The National Park Service turns 103 today! In their honor, I've compiled a list of 10 reasons why our national parks, despite crowds and growing pressures, are still as awesome as ever.

So get ready, as we dive into what is best about our amazing national parks.

Let's begin with the gloriously, delightfully obvious.

Our national parks are home to some of the most phenomenal, spirit-lifting, gasp-inducing vistas to be found in the known and unknown universe.

The Earth is an intergalactic treasure by every calculation — and our national parks (home to some of the planet's very finest scenery), are home to some of the very best scenery to be found ANYWHERE. 

The Star Wars movies famously interpreted individual planets as singular ecosystems, but guess what: Hoth, Endor, Tatooine, Yavin and the like aren't locations in some galaxy far, far away. They're all real places located right here on earth, many of which are national parks.
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Adventure is a relative term. For some, surviving a day without Netflix, YouTube or facebook might be adventurous. Others prefer class-five whitewater, scaling the odd stratovolcano, or backpacking virgin arctic tundra, 100 or more miles from the nearest flushing toilet.

Fortunately, national parks can easily satisfy both groups and everyone in between. Regardless of your age or experience, there's enough adventure in our national parks to fill a thousand lifetimes.

The most important thing to remember is to start small, climbing gradually up the adventure scale. Start with a few scenic drives or shuttle rides, sprinkled with a couple picnics and day hikes. Then when you're ready gradually and responsibly turn the dial up on your adventures.

​You'll learn a lot about yourself, the planet we all depend on, and have incredible experiences along the way. Before you know it, you'll be climbing peaks, paddling wild rivers and passionately protecting these priceless landscapes.

Personal note: We love so many parks and we don't really have a favorite, but there is something truly special about Yosemite. There are adventures and beauty to be found in Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevadas that surpassed even our very high expectations. 

For a taste, check out this video as we summit Yosemite's iconic Half Dome (best you'll find anywhere), and subscribe to At Home in Wild Spaces on YouTube for more inspiring and adventurous national park videos!

Eww... gross.

I have to be careful here. Money, its hold on society, and the tendency of some to pursue it at all costs arguably remains the greatest threat to our national parks and other public lands. Ironically, money is pretty awful and defining true value. Far too much has been destroyed because we used money to appraise what is priceless.

But for better or worse money is here to stay and is too often the only language some people understand. The good news is, national parks and preservation in general, are incredibly valuable in terms of money. Current estimates suggest national parks are responsible for $92 billion dollars in annual economic benefit in the United States alone.

That figure represents more than tourism dollars. Our national parks and their healthier than average ecosystems provide direct and secondary economic value in the form of clean drinking water, fertile soils, buffers against natural disasters, atmospheric regeneration, carbon storage, food stores and other renewable resources that would be greatly weakened if not outright destroyed were it not for our national parks.

Why on earth then can we not properly fund our parks? Seems like a very poor investment strategy to me.
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As someone who visits numerous national parks year after year, I can attest to the fact that even the most familiar park keeps things fresh and can seem entirely new with each visit. 

From the time of year, weather and seasons to new trails and activities, or learning something new about a place you thought you knew so well: national parks are perfectly equipped to keep the surprises coming for years and years. 

To say nothing of their timeless landscapes and inspiring beauty. If only we aged as well, right?

One of my all-time favorite signs (yep, I have fovorites) can be found at trailheads throughout Yellowstone National Park and warns, "[t]here are inherent dangers associated with hiking in bear country. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF YOUR SAFETY."

While that's probably not much comfort to those suffering from Arkoudaphobia (fear of bears), I find this sign positively delightful. For me, it signifies one of the greatest virtues of our national parks. At least when compared with much in our modern world, national parks have not been sanitized or child-proofed. Efforts have been made to retain or restore their natural, primal and unpredictable character. 

In Yellowstone alone, bears can appear anywhere, one-ton bison lock horns in epic earth-shaking battles,  and stampede through the park (check out the video below). Snow can fall on the first day of summer like it did this year, geysers and thermal features can lay dormant for years and suddenly erupt sending water, steam and even rocks hundreds of feet into the air. It's marvelous.

Now don't worry. For a well-prepared and well-informed traveler, national parks are not unusually dangerous. If you don't let your enthusiasm overwhelm your judgment, remain flexible and avoid complacency, then national parks are dreamscapes where you can forge experiences and memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

On the other hand, nature is all too happy to remind the foolish, ill-prepared, or complacent who is in charge. In this way, she can seem harsh, and year after year there are tragic cases of people crossing a line and getting needlessly injured or killed.

