Lace-up those hiking shoes and don your favourite activewear — it’s time to explore the great outdoors! We’ve compiled our all-time favourite national parks (and then some) in the US of A that’ll send you on a multi-sensorial trip like no other.
If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that being in nature has a magical and extraordinary way of reconnecting you to the Earth and its elements. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury of hiking through wondrous mountain ranges or taking dips in emerald blue lakes — which is why we often gravitate towards far-flung destinations that can help satiate our outdoorsy side. Enter: The United States of America, where a ton of beginner-friendly USA national parks await you on the West Coast to be explored to your heart’s content!
But First, Tips & Tricks For An Easy Breezy Trip
💡 Always compare rates before renting your car
There are plenty of car rental services in the US, so don’t immediately choose the big brand names out of convenience. Apart from the usual Hertz and Avis, keep a lookout for deals with companies like Enterprise and Emerald — from our experience, we found that they offered greater rates and flexibility.
💡 Visiting multiple National Parks?
Purchase the America The Beautiful pass, US$80 (~S$111.90) for unlimited entry to all National Parks across the United States for an entire year. With park entries priced at an average of US$25 (~S$35), you should get this pass if you’re planning to hit up more than 4 parks (which is very doable, if you ask us).
💡 Always, always map out your route beforehand.
As we all know, Google Maps has a tendency to offer obscure routes in the name of saving time. However, when you’re driving into the national parks, this also means having limited signals and not knowing when your next petrol stop will be. The worst-case scenario is you miss a turn and end up making a huge detour to the detriment of your petrol tank. Prevention is better than cure!
[Editor’s note: I personally use Maps.me and download the maps beforehand, especially if I know I’m gonna be out in the mountains where the signal can get weak or non-existent.]
1. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Image Credits: Unsplash
As the only national park in the entire state of Oregon, Crater Lake bears a huge responsibility — but it has definitely exceeded all expectations.
Crater Lake is actually a caldera that sits on Mount Mazama, a dormant volcano that last erupted nearly 7000 years ago, so don’t worry too much! It is also one of the deepest lakes in the US, which makes the experience feel even more special.
The best way to explore the park is by taking the iconic Crater Lake rim drive, which spans about 33 miles. Don’t let the short distance fool you though — you might want to budget for more time for all the epic photo ops along the way. If you’re looking to spend a little more time lounging by the stillness of the lake, opt to take the Cleetwood Cove Trail or book a boat ride out to Wizard Island where you can take a dip in the crater.
Be warned though: most of the lake water comes from snowmelt, so you can expect freezing temperatures when you take the plunge!
Fees: US$30 (~S$42) in the summer, US$20 (~S$28) in the winter
Pro Tip: While the park is open all year round, the weather up in the mountains can be erratic. Be sure to check beforehand when planning your visit.
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
2. Olympic National Park, Washington
Image Credits: Sunset Magazine
Imagine being able to take a casual two-hour drive out from bustling Singapore to an undisturbed world of river valleys, lush rainforests, and snow-capped mountains. That’s essentially Olympic National park for you.
Just a short two-hour drive from Seattle, Olympic National Park encompasses almost a million acres of biodiversity simply waiting to be explored. From boating to tide pooling, and wildlife spotting to stargazing, you can expect to be spoilt for choice when you arrive, which is why you should dedicate at least three days to your trip to the park if you can.
However, if you’re hard-pressed for time, we recommend visiting Hoh Rain Forest for its fairytale-like scenery, and the Staircase for its impressive array of Douglas Fir trees. If you’re up for more panoramic views, Hurricane Ridge would be our choice.
Fees: US$30 (~S$42) per vehicle
Pro Tip: Given the sheer size of the park, no one destination will have the same climate so do check for unpredictable weather!
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Image Credits: Unsplash
Did you really visit California if you didn’t go to Yosemite National Park?
Often touted as one of the most majestic and beautiful national parks in the world, Yosemite is home to beautiful waterfalls, epic granite monoliths, and giant ancient sequoias with stories to tell. We also love how Yosemite is great for anyone and everyone — from adventure junkies wanting to climb crazy rock faces to those seeking a lush escape from the bustling city.
We’d recommend spending at least three days in Yosemite so that you can truly appreciate what it has to offer. Some of our must-visits include Cloud’s Rest via the Mist Trail if you’re feeling particularly fit. The Yosemite Falls Trail is also a popular hike that gives you stunning views of the famed valley and is not as strenuous.
Accommodation is aplenty over at Yosemite — take your pick from heated tents in the Curry Village, or splash out by booking the Wawona Hotel, an 1876 building with beautiful rooms and even a nine-hole golf course just across the street.
