Tag Archives: national parks

America's 250th, National Parks, Travel Sales-Discounts-Deals

Xanterra Travel Collection® Celebrates 250 Years of America and 150 Years of Hospitality with America’s 250th Travel Sale, April 17-29

The sale highlights this milestone year with exclusive savings of up to 50% across iconic national parks, cruises, tours, and resorts

Grand Canyon National Park. Xanterra Travel Collection® has launched its America’s 250th Travel Sale, with offers kicking off in mid-April for its iconic national park properties including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial National Park, as well as VBT Country Walkers, Windstar Cruises © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Denver, CO — March 31, 2026 — Xanterra Travel Collection®  is launching its America’s 250th Travel Sale (April 17-29, 2026), an enterprise-wide initiative celebrating two remarkable milestones: 250 years of America and 150 years of legendary hospitality. This once-in-a-generation campaign invites travelers to experience unforgettable journeys across Xanterra’s diverse portfolio, from iconic national park stays to yacht-style cruises, immersive tours, and luxury resorts. 

The sale builds on Xanterra’s legacy across a diverse range of travel experiences while honoring its deep roots in some of the world’s most beloved destinations. For a century and a half, the company has helped shape the visitor experience, welcoming generations of guests while supporting preservation and responsible tourism.

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to celebrate our own 150-year legacy of unmatched hospitality in the country’s most extraordinary places,” said Andrew N. Todd, CEO of Xanterra Travel Collection®. “The America’s 250th Travel Sale encourages travelers to explore and enjoy our national parks and beyond while honoring the landscapes and experiences that make them so special during this milestone year.”

A World of Unforgettable Experiences®, All in One Sale 

Spanning Xanterra’s full collection of brands and destinations, the America’s 250th Travel Sale makes it easier than ever to plan a memorable getaway, whether it’s a classic national park escape, a guided adventure, or a luxurious coastal retreat.

Featured offers include:

National Park Lodges

Xanterra Travel Collection includes the historic Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • Glacier National Park — Save 20% at Cedar Creek Lodge for stays between April 19 – October 31, 2026.
  • The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon — Save 20% on stays between May 7 – October 31, 2026.
  • Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites — Save 30% on stays between April 17 – October 31, 2026
  • Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel —Stay 2, 3 or 4 nights with the Stay and Save Platinum Package and save 50% off Pullman, Coach, First or 25% off Dome or Luxury classes on the historic Grand Canyon Railway between April 17 – September 3, 2026.
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges — Save up to 30% at El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel, Maswik, Kachina, and Thunderbird Lodges (Booking dates vary).
  • The Oasis at Death Valley — Save 30% at The Inn and The Ranch at Death Valley for stays between April 20 – October 31, 2026.
  • Yellowstone National Park — Save up to 30% on designated room types this spring and summer at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Canyon Lodge, Grant Village, Lake Lodge, Bridge Bay Campground, and Grant Campground (Booking dates vary).

Cruise, Tours, and Resorts

  • Holiday Vacations —Take $250 off any Bryce, Zion, & Grand Canyon tour by Holiday Vacations.
  • Windstar Cruises — Complimentary All-Inclusive package — Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass and beer, on voyages through June 30, 2027.
  • Sea Island — For stays through February 2027, book and prepay your entire stay and enjoy a 15% savings off the standard room rate at The Inn by Sea Island.
  • The Broadmoor — Save up to 30% off your stay at The Broadmoor’s all-inclusive Wilderness Retreats.

“America 250 is a reminder of why travel matters — not just as a way to see new places, but to connect with landscapes and experiences that shape our shared story,” said Andrew Heltzel, Chief Commercial Officer at Xanterra. “This campaign brings together the full breadth of our portfolio, giving travelers more ways than ever to be part of that story.”

The America’s 250th Travel Sale launches April 17, 2026, and runs through April 29, 2026. Travelers can learn more and book offers at https://www.xanterra.com/americas-250-sale/.

