What better way to vacation than to Travel with Purpose in National Parks.  And who better to show us how than ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.

As National Park, Forest and State Park concessioner, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations practices stewardship through its Green Thread (R) program, which ensures that all aspects of business are performed sustainably- from purchasing as much food as possible from a 100 mile radius, to composting and recycling operations that sometimes enlist volunteer vacationers to go far into the wilderness to clean up after others.

As experts in sustainable operations, we’ve compiled a list of the four best ways to travel with purpose in National Parks. It all starts by leaving the car keys at the lodge.

1. Hike: this is an excellent way to see views and wildlife the average tourist misses out on. Hiking is available in nearly everywhere from Mesa Verde to Glacier Bay National Parks. But if you’d like to take your excursion further, consider a guided interpretive hike in places such as Denali or Olympic National Park. Trained guides will teach you about the native plants, wildlife and human history as you walk through some of our nation’s most beautiful locations.

2. Bike: two-wheeled transportation allows visitors to cover more land than hiking so you can experience more during your stay. Bike rentals are available at Asilomar Conference Center, where you can ride along California’s Pacific Coast Highway and into Pebble Beach; Denali National Park, with beautiful views of the Nenana River along Parks Highway; or Lake Tahoe- the highest alpine lake in the nation and a biking hub.

3. Paddle: sometimes, the best views are not found on dry land. Hopping aboard a kayak or canoe offers tranquil and awe-inspiring travel in some of America’s most beautiful waterways. Glacier Bay National Park, Olympic National Park, Lake Powell and Lake Tahoe offer fantastic kayaking opportunity.  For those looking for more excitement, trade the kayak for a raft and rocket down rapids near Denali National Park or down the Colorado River through Canyonlands or Grand Canyon National Parks with Wilderness River Adventures. Here’s useful guide for finding a kayak cart. 

4. Saddleback: rest your travel weary feet and explore the Grand Tetons or Sierra Nevada mountains on horseback out of Togwotee Mountain Lodge or Zephyr Cove Resort.

If you have been inspired to get out and explore, check out the great destinations that ARAMARK Parks and Destinations serves to start planning your purpose-driven vacation.

Which National Parks are on your Bucket List?

Authors: Robin Garrison, Marketing Specialist and  Lauren Pearce, Public Relations Representative for ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.