A guide to America’s most iconic natural landmarks that can be accessed without a personal vehicle. These selections highlight parks with robust connections via Amtrak, city buses, and regional transit systems, making sustainable travel to wilderness areas accessible to everyone.
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The most visited national park in the US offers accessible trails and visitor centers connected by the free Gatlinburg Transit bus system. Travelers can reach the area via Amtrak to nearby Knoxville or Chattanooga and use local shuttle services to explore the park's highlights.
Located on Mount Desert Island, this park is well-served by the Island Explorer, a free electric bus system that covers major trails and scenic loop roads. Visitors can take the Amtrak Downeaster to Bar Harbor and transfer directly to the park’s transit network.
Accessible via the free TTE Local bus from nearby Estes Park and Loveland, which connects to shuttle services entering the park. This approach eliminates parking stress, especially during peak summer seasons when vehicle reservations are often required for main road access.
While the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically requires reservations, the West Glacier village is accessible via Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Local shuttle services and connecting buses from Whitefish allow visitors to experience key trailheads and scenic vistas without driving.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops in West Yellowstone, providing a gateway to the park’s northern entrance. From there, regional shuttles and tour buses operate regularly between the town and major geothermal features like Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake.
The park features an efficient, mandatory shuttle system during peak seasons that runs from the visitor center to major trailheads. Salt Lake City and Las Vegas offer Amtrak access, with connecting bus services available in St. George to reach the park entrance.
While remote, the park is accessible via Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to nearby Palm Springs or San Bernardino. Public bus services in Palm Springs connect to regional transit options that can reach the park’s eastern entrances, suitable for independent travelers planning ahead.
Ferry services from Seattle to Port Townsend, combined with public buses to Sequim and Port Angeles, provide a car-free entry. Once in Port Angeles, local transit and tour shuttles connect to the park’s main attractions, including the Hoh Rain Forest.
The COTTA bus in Sedona provides frequent service to trailheads, visitor centers, and scenic lookouts in the heart of red rock country. This is an excellent option for those visiting the Grand Canyon area, as Sedona is a short drive from major transit hubs.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops in Barstow and Victorville, from where regional bus services can reach nearby towns like Stovepipe Wells. While public transit is limited inside the park, this route allows for a sustainable approach to visiting this extreme desert landscape.
The TETRA bus system in Jackson Hole connects visitors to the park entrance and major attractions like Jenny Lake. Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops in nearby areas, and connecting trains or buses can bring travelers to Jackson, Wyoming, for easy park access.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops in Flagstaff, which offers bus connections to Bryce Canyon. Seasonal shuttle services within the park and nearby towns make it feasible to explore the iconic hoodoos and trailheads without a personal vehicle.
Accessible via Amtrak to nearby Moab, though public transit options are limited, the town of Moab serves as a hub for bike rentals and tour buses that enter the park. This setup allows for a carbon-friendly visit to the arches.
Amtrak’s San Joaquins stops in Fresno, with connecting bus services available to Three Rivers and the park entrances. This route is ideal for travelers coming from California’s major population centers who wish to avoid driving through mountain passes.
The island in time district is accessible via flights and bus services to Moab, with tour operators providing transit into the park. While less direct than other parks, this method allows visitors to experience the stark, otherworldly landscapes via guided public transport.
Amtrak’s Arctic Service is limited, but flights to Fairbanks allow for easy transfer to the Denali Star train, which runs directly into the park. This scenic rail journey offers unparalleled access to wildlife viewing areas and visitor centers without driving.
Public bus services on the Big Island connect Kona and Hilo to the park entrance, offering an affordable and scenic way to view active volcanoes. This route is perfect for eco-conscious travelers exploring the island’s unique geological features via local transit.
The Rogue River Transit connects Ashland to Crater Lake during the summer season, providing a direct link from a major Amtrak stop. This service eliminates the need for a car, allowing visitors to enjoy the deepest lake in the US via sustainable travel.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops in Durango, which offers local bus services and tours to the park. This route allows travelers to explore ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites using public transportation, reducing environmental impact in this sensitive cultural area.
Accessible via VRE (Virginia Railway Express) to stations near the park, with connecting shuttle services during peak seasons. This makes it easy for urban dwellers from Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia to reach the Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail.