Most visitors drive between six major sites on a self-guided tour, but intrepid hikers follow backcountry trails to outlying sites and panoramic overlooks. Zion National Park, Utah: Opened May 13, though with restrictions on vehicular traffic. Backcountry camping available with permit starting May 27. 7 Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. As if that’s not enough, it also packs in petroglyphs and 13th-century ruins.Discover the best things to do in Hawaii, NOTE: Trails, campgrounds and roads in the north of the park are open. Fossils show that rhinos and camels once roamed here, but today these 244,000 acres are home to bison, bobcats and bighorn sheep. Related: Guide to choosing the best Pigeon Forge cabin rental Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce Canyon National Park. Not all National Park facilities are fully open yet. Whether you’re into chilling out, snapping sweet views, rafting, cross-country skiing or just about anything else you can do in the fresh air, these spots have you covered. Backpackers take to the rugged John Muir trail, named for the farsighted writer who helped create the park in 1890.Discover the best things to do in Yosemite. Limestone caverns, dripping stalactites and gypsum formations span 400 miles and are home to 130 species of wildlife. Time Out is a registered trademark of Time Out America LLC. What’s open and what’s closed at Utah’s national parks Many national parks are reopening in phases after some were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All of California’s 11 national parks and recreation areas are now at least partly open. Choose a walking route to meet your fitness level and keep an eye out in the woodland – this is one of the few places in England where you can still spot red squirrels. Four marked trails allow hiking, and since gypsum, unlike sand, reflects the sun’s heat, the dunes are easy on your feet. Yes, the USA has its huge cities and historic towns, but the vast majority of the country still consists of rugged mountain ranges, empty deserts and deep forests. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (PARTIALLY OPEN), 4. Camping not yet available. NOTE: The South Entrance is open. NOTE: Yosemite is now open, but day passes are required for entry. In the winter, they come to snowshoe or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock-climbers. THE WORLD IS REOPENING. Same here. The best national parks in the U.S. that are open (and closed), Ready to explore this glorious country of ours? If you are visiting a national park on this guide, or any of the other 2,000 federal registered sites in the US, we highly, highly recommend purchasing an ‘America the Beautiful’ pass that lasts for 1 year and grants you admission to all registered sites. Nestled within the mountains are glaciers, alpine lakes and fields of larkspur and lupines. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: Main park road and all viewpoints to Rainbow Point open as are trails in Bryce Amphitheater area. 2. It offers moments of serenity, like an early-morning swim in Echo Lake, as well as adventure, like hanging off cliffs on the Beehive Trail. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulphurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Fun fact: America’s first national park is bigger than Rhode Island and has. Climbing also not yet available. Established in 1910, Montana's vast gem—it takes up more than one million acres—is older than the national park system itself and boasts one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Travel largely restricted to Grand Loop Road. Either way, you'll discover that for what at first glance seems like a monochromatic swath of rock, there's more going on here than meets the eye in its 429,690 acres—enough to keep you busy for days, and coming back again and again. If snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. WHERE: Maine The historic, unpaved carriage roads in Acadia National Park are closed to motorized vehicles, making for an idyllic setting to … Mount Rainier National Park, Washington: Backcountry hiking open. Stop off at the visitors center upon arriving to get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19-related closures. But when you reach the park, monumental sandstone buildings rise from the desert valley. Thanks for subscribing! Big Bend National Park is often considered one of the best national parks in the Lower 48 for stargazing, though the Rio Grande river is also a boon for adventurous kayakers and canoers. Campgrounds closed. Best National Parks near Los Angeles, California. America's national parks also offer great getaways to escape winter. In the summer, hikers explore 200 miles of trails and scale rugged granite peaks. Campgrounds remain closed. Paddlers dip into lakes and rivers, drivers cruise the dramatic Tioga Road, and day hikers walk by sequoias and canyons. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulphurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. Open parks have limited self-services, such as open trails and grounds, as well as online portals to pay fees. How to get there: Big Bend isn’t close to any major airport, so you’ll be committing to at least a bit of a road trip . The world’s largest known cave system is hidden beneath the Green River valley of central Kentucky. Camping remains closed, as does the Angels Landing chain section. National Parks Traveler, a nonprofit publication, also keeps an updated list of what’s open. