Overview Biscayne National Park covers over 172,000 acres with over 95% of the park underwater; It is considered a watery wonderland. The park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, wildlife and coral reefs. Biscayne National Park is a great place for outdoor water-based recreation—or just relaxing if you’re visiting southern Florida. Accessibility Biscayne visitor center is within an hour drive from both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. However, the majority of the park can only be accessed via boat or kayaking so please be prepare to book a snorkeling/kayaking/canoeing ..read more

Overview Home to the giant saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park houses more than 1,160 plant species. Located in southern Arizona, the park covers over 142 mi² and provides a safe haven for many wildlife.  Accessibility The park is relatively accessible by car from both west and east entrance.  In the western Tucson Mountain District, Signal Hill Trail leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.  The visitor center is located near this entrance. In the eastern Rincon Mountain District, Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road with striking views of the desert landscape. Park Highlights ..read more

Overview Often considered as one of the Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park covers 1.2 million acres of land and is the second highest visited national parks. Designated as a national park in 1919, the Grand Canyon became a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. The Grand Canyon is world famous for its enormous colorful layered of rocks that exposes millions of years of geological history. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the park and said: “The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled through-out the wide world.” Acce ..read more

The Wave Overview "The Wave” is part of Coyote Buttes North and require a permit to hike. Each day, only 20 lucky people get to hike this beautiful, fragile land. In 2018, approximately 160,000 people applied (online/walk-in) and only 7,300 people get the permit to hike. Each year, this number increases and it is harder to get picked but I say, try it, you just never know until you try.  How to Apply There are 2 ways to apply for “The Wave” hike: online ..read more

Overview Designated as a National Park on May 14, 1930, Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and more than 100 caves within the Permian-age fossil reef. This park houses a limestone chamber called the Big Room, which is almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide and 255 feet high, and is considered the fifth largest cave chamber in North America. Accessibility Carlsbad Cavern is easily accessible for all ages, and even those on wheel chairs in the major caves. The 700+ feet elevator from the visitor center to Carlsbad Cavern makes visiting the cave easier for t ..read more

Overview Covering approximately 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park is considered a desert wilderness where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert.  This desert can be described as smooth large boulders, rugged mountains and desert plains covered with Dr. Sues’ trees, Joshua trees.  Each year, the park welcomes approximately 2.8 million visitors to activities like hiking, camping, day and nigh photography, rock climbing, and the simple pleasure of desert scenery and wildlife. Accessibility Joshua Tree is relatively accessible by car and most of the roads inside the park are ..read more

Park Overview With over 400 miles of cave and growing, Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system in the world; covering over 52,000 acres. Mammoth cave is layered with thick Mississippian-aged limestone that’s has layers of sandstone to make this cave system extremely stable. Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1941 to preserve the cave system. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. Park Accessibility Overall, this park is easily accessible by road and many cave tours are available nearly e ..read more

Park Overview Created by the United States Congress in 1832, before the national park, Hot Springs National Park is to be preserved for recreation. The hot springs flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, and the park manages the conservation of the production of uncontaminated hot water for public use. Park Accessibility Hot Springs National Park is located downtown of Hot Springs, Arkansas (home of Bill Clinton). There are paved roads to drive through the park and to trailheads for hiking. Overall, the park is easily accessible by vehicle and small enough that you can visit and e ..read more

Overview The Channel Islands form eight-island off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura. Five of the islands are part of the Channel Islands National Park, and the waters surrounding these Channel Islands are part of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary.  As the result of isolation over thousands of years, these islands have become homes to many unique animals and plants that can only be found on the islands.    Accessibility The five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park can only be visited via boat with the I ..read more

Park Overview Established in 1935, Big Bend National Park preserves the largest tracts of Chihuanhuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. With about 801,163 acres of land, the park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds and 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. A unique geological feature of the park is that it has large sea fossils, dinosaur bones, and volcanic dikes. Park Accessibility Located in West Texas, bordering Mexico, Big Bend National Park is one of the more remote parks to visit. The majority of the park requires a vehicle, som ..read more