Your curiosity has led you from coast to coast in search of Mother Nature’s most impressive stretches of land and sea. Now it’s time to take that passion up a notch in honor of National Park Week on April 16-24.
The U.S. National Park Service cares for 63 national parks, preserving some of the most magnificent and meaningful places in the country. From canyons to mountains to deserts, these parks are home to all kinds of outdoor adventures — perfect for the nature-savvy bucket lister. And the best part? Nearly 30 national parks are within driving distance of your Club Wyndham and WorldMark resorts, available through Wyndham Club Pass.
Here’s how you can help celebrate National Park Week. Pick your favorite national park from the list below, ranging from three of the most visited parks to hidden gems. Then book your nearby resort and get going on an unforgettable vacation.
1. The Grand Canyon National Park
Stay Here: Club Wyndham Flagstaff (1.5-hour drive)
Take in millions of years of stunning geological history at Grand Canyon National Park, home to one of the world’s largest canyons and arguably the most iconic landscape in America. The South Rim is the most accessible section year-round, and you can hike around the edge or even descend into the canyon itself. Plus, take your sightseeing experience up a notch with helicopter or river rafting tours.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stay Here: Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge, Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains (30-minute drive)
Witness the majesty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. Explore the unbroken chain of mountains that run the span of the park, the highest of which is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. Meander through wildflower fields, forests, and waterfalls all while trying to catch a distant glimpse of the symbol of the Smokies, the American black bear. Be sure to wake up early at least once to see the namesake low-hanging fog.
3. Zion National Park
Stay Here: WorldMark St. George, WorldMark Estancia (1-hour drive)
Part of Utah's Mighty Five national parks, Zion National Park (pictured above) has arguably the most dramatic landscape in the country, a surreal blend of winding canyons and sheer cliffs with colors that will leave you awestruck. Zion brims with bucket list adventures — from gorge walking through the Narrows to the iconic Angels Landing hike. If you’re looking something less physically demanding, try horseback riding or a shuttle drive through Zion Canyon.
Other National Parks Near Your Resorts
- Biscayne National Park
1 hour, 15-minute drive from Club Wyndham Palm-Aire, Club Wyndham Royal Vista, Club Wyndham Santa Barbara, or Club Wyndham Sea Gardens in Pompano Beach, Florida.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
2.5-hour drive from WorldMark St. George or WorldMark Estancia in St. George, Utah
- Channel Islands National Park
5-minute drive to the harbor from Club Wyndham Harbortown Point in Ventura, California, then hop on a boat to see the islands.
- Crater Lake National Park
2-hour drive from either WorldMark Seventh Mountain Resort in Bend, Oregon, or WorldMark Running Y in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
- Death Valley National Park
2-hour drive from Club Wyndham Desert Blue, Club Wyndham Grand Desert, or Club Wyndham Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Everglades National Park
1.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Palm-Aire, Club Wyndham Royal Vista, Club Wyndham Santa Barbara, or Club Wyndham Sea Gardens in Pompano Beach, Florida.
- Grand Teton National Park
2.5-hour drive from WorldMark West Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Montana.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
2-hour drive from Club Wyndham Pagosa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
- Haleakala National Park
1.5-hour drive from WorldMark Kihei or WorldMark Valley Isle on Maui, Hawaii.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village, Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff, Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort on the Big Island, Hawaii.
- Hot Springs National Park
2.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
- Joshua Tree National Park
30-minute drive from Club Wyndham Indio in Indio, California.
- Kings Canyon National Park
2-hour drive from WorldMark Bass Lake in Bass Lake, California
- Mesa Verde National Park
1 hour, 15-minute drive from Club Wyndham Durango in Durango, Colorado.
- Mount Rainier National Park
2-hour drive from WorldMark The Camlin in Seattle, Washington.
- North Cascades National Park
2-hour drive from WorldMark The Camlin in Seattle, Washington.
- Olympic National Park
1 hour, 15-minute drive from WorldMark Discovery Bay in Port Townsend, Washington.
- Petrified Forest National Park
1.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Flagstaff in Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Pinnacles Forest National Park
1-hour drive from WorldMark Marina Dunes in Monterey, California.
- Rocky Mountains National Park
10-minute drive from WorldMark Estes Park in Estes Park, Colorado; 30-minute drive from WorldMark Rocky Mountain Preserve in Granby, Colorado.
- Saguaro National Park
25-minute drive from Starr Pass Golf Suites in Tucson, Arizona.
- Shenandoah National Park
2.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Kingsgate, Club Wyndham Patriots' Place, or Club Wyndham Governor's Green in Williamsburg, Virginia.
- Yellowstone National Park
5-minute drive from WorldMark West Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Montana.
- Yosemite National Park
30-minute drive from WorldMark Bass Lake in Bass Lake, California; 1.5-hour drive from Club Wyndham Angels Camp in Angels Camp, California