Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium. —Sigurd Olson, author, environmentalist
Did you know the U.S. National Park System encompasses 421 national park sites? Within this system, there are also 62 areas from the northern reaches of Alaska to the waters of the Florida Keys that include "National Park" as part of their proper names.
With so many options and room to roam, how do you choose? Find inspiration and guidance for an unforgettable national park adventure by taking a virtual tour of some of the treasures featured in three of Orbridge's programs: National Parks & Lodges of the Old West, Southwest National Parks, and our newest experience added to this collection, Yosemite, Death Valley and the Great Parks of California. These programs provide the opportunity to visit historic parks and landmarks, to learn about natural history, wildlife, and native people, and to stay at hotels and lodges that capture the true American spirit.
First, consider what backdrop you most want to see—mountains, forests, deserts and canyons, or prairie and rural landscapes? With the varied, majestic scenery of these parks, Orbridge has a program with views for you.
Second, how much history and culture would you like to include? Do you enjoy learning the accounts of Native Americans, early pioneers, historic flora and fauna, and past presidents? We have you covered!
Trace the legends of the American West on our National Parks and Lodges tour. This itinerary includes Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks with opportunities to explore a mammoth dig site, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, and the life of American scout, bison hunter, and showman William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
The carefully curated Southwest National Parks itinerary is equally enriched with culture. Home to Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks where hoodoos, slot canyons, arches, buttes, and mesas fill vast horizons with impossible beauty, learn here about the Americans of “Red Rock Country” who shaped our nation’s history.
Visit a traditional Navajo hogan, and set out on a four-wheel drive through Monument Valley. Delight in an authentic Navajo cookout and storytelling presentation focused on Navajo legends, songs, and history. At Zion National Park, follow the paths of Ancestral Puebloans and pioneers.
For a different kind of historic perspective, stand among the towering trees of Sequoia National Park, established in 1890 to protect the General Grant Grove of giant sequoias. In our Yosemite, Death Valley, and the Great Parks of California program, see the Sherman Tree—the largest tree on Earth at 275 feet tall and 36.5 feet in diameter. Named for Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, some estimates have it around 2,200 years old, with the largest sequoias in this area ranging between 1,800 and 3,000 years old. Imagine this: if the trunk of the Sherman Tree could be filled with water, it would provide enough water for 9,844 baths! It's truly something one has to see.
California has more national parks than anywhere in the nation, and we're pleased to showcase the ecological richness of its Death Valley, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Here you'll encounter not only the largest trees, but the highest waterfalls, one of the deepest canyons, and the driest, lowest National Park.
Third, which activities do you enjoy the most? America's national parks are an ideal setting for recreation, including, hiking, rafting, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, photography, picnicking, and stargazing. Check each of our programs' itineraries for complete details of both planned and optional excursions that resonate with your passions. Below are a few of our guests' favorite things to do.
Did you know Yellowstone's more than two million acres also has one of the greatest concentrations of mammals in the continental United States? In addition to grizzlies and black bears, mule deer and bison roam here, as do elk, bighorn and pronghorn sheep, wolves, moose and many more.
Many people find a float trip peaceful and relaxing, but have you experienced one on the Colorado River that examines the stories and mysteries of ancient Native Americans' rock art? Keep your eyes peeled for the possibility of seeing wild horses grazing too!
Do you enjoy astronomy and geology? Observe celestial and terrestrial spectacles in Death Valley National Park as part of our California parks journey. In addition to being the world's largest International Dark Sky Park, Death Valley contains fine examples of most of the Earth's geological eras and the forces that expose them. By day, see the crinkly salt flats of Badwater Basin, and at night gaze in awe at the expanse of the Milky Way to see details of the moon and perhaps reflect on your place in the universe.
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. —John Muir, naturalist, author, founder, The Sierra Club
For assistance with any questions you may have, please give us a call at (866) 639-0079. When the time is right for you, we welcome you to celebrate the beauty, culture, and history of our magnificent lands with us.
The national park is the best idea America ever had. —James Bryce, British diplomat