Gateway Arch National Park

National Park #29 was the smallest park in the NPS, but gave us a very enjoyable afternoon.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

We wish we had more time in National Park #28, but there are few things cooler than seeing an actively erupting volcano.

Haleakalā National Park

Spanning from sea level to 10,000 feet up, with waterfalls, rainforests and Mars-like landscapes, National Park #27 had something for every mood.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Park #26 brought even more amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and incredible day hikes.

Wind Cave National Park

Unfortunately, the eponymous caves were closed during our visit to Wind Cave, but National Park #25 offered up some exciting wildlife viewing.

Badlands National Park

We were the most excited for National Park #24, but we found we could see everything we wanted to see in half a day.

Channel Islands National Park

National Park #23 was a quick day trip to the island, but included one of the best park activities we’ve ever done.

Biscayne National Park

National Park #22 is 95% water so we had a blast exploring it by boat and boardwalk.

Everglades National Park

National Park #21 lived up to its rainy, swampy reputation, but the impressive wildlife and fun excursions made it well worth it.

New River Gorge National Park

National Park #20 could definitely be seen in an afternoon, but there’s plenty to explore, high and low.

Zion National Park

National Park #19 is a favorite of the Utah Mighty Five and the entire National Park System.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Our time in National Park #18 was severely limited due to a winter storm, but the snow only added to the sheer beauty of these incredibly picturesque hoodoos. 

Capitol Reef National Park

National Park #17 shocked me by being my absolute favorite of the Utah Mighty Five.

Canyonlands National Park

National Park #16 was a beautiful, underrated gem that seemed like they wanted to keep hidden, but it is well worth exploring its many nooks and crannies.

Arches National Park

National Park #15 sits on the edge of beautiful Moab and was our first park of the Utah Mighty Five.

White Sands National Park

National Park #14 could easily be seen in an afternoon, even better if you can bring a four-legged friend and a sled.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

National Park #13 was the perfect long spring weekend in the mountains. 

New River Gorge

A whirlwind road trip in the middle of the pandemic brought me to New River Gorge, West Virginia. Little did I know, just two weeks later it would be designated the 63rd National Park.

Big Bend National Park

National park #12 quickly launched itself into my top three favorite parks with its towering mountains, stunning sunsets and dramatic landscapes.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

National Park #11 brought us to the highest point in Texas.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

National Park #10 was a short but sweet visit 750 feet beneath the desert floor.

Acadia National Park (Part 2)

We return to our first National Park to explore new trails, campsites and adventures.

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park #9 was a place on everybody’s bucket list and it definitely lived up to the hype.

Saguaro National Park

National Park #8 offered up some beautiful sunshine and plenty of prickly friends.

Petrified Forest National Park

Park 7 of 59 was a hidden gem and definitely James’ favorite.

Yellowstone National Park

Park 6 of 59 is one I gravely underestimated and I certainly learned my lesson.

Grand Teton National Park

Park 5 of 59 held America’s most beautiful natural skyline.

Shenandoah National Park

Park 2 of 59. The rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains. Best seen in the fall.

Acadia National Park

National Park 1 of 59. We began our journey at the first place in the United States to see the sunrise each morning. Seemed fitting.