Yosemite National Park

High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains one finds an iconic American National Park - Yosemite. Visitors have been flocking to the sheer granite cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife area since its discovery over 100 years ago. The land here is monstrous and its easy to feel small.

This park is frequently visited, so plan ahead when visiting to ensure proper reservations are made (including camping spots!) Weekends in the summer can create traffic jams both at the entrances and on roads heavily traveled within the park. Take it slow - you'll be sure to see more wildlife!

Springtime and early summer are the best viewing times for most waterfalls, although each waterfall seems different each year depending on the past season's moisture and amount of summer rains.

The park itself hosts several Giant Sequoia groves, however they pale in comparison to the much larger tress just south in Sequoia National Park. The Mariposa Grove is one of the biggest and most visited in Yosemite.

The visit to Glacier Point is a must for all visitors as it offers one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley. Getting up above the canyon walls provides a true understanding of the enormity of your surroundings.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in the elevated and vastly remote high country of Colorado lies Rocky Mountain National Park. High in altitude and attitude, the park is both relaxing and awe inspiring. Whether its a long hike, a sight seeing drive, or wildlife viewing, RMNP has something for every visitor.

On the outskirts of the park is the town of Estes Park, CO. A beautiful and rustic town with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops for the visiting tourist. Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Steven Kings book "The Shinning." The Sundeck Restaurant is a great place to stop for breakfast, although its on the pricey side. The spirit of the town is reflected in a sign inside the Sundeck "If you are in a rush, then this isn't the place for you" speaking to its laid back way of life.

The park itself is huge and offers lots of opportunities to hike. There are many Alpine and sub Alpine day hikes. One excellent hike is from Glacier Gorge parking area to Mills Lake. Mills Lake is stunning, nestled on the Western flanks of Longs Peak (a 14,000 + peak). The hike is easy, and has a quick stop at the amazing Alberta Falls. The image of Mills Lake is displayed on the Colorado State quarter.

Drive over Trail Ridge Road in the summer. It's widely known to be the highest paved road in the US, and is closed most of the year due to heavy snow. This road takes you high into the Colorado mountains at elevations over 12,000 feet. This is higher than "tree line" - the altitude that trees stop growing. The views are amazing of distant rocky peaks and sparkling mountain lakes.

Wildlife is abundant in Rocky Mountain National Park, and quiet frequently massive brown herds of elk are seen feeding. We also saw several moose and deer, in addition to marmots in the high country.

The air is crisp and fresh, and the sky is the brightest of blues. Any trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is worth the time, and not for those who rush.

Great Basin National Park

Deep in the endless dusty highways of Eastern Nevada is one of the gems of the National Park System - Great Basin National Park. Here the flat and barren basins meet the highest point in Nevada (Wheeler Peak).

High up on the heels of Wheeler Peak, near treeline, lies a grove of Bristlecone Pine trees that are some of (if not outright) the older non clonal species on Earth. Non clonal refers to plants that reproduce with new underground shoots (like Aspen). Some of these Bristlecone pine tree are over 2000 and 3000 years old.

The Bristlecones are twisted, warped, worn, and wind swept with uncanny beauty. To lay your eyes upon one of these great trees is to inspire oneself. The trees that live the longest are those trees that live in the most adverse conditions. It brings to truth the saying that "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger"












On the trail up to the Bristlecone Pine stand is Theresa Lake hidden in the lower shadows of Wheeler Peak. The trail up to the treeline where the Bristlecone live is not terribly difficult, and should be able to be manuvered by most in decent shape.




The views from the moutain side were incredible. You could see for what seemed like hundreds of miles.