December is known for cold weather, buying gifts and celebrating holidays. This month, however, we have something else to celebrate. In December we congratulate no fewer than 13 national parks on their birthdays. One park turns 89 this year. Do you know which one?
Let’s honor our national parks with birthdays in December, starting with the youngest.
New River Gorge National Park & ​​Preserve
Founded on December 27, 2020
America’s newest national park, celebrating its fourth anniversary this month, is home to one of the continent’s oldest rivers. For many years, the park’s namesake river has carved rugged gorges through the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. The whitewater rapids attract guests from all over the world to experience a legendary rafting excursion. The park has quickly built a reputation as one of the most famous in the country.
In addition to rafting, New River Gorge National Park & ​​Preserve also offers hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and scenic drives. The park is known for its Bridge Day celebration, in which experienced guests skydive or rappelled from a bridge 800 feet above the gorge. At 900 meters high, the viaduct is the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
White Sands National Park
Founded on December 20, 2019
One of America’s youngest national parks, , turns 5 in December. Sandwiched between two mountain ranges in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, the park is home to more than half of the world’s largest gypsum dune field.
You could swear you see snow instead of sand with mountains on the horizon. To further confuse your brain, sand sledding is a favorite activity among guests. The park offers everything from a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk to an intense hike that has you trudging up and down steep dunes of loose sand. Unlike most beach sand, gypsum does not absorb heat, making it cool to the touch.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & ​​Preserve
Founded on December 2, 1980
One of Alaska’s eight national parks turns 44 this month. The entire park is located north of the Arctic Circle and is the northernmost national park in America. It probably won’t surprise you that this was our second least visited national park in 2022, with fewer than 10,000 recreational visits.
Those who brave the elements to make the epic journey are rewarded with unforgettable views of snow-capped mountains, blue glaciers and wild rivers winding through glacier-carved valleys. The region also boasts unique wildlife, including polar bears, moose, musk oxen, arctic foxes and snowshoe hares.
Glacier Bay National Park & ​​Preserve
Founded on December 2, 1980
covers more than 3 million acres along the state’s Inside Passage and features dynamic glaciers, snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests and turquoise waters. The surreal park, part of a 25 million hectare World Heritage Site, celebrates its 44th anniversary this year.
Most visitors see the park as part of an Alaska cruise, with park rangers boarding the ship to provide a guided experience. Cruise passengers regularly spot unique wildlife such as sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions, mountain goats and bears. The ship offers a front row seat to one of the greatest shows on earth.
Katmai National Park and Reserve
Founded on December 2, 1980
Resting on the Alaska Peninsula near Kodiak Island, it is known for bear watching and sport fishing. The park celebrates its 44th anniversary this year and features nearly 4 million hectares of pristine forests, mountains, tundra and lakes. Although the park promises a unique experience, it is only accessible by plane or boat.
Katmai National Park & ​​Preserve is teeming with salmon. Accordingly, more than 2,000 bears hang around to feed on salmon as they swim up the Brooks River. Visitors eagerly flock to Brooks Camp’s viewing platforms to watch the bears catch salmon jumping out of the water.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Founded on December 2, 1980
looks like something from the Ice Age, but was established as a national park 44 years ago. It is located on the Kenai Peninsula near Seward in south-central Alaska. The park is home to the Harding Ice Field, nearly 40 glaciers, icy waters, lush forests and coastal fjords.
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a wide range of wildlife, including bald eagles, puffins, whales, bears, moose and wolves. The park shines with its unique experiences, such as ice climbing, glacier walks, scenic flights, kayaking in front of a glacier and boat trips between the fjords of the same name.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Founded on December 2, 1980
Founded 44 years ago, it is located approximately 25 miles above the Arctic Circle in northwestern Alaska. The park is a vast wonderland of pristine tundra, boreal forests and dunes. While dunes may seem out of place in an Arctic ecosystem, they are essential for the half-million caribou that migrate through the region annually.
