National Parks
Nations, Nature, & People
From towering snowcapped peaks to the howl of a lone wolf, from backwater swamps to soaring Sequoias, from sparkling Great Lakes to painted deserts, the United States National Park Service preserves 85 million acres (3.4%) of some of the most beautiful American landscapes. There are 63 National Parks spread out across 29 states and 2 U.S. territories. They offer insight to ancient creatures and lost continents, peoples who have lived on the land for millennia, and incredible biodiversity in some of the last remaining strongholds for wild and wonderful species across the United States.
National park MAP
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The National Parks showcase diverse ecosystems and human histories. Navigate your way through the parks by checking out these books and movies:
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Acadia National Park
Hear the relentless crash of waves on rock - the wind may blow, the sun may shine, thick fog may settle in, then pass - but the sound of waves may stay with you always. Maine's rugged coastline dominates much of this park. Its interior is a mix of northern boreal and deciduous forest, as well as windswept rocky summits.
Describe your image
Describe your image
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Location: Near Bar Harbor, Maine. Located on land native to the Penobscot, Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy (part of the Wabanaki Confederacy and members of the Algonquian Nations).
Fun Facts:​
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The National Park was originally designed for horse and carriage. John D. Rockefeller donated 45 miles of his private carriage roads for the park between 1913 and 1940. These historic routes have become an impressive trail system in the park’s interior for bikers and walkers today.
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The first rays of sunshine in the United States touch the summit of Cadillac Mountain between the months of October and March. You can drive to the top of the 1,528 foot mountain to be among the first in the United States to greet the sunrise!
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Citizens of the Wabanaki Confederacy and its affiliated Tribes have lived on the lands of Acadia for thousands of years. These Tribes preserve a long tradition of harvesting, hunting, and gathering from the ocean, coastline, and the interior woods. The federal government prohibited many of the traditional activities with the establishment of Acadia. However, the federal government changed its regulations in 2015 to allow for Tribal gathering of plants (for Acadia, this supports the importance of the ritual of gathering sweetgrass).
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Not So Fun Fact:​
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Park staff conducts an average of 38 technical rope rescues each year. This often necessitates carrying people via rope and/or stretcher. The park responds to over a hundred emergency calls annually.
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Don't plan on swimming in Acadia (unless you have a remarkable tolerance or a wetsuit). The water's average summer temperature is 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, this water temperature hovers around 42 degrees.
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Trail to hike: The Beehive
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The Beehive is an exceptionally popular, strenuous 1.5 mile hike 508 feet up the side of a cliff. At points, hikers must ascend metal rungs that have been drilled into the rock face. Don’t climb if you have a fear of heights. For those who take on the challenge, the summit rewards climbers with 360 degree views that include the Atlantic Ocean and the interior forest. This hike really does get super busy, make sure you go early in the day to avoid crowds.
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Want to learn more?
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island
Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park
Embracing Light: A Year in Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island
Carriage Roads of Acadia: A Pocket Guide
Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park: A Pocket Guide
Acadia National Park Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals
Still They Remember Me": Penobscot Transformer Tales
The Visual Language of Wabanaki Art
Turtle Island: Tales of the Algonquian Nations
Algonquian Spirit: Contemporary Translations of the Algonquian Literatures of North America
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American Samoa National Park
Lush rainforests cover volcanic slopes that rise straight from the vast blue waters of the
Pacific Ocean. Warm, tropical ocean currents foster a biodiverse ecosystem along the ocean floor.
Coral reefs shelter thousands of marine aquatic species here.
Location: Near Pago Pago, American Samoa. Located on land native to the Samoans of Polynesian ancestry.
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Fun Facts:
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The land here is communally owned by the Samoan people. The U.S. National Park Service could not buy this land because of the traditional communal land ownership policies. The National Park instead leases the land from the Samoan people.