Fees: US$35 (~S$49) per vehicle
Pro Tip: While food and water are readily available over at Yosemite, we recommend erring on the side of caution and prepping your own too. Plus, you get to save a lot more money that way!
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
4. Mammoth Mountains, California
Image Credits: Vrbo
While not a gazetted national park, Mammoth Mountains is well worth the trip if you have the time to spare. Located Situation in the town of Mammoth Lakes, this hidden gem is popular amongst locals, especially during the skiing season, but also makes for a nice hideaway during the rest of the year.
You can choose to rent a cabin, pitch a tent or load up an RV — anything goes in this hidden oasis. If lounging by the lake against the backdrop of the epic Sierra Nevada mountain range proves to be too boring, you’d be pleased to note that Mammoth Lakes is the perfect base camp for other activities. For instance, you can check out the Devil’s Postpile National Monument for its basalt columns or Mono Lake for its limestone towers. If Yosemite is on your list, you’d be please to note that it is just a short 45-minute drive away!
Fees: Free
Pro Tip: If time permits, add this to your itinerary when you’re visiting Yosemite National Park!
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
5. Channel Islands National Park
Image Credits: Unsplash
Also known as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands National Park is a treasure trove for those seeking an otherworldly adventure. Unlike the other parks that are easily accessible by car, Channel Islands National Park is a two-hour boat ride from Ventura, a coastal city about an hour from Los Angeles — so you won’t expect to find too many tourists.
When you arrive, you’ll have the option of exploring 5 of its idyllic islands home to more than 150 species of endemic wildlife — blissfully isolated from the rest of the world. If you’re pressed for time but would like to get the most bang for your buck, we’d recommend visiting Santa Cruz and/or Santa Rosa Islands as they are larger, more popular, and more accessible compared to the others. Of course, if you fancy yourself the Bear Grylls sort, then the other islands may be your cup of tea thanks to their ruggedness and remoteness, but you do you!
Fees: Free
Pro Tip: Always make sure you have enough food and water to last you through your adventure. Because of how secluded the Channel Islands are from the rest of the world, potable water and food are not always readily available.
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Image Credits: National Geographic
A park so iconic that even U2 named their album after it, Joshua Tree National Park got its name from, well, the Joshua Trees that inhabit the land.
Apart from the alien-like Joshua Trees and other succulents that dot the desert, this place is also known for its stunning rock formations and stark desert landscapes that make you feel like you’re on Mars. When you’re there, you can expect dozens of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. If you’re up for it, you can even do some rock climbing!
Fees: US$30 (~S$42) per vehicle
Pro Tip: While the heat has nothing on us, the desert sun can be relentless. A rule of thumb is to pack at least 1L of water for every hour of physical activity. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat too!
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
BONUS: Salvation Mountain
Image Credits: Salvation Mountain
Since you’re already that far into the desert, you might as well pay a visit to this kitschy, almost psychedelic man-made mountain created by a local resident Leonard Knight.
Even if you’re not religious, we think it’s worth paying a visit — after all, how often can you find such a jarring juxtaposition? A true work of art in our eyes!
Fees: Free
Pro Tip: It’s a small pitstop in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, there is a portable toilet but do bring extra drinking water to hydrate as the weather can get relentless.
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
7. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Image Credits: Visit The USA
Okay fine. Arizona may not exactly be part of the West Coast (more southwest to be exact) — but it’s too pretty, and close, to pass up!
Just a short drive from Tucson, Arizona, and nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the Saguaro National Park is home to some of the Earth’s largest and curiously magnificent succulents — with most growing to be up to at least 12 metres tall. If you’re lucky, a visit from May to July could give you a peek at its daisy-like flowers in full bloom.
Take your pick from a variety of trails — we’d recommend the Loma Verde and the Desert Ecology Trails which are easy to hike and yet have amazing payoffs. If you have the time, nerd out to the Signal Hill Petroglyphs that date back to nearly 1,550 years ago!
Fees: US$25 (~S$35) per vehicle
Pro Tip: As with all deserts — load up on the fluids!
Find out more about the best beginner-friendly USA national parks here.
Grab Your Backpacks — It’s Adventure Time With The Best Beginner-friendly USA National Parks On The West Coast!
Travelling has never felt so good, has it? And as we begin to set off for these far-flung beginner-friendly USA national parks on the best coast, it helps to be prepared for all the logistics that need to be done — from car rentals to petrol runs and everything else in between — with your YouTrip Card! Lock in those wholesale exchange rates, and overall peace of mind, when you’re travelling.
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 20 July 2022 SGT 10.15 AM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