Known for its “Legendary Hospitality with a Softer Footprint®,” Xanterra Travel Collection® provides A World of Unforgettable Experiences® through its operations in national parks, including lodges, restaurants, tours, and activities, as well as through its ownership of resorts, a cruise line, a railway, and tour companies. Xanterra has operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Xanterra Travel Collection® also owns and operates Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Ariz., The Grand Hotel and The Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites in Tusayan, Ariz., The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley Calif., Windstar Cruises, Holiday Vacations, VBT Bicycling Vacations, and Country Walkers. Xanterra is also affiliated with two Forbes Five-Star Resorts, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO and Sea Island on the coast of Georgia. 

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, camping-glamping, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, hiking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Uncategorized

Fall is National Parks ‘Secret Season’

Forget the summer gridlock. The real story of America’s national parks is told in September and October, during the “secret season.” This is when the crowds disappear, the weather is perfect and the landscapes transform. The post-Labor Day slump is a traveler’s dream. With schools back in session, parks like Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are no longer at peak capacity. This means a more intimate and enjoyable experience. The intense summer heat subsides, making hiking and outdoor activities not just possible, but genuinely pleasant. Think crisp, cool air and golden sunshine. Wildlife, in general, is more active in the cooler temperatures, providing unparalleled viewing opportunities. Here are a handful of great national park vacation ideas.

White Stallion Ranch Horseback Riding - Courtesy of True Ranch Collection.jpg

  1. Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ three-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling class III rapids in a raft cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing to horseback rides and Yellowstone whitewater, guests will be talking about this unique experience for years to come. 
  2. Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip in Glacier National Park. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties and six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the ”Crown of the Continent” ecosystem. 
  3. Alaska Fjord Explorer: On Adventure Life’s Kenai Explorer tour, spend seven days amid the breathtaking landscape and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward, Alaska. Enjoy nature walks and paddling from a beachfront lodge with glacier views, keeping an eye out for wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, otters, puffins and more, then visit the coastal town of Seward and go dogsledding or step on nearby Exit Glacier. Finish with an Alaska Rail ride to Anchorage.
  4. Wyoming Cowboy Retreat: At Ranchlands’ 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch, guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike and experience the unique landscape of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands’ beef, local produce and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great basecamp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
  5. Bryce & Zion by MTB: Soaring red spires and ancient citadels of rich Navajo sandstone give way to haunting hoodoos and curving rock arches – a geologist’s dream and a mountain biker’s paradise. The rides on this six-day Escape Adventures tour offer swift lines that wind through deep alpine meadows and aspen forests only to spill out onto wide mesas and buttes. The world-famous trails of Red Canyon’s Thunder Mountain, Cassidy and Casto Canyon symbolize but a few of this tour’s many highlights.
  6. Grand Teton Glamping: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features.
  7. Arizona Ranch Getaway: Step back in time at White Stallion Ranch, outside Tucson, Arizona, on the edge of Saguaro National Park. Originally built in the 1900s as a cattle ranch, the True family has been welcoming guests to White Stallion for 60 years. While there, enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fat-tire biking, shooting, archery, a weekly rodeo, charming accommodations, Southwestern dining and more with the towering cactuses of the Sonoran Desert as the backdrop.
  8. Colorado National Parks Road Trip: AdventureGenie is the ultimate co-pilot for planning a perfect road trip to Colorado national parks. As the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end road trip planner, AdventureGenie makes it easier and more exciting than ever to discover the Centennial State. Colorado is more than just the Rocky Mountains – the state is richly diverse with deep canyons, rolling sand dunes, glistening rivers and expansive rolling plains. From accessible trails to hikes of various distances and difficulties and amazing scenic drives, these five Colorado national parks are full of geographical marvels and prehistoric wonders.
  9. Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a home base for adventure year-round. In fall, golden aspens and cottonwoods light up the mountainsides and river bottoms, and there are opportunities to hike, bike, fish or watch for wildlife in the forestlands near town and Yellowstone National Park. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers accommodations that blend modern comfort with Montana style just steps from dining at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar and more in Big Sky Town Center. 
  10. E-Bike Tour of Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multicolored spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cactuses below and snowcapped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Guests will spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches and ancient Puebloan ruins. 
  11. Utah Hut-to-Hut Adventure: Discover the Aquarius Trail Hut System, an unparalleled e-bike adventure in Utah’s stunning color country. This unique trail stretches from Brian Head Peak through picturesque locations like Panguitch, Bryce and Escalante. Along the way, modern huts provide essential amenities, including solar-powered kitchens, comfortable sleeping arrangements and bike repair tools, ensuring a perfect blend of rugged exploration and convenient comfort. 
  12. Grand Canyon’s North Rim: Escape Adventures invites adventurers and families to discover the cool, high-altitude sanctuary of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on an unforgettable five-day mountain biking and camping expedition. Revered by hikers and cyclists for its breathtaking vistas and gently rolling, lung-expanding terrain, the North Rim offers a unique and less-crowded perspective of this natural wonder. 
North Rim of Grand Canyon.jpg
Active Travel, Adventure Travel, National Parks, Uncategorized

