Explore These Beautiful US National Parks Without The Need Of A Car

One of the absolute best parts of traveling around the United States is visiting the country's gorgeous national parks, and with a little planning, it's totally possible to visit some of the most epic spots without your own set of wheels. Whether you're visiting the United States for the first time, or simply want to experience more of the country's natural beauty, you should definitely be adding national parks to your itinerary. 

There are 63 parks to choose from, and they're located all across the expansive nation. Many of the parks are located in somewhat remote regions, which can make getting there a challenge. Unfortunately, America's public transportation system is sorely lacking. In Europe, you can get almost anywhere via the extensive railway network, but the United States was mostly designed for cars. The highway system is usually the easiest way to get around, and most travelers who plan on venturing outside of big cities choose to take a scenic road trip. That being said, if you're visiting the United States and want to avoid the stress of renting a car, or you're hoping to choose a more eco-friendly method of transportation, you've got options. From the rugged coastlines of the Northeast to the expansive deserts of the Southwest, you'll find some amazing national parks that you can access without a car.

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States for good reason. This breathtaking canyon in Arizona was formed over millions of years as the Colorado River carved through the colorful cliffs. In some parts, the canyon is over a mile deep and 18 miles wide. Named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts millions of travelers from around the world each year. Unfortunately, many of them end up waiting in ridiculously long lines just to enter the park by car during peak season.

You can avoid the congestion by making the environmentally friendly decision to utilize public transportation instead of driving. Shuttle buses depart from the nearby cities and drop you off inside the park. Taking the train is another great option and a wonderful way to make your Grand Canyon adventure unforgettable. Amtrak offers 20 different Grand Canyon vacation packages departing from 500 different Amtrak stations. From Los Angeles, you can take the Southwest Chief for a five-day adventure with meals included. 

If you're already in Arizona, head to the small town of Williams, known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon with unique retro charm, where you can board the Grand Canyon Railway. The ride takes a little over two hours and there are multiple ticket options at different price points. Trains depart in the morning and return in the afternoon, and there are also options to stay overnight in Williams at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or within the park at the Maswik Lodge North. The train drops you off at the Grand Canyon Historic Village on the South Rim. From there, you can walk to the trails or catch the free shuttle to multiple lodges and trailheads within the park.

Yosemite National Park in California receives around 4 million visitors each year. It's home to iconic natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. There are miles upon miles of hiking trails including epic scenic treks for beginners in Yosemite. The landscapes within the 747,956-acre park are so beautiful that they almost look unreal. Yosemite National Park is around 4 hours by car from the city of San Francisco which has a few major international airports nearby.

Amtrak has train routes to Yosemite from several major cities in California. The Amtrak San Joaquins line departs from San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Fresno. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the California countryside through the large windows while lounging in the comfortable seats. The train doesn't take you directly to the park, unfortunately, but if you buy the Amtrak package it will include your bus ticket transfer.

The YARTS buses are great ways to enter the park without the hassle of finding parking. They're also a wonderful way to visit during peak season, without having to score a reservation to enter. If you're coming by train, the YARTS buses have departures from Fresno and Merced and stop at multiple locations within Yosemite.

Once you've entered the park, getting from place to place is super easy and convenient. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle has stops at almost every major attraction within the park. There are multiple routes available, and with a little planning, you can navigate the entire park without ever needing a car. The National Park Service website has a great map of the shuttle stops to help you plan your adventure.

If you're looking to be immersed in wild landscapes, head to the "Crown Jewel of the Continent" — Glacier National Park. The state of Montana, where Glacier National Park is located, is one of the least populated states in the country. Glacier National Park is home to stunning natural beauty, and it is quite remote. It's so far away from major cities that it actually has its own international airport nearby — Glacier Park International Airport. From there you can take a shuttle into the park.

​​A train ride to Glacier National Park is an unforgettable experience, and arguably the best way to visit. The Amtrak Empire Builder services the park with beautiful views along the way. There are 15 vacation packages offered by Amtrak and you can choose between 500 Amtrak stations around the country. The multi-day packages allow you to experience the wild beauty in comfort and luxury.

