Backroads reports more than 10% growth in active travel to US national parks | News
Backroads, the global leader in active travel, today reported continued growth in trips to America’s national parks as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary this summer. For many travelers, visiting places like the vast alpine valleys of Glacier, the rugged coastline of Alaska and the granite domes of Yosemite has become a tradition or life goal that combines nostalgia, natural wonders and outdoor adventure. Interest in these iconic landscapes has increased in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Since 1979, Backroads has been connecting travelers to the wild places in the heart of the country’s outdoor heritage. The company’s first trip took guests on bicycles through Death Valley, and today Backroads organizes biking, walking, hiking, and multi-adventure tours in more than 20 U.S. national parks, from Acadia to Zion. Reflecting strong demand, Backroads has increased the number of departures to national parks by 12 percent in 2026 compared to 2025 and introduced new itineraries including glamping trips in Maine and Yellowstone, as well as a Moab Multi-Adventure Tour.
The magic of America’s national parks for families
As family travel continues to increase, U.S. national parks have a special appeal, especially for parents who experienced places like Yellowstone, the country’s first national park, or Alaska’s Kenai Fjords in their own youth. Backroads sees many travelers returning on multi-generational journeys, with parents, grandparents and children of all ages exploring these landscapes together as they bike, hike, kayak and participate in cultural explorations.
National parks popular for summer 2026 travel
Backroads sees a strong growth in the number of departures for the summer of 2026 compared to 2025 at the following destinations:
Crater Lake National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Maine’s Acadia National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park
“I led guests on Backroads’ very first trip in Death Valley, so the national parks have always meant a lot to me personally,” said Tom Hale, founder, president and CEO of Backroads. “There’s nothing better than connecting our guests to these incredible places the way we love to experience them, like walking the hoodoos in Bryce or biking the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier. Those are the moments that make the parks unforgettable.”
National parks all year round
While National Park Week in 2026 will be celebrated from April 18 to 26, coinciding with Earth Day on April 22, Backroads offers national park trips year-round, including Yellowstone Snow Adventures and trips to Arches, Saguaro and Death Valley, among others.
For more information, visit www.backroads.com, call 800-462-2848 or chat with us live on our website.
