1. Arches National Park
During our time at Arches National Park, we enjoyed two full days filled with various hikes and breathtaking views of the park’s famous rock formations. On the first day, we left our Moab campsite for an 8:00 am entry, visiting the popular Windows Arches, where we took easy walks and a more secluded trail to escape the crowds. We continued to the Double Arch, next hiked to the iconic Delicate Arch, which provided a memorable “wow” moment as you rounded the final corner to see it. Our day concluded with a hike from the Courthouse Towers viewpoint to Park Avenue Viewpoint, which was a welcome relief from the heat of the day.
Our second day in the park involved exploring the Devil’s Garden, where we encountered a range of arches and rock formations, including the Landscape Arch, which is no longer accessible underneath due to safety concerns from falling rock. Despite some light rain and slick conditions, we navigated the area and took in the unique scenery, including creatively named rock formations like “submarine” rock and “star destroyers.” This mix of established trails and more adventurous paths allowed for a comprehensive experience of Arches National Park’s stunning landscapes.
Arches National Park Posts:
2. Canyonlands National Park
During our visit to Canyonlands National Park we spent a full day exploring the park’s scenic beauty and engaging in several hikes. We began their journey in the Islands in the Sky district, where we hiked to Murphy’s Point, enjoying stunning vistas from a newly accessible viewpoint. This was followed by a trek to the Grand View Point Overlook, a 2-mile round trip that offered breathtaking views throughout the hike. we also made a brief stop at Whale Rock before embarking on their final hike of the day to Upheaval Dome, which features intriguing geological formations and theories about its origin.
We then left Moab to travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands, known for its challenging and strenuous hikes, which include navigating ladders and experiencing sites of ancient rock usage. Our exploration revealed the diverse geological features and the park’s fascinating history. Overall, our visit was filled with physical activity and an appreciation of the park’s unique landscapes.
Canyonlands National Park posts:
3. Hot Springs National Park
During our visit to Hot Springs National Park, we experienced a blend of history, nature, and unique recreational opportunities. We parked on a city street and made our way to the headquarters, housed in a historic bathhouse that has since been converted into a museum. The exhibits included amusing historical workout attire, which led us to marvel at how people managed to hike in corsets. The decline of the bathhouses began in the 1950s with the advent of antibiotics, as the hot water treatments that once drew visitors faded in popularity.
Our adventure included a hike up the Tower Trail, an uphill journey that rewarded us with over 30 miles of breathtaking panoramic views from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. This park is distinctive in that it combines intriguing history with natural beauty, making it less conventional than typical national parks, yet still captivating for visitors.
Hot Springs National Park posts:
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
During our visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we explored some of the park’s highlights and took in the natural beauty it offers. Notably, we hiked the Brandywine Gorge Loop, which leads to Brandywine Falls, the highest waterfall in the park. The area was a site of historical significance, with remnants of a 19th-century village that relied on the falls for power. The scenic hike also included the Stanford Trail, offering ample opportunities for stepping up our daily activity.
Additionally, we utilized our Harvest Host membership for accommodations in Cleveland, where we supported a local business. Cuyahoga Valley National Park stands out as a nontraditional national park, situated between Cleveland and Akron without any park-run campsites. While our visit was brief, it left us excited for potential future trips to explore more of the park’s offerings along the unique Tow Path bike route.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park posts:
5. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
During our visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we engaged in various outdoor activities, primarily hiking. Upon arriving in Medora, we explored several trails, including the Little Missouri River trail and Wind Canyon Trail, which offered stunning views of the river and its soft, wind-sculpted sandstone formations. We also encountered local wildlife, specifically bison, which provided a memorable and a bit too close for comfort moment during our hikes.
In addition to hiking, we enjoyed some relaxing time at our campground in Medora, where we participated in some friendly cribbage games in the evening. The area’s rich history was also evident, with references to Theodore Roosevelt’s ranching days and the charming town of Medora, which serves as a gateway to the park. Overall, our adventure combined hiking, wildlife observation, and a touch of local culture, making for an enriching experience.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park posts:
6. Acadia National Park
During our visit to Acadia National Park, we engaged in several outdoor activities and enjoyed the natural beauty of the area. Our first stay was the Seawall Picnic parking area, which provided scenic views of the ocean and opportunities to explore tide pools filled with snails and barnacles. We hiked along the shore of Eagle Lake, which is known for its crystal-clear water, and later visited the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to gather information on the park’s hiking trails.
