In 1923 the park was visited by its first sitting President of the United States, Warren G. Harding, as part of a larger trip to the West (a trip he would never return from). Harding toured the park on horseback and was deeply impressed by what he saw.

“I have today viewed the greatest creations of the Almighty in the majestic natural wonders of Zion National Park. It has inspired me with a deeper religious conviction.

I am acquainted with pioneer stock. It has made the United States. By the difference between the arid and cultivated sections I can read the story of your work. To you men and women who came with your families in covered wagons into this country when the water still flowed through its natural gorges, the nation owes a debt of gratitude.

I am the first President of the United States to come and express that gratitude but I feel sure when I tell of this trip to my successors all future Presidents will come to visit this country of wonders.”

President Warren G Harding

Harding went on to visit Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Alaska as part of his trip. He would never return to the white house, passing suddenly and unexpectedly in San Francisco on his way home.

Zion National Park Map

Where is Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Utah near the Nevada and Arizona borders.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) – 3 hours driving (172 miles)

The fastest way to get to Zion National Park is by plane, flying into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. From there, the drive to the park is typically around 3 hours.

I recommend flying into Las Vegas, renting a car from the airport, and driving to the park.

Rental Car: Las Vegas Airport (LAS) – (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, & more)

Alternate Route: Flying into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is another popular option that is often combined with a Utah National Parks Road Trip. This route is longer, but the added stops are worth the fuss!

RELATED: An EXPERT Guide to Utah’s National Parks Road Trip (Videos + Tips)

Watch the award-winning Zion video

ZION is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring Zion National Park during peak fall color. Exquisitely carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, Zion Canyon is one of the most stunning places on Earth. This was filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.

We chose to capture this film in autumn to showcase the stunning and little-known fall color of Zion National Park. Fall is also a time when visitation dies down from peak summer months, and one can find more solace in the park.

Filming Locations

Locations featured in this film include:

• Zion Canyon
• Kolob Canyons
• Kolob Terrace
• The Narrows
• Angels Landing
• Canyon Overlook
• The Great White Throne
• Big Bend
• The Watchman
• Lava Point
• Mt. Carmel Highway

Here are a few fun statistics from our trip:

• Crew Members: 3
• Time: 24 days
• Distance: 100mi+
• Photos/Videos: 35,000+
• Digital Memory: 4TB

Lens Rentals by Pro Photo Supply

RELATED: 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Zion Seasons & Weather

Zion’s weather varies greatly day by day. Extreme weather events like flash floods happen here often so it is crucial to be vigilant of current conditions. Even on clear days, flash floods can come seemingly out of nowhere–summer monsoons are no joke in the desert.

Always have a plan in case of unexpected storms or weather. I’ve even been caught in a random near-white-out snowstorm in the park before! While that’s somewhat rare, unexpected weather is not.

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is October and November as visitation wains, temperatures cool off, and fall foliage (yes, foliage in Utah!) is dazzling.

The best season to visit Zion National Park is autumn, with stunning foliage, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds. Spring is also a lovely time to visit with smaller crowds and bright spring greens filling the canyons.

With that being said, each season brings something different and beautiful to Zion National Park.

Spring in Zion National Park

Spring in Zion is lovely, with rising temperatures, beautiful bright green spring foliage, and far fewer crowds than summer. In spring, the cottonwoods begin to get their leaves back, giving the canyons a splash of vivid bright greens.

This time of year is far less popular to visit due to vacation schedules, and those who choose to visit will be rewarded with more solitude. Highs will get up into the 80s, with lows in the 40s & 50s.

When to visit Zion: If you want to avoid the biggest spring crowds, visit in March instead of April. By May, visitation is nearly half a million people a month.

The most popular trails will likely still be crowded. If you’re looking to find further solitude, check out Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, Lava Point, and Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon.