Within Glacier National Park there is a free shuttle that runs along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. There are bike racks on the shuttle and it is wheelchair accessible. The shuttle is only open seasonally, so make sure to check the National Park Service website ahead of time if you're visiting in the spring or fall to ensure that it is available.

Grand Teton National Park is a marvelous expanse of wilderness dotted with some of the world's most beautiful lakes covering 310,000 acres. Despite its remote location in northwestern Wyoming — which is the least populated state in the country with under 600,000 resident — it's one of the easiest national parks to visit if you're hoping to travel without a car.

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Teton mountain range, you'll find the only commercial airport located within the borders of a United States national park. The Jackson Hole Airport has been transporting travelers since 1946 and is the busiest airport in the state of Wyoming. You can find direct flights from 13 major cities across the United States, including international hubs like Newark, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta service the airport throughout the year. 

If you're staying at a lodge, many of them offer shuttle services from the airport. You can also choose to take a taxi. The START bus offers complimentary transportation within the town of Jackson and makes stops at several popular spots within the park for a fee. You can even take your bike with you on the bus so that you can easily navigate the park without a car.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Alaska is heaven on earth. It's the largest U.S state and one of the least populated. There are large expanses of untouched wilderness all across the state, and eight fantastic national parks. Denali National Park, located in the heart of Alaska, is one of the largest national parks in the United States, encompassing over 6 million acres of pristine wilderness. The park is home to America's highest mountain with priceless views. Denali, which means "the high one" in the Indigenous Koyukon language, is a staggering 20,310 feet tall.

Denali National Park's remote location and massive size mean that it's challenging to reach. Less than 600,000 travelers visit the park each year, making it an ideal choice if you want to find solitude in nature. Instead of renting a car and embarking on the long drive you can opt for a totally car free trip by flying into one of the nearby cities and taking the Denali Star Train. The train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops along the way in the national park. The entire trip takes about 12 hours and covers 356 miles. The park is four hours from Fairbanks and eight hours from Anchorage by train. Along the way you'll pass through some of Alaska's most stunning landscapes. Keep in mind that the train only runs during the summer season, so you'll have to visit between mid-May and mid-September.

Once you reach the park you can catch a ride on the free shuttle. There are three different routes that run all summer long. The Savage River Shuttle, the Riley Creek Loop Shuttle, and The Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle are all wheelchair accessible and will help you reach Denali National Park's most popular destinations.

Perched along the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the Northeastern state of Maine, Acadia National Park's rugged landscapes attract millions of nature lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts each year. The park covers 50,000 acres and includes 60 miles of pristine coastline. Visitors can explore 150 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking. During the summer months, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. Although winter may be an unexpected season to visit the chilly Northeastern coastline, those who do enjoy cross-country skiing along the carriage roads.

On top of being one of the most popular parks, Acadia is also one of the easiest to visit without a car. You can fly directly into one of America's best small towns, Bar Harbor, which is just over a mile from the entrance to Acadia National Park. The closest airport is Bar Harbor Hancock County Airport which is about 12 miles away from the city. Between June 23 and October 14, there is a free shuttle called the Island Explorer that will transport you from the airport to town. Alternatively, you can fly into Bangor International Airport and take the Downeast Transportation shuttle, which takes about an hour. The largest international airport near Acadia is Boston Logan International, and from there you can hop on a scenic coastal train, the Amtrak Downeaster, to Portland, Maine. From Portland, you can hop on a bus to Bangor and then to Bar Harbor.

Once you've made it to Bar Harbor, getting around the park is a breeze. During the summer, the free Island Explorer shuttle has convenient stops all over the park. Biking is another great choice. Bikes and electric bikes are available for rent at several different companies in Bar Harbor, like Acadia Ebike Adventure or the Bar Habor Bike Shop. You can even walk to the park from town on a Village Connector Trails.