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  • 5 Lesser-Known National Parks To Avoid Large Crowds This Summer 

    5 Lesser-Known National Parks To Avoid Large Crowds This Summer 

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    Summer is approaching fast, and many are gearing up to make their travel plans if they haven’t already.

    A record number of Americans are planning on traveling this year, and many are hoping to visit some of the United States’ amazing national parks. 

    Woman-Hiker-in-Yoga-Pose-Meditating-by-Canyon.-Goose-Neck-at-Capitol-Reef-National-park-Utah-USA1

    With 63 national parks and 424 national park sites located all across America, those who are planning a visit are spoiled for choice.

    Not to mention more sites are constantly being added, helping to expand the 85 million acres that the parks system is comprised of.

    While there are a number of national parks to see, the majority of travelers tend to stick to about half of them. Over 300 million people visited the U.S. national park system in 2022, but about half of these visitors were concentrated in the 25 most popular parks.

    Tourists at an overcrowded overlook at Grand Canyon National Park

    Too Much Of A Good Thing?

    While the increased attention to America’s national park system is great, the overcrowding and over-tourism that occurs in the clusters of the most popular sites make for an unpleasant visit and harm the environment. 

    Zion National Park, for instance, is one popular site that has seen a massive increase in visitors recently, with negative consequences on its ecosystem.

    While the most popular parks are stunning and very much worth a visit, planning a trip in the off-season (if possible) can make for a better experience for both the visitor and the ecosystem. 

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    Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA over crowding cars

    With over-tourism impacting these popular national parks at a somewhat alarming rate, there has never been a better time to check out some of the underrated gems in the national park system instead of the mega-popular sites.

    With so many national park sites that fly under the radar and see much fewer visitors, a trip to these places can leave you with some peace and quiet and the ability to take in the stunning landscape surrounding you without the massive crowds of people. 

    Here Are 5 Lesser-Known National Parks To Avoid Large Crowds This Summer:

    Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

    With bits of the Painted Desert, 225-million-year-old fossils, archeological sites, and one of the world’s most colorful and largest concentrations of petrified wood, this national park is a must-see for those looking for some epic sights.

    About 800,000 people visit Petrified Forest National Park each year, meaning there’s loads of room to spread out amongst the over 200,000 acres and enjoy the views. 

    A large piece of petrified wood in the Petrified Forest National Park along the Blue Mesa Trail that has been uncovered by decades of erosion

    Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

    At the southern end of the imposing Lake Michigan, you can find Indiana’s coastline and the underrated Indiana Dunes National Park. For a state with only 45 miles of shoreline, Indiana packs a lot of scenery in for people to enjoy.

    The national park takes up about 15 miles of shoreline, with 50 miles of trails to explore the diverse ecosystem here. Wetlands, dunes, prairies, and an old-growth forest all offer natural beauty to take in. 

    West Beach Dune Succession Trail, Indiana Dunes National Park lake shore in Summer

    New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

    As America’s newest national park, this beautiful area of southern West Virginia boasts over 70,000 acres of wilderness, with the rushing whitewater river cutting through deep canyons along the way.

    The New River is actually one of America’s oldest, and visitors can walk the Canyon Rim or check out Sandstone Falls. The park offers some of the best rock climbing in America, with over 1,400 established sites to get your heart rate up. 

    The New River at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

    Utah is home to five national parks, often affectionally referred to as the Mighty Five.

    Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches make up this state’s impressive park profile, with over 10 million people visiting these sites alone.

    Capitol Reef is probably Utah’s lesser-known park, making it the perfect place to come take in the stunning rock cathedrals towering above you, with almost no crowds to disturb you.  

    Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

    Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

    In northeastern California, you can find the underrated Lassen Volcanic National Park, where the largest plug dome volcano in the world can be seen.

    In fact, this national park is one of the few places around the globe where all four types of volcanoes can be witnessed, shield, stratovolcano, cinder cone, and plug dome.

