Everglades National Park
The Everglades is an awesome place to see if you are in Florida. It is amazing how close you can get to the wildlife, particularly the alligators. The Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm Visitor Center Area) is a short trail where you can spot many alligators. In the parking lot, you may see many black vultures. Tarps are provided free of charge to cover your car. The vultures will try and pick off rubber parts on your car, like the tires and the window wipers. We did not use a tarp, but were not there very long and our car was spared. There was a school bus there that did have some vultures on it. The other place in the Everglades to see a lot of alligators is Shark Valley. There is a tram you can take to an observation point or you can rent bicycles. It was raining off and on while we were there so we just walked on the path. You can see how close you can get. We could have reached out and touched many alligators (but we didn't). Awesome! As we were driving through the Everglades, it was strange to see road signs warning us about alligators crossing the road. We don't get too many of those signs in Idaho.
The Everglades is an awesome place to see if you are in Florida. It is amazing how close you can get to the wildlife, particularly the alligators. The Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm Visitor Center Area) is a short trail where you can spot many alligators. In the parking lot, you may see many black vultures. Tarps are provided free of charge to cover your car. The vultures will try and pick off rubber parts on your car, like the tires and the window wipers. We did not use a tarp, but were not there very long and our car was spared. There was a school bus there that did have some vultures on it. The other place in the Everglades to see a lot of alligators is Shark Valley. There is a tram you can take to an observation point or you can rent bicycles. It was raining off and on while we were there so we just walked on the path. You can see how close you can get. We could have reached out and touched many alligators (but we didn't). Awesome! As we were driving through the Everglades, it was strange to see road signs warning us about alligators crossing the road. We don't get too many of those signs in Idaho.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida is where you will find Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The only way to get there is by boat or by seaplane. We chose the seaplane (even though it is more expensive) because it only took 40 minutes to get to the island, whereas the ferry takes a couple of hours. (Elisa sometimes suffers from motion sickness, but had no problems in the seaplane after a dose of Dramamine.) We took the morning half day excursion and mostly had the island to ourselves (and the 6 other people on our flight). You can spend some time exploring Fort Jefferson or in the water. Snorkeling equipment was part of the seaplane package and we snorkeled for the first time. (Tip for first timers: When you put the flippers on, walk backwards. It is much easier.) The waters are so clear and you could see so many different fish in the water. We just finished up snorkeling as the boat full of people arrived and we were soon on our way back to Key West. This is really a once in a lifetime trip, but definitely worth doing.
Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida is where you will find Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The only way to get there is by boat or by seaplane. We chose the seaplane (even though it is more expensive) because it only took 40 minutes to get to the island, whereas the ferry takes a couple of hours. (Elisa sometimes suffers from motion sickness, but had no problems in the seaplane after a dose of Dramamine.) We took the morning half day excursion and mostly had the island to ourselves (and the 6 other people on our flight). You can spend some time exploring Fort Jefferson or in the water. Snorkeling equipment was part of the seaplane package and we snorkeled for the first time. (Tip for first timers: When you put the flippers on, walk backwards. It is much easier.) The waters are so clear and you could see so many different fish in the water. We just finished up snorkeling as the boat full of people arrived and we were soon on our way back to Key West. This is really a once in a lifetime trip, but definitely worth doing.
Badlands National Park
The Badlands are located just off I-90 in South Dakota. Unlike most national parks, you can climb all over the different rock formations. You are simply warned that the rock may not be stable. You may also choose to just drive through the park and admire all of the interesting formations. There are hikes you can do as well. It can get pretty warm during the summer so make sure you bring some water. Make that lots of water!
The Badlands are located just off I-90 in South Dakota. Unlike most national parks, you can climb all over the different rock formations. You are simply warned that the rock may not be stable. You may also choose to just drive through the park and admire all of the interesting formations. There are hikes you can do as well. It can get pretty warm during the summer so make sure you bring some water. Make that lots of water!
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park
We are fortunate to live a couple of hours from Grand Teton National Park. We usually make at least one trip over each year. One of our favorite things to do is to hike around Jenny Lake. We usually hike around half of the lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point and then take the boat back across the lake. We have hiked around the entire lake once, which is also fun. Taggart Lake is also a hike we've done a couple of times. It is great for people of all ages since it is pretty flat and not too far. The Colter Bay area also has some short hikes. Grand Teton is also a great place to just drive through. You can drive up Signal Mountain for a great view. You may also see many different animals, such as bears, bison, moose, elk, and many more.