How to Get Around Difficulty of Visiting Grand Canyon from National Park Budget Cuts? Go Rafting!

While recent federal budget cuts to the National Park Service may impact visitor experiences across the country, travelers planning a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Western River Expeditions can rest easy: river adventures through this iconic landscape will go forward without disruption.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT- If you were ever thinking about doing a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, this is the year to do it.

While recent federal budget cuts to the National Park Service may impact visitor experiences across the country, travelers planning a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Western River Expeditions can rest easy: river adventures through this iconic landscape will go forward without disruption.
 
“Unlike some land-based activities that rely heavily on park staffing, our river trips operate independently,” explains Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions. “Our trained guides and self-sufficient operations ensure guests experience the Grand Canyon’s wonders without interruption.”
 
Why Western River Expeditions’ Grand Canyon Trips Remain Secure: 

  • History of Continuity: Even during past government shutdowns, Grand Canyon National Park has remained open and accessible, thanks to state-level funding support from Arizona. 
    • Operational Independence: As a licensed concessionaire, Western River Expeditions staffs, supplies, operates and manages its own trips under a long-term contract with the National Park Service. 
    • Emergency Readiness: Open communication with park officials ensures that emergency services will remain operational even during federal staffing shortages. 

Western River Expeditions recommends that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind when booking their trip.
 
A High-Demand Experience
Bonnie Cratch, Reservations Manager at Western River Expeditions, emphasizes the importance of early planning: “Grand Canyon trips are always in extremely high demand. Strict regulations cap the number of rafting participants allowed each year, so reservations fill quickly.”
 
The rafting season on the Colorado River runs from April through September. There are still a few spots available for August 2025 for those who act quickly. 

Every trip includes off-river hikes to waterfalls, slot canyons, ancient ruins, and breathtaking side canyons — places unseen by most rim visitors. Western’s exclusive J-Rig rafts offer accessibility and comfort, even through the canyon’s most thrilling whitewater.

Learn more about Grand Canyon rafting trips: https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-rafting
  
To request a 2025 catalog, check availability, or make reservations: call: 866-904-1160 (Local: 801-942-6669), visit: www.westernriver.com

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, hiking, National Parks, Uncategorized

Moab Adventure Center Gears Up for Another Active Season at Arches National Park

Arches National Park is nearly 77,000 acres of unique geological resources and formations unlike anywhere else in the world © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

MOAB, UT- Moab Adventure Center, the go-to-hub for all things active in the Arches National Park region, is gearing up for what it predicts will be a bumper crop of visitors clamoring to pack in as much fun as possible in a landscape far removed from anything they’ve seen before.
 
“Getting up close and personal with Arches National Park is a must for anyone looking for out-of-the-box adventures in 2025,” says Kam Wixom, Marketing Director. “For those who want more from a getaway, think Arches National Park, nearly 77,000 acres of unique geological resources and formations unlike anywhere else in the world!”
 
