National Park Escapades: Top Parks for Thrilling Adventures

The national parks of the United States are a true gem—wild, stunning, and brimming with awe-inspiring sights. It’s no surprise that so many visitors travel across the country to experience their natural beauty firsthand.

But there's more than just breathtaking views waiting for you. These parks are outdoor playgrounds, packed with thrilling adventures and activities.

While the National Park Service is most famous for its 61 iconic parks, like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, there are actually 419 total NPS sites across the nation. These range from national parks to battlefields, seashores, lakeshores, and more.

Now, let’s take things to the next level and dive into some of the most exciting activities you can experience in National Park Service sites, paired with the best parks for each adventure.

Trekking

The Narrows at Zion National Park (Utah)

While nearly every national park offers some form of hiking, The Narrows at Zion National Park takes it to a whole new level. What makes this trek so unforgettable?

For starters, you’re trekking through the cold, shallow waters of the Virgin River. (Note: the trail may be closed during high water seasons, such as early spring, and flash floods are a real threat—so always check the forecast before heading out.)

As you continue, you’ll hike between towering canyon walls that rise up to 1,000 feet (309 meters) but narrow to just 20-30 feet wide in some spots. A truly exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience.

Two more thrilling adventures:

Olympic National Park (Washington): Experience everything from rugged, snow-capped peaks to lush, misty rainforests.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The name says it all—volcanic landscapes like no other!

Cycling

Acadia National Park (Maine)

The steep, twisting carriage roads in Acadia National Park offer not only an exhilarating workout but also some of the most breathtaking views in the eastern United States.

The ascent up Cadillac Mountain is particularly demanding, yet the stunning vistas at the top make every bit of effort worthwhile.

Two more thrilling options:

Glacier National Park (Montana): If you're up for a challenge, try tackling Logan Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with views of glaciers that may soon be gone due to climate change.

Canyonlands National Park (Utah): Perfect for long mountain biking adventures along rugged, four-wheel-drive trails that wind through the park’s spectacular landscape.

Swimming

Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park (St. John, US Virgin Islands)

Experience one of the world’s most stunning beaches – a swim in the waters of Trunk Bay in Virgin Islands National Park will be an unforgettable highlight of your aquatic adventures.

While the swimming itself is fairly easy here, the stunning scenery truly makes this beach a top destination. Rent some snorkeling gear for an even closer look at the vibrant sea life along the marked underwater trail.

Though the area suffered damage during the 2017 hurricane season, it is steadily recovering and fully open for visitors to enjoy.

Two more exciting options:

Little River Canyon National Preserve (Alabama): Take a dip in natural pools, framed by towering boulders and small, lively rapids. Navigating the steep canyon slopes to reach the river is part of the adventure.

O’heo Gulch, Haleakalā National Park (Maui, Hawaii): Known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this spot actually features numerous waterfalls and pools, perfect for swimming when the water levels are high.

Beach Adventures

Point Reyes National Seashore (California)

This is for those who crave more from a beach than just soft sand for lounging, gentle waves for wading, and crowds of sunbathers.

The beaches at Point Reyes cater to bold explorers, offering rugged surf, wildlife encounters, and sweeping views from dramatic cliffs overlooking untouched shores. And depending on the time of your visit, you might have the entire place to yourself.

Bonus: This untamed stretch of the Pacific Coast is just a short drive from the bustling city of San Francisco.

Two more thrilling adventures:

Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts): This stretch of the Atlantic coast earned a glowing 1800s endorsement from Henry David Thoreau, author of *On Walden Pond*: 'A man may stand there and put all America behind him.'

Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida and Mississippi): This park, straddling the Gulf of Mexico, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like biking, birdwatching, and fishing. But if you'd rather just unwind and soak in the view, that’s an option too.

Horseback Riding

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

For horse enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate experience—riding the trails of the West with stunning mountain vistas all around. This dream comes to life at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Take in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes while keeping an eye out for bighorn sheep and elk along the way.

Beyond horses, the park welcomes mules, ponies, llamas, and burros on approximately 260 miles of trails. Be sure to check here for nearby stables, in addition to the two located within the park.

Two more exciting options:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina): Enjoy guided horseback rides from mid-March to late November, or bring your own steed to explore the park’s 550 miles of trails.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota): Named after our rugged 26th president, this park promises an adventure. Discover why the Badlands offer such an unforgettable experience for riders.

Camping

Denali National Park (Alaska)

Why not go all out and camp in one of the most remote and rugged national parks, Denali? Pitch your tent under the Alaskan sky, surrounded by wildlife such as bears, wolves, moose, and eagles.