    It’s not only about the volcanoes here, though. Visitors come to enjoy the clear mountain lakes, wildflower fields, epic hiking, and geothermal activity as well.

    Emerald Lake located in Lassen Volcanic National Park

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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  • Large Crowds Return To Las Vegas As Casinos Post Near Record Numbers

    Large Crowds Return To Las Vegas As Casinos Post Near Record Numbers

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    Large crowds of tourists have returned to Las Vegas – with the city’s casinos reporting near record numbers.

    With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic having had a major impact on the tourism industry worldwide, Las Vegas was no exception to this – with the 26th-most populous city in the U.S. having seen its world-renowned ‘Las Vegas’ strip resembling nothing but a ghost town for months on end.

    Aerial shot of Las Vegas

    And, there is no doubt that the city suffered greatly from the ongoing lockdowns and business closures that were brought about due to the Covid-19 pandemic – with financial losses having been recorded in the billions and billions of dollars.

    However, fast forward to this present time – and the contrast could not be any greater. 

    Tourists return to Las Vegas in large numbers

    The Number Of Visitors To Las Vegas Has Increased By Nearly 50%

    Compared to the last year, March, 2021, the number of visitors to Las Vegas increased by a near 50% in the month just gone – with more than 3.3 million visitors having made their way to the Nevada state city – according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

    And, there is no doubt as to why so many people are now heading to Vegas – with the city offering so much for visitors.

    Las Vegas strip at night

    Whether you’re looking to do something adventurous or ‘out of the box’, wanting to party the night away at some of the world’s most famous bars and nightclubs – or looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy – Las Vegas really does have it all. 

    The city even offers some more ‘unusual’ attractions for those looking for something a little ‘different’ from the usual mainstream entertainment.

    Fremont East District in Las Vegas

    Casinos In Vegas Are Reporting Near Record Numbers

    With the huge numbers of tourists – once again stepping foot onto the city’s iconic Las Vegas Strip – the city’s casinos are undoubtedly reaping the rewards, with the state of Nevada’s Gaming Control Board reporting a near 27% increase on takings compared to March last year (2021).

    Las Vegas Sign

    In fact, the $1.35 billion that the state’s casinos took last month was just short of the record amount of revenue recorded in a single month – which currently stands at $1.36 billion (July 2021).

    Visitors To Vegas Can Expect Long Queues And Waiting Times

    Aerial shot of a busy Las Vegas at night time

    Of Course, with large numbers of tourists comes long queues – and therefore for those looking to head to Vegas right now will have to prepare themselves for potentially significant waiting times upon their arrival into the city, as well as throughout the duration of their stay.

    The city’s airport – Harry Reid International Airport – recently reported near pre-pandemic figures, with close to 4.3 million visitors having passed through its doors last month (March).

    View of hotels in Las Vegas

    Hotels in the city, which is infamously known as ‘Sin City’, are also experiencing an influx in bookings – with more than 80% of rooms reportedly being occupied.

    And, with U.S. airlines continuing to add new direct Vegas-bound flights to their schedules, we are likely to see these numbers grow – especially with the city once again playing host to some of the world’s best and biggest shows and conventions on the planet.

    Cirque Du Soleil performance

    One Of The City’s Major Casino Resorts Has Recently Reopened 

    Just last month we reported that one of the most famous casino resorts in Las Vegas – The Palms Casino Resort – was due to reopen its doors from the end of last month (27 April).

    Woman with mask gambling in casino

    Although not located on the Las Vegas strip itself, there is no doubt that the resort will attract a huge number of visitors – with many wanting to check out its newly renovated property, which comes following new ownership and a $600 million refurbishment. 

    Read more:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    A Massive Casino Resort is Reopening its Doors in Las Vegas

    Top 6 Hotels On The Las Vegas Strip

    Spirit Announces Three New Nonstop Flights To Las Vegas Starting At $65

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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