Three brown bears cuddling near a rock near Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Katmai is one of the most unique U.S. National Parks, with one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. But it’s not exactly the kind of national park that you can just stroll up to and see some bears—it’s also one of the most remote national parks in the country and the bears are only in certain accessible areas of the park at certain points in the year. So if you want to see one of the largest land predators on the planet for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about bear viewing in Katmai National Park. 

Brown bears fishing for salmon in Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park in Alaska

How to Get to Katmai National Park in Alaska

Katmai is one of the most unique national parks in the United States, given that it holds the impressive claim of having one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. However, you do have to work a bit to get to this special corner of the country—thie national park is located in a remote area of Alaska and can only be reached via plane or boat. If you want to see its famed bears for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Katmai National Park.

Brown bears fishing for salmon on Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

11 Incredible Things to Do in Katmai National Park

Katmai is one of the most unique U.S. National Parks—not only is it located in an incredibly remote part of Alaska, but it also is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. My husband, Justin, and I spent four days in Katmai, primarily to see some of these magical creatures, and wound up discovering that this park has so much more to offer than its famous furry residents, including volcanoes, turquoise lakes, and fascinating history. Here’s 11 incredible things to do in Katmai National Park. 

Couple standing next to a silver obelisk at the top of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Park National Park in Texas

Guadalupe Peak Trail: How to Hike to the Tallest Mountain in Texas

Guadalupe Mountains is one of the least visited U.S. National Parks, which is a massive oversight. This incredible park is home to many impressive superlatives, including the tallest mountain in all of Texas—Guadalupe Peak, which towers at a whopping 8.751 feet tall. If you want to climb to the top of Texas yourself, here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Guadalupe Peak Trail. 

Man standing in front of a rock formation along the Devil's Hall Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas

Devil’s Hall Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to impressive canyons, stunning rock formations, and towering mountains, including the tallest peak in the entire state of Texas! If you want to experience a little bit of everything the park has to offer, consider trying the Devil’s Hall Trail, one of the most unique hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains. 

Couple smiling on top of a white sand dune along the Alkali Flat Trail with mountains in the background along the White Sands National Park in New Mexico

Alkali Flat Trail: The Best Hike in White Sands National Park

White Sands, located in southern New Mexico, is one of the most unique U.S. national parks—in fact, it’s home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world! If you want to experience this otherworldly place for yourself, check out the Alkali Flat Trail, which provides jaw-dropping views of the stunningly white dunes and the surrounding San Andres Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about the Alkali Flat Trail, the best hike in White Sands National Park.

Alligator hiding in grasses of a sawgrass prairie in Shark Valley in the Everglades National Park

9 Incredible Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park has several claims to fame, from being one of the world’s largest wetlands to housing an astonishing volume of plant and animal life. And as the third largest national park in the Lower 48, it’s no surprise there’s TONS of awesome ways to explore its unique natural beauty. Here’s 9 incredible things to do in Everglades National Park to make the most of your time here. 

Alligator in a sawgrass marsh along the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park

Anhinga Trail, the Most Popular Hike in Everglades National Park

The Anhinga Trail is the most popular hike in Everglades National Park—and for good reason! Along this short and easy trail through a lush sawgrass prairie, you have an excellent chance of seeing the wildlife that the Everglades is so famous for, including wading birds, turtles, and, of course, alligators! So if you want to experience some of Florida’s wildlife for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park.

Couple standing along a wooden boardwalk next to bikes along the Shark Valley bike trail in Everglades National Park

Shark Valley Bike Ride in Everglades National Park: Everything You Need to Know

One of the most unique things to do in Everglades National Park is to enjoy the incredibly scenic Shark Valley bike trail. Contrary to what its name might suggest, you probably won’t run into any sharks along this 15 mile trail, but you ARE likely to see another toothy creature here—alligators!—as well as get to climb to the highest point in all of the Everglades! So if you want to do this wild experience, here’s everything you need to know about the Shark Valley bike ride. 

Man standing along the Window Trail with the Chisos Mountains in the backgroung in Big Bend National Park

11 Incredible Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

After visiting almost 40 U.S. National Parks, I can confidently say that Texas’ Big Bend is seriously underrated. Located within the Chihuahuan Desert, the park features soaring canyons, the rugged Chisos Mountains, and 118 miles of the snaking Rio Grande.  After spending a week here, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park—and plenty of tips to help make the most of your time in this wildly beautiful place.

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