Best National Parks For Hiking And Wildlife Spotting
Howdy, nature's admirer! I'm Jake, an avid outdoorsman that has traveled across America for some of the most jaw dropping sightseeing hikes. Like me, I am sure you get excited at the thought of coming across a wild bear or hiking up a steep mountain. This is precisely why I have compiled this detailed guide on the best national parks for hiking and bears.
This is no run off the mill guide though; this is a unique guide aimed at offering nature lovers the best experiences with first-hand tips, must-visit spots, and essential recommendations. Without further ado, let us dive right in!
Why National Parks Are the Ultimate Playground for Hikers and Wildlife Enthusiasts
National Parks have a certain charm that makes them intriguing, Wonderful sights are absolute must-sees for someone who loves the great outdoors. These parks offer countless unforgettable experiences like the one I just described – standing right at the edge of a great misty forest in Smoky Mountains while all of a sudden you catch a glimpse of a tranquil posed up black bear taking a rest.
However choosing a park to visit can offer its own set of challenges, but that’s why I’m here. I have accumulated a list of best national parks for hiking and bears focusing on the quality of trails, animal viewings and overall experience and after numerous trips myself, I can suggest the most worthwhile parks.
Yellowstone National Park: Where the Wild Things Roam
Allow me to share the first moment Yellowstone left me absolutely speechless. I was driving through Lamar Valley during golden hour when a whole herd of bison came into view almost instantaneously. These massive, snorting beasts surrounded my car to the extent that I could even see steam coming from their nostrils in the chilly morning air. It was then that I realized: This place is alive in a way unlike anywhere else on Earth.
What wildlife spotting accolades does Yellowstone hold? Animals don't just dwell here; they reside right here, claiming every inch of land as theirs. Unlike other parks that only provide glimpses of wildlife, Yellowstone showcases delightful spectacles of nature “front row” for all to appreciate.
The Residents You’ll Meet
With the iconic packs from Lamar Valley, wolves may be the rockstars of the show, but they are only the opening act. On some of my more adventurous visits, I have had encounters with:
Grizzlies tearing through meadows
Elk bugling at sunrise beside Mammoth Hot Springs
Playful river otters in the Yellowstone River
Pronghorn antelope darting across open valleys at incredible speeds of 60 mph
As for the lynx? They are the parks ninjas. I’ve only seen one in ten years of coming here. But that’s what keeps me returning.
Trails That Deliver More Than Just Views
Mount Washburn: The Eagle’s Perspective
Mount Washburn was my first summit and I’ll cherish every bit of it. The 6.8-mile slog had my legs on fire but to my surprise, around the corner, bighorn sheep were munching within 20 feet of the trail. And the view? A 360-degree viewpoint, where the earth's curvature is visible.
Don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars. From this point, I’ve spotted wolf packs moving like shadows in valleys miles away.
Grand Prismatic Overlook: Nature’s Kaleidoscope
But for those who prefer a bit of relaxation, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is the answer. It may only be 1.2 miles, but this is what most travelers miss – make sure to visit in the late afternoon when the sun makes the hot springs shine like liquid neon. Just last summer, I witnessed a bison calf take its first few wobbling steps right next to the boardwalk while the springs billowed behind it.
Yosemite National Park: Where Giants Roam
Something just feels right with Yosemite. It is true that the waterfalls and granite cliffs capture the attention of everyone, however, you wouldn't miss out the true wonder of the place if you really let the park work its magic. Not so long ago, I sat by Mirror Lake very early in the morning and was mesmerized by the gentle light cresting over El Capitan, and a family of mule deer showed up to the water's edge for a chance to sip some water. That calm moment that went on with no other souls nearby is what revealed to me, the Yosemite, that many tourists don’t get to experience.
The Trails That Define Yosemite
The Mist Trail is hands down one of the best humblers of this world. I can easily recall my personal hiking experience; it was in early summer when I first tried it, hearing the incredible sound of Vernal Falls echoing into my being. For my city self, the refreshing cool spray felt like a blessing. But there is something that is not included in the guide. Sunlight passes through the mist and creates beautiful colorful trails that accompany you all through the hike. And if you do arrive early, before the rush starts, lucky you, you will get to see deer relaxing and grazing in the serene meadows beneath the falls.
