There are destinations, and then there are destinations with a natural narrative poured in a soul tonic, an inspiration. Make way for wellness in the wilderness by reconnecting with nature. Go on a classic adventure-vacation for wildlife-spotting, forest bathing, hiking and camping to the world’s best national parks located in the USA.
The oldest and most breath-taking, the Yellowstone National Park lies majestically in the northwest corner of Wyoming state. You’re bound to stay on top of your Instagram stories with these 9,000 square km of gleaming crystalline waters, stark canyons, unending grasslands, bubbling mud pots and thundering waterfalls at this natural wonderland, established as a national park in 1872. Hydrotherapy pools in geysers form the high points as you reconnect with yourself, discovering your wellness fix while hiking and soaking in nature in its purest forms. Hundreds of hiking trails weave through the lush Lamar Valley and Mud Volcano, lining ledges of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Remember to keep your camera handy for some stunning shots of bison, elk and even bears.
Gurgling geysers, including the picture-worthy rainbow- hued Old Faithful, steaming hot springs and mud pots abound as you make way towards Biscuit Basin to soak up the sight of the Morning Glory Pool. Fragile and awesome beauty fills this slice of prized tranquillity, bringing in peace, and just good old-fashioned happiness – That’s the energising power of these thermal pools amidst soul stirring nature abundant at the Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone National Park. With its incredible 125000 hectare-landscape of valleys, peaks and promising locales, Grand Teton offers unimaginable rafting experiences along the iconic Snake River, including some of the best fishing in Wyoming.
Skim the blue waters, motorboating along Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake on a scenic tour. The epic Teton hike arrives grandly in the Paintbrush Canyon, shaped by glaciers approximately 15,000 years ago. If you’re with friends and family, the 3-mile-long Taggart Lake Trail in a real hiking bounty.
The powerful thrusts of the Colorado River create priceless views at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon National Park in north Arizona, carved by 2,000 million years of geological history. Experience the stunning 5,000 sq km of plunging canyons and lazy rock formations as you finally mark the biggest tick on your bucket list. Arizona comes alive displaying different aspects of the state via the Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Antelope Canyon.
Enjoy your surreal experience, soaking up the mythic status of the Colorado river as it slaps along the sides of the world’s most overwhelming, colourful and intricate canyon. Drink in unending views of jaw-dropping vistas, sun-warmed layered rocks, steep cliffs as they surge up sharp edgy ravines. Nature’s healing tonic arrives in the purest form at Mother Point and Toroweap Overlook. This is a unique fun tonic that you never knew you needed, till you got there. You can trot on a mule along South Rim trail, revel on colourful rafts nuzzling through white-water rapids on the Colorado river. Lastly, you can hike to or hop onto a helicopter for an aerial view of the rugged terrain of the Petrified Forest National and Antelope Canyon – one of USA’s most beautiful locations.
The majestic presence of the 6,200-meter-tall Mount McKinley at Denali National Park in Alaska is humbling. Denali is the largest national park in the US, spread over an awe inspiring 2.4 million hectares of tundra, mountains and glaciers. Celebrate wellness of the body and mind via a choice of activities here like hiking, biking, fishing, camping, skiing, wildlife viewing and dogsledding……. Go on guided glacier hikes and ice climbing excursions at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, an epic hike along Chilkoot Trail, or take a trip to the Glacier Bay National Park, which offers kayaking and more. But the crowning glory of this trip is being able to see the cosmic phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Sighting the Aurora Borealis here is an absolute treat as the universe’s shade card throws up hypnotic greens, blues, violets, reds, pinks and yellows lighting up the night sky. Fall is the best season to get the clearest view of the dancing auroras. It is recommended that you share this special experience with family and loved ones, as you vacation in one of nature’s best kept secrets in the US.
