Stefanie Payne - 100 Things to See in the National Parks: Your Guide to the Most Popular Features of the US National Parks

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100 Things to See in the National Parks

Your Guide to the Most Popular Features of the US National Parks

Stefanie Payne

For the US Department of the Interior, the US National Park Service, and to the rangers and all who work therethank you for preserving our public lands and for teaching, inspiring, and helping visitors have safer and more meaningful journeys in Americas national parks.

To dedicated national park explorers, who pour their experiences onto the pages of books, websites, and social media platforms: Your wisdom, guidance, and infectious enthusiasm illuminate pathways to new experiences that enhance the beauty in our lives.

And to my beloved husband, father, siblings, and friendsfor being so very patient with me while Im on deadline! Thank you for loving me, and for supporting me in all of my quests to explore our wild and wonderful world.

Would you like to:

Touch the worlds oldest, tallest, and largest trees?

Experience the hottest place on Earth?

Journey to North Americas highest peak?

Explore the longest mapped cave system in the world?

You can see all this and more in Americas national parks. There are sixty-three national parks in the United Statesspanning eighty-five million acresand each has distinct qualities that have captured the hearts of visitors from all over the world. Every park has cant-miss destinationsplaces that, if you left the park without seeing, youd regret missing out. 100 Things to See in the National Parks is a collection of these celebrated landmarks, historical places, breathtaking natural settings, and fascinating points of interest found in Americas most treasured lands. While must-see lists are largely subjective, the locations highlighted here have astonished viewers for centuries and have served as sacred landmarks for millennia to native communities.

In these pages youll learn about lesser-known spots as well, such as rare arctic sand dunes, colorful volcanoes decorated by endangered plants that glitter like jewels, and scenic byways that carve through remote wilderness you might otherwise have never seen. This book will tell you how and where to find such spotsand will inspire you to want to go!

Each entry lists the location of the featured attraction in the park, the best times to visit it, and how to get there. Youll also find a Must-See Guide that goes into more depth about what the attraction is, why it is important, and anything you will need to know to plan your trip or enjoy this location.

As you journey through this book and ponder your next must-see destinations, you will learn more about each of the national parks and what makes them so special. Whether youve visited some of the parks before or are on a new journey of discovery, youll love exploring these unique and awe-inspiring places. Adventure awaits!

With only one established road leading into a magnificent river-strewn landscape, you can understand what makes Denali Park Road so important in terms of seeing the enchanting wilderness that enfolds this national park. It is ninety-two miles long (one way), and private vehicles are permitted to travel only the first fifteen miles of paved roadway to the Savage River area, where you can set up and stay awhile at the designated park campground; venture onward to finish your guided park road excursion; or hop off the bus and explore on your own by foot.

PLAN AHEAD AND MONITOR CONDITIONS

Due to the ever-changing environment and unpredictable weather systems in interior Alaska, always check the official website for Denali at www.nps.gov/dena for updates related to road, trail, and area closures. Because of the parks popularity, youll want to check on permit requirements and reservations during planning and upon arrival.

The remaining seventy-seven miles of unpaved road beyond that point must be experienced aboard a concessioner-operated tour/shuttle bus that offers daily trips to the roads rugged end at Kantishnaonce a gold mining town and now a coveted area to stay in the remote wilderness.

Hopping onto narrated or non-narrated transit bus tours allows for immersive experiences, with several scheduled stops at various points of interest (for example, the Toklat River and the Eielson Visitor Center), as well as unscheduled stops when wildlife unexpectedly appears, which is undoubtedly a highlight of the journey.

Traveling through four mountain passes, sprawling views of spruce forests and untrammeled landscapes spread out in the distance. With every mile gained, the mammoth Denali peak comes closer into view as you near the end of the road. Just a short walk from Wonder Lake at mile marker 85 (markers follow miles of road) sits Reflection Pond, where on a clear day you can capture a mirror view of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Park Snapshot

Denali is mostly known for its wild scenery, braided rivers, abundant wildlife populations, and massive glacier-capped mountains that tower overhead. The park was initially established to protect Dall sheep before extending protections to include caribou, wolf, moose, and grizzly bearsa true prize if you witness all five of them all in one trip! Adventurers love the challenging terrain that makes for unforgettable hiking and backpacking expeditions. There are plenty of experiences for visitors of all ages and all levels of skill and wilderness knowledge. Denali is the only national park with working sled dogs, inviting guests each year to mush alongside them during popular demonstrations hosted by the National Park Service (NPS). It is a haven for endemic and migratory birds, beckoning bird-watchers keen to add to their life lists. You can get a birds-eye view as well by hopping on a flightseeing tour to soar above the six-million-acre landscape.

WHAT

The only established roadway in Denali National Park and Preserve.

WHERE

On the northeast side of the park, starting at the park entrance.

WHEN TO VISIT

May through September, when weather is favorable, and the midnight sun illuminates the landscape at almost all hours of the day and night. There are off-season travel opportunities year-round, though fewer services and activities will be available during these times.

HOW TO GET THERE

The George Parks Highway (Alaska 3) is the only connecter between Denali and Alaskas two largest cities: Anchorage is two hundred and thirty-seven miles to the south, and Fairbanks is one hundred and twenty-five miles to the north. The national park entrance is located at mile 237, and from there, you cant miss the entrance to Denali Park Road.