Our hikes included the Acadia Mountain Trail, where we were rewarded with stunning lookout points, particularly over Somes Sound. We also took the time to enjoy a sunset stroll, where we observed deer in the area, including a fawn reuniting with its mother. Overall, our activities in Acadia National Park provided a wonderful blend of hiking, natural observation, and relaxation.
Acadia National Park Posts:
- Acadia, the Atlantic Ocean, and First Lobster Roll
- First Official Acadia Hike
- Wonderland Hike & New Campsite
- Beech Cliff and Canada Cliffs Trails with Island Explorer Bus
- Beech Mountain Trail and Echo Lake Beach
- Four seconds red; one second dark
- Go for a Stroll and get a Lobster Roll
- Popovers from Jordan Pond House, Acadia
- A Bus Ride to Bah Hahbah
- Quintessential Maine Coast Walk
7. Big Bend National Park
During our time at Big Bend National Park, we experienced a variety of activities and scenic views. We camped in the Rio Grande Village Campground, enjoying the park’s remoteness which offered no cell service but allowed us the chance to immerse ourselves in nature. Our daily routine included managing battery power for our devices, utilizing the nearby store for laundry and free Wi-Fi, and ensuring our two cats were comfortable in the warm weather. A volunteer camp host provided valuable insights about the local wildlife and recommended hiking the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which we enjoyed while catching stunning sunset views from the top of a hillside.
We also explored the Chisos Basin, located at an elevation of 5,400 feet. Here, we had a delicious lunch at a restaurant featuring unique dishes, before embarking on the Windows Trail, which showcased beautiful geological features such as a slick pour-off rock. Although the hike back was a challenging 900 feet ascent, the cooler mountain air allowed us to recover efficiently. Throughout our visit, moments like observing playful wildlife and engaging with other hikers enriched our experience, making Big Bend a memorable destination.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
During our visit to Guadalupe National Park, we explored the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which features beautiful scenery including picturesque canyon walls and unique plants like the Texas Madrone tree. The trail offers a gradual slope and culminates at two lovely destinations, with a transition in vegetation from juniper and maple trees to pine trees as you hike further. The Texas Madrone is notable for its smooth, red-tinted bark and colorful leaves, providing a beautiful backdrop for our hike.
In addition to the natural beauty, we visited the Pratt Cabin, a limestone summer home built in the 1930s by Wallace Pratt, a figure influential in creating the national park. The cabin adds a historical element to your experience, allowing you to appreciate the connection between the natural landscape and its preservation efforts. Overall, our activities in Guadalupe National Park included a lovely hiking experience and an exploration of the area’s history.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park posts:
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
During our visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we spent their first day exploring various trails and preparing for a cave tour scheduled for the next day. We stopped at the Walnut Canyon Nature Trail and the Walnut Canyon Vista Trail, where we enjoyed views and confirmed the identification of local flora such as Texas Mountain Laurel and Fender’s Bladderpod. The visitor’s center had a nature trail leading to a cave entrance, previously used for guano extraction in the early 1900s.
While on our drive back, we encountered a herd of Aoudad sheep, adding to the day’s excitement. We also visited the bat viewing amphitheater and the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns, which we plan to explore further after obtaining our entrance tickets.
Carlsbad Cavern is renowned for its massive dimensions and unique features. The largest chamber, known as The Big Room, spans eight acres, reaches depths of 1,600 feet, and has around 30 miles of explored passages. Visitors can embark on a 1.25-mile trail that starts at the natural entrance and descends to an elevator shaft that returns them to the surface. The trail is accessible, equipped with rough pavement to prevent slipping, as well as emergency phones and resting benches. For those who prefer a more straightforward experience, elevators are available to just tour The Big Room, showcasing a stunning array of cave formations like stalagmites and cave draperies.
Overall, the immense beauty and complexity of Carlsbad Cavern make it a captivating destination.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park posts:
10. White Sands National Park
During our visit to White Sands National Park, we engaged in various outdoor activities that showcased the park’s stunning landscapes and unique features. On our first day, we drove through the beautiful white sand dunes along an 8-mile paved road, stopping at the Alkali Flats trailhead for a challenging hike. The hike was strenuous, requiring us to navigate up and down soft sand dunes, which provided a fun and effective workout. The temperate weather made it a perfect day for this adventure, allowing us to cover nearly five miles in less than two hours. We also experienced sledding on the dunes, borrowing sleds from the KOA, which added an element of fun to our visit.