We are fortunate to live a couple of hours from Grand Teton National Park. We usually make at least one trip over each year. One of our favorite things to do is to hike around Jenny Lake. We usually hike around half of the lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point and then take the boat back across the lake. We have hiked around the entire lake once, which is also fun. Taggart Lake is also a hike we've done a couple of times. It is great for people of all ages since it is pretty flat and not too far. The Colter Bay area also has some short hikes. Grand Teton is also a great place to just drive through. You can drive up Signal Mountain for a great view. You may also see many different animals, such as bears, bison, moose, elk, and many more.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park
Southern Utah has many national parks and Zion's is one we have visited often. Zion National Park has a shuttle system which takes you to different stops. It is very convenient and gets you to places relatively quickly. You can even ride the shuttle from the nearby town of Springdale. (Just a quick shout-out to our hotel in Springdale: La Quinta Inn and Suites. It wasn't the cheapest hotel ever, but it was fantastic and only a mile from the entrance to the park.) Hiking is what we do when we are in Zion National Park. Angel's Landing is one of our favorites. It is a 5.4 mile hike with a series of chains at the end. Some of the shorter hikes are to the Emerald Pools and to Weeping Rock. The Canyon Overlook hike is also a shorter hike to try. Observation Point, which starts at the same trailhead as Weeping Rock, is an 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the highest point in Zion National Park. The Narrows is another hike that is available but you have to watch out for flash floods. If you do not like hiking, you can drive (your own car) to the East Entrance for some great views. You will travel through a mile long tunnel and you can see Checkerboard Mesa. (The trailhead for the Canyon Overlook hike is near the entrance to the tunnel.) The Visitor Center has some interesting things and there is an IMAX theater just outside the park boundaries that has some great shows to see as well. Zion National Park is definitely a place to visit if you are in Southern Utah.
Southern Utah has many national parks and Zion's is one we have visited often. Zion National Park has a shuttle system which takes you to different stops. It is very convenient and gets you to places relatively quickly. You can even ride the shuttle from the nearby town of Springdale. (Just a quick shout-out to our hotel in Springdale: La Quinta Inn and Suites. It wasn't the cheapest hotel ever, but it was fantastic and only a mile from the entrance to the park.) Hiking is what we do when we are in Zion National Park. Angel's Landing is one of our favorites. It is a 5.4 mile hike with a series of chains at the end. Some of the shorter hikes are to the Emerald Pools and to Weeping Rock. The Canyon Overlook hike is also a shorter hike to try. Observation Point, which starts at the same trailhead as Weeping Rock, is an 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the highest point in Zion National Park. The Narrows is another hike that is available but you have to watch out for flash floods. If you do not like hiking, you can drive (your own car) to the East Entrance for some great views. You will travel through a mile long tunnel and you can see Checkerboard Mesa. (The trailhead for the Canyon Overlook hike is near the entrance to the tunnel.) The Visitor Center has some interesting things and there is an IMAX theater just outside the park boundaries that has some great shows to see as well. Zion National Park is definitely a place to visit if you are in Southern Utah.
Redwood National and State parks
Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwoods are located in northern California and are awesome to see. The pictures don't do the size of the trees justice. They are HUGE, plus the areas surrounding them are so green. The Redwoods are an area that you can easily drive through on Hwy 101. There are many short trails you can walk to see these majestic trees. One of the trails we took was the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. You can't go wrong with any of the trails. They are AMAZING!
The Redwoods are located in northern California and are awesome to see. The pictures don't do the size of the trees justice. They are HUGE, plus the areas surrounding them are so green. The Redwoods are an area that you can easily drive through on Hwy 101. There are many short trails you can walk to see these majestic trees. One of the trails we took was the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. You can't go wrong with any of the trails. They are AMAZING!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Utah has so many national parks and Arches is one of them. It is located a few miles north of Moab, Utah. You don't even have to hike to see a lot of the arches, but hiking gets you closer to them. Delicate Arch is one of the longer hikes (3 miles round trip) but definitely worth getting so close to the arch. The hike itself is not extremely difficult, but you do need to pay attention or you can get off track fairly easily. (Yes, we are speaking from personal experience.) You can walk underneath the arch easily. Double Arch can be seen from the road, but you can also walk about 1/4 of a mile to get closer to it. The Windows is another short hike as well. There are other hikes and arches to see as well. If you go in the summer, you will want to hike early because it can get very hot!
