My sister and best friend (pictured) was my travelling partner seeing over 25 national parks in just 10 years. Dying suddenly, I am so happy we had so much fun and I have so much to remember about the trails we hiked, the animals we made friends with, the rangers we laughed with and the absolutely stunning nature we experienced together. Nothing brings her back, but remembering the many parks we got to see together fuels my need to finish what we started together - to see all the rest. Each hiking medal I get to collect checks one more off.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“I give what I can, but every penny saved is spent within a national park or its surrounding community - it's my way to assure my grandchildren will follow all my hiking stick medals back to the many sights I got to experience.”
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