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This is the only U.S. National Park south of the Equator and one of only two National Parks not located in a U.S. State. 30% of the plant species are endemic, found only on the American Samoa archipelago. There are only three native mammal species - all bats. One of these species, the Samoan flying fox or large fruit bat (Pteropus samoensis, P. tonganus), has a wingspan of 3 feet.
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Not So Fun Fact:
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Despite paying taxes, the American Samoan residents are not U.S. citizens, so cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have a voting member of congress.
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Climate change leads to warmer ocean temperatures in the National Park. These warmer temperatures wreak havoc in coral reefs. The colorful algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside the coral reef often react to this rise in temperature by producing more ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). These chemicals are toxic to the coral reefs so many coral will expel this algae. However, the zooxanthellae provides up to 90% of a coral's energy through photosynthesis. Many coral will starve without this symbiotic partnership. Some corals can recover if the ecological conditions return to normal, but with ocean temperatures steadily rising we are left with the starving white coral skeletons. This process is known as coral bleaching. It threatens reefs all across the world, not only in the American Samoa.
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Trail to Hike: Mount ‘Alava Trail
Hike through tropical rainforest with spectacular biodiversity, including Samoan birds and the famed flying foxes. You'll also pass through a coconut and banana plantation en route to a panoramic overlook. It is a challenging 7 mile round trip hike, but well worth the views.
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Alternatively, snorkeling the islands coral reefs is sublime. If you plan to dive, bring your own gear because the island does not have much in the way of rentals.
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Want to learn more? Book Recommendations:
Explore American Samoa: The Complete Guide to Tutuila, Aunu'u, and Manu'a Islands
American Samoa: 100 Years Under the United States Flag
'O Faia Fa'atumua O Samoa Mai Tala O Le Vavau (Nflrc Monographs)
NPS Natural History Guide to American Samoa
Gagana Samoa: A Samoan Language Coursebook
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Arches National Park
Arches is far more than its namesake, geologic sculptures. There are numerous canyon systems, forests, and desert which shelter diverse wildlife species. Spend some time exploring here and you will be richly rewarded.
Location: Moab, Utah. Located on land native to the Ute Nations.
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Fun Facts:​
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Arches has the highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world. There are more than 2,000 known arches. These arches form from the movement of natural salt beds beneath solid layers of sandstone. The sandstone is further eroded by surface level wind, rain, and snow. Over time, these delicate arches remain until they completely erode away. ​
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Potholes are natural geologic depressions in the sandstone. These depressions are formed by water eroding the rock into a bowl-like shape. Desert animals depend on the rain water that collects in these potholes during the hot and dry summer months.​
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There are many famous arches throughout the park. A few notable ones include: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, North and South Window Arches. Delicate Arch is a free standing arch that is often used on the state of Utah advertisements or license plates. Landscape Arch is 316 feet long, but only 11 feet thick at its center. Double Arch stacks two arches on top of each other in one wall. The Window Arches are both massive openings in the same sandstone fin that provides expansive views of the surrounding scenery.
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Not So Fun Fact:​
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Erosion of Arches' living biological crust is a serious issue faced by the park. What looks like a thin soil crust is actually a critical, living ecosystem. Repeated human activities off-trail compress the fragile micro-ecology. Once this vulnerable layer cracks it is susceptible to further damage and erosion. Once harmed, it will take at least five years to recover.​
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The formation and destruction of geologic arches remind us of the ephemeral nature of life in deep time. Wall Arch was a 71 foot arch which suddenly collapsed in 2008. Nearby campers reported hearing a resounding thunder on the particularly clear night and perhaps answers the old adage of what if an arch falls and no one is there to see it...
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Trail to hike: Delicate Arch
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Hike out for a sunset at Delicate Arch. The 3 mile roundtrip hike is a moderate climb, but rewards hikers with what is perhaps Utah's most famous arch. The sun sets directly opposite the arch, so the sun's final rays turn the arch a fiery red.
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Want to learn more?
