Films for National Park Lovers
Dream now, travel later. This has become the mantra of the online travel community. And it’s one we’re happy to take on right now.
So, while you’re at home, wishing you were out exploring, we thought we would share our top three favorite films and series that inspire us to get outside.
National Parks Adventure (2016)
Running time: 42 min
Available on: Netflix
National Parks Adventure is a short, family-friendly documentary narrated by Robert Redford. It explores the history of the parks and was released during the centennial celebration of the National Park Service in 2016. The trio trek across Utah, and visit one of our favorite parks, Zion. The camera work is stunning- just wait to see them go ice-climbing. The soundtrack is up-lifting. This film will make you fall in love with (or fall back in love with) the epic landscapes of North America. This was originally produced for 3D and was shown in museums across the country.
Read more about our trip to Zion with our infant.
https://youtu.be/0iqF2Tk_1WA
Free Solo (2018)
Running time: 1 hr 40 min
Available on: Disney Plus/ National Geographic Channel
This award-winning documentary captures the story and journey of American Rock Climber, Alex Honnold, as he attempts to climb the face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
A mix of biography, story-telling, and epic camera work by fellow climbers and friends. Honnold’s boyish charm and climbing confidence are a combination that is unlikely to be repeated in another athlete anytime soon.
https://youtu.be/urRVZ4SW7WU
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (2016)
Running time: 12 hours total
Available on: PBS and Prime Video
A six-episode mini-series was produced by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. It captures the beauty of the national parks and also offers a historical narrative beginning with the creation of Yellowstone in 1872 . From Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska. This series discusses the roles of John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt in creating the National Parks System. Released by PBS in 2016.
Looking to do some more reading during covid-19?
Check out our book recommendations for National Park Lovers on BookShop.
This website supports Indie Bookstores across the country and is a great alternative to buying books from chains like Amazon.