It’s National Park Week

Did you know that there are sixty-three national parks in the US? Which one will you explore and hike this week or anytime soon?

Photo by Jad Limcaco on Unsplash

We love America’s beautiful national parks. In the last twelve years my husband Jon and I have explored, hiked, rock climbed, and adventured, and have been awed by stunning wildlife in twenty-seven national parks across the US and St. John US Virgin Islands. There are sixty-three national parks and we plan on visiting all sixty-three.

You can find national parks in thirty states: Maine, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. And you’ll find national parks in St. John-US Virgin Islands and America Samoa.

Do live in any of these states and US territories? Start planning your first or your next national park adventure now.

Hiking Fun in the National Parks

Every park is stunning and unique. Our first national park visit was the Grand Canyon in 2010. Last summer we went on a road trip, logged almost 5,000 miles, and had an amazing time in Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. Then we headed to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota after stopping in Mt. Rushmore National Monument. The bisons were amazing.

You can read about our road trip and adventures in these parks, and watch our YouTube videos below.

Summer of '22 Road Trip to National Parks in South Dakota & North Dakota

This summer we’re heading to Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park.

There is so much to do in our national parks — hiking, exploring caves, sledding on sand dunes, rock climbing, rock scrambling, learning from park ranger lectures, participating in junior ranger programs, and so much more.

I love participating in junior ranger programs, earning my badge and patch, and getting sworn in as a Junior Ranger. Photos by Jon Gilbert

I hope our love for hiking in our national parks inspires you to go and find your park! I hope you can visit a park or two near your home during #NationalParkWeek and experience #YourParkStory April 22 — April 30.

Happy Trails!

Check out all our national parks adventures.