United States National Parks System: A Wonderful Responsibility
Are you looking for a cheap place to vacation this Summer? Perhaps you don't want to travel too far from your home? Of course you are looking for a memorable experience, something you will really enjoy. If this is the case then look no further then one of the protected areas under the jurisdiction of the United States National Park System.
The National Park System of the United States is provided for by the National Park Service, which was organized by President Woodrow Wilson in the year 1916. The United States Park System was started with the goal of protecting various "special" areas throughout the United States so that these area would always remain as they presently were.
The very first national park recognized was Yellowstone National Park located in northwest Wyoming and the first national monument, also located in Wyoming, was Devil's Tower. Although the system started out small, that is not the case any longer.
The National Park System now is directly responsible for 392 set apart areas needing protection. To handle this extensive workload the system employs just under 22,000 employees. Each national park and monument varies in size and scope. The largest park is over 13 million acres and located in Alaska. The most popular park is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, which sees close to 4 million visitors per year!
So, still looking to vacation this year to a place not too far from home? That should be no problem with the National Park System. With 58 National Parks in the United States it should not be hard to find one near your home.
Yosemite, Redwood and Sequoia are all close to residents of California, northern Nevada and Oregon. Utah has Arches, Canyonlands and Zion. If you live in Arizona or the Four Corners area then you are not too far from Mesa Verde. People that live in or near North Carolina can visit Shenandoah and everyone, at some time, should visit Yellowstone in Wyoming.
Entrance fees to National Parks are very affordable. Most parks charge from $3-$20 to enter. If you plan on seeing more than one park on your trip you may want to consider purchasing a national park pass for $80.
No matter how many parks you see, the National Park System is surely something that you will never forget. There is something for everyone at most of these parks. If you are a big adventure buff then perhaps you will enjoy hiking in the backcountry (permits required) and camping for days. If you just want the experience and the memory then try making it a day trip. Most national parks have hotels near or within their boundaries so there truly is something for everyone.
Mesa Verde National Park is a really wonderful national park to visit if you are looking for a vacation lasting only a day or two. There are many Mesa Verde Hotels that you can stay in for affordable prices. Visit our website to compare prices of local hotels in Cortez, Colorado and the Four Corners area.
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