Utah has so many national parks and Arches is one of them. It is located a few miles north of Moab, Utah. You don't even have to hike to see a lot of the arches, but hiking gets you closer to them. Delicate Arch is one of the longer hikes (3 miles round trip) but definitely worth getting so close to the arch. The hike itself is not extremely difficult, but you do need to pay attention or you can get off track fairly easily. (Yes, we are speaking from personal experience.) You can walk underneath the arch easily. Double Arch can be seen from the road, but you can also walk about 1/4 of a mile to get closer to it. The Windows is another short hike as well. There are other hikes and arches to see as well. If you go in the summer, you will want to hike early because it can get very hot!
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park
The state of Washington has a wonderful national park in the northwest part of the state--- Olympic National Park. I bet you didn't know there was a rain forest in the United States! It is amazing how green it is with ferns and moss everywhere. We live in a desert and just loved all of the green space. There are many hikes and you can also visit the Hoh and Quinault Rain Forests. Marymere Falls is a 1.8 round trip hike in the Lake Crescent area of Olympic. Olympic also has some areas along the coast as well. (Remember: It is a rain forest which means it rains. A lot.) For those Twilight fans, the town of Forks is very close to Olympic National Park and has gift shops related to the series.
The state of Washington has a wonderful national park in the northwest part of the state--- Olympic National Park. I bet you didn't know there was a rain forest in the United States! It is amazing how green it is with ferns and moss everywhere. We live in a desert and just loved all of the green space. There are many hikes and you can also visit the Hoh and Quinault Rain Forests. Marymere Falls is a 1.8 round trip hike in the Lake Crescent area of Olympic. Olympic also has some areas along the coast as well. (Remember: It is a rain forest which means it rains. A lot.) For those Twilight fans, the town of Forks is very close to Olympic National Park and has gift shops related to the series.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Most of our trips have been in the United States, but in the summer of 2013 we traveled to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The mountains as you drive into the park are beautiful and we love the Tetons that we get to see all of the time. There are so many things to do that there was no way we could do everything (because we do have limited funds). In the town of Banff, there is a lot of shops and great eating places. We ate at the Spaghetti Factory and got a table by the window with some awesome views while we ate. Bow Falls is just a short walk outside of Banff and very close to the Banff Springs Hotel, which is an amazing place (we did not stay here). Since our time was limited, we decided that one of the hikes we would do was to the Plain of Six Glaciers in the Lake Louise area. Just over 3 miles into the hike, you reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. It is a great stopping place and you can buy different items which are all made without electricity (they only accept cash). To get the best view of the glaciers you need to continue on the trail for about 1 mile further. What a view! We also did some hikes to some waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. You also need to stop at Lake Moraine for some of the most beautiful colored water. We also took a gondola ride to get some more views of Lake Louise. It was awesome!
Most of our trips have been in the United States, but in the summer of 2013 we traveled to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The mountains as you drive into the park are beautiful and we love the Tetons that we get to see all of the time. There are so many things to do that there was no way we could do everything (because we do have limited funds). In the town of Banff, there is a lot of shops and great eating places. We ate at the Spaghetti Factory and got a table by the window with some awesome views while we ate. Bow Falls is just a short walk outside of Banff and very close to the Banff Springs Hotel, which is an amazing place (we did not stay here). Since our time was limited, we decided that one of the hikes we would do was to the Plain of Six Glaciers in the Lake Louise area. Just over 3 miles into the hike, you reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. It is a great stopping place and you can buy different items which are all made without electricity (they only accept cash). To get the best view of the glaciers you need to continue on the trail for about 1 mile further. What a view! We also did some hikes to some waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. You also need to stop at Lake Moraine for some of the most beautiful colored water. We also took a gondola ride to get some more views of Lake Louise. It was awesome!
Garden of the Gods
One of the hidden gems near Colorado Springs, Colorado is the Garden of the Gods. The land was donated by the Charles Elliot Perkins family to the city of Colorado Springs and "where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park." What a great gift! There are great trails to hike and a visitor center to learn more about the park.
One of the hidden gems near Colorado Springs, Colorado is the Garden of the Gods. The land was donated by the Charles Elliot Perkins family to the city of Colorado Springs and "where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park." What a great gift! There are great trails to hike and a visitor center to learn more about the park.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Another great park in Utah is Bryce Canyon. There are tons of great overlooks to see the hoodoos and other rock formations. You can enjoy a hike to the bottom of the canyon at Sunset Point on the Navajo Loop Trail. You can also hike over to Sunrise Point from Sunset Point as well. You can hike other trails or just stop at the overlooks to see things like the Natural Bridge. It is definitely a great trip to make and you could easily see Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park on the same trip.