Summer in Zion National Park

Summer in Zion National Park ushers in hot weather and massive crowds. Days are hot, and nights are warm, with highs reaching into the 100s and lows in the high 60s.

Every summer, millions of tourists pack into the 15-mile-long Zion Canyon, so trails, shuttle stations, and roads are typically quite crowded.

Luckily, Zion has instituted a wonderful shuttle system to keep cars off the road in the main canyon and improve the visitor experience. Our advice? Park in Springdale and use the shuttle.

Despite the massive influx of visitors, there are still spots where one can escape the crowds. If you’re looking to find solitude check out Kolob Canyon, Kolob Terrace, Lava Point, and Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon.

Fall in Zion National Park

Fall in Zion National Park is lovely, with the hot temperatures of summer cooling off, crowds diminishing, and stunning fall foliage popping. Cottonwoods turn a striking golden yellow/orange this time of year, adding something extra to every photo.

Luckily, Zion has instituted a wonderful shuttle system to keep cars off the road in the main canyon and improve the visitor experience.

The weather headline here comes in vast swings, with temperatures spanning up to 30° differences between day and night.

RELATED: 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide)

Winter in Zion National Park

Winter in Zion National Park can be beautiful, with temperatures cold enough for snowfall. It may be hard to conceive during the extreme temperatures of Summer, but Zion National Park sees occasional snow in winter months.

The contrast of the white snow against the red rock is the perfect fodder for stunning photos.

The best part of visiting Zion in winter is the reduced crowd sizes. December, January and February offer the smallest crowds of the year, with anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 people (at most).

Crowds in the winter are very minimal, and visitors can get areas that are usually packed all to themselves. The Zion shuttle does not run from late October through spring, with a short re-opening during the busy holiday season in late December.

Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

There are so many incredible, breathtaking, and life-changing things to do in Zion National Park.

Whether it’s exploring slot canyons like The Narrows or The Subway, hiking to stunning overlooks like Angels Landing, and scenic drives like the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway.

We’ve detailed some of the best things to do in Zion National Park below. For a complete list, visit our: 11 BREATHTAKING Things to Do in Zion National Park

1. Hike the Narrows

The Narrows is one of the absolute coolest hikes and things to do in Zion National Park and the entire national park system, for that matter. Hikers hike, walk, and wade through a narrow canyon of massive red rock canyon walls where the Virgin River has been at work for millions of years.

Distance: 16 miles maximum
Time: Typically 2-3 hours, depending on how far you go

The total hike is 16 miles long, but most folks only do the first few, which are incredible. You’ll need some good water shoes for this hike, and a hiking pole is recommended, although most folks go without (water shoes can be rented in Springdale at a number of places).

The deepest the water gets is about 3-4ft, but most of the hike is in ankle-deep water. If the water is too high or powerful, the park closes The Narrows in spring.

From time to time, toxic algae blooms occur in the Virgin River, which can be harmful to humans, so make sure to check the NPS site before visiting.

2. Ascend Angels Landing

Angel’s Landing is the most popular, well-known hike in Zion National Park, leading to one of the most iconic views in the National Park system. The Angel’s Landing trail is a steep 5 miles with about 1,500ft of elevation gain.

Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
Time: Typically 3-4 hours

This hike is not for acrophobic, or the faint of heart, as one section of the trail involves holding onto a chain bolted onto a cliff side with sheer drop-offs.

3. Soak it all in at Canyon Overlook

Canyon Overlook is one of the most spectacular and relatively easy-to-access overlooks in all of Zion National Park. Located on the Zion Mt. Carmel (East) side of the park, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular one.

Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Time: Typically 1-2 hours

The trail itself is about a mile round trip with little elevation gain. Hikers will be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion National Park.

4. Explore Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is one of the most popular technical canyoneering spots in Zion National Park. If you’re not up for technical rappelling, then no problem!

Drive toward the east entrance a bit and find another part of the Pine Creek Gorge to hike around. The creek bed is long and provides lots of great entry points for hikers.