These iconic acres encompass:

  • A myriad of outdoor activities: canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, off roading, mountain biking and whitewater rafting through the intense red rock landscape surrounded by the Utah desert.
    • Endless hiking opportunities to explore and discover the unusual topography of Arches National Park. Most trailheads are located a short distance from parking lots and pull-overs. The hikes and trails within the park vary in length and difficulty based on terrain.
    • So many sights and wonders you could never have imagined: With 150 million years of natural development, Arches National Park has more than 2,000 arches (more than anywhere else in the world). The help of a tour guide is recommended to make your way through these astounding geological formations. Ranger programs through the National Park Service allow visitors to get a look at some of the greatest landmarks within the park at different hours of the day. 

Among the not-to-miss guided adventures while in Moab that are offered year-round:

  • Sunset Discovery Tour: This 4-hour, guided tour leads visitors through the Park by custom bus or Sprinter Van equipped with extra wide windows for premium viewing during the most colorful time of day. Up to an hour’s worth of short, scenic hikes are part of the experience. The per person rate is $114; $93 ages 5-12. Please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours-sunset
    • Arches National Park Scenic Flight Airplane Tour: This 30-minute tour offers a birds-eye view of this unique and unforgettable landscape. Guests have window seats and are equipped with flight headsets to hear the narrative from the pilot. The per person rate is $208; $183 ages 3-12 (infants and toddlers travel free). Please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-air-tours 

Important Information for 2025:  Visitors who plan to visit the park from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1 through July 5 and Aug. 28-through Oct. 31, 2025, need to obtain timed entry tickets in addition to a park pass OR entrance fee. Visitors may enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. from July 7 through Aug. 27, 2025, without a timed entry ticket.  Please see https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation.htm
 
In response to feedback from stakeholders and the general public, Arches National Park has changed its 2025 timed entry reservation system to accept reservations up to six months in advance—twice as long as previously allowed. Please see https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/news/news12192025.htm
 
“However, the good news is that no advance permit is required if visitors book a commercial park tour through Moab Adventure Center,” notes Wixom. (See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours)
 
Recently named one of the top adventure travel companies in the U.S. by Newsweek Magazine (April 2024), Moab Adventure Center has also been honored with the Best of State Award for 21 consecutive years, a testament to its excellence in adventure tourism. Moab Adventure Center offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including rafting, jet boating, paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding.
 
Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions, the largest tour operator in Moab, Utah. The Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT. For more information and reservations, call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163, or visit www.moabadventurecenter.com.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoors Travel, Uncategorized

Under Canvas, Backroads Team on New Glamping Adventures in National Parks

Grand Teton National Park. Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences across US national parks © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.

After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.

Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.

Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:

“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”

“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”

Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, cycling trips, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

5 Montana National Parks Tours

The phenomenal Grand Prismatic in Yellowstone National Park. There are a variety of ways to experience one of America’s most popular parks © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Here are a 5 exciting ways to explore Montana and its most popular National Parks. 

Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV: Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before. Based in Bozeman, MT, Blacksford’s brand new, luxury RVs and camper vans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic vacation, and support to ensure a seamless rental experience. 

Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ 3-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling Class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing, to horseback rides, to Yellowstone whitewater rafting, guests will be talking about their unique experiences for years to come. 

Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Glacier National Park/Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties plus six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem. 

Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain in winter, and hike nearby shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking in summer. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations steps from on-site amenities and Big Sky Town Center. 

Glamping Cowboy Retreat:  Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike, and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great base camp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.

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Uncategorized

KURU: Top 10 National Parks for Hiking in 2024

Yosemite National Park, California, ranked highest for hiking in KURU Footwear’s list of Top 10 national parks for hiking © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

With Memorial Day around the corner, many are planning their summer travel. In fact, 48% of Americans say visiting a National Park is on their bucket list.  KURU Footwear has analyzed all 63 U.S. National Parks to rank the top 10 based on number of trails, miles of trails, average trail rating, and park crowd levels. 

