Visiting the National Parks in the Western US

Western United States National Parks

Spring is almost here, vaccinations are rolling out, herd immunity is in sight, and if you are like us, you might already be planning that summer vacation to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.  This week highlights some of the National Parks that can be found in the Western United States and how you can safely visit them.

If you are planning a scenic trip to a National Park this summer, what will inspire your choice?  Driving distance, the multitude of activities that can be done in that park, the types of lodging available, the extreme nature experiences, or maybe just the sheer beauty and wide-open spaces to escape to, to get away from it all and unplug?  There are over 40 national parks and monuments in the western US (63 in total) and 9 of those can be found in California alone.  While we hope to visit them all someday, how to do it safely this summer is likely at the forefront of our minds.

The National Park Service (NPS) has taken steps to protect visitors from COVID-19 as they begin to re-open to the public.  Capacity has been limited, masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained, trails have been adjusted to one-way options when it is too narrow for people to pass safely, and temporary closures of historic indoor monuments or capacity limits with proper ventilation.  Most of the NPS plans to be fully re-open to the public this summer, however, with safe modifications in place.

So what park is on your bucket list?  In the western US, some of our favorites include Yosemite and Joshua Tree (CA), Grand Canyon (AZ), Zion & Bryce Canyon (UT), Carlsbad Caverns (NM), Rocky Mountain (CO), Grand Teton and Yellowstone (WY),  just to name a few!

We want to encourage you to get out and explore, be inspired by nature’s beauty, soak in the awe-inspiring views that these national parks offer, but to do it safely.  For more information on what the NPS is doing to keep you safe when you travel please visit https://www.us-parks.com/. 

Of course, Relevé is always here to help you plan a meeting or incentive trip that includes time spent exploring one of our nation’s national parks; many of which have exceptional group-focused hotels, dude ranches, and glamping accommodations. There’s no better time than now!

Happy travels!