5. Catch a Sunset From Lava Point

Lava Point is the best spot in Zion National Park to watch a sunset. Located in the Kolob Terrace section of the park, this lesser-visited destination is worth a stop.

Escape the crowds here with a very different kind of beauty than the red rock canyons. This overlook does not require any sort of a hike and is situated next to our favorite campground in Zion National Park, Lava Point Campground.

6. Drive the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway

The Zion-Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive is one of the most beautiful drives in the entire national park system. Massive colorful rock formations and lots of beautiful hikes abound in this section of Zion National Park.

The drive is located on the lesser explored (than the main canyon) east side of Zion, where the bighorn sheep roam.

While you’re on this side of the park, be sure to check out Canyon Overlook and Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon.

Where to Stay at Zion – Camping & Lodging

Camping & Campgrounds at Zion National Park

Zion National Park has 3 campgrounds with over 300 campsites offering a wide variety of camping options.

Watchman Campground

• 203 sites
• Year-Round
• Standard $20 / Electric $30
• First come / Reservation

Watchman Campground is the most popular campground in Zion National Park, located next to Springdale, with easy access to all of the park’s most iconic attractions. Due to its popularity, this campground can feel a bit crowded and busy at times, with less space between sites than in many other parks.

Watchman Campground sites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The campground itself features toilets and access to the shuttle system.

South Campground

• 117 sites
• March-October
• Standard $20 / Electric $30
• First come / Reservation

South Campground is a very popular, ideally located campground in Zion National Park. South Campground is located next to Springdale near the park’s South Entrance and is situated among a beautiful grove of cottonwoods.

From South Campground, campers have easy access to all of the park’s most popular attractions and shuttle system. Due to the campground’s popularity, it is a bit crowded and fills up fast.

South Campground sites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The campground itself features toilets and access to the shuttle system.

Lava Point Campground

• 6 primitive sites
• Year Round
• Standard $20
• First come-first serve

Lava Point Campground is the smallest, most serene, and most remote campground in Zion National Park. This campground is located in the Kolob Terrace section of the park, situated next to the stunning Lava Point Overlook.

Lava Point offers visitors a totally different experience from the red rock canyons and is my favorite for that very reason. While the park’s other two campgrounds can be quite hot during Summer, due to this campground’s elevation (7890ft), it is much cooler.

This campground has what are described as six “primitive” sites that feature a picnic table and fire pit. Pit toilets are available here, and that’s it.

Zion Hotels, Motels, & Resorts

Zion National Park has a whole host of lodging options, including a beautiful lodge located within the main canyon itself. We’ve linked many of the most popular ones below.

For tent options, see our camping section above.

Lodging options inside the park include:

• Zion Lodge

Lodging options just outside the park include:

• Holiday Inn Express (Springdale)
• Hampton Inn (Springdale)
• Springhill Suites (Springdale)
• More hotel options

Where to Eat – Restaurants & Food Options

Zion National Park has a plethora of great dining and food options, with major sections of the park being located next to the cities of Springdale and Cedar City.

We’ve listed a few of our favorite options below:

• Sol Foods Market (Springdale)
• Meme’s Restaurant (Springdale)
• Oscar’s Cafe (Springdale)
• King’s Landing Bistro (Springdale)
• Centro Woodfired Pizza (Cedar City)
• Brick House Cafe (Cedar City)

Zion National Park Driving & Transportation

Zion National Park has a few different transportation options that add convenience for the visitor. Visitors can experience the park on foot, by bike, by car, or by shuttle. Visitors should know that no cars are allowed inside the main canyon when the shuttle is in service without reservations at the Zion Lodge.

Zion Shuttle System

The Zion Shuttle is a great way for visitors to visit the main (zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park. This convenient mode runs daily—no tickets or reservations required.

The shuttle stops at all of the most popular spots in the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park.

