The popularity of national parks skyrocketed in 2020. Abundant in variety, easily accessible, and perfect for social distancing, many built entire vacations around visiting a national park or a series of them. Unsurprisingly, this travel trend continues to be popular in 2021. While there’s the classic “pitch a tent and rough it approach,” it’s now possible to experience the natural wonders of America’s national parks on both a private and luxurious basis. We’re talking visitor programs hosted by high-end hotels and tour operators. After all, reconnecting with nature doesn’t always mean you need to get your hands dirty. We’ve rounded up a shortlist of properties and tour operators hopping on this trend to inspire your next national park visit:
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
This Canadian rail tour company has finally landed in the Lower 48 with their route through the Rocky Mountains. Titled the “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” passengers are whisked from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah, over two days with a stop-over in Glenwood Springs. Through the glass-roofed cars, you’ll take in views of the Colorado River, Byers Canyon, and the sandstone backdrop of wild Utah.
CAMP SARIKA BY AMANGIRI
Situated in the heart of the Utah desert, well-known wellness resort Amangiri takes glamping to a whole new level. Just a short drive away from the main property, guests will find themselves surrounded by an unearthly 600-acre landscape of mesas and canyons. Each of the ten canvas-topped pavilions comes with a private plunge pool and centers around a common lounge, restaurant, and pool area.
MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK
Since 1969, this tour company has curated adventures around the world, allowing their clients to connect with new cultures and get back in touch with nature. Small group-oriented and highly customizable, some of their most popular tours of American national parks include Denali and Kenai in Alaska. New additions to the roster include Yosemite National Park in California, as well as an exploration of Yellowstone and the Tetons.
