Celebrate 110 years of national parks with Maps, Search, and Gemini
Google introduces tools to aid National Parks Week celebrations, including AI-powered trip planning, real-time wildlife identification, and scenic route suggestions via Search, Maps, and the Gemini app.
National Parks Week marks 110 years of the National Park Service, with Google offering tools to assist travelers. Search can locate beginner hiking gear, Maps helps plan scenic road trips, and the Gemini app identifies landmarks or wildlife in real time. The United Parks of America collection on Google Arts & Culture provides an interactive way to build travel itineraries and bucket lists for park visits.
Americans are increasingly planning outdoor adventures, with Search interest in hiking at record highs. Queries for beginner hiking rose 165% in the past month, and Rocky Mountain National Park is the top trending park for newcomers. AI Mode in Search tailors gear recommendations, while Maps and Search assist in planning visits to parks like Acadia, Haleakalā, and Mount Rainier.
Road trips to national parks are gaining popularity, with Search interest in trip planning up 190% recently. Great Sand Dunes National Park leads as a trending road trip destination. Ask Maps suggests scenic stops, dining options, and traffic updates, while also helping locate accommodations along the route. Offline maps can be downloaded for navigation in remote areas.
Hikers are seeking detailed information, with Zion National Park and its Narrows trail ranking as top trending searches. The Gemini app’s Live feature allows users to point their camera at plants, rocks, or trail markers to receive real-time insights. The United Parks of America collection on Google Arts & Culture offers virtual explorations of parks like the Everglades and Yellowstone.