Zion National Park Driving

Driving in Zion National Park is limited to all the areas outside of the main canyon.

This includes:

• Zion Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway
• Kolob Terrace Road
• Kolob Canyon

Gas is available in Springdale, Cedar City, Mt. Carmel Junction, and beyond.

Zion National Park Photos

Photos of Zion from the production of our film. Enjoy!

Pin Zion National Park Guide

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap, folks! Hopefully, you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to Zion National Park. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

I hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

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The post ZION NATIONAL PARK: A (Very) Helpful Guide – Video, Photos, Locations appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

The Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Like No Other Place In the World.

I still remember the feeling right after booking my tickets to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, thinking, “wow, I’m about to see a real, live volcano.”

Few things excite like the prospect of seeing red hot lava up close and in person. If you’re visiting Hawaii, let alone the big island, you just have to add this national park to your list.

Most people visiting Hawaii overlook the big island, booking trips to resort-laden Maui or bustling Oahu. Those islands are great, but for an adventure hound like me, there was only one island and one park for my first visit.

Here’s what I loved (and didn’t) about visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

About My Travels to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

I first visited Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park back in 2016, prior to the most recent eruptions, which significantly shaped the landscape of the park.

The primary goal of my visit was to experience the park to its fullest and capture the essence of the place for a film my brother Jim and I produced on the park.

The dynamic contrasts of this park totally blew me away.

To do this, we traveled every road in the park, visited every overlook, and went on most of the hikes. Considering Hawaii Volcanoes Park is more than 500 square miles, this was quite a feat.

It was an unforgettable adventure – so much so that I’ve been back several times since.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Guide

Contents

1. About the Park
2. History
3. Map
4. Directions & Location
5. Video
6. Weather & Seasons
7. Things to Do
8. Camping & Lodging
9. Photos

About Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Situated on the big island of Hawaii in the heart of the remote North Pacific, Hawai’i Volcanoes boasts an awe-inspiring array of massive mountains, exotic wildlife, and fiery volcanoes.

Journey with More Than Just Parks as we discover an ever-growing land shaped by fire. This is Hawai’i Volcanoes.

Hawai’i Volcanoes is one of only a handful of tropical National Parks in the system and one of two Hawaii National Parks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The proper spelling of Hawaii for the purposes of the park’s title is actually Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

*For the purposes of this post, I’ll be using the spellings interchangeably so folks searching for this info will be able to find it, as the former is the more searched term.

Things to Know Before You Visit Hawaii Volcanoes

• The entrance fee for Hawaii Volcanoes is $30 per vehicle. It makes sense to purchase the interagency pass, “America the Beautiful,” to get access to all the NPS sites in Hawaii plus 2,000 other public lands for a year.
• Most sunscreens are illegal in Hawaii due to the effects of the chemicals in them on the coral reefs. Confirm your sunscreen is “Reef-Safe.” We recommend this one because it checks all the right boxes and is approved by Hawaii.
• Look, but don’t touch sea turtles – they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Believe it or not, touching one is a felony.
• Carry an updated map and guidebook with you. You can’t rely on your mobile phone for maps.

Details About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Location: The Big Island of Hawaii

Established: August 1, 1916

How Big Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?: 323,431 acres (505 square miles)

Native Land: Aliʻi

Visitors: 1,580,961 (2022)

History of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Native Peoples

According to the National Park Service, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands were the first to settle on Hawai’i over 1000 years ago.

To reach the islands, the Polynesians traveled more than 2000 miles across the ocean in hand-hulled canoes using little more than the sun & stars to navigate.

Eventually, the Ali’i people were formed and ruled over the island, installing a strict caste system. The natives built monuments, farmed, fished, and lived on the islands.

The Arrival of Westerners

After James Cook happened upon the islands in the late 1700s, Westerners began traveling to the previously unknown (to them) area.

In the 1800s, western travelers began exploring the volcanic works and spreading the word of their wonders.