But where nature chastises those who take her for granted, she rewards humility and preparation handsomely. So take the time to prepare yourself and those in your party appropriately. Use the resources provided by the national park service, and here on athomeinwildspaces.com to make sure your national park adventure ends in triumph.

Yep, that's right — time travel. But forget any thoughts of flux capacitors and quantum tunnels. That's Hollywood, national parks offer the real thing. 

Start off by heading to one of our numerous dark sky parks and appreciate the stars in all their undiminished glory, realizing that you're in fact peering hundreds of thousands of years into the past. When looking at the night sky, you're seeing at the universe as it was eons ago and not as it exists today. Viewing the literal past is a great way to feel incredibly small, yet incredibly significant.

Not time-travely enough for you? Then take a hike. I'm serious. Go hiking.

You may not know it, but hiking is about as close as you can get to literally traveling through time. On trails like The Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park (video available below) you'll begin on a forested plateau, gradually descending past "new" hoodoos just emerging from the rim before passing older, smaller, more eroded hoodoos as you near the canyon floor. For the geologically observant traveler, it's like traveling forward and backward in time and watching Bryce Canyon's wondrous amphitheater emerge over eons of erosion.
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Just like peering through time while hiking through Bryce Canyon, ​you can do the same thing when hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, where the Rockies once rivaled the towering heights of the modern Himalayas and Andes, but have over hundreds of millions of years eroded away to their diminished, albeit still inspiring height. Look for glacial cirques and imagine the massive, long-vanished rivers of ice, rounding jagged peaks and carving massive valleys, basins and canyons.

Finally, my personal favorite form of national park time travel, is the ability to see the wild, primal character of North America before European settlement and the short-sighted wholesale destruction that followed.

Now I'll admit — there are some differences. Native tribes have been displaced,  and some  of the natural features are choked by traffic and travelers carrying selfie sticks. But on an early morning, in the backcountry away from the crowds, there's a special experience awaiting you.

Surrounded by wild, primal scenery; inhabited by the full suite of native animal life, you'll be transported back in time to a younger, healthier continent that was almost lost forever.  

It's an experience you can't find almost anywhere outside a handful of national parks and the furthest reaches of the globe, where development, consumptive interests, and livestock have been kept at bay. It's akin to having a revelation: as if you've had your eyes closed you're whole life, then open them for the first time.​

Trust me it's super cool and a fundamental reason why national parks remain one of our very best ideas and most important treasures. 

In a perfect world, national parks would be equally accessible to everyone who visits responsibly and generally speaking, they are. With the exception of national parks being mostly concentrated out west where there was (and is) open land to be set aside and preserved; national parks are open to everyone for relatively little cost.

For $35 or less per car or $15 or less per person, plus the cost of travel; anyone can visit any national park in the United States and enjoy some of the greatest natural wonders in the world.

As travel expenses go, that's pretty much an unbeatable deal. If you've found a better bargain, I'd love to hear about it. The only competition I can think of would be visiting a national forest or other public lands. You gotta love Wild Spaces.
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If my school experience had included more about the national parks — perhaps even an occasional visit, I like to think that I would have been a much more attentive student.

National parks are some of the best classrooms available. They are ground zero for our ever-increasing understanding of the world and how our actions affect it. Spend some time in park visitor centers and speaking with park rangers. It will amaze you what we are learning in our national parks.

In addition to learning about the natural world, our parks are also where we learn about ourselves. They are home to some of our most celebrated triumphs, and some of our most shameful mistakes. They are time capsules that preserve not only our natural heritage but our cultural heritage as well.

This is simultaneously one of the hardest and yet most wonderful aspects of our national parks. The past few centuries have been witness to remarkable, inexcusable destruction.

Whether in the name of Manifest Destiny and the pursuit of riches at the expense of all else, or as the result of exploitive and even cruel policies and practices — humanity has at times blazed an awful, even shameful trail of carnage on our march to the modern era.

Our national parks in many ways are the rock upon which this terrible wave of destruction has been broken. Within our parks, the whole community of natural life can find refuge and a home. Our parks provide essential habitat for the most beloved and the most maligned creatures in all the natural world. And as intended have served as precious "reservoirs of life" preserving and often times replenishing the continent's decimated flora and fauna.

Most people likely know how our national parks have saved bison, wolves and bears from extinction, but not many know the key role Yellowstone and other parks have played in restoring populations of elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and other popular "game" animals.

