HOW TO

Take the Trail Less Traveled

Celebrate America’s national parks on and off the trail.

Whether you’re planning a weeklong excursion or a day trip to one of the 433 national parks, memorials, and historic sites, these apps can guide you on every step of your adventure.


See all Grand Teton National Park has to offer (including the best photo spots) in the National Park Service app.

Plan your excursion

Make the most of a trip to Old Faithful, Half Dome, and other top destinations with the National Park Service app. Get self-guided audio tours, the best spots to catch a sunrise, and interactive maps for Yellowstone, Yosemite, and other popular parks. The app also provides real-time info on crowd conditions and road closures.

To gear up for your trip and take outdoor-skills classes for beginners and enthusiasts alike, check out the REI app.


Use AllTrails to see the Sonoran Desert Loop’s total distance, elevation gain (over 1,700 feet!), and more.

Pick a path

Browse the national park guides in AllTrails—or search by city, park, or trail name. Wondering if dogs are allowed or if the parking lot fills up early? With Apple Intelligence integration on iPhone 15 Pro and later, AllTrails now summarizes community reviews.

Strava
helps you discover hikes and trails others are exploring. View the Segments near the parks you want to visit, or join communities like Black Trail Runners to find your next adventure.


AllTrails’ robust guides for Arches National Park, Joshua Tree, and other destinations highlight must-see spots.

Elevate your experience

The AR app PeakVisor uses the camera on your iPhone to display the names and elevation of nearby mountains.

Birda encourages you to marvel at the hawks, eagles, and white-breasted nuthatches around you. Keep track of what you’ve spotted, and see which species other users have found.

Planning a sunrise trek or want to photograph a peak just as golden hour hits? Fire up the comprehensive sun-tracking app Lumy.


The “Peaceful Yosemite” sleep track in Headspace captures the park’s beauty in sound.

Savor a moment of mindfulness

NatureDose helps you tally how much time you’ve spent in nature—and reminds you how important this is to your overall well-being.

If you can’t make it outdoors, listen to Headspace’s National Park sleepcasts to find a moment of calm inspired by the sounds of Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, and other parks.