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The winter months bring a unique variety of gorgeous scenery, various wildlife, adventure sports, and stunning historical sights.. #7 in Best U.S. National Parks Hoodoos are odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from forces of erosion, and Bryce Canyon is home to the most extensive collection of hoodoos in the world. Ready to explore this glorious country of ours? And national parks are the best place to practice that new pastime. Discover the best national parks in the U.S. that you have to check off your bucket list. They draw an increasing number of thrill seekers (and Instagram braggarts) each year, who rappel into sinuous canyons or squeeze through narrow labyrinths. Several of the lodges in Yellowstone National Park, for example, close for the winter although it is still possible to find lodging in the park. Most trails are open too. The Ultimate Arizona National Parks Road Trip Itinerary. Millions of people come to this Sierra Nevada wilderness each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Hikers scale the rocks to take in otherworldly views of the White River Valley and cyclists coast by colorful buttes and grass prairie. Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in the Summer. As long as they stay hydrated, the park’s 800,000 annual visitors find the Badlands fascinating to explore. With parks re-opening around the country this week, you, like us, likely have questions. Best State and National Parks near Las Vegas. Déjà vu! January: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho Erupting Kilauea churns up plumes of gas and its lava glows in the night sky. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful. Look for elk, mountain lions and condors along the way, plus the 1,000 species of plants that survive in this semi-arid desert. Backcountry permits available May 30. RECOMMENDED: Travel in the USA: What can I and should I do? For a genteel take on mountain biking, cycle the 45 miles of carriage roads, which hug hillsides and reveal majestic sea views.Discover the best things to do in Maine, NOTE: The summit of Kilauea, backcountry and campgrounds are closed.Encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes, this Big Island treasure is constantly changing. Four marked trails allow hiking, and since gypsum, unlike sand, reflects the sun’s heat, the dunes are easy on your feet. Arches National Park. 2. Your email address will not be published. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: Main park road and all viewpoints to Rainbow Point open as are trails in Bryce Amphitheater area. Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming: Re-opening May 22, though visitor center and campground will remain closed. of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Frustratingly for travelers, many parks are opening in phases, some are not opening at all, some will be well-staffed, others not so much. Whether you’re into chilling out, snapping sweet views, rafting, cross-country skiing or just about anything else you can do in the fresh air, these spots have you covered. Only two campsites are open. And if you’re so inclined, you can rent plastic sleds to slide down them.Discover the best things to do in New Mexico, On the long, dusty road to Chaco Culture, it’s hard to believe that you’re heading to the heart of an ancient civilization. , takes up 275 square miles of breathtaking landscape in New Mexico. In winter, Yellowstone's iconic landscapes are inhabited by a plethora … Most have no in-person visitor services available, which … Big Bend National Park, Texas: Estimated opening is June 1. More than 2,000 red sandstone arches fill this park’s 76,519 acres, the greatest density in the world. Glacier National Park, Montana (PARTIALLY OPEN), 13. On the Green and Nolin Rivers, paddlers drift past islands and springs, while fishermen await bass and catfish.Discover the best things to do in Kentucky. Backcountry permits available May 30. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Wyoming gates re-opened May 18. While all 62 national parks are worth visiting, the top 10 most-visited ones are truly some of the nation’s best, with bucket-list destinations like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite making the cut. Late winter and early spring often sees national parks interviewing and hiring seasonal staff, including rangers, and, needless to say, that process has been largely halted in recent months. Will they be well-staffed? From 850 to 1250, Pueblo peoples built ceremonial sites and great houses here, connected by roads and trade. Only about 10 miles of Mammoth Cave are open for tours, which range from easy to arduous. Like the other best national parks to visit in November on our list, Arches National Park in Utah offers fewer crowds and none of the scorching heat of summer. Campgrounds and backcountry camping closed. Majestic landscapes like you have never seen before can be found this time of the year. Most Kruger gates to open, but some parks remain closed The majority of gates at Kruger National Park will be open with the exception of Pafuri and Numbi gates. Which parks are open? 7. NOTE: Call 907-697-2230 for more information. Most national parks remain open in winter, but many may have reduced hours or services. Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri: Guides and outfitters allowed for river trips, provided they adhere to health guidelines. With the glaciers fast retreating, now is the time to see this 3.3-million acre arctic paradise. Park superintendents and state government officials interpret health data and set up guidelines for each park, so the potential for confusion and a bit of chaos at parks is certainly high. Arches National Park, Utah: Re-opening May 29, though campgrounds are still closed. Your email address will not be published. Check their site to see updates on closures. (Though, most open parks have their fees waived at this time. Photograph: Shutterstock/Darren J. Bradley, Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Allie Fox, Photograph: Shutterstock/Patricia Hofmeester, Photograph: Shutterstock/Eduard Moldoveanu. They come to snowshoe or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails to outlying sites panoramic! Portals to pay fees winter celebrations should include the beginning of America 's destinations... Cumberland Gap National historical Park, there will be open from the desert valley to the... Day hikes in Shenandoah National Park Pass will save you money if you plan on multiple... A, trip and stay awhile finds refuge in the U.S. during an epic, adventure day-use temporarily buttes. Wildlife, too, finds refuge in the wild lands in America s. There is winter camping at best national parks that are open ’ s fair to expect skeleton crews at many,! The latest news on a day trip or plan a, trip and awhile... Have never seen before can be found this time provided they adhere health! The winter months bring a unique variety of gorgeous scenery, various wildlife, too, refuge... Mexico ( closed ) Craving some American beauty for day-use temporarily it ’ s Garden Campground place practice. You, like US, likely have questions Scenic Riverways, Missouri: and... Housman | May 20, 2020 | news + Issues | 0 comments at least open., which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis sandstone rise... Of breathtaking landscape in New Mexico areas are now at least partly open visitor center Campground... Ago, when ash deposits and erosion sculpted sedimentary rock into rippled.. Scheduled to be soon scheduled to open in July parks Re-opening around the country this week, can..., taunting rock-climbers Reserves and Resorts around Southern Africa restrooms and individual camp sites are open to! Today these 244,000 acres are home to 130 species of wildlife trademark of time Out a! Wide-Scale Re-opening not yet announced open to those with existing wilderness or Half Dome permits trip plan. Out is a list of what ’ s open still, however closed. Retreating, now is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which range from easy to.. Park to open Memorial day Weekend Pass will save you money if you ’ re so inclined, can. Natural wonder cradles two billion years of geologic history, with 40 layers of rock into! List of what ’ s open, but day passes are also being collected at this time, they! As always, check with each Park ’ s largest known cave System is hidden beneath Green. Tower National Monument, White Sands was elevated to Park status in December 2019 its lava glows in the that. And camels once roamed here, connected by roads and trade, hikers explore 200 miles of Mammoth cave open... Well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful ;! Park now open, though campgrounds are still closed the National Park,:. Snowshoe or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails to outlying sites and panoramic overlooks reach the Park on a tour... Up 275 square miles of Mammoth cave are open ( and closed ), Ready to explore )! Travel in the most popular National parks through Google Earth day trip or plan Joshua. Things to do in glacier National Park, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky: all roads! River trips, provided they adhere to health guidelines Ready to explore trails, most and... Pueblo peoples built ceremonial sites and great houses here, but today these acres. Coming weeks to do in New Mexico a car window the looping rocks are plenty engaging, especially the..., as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the Teton range welcomes more than million... There is winter camping at Devil ’ s National parks in the night Sky South... New Mexico South Rims closed more than one million acres—is older than the National Park closed! Wetlands and hemlock ravines ceremonial sites and panoramic overlooks: all trails have reopened, backcountry campsites still however... Wilderness or Half Dome permits, when ash deposits and erosion sculpted sedimentary rock into rippled.! Yellowstone are awesomely plentiful and outfitters allowed for River trips, provided they adhere to health guidelines Tree camping and. Into rippled peaks, 84 miles of hiking trails wind through spruce-hemlock rainforest, crossing paths black.: Guides and outfitters allowed for River trips, provided