Another great park in Utah is Bryce Canyon. There are tons of great overlooks to see the hoodoos and other rock formations. You can enjoy a hike to the bottom of the canyon at Sunset Point on the Navajo Loop Trail. You can also hike over to Sunrise Point from Sunset Point as well. You can hike other trails or just stop at the overlooks to see things like the Natural Bridge. It is definitely a great trip to make and you could easily see Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park on the same trip.
Kelly Park
This park is a great alternative to the expense of many things in Orlando. It is located about 20 minutes outside of Orlando in Apopka, Florida. It is a natural swimming pool that also has a stream that you can float down to the pool. Tubes have to be rented outside of the park, but they are not expensive. It is only $5/car to get into the park, which is a great deal. This a popular spot so get there early during the summer. We happened to go on a Monday during April and practically had it to ourselves. There are dressing rooms and a snack bar as well. For those that don't want to swim, there are hiking trails, sand volleyball, a playground, and a campground as well. If you are in Orlando and want a break from the crowds and craziness of the Disney universe, this is definitely a great option!
This park is a great alternative to the expense of many things in Orlando. It is located about 20 minutes outside of Orlando in Apopka, Florida. It is a natural swimming pool that also has a stream that you can float down to the pool. Tubes have to be rented outside of the park, but they are not expensive. It is only $5/car to get into the park, which is a great deal. This a popular spot so get there early during the summer. We happened to go on a Monday during April and practically had it to ourselves. There are dressing rooms and a snack bar as well. For those that don't want to swim, there are hiking trails, sand volleyball, a playground, and a campground as well. If you are in Orlando and want a break from the crowds and craziness of the Disney universe, this is definitely a great option!
Yellowstone national Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a park with so many different things to see. You can see the geysers including the famous Old Faithful. Many times you can also see wildlife, such as elk, bison, bears, etc. Mammoth Hot Springs is another section of Yellowstone that looks completely different from other sections. You would have a hard time covering the whole park in a day, but you could easily do a couple of the sections. We also enjoy all of the waterfalls in the area. Many of them you can see at viewpoints like Gibbon Falls and Undine Falls. Wraith Falls is a short hike to the falls. Artist Point is one of the most popular viewpoints with a spectacular view. Yellowstone is also very close to Grand Teton National Park and you could easily do both parks in one multi-day trip.
Yellowstone is a park with so many different things to see. You can see the geysers including the famous Old Faithful. Many times you can also see wildlife, such as elk, bison, bears, etc. Mammoth Hot Springs is another section of Yellowstone that looks completely different from other sections. You would have a hard time covering the whole park in a day, but you could easily do a couple of the sections. We also enjoy all of the waterfalls in the area. Many of them you can see at viewpoints like Gibbon Falls and Undine Falls. Wraith Falls is a short hike to the falls. Artist Point is one of the most popular viewpoints with a spectacular view. Yellowstone is also very close to Grand Teton National Park and you could easily do both parks in one multi-day trip.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg is another great park which is part of the National Park Service. It is in Pennsylvania about 1 1/2 hours from DC and 1 hour south of Hershey, PA. The Visitor Center is definitely a place to visit, we would recommend seeing the Cyclorama. Driving around Gettysburg you can see the battlefields as well as different monuments. You can hike around the grounds as well. When Elisa visited back in her high school days, they took the group of students out on the battlefield and did a reenactment of one of the battles. It was a neat experience.
Gettysburg is another great park which is part of the National Park Service. It is in Pennsylvania about 1 1/2 hours from DC and 1 hour south of Hershey, PA. The Visitor Center is definitely a place to visit, we would recommend seeing the Cyclorama. Driving around Gettysburg you can see the battlefields as well as different monuments. You can hike around the grounds as well. When Elisa visited back in her high school days, they took the group of students out on the battlefield and did a reenactment of one of the battles. It was a neat experience.