Mark Twain made his way to the lava lake and was astonished by what he saw, writing, “Here was room for the imagination to work!“

Establishment of the National Park

In the early 1900s, a local publisher, Lorrin Thurston, along with an astrologist, Dr. Thomas Jaggar, began pushing for the area to be conserved as a public park.

President Wilson eventually answered their call creating the country’s 13th national park with the stroke of his pen on August 1, 1916.

At the time, the park encompassed volcanic areas on the islands of Hawaii and Maui.

Fifty years later, the areas were separated into Haleakala National Park on Maui & Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii.

RELATED: If you’re interested in learning more about island history, check out our Cumberland Island post.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Map

Where is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the big island of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii. The park is situated on the island’s southeastern corner.

Getting to the Park – Directions & Location

Closest Airport: ITO – Hilo International Airport. Distance: 30 miles from the national park (roughly 45 minutes driving)

Cheapest Airport: KOA – Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. Distance: 102 miles from the national park (roughly 2 hours driving).

The fastest way to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is by plane, flying into Hilo International Airport. From there, the drive to the park is only 45 minutes. However, flights into Hilo are fewer and typically significantly more expensive than those into Kona.

I recommend flying into Kona, renting a car from the airport, and driving to the park.

Rental Car: KOA (Kona) Airport – (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, more)

Watch the Award-Winning Video

HAWAI’I VOLCANOES 8K is the culmination of several weeks spent filming in the rugged volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Situated on the island of Hawaii in the heart of the remote North Pacific, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of massive mountains, rare wildlife, and fiery volcanoes.

Journey with More Than Just Parks as we discover an ever-growing land shaped by fire. This is Hawai’i Volcanoes. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place featuring the most active volcano in the world. Kilauea is constantly in a state of eruption.

This film was shot before much of the more recent explosive activity occurred and features some locations that have been significantly altered.

To create this film, we spent a few weeks in the park filming it all, from Nenes to Pele and everything in between.

Lens Rentals by Pro Photo Supply.

RELATED: 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Seasons & Weather

Like much of Hawaii, the weather at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is incredibly unpredictable.

While warmth can generally be counted on (at least relative to where you might be coming from), even this is variable. Some nights in the park can be quite chilly.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii Volcanoes

The best time of year to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is November through March, when most of the United States is cold for a warm, tropical getaway.

Due to its proximity to the equator, Hawai’i Volcanoes is relatively warm year-round.

One thing to note is that November-March is known as the rainy season, but don’t let that deter you from visiting, as rain typically goes as fast as it comes in Hawaii.

Who doesn’t dream of Hawaii during the dead of winter? It can’t just be me…

I would recommend visiting anytime between December through March.

Spring in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Spring in Hawai’i Volcanoes is nice with reduced crowds, and warm temperatures but lots of rain, with each month seeing an average of 20 days with rainfall!

But don’t let that be a damper on your trip to the park. Rain typically doesn’t last all day, and even in the rain, there is still plenty to see and do in the park.

High temperatures will range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, while lows will remain above 50F.

Summer in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Summer in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park sees less rain, warmer temperatures (with days in the mid-70s to 80s), larger crowds, and more humidity.

It’s no secret that summer is a great time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes, but with this comes larger crowds. Don’t let the crowds deter you, though, as the crowds are here for a reason – it’s otherworldly.

Fall in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Fall in Hawai’i Volcanoes is great, with reduced crowds, reduced humidity, and less rain than other times of year. If it’s leaf peeping you after, this is not your park.

Fall is a great time to come and visit to escape the crowds that are seen during other times of the year, like Summer and Winter.

High temperatures will still be in the 70s, which makes this park an even more attractive autumn destination.

RELATED: 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide)

Winter in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Winter Winter in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is lovely with lesser crowds, reduced humidity, and less rainfall than other times of year.

