U.S. national parks are going viral on the world’s fastest-growing social media platform, TikTok, with Yellowstone National Park topping the charts as the most viewed U.S. national park. Gen Z’s travel decisions are increasingly influenced by social media and as TikTok rockets in popularity, Visit The USA shares tips on where to create the perfect short video.
1) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – 630.3 million TikTok views
Yellowstone National Park is not only the most viewed national park on TikTok, it is also America’s oldest national park, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. One of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and boasts 2.2 million acres of wilderness. Home to a rich array of wildlife, from bison to wolves and grizzly bears, the park preserves more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including active geysers and the densest concentration of steam vents, mud pots and glowing hot springs found anywhere in the world.
Where to visit to create the perfect TikTok:
Grand Prismatic Spring
- Found in the Midway Geyser Basin, with vibrant blue, green, red, orange and yellow hues, the colours are inviting to any TikToker looking to capture this natural phenomenon.
Old Faithful Geyser
- Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, an area home to the highest concentration of geysers in the world, Old Faithful’s eruption heights of up to 54 metres certainly makes it stand out from the crowd.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Not many know that the U.S. is home to two Grand Canyons. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is more than 204 metres deep, 1,200 metres wide and roughly 32 kilometres long, making for a truly spectacular sight.
Book:
America As You Like It is offering the Yellowstone Loop from £2,235 per person. The price includes a 14-night fly drive featuring a three night stay in West Yellowstone, international flights from the U.K. to Salt Lake City, car hire and accommodation, based on a departure date of in early June, 2022. For more information or to book, visit: www.americaasyoulikeit.com
2) Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska – 291.5 million TikTok views
Measuring 6,190 metres, Denali is the tallest peak in North America and the climb to the top is known to challenge even the niftiest mountaineers. With only one road bisecting the park, Denali National Park is dubbed the definition of wilderness. From northern lights to dinosaur fossils and over 160 species of birds and 1,500 plants, Denali’s wildlife is as diverse as it comes, but it’s the park’s very own ‘Big Five’, including moose, caribou, dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears, that truly sets it apart.
Where to visit to create the perfect TikTok:
The summit of Mount Denali
- Those skilled, and brave enough, should take on the challenge of conquering Mount Denali. As the highest peak in North America, the sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and fluffy clouds will make for unforgettable memories, not to mention unbeatable video content.
Reflection Pond
- Sunrise and sunset are a magical time of day at Reflection Pond, attracting photographers keen to capture images of Denali’s mountainous landscapes that paint a picture across the water.
Denali Viewpoint South
- Denali Viewpoint South is the spot to be for those hoping to see the aurora borealis perform above Mount Denali.
Book:
Bon Voyage is offering the Best of Alaska Road Trip from £5,895 per person. The price includes return flights from the U.K. to Anchorage, 13 nights’ accommodation, SUV car hire, Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour, Denali National Park entrance fee and more, based on a June 2022 departure date. For more information or to book, visit: www.bon-voyage.co.uk
3) Yosemite National Park, California – 279.8 million TikTok views
Located in the Golden State, Yosemite is globally renowned for its gushing waterfalls and its jagged mountain valleys and has been a source of inspiration for artists, climbers and nature lovers for years. Yosemite Valley’s most popular attractions include Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, whilst Tioga Road leads visitors to the park’s lesser-known trails, taking them deep into its thick alpine forestry.
Where to visit to create the perfect TikTok:
Yosemite Falls
- Tumbling over a granite wall, Yosemite Falls is one of the most striking features in Yosemite Valley. Whilst it can be seen from many places, the best view can be found at the start of the Yosemite Falls Hike, along the left side of the river.
Glacier Point
- Accessible by car or foot, with an elevation of more than 2,194 metres, Glacier Point boasts panoramic views over the entire valley.
Tenaya Lake
- Often referred to as the “Jewel of the High Country”, Tenaya Lake is found between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Not only is it an impressive sight, it is a popular spot for kayaking and boating.
Book:
Amtrak Vacations is offering the Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon tour for £4,175 per person. Price includes international return flights to Chicago, eight nights hotel accommodation and four nights accommodation onboard Amtrak, and three meals, based on a departure date of 9 June, 2022. For more information or to book, visit: www.amtrakvacations.co.uk
