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Trekking the National Parks (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Trekking the National Parks is a board game that was released in in 2014. The game is designed by Charlie Bink and features artwork by Bink Ink LLC. It falls under the categories of educational, environmental, and travel games, making it a unique addition to any board game collection.

Game Components of Trekking the National Parks

  • Game Board:** A stylized map of the United States featuring 45 different national parks.
  • Trek Cards:** Cards with movement values (1-4) and travel icons, used for moving and claiming park cards.
  • Park Cards:** Oversized cards featuring fun facts and photographs of national parks, each with a point value.
  • Major Park Cards:** Special park cards that offer additional benefits when claimed.
  • Colored Stones:** Plastic domes (previously beads) collected as players move around the board, worth points and bonuses.
  • Meeples and Campsites:** Player tokens and campsites used to mark player positions and occupied parks.
  • Guide Book:** A page on the back of the book in the second edition, previously a comprehensive guide to national parks.

    How To Setup Trekking the National Parks

    To set up the game, players start by placing their meeples in the starting area. The trek deck is shuffled, and a display of five trek cards is placed face up next to the board. Three minor park cards and the three major park cards chosen for the game are laid out face up. Each player receives a starting hand of two trek cards. Stones are placed on the board at the locations of the parks.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement:** Players use trek cards to move their meeple around the board, summing up the card values to match the distance.
  • Claiming Parks:** Players claim park cards by discarding trek cards matching the colored icons on the park card.
  • Occupying Major Parks:** Players occupy major parks by matching icons, gaining points and special benefits.
  • Collecting Stones:** Players collect stones as they move, which are worth points and bonuses.
  • End Game:** The game ends when all stones are collected or a player collects their fifth regular park card. Points are scored from park cards, major parks, stones, and stone bonuses.

    Player Experience

    Players experience a light, accessible, and enjoyable game that combines strategy with an educational theme. The game is easy to learn, making it suitable for family game nights and new players. The inclusion of fun facts and photographs on the park cards adds an educational element, inspiring players to learn more about national parks.

    Pros

  • Educational Value:** The game teaches players about various national parks and their features.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for kids aged 10 and up, making it a great family game.
  • Multiple Strategies:** Players can focus on different methods to win, such as collecting stones or focusing on park cards.
  • Beautiful Artwork:** High-quality components, including photographs and park facts, enhance the gaming experience.

    Cons

  • Material Changes:** Some players miss the original beads and guide book from the first edition.
  • Postcards Module:** The postcards module from the original game is not included in the second edition, which some players miss.

    Personal Thoughts on Trekking the National Parks

    Trekking the National Parks is an excellent choice for families, national park enthusiasts, and those looking for a light yet strategic game. It’s perfect for introducing new players to hobby board games due to its accessible gameplay and educational content. The game’s design encourages friendly competition and scheming, making it a fun and engaging addition to any game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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