MapQuest launches web travel guide to celebrate National Park Week

A view of Devils Garden, along the trail to the Double O Arch, in Arches National Park. (NPS Photo/Neal Herbert)

National Parks Week 2012 is April 21 to 29, and the National Park Service has joined forces with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, to offer free admission to all 397 national parks.

To coincide with the week-long celebration, MapQuest has launched a web-based guide to the natural wonders of the National Parks. The new guide contains detailed descriptions of 58 major destinations, plus tips on where to enjoy popular activities, wildlife and learn about park history.

Select MapQuest park entries also feature vivid HD video, eye-catching photography and special insiders' commentary by park rangers (See their entry on Arches National Park featured above).

The National Park Service suggests planning your visit by what you want to do and which sites you most want to see. You can browse their event calendar to check out the special programs offered throughout the week.