4 | Biscayne National Park, Florida
Sitting pretty in the northern Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park features an amazing array of marine ecosystems, including mangrove forest and coral reefs, 95 percent of which is underwater. That means plenty of opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, like dolphins, crocodiles, manatees, and peregrine falcons.
Visitors to this underrated national park love to snorkel, boat, camp, and fish. But here’s the really exciting part: The park’s Maritime Heritage Trail is the only underwater archaeological trail in the National Park System. Road Scholar offers spectacular tours of Florida’s most famous national parks, like the Everglades, down to the lesser-known national parks.
5 | Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
California has no shortage of amazing national parks, from the high desert topography of Joshua Tree to the Redwood forest of Sequoia National Park. Tucked in the awe-inspiring landscape of central Northern California is one of the best lesser-known national parks called Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is the least visited national park in the state, with 500,000 visitors per year.
Lassen Peak is an active volcano that hasn’t erupted since 1917, so it’s most likely a safe hike to take to the top to enjoy the Cascade Range. There is also the beautiful crystal blue Manzanita Lake and a hydrothermal hot spot for relaxing spring water. Road Scholar would like to take you on one of the many learning adventure tours through California’s national parks to experience the natural environment at its finest.
6 | Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
This is a must for stargazers! In 2013, Chaco Culture National Historical Park became an International Dark Sky Park, which means the park’s naturally dark night skies are protected with strict lighting guidelines — perfect for admiring the beauty of the night sky. It should also be high on your list for the archaeological treasures you’ll find.
Chaco’s high-desert landscape is home to the extensive and fascinating ruins of ancient civilizations that thrived here thousands of years ago. Learn about the Chacoan people and the amazing engineering feats that went into creating this ancient urban center.
7 | Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park is tucked away in northeastern Arizona along Route 66. Petrified Forest National Park gets its name from the boulder-sized petrified logs dotting the desert landscape.
Once upon a time, 200 million years ago, this area was a tropical forest. Today, what remains is petrified wood made of solid quartz and minerals. Hiking trails here are short, but they pack a wallop of wow as you get up close and personal with these prehistoric gems.
Road Scholar takes you on a journey through the well-known and lesser-known national parks of Arizona as a solo traveler, a senior traveler, and even those traveling with families.