Popular activities include backpacking, fishing, and floating on the slow-moving Kobuk River in a folding canoe or kayak. Some visitors hope to catch a glimpse of the spectacular. The park is one of the most challenging to reach, typically requiring multiple flights and a flexible schedule due to unpredictable weather and a lack of roads and services.
Lake Clark National Park & ​​Preserve
Founded on December 2, 1980
encompasses 4 million acres of diverse landscapes approximately 100 miles southwest of Anchorage on the Alaska Peninsula. Celebrating its 44th anniversary this year, the park welcomes guests to explore its alpine meadows, hot springs, soaring mountains, rushing streams and crystal-clear lakes.
Popular activities include sport fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking and brown bear viewing. Like Katmai National Park & ​​Preserve, bears gather here to feed on the plentiful salmon. It is also an excellent birding area due to its diverse landscapes and wide variety of trees.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & ​​Preserve
Founded on December 2, 1980
America’s largest national park is located in southeast Alaska. It may be challenging to understand, but Wrangell-St. Elias could manage six Yellowstone National Parks. The park, which turns 44 in December, extends over 13 million hectares and features mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and historical sites.
Visitors are regularly fascinated by the size and scope of the park. It is home to nine of the sixteen highest mountains in America. Mount Wrangell is one of the country’s largest active volcanoes, while Mount St. Elias is America’s second highest mountain at 18,008 feet. In addition to the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, the region is home to the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, commemorating the mines that produced millions of dollars worth of copper ore.
Capitol Reef National Park
Founded on December 18, 1971
One of them, Capitol Reef National Park, turns 53 in December. Although Capitol Reef is often overshadowed by some of the state’s more iconic destinations, it offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Waterpocket Fold, the park’s highlight, is a nearly 100-mile-long buckle in the Earth’s crust. Guests are regularly captivated by the area’s breathtaking landscapes, including arches, slot canyons and hoodoos. In stark contrast to the rugged, red terrain, the park is also home to a green oasis with an orchard of almost 2,000 fruit trees. Guests can pick fruit during the season, including apples, peaches, pears, apricots and plums.
Petrified Forest National Park
Founded on December 9, 1962
Being a national park in Arizona is a challenge if your name isn’t the Grand Canyon. turns 62 this year, but still lives in the shadow of the Grand Canyon. The overlooked park is easy to explore via the main road, a 45-mile loop.
Petrified Forest offers a surreal landscape with colorful striped hills reminiscent of. Visitors come mainly to see the stone logs scattered across vast prairies, the remains of an ancient forest. The park is also home to petroglyphs and part of historic Route 66.
Everglades National Park
Founded on December 6, 1947
South Florida turns 77 this month. Many consider the Everglades a swamp, when in reality it is a slow-moving river of grass. The unique ecosystem is home to animals such as alligators and snakes that inspire fear. Ironically, the park has many creatures that induce a sense of tranquility, such as birds, turtles and manatees.
Guests can explore the park by driving, walking, biking, kayaking, and riding the tram. One of the most exciting adventures is whizzing down the grass river on an airboat ride. However you explore the park, the barrier-free zoo is a unique experience.
Shenandoah National Park
Founded on December 26, 1935
Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park celebrates its 89th anniversary this year. The park’s most famous attraction, Skyline Drive, stretches its entire length and offers 75 scenic views along its 105 miles. Visitors regularly enjoy breathtaking views of forested mountains and valleys as they drive at their leisure.
for those who prefer to explore on foot. You will discover more than 500 kilometers of trails for all levels. The scenery includes wooded trails, waterfalls and majestic mountains. Whether you drive or walk, deer and squirrels can be seen regularly. Visitors also occasionally spot black bears.
Celebrate our national parks this December
Thirteen national parks have their birthdays in December. Let’s celebrate these beautiful parks, young and old. Consider planning your next vacation to one of these unforgettable destinations.
