We’re Celebrating National Park Week 2025

Hi there,

You really never forget the awe-inspiring feeling of standing next to the Grand Tetons, or the rush of looking up at giant redwoods, or the otherworldly feeling of stepping through the Everglades. It's a privilege to explore our world through places as treasured as America's national parks.

Today marks the beginning of National Park Week, an annual celebration organized by the National Park Service to highlight the US's 400-plus most beautiful, historical, and culturally significant sites. And while, yes, there are national parks around the world, the US kicked off the movement with Yellowstone, established on March 1, 1872 — widely recognized as the world's first national park.

This year, set time aside, no matter where you are, to appreciate the planet. Here are the best ways to celebrate National Park Week in 2025.

📍Where to Go

Featured destinations handpicked by our team here at Matador Network.

60 Campsites With the Best Views Across the United States

Outdoor

Uncover new ways to explore your world.

Don't Let the Gates Close: Take Action to Protect Our Public Lands

Selling public lands may be on the table in an upcoming budget reconciliation package.

The 16 Least-Crowded Zion National Park Hiking Trails for Avoiding People

Millions visit each year to see Utah’s rust-red cliffs and dramatic sandstone formations. Looking for quieter trails? These are the best places to hike in peace.

The 5 Best Places to Visit in Wyoming, According to the Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone sees over 4 million visitors a year, and Grand Teton draws more than 3 million. And while these parks are absolutely worth visiting, Wyoming offers even more for those seeking solitude. Here are a few tips on where to explore beyond the national parks.

There's a New Way to Score Popular National Park Permits

This app lets you set alerts for campground spots, timed entries, trail permits, tours, and even popular scenic drives like Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A Full Guide to the Free 4th Grade National Park Pass Program

Attention all parents of children in the fourth grade: The United States National Park Service offers a free national parks pass to all fourth-grade students.

The 6 Best Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls and Swimming Holes

Thanks to more than 800 miles of marked trails, including a 70-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, there’s a lot of mileage to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To make it easy, start with these six hikes to waterfalls for stunning natural sights and some gorgeous swimming holes.

📍Where to Stay

Epic stays in our favorite places.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH MATADOR

FOLLOW US HERE