US National Parks are unspoiled, unique natural places. Visiting an American park is an extraordinary experience – spectacular landscapes, unique geology, wild animals, etc. Over 50 national parks spread all over American soil; however, what are the must-see national parks in the US during summer? If you’re wondering this question, we’re answering it in this guide!
What are the best and must-see national parks in the US to visit during summer 2021?
1. Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is located in the south of Texas; it is also the tremendous unknown national park of the Wild Wild West. Yet Big Bend National Park is the largest in Texas, with more than 320,000 hectares, located on the edge of the Texas Wild West.
The Big Bend National Park refers to the Rio Grande river. The Rio Grande marks the border with Mexico, and you will find a village just on the other side. Big Bend National Park is home to mountains, deserts, rivers, hiking trails, scenic views, canyons, and the most incredible variety of birds of any American park, making it one of the Must-see national parks in the US.
2. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in Western Colorado. This national park is divided into two rims, a North Rim and a South Rim. In between, the Gunnison River Canyon is 77 km long. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only 19 km long, the deepest and most spectacular section. Its rather peculiar name of Black Canyon comes from the fact that parts of it only get 33 minutes of sun per day. The rock, therefore, appears very dark, almost black.
The formation of the sinkhole dates back 2 million years when the Gunnison River washed away the remnants of volcanic rocks and then continued to erode the gneiss and schist rock to shape the canyon we see today, reaching 685 meters deep. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison attracts geologists from all over the planet and is undoubtedly among the Must-see national parks in the US. Black Canyon also fascinates by its narrowness, particularly at the river level at The Narrows, where the width separating the two walls is only 12 meters. Moreover, only experienced hikers descend into the canyon. The Gunnison River is reserved for the most experienced kayakers
3. Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon does not need presentation; it is arguably one of the most beautiful and Must-see national parks in the US to visit during Summer 2021. The Grand Canyon is a true icon, just like the Statue of Liberty. Grand Canyon National Park has been located in northwest Arizona since 1919. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Yet, it is not the deepest, the narrowest, or even the longest canyon in the world. Nevertheless, it cumulates 445 km of river and preserves almost 5000 km² of wildlife. The history of the Grand Canyon dates back over 1.7 billion years. This is why it is one of the most studied landscapes globally and one of the must-see national parks in the US.
4. Great Basin National Park
The Great Basin National Park is one of the most recent national parks in US history and among the must-see national parks in the US. Created in 1986, The Great Basin National Park is home to desert areas, caves, the Lehman Caves, where you can observe stalactites and stalagmites, and snow-capped peaks. The Great Basin National Park is also home to the forests of Bristlecone Pines, believed to be the oldest living organisms on Earth.
5. Mount Rainier National Park
The list of the must-see national parks in the US wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mount Rainier National Park. The park is built on Mount Rainier, which rises to 4392 m. In 1899 it became the location for the 5th American National Park. Mount Rainier creates its climate by interrupting the humid westerly current from the Pacific, so all the moisture is poured out onto the western front.
This phenomenon allowed the creation of the humid forest in the Carbon River Valley. Mount Rainier National Park is home to 26 different glaciers; during summer, these glaciers flow into a dozen rivers, creating a panoramic view for visitors. Additionally, Mount Rainier National Park is home to several animals such as cougars, black bears, deer, elk, and mountain goats.
The US is full of incredible national parks that reflect the biodiversity of the country. We hope you enjoyed reading our must-see national parks in the US to visit during summer. Let us know what your favorite national park is and why.
We look forward to reading your comments.
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