Whether you’re eager to get back to traveling in 2022 or your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outdoors, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit to one of our nation’s beautiful national parks.
The U.S. is home to 423 national park sites. While some are truly national parks, many carry other designations, such as national battlefields, historic sites, lakeshores, memorials, or monuments. In total, 63 properties managed by the National Park Service hold the title of “National Park.” Each is unique, with natural features, landmarks, and more that set them apart from one another.
For instance, Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, is inaccessible except by boat or seaplane, and 99 percent of the park is underwater. By contrast, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is located in a popular destination that’s easily accessible from much of the South and Midwest. also features several major thoroughfares. Both of these facts factor into it being the most-visited national park in the country.
If you’re ready to start planning a national park adventure of your own in the New Year, keep reading to learn a few of the national parks that should be on your bucket list in 2022.
Bryce Canyon National Park
With more than 4 million visitors making their way into the park each year, making it the third most-visited national park in the country, there’s no denying that Zion is the most popular of Utah’s Mighty 5®️ national parks. But while Zion is certainly worth a visit, there’s a lesser-known national park just a short drive away with views that rival its popular neighbor.
Bryce Canyon National Park welcomes just over half the number of visitors that Zion does each year. The landmark the park is named for is actually technically not a canyon. Instead, it’s a series of natural amphitheaters that have eroded over millions of years in the rock of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Within these stunning amphitheaters are thousands of hoodoos, the park’s most unique and recognizable feature. These natural rock formations look like stacks of boulders stacked precariously on top of one another. Bryce Canyon has the highest concentration of these formations in the world.
On The Mighty 5®️ Scheduled Departure Tour, you’ll have a chance to experience some hoodoos and amphitheaters up-close-and-personal. Stand at the rim and listen to the sound of the wind rushing through the canyon. You’ll also visit Zion National Park during your tour. Decide for yourself which park deserves the title of most beautiful and unique!
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon
While the Grand Canyon National Park may rank sixth on the list of most-visited national parks in the nation, the majority of those visitors head to a single part of the park. Few realize the true size of this incredible national park. And even fewer know about the stunning overlook located on the North Rim of the Canyon.
Most visitors to the Grand Canyon head to the South Rim. If you want to beat the crowds without sacrificing awesome views, head to the North Rim instead. This access area closes during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. But in the summer, it’s a great destination for experiencing the canyon with fewer crowds. The North Rim’s location also makes it a great destination for those visiting Utah’s National Park.
Whether you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon or want to experience it in a new way, our Wonders of the West 10-Day Scheduled Departure Tour is a great way to do so. During this action-packed trip, you’ll explore the higher-altitude, less-crowded North Rim before continuing on your adventure.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is perhaps best known for its namesake mountain range. The incredible Tetons tower far above the park and stretches 40-miles long in total. A whopping 8 peaks that tower higher than 12,000 feet exist within the park’s boundaries. Far below these peaks exist a stunning park that’s full of wildlife, challenging hikes, and more.
Located a short distance from Jackson Hole, this park is easy to hop to during the day while still enjoying the luxury and amenity of the city just a short drive away. During the winter months, the area is popular for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
On our Yellowstone and Grand Teton 7-Day Scheduled Departure Tour, you’ll have a chance to explore both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park in-depth. Your experienced guide will help you hit the highlights; cruise Jenny Lake on a leisurely boat ride, see the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole from high above on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and test your photography skills by capturing your own images of Mouton Barn — the most photographed barn in the United States.
Planning Your 2022 National Park Adventure With Utah Luxury Tours
Whether you’ve set a goal to spend more time outdoors in 2022 or are eager to get back to traveling, a national park adventure is a great choice.
Our Scheduled Departure Tours are designed to help you plan ahead for your family vacation or solo adventure. No matter which tour you choose or which national park you’re dreaming of visiting, our tours help you hit the highlights and see the parks like a local. Spend your days exploring the outdoors and your evenings relaxing in luxurious accommodations.
Spots are filling up fast for our fall 2021 tours. Book your spot today by reaching out directly at (435) 940-4212 or through your local travel agent. Start planning your 2022 vacation to guarantee your choice of trips and dates.
