By
Will Gordon, Men's Journal
Veteran travelers of national parks may think they’ve done it all,
but not so fast: There are 417 sites managed by the National Park
Service, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy each of them. We talked
to non-profits, NPS officials and our team of outdoors-loving editors to
compile a short list of National Park activities and spots that are a
bit off the beaten path, and just plain cool.
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Lookout Point Trail at Wind Cave National Park –
Most people who go to Wind Cave don’t go beyond the national park’s namesake, but there’s plenty of exploring
to do above ground. Lookout Point Trail offers views of the prairies in
the Black Hills. If you’re looking go farther than the roughly two-mile
hike, you can add on the more demanding trails Centennial and Highland
Creek.
Kayaking to Sea Caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore –
Check out the sea caves
at Apostle Islands from right on the water. Kayak to Devils Island,
Swallow Point on the eastern part of Sand Island and the western part of
the mainland. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before you leave Lake Superior’s shore.
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Joshua Trees in Mojave National Preserve –
The largest
concentration of Joshua trees isn’t in Joshua Tree National Park.
Instead, it’s close by in Mojave National Preserve. Drive to the Teutonia Peak Trailhead on Cima Road.
On the trail, you’ll gain 700 feet in elevation and hike for 3.4 miles
through the Joshua trees. At the peak, look out and see the Cima Dome, a
granite rock that towers several hundred feet over the desert floor.
Hike with Llamas at Yellowstone National Park –
Yes, you read that right. If you’re sick of carrying all your gear, take a llama along for the hike. A few outfitters
are available set you up with llamas and guides for your trip. Ken
Stepanik, owner of Llama Trips in Yellowstone, says it’s a great way for
less experienced hikers to see the backcountry. Just make sure you
follow these regulations.
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Stargazing at Big Bend National Park –
Some national parks can be enjoyed during all hours of the day. Big Bend National Park boasts the least light pollution
of any national park in the contiguous United States. You can stargaze
from any location in the park (that you’re legally allowed to be, of
course), but the best areas are ones away from trees and campsites.
Sled in the Sand at White Sands National Monument –
Plastic sleds don’t have to stay in storage in the summer. Dust them off, head to White Sands in New Mexico and slide down some sand dunes. If you don’t have your own saucer, you can buy one at the gift shop.
[post_ads_2]Alcove House at Bandelier National Monument –
Climb the stone stairs and wooden ladders to reach the dome-like Alcove House,
where more than 20 Ancestral Pueblo people lived. Be warned, the area
will be closed for a period of time in September for ladder replacement.
Hike through the Rainforest at Olympic National Park –
Take the South Fork Hoh River Trail
through the rainforest in Washington. It’s an easy hike and only 4.2
miles, but you’ll feel like you’re in another part of the world.
[post_ads_2]Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park –
Stopping for afternoon tea might be last on your “to do” list for a visit to Acadia National Park, but one trip to the Jordan Pond House
will change your mind. It’s located right off the Park Loop Road and,
at certain times of day, it can take a while to get a table. The wait is
worth it, though, if only for the popovers, a doughy roll you can smear
with butter and jam. After you eat, you can walk around Jordan Pond and
go to the Bubble Rock Overlook.