And if you're up for braving the colder temperatures of fall, winter, or early spring, you’ll have a great shot at witnessing the awe-inspiring northern lights.

Two more thrilling options:

Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland and Virginia): Camp on the shores of this barrier island, famous for its wild horses. (Camping is available only on the Maryland side.)

Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota): When you’re craving solitude, head to this remote park in northern Minnesota for a true escape into nature.

Wildlife Encounters

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

When you think of a national park, Yellowstone is likely the first that comes to mind. And it’s no surprise—this iconic park is home to a breathtaking array of wild animals.

What creatures might you spot here? Grizzly bears, black bears, bison, elk, mule deer, wolves, and cougars all roam freely. And that’s just the large mammals—you may also catch sight of otters, long-tailed weasels, and other smaller critters.

As for the birdlife, Yellowstone hosts a rich variety, from powerful raptors like bald eagles and falcons to colorful songbirds and woodpeckers.

Two more exciting options:

Saguaro National Park (Arizona): Venture into the desert to encounter wildlife such as jackrabbits, bobcats, javelinas (wild boar relatives), gila monsters, rattlesnakes, owls, and even hummingbirds.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska): If you’re an ocean lover, this is your paradise. You might spot humpback whales, harbor seals, porpoises, and sea lions in these pristine waters.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Channel Islands National Park (California)

For a truly unique scuba diving experience, dive into the mesmerizing kelp forests of Channel Islands National Park, a place like no other.

Here, the real stars are the towering kelp plants, which attach to rocky reefs and create an underwater forest that teems with fish and marine life.

If you're not a certified diver, try snorkeling around spots like Anacapa Island, where the waters are often clear, offering excellent visibility.

Two more thrilling options:

Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida): Explore vibrant coral reefs 70 miles west of Key West, one of the most remote places in the U.S. Dive or snorkel in this tropical paradise and discover some of the most colorful underwater ecosystems in the country.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam): History buffs and scuba diving enthusiasts alike should make their way to this remote U.S. territory in the Pacific. The wreck dives here are simply phenomenal.

White-water Rafting

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

If the Colorado River’s power can carve out the majestic Grand Canyon, then it’s sure to deliver one of the most exhilarating white-water rafting experiences of your life. From mellow runs to heart-pounding Class 5 rapids, it’s a true adventure.

You can opt for guided trips as brief as half a day or go all-in with multi-week, non-commercial expeditions. The park’s rafting page offers all the details on the various trips available.

Two other thrilling options:

Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado and Utah): Conquer the Green and Yampa rivers, which challenge even the most seasoned rafters, while exploring the monument’s remote, rugged canyons.

Big Bend National Park (Texas): Navigate the Rio Grande past towering canyon walls rising 1,500 feet, and face the excitement of the Lower Canyons with Class 4 rapids. Plus, you’ll cross an international border into Mexico.

Rock Climbing

Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Famous for its striking cacti and the convergence of two unique desert ecosystems, Joshua Tree is also a premier destination for rock climbing.

With over 8,000 climbing routes, the park offers both traditional rock climbs and excellent bouldering spots. Make sure to review the park’s safety guidelines before tackling any of its steep climbs.

Two other adventurous options:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California): California is a climber's paradise. The parks at Sequoia and Kings Canyon tend to be less crowded than the more famous Yosemite, offering a more serene climbing experience.

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): Renowned climbers from around the globe flock here, drawn by the diverse challenges this stunning park has to offer.

Ice Climbing

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)

Ice climbing is one of the most extreme sports out there, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula provides the perfect frozen landscape to conquer this thrilling challenge.

The ice climbing season here typically spans from mid-December to early April, offering the best conditions for adventurers.

Two other adventurous options:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (Alaska): As the largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias provides a vast landscape perfect for ice climbing.

City of Rocks National Reserve (Idaho): Discover the thrill of ice climbing at this remote reserve located near the Utah border.

Accessible adventures for people in wheelchairs

Everglades National Park (Florida)

The National Park Service has developed fantastic spaces for wheelchair users and their companions. One standout destination for those with mobility challenges is Everglades National Park.

Wheelchair-accessible paths in the park allow visitors to experience the vibrant wildlife of South Florida, including sightings of egrets, turtles, and the elusive alligator!

Two other adventurous options:

Congaree National Park (South Carolina): Journey through a primeval, swampy wonderland on the easily accessible Boardwalk Trail, deep in the heart of the South.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado): Experience the thrill of the dunes with a specially designed, sand-friendly wheelchair that lets you explore these vast sandy expanses.