Things to do

Two people riding horses in a desert at sunset.

Children balancing on a fallen tree in a sunlit forest.

Endless Possibilities, One Shared Adventure

From sun-drenched desert trails to misty coastal forests, Western National Parks offer something extraordinary for everyone. Whether you’re gazing up at towering redwoods, paddling across alpine lakes, exploring ancient cultural sites, or simply watching the stars emerge in a quiet night sky, each experience invites a deeper connection—to nature, to history, and to yourself.

Sunset over a field with silhouetted trees and golden sky.

African American history

Tent on rocky desert landscape with mountains under clear sky.

Backpacking & camping

Cyclists riding through a desert with tall cacti.

Biking

Blue bird perched on golden bush with blurred striped background.

NPS/Patrick Myers

Bird watching

Glowing cave interior with stalactites and stalagmites in warm golden light.

Caving

Brown v. Board of Education

Civil Rights

Stone building at night adorned with festive string lights at Hubbell Trading Post

Festivals

Person fishing at sunset on a calm lake, silhouetted against a colorful sky.

Unsplash/Steve Lussier

Fishing

Steep canyon cliffs under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

NPS/Kat Connelly

Fossils and geology

A hiker on a desert trail with tall cacti under a blue sky.

Hiking

Dancers in colorful traditional folklorico dresses perform on stage surrounded by flags at Tumacacori National Historical Park

Hispanic American heritage

Mural with three stylized faces, including an eagle and a conquistador.

History

Group of smiling kids posing with a selfie frame outdoors.

Junior Ranger programs

Dancers in traditional attire perform outdoors, colorful regalia with feathers and bright patterns.

Native American heritage

Two people walking a dog on a sunny hillside path.

Courtesy of Bhoj Rai/NPS

Pet-friendly parks

Park ranger talking to a group outdoors with mountains in the background.

Ranger programs

Rock climber scales a boulder with three people spotting, surrounded by trees.

Unsplash/Mark McGregor

Rock climbing

RV driving on a curved road through a scenic mountainous landscape with autumn trees.

Shutterstock/Joshua Woroniecki

RV and van life

Bridge over rocky coastline at sunset with purple and orange sky.

Unsplash/Natalie Chaney

Scenic drives

Starry night sky over a rocky canyon landscape at Black Canyon of the Gunnison..

Stargazing

Whitewater rafters navigating a rapid in a blue inflatable raft.

Water sports

Bobcat licking paw in a rocky shelter, staring intently.

Unsplash/Chandler Cruttenden

Wildlife viewing

Snowshoer in orange pants walking through snowy forest.

Winter sports

Children hiking on a trail led by a park ranger in a grassy field.

Youth programs

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