NATIONAL PARKS

Fun Facts From Globus Tours

• • • America’s National Parks are visited by more than 330 million people annually
    • Yellowstone, founded in 1872, was the United States’ first National Park
    • There are 417 National Parks and Monuments in the United States
    • The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is the largest (by volume) tree in the world

Few destinations in the world can compete with the breadth and brilliance of the National Parks of America. Whether visiting the grand vistas of the western canyon lands with sparkling lakes and brilliant skies or trekking east of the Mississippi to experience the dazzlingly vibrant coast of Maine or the rolling hills of  Shenandoah, rugged nature awaits adventurers. National Parks – America’s best idea – preserve beauty, wildlife, and a respect for nature – the perfect escape for travelers.

The western region of the United States invites visitors into a world of ever-changing color, with hundreds of wildlife species, and towering displays of natural wonder. Experience the Pacific coastal beauty of the Redwoods National Forest, where trees up to 350-feet tall tower over the world below and the crisp cool weather, well-known to this part of the country envelops its visitors. East from the coast is Crater Lake National Park. Yosemite National Park, the world-renowned Lake Tahoe and the Mammoth Lakes. Yosemite, a stunning display of waterfalls, towering pinnacles, lakes, granite domes, and thick forests, is a sought after destination for many adventurers. For unique desert landscapes, including ancient Joshua trees, visitors seek out Joshua Tree National Park. For incredible views of salt flats and sand dunes, there’s Death Valley National Park – the lowest, driest and hottest park in North America.

Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon are three national parks of the Western U.S. that no visitor should miss. Zion National Park is also named “Little Zion” for its symbolism – a beautiful haven of natural temples and cathedrals. The hourly-changing colors here illuminate massive stone structures and create a spectacle that cannot even be captured in photographs. In the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, enjoy the dramatic skies as they fill with sunset light and bright red colors of the endless rock valleys. One of the most visited parks in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and merges gorgeous waters, bright sky, and overwhelming vistas from great heights. Tack on a visit to Lake Powell for a perfect vacation – where sparkling blue waters lap against the contrasting reds of the massive red-rock canyon walls. This famous destination holds activities and fun for every kind of traveler and the 1,960 miles of shoreline offer no shortage of fantastic views.

East of Lake Powell & Bryce lies the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where the weathering action of wind and water has carved the famous sandstone spires and towers that rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor. See this glorious valley from a helicopter or a lively 4-wheel-drive tour, a site used in scores of films for its iconic sandstone structures, big sky, and wide land. Another famous destination out west is without a doubt, Moab, Utah. Moab is a capital for adventure-seekers and nature lovers the world over. This stunning location features unparalleled hiking, biking and four-wheeling, as well as cruising down rivers and scenic drives. One of the many things to see in Moab, perhaps one of its most famous features, is Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the well-known “Three Gossips” – a mid-sized sandstone tower that resembles three heads “gossiping” with each other.

North of Utah, Yellowstone National Park sits in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Established as the country’s first national park in 1872, Yellowstone is home to hundreds of free-roaming animals, spectacular waterfalls, and the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Float down the Snake River and experience the compelling and dominating peaks of the Grand Tetons. If time permits, extend your trip north and visit beautiful “Big Sky” Montana, home to Glacier National Park. Board a vintage Red Jammer Bus to experience one of North America’s most spectacular highways – Going to-the-Sun Road. Observe a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery, where jagged peaks, deep-green forests, pristine lakes, and meadows dominate the landscape. One state south of Wyoming, witness the captivating and diverse state of Colorado! Home to UNESCO’s Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Steamboat Springs, and Vail, Colorado features miles of striking scenery, outdoor activities, wildlife, and spectacular mountain splendor. In the northern territory, the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore are classic U.S. destinations. The Black Hills National Forest and its beautiful rolling landscape are packed with the history and richness of the Lakota people – Plains Indian buffalo culture. Near Custer State Park is the world’s largest mammoth site where scientists are still excavating remains of Wooly mammoths over 26,000 years old! Nearby, more than a thousand feet above the ground, stand the granite faces of four of America’s presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt at world- famous Mount Rushmore.

Whether visiting the wild mountains and plains of Colorado, Wyoming, or South Dakota, admiring the vibrant colors of Yellowstone’s natural hot springs, or seeking the grandeur of the Canyonlands, the U.S. National Parks hold some of the greatest scenery on the globe.

CURRENCY

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at Globusjourneys.com/Currency.

Although credit cards are widely accepted in the United States, we recommend our passengers carry some cash (~$50.00) to use in circumstances when credit cards are not accepted or in destinations where ATMs are not readily available.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that the cost of goods, including food, drinks, and souvenirs, may differ significantly from what you’re used to at home.

TEMPERATURES

When visiting America’s National Parks we advise you check the local weather prior to traveling to ensure you are adequately prepared for the expected weather conditions. Some of the National Parks in the south and western United States have a history of hot weather in the summer time. Conversely, National Parks located farther north are cooler. Please consider the maximum elevation of your tour when planning your trip. A few of our National Park destinations are located at higher elevations and are susceptible to greater swings in temperature and more volatile weather patterns. Below are several National Park destinations and their monthly temperatures to assist you in planning your vacation.

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation..

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Enjoy some of the state’s specialties such as cold water seafood; like salmon, halibut, and Alaskan King Crab, or large game animal like moose, caribou, elk or bear. Sourdough bread is so popular that the word “sourdough” is slang for a person who lives in Alaska. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll enjoy all the amazing wild berries: blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries, salmonberries and more. Try some of the fresh made jams and jellies, pies, and chocolates.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s website www.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions, passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, and more. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.