My home state of Utah, as well as our neighbors Colorado and Nevada, are among dozens of states that either completely or almost completely destroyed their native elk populations. Thanks to Yellowstone and its reservoir of protected animal life, Utah and many of our fellow states are again home to healthy or resurgent elk populations.

In addition to preserving wildlife, national parks are the final home to many of the last vital stands of irreplaceable forests.

From old-growth rainforests to the tallest and largest trees on the planet, national parks have been an indispensable tool in preserving many of the most astonishing, inspiring, and important forests in the world. Were it not for conservation efforts of people like you and the acquisition and transfer of many of those stands to the national park system, we might have lost priceless and remarkable ecosystems that can be found nowhere else in the world.

Our parks may be the best and last defense against the enduring threat of extinction for countless plants and animals. Our parks preserve crucial, mostly intact, ecosystems that may hold the key to restoring healthy systems to the globe. They are a kind of Noah's Ark, sheltering and protecting life from the raging storm of exploitation.

This alone makes our national parks worthy of the soberest respect and appreciation. The world is a better, healthier, and more hopeful place with national parks and nature preserves in it.

The most amazing thing about our national parks is that fact that we all share ownership and responsibility for them. Regardless of your station in life, if you are a citizen of the United States or even a citizen of the world, you have a vested interest in the welfare and preservation of our national parks.

So, so much has been lost, surveyed, sold, and developed out of existence. It's truly sobering to think of what we've destroyed, including beauty and wonders we cannot fathom and may never know again. But some of the very best this world has to offer or ever has had to offer has been bequeathed to us in trust — to be preserved, protected,  responsibly enjoyed and added to.

One of the earliest patrons of the parks once said, "Every right implies a responsibility; Every opportunity an obligation; every possession a duty."

Keep that in mind next time you visit a national park. Don't be afraid to invite others to tread lightly and see our parks as more than backgrounds for selfies, mere natural curiosities or checkmarks for bucket lists. They are so much more. Let's treat them as such.

I leave you with this: All is not well in our national parks. Under increasing pressures, the parks are suffering from heavy, often destructive, sometimes outright foolish use. This is compounded further by insufficient funds and special interests that would like to see them further exploited.

There are very real concerns about the long-term welfare or our parks. Our right to enjoy these treasures demands we do so responsibly. We have a duty to protect these special places and to foster a culture of responsible recreation.

By all means, visit our incredible parks — but don't let it end there. Open your mouth, advocate for their responsible use, and become a life-long defender of these amazing Wild Spaces.

​We're it not for people like you, we'd have no parks at all. We need them, and they need you.
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There you have it. That's our list of 10 reasons our national parks are simply awesome. Did we miss anything? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, to help support us and help preserve Wild Spaces, drop by our store for great Wild Spaces apparel and make sure to follow At Home in Wild Spaces on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and right here at athomeinwildspaces.com

In 2012, nearly a decade since my last visit I returned to Yellowstone National Park for Labor-day Weekend. Though my most recent recollections of the world's first national park had aged significantly, they were anything but stale.  

Mere moments after passing over the park boundary, I was reacquainted with the sublime sights and sounds of this priceless wilderness. Since that labor-day weekend, my wife and I have returned to Yellowstone every year.

Our visits have become something of an annual pilgrimage – a tradition that has helped us remain centered. They are a time for family, and a time for making memories with our son. Each visit reignites our passion and respect for the natural world and fuels our desire share and help preserve all that is wild. We are immensely grateful that those who  had the wisdom to preserve this gem as a national park "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people".

It is in that spirit that we share this 4K visual tribute to Yellowstone National Park. We captured this footage during our visit in September 2017. This virtual tour highlights many of the park's iconic locations and is the next best thing to heading out on a classic Yellowstone wildlife safari.

We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Yellowstone National Park in breathtaking Ultra HD. Remember to tread lightly and Leave No Trace when visiting our National Parks and other Wild Spaces.

​What's your favorite part of visiting Yellowstone? Share in the comments below and make sure to check out the many travel resources available here on www.athomeinwildspaces.com.

This year the National Park Service is celebrating its centennial. For 100 years the Park Service has been educating visitors on the history and natural treasures preserved by our national parks and inspiring each of us to both enjoy and protect these special places.