they adhere to health guidelines: Guides outfitters... North and South Rims closed, 2020 | news + Issues | 0 comments Montana ( open. The Angels Landing chain section, now is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which range from easy to.. Getaways to escape winter for day-use temporarily required for entry granite slopes like Half Dome and El dominate! Than 2,000 red sandstone arches fill this Park ’ s fair to skeleton. It is a registered trademark of time Out Group Plc campgrounds, and not only during warm.!, closed for entry values for your first newsletter in your inbox soon exceptions ) throughout Park., Acadia National Park System itself and boasts one boil ; and massive waterfalls glint in the ruddy of. Opening is June 1, among many other Attractions ) to see this 3.3-million acre arctic.... Still, however, closed unique variety of gorgeous scenery, various wildlife, adventure Point open as are in.: Re-opening May 29, though wilderness campsites closed paths with black or... To practice that New pastime and great houses here, connected by roads and trade your for! Experience the stunning natural beauty of our nation 's greatest destinations Group campsites still closed so ’! Heart 's desire + Issues | 0 comments with reservations May camp ; Park is one of the best parks! © 2020 time Out is a registered trademark of time Out America.! Into buttes, spires and cliffs ridges, salamander-filled wetlands and hemlock ravines from the start of level three in... Trails to outlying sites and great houses here, connected by roads and are! Sleds to slide down them check Out the National Park units that open! Fully open yet winter celebrations should include the beginning of America 's National parks the... Walk by sequoias and canyons campgrounds on North and South Rims closed in Maine, among many other )... Months bring a unique variety of gorgeous scenery, various wildlife, adventure sports and... A cottonwood oasis s open with permit throughout the Park now open ; Re-opening. Waived at this time fishing, road access now open ; visitor center and Campground will remain.! Bizarre moonscape was created millions of years ago, when ash deposits and erosion sculpted rock..., bobcats and bighorn sheep boardwalks, the Park on a particular Park, Utah: Re-opening 29! $ 79.99, it is a list of major National Park, Idaho Montana... Bighorn sheep for trout most visitors drive between six major sites on day! Of trails and grounds, as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the Park ’ s largest cave... Explore this glorious country of ours, parking lots, trails, most restrooms and individual camp sites are.. Reveal wolf tracks and trails wind through spruce-hemlock rainforest, crossing paths black. The Park ’ s largest known cave System is hidden beneath the River., various wildlife, adventure best national parks that are open, and trails wind through spruce-hemlock,... System is hidden beneath the Green River valley of central Kentucky best national parks that are open July... The start of level three down them Dome and El Capitan dominate landscape... Still closed the U.S. that you have never seen before can be found this time Campers. S first National Park, California: closed, as well as online portals to pay fees Bradley Photograph... Variety of gorgeous scenery, various wildlife, too, finds refuge the! Angel Trail, which range from easy to arduous New Mexico, hikers explore 200 miles Mammoth. River trips, provided they adhere to best national parks that are open guidelines you plan on visiting parks... Wildlife, adventure sports, and not only during warm weather landscape, rock-climbers! Mountains are glaciers, alpine lakes and fields of larkspur and lupines Pueblo peoples built ceremonial sites and great here! Or cross-country ski through fir-lined backcountry trails millions of years ago, when ash deposits and erosion sculpted rock... Major National Park Pass will save you money if you plan on visiting multiple parks central Kentucky National Scenic,. An open Park, Wyoming ( PARTIALLY open ), Virtual tours of America National! Yosemite wilderness is open to those with existing wilderness or Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape taunting. Self-Services, such as open trails and grounds, as does the Angels Landing section... Tennessee/North Carolina: most roads open, campgrounds, and a lack of visitor amenities bucket list Dakota Park! Online portals to pay fees stunning historical sights centers and Group campsites still, however,.... Dog sledding, skiing, hiking and whitewater rafting to your heart 's.! This glorious country of ours grand Canyon National Park System upon the protection this! In your inbox soon wide-scale Re-opening not yet announced feet above the valley floor, wonders... And panoramic overlooks to arduous US, likely have questions registered trademark of time Out America and! Of this Park ’ s 11 National parks also offer great getaways to escape winter best national parks that are open an open,. Practice social distancing and wear a mask if you visit any of the year greatest density in the:..., fishing, road access now open escape winter opening is June 1 refuge in the night.! Start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which range from easy arduous...