Plus, who doesn’t want to escape the dreary cold of winter to warm and sunny Hawaii? Winter is probably the second most popular time of year to visit the park for that reason.

High temperatures still range in the high 60s during Winter in the park, while lows drop close to the 50F mark.

Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Let’s start this chapter with the “what not to do.”

Don’t do one of the boat tours that drive insanely close to the steam clouds full of such fun things to breathe in as volcanic fiberglass and hydrochloric acid.

With that being said, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most unique locations in the national park system, being situated on the big island of Hawaii in the remote North Pacific.

This is a land shaped by massive fiery volcanoes with rugged volcanic coastlines, underground cavernous lava tubes, and lush tropical vegetation.

We’ve detailed some of the best things to do in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park below. For a complete list, visit our 8 (JAWDROPPING) Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park article.

1. Marvel at the Epic Kilauea Crater

Kilauea Crater is possibly the most famous and well-known feature of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

What was once home to an epic, world-renowned lava lake has emptied, filled with scalding hot water, emptied, re-filled with lava again, and has now “paused” as of this post.

It is easy to get a vantage of the crater from the area around the Kilauea Visitor Center.

Because of this, everyone visiting the park should stop by to check out this otherworldly site.

2. Explore the Wonders of Thurston Lava Tube

The Thurston Lava Tube is a 500-year-old lava tube located near the incredible Kilauea Crater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Time: 1 hour

This lava tube was carved out by a 2000F lava flow creating the subterranean cavern that exists today.

This hike through Thurston Lava Tube takes visitors through a lush tropical forest into the illuminated cavern below.

3. Hike the Kilauea Iki Crater

The Kilauea Iki Crater is a great spot for hikers to explore a crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park via the Kilauea Iki & Crater Rim Trails.

What was once a boiling lava lake is now a hardened surface for hikers to enjoy an afternoon in the park.

Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Time: 2-3 hours

4. Drive the Stunning Chain of Craters Road

The Chain of Craters Road is a 19-mile scenic drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with spectacular overlooks and otherworldly vistas.

Many rank this among the most scenic drives in all of Hawaii.

Length: 19 miles (one way)
Drive Time: 2 hours (with stops)

Since its initial construction, segments of the Chain of Craters Road have been repeatedly buried by lava flows. The road starts at Crater Rim Drive and winds its way down past the Holei Sea Arch on the coast.

5. Soak in the Panoramas from Mauna Loa Lookout

Mauna Loa Lookout is a beautiful viewpoint located at the end of an unpaved 11-mile road that overlooks the Kilauea Crater below and serves as the trailhead for hikers looking to summit the largest sub-aerial volcano in the world.

The drive up to the viewpoint is something in and of itself.

Lush tropical foliage, complete with the songs of vibrant tropical birds, surrounds you as you ascend the volcano.

Lucky visitors may even spot the endemic ‘i‘iwi in all its stunning red feathers.

6. Discover the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs

The Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs archeological site is a vast collection of over 23,000 petroglyphs located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Distance: .7 miles roundtrip
Time: 1 hour

Given the amount of petroglyphs here, this site gives visitors an incredible opportunity to observe up close (without touching) an unbelievable array of petroglyphs dating back hundreds of years.

Where to Stay – Camping & Lodging

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park only has 2 campgrounds with a mere 25 total campsites making it one of the parks with the fewest camping options for visitors.

Nāmakanipaio Campground

• 19 sites
• Year-Round
• Standard $15
• First-come / Reservation
• Cell Reception

Nāmakanipaio Campground is the most popular campground in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located near all of the park’s most iconic attractions.

Privacy is limited as this campground is fairly open by design. Of the two campgrounds in the park, this is the best and the one we recommend to visitors.

Nāmakanipaio Campground sites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The campground itself features flush toilets and water.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground

• 9 sites
• Year-Round
• Free
• First come
• Cell Reception

Kulanaokuaiki Campground is a more remote campground located off of Hilina Pali Road in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

It is by far the least popular of the two campgrounds the park offers visitors, being located further from many of the most popular attractions.

