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Even ambitious travelers know that visiting the vast expanses provided by the national park system can be such an intimidating as very inspiring experience. After all, it is spread out more than85 million acres In the 50 states and territories, each ranging from the size ranging from the largest with 13.2 million acres to the smallest with only 0.2 acres, according to the National Park Service (NPS). But just because you don't have enough vacation days to spend weeks in the desert that you can'tEnjoy natural wonders They must offer with a faster visit. In fact, some national parks make an excellent stopover or a day trip. Read more to see what experts say they are the best sites in the system for an abridged adventure.

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Some parks are known for their big attractions, such as Old Faithful, Half Dome or the Narrows. But other members of the system keep beauty throughout, which makes it easier to appreciate it without having the impression of rushing between the landmarks.

"Few places enchant visitors for the first time as the Blanche Sables National Park [at New Mexico], despite the whole park located next to a single dead end which is only seven thousand long ","Adam Marland, aTravel photographer and writer Because we dream of traveling, tellsBetter life. "There is no one to see. Except for photographers who just can't go."

There is also a dazzling bonus for those whostay later During their day trip. "The white" sand "for which the park is named is neither white nor sand! It is in fact a translucent gypsum that reflects the ambient color. It means that it seems white most of the day due to the sunlight, but can appear shades of red, orange, blue and purple depending on the colors of the sunset and twilight! "

Midwest is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the "sandy beaches". But the Indiana Dunes National Park offers visitors a quick and easy way to enjoy the splendors of nature without having to book days for travel or accommodation.

"Whether you go hiking in the picturesque sand dunes, Bird Watch or you simply enjoy a day of relaxation on the beaches of Lake Michigan, in the Indiana dunes national park, it is the Perfect park for a quick getaway, "Brooke Bergen, atravel blogger and founder of Brooke in Boots, saysBetter life. "It is also located between Michigan City and Gary, Indiana, which is less than an hour's drive from Chicago."

And even if you are not trying to relax by the water on the 15 miles coast of Sandy Lake Michigan Park, the site offers a lot for the active set. "The park has more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including the West Beach Dune Trail succession, a 1.1 mile loop which is a dog and children," she adds. "But parking on the beach can fill in summer weekends and the holidays, so enjoy your day as much as possible and arrive early!"

Although the idea of ​​visiting a national park generally evokes images of an open sky, there is at least one site that offers an entirely different experience.

"There are few places on earth also from another world as the Carlsbad Caverns National Park", "Dave Martirosien, founder ofHikers every day, recountBetter life. "There are more than 119 caves to explore, but the main attraction is the large room cave. Once you are in the caves, it's like watching a magic urban landscape and upside down."

But even if you are in a hurry, you can always make the most of the park. "The entire path is only 1.25 miles, and there is even a shortcut if you feel a little claustrophobic which reduces the length of the path to about half a mile," explains Martirosian. "It's fast, accessible and a unique experience in the national park."

However, others point out that the practically compact sitehold a surprise For those who remain. "Although the park is technically more than the caves system, there is not much to explore outside this small area," explains MarlandBetter life. "Most visitors enter and go out in three to five hours at most, although many remain for the" Sunset Bat Show "which occurs every night (seasonal) while the resident bats get carried away for their night celebration in A harmonic display. "

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For those who are bigger fans of thanks to the auto-Essai and climbing, there is always an easy and accessible park that you may want to add to your list for a day trip.

"The second smallest national park, Hot Springs, Utah National Park is an eccentric national park, unlike no other. Healing properties by Amerindians and European settlers," said BergenBetter life.

"Hike in the parks of the kilometers of dog trails and adapted to children, and don't forget to keep an eye on the steam early in the morning," she recommends. "Visitors who seek to engage can reserve modern treatments and enjoy the interior pools at first arrival, first arrival, at the Bathhouse Quapaw, or discover" traditional "bath treatments carried out in the early 1900s in the oldest bath Continue, Buckstaff. "

Many national parks are located deeply in the desert in arctic or sprawling wild. But a relatively removed site provides a way of the size of a bite and soaked to take in the wild that travelers can cover less than 24 hours.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The Tortugas Dry National Park is the ideal place to spend an idyllic day", "travel blogger Erin Moreland recountBetter life. "Accessible only by seaplane or ferry, this park is located 70 miles off Key West, Florida, in the magnificent Gulf of Mexico."

Visitors will probably notice for the first time strong Jefferson - the military installation of the 19th century which covers part of the island - when they arrive. But unlike other national parks, you should probably opt for a pair of fins instead of hiking for your day trip.

"The most popular thing to do once you get there is to go into apnea diving in clear turquoise water, where healthy and vibrant corals, sea sponges and tropical fish are abundant", said Moreland. "And with 99% of the park being really underwater, there are kilometers of coastal preserved to explore during your epic day!"

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It is not every day that you can see two of the most active volcanoes in the world. But if you plan a visit to the Hawaii volcano national park on the big island, experts say that you can easily spend an impressive day between breakfast and dinner with the help of your vehicle of choice.

"The main road of the park leads to overhangs of the Kilauea volcano and other large monuments of the park", "Joe Yogerst, aTravel and author expert, recountBetter life. "Better still, register for a guided tour of the descent bike which ends with a lunch next to the Pacific Ocean, then a van returns to the city of Volcano just outside the park."

As a founder of the National Park Service, it may not be surprising that Teddy Roosevelt National Park has a weakness for many outdoor enthusiasts crossing Northern Dakota.

"Located in accidental badlands, it is just as a tribute to the beauty of the earth as well as the vision of its namesake. No president has done more for national parks than Teddy, and his love of nature is a central point for any visit, "Nate Axvig, traveler and founder ofScandinavian clothing company Aktiv, recountBetter life.

AccordingJennifer Melroy, writer and founder ofObsessed National Park, you can make the most of a day by visiting the southern unit of the park and heading to Buck Hill, the second highest point of the park which "offers a panoramic view of the badlands". You can also spend the day spotting prairie dog cities and visiting the maltose cabin, which was built by Roosevelt himself with the hands of his ranch.

The site can also be an excellent stopover for any long trip on the road in the region. "Practically, the park is not that big, so it's easy to slip if your travels take you to Yellowstone," said Axvig. "It is also a quick journey from Mount Rushmore."

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Colorado does not lack natural beauty and outdoor activity, no matter where you look. And for those who have just enough time on their hands to spend a quick day of natural splendor, the black canyon of Gunnison National Park offers an accessible option.

"Located southwest of Denver in the mountain range of San Juan, this park is located at 8,300 feet above sea level and has pure vertical cliffs while falling 2250 feet in the canyon," said Moreland Better life . "The driving of the South Rim road takes you through a panoramic route of seven miles presenting all the strengths of the park. There are 12 picturesque overhangs of this road, most with short trails and easy to go out."