If you’re a nature lover or adventure enthusiast seeking the perfect getaway, America’s national parks offer unmatched beauty and unforgettable moments. Stay at these five iconic Natural Retreats destinations—Palm Springs, Mammoth Lakes, Big Sky, Whitefish, and the Great Smoky Mountains—for serene hiking trails, scenic forest drives, breathtaking overlooks, and more, all surrounded by the wonders of our national parks.

Palm Springs, CA + Joshua Tree National Park

1. Palm Springs, CA + Joshua Tree National Park

A quick drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree offers otherworldly landscapes and unforgettable points of interest.

 

  • Keys View: Take in panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and even Mexico on clear days.
  • Cholla Cactus Garden: Wander through a dense field of "teddy bear" cholla cacti. Just admire from a distance—those sharp spines aren’t as cuddly as they look!
  • Arch Rock: A short, family-friendly hike takes you to this iconic formation, perfect for snapping a dramatic photo.

 

Sunshine and adventure await in Palm Springs—start planning today! 

Mammoth Lakes, CA + Yosemite National Park

2. Mammoth Lakes, CA + Yosemite National Park

Nestled within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes offers unparalleled access to Yosemite National Park's iconic landscapes and popular sights, including Yosemite Valley.

 

  • El Capitan: Marvel at this towering granite monolith, renowned by rock climbers around the world.
  • Yosemite Falls: One of North America’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is at its peak in spring.
  • Valley Loop Trail: Enjoy an easy, family-friendly hike across meadows and valleys for stunning views of Yosemite’s granite giants.
  • Ansel Adams Gallery: Immerse yourself in black-and-white photography that beautifully captures Yosemite’s essence. 

 

Pack your bags for an adventure in Mammoth Lakes!

Big Sky, MT – Yellowstone National Park

3. Big Sky, MT – Yellowstone National Park

Just a short drive from Big Sky in Montana, Yellowstone impresses with geological wonders, including active geysers, vibrant thermal pools, and vast wildlife.

 

  • Artist Point: A postcard-perfect spot to photograph the Lower Falls plunging into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Spanning 20 miles, this colorful canyon offers multiple scenic viewpoints and dramatic waterfalls.
  • Old Faithful: Witness Yellowstone’s iconic geyser erupting like clockwork, shooting water up to 180 feet high every 90 minutes.
  • Yellowstone Lake: Relax near the largest high-elevation lake in North America, surrounded by epic mountain scenery.
  • Mount Washburn Fire Lookout: This lookout, perched atop Dunraven Pass, is the park's last full-time fire tower—only accessible via a 3-mile hike up to over 10,000 feet. Fun fact: Natural Retreats offers overnight stays in two lookout towers that are less than 1,000 feet apart! 

 

Find the perfect stay for an unforgettable vacation in Big Sky! 

Whitefish, MT – Glacier National Park

4. Whitefish, MT – Glacier National Park

Whitefish offers a cozy mountain town experience alongside proximity to Glacier’s stunning landscapes.
 
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass: Drive this iconic 50-mile road, then stop at Logan Pass, the park’s highest point, for epic mountain views.
  • Saint Mary Falls: A moderate 1.7-mile round-trip hike leads to a picturesque 35-foot waterfall.
  • Trail of the Cedars: Take a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk route through towering red cedars for a serene nature experience. · 
  • Amtrak’s Empire Builder: From Whitefish, visitors can board the Empire Builder from the historic Whitefish Train Depot (which doubles as a museum) to reach Glacier National Park.

 

Escape the ordinary with a scenic trip to Whitefish! 

Great Smoky Mountains, TN – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5. Great Smoky Mountains, TN – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors scenic hikes and serene spots where history and nature collide.

 

  • Clingmans Dome: At 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in the Smokies and offers panoramic, 360-degree views.
  • Grotto Falls: A truly unique spot where you can walk behind the cascading waters on the 2.6-mile Trillium Gap Trail.
  • Cades Cove: Known for its historic buildings, abundant wildlife, and spectacular mountain views, this loop is perfect for exploring by car, bike, or foot. Read more here
  • Alum Cave Trail: A 4.4-mile round-trip hike leads to Alum Cave Bluff, an impressive sandstone overhang where you can relax and take in the view.

 

Plan a family vacation in the Smokies—book now!

 

Book Your Next Big National Park Adventure

America’s national parks offer extraordinary experiences and timeless opportunities to create cherished memories, with Natural Retreats providing the perfect base to explore their many wonders. And we’ve only scratched the surface with this list—there’s so much more to discover!

 

Your dream national parks trip is only a click away—start exploring!

 

Stay in a Luxury Ski Home with Natural Retreats