National Park Week

Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

Every year, mountain travelers flock to America’s national parks like Utah’s Canyonlands National Park.

Coming up April 16-24, 2011, National Park Week will offer free admission to all 394 U.S. national parks.

Throughout the week, national parks and park partners will feature special programs, like ranger talks and free guided tours, as part of National Park Week festivities.

Many parks will be enlisting volunteers to help with special projects and kids will participate in Junior Ranger Day.

Mountain travelers can see America’s highest peak (Mount McKinley); lowest point (Death Valley), or deepest lake (Crater Lake).

Says Jonathan B. Jarvis, National Park Service Director:

“National parks have always been great places to go on vacation, have fun, and learn something, but for millions of Americans national parks are also a daily part of a healthy lifestyle. If you’ve never thought of your national parks that way, we’d like to invite you to come out to see how parks can help you meet your fitness goals. Getting outside and moving is the first step.”

Additional 2011 free admission days are scheduled for: June 21 (the first day of summer); September 21 (National Public Lands Day); and November 11-13 (Veterans Day Weekend).

Image courtesy of DiscoverMoab.com.