Nature

The National Park Service (NPS) — founded in 1916 — manages over 400 protected areas across the USA: 63 national parks (the crown jewels), as well as national monuments, national seashores, national historic sites, national battlefields, and more. It is the most extensive conservation system in the world and America's "best idea" (according to historian Wallace Stegner).

The idea goes back to conservationist John Muir, who convinced President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 to place Yosemite under federal protection. Roosevelt then established five national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 national forests — laying the foundation for today's system.

Entry & America the Beautiful Pass

Most national parks charge an entry fee of $25–35 per car (valid for 7 days). Those visiting multiple parks should buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 — valid for all 400+ NPS areas plus all national forests and wildlife refuges, for a whole year. One of the best travel deals ever. Available at the entrance of every national park or online (nps.gov).

Camping

Many national park campsites are booked months in advance (especially in Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone). Booking via recreation.gov — reservations typically open 5–6 months in advance and are often gone within minutes. First-come-first-served sites are still available in some parks, but only for early risers (arrive before 8 am).

The 10 Most Visited National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains (12.1 million), Grand Canyon (6.4 million), Zion (4.7 million), Yellowstone (4.5 million), Rocky Mountain (4.4 million), Acadia (4 million), Grand Teton (3.9 million), Yosemite (3.9 million), Glacier (3.1 million), Joshua Tree (3 million). The lesser-known parks — Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, North Cascades, Great Basin, Isle Royale — often offer a more intense experience with a fraction of the visitors.

The USA spans almost all of the Earth's climate zones — from arctic (Alaska) to tropical (Hawaii, South Florida) to desert (Mojave, Sonoran). This means: Depending on where and when you travel, you will need completely different clothing and preparation.

• Northeast (Boston, New York, Washington) — Four distinct seasons. Cold winters (-10°C to 0°C), hot, humid summers (30–35°C), spectacular fall (Indian Summer). Best travel time: May–June and September–October.
• Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Carolinas) — Subtropical to tropical. Warm year-round in Florida (winter 20–25°C, summer 30–35°C + extreme humidity). Hurricane season: June–November (peak August–October).
• Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) — Extreme temperature differences: -20°C in winter, 35°C in summer. Chicago in January is one of the coldest major cities in the world (wind chill down to -40°C!).
• Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, Utah) — Desert climate. Summers extremely hot (Phoenix: 45°C+, Death Valley: 50°C+). Winters mild and sunny (15–20°C). Best travel time: March–May and September–November.
• West Coast (California) — Mediterranean climate in Southern California (mild year-round, little rain). San Francisco is surprisingly cool and foggy in summer!
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) — Rainy from October to June. Green and mild, but rarely sunny. Summer (July–September) is perfect.
• Hawaii — Tropical, warm year-round (24–31°C). Dry side (west coast) and wet side (east coast) on each island. Less rain November–April.

The USA is home to an impressive array of wildlife — from grizzly bears in Alaska and Yellowstone to alligators in Florida and whales off the coast of New England. Here are the key animals you can see as a traveler:

• Bears — Black bears are common in many national parks (Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Yosemite). Grizzly bears in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, and Alaska. Always keep at least 100 meters away and store food bear-proof!
• Bison — The largest land mammals in North America live in Yellowstone (about 5,000 animals), Grand Teton, and Badlands. They look peaceful but are fast and dangerous — 900 kg that can run 50 km/h.
• Bald Eagles — The national bird of the USA. Best observed in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and along the rivers in the Northeast.
• Whales — Humpback whales off Hawaii (December–April), gray whales off California (December–April), various whales off New England (April–October). Cape Cod and Bar Harbor are the best starting points on the East Coast.
• Alligators — Everywhere in the Everglades, but also throughout Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Texas. They also live in golf course ponds and backyards — no joke.
• Moose — In Maine, the Adirondacks, Yellowstone, and the Rocky Mountains. Best seen at dusk by lakes and rivers.

The USA is subject to a wide range of natural disasters due to its geographical diversity. As a traveler, the risk is low, but you should know the basics:

Hurricanes

Season: June to November (peak August–October). Affected: Atlantic coast (especially Florida, Gulf Coast, Carolinas). Modern early warning systems provide days of notice. If a hurricane is announced during your trip: Follow evacuation instructions! Flights are often canceled days in advance.

Tornadoes

The "Tornado Alley" (Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas) experiences over 1,000 tornadoes annually, mainly from March to June. Tornadoes are unpredictable but short-lived. If a tornado warning is issued: Immediately go to the basement or an interior room on the ground floor (bathroom without windows). In hotels: Follow staff instructions.

Earthquakes

Affected: primarily California (San Andreas Fault), Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. Most quakes are harmless. In a strong quake: "Drop, Cover, Hold On" — drop to the ground, get under a sturdy table, and hold on.

Wildfires

Affected: West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), especially from June to November. In recent years, fires have increased in frequency and intensity. Smoke can affect air quality in distant cities. Check airnow.gov for current air quality levels.

Flash Floods

In the Southwest, dry canyons (slot canyons, washes) can be flooded by deadly torrents within minutes after rain — even if it doesn't rain at the location but 50 km away. In Antelope Canyon, Zion Narrows, and other slot canyons: Always check the weather forecast and follow ranger instructions.

Beyond the crowded classics, the USA offers countless lesser-known natural wonders that are just as spectacular:

• Olympic National Park (Washington) — The only temperate rainforest in the USA (Hoh Rain Forest), with moss-covered trees that look like they're from "The Lord of the Rings." Plus wilderness beaches and snow-capped mountains — three ecosystems in one park.
• Badlands National Park (South Dakota) — Surreal erosion landscape that looks like another planet. Best at sunset when the formations glow in all shades of red.
• Crater Lake (Oregon) — The deepest lake in the USA (594 m), formed in a collapsed volcanic crater. The water is so pure and blue it looks unreal.
• Big Sur (California) — 150 km of dramatic coastline along Highway 1. The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach with its purple sand are unforgettable.
• White Sands National Park (New Mexico) — 712 km² of white gypsum sand dunes that glow golden at sunset. Like being on another planet.
• Denali National Park (Alaska) — Home to the highest mountain in North America (6,190 m). Grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and a wilderness that defies imagination.