5 national parks to see before you die
Our national parks exert a primal pull on visitors from around the world who come by the millions to drink in the natural wonders. The astounding beauty of these wild places, preserved for the benefit of future generations, is almost spiritual for many. In addition, the parks offer limitless possibilities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding and wildlife spotting.
There are 58 national parks in the United States. Each offers a unique experience, and a visit to any is worthy. But some are worthier than others. Here are my picks for five essential national parks that you must see before you die.
-- Debbie K. Hardin, Travel Muse, distributed by Tribune Media Services Yosemite
One of the best ways to see these jaw-dropping scenes is aboard a raft, floating along the gentle Merced River. But the rafting season depends on the water level, which drops off in late summer. So hit the river in late spring through midsummer. Bring your own raft, or rent small inflatable boats at the Curry Village Recreation Center.
Landlubbers can rent bikes to explore the paved paths that follow the river's route, or hike one of the dozens of trails that crisscross the park. Avid rock climbers know that Yosemite also offers world-class climbing opportunities. And camping enthusiasts will find a handful of campgrounds, which, though often crowded, offer better proximity to Yosemite attractions than the somewhat pricey in-park lodges. Yellowstone
Yellowstone (nps.gov/yell) also is one of the best places in the lower 48 to spot wildlife. Bring binoculars or telescopes to look for massive buffalo herds moving slowly across the grasslands, lone grizzly bears galumphing along mountain ranges, stealthy wolves hunting beside waterways, and rival elk bucks crashing their massive antlers. Grand Canyon
But for real adventure, book a multiday white-water rafting tour that takes hearty guests through virgin stretches of the Colorado River as it courses along the canyon floor. Redwood
Don't miss the chance to hike the Coastal Trail, in the Prairie Creek State Park section, a day hike through redwoods that offers spectacular views of the ocean. Denali
The beautiful yet rough terrain and inhospitable climate (prohibitive for humans in all seasons except summer) and limited roadways (most of which are accessible only via park-operated tour buses) encourage wildlife to claim the park as their own. Mother grizzlies frolic with cubs as snow-white Dall sheep with whimsical whorling antlers scramble along rocky cliffs -- all seemingly oblivious to the presence of people.
For a peek at tamer animals, visit the park kennels, which house the sled dogs that make winter transportation possible for park rangers. During the summer, animal handlers conduct three demonstrations a day with these Alaskan huskies.
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