Figure it Out: on the Hayduke Trail
Canyonlands Country: Geology of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
Best Climbs Moab: Over 150 Of The Best Routes In The Area
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People
Arches National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 211)
Hiking Canyonlands and Arches National Parks: A Guide To More Than 60 Great Hikes
Arches National Park Activity Book: Puzzles, Mazes, Games, and More About Arches National Park
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Badlands National Park
Winding rugged canyons converge where the Black Hills meet prairie. These barren lands are awe-inspiring and ostensibly inhospitable. But if you look closer, life thrives here.
Location: Wall, South Dakota. Located on land native to the Oglala, Miniconjou, Cheyenne, and Sioux Nations.
Fun Facts:​​
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The Lakota first called this area “mako sica” (land that is bad). The area receives infrequent, but intense rains. The Badlands were notoriously difficult to travel through due to its steep slopes, sand, slick clay, and dry soil.
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Badlands is globally renowned for its many fossils, Know that it is illegal to remove fossils from the park!
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Black-Footed Ferrets were once designated as extinct in North America when the last captive Black-Footed Ferret died in 1980. In a rare conservation miracle, an isolated population of 130 Black-Footed Ferrets were amazingly found on a farm in Eastern Wyoming. The owner's dog killed a Black-Footed Ferret and brought it to the owner. A local taxidermist notified the owner of its importance. A team of scientist and wildlife managers then helped to repopulate the prairies with these critically endangered animals. In 1996 Black-Footed Ferrets were reintroduced into Badlands National Park and in 2007 some of the successful populations were reintroduced to Wind Cave National Park.
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Not So Fun Fact:​​
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The Sioux consider the nearby Paha Sapa (Black Hills) to be sacred land. The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie established the Great Sioux Reservation (including modern day Badlands National Park). Gold miners and Euro-American pioneers continued to settle this treaty land anyways. The U.S. Government attempted to buy the land, but Sioux leaders refused to sell. Less than 10 years later, the U.S. took these lands by force, removing the Sioux to reservations without choice or payment. 100 years later, the U.S. Supreme Court finally recognized that the U.S. Government illegally seized the Sioux lands. The court offered $106 million in settlement, which Sioux leaders have refused to take. Sioux Nations have still not been given legal ownership and their struggle continues today.
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In 2008, the sylvatic plague was found in the Black-Footed Ferret and prairie dog population. This same plague is known as the Black Death when found in humans. Research crews acted quickly to vaccinate these small mammals. Researchers sprayed insecticide around prairie dog holes to deter flea populations that transmit the disease.
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Trail to Hike: The Notch Trail
Start at the Door/Window parking lot to hike through canyons, climb a log ladder, and traverse along a canyon ledge to see an incredible view of the White River Valley. The trail is not for those with a fear of heights.
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Want to learn more? Book Recommendations:
Badlands National Park: South Dakota, USA Outdoor Recreation Map​
Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks Planning Guide
National Parks Exploration Series: The Badlands
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Chapters 12 & 18)
The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend
Insiders' Guide® to South Dakota's Black Hills & Badlands
Hiking the Black Hills Country: A Guide To More Than 50 Hikes In South Dakota And Wyoming
From Dog to Wolf
Big Bend National Park
The Chihuahuan Desert meets the Chisos Mountains in spectacular fashion. Big Bend has everything from high-altitude forest to lowland desert. The lush foliage and vertical canyon walls along the Rio Grande are a striking contrast to the surrounding desertscape.
Location: Near Terlingua, Texas. Located on land native to the Chisos, Mescalero Apache, Coahuiltecan, Lipan Apache, and Jumanos Nations.
Fun Facts:
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Big Bend is the only National Park to have an entire mountain range within its borders! The park is also larger than the state of Rhode Island!
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The park is a gold-tier designated stargazing spot as ranked by the International Dark Sky Association and has been noted as having one of the darkest skies in the United States!
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The National Park is named for the big bend in the Rio Grande River. The 1,885 mile river begins in southern Colorado and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The big river (as it is known in Spanish - Rio Grande) is a vital lifeline for plant and animal species in the desert eco-systems between Mexico and the USA. It is the 5th longest river in the United States and the 20th in the world.
