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Caroline Morse Teel contributed to this story. Formed millions of years ago by the powerful forces of glacial erosion, Half Dome towers over the landscape of Yosemite National Park. This epic round-trip trail attracts nearly 50,000 hikers annually, covering sixteen miles, increasing 4,800 feet in elevation, and passing by two of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls. If…
Caroline Morse Teel and Carol McPherson contributed to this story. Yosemite National Park: A Complete Guide for Visitors Since its opening in 1906, Yosemite National Park has been one of the most popular national parks, attracting millions of visitors annually. Bursting with natural beauty, from towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome to cascading waterfalls…
Megan Johnson contributed to this story. How to Plan a Trip to Yosemite: The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. This breathtakingly beautiful park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. With towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls,…
National parks in the United States largely see the most amount of travelers during the summer months — when temperatures are warm enough for camping, kids are on vacation, and roads are free of snow. But, when the air is cooler, leaves are changing, and school is back in session, several parks are arguably at…
If national parks are anything, they’re diverse — stunning wildlife, mountains, geysers, beaches, lakes, and more make up the beautiful landscapes. Given the variety on offer, the details of your vacation are going to depend on where you’re headed. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, no matter which park you have…
Since it was signed in 1906, the United States Antiquities Act has conserved millions of acres across 58 national parks. These protected areas encompass some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes, which has unsurprisingly prompted growing tourism numbers in the most popular parks. Competing with throngs of tourists while visiting America’s natural wonders is far…
russellstreet/Flickr Every year, millions of visitors make their way to the eastern end of California to marvel at the magnificent Yosemite National Park. But those hoping to cross off the hulking Half Dome and iconic El Capitan from their bucket list this season will have to wait a bit longer. The Ferguson wildfire, which continues…
When it comes to travel, the term “bucket list” can be synonymous with “budget-busting.” Sure, some bucket-list candidates, like safaris or around-the-world cruises, are so expensive that you might need multiple lifetimes to pay them off. But at Oyster, we know you can have an epic, life-changing trip without draining your bank account to the…
Travelers to Europe tend to head straight for its cities. But while the bright lights of Paris, busy markets of London, and storied streets of Rome are all worth a visit, city parks don’t always provide the nature fix we crave. To truly appreciate Europe’s flora and fauna, you’re better off visiting its protected spaces.…
NPS Photo/Janice Wei/flickr While the Island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island) has its share of white-sand beaches with swaying palm trees, rainforests, and grassy plains, its terrain is mostly jet-black, hardened lava rock. In fact, the island is still forming, and two of its most active volcanoes—Kilauea and Mauna Loa—are located in Hawaii Volcanoes…