Discover USA

Walk below giant redwoods, climb windswept Atlantic cliffs, and navigate deep red-rock slot canyons. Discover the beauty of America's national parks.

Top United States Landmarks

Plan your routes with our detailed guidelines, coordinate markers, and trail coordinates.

Mist rising over Vernal Falls in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley, CA

Famed for its giant waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and massive granite cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan. Yosemite Valley is a sanctuary of high-alpine wonders.

Recommended Trail: Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls — 8.7 km round trip, strenuous. Climbing stone steps beside rushing waters offers refreshing spray and amazing views.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. Note that peak hours (May through September) may require advance day-use reservations.

Details: Coordinates: 37.7456° N, 119.5332° W. Park entrance is $35 per vehicle or covered by the America the Beautiful Pass.

Windswept rocky Atlantic shores of Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, ME

Perched on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia preserves the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the US Atlantic coastline. Admire historic carriage roads and stone bridges.

Recommended Trail: Ocean Path Trail — 6.4 km round trip, easy walking. Follows the pink granite shoreline past landmarks like Thunder Hole and Monument Cove.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Mountain Summit Road during peak sunrise hours (4:30 AM – 6:30 AM).

Details: Coordinates: 44.3386° N, 68.2733° W. Purchase park vehicle permits online prior to entry.

Majestic red canyon walls of Zion Canyon

Zion Canyon, UT

Famous for its towering pink, orange, and red Navajo sandstone cliffs. Zion offers world-renowned hiking, including wading through canyon rivers and scaling narrow ridges.

Recommended Trail: Riverside Walk to Gateway to The Narrows — 3.5 km, easy. Flat paved path leading directly to the river mouth where the canyon walls shrink.

Opening Hours: Park open 24 hours. Shuttle busses run 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM during spring, summer, and fall; personal cars are restricted in the main canyon.

Details: Coordinates: 37.2982° N, 113.0263° W. Check water safety alerts daily. Wading in The Narrows requires closed-toe hiking shoes and walking sticks.

USA Park Safety Guidelines

Safe exploration in US parks requires monitoring desert temperatures and sudden flash floods.

  • Hydration Levels

    Drink at least 4 liters of water daily in desert areas like Zion. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to begin drinking.

  • Flash Flood Risks

    Check canyon forecast grids before entering Zion's slot canyons. Rain miles away can trigger sudden, life-threatening floods.

  • Altitude Changes

    High mountain trails in Yosemite feature rapid elevations. Take regular breaks, drink electrolytes, and descend if dizzy.

  • Bison Distances

    Keep a safe distance of at least 25 yards from bison, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. They can run much faster than humans.

USA Park Preparation Checklist

America the Beautiful Pass

For $80, this annual card grants access to all US national parks and federal recreation sites for a full year.

Shuttle Route Schedules

Verify seasonal shuttle bus timelines for Zion and Yosemite. Arrive at departure hubs early to secure seat placement.

Wilderness Hiking Permits

Overnight camping or specific hikes (e.g. Half Dome, Angels Landing) require entering advance lottery drawings.

Leave No Trace Guidelines

Stay on designated trails. Collecting wildflowers, rocks, or historical relics is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.