Yosemite Valley — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetJul 15, 2026

12 of the newest national parks in the US

You might already know the most popular US national parks, but maybe not the newer ones. Here

19 things in this story

YosemiteSightIt is bordered on the southeast by the Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest.
Elsewhere
YellowstoneSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesIt was established by the 42nd U.S.
Grand CanyonSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
Great Smoky MountainsPlaceGatlinburg, United StatesThey are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province.
White SandsAirportAlamogordo, United StatesSled New Mexico's gypsum dunes, otherworldly hues at sunrise/sunset.
New River Gorge National Park and PreserveNature reserveOak Hill, United StatesWest Virginia's first national park, great for white water rafting.
SaguaroSightTucson, United StatesHome to towering Arizona cacti, some tallest in the world.
CongareeSightGaston, United StatesSouthern swamp with strange root sculptures from giant cypress trees.
Indiana DunesNature reservePorter, United StatesUrban park with incredible biodiversity, rivals Hawaiʻi.
Gateway ArchParkSt. Louis, United StatesUtterly moving monument honoring westward migration.
PinnaclesSightSoledad, United StatesKnown for eroded spires, extinct volcano, and talus caves.
Great Sand DunesSightMosca, United StatesTallest dunes in North America, great for sandboarding.
Cuyahoga ValleyNature reserveBrecksville, United StatesPeaceful and waterfall-filled urban oasis.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkNature reserveMontrose, United StatesNamesake rock walls drop a dizzying 2600ft below.
IntegratronSightJoshua Tree, United StatesCuriosity built by a UFOlogist, used for sound baths.
Crochet MuseumMuseumJoshua Tree, United StatesA teeny tiny museum.
Noah Purifoy outdoor museum and sculpture parkMuseumJoshua Tree, United StatesOutdoor museum and sculpture park.
Krblin Jihn KabinSightJoshua Tree, United StatesArt installation dedicated to an alternate reality.
Signal Hill Petroglyph TrailTrailTucson, United StatesBeginner-friendly trail to hundreds of examples of rock art.

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OutsideJun 29

National Parks Out West Get All the Hype, but I Prefer Our Eastern Ones. Here’s Why.

Sure, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are impressive, but our national parks columnist argues national parks in the East rival their popular counterparts out West when it comes to biodiversity, accessibility, and more.

21 things in this story

Half DomeSightawestruck at the sheer size of the rock
El CapSighttallest vertical rock face in the world
Elsewhere
YellowstoneSightYellowstone National Park, United Stateswater is boiling and tie-dyed
Grand CanyonSightGrand Canyon Village, United Statescontemplated the insignificance of humankind
Angels LandingTrailSpringdale, United Stateshit by vertigo
Great Smoky MountainsPlaceGatlinburg, United StatesThey are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province.
Denali National ParkPlaceDenali, United Statestallest mountain in the U.S.
Crater Lake National ParkPlaceCrater Lake, United Statesdeepest lake in the U.S.
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkPlaceGatlinburg, United Statesbiodiverse regions, black bears and massive elk
Sequoia National ParkPlaceThree Rivers, United Statessheer volume of the trees is awesome
Shenandoah National ParkPlaceLuray, United Stateshardwood forest painted red, yellow, and orange
GSMNPPlaceGatlinburg, United Statessynchronous fireflies coordinate their light show
Appalachian TrailTrailGatlinburg, United Statesmost famous footpath in the world
Blue Ridge ParkwaySightAsheville, United Stateslongest linear park in the country
AcadiaNature reserveBar Harbor, United States
ShenandoahPlaceLuray, United States
New River GorgePlaceOak Hill, United States
CongareePlaceHardeeville, United States
EvergladesPlaceHomestead, United States
BiscaynePlaceHomestead, United States
Dry TortugasPlaceKey West, United States

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OutsideMay 7

Is There a Good Way to Visit Our National Parks in 2026? It's Complicated.

The same record-breaking crowds that are ruining the experience at places like Yellowstone and Yosemite may be the only thing keeping them protected from budget cuts and development.

4 things in this story

Yosemite Falls TrailTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesPopular trail with a steady stream of hikers.
YellowstoneSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesPark on track to spend $1.5 billion to update wastewater systems.
Sarah LeonardPlaceEstes Park, United StatesCEO of Visit Estes Park.
Cassidy JonesPlaceYellowstone National Park, United States

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OutsideMay 2

10 Common Items That Could Get You Kicked Out of a National Park

Planning a National Park trip? Before you load the car, check this list. These items are prohibited, and could land you a hefty fine or jail time.

OutsideApr 10

In Defense of Visiting the Obvious Places (Like Crowded National Parks)

I’ve spent my career writing about under-appreciated gems and getting away from the crowds. But there’s something to be said for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of strangers and staring at something gorgeous—especially in the times we’re living in right now.

7 things in this story

El CapitanSightYosemite National Park, United Statesrising from Yosemite Valley
Old FaithfulHotelYellowstone National Park, United Statesdependable natural wonder in Yellowstone
Yosemite ValleyHotelYosemite National Park, United Statesobvious place, worth the hassle
Cades CoveSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United Statespastoral valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Angels LandingTrailZion National Park, United Statespopular hike requiring a lottery
The NarrowsTrailZion National Park, United States
Jackson LakeSightGrand Teton National Park, United States

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OutsideApr 1

The 5 Best Waterfalls to Visit During the Spring Snowmelt

Despite the dry winter, spring is when waterfalls are at their most breathtaking. Witness a snowmelt waterfall firsthand in these five locations.

18 things in this story

Yosemite FallsSightOne of North America's tallest, plunges 2,425 feet.
Upper Yosemite FallsTrailA two to three hour out-and-back climb for close views.
Vernal FallsSightA 317-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
Nevada FallsSightA 594-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
Bridalveil FallsSightHangs from the south side of Yosemite Valley at 620 feet.
Yosemite National ParkSightRequires a standard, annual, or America the Beautiful Pass.
Yosemite Falls webcamPlaceSet up by Yosemite Conservancy for virtual viewing.
Elsewhere
Shoshone FallsSightTwin Falls, United StatesKnown as the “Niagara of the West,” 212 feet high.
Shoshone Falls ParkSightTwin Falls, United StatesEntrance fee covers falls, lake, and canyon rim trail.
Snoqualmie FallsSightSnoqualmie, United StatesDramatic 268-foot drop near Seattle on the Cascade Range.
Snoqualmie Falls TrailTrailSnoqualmie, United StatesA 1.5-mile out-and-back with a view of the falls.
Upper Mesa FallsSightAshton, United StatesOne of the last significantly sized undammed waterfalls.
Mesa Falls Visitor CenterSightAshton, United StatesOpen daily in summer with trail information available.
Mesa Falls Nature TrailTrailAshton, United StatesTwo-mile out-and-back to see both upper and lower falls.
Palouse FallsSightWalla Walla, United StatesPlunges 200 feet into a tight, basalt canyon.
Palouse Falls State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesOffers 94 acres of recreational area and hiking trails.
Lyons Ferry State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesNearby park with swimming and picnicking spots.
Canyon Rim TrailTrailTwin Falls, United States

Read the full piece at Outside →