Half Dome presents a whole different beast. After two years, my successful summit came with a lovely reward of being able to stand on the granite dome. The view at the top while swallows darted around me and the warm park air hit my face truly explained why people risk their everything for such a view and standing on top does feel amazing.
Living With Bears (And Other Wildlife)
An encounter with a black bear in Tuolumne Meadows surely taught me respect for wildlife more than any textbook ever could. This muscle-bound creature moved in the campsite looking for any leftovers while I was exploring a meadow just before dawn. Ensuring that my food was stored securely and there was a spotless cooking area made everything right for him to let the bear canisters breathe. That moment rose a point for me that we civilzied folk need to self realize that their world came before us.
Lessons come in all forms, even those offered by the smaller residents of the park. One particularly stubborn Steller's jay seems to love following me on my hikes, shrieking at me from tree limbs like “You're going the wrong way again, human!" And if you sit quietly by any meadow at dusk, the opening howls of an evening chorus let coyotes announce their presence, singing that they belong to the wild heart of California.
Finding the Yosemite Few See
Most visitors never venture beyond Yosemite Valley, but the high country along Tioga Road holds treasures for those willing to explore. One incredible afternoon I spent in Lyell Canyon, I lay in a wildflower meadow while marmots shrieked from the rocks like little fuzzy sirens. Since no one was around, it was as if I stumbled across a hidden, undiscovered slice of the Sierra.
And, there’s Hetch Hetchy, the more subdued sister of Yosemite. Hetch Hetchy’s dam-related arguments aside, this reservoir, which is nestled within great cliffs, holds its own peace and beauty. I once witnessed a river otter frolicking in the shallows while waterfalls poured down the opposite canyon walls – a secret performance just for me and a few clouds drifting by.
Why Yosemite Stays With You
What draws me repeatedly to Yosemite is not only the stunning vistas or the difficulty of the hikes. Rather, it’s the way the park demands you to see differently. The movement of sunlight on granite faces in the park is more telling of the time than any clock. The scent of Jeffrey pines after rain is a kind of perfume you can’t get enough of. Even the sound of your footsteps has a chorus of its own depending on the landscape – trail, meadow, forest floor.
Glacier National Park: The Crown of the Continent
Stepping into Glacier National Park feels like stepping into a postcard. From jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows, it remains one of the best national parks for hiking while also enjoying nature. Glacier National Park is best known for hiking and wildlife spotting.
This 11.8-mile trail isn’t for the faint of heart—parts of it cling to a cliffside. But the views? Unreal. I’ve witnessed mountain goats prancing along the ledges like they were born there. (Because, well, they were). These views seem unreal hiking up a mountain.
This is country is home to many grizzlies. I carry bear spray and hike in groups. One time, I turned one and a grizzly turned out to be standing on the spot I was heading to. To my glee, as we walked away slowly together he lost interest. It goes to show, respect wildlife, and they’ll respect you too.
Grand Teton National Park: A Hidden Gem for Wildlife
Moose are some of the favorite inhabitants of Grand Teton which doesn't get the recognition it indeed deserves. It makes for one of the best national parks for hiking and nature exploration, especially for spotting moose.
This 9.1-mile trail starts at Jenny Lake and also goes longer to include far stretches of breathtaking canyons. One ray of sunshine laid around, last fall, I witnessed a bull moose strutting across a creek, antler shining in the sunlight. The moments like that astound you and stays with you, forever.
Great Smoky Mountains: Where the Bears Are
Guess what? The Great Smoky Mountains has more than 1,500 black bears. This is the highest concentration in any area in the country. If you love nature, it's one of the best national parks for hiking and spotting wildlife.
This trail is processes bears rather quickly and leads to a bluff that was used by Cherokee hunters. This is one of the locations I repeatedly return to because it is the only place I can safely see black bears.
My Opinion | Your Adventure Awaits
Yosemite is where granite and gravity humbles you, where waterfalls drown out your worries, and every trail leads you wondering. I've left my heart on some of the peaks, and in the valleys too, but somehow it manages to keep me full every time.
“The land of giants” is fascinating as it reminds us that we are small. The bears, cliffs and quiet dawn moments fill wilderness which makes you feel alive. All you have to do is show up and let Yosemite work its magic on you. See you on the trail.
