I have visited some amazing places, cities, parks, beaches, and areas throughout the United States. This past year I was able to mark off States 47 and 48 with Arizona and New Mexico. I have always enjoyed visiting National Parks, state parks, and seeing the diversity that each one offers. Here are some of my top recommendations for National Parks and parks that I have visited this year.
1. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is amazing back in June I visited the Northern Rim and the views are stunning. I have visited both the Northern and Southern Rim both are amazing The Northern Rim one offers less crowds, is 1,500 feet higher than the Southern Rim, alot more secluded hiking, and harder to get to. Also, the park is scheduled to close before November 30, 2023 or if SR 67 the main road into the park closes earlier due to Snow storms. The park offers various points that you can take in for the amazing views of the Grand Canyon. Roosevelt Point, Angels Window, and Cape Royal Point are three areas I enjoyed while visiting. The park offers a General Store, campgrounds, Service Station, and Information Center. I found that June is a great time to visit. The temperatures were around 80 degrees. One note to remember when visiting the Grand Canyon is since it is in the Northern part of Arizona it's generally 20 degrees cooler than that of Southern Arizona. For stays when visiting the Northern Rim your closest towns which I stayed at are either Page, Arizona or St. George, Utah. For the Southern Rim look at either Flagstaff or Sedona, Arizona. There will be various links to expedia.com at the end to book your stays. The Grand Canyon is a definite must in your lifetime and it offers various hiking, sightseeing, and seeing the natural beauty of the Canyon.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a wonder in itself and the landscape is amazing to visit. There are over 2,000 various arches and hundreds of other rock formations in the park. The first thing I'll mention is that you'll need to make reservations prior to going to the park. Even if you have reservations there is still a line to get in, but don't let this scare you away from seeing thus amazing park. Once you get through the gate there is a visitor center with bathrooms. Highly recommend stopping there first to use the bathroom cause they are limited once you get into the park. Three arches that I enjoyed are Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Landscape Arch. This area was a great area with Devils Garden Trail. It offers hiking for those that are basic to even more advanced with some climbing. Getting to Partition and Navajo was more on the extreme side. Highly recommend packing in plenty of water and snacks when visiting the Arches. Other notable stops include Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Salt Valley Overlook, and Panorama Point. For stays look at either Moab or Green River (this last trip I stayed in Green River). Also, recommend visiting before the middle of June as it gets into upper 90's in July and August. This was a truly memorable place to visit in Utah and one you'll not want to miss.
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah and about 45 minutes east of St. George, Utah. The park is captivating with the steep Cliffs and mountains. The park offers various levels of hiking, climbing, and picturesque views of the landscape. When you arrive at the park you'll immediately want to begin looking for parking after you pass through the gates. Parking can be found at the Visitor Center where your adventure begins. The park offers shuttle service from the visitor center to the various drop off points throughout the area. There are several different drop off locations throughout the park courtesy of the shuttle service. Each shuttle is wheelchair accessible. Plus, you don't need a ticket to ride the shuttle. At each drop off location you can experience what Zion is known for with steep red Cliffs, the Virgin River, and memories that will last forever. Additionally, the park has Zion Lodge who wish to stay inside the park. There are three picnic areas in which you can pack your favorite lunch or snacks and enjoy the view. Accessibility to the park is year round but I found May and June as a great time to visit as it's not to hot. Additionally, allow two to three days to explore the park. Outside the park there are restaurants and shopping availability in Springdale. We ate at the Whiptail Grill which was excellent. Hotels are available in Springdale and St. George. Zion is definitely a place you'll want to add to your bucket list because it's a place I look forward to traveling to again.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is America's First National Park that was signed by Ulysses S. Grant into action with the Yellowstone Protection Act on March 1, 1872. Today you can visit this amazing park as a place that has stood the test of time with it's wildlife, scenery, and of course Old Faithful. The park lies in Northwestern Wyoming and borders both Idaho and Montana. There are 2.2 million acres that visitors can explore while hiking, fly-fishing, sightseeing, and driving through the grandeur of the beauty that exists here. Several species of wildlife can be seen while in the park including deer, elk, Buffalo, moose, grizzly and black bears, coyote wolves, and many other wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is open year round and offers various opportunities to view the park by car, snowmobiling, hiking, or by cross country skiing. The park also offers stays within the park with the Yellowstone Lodge. The Lodge is located in West Yellowstone and offers an amazing stay right at the parks edge. Additional areas you can stay near the park include Idaho Falls, ID, Jackson Hole, WY, and Bozeman, MT. For a great restaurant near the West Gate check out the Slippery Otter Pub. Yellowstone National Park is a wonder in itself. It offers views of a beauty of America that individuals saw when they first discovered this area over 150 years ago. Definitely worth the experience in visiting the first National Park in America.
