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.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

The dark, craggy, and desolate nature of the lava formations in Crater of the Moon National Monument near Arco, Idaho once led early explorers to speculate that this vivid landscape resembled the surface of our moon. This belief carried on for many years even leading NASA to send astronauts to the monument for training. However, it is know known that the moon is quit different from this dark rocked canvas of central Idaho. None the less, the name stuck with the monument and visitors are now blessed with Craters of the Moon National Monument.

The black volcanic lava is a surprise when first entering the monument as the surrounding Idaho mountains and prairie look nothing like the park itself. The visitor center offers great information on the violent recent eruptions that scarred the surrounding landscape. A big driving loop allows visitors to explore the rugged terrain on easy to walk black topped foot paths.

The vegetation within the park itself is most impressive. Small flowers of many shapes and sizes and strategically growing in a quadrant patten in the little soil they can find. The surprise of these flowers made the trip worthwhile.

Many cones and cinders can be visited along the looped road, and offer quick stops. The tree rings and molds stop is about a 2 mile hike back, but offer some very cool views of the bark and base molds of many ancient trees. You can literally feel the texture of the tree pressed into the volcanic lava centuries ago.

Continue along the loop road and make sure to stop at the caves and tunnels. Bring your flashlight, and make sure its a strong one. We only ventured into Indian Tunnel as it is the easiest to access and the brightest. Dewdrop Cave is more of a viewing cave. Boyscout cave looked difficult to access, was very dark and the signs reported that it was very icy and wet. We only stepped into Beauty Cave and that was amazing by itself as it was frigid cold and we could see our breath! Indian Tunnel was tons of fun, and was great to be able to explore around in.

Camping is available near the visitor center, but has little trees or shade and the black volcanic dirt does nothing but absorb the sun. Overall, we really enjoyed our time in Idaho and would certainly recommend a visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Horseshoe Bend

Just outside of Page, Arizona is a beautiful gooseneck of the Colorado river named Horseshoe Bend. Below Glen Canyon dam is one of the most dramatic, nearly circular bend that is well known to the photography community.

Head south from the dam on US Route 89 and look for the signs on the right. There is a steep and strenuous half mile climb in sand and silt. This hike is best done in the early morning or late afternoon as the hike is a hot one and the sun is best late or early in the day. Take plenty of water. The best part of the visit is that its free.

Views from the edge offer amazing glimpses at the Colorado river below and it bends its way around steep cliffs. A great stop for anyone visiting Lake Powell or the surrounding Navajo nation.

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.

Glacier National Park

Rising from the immense lakes and whispering fog, the mountains of Glacier National Park are some of the most beautiful in the world. Jagged and rugged, sharp points pierce the big blue Montana sky. Nestled amongst the peaks and valleys are the parks namesake features - the glaciers themselves. Not as abundant as 50 years ago, every visitor still has the opportunity to see one of the last great, ever melting wonders of the west.

We started our Glacier adventure on the East side of the Park - intending to drive to the West side via the brilliantly engineered Going to the Sun Road. However, even though it was late June, the road was not fully open during our visit and thus we drove and far up on the East side as we could, and as far up on the West side as we could. It's safe to note that each side of the Park are very different. St. Mary's is the best starting point and base for your East side visit. The Park Cafe is excellent as the pie might be the best I've ever had. Also check out Full Quiver Espresso stand for coffee in the morning - fresh and friendly. We camped at Rising Sun and found it to be a great spot to camp. The East side is much quieter and we enjoyed that. On the East side is the famous pull off from the Going to the Sun Road to photograph Wild Goose Island on Saint Mary Lake.

The Many Glaciers area of Glacier is striking in its beauty and charm. We saw a brown bear mother with her cub along the road. Many great hikes start around Many Glacier, however during our visit it had been so cold and because of recent snow many of the trails were closed. Make sure to visit St. Mary's Falls, it was an incredible water fall and a pleasant, strolling walk through the forest down to it.
Spend time to stop at the Sunrift Gorge, a dark crack in the earth where water gushes downstream at a rapid rate. Running Eagle falls in the Two Medicine section of the park is a must see. It's harder to tell why they used to call this "Trick Falls" but if you look closely you can see water coming over the rock and through the bottom.
The Going to the Sun Road is one of the most amazing sights and experiences I've ever had in a national park. It's dramatic views, curvey roads, and steep drops make this one for only the healthy and well hearted. If you dare go up the Going to the Sun Road, be careful and just enjoy it. It will take your breath away.












Glacier is one of those must do parks for anyone who enjoys our National Parks or anyone seeking some outdoor adventure. It's a big park, so take your time and enjoy the fresh air.