U.S. National & State Parks Travel Guide

Hikers Gazing At The Half Dome at Olmsted Point

Wild Places Worth Wandering

From the granite cliffs of Yosemite to the coral-colored canyons of Utah, exploring national and state parks in the U.S. has become one of my greatest sources of inspiration — and at the heart of my travel goals. These wild places are where I feel most connected to the land, the light, and the stories hidden in every rock and river. I return again and again, camera in hand and boots on the ground, chasing early morning glow, desert silence, and the quiet awe that only wide-open spaces can offer.

A Nation of Parks

The U.S. protects 63 national parks in its National Park System but that’s only part of the story. There are over 430 NPS-managed units, including national monuments, seashores, and historic sites — totaling more than 85 million acres across all 50 states and territories. Add in over 130 national monuments and countless state parks, and you’re looking at a mosaic of wild places worthy of exploration.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

This page gathers all the parks I’ve explored so far — from iconic destinations like Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Arches, to quieter but equally captivating places like Channel Islands, Capitol Reef, and Point Reyes National Seashore. You’ll also find personal stories and tips from national monuments like Devils Tower, state parks like Montaña de Oro, the ghost-town beauty of Bodie State Historic Park, and the dramatic landscapes of Custer State Park.

Why Include More Than Just National Parks?

While national parks often dominate the spotlight, national monuments and state parks deliver just as much beauty — often with fewer crowds, easier access, and equally powerful landscapes. Places like Montaña de Oro, Anza-Borrego, and Point Lobos might not have national park status, but they’ve shaped my travels deeply — and I think they deserve a place alongside their bigger cousins.

The Journey Is Ongoing

I haven’t visited them all — yet — which is part of the magic. This guide will grow and evolve with each new park and trail I explore, and I’ll keep updating it along the way. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list road trip, a weekend hike, or just chasing inspiration, I hope this page helps you travel deeper into America’s wild places.

U.S. NATIONAL PARKS

Yosemite National Park

Point Reyes National Seashore

Grand Canyon National Park

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

Morro Bay State Park

Montana De Oro State Park