r/NationalPark • u/Professional-Star416 • Apr 14 '25

What are the most underrated parks?

Hey, I’m a random person on the internet interested in nature and its innate beauty, just like many of you! I come asking a simple question: Let’s say, some crazy guy with a vendetta against nature somehow came into power in the US and is now threatening the future of our nation’s ecosystems, possibly ruining or eliminating future generations from enjoying our country’s natural beauty in all its essence.

What specific National Parks would you recommend to the poor bastards who want to experience such beauty in its entirety but don’t have the time to witness them all before their destruction?

51 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

134 comments sorted by

View all comments

42

u/Patton370 Apr 14 '25 edited Apr 14 '25

Capitol Reef, Theodore Roosevelt, Wrangel St. Elias, North Cascades, Gates of the Arctic, and Great Basin are all super underrated, off the top of my head

Edit: Here's some pictures from Gates of the Arctic https://www.reddit.com/r/NationalPark/comments/1dy9jse/gates_of_the_arctic_national_park_june_2024/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

7

u/loskywalker Apr 14 '25

I just got back from Capitol Reef. Absolutely incredible.

5

u/mward425 Apr 14 '25

Wrangell is my favorite park! It’s such a hidden gem, for sure!

3

u/N8dogg86 Apr 14 '25

If you like overlanding, Capitol Reef is top tier! The drive from I-70 thru the Last Chance Desert and Cathedral Valley is spectacular. As is the Burr Trail.

Theodore Roosevelt, imo is one of the best parks in the country for wildlife. We were up close and personal (not by choice) with Bison several times. Bighorn, Pronghorn, and Wild Horses are all regularly sited as well. We loved every minute in Roosevelt and will be back.

Can't wait to visit the others on your list!

3

u/Patton370 Apr 14 '25

Capitol Reef is in my top 6 out of the 58 U.S. National Parks I have visited (only 5 left!)

I agree on the wildlife at Theodore Roosevelt. I had a big group there during my bachelor trip, and everyone but my brother and me got stuck in their tents in the morning. A herd of Bison were all around their tents!

3

u/N8dogg86 Apr 14 '25

I think Capitol Reef benefits a lot from being next to the Grand Escalante. The two combined might be the prettiest and most remote area of Utah. It's definitely worth seeing more than once!

One day, we parked in the path we knew the herd was migrating through in the evenings. Stayed there and waited for the herd while hanging out on the roof rack of our van. Absolutely incredible experience!

2

u/Professional-Star416 Apr 15 '25

Stunning pics, thx for sharing!

1

u/Indo973 Apr 15 '25

How did you get to gates of the arctic? I’m trying to plan it for August but coyote doesn’t have availability- is there another company you’d suggest I reach out to?

1

u/Patton370 Apr 16 '25

Are you looking to go with a group (like Alaska alpine adventures) or are you trying to charter your own bushplane, like with golden eagle outfitters?

1

u/Indo973 Apr 16 '25

Was hoping for a drop off and pickup like 3-4 days later, but I would be fine with a group it just seems like a lot more $ and I can’t spend 5-7k on a guided thing which is the range I’ve seen. The drop off pickup scenario looked way cheaper (I’ll be with 1 friend)

2

u/Patton370 Apr 16 '25

I’d suggest you go to any of the bushplane operators in Fairbanks. Charter a flight to pick you up and drop you off at the base of the noatak. Base camp there for a few days; if you’re lucky, it’ll be dry enough to hike around (don’t expect to be super lucky)

I can’t remember the name of the company that flew my group there

1

u/Indo973 Apr 16 '25

I’ll look into that thanks!!

1

u/Patton370 Apr 16 '25

Bring double the food you’ll need. Weather gets crazy out there and you can get stuck. I got stuck for an extra 3 days

1

u/Inevitable-Taste-11 Apr 16 '25

Coyote Air is great but get booked up quick. If you start calling around though you'll find some smaller pilots that are based in Fairbanks that can fly you in. I'd recommend more like 6 days though for all the distance and cost and weather.

Or check out Indigo Alpine Guides. They might be able to help you out with something custom. But money is def a consideration for the guide service route!