Exploring national parks with Local Guide Jeremy Janus

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Caption: A photo of the frozen Loch Vale lake at Rocky Mountain National Park. (Courtesy of Local Guide Jeremy Janus)

April 22 through April 30 is National Park Week in the United States. This is an opportunity to celebrate national parks of all sizes and the natural beauty, wildlife, and history that they provide visitors from around the world.

We recently caught up with Local Guide and nature photographer Jeremy Janus, who has visited nearly 30 national parks, using Google Maps to research and scout trails, lakes, and waterfalls. Based in Denver, Colorado, he’s passionate about experiencing nature at home and afar, traveling all across the United States to capture its beauty.

Caption: A photo of Jeremy with his camera. (Courtesy of Local Guide Jeremy Janus)

During his adventures, he shares stunning photos and helpful reviews so other travelers can enjoy all that these parks have to offer. When we asked why he shares photos and reviews on Google Maps, Jeremy told us, “Google Maps has been fundamental in building a larger community through my photography and storytelling which has meant more than I can say!”

Read on to learn more about Jeremy and his passion for sharing nature with others through photography.

What is your favorite national park you've visited?

My favorite national park is Rocky Mountain National Park because it’s right in my backyard from the front range of Colorado and offers so much diversity in exploring it year round. I love snowshoeing and exploring in the winter here more than I can express.

Caption: A photo of snow and fog at Black Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. (Courtesy of Local Guide Jeremy Janus)

Why do you share your photos and reviews of parks on Google Maps?

Google Maps helps me plan my adventures, where I am going to shoot, and shows me the lay of the land in an area so that I am better prepared to take a photo at any given moment. I also like to give honest reviews of how difficult some trips are, since they can sometimes be treacherous if you are ill prepared for them. 

I have been very fortunate to be able to travel and capture the beauty of the national parks and other places around the globe. Google Maps is an amazing forum for me to share this beauty with the world.

What does sustainability and ecotourism mean to you? 

Sustainability and ecotourism are infinitely important to me because it’s not just about what I’m able to capture and share; I want generations of people to be able to capture and share the beauty I have been blessed enough to see with my own eyes.

Caption: A photo of the night sky at Joshua Tree National Park. (Courtesy of Local Guide Jeremy Janus)

How can Local Guides support the national parks they visit?

Local Guides can support national parks by putting their best experiences and knowledge forward [through their contributions] and reminding people to travel responsibly and leave no trace.

Caption: A photo of Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park. (Courtesy of Local Guide Jeremy Janus)

Thank you, Jeremy, and all of the Local Guides who help preserve and share the beauty of national parks across the United States! To help explorers like you find the information needed when heading to a national park, we’re announcing new updates to Google Maps – like better trail navigation and easier ways to discover a park’s most popular attractions. Learn more on Google’s official blog, The Keyword. 

What is your favorite national park memory from your country? Share it with us in the comments below!