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, located in Kentucky, is another place we always wanted to see and we had the chance in 2011. It is the longest cave in the United States. We did not have a lot of time and only did one cave tour - - Historic Tour. You have a tour guide throughout the tour. It was pretty chilly in the caves (as you might expect). One of the sections of this tour is called "Fat Man's Misery". Luckily, we were not with any fat men. The walk back out from the entrance to the cave is pretty steep (and hot while we were there). There were a lot of people on this tour (which we don't care for), but it was still very interesting and a lot of fun. We would love to go back and do some of the other cave tours.
Mammoth Cave, located in Kentucky, is another place we always wanted to see and we had the chance in 2011. It is the longest cave in the United States. We did not have a lot of time and only did one cave tour - - Historic Tour. You have a tour guide throughout the tour. It was pretty chilly in the caves (as you might expect). One of the sections of this tour is called "Fat Man's Misery". Luckily, we were not with any fat men. The walk back out from the entrance to the cave is pretty steep (and hot while we were there). There were a lot of people on this tour (which we don't care for), but it was still very interesting and a lot of fun. We would love to go back and do some of the other cave tours.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Located 75 miles from Washington, D.C. in Virginia, is Shenandoah National Park. There are so many different hikes you can do that we had to choose from a list of them. We hiked to White Oak Canyon Falls (about 2 miles) and Dark Hollow Falls (less than a mile). You can also hike some of the Appalachian Trail if you go. Those who want to stay in the car you can drive through the whole park on Skyline Drive. Old Rag (9 miles) is one of the most popular hikes that we will have to do another time. All of the hikes, as far as we can tell, you have to hike downhill first and then uphill on the way out. That is backwards from how we do most of our hikes (and we definitely prefer the other way). Warning: When we were hiking here, Elisa ventured off the trail and ended up getting a tick which, since she didn't discover it until a few days later, caused some major complications. Ticks are very common in this area and often carry Lyme Disease. Stay on the trails and wear repellent. (Elisa did neither.)
Located 75 miles from Washington, D.C. in Virginia, is Shenandoah National Park. There are so many different hikes you can do that we had to choose from a list of them. We hiked to White Oak Canyon Falls (about 2 miles) and Dark Hollow Falls (less than a mile). You can also hike some of the Appalachian Trail if you go. Those who want to stay in the car you can drive through the whole park on Skyline Drive. Old Rag (9 miles) is one of the most popular hikes that we will have to do another time. All of the hikes, as far as we can tell, you have to hike downhill first and then uphill on the way out. That is backwards from how we do most of our hikes (and we definitely prefer the other way). Warning: When we were hiking here, Elisa ventured off the trail and ended up getting a tick which, since she didn't discover it until a few days later, caused some major complications. Ticks are very common in this area and often carry Lyme Disease. Stay on the trails and wear repellent. (Elisa did neither.)
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The Ozarks
If you are driving through Arkansas, you can stop and see the Ozarks (Ozark National Forest). There are a lot of campgrounds and creeks. We found a nice waterfall called Haw Creek Falls. We could actually walk out across the rocks of the falls (albeit very carefully because it was very slippery). We would like to see more of the Ozarks when we are in the area again. |
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Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon
We never win any contests, but in 2008 Elisa won a free boat trip up Hells Canyon from the Red Cross (we entered the contest one day after we donated blood). The boat trip was for four people so we invited another sister plus our niece, Rachael, to come with us to Northern Idaho. The boat trip was a 1/2 day trip from Snake River Adventures. (There are also full day trips available.) The trip started in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a great way to see the canyon and you can see a lot of big horn sheep along the way. A box lunch was provided as well, which was delicious. It was a great trip.
We never win any contests, but in 2008 Elisa won a free boat trip up Hells Canyon from the Red Cross (we entered the contest one day after we donated blood). The boat trip was for four people so we invited another sister plus our niece, Rachael, to come with us to Northern Idaho. The boat trip was a 1/2 day trip from Snake River Adventures. (There are also full day trips available.) The trip started in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a great way to see the canyon and you can see a lot of big horn sheep along the way. A box lunch was provided as well, which was delicious. It was a great trip.
Big horn sheep
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Melinda sitting in the front of the boat. We actually sat in the back for the trip.
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A stop on the way back that you could get really wet!
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Cabrillo National Monument
Just outside of San Diego is Cabrillo National Monument. It is the place where Europeans first stepped foot on the West Coast. There is a Visitor Center as well as a Lighthouse you can go through. There is the Bayside Trail that you can hike or you can drive to the Tide Pools. You also get a great view of San Diego and can also watch the ships out in the ocean.
