1. Grand Canyon National Park

We know as well as anyone that floating down the Colorado River through the depths of Grand Canyon is the ultimate bucket list national park adventure. In 1969, OARS was honored to be selected by the National Park Service as the first exclusively oar-powered rafting outfitter authorized to run guided river trips in Grand Canyon National Park. Later, in 1988, legendary environmentalist Martin Litton selected OARS to carry on his legacy of running top-notch dory trips in Grand Canyon. OARS now offers 16 different Grand Canyon rafting and dory itineraries that offer the chance to spend anywhere from 5 to 18 days in one of the most wondrous spots in the world. And just in case a river trip down the mighty Colorado isn’t in the cards for you, our Grand Canyon hiking trips offer an alternative opportunity to explore below the rim with the best guides in the canyon.

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2. Canyonlands National Park

Nestled just outside of Moab, Utah, Canyonlands National Park is a surreal landscape marked by towering spires, sheer red rock walls, and convoluted canyons. But the best-kept secret that flows through Canyonlands is the mighty rivers that pulse through its core. Winding through its deepest stretches, the Green and Colorado Rivers provide a unique opportunity for paddlers and hikers to explore the “road less traveled” through some of the park’s most remote and unforgettable regions, like the Maze District.

OARS offers a variety of Canyonlands National Park adventures ranging from the classic 4- or 6-day Colorado River rafting trip through Cataract Canyon to more active Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker or Canyonlands by SUP experiences. There’s also the opportunity to cater your Canyonlands rafting trip more to your personal interests, whether you want to learn about astronomy in an International Dark Sky Park on a Stars & Guitars trip, or practice mindfulness on your journey with a Yoga & Meditation or Women’s Wellness departure.

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3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is regularly among the top five most-visited national parks each year. Because of this, it can be challenging to plan a trip to the park if you’re not thinking about it a year or more in advance. Even then, where to go and what to do with your precious vacation time once you get there (most visitors only explore Yosemite Valley), can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. That’s why we’ve already done all of the planning for you. OARS’ four action-packed Yosemite Hiker itineraries combine seeing the best of the park, but also offer visitors the chance to experience a side of Yosemite’s wilderness that’s more off the beaten path, including whitewater rafting on the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers which flow from the park’s high country.

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4. Dinosaur National Monument

At Dinosaur National Monument you can put your hands on 149-million-year old fossils at the famed Quarry Exhibit Hall, follow in the footsteps of Stegosaurus’ on nearby trails, and marvel at the night sky which recently earned the monument International Dark Sky Park status. But it’s the Green and Yampa Rivers that meander deep through the monument’s breathtaking canyons that will leave you truly awe-struck. Both rivers, which converge at Echo Park, are considered among the best whitewater rafting trips in the U.S. They are experiences that offer visitors the chance to step back in time and discover the monument’s unspoiled wilderness, fascinating geology, archeological sites, hidden waterfalls and abundant wildlife from the coveted vantage point of a raft.

From 1-day Split Mountain rafting trips on a short and fun stretch of the Green River to multi-day river trips ranging from 3 to 5 days on the Yampa River and Green River through the Gates of Lodore, OARS offers several unique ways for first-time and experienced paddlers alike to go off the grid and experience all of the splendor of Dinosaur National Monument.

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6 Tips to Avoid National Park Crowds

National park guidebook author James Kaiser has learned that avoiding crowds in the parks is pretty easy. You just have to know a few tricks. He shares his secrets.

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Photos: 11 Incredible National Park Paddling Spots

From Channel Islands to the Everglades, grab your paddle and go off the grid at these breathtaking national parks.

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