The lesser-known US National Parks waiting to be discovered

Audley Travel reveals top five under-the-radar destinations

26 September 2023 — Vast, rugged landscapes, awe-inspiring mountains, and untamed wilderness and wildlife make America’s National Parks bucket-list travel locations, however Audley Travel’s destination experts have revealed the under-the-radar parks that deserve to join the big hitters in the travel stakes.

With over 400 National Parks across the USA, some parks are limiting visitors numbers for 2023. As responsible tourism continues to grow in consideration for travellers planning trips, there has never been a better time to explore one of these lesser-discovered gems.

Lauren Coppola, USA Product Manager at Audley Travel said: “Not following the crowd, so to speak, is what Audley is all about — planning tailor-made trips that inspire clients to find experiences and adventures that are authentic to the destination they’re visiting but also to places they may not have known about before.

“Many of the National Parks of the US are a popular choice, and rightly so. However our specialists’ knowledge of these natural sites means clients have the opportunity to get immersed by gigantic rock formations, canyons, rivers and forests in parks, often close to other major must-visit landmarks or attractions, perhaps not considered as part of a trip state-side.

“And through this approach of steering clients to discover a road less travelled, such as America’s iconic National Parks, we aim to play our part in helping to protect areas of natural beauty for years to come. We’d encourage visitors to look out for the entrance-fee free dates announced by the National Park Service throughout the year too.”

Below Audley Travel has shared its curated list of recommended US National Parks for avoiding the crowds:

Arches National Park, Utah

The striking landscape of Zion National Park often hits the top spot when it comes to Utah, however only 2.5 hours drive away is Arches National Park, where 2,000 natural sandstone arches have dramatically formed around red-earthed canyons. Short hikes are plentiful and some routes pass by formations such as the hoodoo-like stacks of the Three Gossips. In just a mile-round route visitors will find world-renowned Delicate Arch, the most striking arch in the park and a favourite spot for gazing at the sunset. Other Utah National Parks to put on the radar include Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.

A nine-day tailor-made Utah National Parks self-drive tour costs from £3,895 per person (based on two sharing) and includes visits to Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. The price includes flights, vehicle hire, hotel accommodation and park entry. 01993 838 755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

The sunshine state of Florida is known for its crystal clear waters and Dry Tortugas National Park is no exception — as shimmery turquoise waves surround this island beauty. Best explored by sea plane to truly appreciate its exclusivity and scale, this archipelago series 70-miles of Key West is a tropical paradise of sealife, snorkelling and private beaches, with a rich history to match. Its central feature is historic Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th century forts and a former Civil War prison, the largest brick building in the Northern Hemisphere.

A 19-day tailor-made Florida and the Carolinas itinerary, including a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park costs from £6,230 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes flights, vehicle hire, hotel accommodation and park entry. 01993 838 755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa.

Sequoia National Park, California

“Trees that tower like skyscrapers” is a fair description of Sequoia National Park. Positioned centrally between Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles, it is home to five of the 10 tallest trees in the world as groups of giant redwoods cluster in a mosaic-like fashion around a landscape of woodland, prairie and beaches. Unlike California’s iconic and frequented Joshua Tree, Sequoia has barely been touched, save for a handful of trails. California-based Redwood National Park would be another one for the list.

A 21-day tailor-made California explored itinerary costs from £5,215 per person (based on two sharing) and includes visits to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The price includes flights, transfers, hotel accommodation and park entry. 01993 838 755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Lorded as a highlight of the region is Saguaro National Park, home to many of the Sonora Desert's monumental saguaro cacti including the nation’s largest. Its desert landscape makes for a favourable environment to explore against the panoramic backdrop of the Ricon Mountains, including the nearby city of Tuscon which is rich in Native American history, culture and turn-of-the century architecture. Saguaro is an easy park to visit with short hikes and scenic drives on offer.

A 22-day tailor-made National Park Explored itinerary, including a visit to Saguaro National Park costs from £8,400 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes flights, vehicle hire, hotel accommodation and park entry. 01993 838 755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

The Rockies are arguably one of the most iconic ranges in the world, however Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a contrasting landscape to its famous sister. The tallest dunes in North America are the centrepiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes that make up Great Sand Dunes National Park. This sandbox of mountains makes for a fun playground of sandboarding and sand-sledging, and the wonder of the park continues as night falls when it plays host to some of the darkest skies in the country and a whole other identity is revealed as the stars and wildlife come to life.

A 17-day tailor-made Colorado explored itinerary, including a visit to Grand Sand Dunes National Park costs from £4,265 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes flights, vehicle hire, hotel accommodation and park entry. 01993 838 755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa.