The 8 best American national parks for people over 65, say the experts
If you are looking to explore later in life, these parks should be at the top of your list.
One of the best parts ofretirement is the ability to travel. Maybe you dream of translucent blue waters and white sandy beaches and finally have time to relax-or maybe you prefer to take this time to explore. If your adventurous side calls, maybe you want to check some American distribution parksYour bucket list. In this case, travel experts have the perfect recommendations for you. Read more to discover the eight best national parks to visit if you are over 65 years old.
Read this then:8 state parks that are even better than national parks, say the experts.
1 Badlands National Park
Arecent study From aging in place has noted that Badlands National Park in southern Dakota is the most accessible national park, especially for those who use wheelchairs. There are about three trails for wheelchairs to explore, and when it is time to take a bite to eat, you can be assured that 92.3% of the park's restaurants are accessible.
Beyond these features, Badlands attracts visitors from around the world, offering different options for camping, hiking or simply taking the park "robust beauty. "You can take advantage of it, whatever your level of mobility.
2 Grand Canyon National Park
If you have always wanted to see the emblematic Grand Canyon, it is really never too late. It is the second most accessible national park, according to the data of aging in place, and according toAdam Marland,,Travel photographer and writer Because we dream of traveling, it's a great option for the elderly.
"The entire south edge has a paved gateway, but can also be driven," says Marland, noting that this part of the park is at the top of his task list.
However, it would not recommend the north edge to older visitors. According to the Park's website, the north edge is commonly known as the "other side" of the Grand Canyon and is only seen by 10% of visitors.
Read this then:The 10 less crowded American national parks in 2022.
3 Yosemite National Park
Another popular national park, Yosemite is an excellent option for visitors of all ages, says MarlandBetter life. But there are specific advantages for the elderly, especially if you do not want to do too much on walking or hiking.
"The entire Yosemite valley is conduisable and most ascades and emblematic sites can be seen from parking areas," explains Marland. "This includes the best views in all the parks, such as the view of the tunnel, the glacier point, the Yosemite falls and the Huggish falls, among others."
Yosemite also offers all year roundGuided bus tours, ranging from a two -hour Valley ground tour to a tour all day in Tolumne Meadows and in return - and thanks to the different fields of the park, there are hiking options for all ages. "Most of the most popular Yosemite trails are a flat valley and surrounded by low altitude yosemite", "Carlos Grider,,editor At a brother abroad, said, making the experience of hiking both comfortable and pleasant.
4 Saguaro National Park
Located just outside Tucson, Arizona is Saguaro National Park, which is an excellent choice for those over 65 who seek to admire the picturesque southwest. "It is a fairly discreet park with a lot of flat (or mainly flat) trails surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains of the desert, so that you can enjoy the vegetation and the view without too painful training,"Daniel Gillaspia, founder oftravel blog On arrival, said.
Saguaro also offers a driving route through the park, and traveling in the fall and spring is the best time for those who want to avoid "extreme temperatures", adds Gillaspia.
"It is also an ideal place for Birdwatch for peaks and search for local fauna like desert turtles, gila monsters, etc., which can be done from easily accessible trails," he explains.
5 Acadia National Park
If you are looking to admire the beautiful landscapes by the sea, Acadia National Park in Maine is a must,Jenny Ly,,Professional travel blogger And the entrepreneur at Go Wanderly, saysBetter life. "In addition to having the highest rocky promontories on the Atlantic coast, Acadia is robustly beautiful, which makes it a fantastic travel destination in itself," she said.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
You can choose to go up and down the park coast, or you can take a shuttle accessible in a wheelchair. In addition, LY recommends you to take a detour and to check near Bar Harbor nearby. "Make a boat trip led by the range or a commercial voyage for the observation of whales out of Bar Harbor for a change of rhythm compared to the typical national park experience," she said. "And don't forget to have a lobster roll while you are in town!"
For more travel tips delivered directly in your reception box,Register for our daily newsletter.
6 Virgin Islands National Park
The elderly in search of a national park with a tropical atmosphere should not seek further than the national park of the Virgin Islands.Antonina Pattiz, founder oftravel website Embred somewhere, recommends relaxing in Trunk Bay, one of the most famous beaches in white sand, or exploring the first underwater path marked in the world, which is particularly ideal for beginners.
"On average 133,000 visitors per year, it is one of the most underestimated national parks in America, which always confuses me because it is a transparent paradise," explains Pattiz.
The virgin islands offer an excellent option for those over 65 who seek to plan a winter vacation, she explains, with temperatures oscillating at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit between December and February. History enthusiasts will also feel at home here, because you can explore everything, prehistoric sites toarchitectural remains Plantations.
7 Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone should also be on your list later in life, according to travel experts. This beautiful park is accessible in a wheelchair - number three on the aging list in place - and it does not take too much effort to see the views,Sam Opp,,Full time travel blogger At Find Love & Travel, says.
"What makes this national park an excellent choice for the elderly is that many of the main attractions have stable walks, and it's less than a mile to reach many of these attractions," said OPP, adding that the ancient faithful and the great prismatic the springs do not require too much hike.
Wildlife is also not to be missed in Yellowstone, namely the American buffalo, which can be seen by crossing the park, he adds.
Read this then:Yellowstone National Park will no longer let visitors do this.
8 Zion National Park
Checking Zion National Park in Utah is also an option, whether you are looking for an adventure in its own right or just a light exploration, according toCarly Brown, owner and author oftravel blog Look for Serenity LLC.
"Although this park is sometimes known for its extreme activities, such as climbing or canyoning, it also offers several easy trails of senior hikers, some of which are even paved and accessible in wheelchair," she said.
Bus visits are another option, add Brown, and if you plan to frequent Zion or other parks, people over 62 can buy a pass for life for $ 80 or an annual pass for only $ 20.