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Not so Fun Facts:
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Black Bears have been habituated to humans and their food along some of the mountain backcountry trails. Trails may be intermittently closed if bears are deemed to be a nuisance.
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Construction of the U.S./Mexico border wall has severely disrupted migration routes and access to water for many animal species. Thankfully, Big Bend is one of the remaining unfortified locations. However, be prepared to deal with border security in and around the National Park.
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Trail to Hike: Emory Peak Trail
Day hike Emory Peak, the second highest mountain in Texas (7,825 feet). For those looking for a more intense adventure, you can continue down the other side of the Chisos Mountains into the desert to complete the 40 mile outer mountain loop. Be warned this hike has little to no water. You must cache water jugs ahead of time at designated locations for your multi-day trip.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Little Big Bend: Common, Uncommon, and Rare Plants of Big Bend National Park
Nature Watch Big Bend: A Seasonal Guide
The Big Bend Guide: Top 10 Travel Tips Top 10 Hikes & Top Itineraries for the Casual Visitor
The Indians of Texas: From Prehistoric to Modern Times
Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks
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Biscayne National Park
Beautiful blue waters shelter hundreds of marine species. The coral reef system is the centerpiece of Biscayne Bay, but its mangrove swamp also provides important animal habitat.
Location: Near Homestead, Florida. Located on Native territory of Tequesta, Taino, and Seminole Nations.
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Fun Facts:
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More than 95% of the park's approximately 173,000 acres are underwater.
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There are over 500 species of fish in the Biscayne Bay. Their sizes range from several inches to over 10 feet.
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There are 33 keys in Biscayne National Park. Keys are created by living or remnant coral reefs. This definition would even include what are perhaps the states most famous ones - The Florida Keys (Upper Keys) - were once a living, breathing, coral reef.
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Not So Fun Facts:
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Warmer water temperatures and pollution from the nearby city of Miami are both significant threats to Biscayne Bay. In 2020, scientists think both threats played a factor in a massive die-off of fish in Northern Biscayne Bay. These occurrences also threaten the park's coral reef system. If corals begin to bleach (and often die - see American Samoa for the explanation of bleaching) then the park will lose a prominent habitat for marine life.
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There have been 44 shipwrecks documented in recent history within the boundaries of Biscayne Bay.
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Trail to Hike: Maritime Heritage Trail
The Maritime Heritage Trail explores some of the underwater shipwrecks. The wrecks themselves are marked above surface with a buoy. Snorkeling or glass bottom boats are a unique way to engage with this history.
Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Paddling Everglades and Biscayne National Parks: A Guide to the Best Paddling Adventures
Dry Tortugas and Biscayne National Parks Planning Guide
Emperors of the Deep: The Mysterious and Misunderstood World of the Shark
The Seminole Struggle: A History of America's Longest Indian War
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park
A vertical wilderness awaits. Raft the Gunnison, climb its crags, or take in the view from the canyon rim. There are few gorges as steep and rivers as wild, as Black Canyon and the Gunnison.
Location: Northeast of Montrose, Colorado. Located on land native to the Ute Nation.
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Fun Facts:
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On average, the Gunnison River drops six times more steeply through Black Canyon than the Colorado River drops through the Grand Canyon. It drops an average of 43 feet per mile.
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The Utes feared the Gunnison River and gave it a name which means “much rocks, big water".
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The Painted Wall in Black Canyon is the third highest cliff in the lower 48 states. It measures 2,250 feet from river to rim (El Capitan and Notch Peak are the two highest).
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Some rock at the bottom of the canyon is among the oldest exposed rock on earth. These rocks are 2.2 billion years old.