Just outside of San Diego is Cabrillo National Monument. It is the place where Europeans first stepped foot on the West Coast. There is a Visitor Center as well as a Lighthouse you can go through. There is the Bayside Trail that you can hike or you can drive to the Tide Pools. You also get a great view of San Diego and can also watch the ships out in the ocean.
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Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
This is one of the most scenic national parks we have been to. The pictures do not even do it justice. We have been to Glacier twice. There are many hikes to enjoy or you can just drive on the Going to the Sun road through the park. We did a hike to John's Lake and wanted to do some hikes at Logan pass except there was too much snow. If you plan on going in June, there may be too much snow to do much hiking. The Logan Pass parking lot fills quickly during high traffic days and so plan on going early in the morning if you want to be able to park. In 2013 we went later in the summer, but could not stop there because the lot was full and many cars were waiting for the next available space. There is water running off of everything and it makes for many waterfalls and keeps things green. You may see wildlife too, like mountain goats. Glacier is definitely a place to visit if you are even close to Montana.
This is one of the most scenic national parks we have been to. The pictures do not even do it justice. We have been to Glacier twice. There are many hikes to enjoy or you can just drive on the Going to the Sun road through the park. We did a hike to John's Lake and wanted to do some hikes at Logan pass except there was too much snow. If you plan on going in June, there may be too much snow to do much hiking. The Logan Pass parking lot fills quickly during high traffic days and so plan on going early in the morning if you want to be able to park. In 2013 we went later in the summer, but could not stop there because the lot was full and many cars were waiting for the next available space. There is water running off of everything and it makes for many waterfalls and keeps things green. You may see wildlife too, like mountain goats. Glacier is definitely a place to visit if you are even close to Montana.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park
Along the coastline of Maine you can discover Acadia National Park. We definitely did not get to see everything we wanted to on the trip and need to go back. There are beautiful views to see with rocky coasts, sandy beaches, and even Wild Gardens. It has places to explore for people of all ages. It is also one of the few national parks in the east.
Along the coastline of Maine you can discover Acadia National Park. We definitely did not get to see everything we wanted to on the trip and need to go back. There are beautiful views to see with rocky coasts, sandy beaches, and even Wild Gardens. It has places to explore for people of all ages. It is also one of the few national parks in the east.
Waterton National Park
Waterton National Park
Waterton National Park is another great place to visit in Canada, just over the border of Montana. You can easily visit it on your way back from Banff or if you go to Glacier National Park. There are many great hikes to do there. We went in 2013 and were planning on hiking the Carthew-Alderson trail (about 12 miles), but due to flooding the road to hike was washed out. Crypt Lake (10.8 miles roundtrip) is another hike we plan on doing in the future. There are other hikes as well and we went to Lower Bertha Falls (3.2 miles roundtrip). The hike is an easy one and the waterfall is great. On your way to the trailhead, you will see another waterfall, Cameron Falls, which you can park by to get some great pictures. The Prince of Wales Hotel is another landmark in Waterton. The rooms are old fashioned (no internet access and no television) but clean. It is a little expensive, but a great experience for at least one night. If you head to Red Rock Canyon, you can hike to Blakiston Falls (1.2 miles roundtrip). It is an easy hike, but bring mosquito repellent. There were a lot of mosquitoes. We did see a few bears as well (from the safety of our car). We took bear spray on all of our hikes, just in case.
Waterton National Park is another great place to visit in Canada, just over the border of Montana. You can easily visit it on your way back from Banff or if you go to Glacier National Park. There are many great hikes to do there. We went in 2013 and were planning on hiking the Carthew-Alderson trail (about 12 miles), but due to flooding the road to hike was washed out. Crypt Lake (10.8 miles roundtrip) is another hike we plan on doing in the future. There are other hikes as well and we went to Lower Bertha Falls (3.2 miles roundtrip). The hike is an easy one and the waterfall is great. On your way to the trailhead, you will see another waterfall, Cameron Falls, which you can park by to get some great pictures. The Prince of Wales Hotel is another landmark in Waterton. The rooms are old fashioned (no internet access and no television) but clean. It is a little expensive, but a great experience for at least one night. If you head to Red Rock Canyon, you can hike to Blakiston Falls (1.2 miles roundtrip). It is an easy hike, but bring mosquito repellent. There were a lot of mosquitoes. We did see a few bears as well (from the safety of our car). We took bear spray on all of our hikes, just in case.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is the deepest lake North America. On both of our visits (which were in early and late June), the entire road around the lake has not been open. We are hoping to go another time later in the summer, maybe August, so we can go around the whole lake. Crater Lake has many great viewpoints along the road, but be prepared to see snow. The temperature will definitely be cooler than where ever you have come from. There are a number of hikes you can do, but we have only done the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only trail to take you to the lake. You can also take boat rides on the lake which are accessed by the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Crater Lake can be enjoyed from just seeing the viewpoints and is definitely a beautiful place to visit.
