Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

Photo: Sarah Zenner, National Park Service 

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Photo: Michael Kirkland, National Park Service 

Hottest, Driest, Lowest.

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley.

Photo: Greg Clure - National Park Service 

The majority of the world’s geysers are preserved here in Yellowstone National Park. They are the main reason the park was established in 1872 as America’s first national park—an idea that spread worldwide. A mountain wildland, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk, the park is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.

Photo: Dennis Carroll, National Park Service 

Viewed from the road, Joshua Tree National Park in California only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place. Come see for yourself!

Photo: Troy Duncan - National Park Service 

What is Bryce Canyon? Attempts at description lead to paradoxes. Cave without a ceiling? Forest of stone? Even canyon is misleading since Bryce is carved by freeze-thaw cycles, not a river. Yet, “world’s largest pothole” is neither adequate nor flattering. You’ll be enticed to visit Bryce in person. Once here, maybe you’ll agree with those who simply say, “Bryce is the Bryce!”

To learn more about visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, click here. 

Photo: Greg Clure - National Park Service 

Visitors to the National Park System contributed more than $31 billion to local economies and supported 258,000 jobs in 2010, an increase of $689 million and 11,500 jobs over 2009, according to a report issued by the National Park Service today.

In this picture, some of those visitors take in the breathtaking views of Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park. 

Photo: National Park Service 

The human history of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve stretches back more than 10,000 years. The earliest people to settle the Brooks Range were among the first to cross the Bering Land Bridge from Asia in a series migrations that eventually populated the Americas. Archeological sites show that ancestors of Inupiaq and Athabascan peoples hunted caribou, moose, and sheep; trapped and snared small game; pulled fish from lakes and streams; and used the area’s other natural resources to survive in a difficult environment. Today, descendents of these early hunters and gatherers live in and around the park, where they continue traditional subsistence activities while also adapting to the demands of modern life.

Photo: National Park Service 

Light peeks through the clouds near Mt. Cannon in Glacier National Park. Glacier is known for its pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans.

Photo: National Park Service 

President Theodore Roosevelt established Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming on September 24, 1906. The spectacular rock formation known as Devils Tower and the surrounding countryside, home to a myriad of plant and animal life, attract visitors from around the world. Climbers test their skills on vertical rock walls. Visitors delight in the beauty of the area and enjoy the activites offered at the monument. American Indians consider the area sacred, a place for prayer and renewal.

Photo: Mark McKay (2007)