Highlights from the report:

  • Three of the top 10 best national parks for hiking are in California.
  • If you tried to hike every single National Park trail in the United States, it would take 11 years if you did one trail per day!
    • 325.5 million Americans visited a national park in 2023, up more than 13 million people than the previous year.

Top 10 National Parks for Hikers in 2024:

  1. Yosemite National Park (CA)
  2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN)
  3. Yellowstone National Park (WY)
  4. Olympic National Park (WA)
  5. Shenandoah National Park (VA)
  6. Glacier National Park (MT)
  7. Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
  8. Sequoia National Park (CA)
  9. Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
  10. Kings Canyon National Park (CA)

Methodology: KURU used data from the National Park Service and AllTrails to find the number of available trails in all 63 National Parks in the United States, then ranked each on a scale of best to worst based on number of trails, miles of trails, average trail rating, and park crowd levels.

See the full ranking and report: https://www.kurufootwear.com/a/blog/best-national-parks-for-hiking

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Adventure Travel, National Parks, Outdoors Travel

Celebrate Canyonlands NP 60th Anniversary with Moab Adventure Center

For those who can only spare a few hours on the river, Colorado River Jet Boat Fun Run for $139 per person is a three-hour, 64-mile jet boat excursion with canopy-covered seating into spectacular river scenery bordering Canyonlands National Park.

MOAB, UT– In 1964, 257,640 acres of high desert in Utah were formally designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson as Canyonlands National Park. Some 10,000 years ago Native Americans lingered here long enough to signal their presence through drawings (petroglyphs) on rock walls. Only 2,000 years ago hunter-gatherer tribes created granaries to store their harvests. Many granaries still survive. Early European settlers gazed farther west, leaving this geologically challenging world as the hideout for a handful of outlaws.
 
Today, with its 60th anniversary upon us, Canyonlands National Park remains the least visited among Utah’s “Big 5” national parks despite offering some of the best rafting, hiking, jeep tours, mountain biking and canyoneering in the country. In 2024, Moab Adventure Center is making it easier than ever to access some or all of the vast park.
 
One of the most overlooked (and most breathtaking) districts of Canyonlands National Park is the River District. Carving its way through this unmatched landscape is the mighty Colorado River. Kam Wixom, Marketing Director for Moab Adventure Center, reports “a remarkable surge in popularity” with their 96-mile, 2-day Cataract Canyon Express raft trip (per person rate $955) or Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition (per person rate $1935) through class III-IV rapids in the heart of Canyonlands National Park.  Rates include transfers, hiking, camping, meals and whitewater rafting (plus scenic flight on 4-day trip).
 
For those who can only spare a few hours on the river, Colorado River Jet Boat Fun Run for $139 per person is a three-hour, 64-mile jet boat excursion with canopy-covered seating into spectacular river scenery bordering Canyonlands National Park. Snacks and drinks are served along with commentary by the guide/pilot. Keep an eye out for a petrified forest, fossil beds, spectacular rock cliffs, Indian ruins, petroglyphs and arches.  See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/jet-boat-colorado-river
 
To grasp the grandeur and enormity of all of Canyonlands, Moab Adventure Center can arrange a one-hour Canyonlands National Park Airplane Tour. The flights are year-round and scheduled to depart daily at 9 a.m. All guests have window views and headsets to enjoy the commentary of a professional pilot on a 125-mile flyover that includes regions inaccessible to hikers. The per-person rate is $249 ($187 ages 12-3). An 80-minute Arches and Canyonlands Airplane Tour also departs year-round daily. The per person rate is $329 ($247 ages 12-3). See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-air-tours for details.
 