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is the deepest lake North America. On both of our visits (which were in early and late June), the entire road around the lake has not been open. We are hoping to go another time later in the summer, maybe August, so we can go around the whole lake. Crater Lake has many great viewpoints along the road, but be prepared to see snow. The temperature will definitely be cooler than where ever you have come from. There are a number of hikes you can do, but we have only done the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only trail to take you to the lake. You can also take boat rides on the lake which are accessed by the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Crater Lake can be enjoyed from just seeing the viewpoints and is definitely a beautiful place to visit.
The end of the Cleetwood Cove Trail
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Snow along the side of the road
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City of Rocks
City of Rocks
Located in Idaho, but near the Nevada and Utah borders, is City of Rocks National Reserve. You drive through a lot of sage brush and farmland to get there and soon you see big boulders of granite. This is definitely a place that rock climbers come to with over 700 different routes to climb. Along with the climbing, there are hikes as well, such as the Creekside Towers Trail. There are other trails as well, such as Box Top Trail, Tea Kettle Trail, and Stripe Rock Trail. You can also easily see the Window Arch (behind Campsite #37). City of Rocks is not really on your way to anything, but if you are traveling in the Twin Falls area, a detour to City of Rocks is worth it.
Located in Idaho, but near the Nevada and Utah borders, is City of Rocks National Reserve. You drive through a lot of sage brush and farmland to get there and soon you see big boulders of granite. This is definitely a place that rock climbers come to with over 700 different routes to climb. Along with the climbing, there are hikes as well, such as the Creekside Towers Trail. There are other trails as well, such as Box Top Trail, Tea Kettle Trail, and Stripe Rock Trail. You can also easily see the Window Arch (behind Campsite #37). City of Rocks is not really on your way to anything, but if you are traveling in the Twin Falls area, a detour to City of Rocks is worth it.
Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is another national park that we have been fortunate to visit. Unfortunately, it was just a quick visit and we stopped at a few of the overlooks and a waterfall (Bridalveil Fall). You can see El Capitan as well as the giant Sequoia trees. There are trails everywhere and the views are spectacular. Yosemite is one of the national parks that we will definitely visit again. Maybe Elisa can even convince Melinda to give Half-Dome a try; however, it is done by lottery and we have not had much luck with lotteries so far. |
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Mount St. Helens
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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Mount St. Helens is actually not a national park, but a national volcanic monument. It is run by the USDA Forest Service. We just went to the viewpoint of the volcano, but you can climb Mount St. Helens. The hike is 5 miles and does not require technical climbing, but it does require a permit. The volcano itself is a sight to see without doing anything else. |
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Muir Woods National Monument
One great place to visit in the San Francisco area is Muir Woods National Monument. There is a visitor center as well as fun trails to explore. You may even see some wildlife, such as deer. Muir Woods is a popular place, so parking spots can be difficult to find. However, there is a shuttle available on weekends and holidays to take you to and from Muir Woods. |
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve is located near San Diego. It is one of our favorite places to visit. There are a lot of trails to hike or you can just spend time on the beach. The Torrey Pines Golf Course is nearby as well (for you wealthy, golfer types). We usually visit in the morning hours when most of the trails are empty. You will see the occasional runner on the trails early in the morning. It is such a peaceful place in the mornings as well as having so many interesting landforms to see. It is much more difficult to find parking later in the day (usually when we are leaving, someone is waiting to take our spot) and so you may have to park further away or pay for parking.
Great Smoky National Park
Great Smoky National Park is straddles the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina and there are many hikes and beautiful views to see. It is also by the Appalachian Trail. You need to make the walk (hike) up to Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point. It is a tough climb but definitely worth it. The National Park is by Gatlinburg, TN and Dollywood. This is a park for everyone. If you are not able to hike, just driving through the park is worth it. The mountains seem to go on forever. We did one hike while we were there to Rainbow Falls. It was a wonderful hike with a lot of greenery and a beautiful waterfall at the end.
