With 63 national parks throughout the United States that offer gorgeous scenery, it’s easy to see how they represent the crown jewel of outdoor adventuring. For senior citizens settling into retirement life, national parks are a great way to embrace later years and explore much of what these designated areas have to offer.
Best of all, senior citizens are eligible for an annual Senior Pass, providing them with access to national parks and other federal recreation sites. If you are a senior citizen looking to embark on outdoor adventures, this article is for you. Read on to learn more about the best national park tours for seniors and see how Cruise America can help you get there.
Best National Parks Tours for Seniors
Whether you’re looking to explore the vast unspoiled alpine wilderness in Yosemite or the forests in Acadia, there is something for every senior citizen to enjoy. Here are some of the best national parks for seniors.
Kenai Fjords National Park
With approximately 40 connected glaciers, breaching humpback whales, and vast mountain ranges, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska has it all. On top of that, admission is free! Talk about a good deal! The park encompasses over 1,000 square miles of land and water. This means seniors can explore waterfall islands, rugged coastlines, and rock spires, just to name a few attractions.
Since most of the most notable attractions are accessible by water only, we recommend a boat tour from the city of Seward. It’s certainly one of the best national park tours for seniors. Summer is the ideal time for a visit since you’re dealing with temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is composed of crystal-clear lakes, an alpine tundra ecosystem, evergreen forests, and several high elevation peaks. Seniors looking for something subtle should try the park’s Rail Ridge Road. A trip to the top exposes you to scenic alpine views at just over 12,180 feet. There are also several short scenic trails, including the Bear Lake Loop and Copeland Falls.
Keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit between May 27 and October 10, you’ll have to reserve a timed entry permit. Even seniors who possess an annual Senior Pass must participate in the reservation system.
Zion National Park
Composed of high mesas, rainbow-colored rock layers, and towering canyons, Zion National Park is the crown jewel of Utah. Even though canyoneering and rock climbing are popular recreational activities here, there are several outdoor activities suited for older folks. The Canyon Overlook Trail is one option. Seniors can also try Riverside Walk and explore lush hanging gardens around the Virgin River.
There are several bus tours around the park that can take visitors on a sightseeing adventure around the park. If you want to avoid large crowds, late fall, winter, and early spring would be the best periods for a visit. Keep in mind that temperatures may dip below freezing during winter nights.
Yellowstone National Park
Spanning over 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park is the pinnacle of national park sightseeing. The park’s best features include the Mammoth hot springs and active geysers. Seniors can drive around and explore daily attractions along the way or go on whitewater adventures at Snake River.
Driving to the top of Signal Mountain is another alternative. As far as when to go, May and September would be the best months for an overnight trip since most of the attractions remain open and crowds are minimal.
Acadia National Park
As one of the 10-most visited national parks in the United States, Acadia National Park has earned its reputation as a North Atlantic coastal haven. Three main regions make up the park: Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut. As far as suitable activities for seniors, a 3.5-mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail, is one option.
Visitors can also drive around the 27-mile park loop road through Mount Desert Island and take in stunning views of Cadillac Mountain. Seniors ages 62 and older are eligible for a seven-day pass. With this pass, visitors receive free rides on the Island Explorer. If weather is a concern, then the best time for a visit would be between late spring and fall. September is also a safe bet for avoiding large crowds and experiencing pleasant weather.
Coast Through National Parks in an RV Rental
As you can see, there are several national park tours for seniors. Just because you get older doesn’t mean you have less fun. Show your friends how to live life to the fullest with a Cruise America RV rental!
With several customized options complete with home-style amenities, you can travel comfortably as you explore some of the most spectacular destinations across the country.
Contact Cruise America and get started on a national park adventure!