10Best: Nighttime adventures in parks and refuges

Larry Bleiberg | Special for USA TODAY

National parks might draw crowds during the day, but there's no reason to leave when the sun goes down. Come night, visitors can watch wildlife, stargaze and even see lava flows. "The landscapes transform after dark. It's like being in a brand new place, "says Miriam Weiner, travel editor with Brand USA, which promotes the nation as a travel destination to international visitors. She shares some favorite evening park activities with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Evening wildlife tour

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Wyo. and Mont.

Yellowstone's famed wildlife doesn't punch a time clock. Indeed, some of the best times to see its residents, including, bear, bison, elk, moose and wolves, is at dusk. "This is when the animals really come out," Weiner says. Several companies and outfitters offer tours, including Yellowstone National Park Lodges, which use the park's iconic yellow buses. 307-344-7381; nps.gov/yell

Oceanside camping

Assateague Island National Seashore, Md.

This barrier island national seashore, which straddles the Virginia-Maryland line, is famous for its wild horses. But it also welcomes overnight guests year-round at its campgrounds. "You can fall asleep to the waves," Weiner says. 410-641-1441; nps.gov/asis

Bioluminescent kayaking

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico

It's an otherworldly sensation to swim in a bioluminescent bay, Weiner says. As you move the water, it disturbs micro-organisms which begin to glow around you. "It's almost like you're floating through darkness on this cloud of neon," she says. Several outfitters provide trips to Mosquito Bay, which abuts the refuge. fws.gov/caribbean/refuges/vieques

Monuments at night cruise

National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington

The National Mall, Washington's grand front yard, attracts crowds every day, but at night its iconic sites, including the Washington Monument, and Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, are even more beautiful, Weiner says. "They come to life at night when they're illuminated. Every time I'm on the Mall after dark I stop and stare." Several companies offer nighttime cruises on the Potomac, and discounts are often available on sites like Groupon and Living Social. 202-426-6841; nps.gov/nama

Moonlight valley tours

Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Visitors get an entirely different view of Yosemite Valley by the light of the moon, Weiner says. "You'll see the shadows and the giant rock faces Yosemite is famous for. Dusk accentuates the looming cliffs." You can enjoy the scenery on tours using open trams or on bicycle, offered on full-moon nights from May through October. 209-372-0200; nps.gov/yose

Sleep in a canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.

Before you can have this nighttime adventure, you'll first need to have the daytime adventure of riding a mule or hiking to the base of the Grand Canyon. There visitors can spend the night in rustic cottages built by Mary Colter, the famed architect who designed the historic buildings on the canyon rim. "There's a sense of tradition there. You can spend the night Wild West-style," Weiner says. 928-638-7888; nps.gov/grca

Lava viewing

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, puts on a regular evening show, emitting a nighttime glow easily seen by visitors to this park on the big island of Hawaii. "The best photo opportunities come after dark," Weiner says. Several companies offer tours, and the public can also easily see the caldera vent within Halema'uma'u Crater from the overlook at the park's Jaggar Museum. 808-985-6000; nps.gov/havo

Stargaze

Big Bend National Park, Texas

On a clear night, you can see more than 2,000 stars in this isolated west Texas park, certified as an International Dark Sky site due to its low light pollution. "The entire sky is just a blanket of stars. It's one of best places in the Lower 48 to go stargazing," Weiner says. But you might want to skip visiting during the summer months, when temperatures can reach 120 degrees. 432-477-2251; nps.gov/bibe

Swamp hike

Everglades National Park, Fla.

There's not much spookier than a swamp at dark, with its cacophony of croaking frogs and hooting owls, and glowing alligator eyes peering up from the dark water. Nighttime tours provide a chance to safely take in the spectacle from the safety of a boardwalk. "If you like a little bit of a thrill, this one's for you," Weiner says. 305-242-7700; nps.gov/ever

Northern lights viewing

Denali National Park, Alaska

Plan to visit from fall through early spring to up your chances of seeing the ethereal aurora borealis. "It's truly a once in a lifetime experience," Weiner says. While catching the northern lights is never guaranteed, the park benefits from its wilderness setting and northern latitude. 907-683-9532; nps.gov/dena