Google Earth Has Virtual Tours of 31 National Parks in the U.S.

Acadia National Park | Shutterstock
Acadia National Park | Shutterstock

Ah, nature! Where towering redwoods make humble ants of great men! Where the vast blue meets in a foam crescendo against cliffs rich in mineral history! Where people are free to wear cargo shorts! The national park system in the United States is one of America's greatest treasures, undoubtedly worth traveling the country to explore. But, thanks to Google Earth, it's also one we can appreciate from the comfort of our own homes. 

In the time we're living in, these digital perks are more important than ever. Last year Google Earth rolled out virtual tours of some of the most breathtaking parks in the country. The map and satellite imagery masters at Google Earth have put together a series of guided virtual tours of 31 national parks around the country, providing a stunning glimpse of the trails and vistas you can take advantage of if you visit them in real life. It may not be the same as lacing up your hiking boots and inhaling the crisp clean air of the wilderness, but they're pretty neat nonetheless. 

Zion National Park | Google Earth

To take a digital hike, so to speak, just head on over to Google Earth and you'll see a list of the parks with tours available. Simply click on any you want to see, and you'll be whisked away to see a series of interactive photos and views of its most breathtaking trails and views. 

Here's a full list of the parks that will be featured.

  • Acadia National Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Badlands National Park
  • Big Bend National Park
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  • Bruce Canyon National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Denali National Park
  • Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Everglades National Park
  • Glacier National Park
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Virgin Islands National Park
  • Wind Cave National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Zion National Park


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Ruby Anderson is a News Writer for Thrillist. 
Joe McGauley is a senior writer for Thrillist. Follow him @jwmcgauley.