Exploring America's National Parks with Off the Beaten Path
Off the Beaten Path has just sent out a newsletter reminding us the glorious landscape riches the United States offers — and of all the spectacular national parks they visit. Beginning with my favorite park of all, here’s their announcement:
In the High Sierras of California lies one of the most magical, mythical, glorious landscapes in America. Yosemite!
Yosemite National Park’s granite domes, hanging valleys, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, and soaring groves of brooding sequoias have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations. John Muir found his passion for wilderness in Yosemite. African-American Buffalo Soldiers conducted mounted patrols here in the late 1890s. In 1916, Yosemite got its first woman ranger, Clare Hodges.
Seasons of Yosemite takes you behind the scenes, down the valley, over to Hetch Hetchy, and into the Mariposa Grove to discover Muir’s Yosemite. You’ll stay at the historic and tranquil Wawona Hotel, and at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, walking distance from the spectacular Yosemite Falls. Join us for this very special journey May 20-25 (hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association!) or June 17-22.
Or join one of our other National Park Journeys:
In Alaska:
Alaskan Odyssey: After some fun hiking and rafting near Girdwood, head out to a boat-in wilderness lodge in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Never heard of it? Even better! This spectacular maritime paradise is full of wildlife, glaciers, and opportunities for exploration.
Glacier Bay & Southeast Alaska: At the heart of this exceptional journey are three glorious days in Glacier Bay National Park, hiking the temperate rainforest and cruising the bay watching for bears, eagles, sea otters, puffins, bubble-netting humpback whales, and calving glaciers.
In the Rocky Mountains:
Wolves, Bears & Wild Things: You’ll almost feel like a field biologist on this immersive wildlife-watching experience in Yellowstone National Park. Your knowledgeable naturalist guides have the place dialed in, and know where the wild things are on any given day.
Essence of Yellowstone & Grand Teton: You get lots of outdoor time with your local professional naturalist on this fun, active journey. Enjoy wildlife-watching floats on the Snake and Yellowstone Rivers, and walks through the steaming, bubbling thermal basins.
Yellowstone for Fun: Get a big breath of fresh western air on this classic Off the Beaten Path-style family vacation. There’s interactive fun for everyone as you explore Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
Crown of the Continent: The “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem includes Glacier and Waterton National Parks, and is recognized as one of the world’s most pristine mountain landscapes. Lace up your boots and let’s go!
In the Desert Southwest:
Exploring Big Bend National Park: Explore three distinct habitats in this vast wilderness park: the Chihuahuan Desert, Chisos Mountains, and snaking river canyons. Dig deeply in the park’s fascinating cultural and natural history as you walk sandy washes and cottonwood-lined stream banks and hike mountain trails.
Zion, Bryce & Escalante: These national parklands each have their own stories to tell, and unique trails to explore. The journey nourishes your body along with your soul, with stays at harmonious eco-lodges and exquisite meals of fresh Southwest cuisine.
Chaco Canyon & Canyon de Chelly: Join professor, photographer, and experienced, congenial guide John Ninnemann on a phenomenal exploration of the great houses of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, and the cliff dwellings and rock art of Canyon de Chelly.
Deep Southwest Sojourn: Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks are shining jewels in the national park system, each offering unique views and experiences. The journey also takes you to Navajo tribal parklands in Monument Valley.
The Grandest Canyons: Explore Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks on this great family journey, along with the red rock landscape of Sedona and the rock-and-water wonderland of Lake Powell.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim: See the Grand Canyon one step at a time on this epic hiking adventure that takes you down the North Rim and back up the South Rim, with two days in between at the storied Phantom Ranch on the floor of the canyon.
