4 Out-of-the-Way National Parks Worth Visiting (And a Bonus)


Today I want to share 4 of the National Parks I've loved spending time in over the years.  2 are in Alaska, one in New Mexico, and one that everybody has heard of but I don't think always get into too "deep".  Plus, at the end, I've thrown in a bonus just for fun.  Here we go...

1. Denali National Park, Alaska
National Parks

Denali National Park has got to be about as far "out-of-the" way as you can get.  A 7-day cruise, a 4-day overland drive, or 6-hour flight just to get to Alaska, and then a 4-hour drive or 6-hour train ride before you're finally there.  But I promise you, 100% worth the time!  Read more about Denali National Park here.

2. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias

Wrangell-St. Elias is the United States' largest national park, covering 13.2 million acres.  The mountains are vast, the forests are thick, the coastline laps up on to it, and a volcano puffs regularly to remind everyone in it's sight that true wilderness can be find here.  Nestled in the middle of it all is the historic Kennecott  Mine site.  The drive there takes you back 100 years and a day there will leave you in awe of what the early Alaskan miners accomplished so far out in the middle of nowhere.  Read more about Kennecott  Mine here.

3. White Sands National Monument
National Parks

Over the years, we have found the state of New Mexico to be a treasure trove of amazing and beautiful landscape and activity.  But you have to be willing to drive!  White Sands National Monument, with it's mounds of sand rolling away from you as far as the eye can see, and complete silence and solitude make it worth the 4-hour drive south of Albuquerque and we do it time and time again.  Find out why we love White Sands National Monument here.

4.  The Grand Canyon
National Parks

Everyone, of course, has heard of the Grand Canyon, and dreams of going there one day.  Technically, it does fit the bill of being out-of-the-way and figuratively I'm pleading with you to go out-of-the-way when you get there.  The Grand Canyon is SO MUCH MORE than just walking around the rim or stepping out on to the glass-bottomed overlook.  Picking one of dozens of trails and going down into the canyon will open up a whole new world, an ancient world, that a person can't explain until they've been down in there.  Read more about our hike down into the Grand Canyon here.

Those are 4 of our favorite out-of-the-way National Parks and Monuments.  And, now, the bonus, because it's one we love that's close to home...

Bonus: Golden Spike National Historic Site
National Parks

No doubt, the Golden Spike National Historic Site is as far out-of-the-way as you can get in Northern Utah.  You will be in the middle of nowhere, and will be able to feel like you're part of history as they re-enact the final connection of the Transcontinental Railroad.  Read more about the Golden Spike here.

That's our list, now we want to hear:
What is your favorite Out-of-the-Way National Park worth visiting?

31 comments:

  1. I haven't seen any of these! Actually they are on my list but I won't be able to go till my son finishes high school in 2 years! I can't wait to travel to the places I am interested in. My kids always think my ideas are boring LOL so I will just wait..

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  2. So many beautiful national parks to visit! I wish we had varied landscapes like that here in Ireland, it'd be amazing to photograph.

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  3. What absolutely breathtaking, gorgeous views! If I could only transport myself to each and every one for a day!

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  4. My toddler would love to visit the golden spike site... we have a train fanatic, and he already knows about where the east and west tracks "met" . Pinned this list to my travel board too!

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  5. Well I've never seen White Sands. That's unlike anything I have seen, I'd love to go visit.

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  6. Wow, those are some neat places. I could only dream of seeing those. I don't travel much these days. Thanks for sharing though. :)

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  7. I've always wanted to go to Denali national park! It looks so so beautiful! I've flown over the grand canyon many times, and one day I will visit!

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  8. These all sound so wonderful. Several are on my to-go list!!

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  9. Yes, please go to Denali someday! What is a national park you have been to and loved?

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  10. I'm glad you enjoyed them! Is there a park you traveled to in the past and loved?

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  11. The Northern Lights are out of this world and incredible. On super cold nights they not only dance and move and change color, but also crackle. It's ethereal.

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  12. Yes, White Sands is amazing! What park have you visited and loved?

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  13. Thanks for pinning! Yes, it's a train lovers dream (both big and little ones). And there are some other cool things near there, too. Let me know when you plan that trip and I'll put together some other great ideas.

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  14. Wouldn't it be fabulous to just head off National Park hopping for a day! What parks do you have nearby you?

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  15. I've been thinking about your comment because so many people I know think Ireland is the mecca of vacation destinations. What would you say are the best, but lesser-known, areas to visit during a trip to the island?

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  16. I've always wanted to visit Alaska. It really does look so peaceful.

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  17. Oh wow what gorgeous sites and I'd love to visit all of them. I was born in Alaska, my dad was stationed there, but I don't remember anything about it. We left when I was 3.

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  18. My parents have visited Denali national park and love it!! Great list of national parks to visit!

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  19. We took a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon afew years ago from Vegas and omg!! Everyone weather you're a nature person or not, needs to visit!! Amazing to see in person!

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  20. Wow! Those are beautiful places and views, I'd love to go there one day.

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  21. We have been on Alaska last year and Alaska is one of the beautiful places that we've been visited. Love all of your photos.

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  22. I would love to hear what were your favorite places while you were in Alaska!

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  23. That is an experience I hope to have one day! I'm sure it's incredible from close distance above just like it is to get down into it.

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  24. Fun for them! What have been some of your favorite national parks to visit?

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  25. You'll have to go back! :) I hope your parents at least kept some photos of you-it's a crazy place to live, that's for sure.

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  26. It is unbelievable how much open space there is in Alaska. You can easily get out into an area where no one has walked before and have time all to yourself.

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  27. These are really worth visiting. It's nice to admire the snow peaks in Alaska and of course the impressive view at the Grand Canyon. It's also nice to get a look at the heritage sites.

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  28. These all look awesome to visit, especially the Alaskan ones! I've never been to Alaska, but it sounds awesome!

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  29. Penny @ pennyspassion.blogspotApril 21, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    Sounds like some interesting parks to visit. We've been to the Grand Canyon and would love to go back. Never been the Alaska, but these are great suggestions of parks to visit.

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  30. The Grand Canyon was so magnificent. People should definitely take advantage of that in National Parks week. But oh, Denali in Alaska and White Sands look stunning!

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  31. Those are amazing parks to visit. I have never visited Alaska before and would love to visit one day

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