Lonely Planet 48 Hours in St. Louis: City Trip from USA’s Best Trips Travel Guide

"Civilization is the problem parks solve," Runte writes.  At times, the national parks may seem as imperfect as they are exceptional; the point is that they are all we will ever have. America's national parks are full of timeless marvels that still rejuvenate the soul: the world's largest trees in Sequoia; its most spectacular geothermal site in Yellowstone; the grandest canyon.