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, and many of us either visiting or making plans to visit one of our many amazing national parks - the team from At Home in Wild Spaces wanted to share ten of our favorite national park trails with you and invite you to tread lightly, Leave No Trace and enjoy getting outdoors this summer!

Some of these trails are quite popular. Click here to learn more about trail etiquette and safety. Happy Memorial Day everybody!

Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Length: 1 to 16 miles
​Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava or Chamberlain's Ranch (Permit Required)
Important Info: Contact Zion Visitor Information regarding flowrate and flash flood warnings before entering the Narrows. Wear closed toed shoes and bring a walking stick. Plan on getting wet: most of the trail is in the river. No trash or bathrooms along trail. Pack everything out with you. Be courteous of others this is a very popular trail. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Strenuous 
Length: 5.4 miles
Trailhead: Grotto Picnic Area
Important Info: Steep cliffs. Not appropriate for children. Hot during summer months pack water and sun protection. Be courteous of others on the trail. Outhouse at Scout lookout. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Length: Up to 33 miles
Trailhead: Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
​Important Info: Rain likely most of the year (hence the title rainforest). Trail can be slick and muddy. Stay on trail and clear of steep river banks and drop offs. Check forecast before venturing out and plan accordingly. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.6 miles
Trailhead: Near Sol Duc Hot Springs (look for sign)
Important Info: Rain likely most of the year. Trail can be slick and muddy. Stay on trail and clear of steep river banks and drop offs. Check forecast before venturing out and plan accordingly. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3 miles
Trailhead: Sunrise or Sunset Points
Important Info: Sun exposure and hot temperatures in summer. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Be courteous of others on trail, stay away from cliffs and drop offs. No bathrooms or water available on trail. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 7 to 14 miles
Trailhead: Red Canyon Visitor Center or Coyote Hollow Parking
Important Info: NOT WITHIN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK. Mountain biking is prohibited inside the National Park. The Thunder Mountain trail is located a few miles west of the park entrance along highway 12. 14 mile loop includes Red Canyon bike path. 7 mile requires shuttle arrangements. Hot in summer, no water or bathrooms on trail. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Know your limits. For more info click here.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Less than 1 mile
Trailhead: Artist Point Parking Area
Important Info: Trail includes switchbacks on steep slopes and more than 300 steel stairs. Stay on trail, and make sure you are up for the climb back up from the bottom. Yellowstone is prime bear country. Click here for important information on bear safety click here. Be courteous of others on the trail. Bathrooms available in parking area. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.4 miles
​Trailhead: Biscuit Basin (West side of boardwalk)
Important Info: Seasonal closures. Opens late May. This is bear country. For important information on safety while hiking in bear country click here. Stay on trail. Bathrooms available in parking area. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Up to 7.2 miles (Main and Primitive Trails combined)
Trailhead: Devils Garden Parking Area
Important Info: Can be very hot in summer. Pack plenty of water and sun protection. Stay on trail. The soil in much of the American Southwest and in Arches in particular is very delicate. Do not stray from established trails, dry washes or bare rock. Climbing or walking on/over arches is prohibited. Be courteous of others. For more information click here.

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Length: Up to 7.2 miles
Trailhead: Devil's Garden Parking Area
Important info: Exposure and high temperatures in summer. Pack enough water (one liter per hour) and adequate sun protection. Be courteous of others on the trail. The "primitive" section of Devils Garden requires more clamoring over obstacles than the "main" trail. Know your limits and be safe. Do not stray from official trails, dry washes or bare rock. The soil in Arches National Park is uniquely delicate.  Climbing or walking on/over arches is prohibited. For more information click here.

Before Yellowstone was Yellowstone, it was called Wonderland. The stories of steaming earth, filled with strange spouting wells and painted pools sounded so fantastical to many 19th century americans that it reminded them of a popular novel of the time, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Just like Alice and her travels in Wonderland many visitors may ask themselves, "Which path should I take?". "Well that all depends on where you want to go". There are paths a plenty in Yellowstone with countless little treasures to discover along the way.

Take Mystic Falls for example. This beautiful cascade is only a short introductory hike into Yellowstone's back-country. Watch the video for more information. It's a perfect hike for just about any skill level, and a gateway to even more wonders. Just remember Yellowstone is bear country. Be prepared. Know how to handle bear encounters, make noise when hiking. Travel in groups and carry bear spray in a very accessible location.

Make sure to stay tuned to At Home in Wild Spaces for more featured locations and travel tips, including bear safety. And check out the rest of our website. There's tons here for any lover of Wild Spaces.