Books to Celebrate National Park Week

We just returned from one epic road trip through Southern Utah, where we had the chance to explore Utah’s Mighty 5: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks. Each park left us in awe—with its own unique landscape, sense of wonder, and endless opportunities for adventure.

When we got home, I realized it was National Park Week—and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing some of our favorite books set in National Parks. These stories helped us extend the magic of our journey, both on the road and back at home. They’re perfect for sparking wanderlust, learning more about the places you visit, or simply enjoying the beauty of the wild through the pages of a book.

My kids were 9, 6, and 4 during this trip, which helped shape our reading selections. From picture books to chapter books, we found stories that matched the spirit of the parks and kept the adventure alive—even during long drives.

This trip reminded me exactly why we carve out time in our lives for these wild, sacred places. They spark curiosity, offer peace, and challenge us in the best possible ways. I told my husband it felt like I was doing one thing that scared me every single day—although let’s be honest, it was probably more like watching my fearless 4-year-old scramble along hiking trails with steep drop-offs that had me holding my breath. Yikes!

Books for Adults Who Love the Parks

1. Where the Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett - A split-time novel set in the majestic Redwoods National Park.

2. Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery - While not technically a National Park, this book is set on the Appalachian Trail, which is part of the system. I have recommended this book so many times as it is the unbelievable true story of Grandma Gatewood who saves the Appalchian Trail at the young age of 67 in 1955.

3. Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park by Conor Knighton - A fun, reflective travel memoir from a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent who visited every U.S. National Park in a year. A great mix of humor, insight, and adventure.

Chapter Books for Young Explorers

1. The National Park Mystery Series by Aaron Johnson - A fun, fast-paced mystery series for middle-grade readers, each book is set in a different National Park and features two siblings solving nature-based puzzles and uncovering secrets.

2. Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner
   While not set in a National Park per se, this time-traveling golden retriever explores historical adventures with heart and plenty of wilderness scenes. Great for kids who like action and animals and we love Kate Messner’s books at our house.

3. A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
   A beautifully illustrated chapter book based on the true story of a wolf called OR-7, which are researched in Yellowstone National Park.

Picture & Activity Books

1. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber and Illustrated by Chris Turnham - A stunning picture book packed with maps, wildlife and the flora and fauna of parks around the US.

2. Scratch and Sketch National Parks and Landmarks by Martha Zschock - A fun activity book with a wooden stylus to scratch and trace along. Great for travel.

3. Junior Ranger Activity Book by National Geographic Kids - Filled with puzzles, games, facts and more! Recommended for 3rd-7th graders.