National Parks

1 story · 1 publicationRSS

OutsideApr 10, 2026

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
Read the full piece at Outside →
↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close