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Not so Fun Fact:
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The Ute Treaty of1868 confined the Utes to 16.5 million acres of western Colorado (including Black Canyon of the Gunnison). The U.S. government failed to fulfill treaty obligations and Indian agent, Nathan Meeker, led a forceable campaign of assimilation. Furthermore, Meeker built his new Indian post directly on the Ute's best pony racing grounds. In 1879, tensions exploded after a standoff between Ute warriors and the U.S. army. It was the only violent episode in a long history with the Utes. But it was enough for newspapers to spread unpopular opinion. Colorado's governor, Fred Pitkin, further exploited the incident to completely remove the Utes from Colorado territory.
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Trail to Hike: North Vista to Green Mountain Trail
This hike is one of the best of the north rim. It includes Exclamation Point, views of the inner canyon walls, birding observation, and panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
The Essential Guide To Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park
National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 245 Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Chapter 16)
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Bryce National Park
Sunsets turn the oranges to red, blues to pink, and this desert to a golden paradise. Miles of hoodoos and sheltered canyons define this iconic landscape. Hike your way into the canyons to spot the park's diverse wildlife and geology.
Location: Near Tropic, Utah. Located on land native to the Paiute, Pueblos, and Ute Nations.
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Fun Facts:
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A hoodoo is a thin, vertical rock tower that protrudes skyward. They form most frequently from sedimentary rock in hot, arid places. Ice and rain erode away flat-topped plateaus (known as mesas). First, they become thin rock walls, sometimes with large gaps (called windows). Over time the rock walls further erode into the famous stone towers known as hoodoos.
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Bryce Canyon is among several International Dark Sky Parks in the state of Utah. Its remote location affords a horizon without much light pollution. The stars are especially notable here, as well as in Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
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Bryce is home to three endangered species: Utah prairie dog, California condor, and southwestern willow flycatcher. There is an annual prairie dog festival held to raise awareness to the threatened species. The prairie dogs improve soil quality, maintain meadow ecosystems, and act as an important prey species to other wildlife.
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Not so Fun Fact:
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Some visitors decide to hike illegally, off-trail at Bryce. When visitors climb on top of the hoodoos, they accelerate the process of erosion. Part of what makes these rock formations so beautiful are their delicate nature - so please be careful to stay on the trail.
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Trail to Hike: Fairyland Loop Trail
The surreal landscape of hoodoos, forest, and canyon transport you into a real life fairytale. This moderate day hike will take you down into the canyon and around the spectacular natural features. Bring plenty of water in the summer and some good crampons for ice in the winter
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Best Easy Day Hikes Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Geology of Utah's Parks and Monuments
Starry Sky Adventures Utah: Hike, Paddle, and Explore under Night Skies
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People
Canyonlands National Park
As its name suggest, the park is a wild maze of backcountry canyons. The Colorado and Green Rivers carved these canyons over the course of 300 million years. Get off the beaten track and explore the scenic beauty of this park. ​
Location: near Moab, Utah. Located on lands native to the Ute Nations.
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Fun Facts:
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Canyonlands was one of the last mapped sections of the lower United States, due to the difficulties with navigating its complex topography.
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The hideout of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang was near the Maze district.
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The US touts Canyonlands as a wilderness. It has been inhabited by people for many thousands of years. Even in the remote places today, you can still find evidence of its human residents. There are petroglyphs in the Needles District that date between 1,500 and 4,000 years old and there are numerous unnamed, uncharted, and unrealized human activities throughout the park.
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Not so Fun Facts:
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The movie, 127 Hours, tells the true, survival story of Aron Ralston. He became pinned between a boulder and a rock wall deep within Canyonland's backcountry. Spoiler Alert. Alone and trapped, he was forced to sever his arm with the only tool at his disposal (a pocket knife). His ingenuity and will to live was immortalized in the 2010 film.
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Be careful to stay on maintained trail and hard rock when exploring Canyonlands. What may look like dirt is actually a highly complex and delicate ecosystem called cryptobiotic soil. Footprints can crush delicate structures which have taken years to build, so please be careful.
