4 National Parks To Explore This Fall by Michelle Snell

4 National Parks To Explore This Fall

by Michelle Snell

If you are like many Americans, at least one of America’s National Parks is on your bucket list. Established over 100 years ago with a mission to promote, “the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” the National Park Service manages 63 National Parks across the United States. Choosing which park to visit can be daunting, so I want to help you out by introducing you to four of my favorite National Parks!

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK | TEXAS

Spread out over 800,000-acres, Big Bend is a National Park that is big enough and tough enough to call Texas home. Known for being an “unforgiving and dangerous” environment, Big Bend is full of harsh, vast countryside. Do not let that deter you from visiting Big Bend though. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and more in this park. One of the most popular trails is the 1.7-mile round trip hike, Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This trail rewards hikers by immersing them in the 1,500-foot limestone walls of the Rio Grande.

WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK | NM

One of the unique National Parks, White Sands National Park, can be found just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. People flock to White Sands to explore the 275 square miles of white gypsum sand that remained after a lake evaporated in Ice Ages. While there is not one particular area or attraction within the park to visit, the fun is just experience the vast sand dunes. Visitors love to ride sleds down the dunes, do a photoshoot here, or just spend the day hiking. No matter what you choose, White Sands is definitely worth a visit!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK | CO

Established in 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is located in one of the country’s most popular mountain ranges, The Rocky Mountains. Known for deep valleys, gorgeous mountain terrain, and an exceptionally diverse ecosystem brimming with a wide range of plant and animal life. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should definitely be on the lookout for wildlife while in the park. Elk, bison, moose, bears, bighorn sheep, and more all call the park home.

Rocky Mountains National Park

Photo: Michelle Snell

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK | WY

While the majority of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, this 3,500-mile park also spreads into Montana and Idaho. The world’s first National Park, Yellowstone’s claim to fame is thanks to the unique and dramatic geologic features that formed this beautiful landscape. Of course, everyone knows Old Faithful, the park geyser that gained it worldwide attention, but there is so much more to Yellowstone than just Old Faithful. A visit here allows you to explore forests, rivers, canyons, hot springs, geysers, and more. Of course, an abundance of wildlife calls Yellowstone home also. Be on the lookout for bears, elk, bison, deer, wolves, and antelope.

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of America’s National Parks, so get out there and get exploring! There are so many great places just waiting for you!

Michell Snell

Photo: Michell Snell

About the Writer

@thattexascouple

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and culture enthusiast. A professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet setting all over the world in her free time. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple.