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National Parks

Learn about the national parks of the Western U.S., including Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, Yosemite, Sequoia, Arches, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, and more. Discover hidden places away from the crowds, find the best time to go, and get the scoop on where to stay and eat.

A bench overlooks the pond at Dos Rios State Park in California.

Take a guided tour to visit former ranchland transformed into a place to spy endangered wildlife.

Lake Powell near Page, Arizona

Tour a few of the most scenic landscapes of the Southwest on your way between parks in 5 states.

a trail through Muir Woods

Learn the best ways to visit Muir Woods—a favored attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Sunset over McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in California.

These state parks will make you want to plan your next visit as soon as possible.

Stars above Natural Bridges National Monument at night

From the California desert to the Arizona high-country, these are eight places to see the stars.

Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park on a party cloudy day.

In California’s Central Valley, caves and spires are the backdrop of this biodiverse destination.

Clouds over Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada.

From Arizona to California, these wildlands offer history and space to spread out.

The view of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway in Sequoia National Forest, California.

Wander among giant sequoias and granite rock formations in the southern Sierra Nevada.

Golden Gate Trail trailhead in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park at sunset with the mountain in the background.

Explore waterfalls, alpine wildflowers, and more.

A hiker overlooks Williwaw Lakes in Chugach State Park, near Anchorage, Alaska, in summer.

Check out these hikes in state parks and other public lands instead of crowded national parks.

Kayaks on the shore of Lake Crescent in Washington's Olympic National Park.

Connect with nature in these cool idylls that are relatively safe from wildfires.

A father and son put together their camping tent.

Play hard and sleep soundly at these inviting spots.

A hiker stands at an overlook in Sedona, Arizona.

Prevent sunburns, dehydration, and heat illnesses while hiking.

pair of Monterey pines tower above China Cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel, California

Not just the prettiest. Not just the most popular. The best state parks in the West.

A parent helps their child apply bug spray to prevent ticks before a hike.

Follow these simple strategies to keep ticks at bay, plus what to do if you find one.

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