Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

 

In honor of this wonderful holiday, many state and national parks will have FREE entrances all day long! Typically, there are many days throughout the year where they allow free access, but we can’t say the same thing this year. During 2018, there will only be four days where you can enter state/national parks for free.

 

These days include:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (January 15th, 2018 – Today!)
• The First Day of National Park Week (April 21, 2018)
• National Public Lands Day (September 22, 2018)
• Veterans Day (November 11, 2018)

 

So if you’re looking to visit some parks this year on a budget, I suggest planning around these days!

 

The list of parks that are included in this deal is extremely long, so click here to check out the full list!

 

Here’s a couple National Parks on the list that I definitely recommend:

The Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

The Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely gorgeous! I was only there for a day and I should have stayed for a week – honestly. The trail I hiked was called “Bear Lake” (shown in the picture) and every inch of that trail had views. STRAIGHT UP VIEWS. I haven’t been to many parks yet, but this one is #1 so far.

 

Read more about the Rocky Mountain National Park here: Hiking Bear Lake Trail at the Rocky Mountain National Park

 

 

Big Bend National Park in Texas

The Big Bend National Park is located at the very south of Texas, right next to the Mexican border which means this is a perfect pick for the winter season. I went to Big Bend during Thanksgiving weekend and it was HOT while hiking. Lots of water is NEEDED. But the hot hike is worth the views! If you’re only there for a day, I suggest hiking up Emory Peak (shown in the picture) if you’re an expert hiker or hike Santa Elena Canyon if you’re a beginner (super easy hike with an amazing view)!

 

If you’re near a State/National Park today, take advantage of the opportunity! I’ll be sure to remind everyone throughout the year of the other dates available for free entrance!