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Trail to Hike: Grand View Point Trail
Ultimately, I’d suggest a multi-night backcountry excursion. But if you are short on time, check out the Grand View Point Trail, where you can find expansive views of the maze district. Sunset is particularly nice here.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Figure it Out: on the Hayduke Trail
Canyonlands Country: Geology of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People
Hiking Canyonlands and Arches National Parks: A Guide To More Than 60 Great Hikes
Bury my heart at wounded knee (Chapter 16)
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Capitol Reef National Park
The quietest sibling among Utah’s 5 National parks combines elements of each. There are the
hoodoos of Bryce, the Canyonlands, the Arches, and breathtaking views of Zion. You’ll find a
historic orchard in the park’s central headquarters, as well as petroglyphs from its native residents.
And you’ll find much more in the miles of quiet backcountry.
Location: Near Torrey, Utah. Located on land native to the Paiute and Ute Nations.
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Fun Facts:
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There are many relics from Native American residents throughout the park. You will find one of the best preserved panels of petroglyphs just a mile and a half from the Fruita Visitor Center. These stunning images were thought to be created by the Fremont culture sometime between 600 to 1300 AD.
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The name Capitol Reef comes from the regions’ white Navajo sandstone domes that appear throughout the park. They reminded Euro-American settlers of domed capitol buildings in the east. A reef was terminology for a rocky landscape that presented a barrier to these same settlers in the area.
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Not So Fun Facts:
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There are no big cities within a few hundred miles in any direction of this park. Yet, it is sometimes plagued by urban air pollution. Visibility is traditionally 175 miles, but it can drop as low as 90 miles when the air pollution is high. This air pollution also brings toxicants like sulfur, mercury, nitrogen, and ozone. These pollutants are well-known to disrupt both human health and the organisms of Capitol Reef.
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Trail to Hike: Cohab Canyon Trail
The Cohab Canyon Trail contains many of the aforementioned arches, hoodoos, canyons, and overlook views. It is a relatively moderate hike-out-and-back trail. You can make it anywhere from a 2.5 to 6 mile hike.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Capitol Reef National Park: The Complete Hiking and Touring Guide
Cougars, Panthers, & Mountain Lions: Nature’s Perfect Hunter
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People
Geology of Utah's Parks and Monuments
Starry Sky Adventures Utah: Hike, Paddle, and Explore under Night Skies
Bury my heart at wounded knee (Chapter 16)
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Carlsbad Caverns National park
Carlsbad showcases some of the wildest cave formations anywhere in the United States. But its stalactites and stalagmites are not its only draw. Millions of bats roost in the caverns by day and present one of the nation’s greatest spectacles on summer nights when they exit en masse.
Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico. Located on land native to the Apache Nation.
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Fun Facts: ​
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There are over 300,000 bats that congregate in Carlsbad Caverns in the summer months. They are a species known as Mexican free-tail bats. Many of these bats simultaneously exit from the mouth of Carlsbad Caverns resulting in one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the United States.
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Native residents of this land gathered guano (bat droppings) from the cave system. The guano was used for a nutrient rich fertilizer for their crops.​
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Cave may seem dark and mysterious to the average above ground human, but there are many creatures that call these caves home: crustaceans, invertebrates such as isopods, troglophilic beetles, millipedes, centipedes, various spiders, and primitive creatures related to bristletails and silverfish. All of these live in Carlsbad Caverns.
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Not So Fun Facts:
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Popular caving tours leave behind up to 44 pounds per year of lint and human skin cells. Insects are attracted to eating the dead skin cells. Don't touch any of the spectacular formations in these caves. Oil from human skin damages the natural calcification of cave formations.
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White-nose syndrome was found in two eastern New Mexico caves in 2021. This fungal disease has killed millions of bats across North America since its discovery in 2006. White-nose syndrome effects hibernating bats that rely on the cave system for shelter. The park asks visitors not to wear shoes, clothing, or gear that have entered another cave. Additionally, visitors are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after existing the caves.
