What days can you visit US National Parks for free in September?
As a natural treasure trove, the US National Parks system is one of the best places in the world to witness the beauty of the natural world. From the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the lush, green forests of the Pacific Northwest, there are more than 400 national parks in the US waiting to be explored. Whether you're an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or simply someone who enjoys stunning scenery, there are plenty of reasons why you should plan a visit to one or more of these incredible natural landscapes.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top reasons to visit US National Parks, the benefits of an annual America The Beautiful Park Pass, and when you can visit US National Parks for free in September.
Why You Should Visit US National Parks
Spectacular Scenery
US National Parks are known for their stunning natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon to the towering peaks of Yosemite, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery to be found in these parks. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply someone who enjoys taking in the view, US National Parks are a must-visit destination.
Outdoor Recreation
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, US National Parks are the perfect place to indulge in your favorite activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, or simply taking a leisurely walk, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural world.
Wildlife Viewing
US National Parks are home to an incredible array of wildlife. From majestic elk and bison to elusive mountain lions and wolves, there is no shortage of opportunities to spot some of North America's most iconic creatures in their natural habitat.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Many US National Parks have cultural and historical significance, and are home to ancient ruins, historic sites, and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the past. Whether you're interested in Native American history, the Civil War, or the American West, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about our nation's rich cultural heritage.
The Benefits of an Annual America The Beautiful Park Pass
If you plan on visiting multiple US National Parks, an annual America The Beautiful Park Pass is a great investment. This pass grants you access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all US National Parks, for an entire year. The pass costs $80 per year and covers entrance fees, standard amenity fees, and day-use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, or up to four adults at sites that charge per person.
Some of the benefits of an America The Beautiful Park Pass include:
Cost Savings
If you plan on visiting multiple US National Parks, an annual America The Beautiful Park Pass can save you a significant amount of money. Instead of paying the entrance fee at each park, you can simply flash your pass and enjoy free access.
Convenience
An America The Beautiful Park Pass is incredibly convenient. Instead of stopping at the entrance of each park to pay the entrance fee, you can simply drive through and enjoy the park without any interruptions.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
By purchasing an America The Beautiful Park Pass, you're supporting the conservation efforts of the National Park Service. A portion of the proceeds from each pass goes directly to the parks, helping to maintain trails, facilities, and other amenities.
When You Can Visit US National Parks for Free in September
If you're looking to save even more money on your US National Parks adventure, you may want to plan your visit for September. During National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday in September, entrance fees are waived at all US National Parks. This is a great opportunity to explore some of the country's most beautiful landscapes without having to pay the usual entrance fees.
In addition to National Public Lands Day, there are several other days throughout the year when entrance fees are waived at US National Parks. These include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, National Park Week (which typically falls in April), the National Park Service Birthday (which is celebrated on August 25th), and Veterans Day.
While visiting US National Parks for free is a great way to save money, it's important to keep in mind that these days can be quite busy. If you're planning a visit during one of these free days, be prepared for larger crowds and longer wait times at popular attractions.
US National Parks are an incredible natural treasure, offering visitors the chance to explore some of the country's most beautiful landscapes and learn more about its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys taking in stunning scenery, there are plenty of reasons why you should plan a visit to one or more of these incredible parks.
If you plan on visiting multiple parks, an annual America The Beautiful Park Pass is a great investment that can save you money and offer added convenience. And if you're looking to save even more money, consider planning your visit for one of the days when entrance fees are waived.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. With so much to see and do in US National Parks, the only question is: where will you go first?
Bring Along GyPSy Guide On Your Next National Park Trip!
A GyPSy Guide tour is the perfect choice for any national parks trip because it provides a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective way to explore the parks. Whether you're traveling alone or with a group, a GyPSy Guide tour will enhance your experience and help you get the most out of your visit.
Self-guided audio tours: GyPSy Guide tours provide self-guided audio tours that allow visitors to explore the parks at their own pace. This means that visitors can spend as much time as they like at each location, without feeling rushed.
Comprehensive commentary: The audio tours provide a comprehensive commentary on the history, geology, and culture of the parks. This commentary is both informative and entertaining, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
GPS-enabled app: The tours are GPS-enabled, which means that visitors don't have to worry about getting lost or missing important locations. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, ensuring that visitors can navigate the parks with ease.
Flexibility and customization: Visitors can customize their tours to suit their interests and preferences. The app provides suggestions for places to stop and explore, but visitors can choose which locations to visit and how much time to spend at each one.
Cost-effective: GyPSy Guide tours are cost-effective, as they provide a comprehensive tour at a fraction of the cost of a private tour guide. Visitors can enjoy a high-quality tour without breaking the bank.
Find a GyPSy Guide tour for places like Utah’s Mighty 5, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Great Smokies, and many many more!
We have loved GyPSy Guides since 2018 and look forward to using them every time we visit a new area, and now we are a GyPSy affiliate! This means when you use our links to purchase a guide we get a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for using our links!