This campground is free and available to visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground sites feature picnic tables and offer more privacy than Nāmakanipaio sites.

The campground itself features pit toilets and no water. Pets are not allowed in this campground to protect the endangered Nene.

Hawaii Volcanoes Hotels, Motels, & Resorts

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a single flagship lodge inside the park with luxurious onsite dining options.

Lodging options inside the park include:

• Volcano House Hotel

Lodging options outside the park include:

• Kilauea Lodge
• Volcano Inn
• Volcano Village Lodge

Where to Eat – Restaurants & Food Options

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a number of dining options:

• Crater Rim Cafe
• Thai Thai Bistro
• Eagle’s Lighthouse Cafe
• Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
• Cafe Ono
• Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck

Driving in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has no park shuttle to get around the park. To get around the park, visitors will need to bring their own mode of transportation.

A car is the best mode of transport in the park, and tourists not from the island should find a rental car.

Photos of Hawaii Volcanoes

Photos of Hawaii Volcanoes from the production of our film.

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap, folks! Hopefully, you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

So, I hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

Helpful Related Articles

Things to Do Hawai’i Volcanoes NP: 17 STUNNING Things to Do Hawaii Volcanoes (Photos + Helpful Advice)

Hawai’i Volcanoes NP Guide: Expert Guide to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii National Parks Guide: Expert Guide to the Hawaii National Parks

Haleakala NP Guide: Expert Guide to Haleakala National Park

Things to Do Haleakala NP: 11 BEST Things to Do in Haleakala National Park

The post HAWAII VOLCANOES National Park: Expert Guide (Photos + Video) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

Online Editor/Social Media Coordinator

Jennifer Hardy

Yosemite National Park (December 13, 2023) – Yosemite reservations will be for more than just hotels in 2024. The park announced a new reservation system for park access that isn’t as clear-cut as you might expect. We want to simplify it for you.

The new Yosemite reservation system is called “Peak Hours Plus.” The goal is to reduce crowds during the times of most congestion to improve the overall park experience for everyone.

During certain months of the year, reservations will be required only on weekends or seven days a week, depending on the season. Here’s how it breaks down.

Adding to that, guests can choose from two types of reservations:

1. Full-Day Yosemite Reservations
2. Entry after 12:00 pm

No reservations are required for entrance to the park after 4:00 pm.

What’s especially important to note is that reservations for the April 13 – June 30 slot become available on January 5, 2024, at 8:00 am Pacific Time. Each spot will give the holder three consecutive access days.

RESERVATION LINK: Create your Recreation.gov account now so you’re ready to make reservations when it’s time.

Yosemite Reservations 2024 Exceptions

For those staying in the park or holding a permit for Half Dome or the wilderness won’t need a reservation.

“This summer’s pilot system is built from extensive public feedback, data from three years of pilot reservation systems here in Yosemite, and lessons learned from other national parks,” said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “This pilot system will inform how we ensure an equitable and outstanding visitor experience while protecting Yosemite’s world-class resources.”

You can also avoid needing a reservation by using the YARTS bus to get into the park.

Firefall Yosemite Reservations

As a reminder, those hoping to see the February Horsetail Fall (Firefall) event will also need reservations on certain days in February. The conditions have to be just right at sunset, but if you’re lucky, Horsetail Fall appears to glow for a few fleeting moments.

We’ve detailed that information for you. Reservations are already available, so act quickly.

Start Planning Your Yosemite Vacation Today

We can help you plan a Yosemite trip of a lifetime with the resources below. Simply click or tap the image to get to the preferred article.

SOUND OFF: Do you agree or disagree with the timed entry? Get the conservation going in the comments below.

Pin Yosemite Reservations

The post UPDATED Yosemite Reservations in 2024 Simplified appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.