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Trail to Hike: Hall of the White Giant Tour
Take a ranger led crawl on the Hall of the White Giant Tour. You’ll pass many significant cave features and experience the caverns like the very first explorers who found them.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Map
National Geographic Readers: Bats
Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night
Apache Legends & Lore of Southern New Mexico: From the Sacred Mountain
Channel Islands National Park
Watch the elephant seals recline, listen to the surf, or simply enjoy the balmy southern California weather.
This park protects five of the Channel Islands and their ecosystems.
Location: Off the coast of Ventura, California. Native lands of the Michumash, Limuw, Chumash Nations.
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Fun Facts: ​
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There are more than 150 endemic species of plants and animals, meaning they are only found on these islands. These islands were originally protected to support threatened marine species that colonize its shores. Due to the abundance of wildlife, it is known as the Galapagos of North America.
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As of 2021, the oldest human remains discovered in the United States were found at Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island. Archaeologists estimate the remains of the woman are 10,000 years old.
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For countless generations, the Chumash lived on the Channel Islands. The Chumash name derives from the native word "Michumash" which means "makers of shell bead money". Many of the Chumash still live in California and can trace their ancestors back to those who long lived on the Channel Islands.
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Not So Fun Facts:
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1969 was a disastrous year for the Channel Islands ecology. An offshore oil platform spilled 200,000 gallons of crude oil that impacted all the Channel Islands and some mainland beaches. Thousands of marine species died.
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In the 1960's and 70's, brown pelicans were found with high concentrations of DDT in their bodies. These chemicals caused their eggs to be 50% thinner than normal. Adult pelicans would accidentally crush the eggs while sitting on them in their nests. Thankfully, the United States banned the use of DDT in 1972 after Rachel Carson's landmark book, Silent Spring.
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Trail to Hike: Santa Rosa Island - Pier to Ford Point
The trail in its entirety is 19.4 miles out and back, but portions can easily be done as a day hike or short backpacking trip. The trail is coast-to-coast with a chance to see marine and terrestrial wildlife. Bring water and sun gear because there isn't much shade along this route.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Islands through Time: A Human and Ecological History of California's Northern Channel Islands
Hike the Channel Islands: Best Day Hikes in Channel Islands National Park
Elephant Seals: Pushing the Limits on Land and at Sea
Return from Extinction: The Triumph of the Elephant Seal
North America's Galapagos: The Historic Channel Islands Biological Survey
When the Animals Were People: Stories Told by the Chumash Indians of California
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Congaree National Park
Wind your way through the shadowy hardwood swamp in any season. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers flood and recede throughout the year. There is life in these towering canopies, hiding within the dense mid-story foliage or within the murky muddy waters.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Location: Southeast of Columbia, South Carolina. Located on land native to the Congaree, Wateree, and Cherokee Nations.
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Fun Facts:
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This park protects the largest remaining patch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the eastern United States. The park was added to the National Park System in 2003.
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It is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world and has some of the tallest trees east of the Rocky Mountains.
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Anyone who has watched lightning bugs across North America knows that these insects typically blink sporadically. However, for two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, lightning bugs engage in a phenomenal spectacle. Thousands of lightning bugs organize to blink at exactly the same time. You may be lucky enough to see these synchronized fireflies in the late spring at Congaree.
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Not So Fun Facts:
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Feral hogs are an invasive species in Congaree National Park. They are a problem because they eat almost anything, are destructive to river banks, make mud wallows and trails, as well as reproduce quickly.
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Golden Orb Spiders are another invasive species in the park. These tropical spiders spin massive webs and produce thousands of eggs each year.
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Trail to Hike: Boardwalk Trail
An easy 2 mile loop and well worth the immersive experience of walking between the massive hardwood trunks. Search for some of the 27 (at least) species of snake found in the park.
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Want to learn more? Book / Movie Recommendation:
The Natural History of Congaree Swamp
The Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears
Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self Determination, and Identity
Cherokee Mythology: Captivating Myths and Legends of a Native American Tribe
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