National Parks

The first tribal national park opened in 2012; the next one is scheduled for 2025 and more Indigenous tribes want to open them. What's behind the growing interest in tribal national parks?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

This huge hunk of metal has been perched on a hilltop in the Mojave Desert for decades. No one knows who put it there nor why. Was it the U.S. Air Force, pranksters — or aliens?

By Nathan Chandler

There are 20 different types of "national parks" that fall under the protection of the National Park Service, including national monuments and actual parks. But what makes them different?

By Sharise Cunningham

Death Valley hit 130 degrees Fahrenheit again Sunday July 11, 2021. That is only the fifth time in recorded history temperatures have reached 130 degrees on Earth. Why is it so hot here and how can anything survive in such brutal conditions?

By Stephanie Vermillion

The mysterious and beautiful cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park lie at an altitude of 7,000 feet and are some of the oldest Native American archaeological sites in the United States.

By Nathan Chandler

These brilliant gypsum dunes are the largest in the world and near the site of the first atomic bomb detonation in 1945. They're also renowned for their Instagram-ready landscapes. Our writer went for a visit.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Thousands of people died trying to cross it over the decades. Even today, it's not a trip for the faint-hearted.

By Nathan Chandler

Not every national park is a traffic jam like Yellowstone. Some barely get any visitors. Which parks are these and why do they get so little love?

By Nathan Chandler

National parks are for everyone, and though nudity isn't technically prohibited, please don't scare the bears.

By Jesslyn Shields

While most people visit America's national parks in the summer, they could miss out by not heading there in the winter. In fact, some parks are even better in the wintertime. Here are 10 you shouldn't miss when the weather turns cold.

By Nathan Chandler

What's not to love about your local park? It's where you have picnics and play ball. When your park starts showing signs of too much love -- chipped paint, crushed flower beds and more -- what can you do to spruce it up?

By Jessica Willis

Public parks are excellent places to spend time with your family. With so many possible activities available in park settings, the only thing lacking may be time to enjoy them all.

By Heather Kolich

Ever since the first national park was established in the United States, they've been a getaway for relaxation and adventure for humans, and a safe haven for wildlife. Take a journey through America's national parks.

The Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is one of the largest tracts of protected Eastern woodlands. Learn what really makes it a mecca for vacationers and outdoorspeople of all stripes -- fishers, hikers, mountain bikers, and paddlers.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Ouachita National Forest spans 1.8 million acres in a wide swath north of Hot Springs, Arkansas, that reaches all the way to Oklahoma. The forest is known for its streams and pristine lakes. Learn about family vacations in Ouachita National Forest.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Located in central New Hampshire White Mountain National Forest is truly a destination for all seasons. The region offers hiking and canoeing in summer and skiing in winter. Find out more about White Mountain National Forest.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Denali National Park's main attraction Mount McKinley is North America's highest peak at 20320 feet. The surrounding mountains are home to a myriad of wildlife. Read these tips for visiting this so-called subarctic Serengetti.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains some of the deepest gorges in the United States. The Colorado park was established in 1999. Read this article to learn about visiting the Black Canyon.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Congaree National Park contains a rich ecosystem with hundreds of plant and animal species. Some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States reside in Congaree. Read about visiting this South Carolina park.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is centered around the winding Cuyahoga River floodplains and a myriad of wildlife. This unusual park contains more than 900 species of plants and animals. Learn about visiting this park.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado features towering sand dunes alpine tundra lush forests pristine mountains and diverse wildlife. Unique geological processes are on display within the park. Read these visitor guidelines.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountain National Park draws nearly 10 million visitors per year. Find out what to see and do at this national park.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Washington's Olympic National Park contains jagged mountains glaciers lush rain forests and beaches that are covered with driftwood. Check out this article to learn about visiting Olympic National Park.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Washington's Mount Rainier is a mecca for hikers and mountain climbers. Find out about Mount Rainier National Park's scenic vistas and varied outdoor activities including fishing backpacking and snowshoeing.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

American Samoa National Park delights visitors with its unique sights and native culture. Encompassing three volcanic islands and two coral reefs the park is a wonderland of geology and tropical wildlife. Read these visitor tips.

By Editors of Consumer Guide