A paragon of the spectrum of beauty the United States has to offer, national parks are home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural features and numerous endangered species. One of these national parks is Yellowstone National Park, which offers breathtaking views of flora and fauna, as well as awe-inspiring glaciers and boiling lakes. Unfortunately, many of them risk losing their most prominent aspects thanks to climate change, habitat destruction, rapid urbanization. The immediacy of these threats meant that at any moment, these national parks could be gone in the future. Be sure to read these 10 beautiful US national parks to visit at least once in your lifetime.

ENTER GIVEAWAY TO WIN 2 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ANNUAL PASSES Do you want FREE access to the beautiful US National Parks for a year? In collaboration with RVshare, we’re giving away a pair of America the Beautiful annual pass (worth 180 USD)! 🌳

Enter giveaway on Facebook: FB giveaway post Enter giveaway on Instagram: IG giveaway post

Giveaway runs from 9 - 22 Mar 2020 (GMT-5) and is open to users residing in the United States only. See our full list of recommended Hotels in US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in US

1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota Fisheye Bad lands Overlook from Cliff Shelf Nature Trail First off on our list is Badlands National Park. Defined as “extensive tracts of heavily eroded, uncultivable land with little vegetation”, the Badlands National Park got its name thanks to the terrain in this region. Of course, what better way to experience this natural wonder than visiting a park named after it? Stroll along grassy prairies to spot wildlife before hiking up rugged plateaus with striking vistas. An overnight camp in the backcountry is bound to inspire the wanderlust in you. While daylight illuminates pinnacles and spires, the night brings a panorama of constellations that will take your breath away. Badlands National Park is also one of the world’s richest fossil beds, so report any bones you may find to a ranger — who knows, it could be that of an ancient sabre-tooth! Badlands National Park Address: Badlands National Park, Imlay Township, SD 57790, USA Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle – 20 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 10 USD; Motorcycles – 10 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Opening Hours: 24 hours daily Contact: +1 605-433-5361 Website: Badlands National Park See our full list of recommended Hotels in US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in US

3. Death Valley National Park, California A panorama of the park's sand dunes and badlands IMG_7506 Drag Race Devil's Golf Course White Gold Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is one of the world’s hottest places, and it is also the driest place in North America. A former borax hotspot, you’ll find a spectrum of extremes in this barren land. Scorching sand dunes and cracked flats illustrate a dystopian scene, where only certain animal breeds thrive. Seasonal snow also finds its way atop mountains. It’s also here that you’ll find the lowest point in North America: Badwater Basin, which lies 282 feet (85 m) below sea level! Aside from Badwater Basin, interesting features within the park include the Devil’s Golf Course — a rocky salt pan along the floors of the valley — as well as Racetrack Playa, a dry lake where one can catch the bizarre phenomenon of “sailing stones”. Other must-see highlights include the colorful Artist’s Drive, the historical Harmony Borax Works, and vistas such as Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point. While immediate threats such as logging elude it, Death Valley National Park may very well live up to its name soon — with the threat of climate change looming over it, the future of this park is uncertain. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation could not only mean unbearable heat for the visitors, but also a loss of life should the park’s flora and fauna fail to adapt. Death Valley National Park Address: Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA Price: Private, non-commercial vehicle – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist – 12 USD; Motorcycles – 20 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Opening Hours: 24 hours daily Contact: +1 760-786-3200 Website: Death Valley National Park See our full list of recommended Hotels in US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in US

4. Joshua Tree National Park, California Joshua Tree National Park Jumping chollas Flowers near Coxcomb Mountains Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Cottonwood Spring Oasis, Joshua Tree National Park, California The defining aspect of this park is pretty self-explanatory: dotting the park’s arid acres, the Joshua tree is a twisted, bristled tree that resembles numerous palm trees stemming from a single trunk. Yet, this iconic tree is just the tip of the iceberg in this locale, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet! Take a hike around one of the park’s many hiking or nature trails, the latter of which will lead you to impressive amounts of exotic flora such as the desert fan palm, cholla cacti, Mojave yuccas, and wildflowers. The topography of the park is also a sight to behold, with towering boulder piles, unique rock formations, and vistas looking out to geographical features like mountains and even the San Andreas Fault. Some features to look out for in the park include Skull Rock, Giant Marbles, Old Woman Rock, and Sheep’s Pass. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice up your trip here by climbing one of the park’s many rocks. With the hot climate and rough granite surfaces, these rocks are ideal for winter climbs as well. Like many other national parks, the best way to experience Joshua Tree National Park is to camp in it. However, do practice caution — many nocturnal animals such as coyotes, bighorn sheep, and snakes make their home here as well. Joshua Tree National Park Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597, USA Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles – 25 USD; Individual hiker/cyclist & motorcycles – 12 USD. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Opening Hours: 24 hours daily Contact: +1 760-367-5500 Website: Joshua Tree National Park See our full list of recommended Hotels in US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in US

8. Glacier National Park, Montana McDonald Lake and surrounding mountains Going-the-the-Sun Road Mountain Goat, Glacier National Park The Garden Wall @ Glacier National Park, Montana. Dubbed the “Crown Of The Continent”, Glacier National Park is home to some of the best glaciers in the contiguous United States. Here, you’ll find the headwaters of streams and rivers that flow out as far as Hudson Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. Riverine wonders aside, things to do in this park include the Going-to-the-Sun Road — a quintessential, 50-mile route that stretches across the park and allows you to witness the best of this park’s spectacles. When it comes to deciding on a destination for the day or somewhere to camp out in the park, you’re spoilt for choice. With marvels such as Many Glacier, Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass, St. Mary Valley, and Goat Haunt, limitless adventures lie in wait here! During the winter season, one can even participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Meanwhile, the summer brings opportunities for river camping. Glacier National Park Address: Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA Price: Private, non-commercial vehicles – 30 USD; 20 USD during winter. Individual hiker/cyclist – 15 USD; 10 USD during winter. Motorcycles – 25 USD; 15 USD during winter. All fees are valid for 7 days and admits the purchaser and their passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Winter rates apply from November 1st to April 30th. Opening Hours: 24 hours daily, though visitor facilities may only operate seasonally. Contact: +1 406-888-7800 Website: Glacier National Park See our full list of recommended Hotels in US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in US

Protect these beautiful parks Take a look at the beauty of the places on this list. Look beyond the world illustrated through your screens and listen beyond the voices of familiarity that surround you. Take a drive into the unknown. Get lost and discover. Explore all this world has to offer — from the mesmerising wonders it has sculpted, and learn that it is all worth protecting these beautiful parks. After all, these parks are not here to stay forever.