The Weekender: Your National Park Getaway

Time to clear your mind and trade the routine for the extraordinary. The open road is calling, and adventure is right around the corner. You don’t need months of planning, survival courses, or a week off work—just 48 hours of wide-open spaces, stunning landscapes, and the ultimate national park reset.

The parks are open and ready to welcome visitors this spring and summer, with Xanterra Travel Collection’s® lodgings, dining options, and retail fully staffed and ready to deliver the unforgettable, bucket-list experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s the peaceful solitude of a sunrise hike, the thrill of wildlife sightings with family, or the shared wonder of towering rock formations with friends, a weekend in one of America’s majestic national parks offers a refreshing escape miles away from everyday life—without actually being far from home.

Here’s how to make the most of your national park getaway:

In Grand Canyon National Park, time and water have sculpted a masterpiece. Stretching 277 miles and plunging more than a mile deep, this vast expanse tells a story nearly two billion years in the making. Layered rock formations shift in color from sunrise to dusk, their towering cliffs framing a labyrinth of ridges and spires. At its widest, the canyon spans 18 miles, an immense divide carved by the Colorado River that winds through its depths, shaping the landscape below. Trails descend from rim to floor, crossing desert plateaus and shaded groves. Inhale, and the crisp air floods your senses—the earthy bite of juniper, the peppery warmth of sage. As dusk settles, the walls glow in fading sunlight, a final farewell to the day before the stars reclaim the sky over 1.2 million acres of untamed beauty.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Grand Canyon National Park

1. Ride the Rim – Hop on a free South Rim shuttle and take in breathtaking views from multiple overlooks. With routes connecting key landmarks, it’s the easiest way to explore.
2. Journey to the Canyon by Train – Travel in vintage style aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. This 65-mile trip from Williams, Arizona, offers incredible scenery, lively Old West entertainment, and first-class service—all leading to the breathtaking South Rim.
3. Take a World-Famous Mule Ride – Saddle up for a Grand Canyon tradition, the 2-hour Canyon Vistas mule ride, where expert wranglers lead you past stunning vistas while sharing stories of the canyon’s geology, history, and legends.

Time to Unwind: After a day of exploring, relax in style at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. Whether it’s sipping a craft beer at El Tovar Hotel’s beer garden or unwinding at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging on the canyon floor, you’re sure to find a perfect spot to recharge.

Know Before You Go: Be sure to book accommodations and backcountry permits ahead of time. Take advantage of the free shuttle system, pack layers for changing temps, and keep an eye out for wildlife while following park rules.

Spanning 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone’s untamed wilderness pulses with raw energy. Here, half the world’s geysers erupt in plumes of scalding steam, and neon-hued hot springs shimmer like liquid opals. Stand at Artist Point, where the golden-hued canyon walls blaze in the sunlight, framing the thunderous cascade of Lower Falls as mist cools your skin. Wander the Fountain Paint Pots boardwalk, where bubbling mud pots gurgle like a witch’s cauldron, steaming fumaroles hiss from the earth’s cracked surface, and rainbow-colored pools dance with shifting minerals. Here bison move across the valley, their musky scent carried on crisp air laced with pine and sage. And when night falls, the sky unfurls in a dazzling spray of stars, stretching endlessly over this wild and ancient land.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Yellowstone National Park

1. Yellow Bus Tour – Hop aboard the iconic Historic Yellow Bus and explore Yellowstone’s greatest geyser regions or the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Private tours are also available for a more personalized experience.
2. Guided Wildlife & Geology Tours – Explore Yellowstone’s wild heart on a guided tour, where experts help you spot bison, elk, and bears while unraveling the mysteries of the park’s geysers, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes.
3. Wild West Adventures – Saddle up for a journey back in time, riding horseback through scenic trails once traveled by explorers and cowboys.

Time to Unwind: After a day of adventure, unwind in one of Yellowstone’s historic lodges. With nine lodges, four campgrounds, and guided horseback and boat tours, there’s no shortage of ways to grab some R&R.

Know Before You Go: Weather shifts fast, so dress in layers. Stay safe around wildlife by keeping your distance and carrying bear spray. Wear sturdy boots for exploring, and pack plenty of water for your adventures.

Covering 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the Lower 48—a place of shifting sand dunes, volcanic craters, and salt flats that glisten like glass. It’s a land of extremes, where heat shimmers on the horizon and silence stretches as far as the eye can see. The air carries a surprising richness—spiced with the scent of sunbaked earth, creosote bushes, and the occasional herbal notes of desert sage. Despite its harshness, life flourishes. More than 1,000 plant species take root here—50 found nowhere else on Earth. Bighorn sheep scale cliffs, mountain lions roam the highlands, and coyotes prowl under moonlight. Over 300 bird species, 36 reptiles, and even a handful of amphibians and fish have adapted to this extreme environment. Amid it all, an oasis shimmers with promise. The Oasis at Death Valley offers a rare retreat—a touch of luxury amidst raw and wild landscapes.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Death Valley

1. Walk a Volcano’s Rim – Peer into the gaping, 600-foot abyss of Ubehebe Crater, a volcanic remnant that dominates the desert floor. Hike along the rim for unmatched panoramic views of this ancient, otherworldly landscape.
2. Tee Off at the World’s Lowest Golf Course – Play a round at The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, where fairways are framed by palms and tamarisks, and elevation sits at 214 feet below sea level.
3. Drive Through a Rainbow of Rocks – As the sun begins to set, Artist’s Drive reveals a surreal landscape painted in vibrant hues of yellow, pink, and green. At Artist’s Palette, volcanic minerals have stained the rock, creating a scene so colorful it feels almost unreal.

