In 1872, the first US National Park was signed into law. Now 142 years later, 59 parks and nearly 51.9 million acres are preserved for travelers, cyclists and hikers to enjoy. Did you know that for a National Park to be signed into protection, it must feature either natural beauty, unique geological features, unusual ecosystems or abundant recreational opportunities – or a combination of all of those features? Another thing US National Parks have in common is their impressive trail systems. Pure Adventures offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore four of the western United States’ most popular National Parks on our guided and self-guided vacations. Whether you are a cyclist, a hiker or looking simply looking for multi-sport adventure, our favorite trails in Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks will soon become your favorite trails, too.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Queen’s Trail and Rim Trail
Famous for its natural amphitheater and hoodoos, Bryce Canyon’s rock formations defy logic. The Rim Trail is one of the most popular trails in Bryce Canyon not only for it’s paved surface, but for its stunning views of the amphitheater below. On Pure Adventures’ guided trip of Bryce Canyon, we hike in to the canyon on the 1.8 mile Queen’s Trail, the easiest way to hike in from the rim.
Zion National Park – Angel’s Landing and Emerald Pools Trails
While our own guided (and mostly traffic-free) bicycle ride across the bottom of the canyon in Zion National Park is best described as blissful, thrill seekers agree that a hike up the Angel’s Landing trail in Zion is a must-do. Not for the faint of heart, the 5-mile round trip trail isn’t technically challenging but does require physical and mental strength. The Emerald Pools is an easier and just as enchanting alternative to Angel’s Landing.
Yosemite National Park – Upper Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake Trails
The oldest park protected by the National Parks Service, more than 94% of Yosemite National Park is considered Designated Wilderness. Boasting 800 miles of trails, it would be hard to choose which ones to explore during this optional extension of our self-guided Passport to the American West tour. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the oldest in the Park, a strenuous 7.2 miles with 2,700 feet of elevation gain with rewarding views of the falls. Mirror Lake Trail is an easy paved trail ideal for families or hikers keen to spot wildlife.
Grand Canyon National Park – South Kaibab, Bright Angel and Rainbow Rim Trails
Boasting more than one million acres, there are endless ways to explore the extensive trail system in Grand Canyon National Park. Pure Adventures offers mountain biking, road cycling, rim-to-rim and rim loop tours of the Grand Canyon, all varying in length and difficulty. Hiking a loop of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails is considered the classic way to explore the park. Mountain bikers gravitate towards the Rainbow Rim, the only single track open to bikes. Road cyclists have the pleasure of riding away from the more congested areas while enjoying the panoramic views of the Grand Canyon unfold before them on our carefully crafted self-guided Sedona to Grand Canyon tour.