Moab Adventure Center also maps out 4×4 Jeep Rentals for up to five passengers (including driver) available for one-day or multi-day use. The vehicles are brand-new modified Jeep Rubicons, considered the best and most capable jeep to explore the trails. Jeep Rubicons feature an automatic transmission, a 3-inch lift kit, oversized tires, seat belts for 5, and free satellite radio.  A per-vehicle daily rate of $330 includes a book of trail maps, a cooler of water and ice, and 150 free miles daily. GPS signal monitors in every Jeep means you are never really lost in the backcountry surrounding Moab. Complimentary airport and in-town shuttles are included. See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-jeep-rentals-rubicon
 
This National Park Service site https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm is a starting point for a pre-visit discovery of Canyonlands. It even includes time management touring tips for those with one hour or several days to spend in one or more of NPS’ designated regions – called sections – of Canyonlands. Please see https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/itineraries.htm
 
Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations please visit https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/ or call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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National Parks

Xanterra Travel Collection: Lodging Still Available at National Parks in 2024!

The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley, California. For the first time in ages, there are rooms, cabins and even campgrounds available in the spring, summer and even into the fall of 2024 in our fabled national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection, which operates them, reported. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.
 

For the first time in ages, there are rooms, cabins and even campgrounds available in the spring, summer and even into the fall of this year in our fabled national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection, which operates them, reported.  The result, if you ever wanted to visit any of these national parks, 2024 looks like the time to take advantage of this travel opportunity If you book sooner than later.  Usually, lodges are booked more than a year in advance.

Xanterra Travel Collection® operates the lodges, hotels, concessions–and even a railway in some of America’s most prized national parks including Grand Canyon South Rim, Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, and Death Valley. It also owns and operates the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Arizona, The Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Arizona, The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley, California, and Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls, Montana.

For reservations, packages, value-added programs, and availability, visit www.xanterra.com for more information.

Known for its “Legendary Hospitality with a Softer Footprint®,” Xanterra Travel Collection® provides A World of Unforgettable Experiences® through its operations in national parks, including lodges, restaurants, tours, and activities, as well as through its ownership of resorts, a cruise line, a railway, and tour companies. Xanterra has operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Xanterra Travel Collection® also owns and operates the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Ariz., The Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley Calif., Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls, Mont., Windstar Cruises, Holiday Vacations, VBT Bicycling Vacations, and Country Walkers. Xanterra is also affiliated with two Forbes Five-Star Resorts, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO and Sea Island on the coast of Georgia.

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Hotels & Resorts, National Parks

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone Reopens

The spectacular Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins are now open year-round © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Less than one year after historic monumental rains and flooding hit Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins have opened their doors to guests once again. The National Park Service announced that repairs to the Mammoth wastewater treatment plant had been successfully completed allowing the property to reopen on July 1. With this event, all the lodges, hotels and Xanterra-run campgrounds in the park are now open and ready to serve guests. In fact, there are still in-park rooms and campsites available at many locations this summer, particularly later in the season, a rather rare occurrence.

The Mammoth Hotel & Cabins are located in the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District that includes Fort Yellowstone, where 35 structures remain from the 1890s and early 1900s when the US Army administered the park. Significant conservation policies were developed here that led to the origin of the National Park Service. The hotel recently underwent major renovations of the public spaces and guest rooms. The hotel as it stands today was built in 1936, while retaining a wing of guest rooms originally built in 1911, and features its signature Map Room containing a large wooden map of the United States constructed of 15 different kinds of wood from nine countries. Guests enjoy a variety of in-park accommodations as well as the chance of spotting elk grazing outside the hotel.

Unknown to many, Yellowstone is open in the winter and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—named after nearby springs—offers a warm welcome to winter visitors as well. During this special season, daily guided tours depart from Mammoth Hotel to popular in-park hot spots like Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Old Faithful. The Bear Den ski shop, located in the gift shop, offers equipment, lessons, tips, and tours for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.

To search and book reservations visit www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. Guests should check the National Park Service website for the latest on trip planning, weather, road conditions and construction. The NPS app is also available for download.

See:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: DAY 1: ‘RANDOM BOILING EARTH’

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: MOTHER NATURE GETS SURREAL

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