Time to Unwind: The Oasis at Death Valley offers the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Here, one million gallons of fresh glacial water bubble up daily, transforming the arid landscape into a lush paradise of swaying date palms, flowering shrubs, and spring-fed pools. Relax in timeless luxury at the historic Inn at Death Valley or soak up the lively energy of The Ranch at Death Valley—both offering a rare blend of comfort in one of the most extreme places on Earth.

Know Before You Go: Death Valley is massive and intensely hot—plan your routes ahead, start hikes in the early morning, and bring plenty of water. Cell service is limited, but you’ll find connectivity at the resort.

In Rocky Mountain National Park, the world feels bigger, wilder. Peaks soar past 14,000 feet, their rugged faces shaped by time and glaciers. Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the US—winds higher and higher, carrying you above the treeline, where the alpine tundra stretches endlessly, the air is crisp, and the views are limitless. Below, golden aspen groves shimmer in the breeze during the fall, glacial lakes reflect the sky, and waterfalls tumble through valleys carved by ice. The Continental Divide slices through the park, shaping rivers, forest, and wildlife — from elk grazing in wide-open meadows to marmots basking on sun-warmed rocks. Whether you wander quiet trails, take in the scenery from a mountain pass, or simply breathe in the alpine air, this place lingers with you, long after you’ve gone.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Hidden Waterfalls – Skip the crowds and discover secret gems like Alberta Falls, a tranquil 30-foot waterfall just a short hike away.
2. Horseback Riding – Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind experience as you explore the park’s beauty from the back of a horse. Different stables offer routes for all levels.
3. Stargazing at the Alpine Visitor Center – At just above 11,000 feet, gaze at the clearest skies in the country—perfect for spotting constellations and meteor showers.

Time to Unwind: After a day of adventure, unwind at the Café at Trail Ridge. Enjoy a delicious bite and soak in mountain views that feel just as rejuvenating as the fresh air.

Know Before You Go: At high altitudes, stay hydrated and wear sturdy shoes for the trails. Weather changes quickly, so check the forecast before heading out. Be mindful of wildlife and seasonal road closures.

At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, history is carved in stone. Towering 60 feet above pine-covered slopes, the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln emerge from granite, a tribute to leadership, resilience, and the ideals that shaped a nation. As sunlight shifts across the memorial, shadows deepen, bringing new dimension to each expression. Below, trails wind through ponderosa forests, past rugged rock formations, and streams once panned for gold. The Avenue of Flags flutters in the breeze, a reminder of a country both vast and diverse. Stay for the evening lighting ceremony, when the monument glows against the night sky. Here, beneath the gaze of history, the past meets the present, inviting a moment to stand in the presence of something greater than time itself.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

1. Off-Road Adventure – Rent an ATV and explore over 600 miles of trails winding through canyons, gulches, and open plains. Venture out on your own or join a guide for a deeper look at the Black Hills.
2. Underground Wonders – Step into Rushmore Cave for a guided tour through hidden passageways, dramatic stalactites, and ancient limestone formations that tell stories millions of years in the making.
3. Cycling Through History – Rent a bike or join a guided tour to pedal through history. From the Badlands to Mount Rushmore to Crazy Horse, ride past iconic landmarks, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Time to Unwind: After taking in the majesty of the monument, relax at one of the dining spots where you can savor a meal ‘with’ the presidents. Or head to the Memorial Team Ice Cream station for a sweet treat, named in honor of the baseball team formed by the Mount Rushmore carvers.

Know Before You Go: For a quieter visit, arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. And if you’re hiking the trail, go clockwise—it’s a great way to keep the monument in view while you wander.

Nature unfolds on a grand scale in Glacier National Park. Ribbons of rivers cut through deep valleys, glaciers cling to towering peaks, and wildflowers paint the alpine meadows with bursts of color. This is one of the last truly wild places—where grizzlies roam, mountain goats perch on rocky ledges, and ancient forests whisper in the wind. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight not to be missed as it winds through a breathtaking 50-mile passage across the spine of the Rockies, where every turn reveals a view more staggering than the last. But this park is more than just scenery—it’s history, adventure, and the timeless pull of the wild.

3 Unforgettable Experiences at Glacier National Park

1. Red Bus Tours – Hop onto a vintage Red Bus for an open-air tour of Glacier, with a seasoned guide sharing the park’s history, wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery.
2. White Water Rafting – Paddle the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, with Glacier on one side and wilderness on the other. Choose a gentle float or a heart-pounding whitewater adventure.
3. Fly Fishing – Cast a line into the Flathead River, home to native trout. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, guided trips offer a peaceful way to experience Glacier’s wild beauty.

Time to Unwind: Stay in one of Glacier’s historic lodges, where rustic charm meets breathtaking scenery. These century-old retreats offer a peaceful escape in the heart of the park—watch for special deals on multi-night stays.

Know Before You Go: Stock up on supplies at Columbia Falls and Whitefish before you arrive. Bring extra water, rain gear, and bear spray if hiking without a guide.

Planning your trip to a National Park doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Xanterra Travel Collection®, you can book lodging and activities directly, taking the stress out of your plans. Their knowledgeable team ensures you’ll make the most of your visit—so you can focus on the adventure that awaits. But don’t wait—spots are filling up fast, so start planning your quick getaway now and make the most of your next adventure.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

Written by: Natalie Bruckner