Today, Yellowstone is virtually a country unto itself. It has its own weekly newspaper, a vast staff, a $30 million annual budget, army-sized campgrounds, and visitor complexes as busy as miniature cities. But even with this infrastructure, much of the landscape has not changed since the Victorian era, when only 300 or so lucky travelers would arrive on horseback each summer, following rough animal trails. The first hotel arrived in 1871, McCartney’s Cabin at Mammoth Hot Springs, a makeshift log structure where guests had to sleep on the floor. Most preferred to camp in the forest, catching fish for dinner in the pristine lakes.

Holiday activities back then were similar to those we enjoy today. Pioneer travelers would rush to natural wonders with romantic names like the Castle, the Giantess, and Minerva Terrace. The more adventurous descended into Yellowstone Canyon with ropes, and gaped at the thundering waterfalls—or scaled Mount Washburn for sweeping views of the park. Happily exhausted, they would gather around the campfire to sing, tell stories, and stage quaint theatrical shows.

But in the days before “sustainable tourism,” other 19th-century behavior now seems shocking. There were no park rangers, so campers poured soap into the mouths of geysers to hasten eruptions. They did their laundry in the hot pools. They carved their names all over rocks and trees, and chipped off delicate silex formations to take home as souvenirs. Meanwhile, poachers pillaged wildlife, unchecked. In fact, behavior was so unruly that in 1886, Congress handed management of Yellowstone to the U.S. Cavalry. The park remained under military control until 1916, when the National Park Service was created (and today, the uniform of park rangers echoes those of early army officers).

Travel with globus to explore the breathtaking views and mesmerizing sites when you embark on a national park vacation of a lifetime. America’s national parks allow you to explore some of the world’s most incredible sites and memorable experiences that you will never forget!

The Rockefeller family’s historic association with Jackson Hole has continued to the present day. In September 2007, their private holiday home, the JY Ranch, covering 3,000 acres of the finest terrain in the valley, was donated to the U.S. government as a new addition to the Grand Teton National Park. Today, it is open to the public for the first time in over six decades.

The transition began in 2001, when 90-year-old Laurance S. Rockefeller—John D. Junior’s son, who had honeymooned at the ranch in 1934—announced that it would become the “LSR Preserve” and include a state-of-the-art Visitors Center crafted from recycled native woods.

Hikers can now take a 4-mile loop trail to crystalline Phelps Lake, passing through spectacular mountain landscape that has not changed since the Shoshone Indians roamed here over a century ago. What visitors won’t spy are the 30 log buildings that once made up the JY Ranch. Before the Rockefellers bought it in 1932, it had operated as Wyoming’s first dude ranch, but as part of the 2007 donation, all man-made structures were carefully removed, along with seven miles of asphalt roads and 1,500 tons of building materials, to return the lake to its pristine state.

Even so, it is easy to imagine the JY in its heyday, when a string of rough-hewn cabins with wooden furniture and stone fireplaces stood above the alpine lakeside. To this idyllic frontier outpost, Rockefeller family members would arrive from the East every summer to indulge in hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and horseback-riding—outdoor pursuits not so very different from those enjoyed by the Shoshone in warmer months.

Even the most jaded traveler will let out a cry of glee when first seeing Yosemite Valley. This has always been the case. Back in 1869, a penniless young wanderer named John Muir, who had walked 200 miles from San Francisco, first peered down from the rim into that yawning expanse and let his own show of delight. “I shouted and gesticulated in a wild burst of ecstasy,” Muir recalled later, astonished to see the cliffs “all a-tremble with the thundering tones of falling water.” With its sheer walls and granite towers “like the spires of Gothic cathedrals,” Yosemite impressed Muir deeply, and he swore to explore its every nook and cranny. He ended up living in the remote valley for several years. The experience eventually led him to become the most famous nature writer of his era and America’s pioneer environmentalist. Muir first took up residence in a log shack, working as a freelance mountain guide, and spending every spare minute climbing mountains. He would gaze in rapture at waterfalls, make detailed studies of forest flowers and fill endless notebooks with observations. Within a decade, the “wild man” John Muir was being recognized by American literati as a self-taught genius. Soon he was the top spokesman for conservation in the U.S. His lyrical books on Yosemite helped establish this valley as a National Park in 1890. Today, the name of John Muir is emblazoned all over the state of California, given to high schools, forests, hiking trails, parks, roads, even medical centers. But his greatest memorial remains the awe-inspiring landscape of Yosemite itself, which has been protected for over a century.

