Jennifer Melroy
Jennifer is a long time national park blogger and the founder of National Park Obsessed. She is a dedicated National Park lover who is working on visiting all 63 US National Parks. She has currently been to 58 of the National Parks. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge of the Parks with others and helping them learn to love the parks as much as she does.
Monument Madness 2020!!!
Did you know that National Park Service manages 419 different national parks? Only 62 of the units hold the prestigious title of National Park. These big names such as Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon often hough the limelight. All of these big names deserve the attention but there are some fantastic National Monument waiting to be explored. Since many of us are stuck at home self-isolating and can’t get / shouldn’t get out and explore our parks, we are going to an epic educational competition of between 32 of the most amazing National Monuments from across the United States. Which Monument will win? Step One – Download your…
Incredibly Detailed USA National Parks Map By GeoJango
Most people start visiting National Parks because they want to see a specific park. They want to see the Grand Canyon, hike Angels Landing or see Old Faithful erupt. Then they visit and the experience is more amazing that the pictures make it look. Next thing you know, you are hooked and planning your next national park visit. After you have visited several parks, you start wanting a visible display to track your progress in visiting national parks. One of my favorite ways is to get a national park wall map. I was recently given a brand new amazing USA National Park Map by GeoJango Maps. USA National Parks Push…
Latest News on the National Parks during the Coronavirus Pandemic
I keep checking the news and wondering. Should I be concerned? How concerned should I be? Do I cancel my trips for later this month? What about this summer? Coronavirus has left this National Park lover highly confused and unsure of what to do with her national park trips. With all the information flying around, it can be hard to figure out what is going on with our National Parks and COVID-19. We are watching and reaching everything we can to help keep you informed about the latest developments and effects of coronavirus and how it affects the national parks. We will update this page regularly with the latest information…
11 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Arches National Park
Post Summary: Your First Visit to Arches National Park Planning a trip to see the sandstone formations of Utah? Arches National Park is home to the largest concentration of natural arches in the United States. With more than 2,000 natural arches located within the park, it is not uncommon to ask “what must I see in Arches National Park”. With an area of 120 square miles of sandstone with an average of 1.4 million visitors, there is no shortage of things to do in Arches National Park. Here are my top 11 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Arches National Park. Things to Know before you go…
How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the Western Sierra Nevada’s, Yosemite National Park is California’s premier National Park. Originally created by President Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864, the Yosemite Grant marked the first example of parkland being set aside for preservation and public use. It eventually set a precedent for the creation of the first national park in 1872, Yellowstone National Park. Through the efforts of naturalist and Sierra Club founder, John Muir in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt returned the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to the federal government for the creation of Yosemite National Park. Each year, Yosemite National Park continually dazzles its visitors through its beautiful valleys, magnificent waterfalls, and breathtaking…
How to Spend an Epic Week in Big Bend National Park
What is your first thought when I say Texas? Is it oil and gas derricks as fair as the eye can see or a rolling plain occupied by cattle and dotted with small towns? Those images are correct when you think of east Texas. Head out to West Texas between the border of Mexico and New Mexico and you will find something special. Desert mountain ranges occupy this landscape creating a unique mix of river valley, desert and mountain ecosystems. Big Bend National Park was established to protect this scenic area. Here is my guide to spending a week exploring Big Bend National Park. Disclaimer: Thank you to Visit Big Bend for…
The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is one of the more interesting national parks. At its core, this national park is a giant lake on top of a massive volcano. The famed blue lake of Crater Lake fills the massive caldera left behind by an eruption of Mount Mazama. As Oregon’s only National Park, Crater Lake is an amazing park to explore. It can take over an hour to drive from one area of the park to the next so staying in Crater Laker is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in the park. Here is how to get a jump on exploring the park by…
How to Make the Most of One Day in Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Highlights Driving Tour
It is hard to name a national park that is more famous than Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park. The park is famed for its wildlife and its geothermal features. Plus it’s a giant volcano that if and when it erupts again, it will truly change human life as we know it. Now here is the best way to spend one day in Yellowstone National Park and see just the highlights. This post was originally published on 19 June 2018. It was updated on 06 February 2020 to account for recent changes. About Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is a massive 2.2 million acres. This…
The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip – Itinerary through the National Parks
There are few images of the United States more iconic than Mount Rushmore. Carving the faces of four presidents into the side of a mountain was a brilliant marketing ploy for a state that didn’t appear to have much tourism appeal. Black Hills, South Dakota is a land of history and natural beauty. The Black Hills feature many of South Dakota’s points of interest. One of the best ways to explore the Black Hills is to take a South Dakota road trip. This post was originally published on 08 June 2019. It was updated on 02 February 2020 to account for recent changes. When is the best time to visit…
20 Best Day Hikes in the USA to Put on Your Bucket List
There is no shortage of hiking trails in the National Parks. There are more than 21,000 miles of hiking trail spread across 419 National Park Service Units. Some hikes are short boardwalks and others are long-distance hiking trails There is a park and trail for every hiking skill level. Not every hiker wants to head into the wilderness and spend the night. So I asked a few of my fellow travel bloggers and national park lovers to share their favorite National Park Day Hike to create a giant bucket list of days hikes for you to explore. Each of these hikes is between 5-18 miles long and takes between 3-12…
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On this site, we promote travel to the United States and beyond that are the traditional lands of Indigenous and First Nations peoples.
With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to these lands’ past and present people.
To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.
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