6 Hidden Gems Inside National Parks

4. Cape Royal Point in the Grand Canyon – Arizona

Wotans Throne from Cape Royal, North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

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For spectacular sunset views, it doesn’t get much better than Cape Royal Point, which sits on the southern tip of the Walhalla Plateau. The trek to the overlook is less than a half-mile hike down a paved trail and it’s one of the few spots on the North Rim with views of the Colorado River.

Only 10 percent of visitors to the national park make the journey to the North Rim, so if you’re looking to take in the canyon without the congestion, this is the side for you.

5. The Crow's Nest at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone – Wyoming

The lobby of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park Lodges

While it’s not easy to find a room at the park’s most popular lodging facility, which sits right next to its main attraction, it’s even harder to visit the Crow’s Nest. But if you plan months (or even a year) in advance, you can take in one of the most amazing and exclusive views in the country.

The Crow’s Nest, architect Robert Reamer’s fantasy-turned-reality indoor treehouse, sits 76.5 feet above the lobby of the Old Faithful Inn. To use the winding staircases to the top, you need to reserve a tour, which involves you raising or lowering the flags.

Even if you’re unable to book a trip to the top, it’s still worth stopping by the inn to capture one of the largest log-style structures in the world. The stunning cabin on steroids was built from 1903 to 1904.

6. Glacier Park Boat Company in Glacier – West Glacier, Montana

Wild Goose Island, St. Mary’s Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

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This company, which has been in business in Glacier National Park since 1938, offers scenic boat tours at four different locations: Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun and Two Medicine.

Depending on the tour, there’s a range of ticket prices ($20 to $40) and availability, with Lake McDonald being offered in mid-May and the rest starting in June. All four run through mid-September.

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The west entrance is the more popular side of the park, so the St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun tour on the east side along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the best option to capture beautiful views while taking advantage of the less popular part of the park. The 90-minute tour includes a five-minute hike to see Baring Falls Waterfall. Wheelchair seating is also available on this tour.

Bottom line

Choosing somewhere a little different in America’s wonderful national parks can be very rewarding – and give you bragging rights when you return and tell your friends about where you’ve been.