Every 90 minutes, hundreds of onlookers admire the gush of Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser. It’s a spectacle that remains as enthralling today as it was in 1870, when the members of a traveling group of scientists first beheld it. After spending weeks on a grueling horseback trip to reach the remote Yellowstone plateau, the American adventurers were so astonished by the 100-foot-high explosion of water that they threw up their hats and shouted for sheer joy at the sight. Sitting around the campfire that night, a member of the party named Cornelius Hedges proposed that this entire volcanic plateau in the Rocky Mountains should be protected from development and turned into the world’s very first “national park.” Lobbying for the preserve in Washington, DC would be a long and complicated process, but on March 1st, 1872, Congress did pass the bill that protected two million acres of Yellowstone. This was a unique concept, and one that would be copied around the world. But in 1872, the idea was still experimental, and Congress made no provision for management of the park or protection of its wildlife. The first superintendent, Nathanial Langford, had no salary, no staff, no budget and was only able to visit Yellowstone twice in his five-year tenure.

The United States has 58 national parks, all of which are operated by the National Park Service that enables adventurers to travel the country for an escape to scenic lands housing wildlife, mountainous hiking ranges, and outdoor activities. Some of the most well known National Parks include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Teton. They offer an abundance of outdoor adventures and experiences that you will never forget.

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is America’s first ever national park. Its vast territory extends through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is home to a diverse variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Located in northwestern Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park protects spectacular mountain scenery and a diverse collection of wildlife. The towering Tetons were formed from earthquakes that occurred over the past 13 million years along a fault line, and make it one of the most popular National Parks to visit.

The adventures you are capable of experiencing through National Parks offer an amazing and unforgettable experience that you are sure to enjoy. The breathtaking views, various wildlife, and fun activities make these parks one of America’s favorite outdoor activities. You can plan on having a vacation to remember no matter what park you decide to visit. Start planning now!

Discover the wonders of the West through its best-known national parks, gold-mining towns, and old saloons on a driving vacation.  Along the way you are sure to take in some these breathtaking views:

Don’t forget your sunglasses as we travel by car down the coast of California all the way to beautiful National Parks of the country and through the sunny Rockies. This type of vacation will allow you to take in the gorgeous views of the west coast while capturing the breathtaking sites of the great outdoors.

We begin our journey exploring the infamous Alcatraz Island off of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. From there we will venture south towards the glamorous Los Angeles where we can scope out celebrities, visit Hollywood and shop along Rodeo Drive. After a few days cruising down the coast of California it’s time to drop off the car and travel via plane to our next vacation destination.

We arrive in Salt Lake City where we begin our next big adventure exploring the National Parks of America. We will search for wildlife at Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, then head to the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. We will spend the day discovering some of the parks highlights, including the Grand Canyon and the Fountain Paint Pots.

We then head to Jasper and Calgary to discover the “Jewel of the Rockies”. The is a lake located in a small glacial valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Why not visit Canada Olympic Park where we can experience the views of the Rocky Mountains while in Calgary. We will then enjoy some leisure time exploring our last two national parks, Jasper and Banff.

So get ready for a drive through the greatest National Parks in the world and along the magnificent west coast. Whatever comes your way, these driving vacations will surely be an unforgettable experience.

When traveling to California for a National Park vacation here are some must-see sights of Yosemite:

Big Trees Tram Tour
Take the Big Trees Tram Tour for a fascinating excursion to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Share the wonder of this ancient grove as you hear about the history these magnificent trees have seen. Stand in awe of the Grizzly Giant, the oldest tree in the grove, and its many neighbors that tower over 200 feet tall.

Ahwahnee Hotel
Visit the Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most distinct resort hotels in North America. Known for its magnificent façade and architecture, the Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings. The destination of queens and presidents alike, you’ll enjoy strolling through the lobby, having afternoon tea, or relaxing with a drink at the bar.

Ansel Adams Gallery
Spend time at the Ansel Adams Gallery. This photographer and environmentalist spent much of his life photographing the beauty of Yosemite. See his works, watch a film about the artist, or participate in a photography workshop or camera walk.