5. Death Valley National Park
I visited Death Valley in March and was captivated by the quiet beauty this National Park has to offer. Located in Eastern Southern California and the lowest point in America this is a place you'll not want to miss. It was established in October 31st, 1994 and offers vast salt fats, a Ghost town, and Titus Valley. Tickets are $30 to enter the park and definitely worth the experience. For stays Las Vegas is about an hour and a half away. You'll want to make sure you pack food and water when visiting the lowest point in America. Also, make sure you have a full tank prior to visiting the park because gas stations are limited. The park does offer camping but it's limited. Death Valley is a park that is a hidden wonder but full of extreme contrast with the beauty it offers. https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
6. Monument Valley
Monument Valley may not be a National Park but it is part of the Navajo Tribal Park. The park offers a some of the most photographed scenery in America. The scenic 17 mile loop offers a variety of mesas and buttes in the Arizona desert. There is one hiking trail that is called the Wildcat trail that is about 1.5 miles in length. Make sure you sign in with the visitor center. One recommendation is making sure you stay for the sunset because it is amazing with the colors that reflect off the rocks, buttes, and mesas. Several vendors are available and local Navajo souvenirs can be purchased. This park is open year round and is worth the experience. When I visited my stay was at Page, AZ. It's about an hour an a half a way.
7. Garden of the God's
Located just 45 minutes south of Denver near Colorado Springs you'll find a serene beauty of Colorado. This amazing park offers hiking, climbing, and even Segway tours. It is known for their striking contrast between mountains and plains. I found the hiking experience very enjoyable and the landscape amazing. You can even find areas to hike and climb to take in the beauty of this pride of Colorado Springs. Stays are available nearby in both Colorado Springs and Denver. This is stop in Colorado you'll not want to miss.
8. Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire located in Northwest Nevada offers a world renowned experience for 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, Valley of Fire State Park contains ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. A Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region. Enjoy several stops within the park for taking in the amazing views the park has to offer including the Seven Sisters which are seven rock formations that are tall and eroded by time that are surrounded by the desert. The park sits between Las Vegas, NV and St. George, UT. Great area to visit any time of the year. I visited the park in March and the temperatures were around 70 degrees. It's a great park and wotlrth the stop in Northwestern Nevada.
9. Red Rock Canyon National Park
Located West of Las Vegas you'll find an amazing Nevada's first conservation area with Red Rock Canyon. The park offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observing and visitor center with indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as a book store. I found the park amazing and definitely a deep contrast of the beauty that the desert outside of Las Vegas had to offer. You can stay in Las Vegas and the park is only 17 miles west of the city. The natural rock and the views as well as a wonderful drive through the park are worth the stop. Note reservations are needed for entry into the park.
10. Loveland Pass in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest
This may not be a National Park but it is worth the stop when passing through Colorado. The Loveland Pass is the highest mountain pass that regularly stays open. The views from the top are amazing and there is hiking available. Skiing is nearby with Arapaho Basin and Keystone. Stays are available in both ski towns as well as great restaurants in Keystone but also Idaho Springs. Only an hour west of Denver this is a place you'll want to check out. Notable restaurants nearby include Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs and Snake River Steakhouse and Saloon in Keystone. A stop in the Loveland Pass is well worth the drive and you'll never regret the drive to the top.
Majority of these places were done by post-it notes from individuals who I provided rides to. The memories that were made with these places is set in my mind forever. You'll definitely have an experience with any of these places that have been shared and your own memories will be be made like mine. Finally, one recommendation I'll always make for National Parks is the entrance pass. The pass will get you through the Parks and will pay for itself after three National Park visits. See link below for purchase.
For all of my stays I always use Expedia. I find the site very easy to use and offers me the best price for hotels while I build points for hotel stays. Additionally, you can reserve now and pay later that offered an advantage in all the places I mentioned above in an amazing experience. See link below to book your next experience..
A trip to any destination is an experience. Keep following me for an amazing travel and food destinations. Stay tuned for another journey happening soon. #ridingwithkurt
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