On the second day, we took advantage of another day of ideal weather to explore more trails in the park. We hiked the Backcountry Camping Trail, which offered expansive views and insights into camping spots within the park. We also visited the Dune Life Nature Trail, where we learned about the various critters inhabiting the dunes, although the signs were somewhat worn due to sunlight exposure. Our time in White Sands was filled with exploration, hiking, and enjoying the striking natural beauty of the unique landscape.
White Sands National Park posts:
11. Voyageurs National Park
During our visit to Voyageurs National Park, we arrived at a unique destination where all campsites are located on islands within large lakes, necessitating water transportation for exploration. The park features visitor centers that provide boat excursions led by park rangers to tour the lakes and over 500 islands, as well as rentals for various watercraft, including houseboats. We stayed at Arrowhead Lodge and Resort, which provided convenient access to visitor centers and hiking opportunities.
One of the hiking experiences was the Blind Ash Bay Trail, a four-mile loop that traverses a peninsula offering limited views of Kabetogama Lake. While enjoyable, the hike came with challenges, such as high humidity and swarms of mosquitoes, which required the use of bug spray. Along the trail, we encountered various plants, including wild blueberries and interesting natural features, making the hike both a botanical and scenic adventure.
Voyageurs National Park posts:
12. Yellowstone National Park
For our visit to Yellowstone National Park, we took Beartooth Highway, a scenic drive that connects Red Lodge to the Silver Gate entrance. We stayed at three different campsites — two within the park and one outside the park on the west side. The area is notable for its thermal features, especially around the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the adjacent Yellowstone Lake, which has a fascinating geological history from an explosion 125,000 years ago. Of course, we also had to watch iconic Old Faithful do its thing.
We also explored the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, focusing on the North Rim Drive to see the breathtaking Lower Falls. The trek down to the Brink of Lower Falls is challenging yet rewarding, providing an incredible view of the canyon. While staying at the Fishing Bridge RV Park we experienced the local flavor with Huckleberry treats, and kept an eye out for bears that frequent the area. The scenery and activities made our time in the park memorable.
Yellowstone National Park posts:
- Beartooth Highway and Mammoth Springs, Yellowstone NP
- Traveling South from Mammoth to Madison
- Iconic Old Faithful Geyser
- Lower and Midway Geyser Basins
- Old Faithful Geyser, repeat
- West Thumb & Yellowstone Lake
- Mud Volcano and Sulphur Caldron
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone—North Rim Drive
- South Rim Drive and Dunraven Pass
13. Mammoth Cave National Park
During our visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, we stayed at a campground close to the main cave entrance, making it convenient for accessing cave tours and hiking trails. The weather was pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and cooler evenings. We were entertained by local wildlife, such as birds and squirrels, while managing our power use without hook-ups and utilizing coin-operated showers located at the camp store nearby.
Explorations included hiking trails around the visitor center, where we visited the Old Guides Cemetery and the top of Lookout Mountain. We took a Mammoth Passage tour that departed shortly after our arrival, which was educational and engaging, especially for families. The tour provided insights into the cave’s history and geology, including details on saltpeter mining during the War of 1812 and its significance, while also showcasing the cave’s formations in candlelight and complete darkness. On our second day we took the popular Historic Tour, which involved navigating narrow passages and over 500 stairs while appreciating the cave’s unique features, including flowstone formations and historical artifacts.
Mammoth Cave National Park posts:
14. Shenandoah National Park
During our time at Shenandoah National Park, we engaged in various outdoor activities and exploration. On our first day, we visited the park’s entrance and traveled along Skyline Drive, which offered breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We embarked on our first hike at Fox Hollow Trail, where we also encountered a small family cemetery along the trail. Our stay included camping in the picturesque Big Meadows area, known for its scenic backdrop and wildlife.
Over the next few days, we went on several hikes, including a 3.3-mile trek to South River Falls, where we received helpful advice from fellow hikers. You also explored the Rose River Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and the Lewis Falls Loop, taking in the natural beauty through robust hikes around the park. Along the way, we interacted with other hikers, such as “Timber,” an Appalachian Trail hiker, which added to the experience. Each day concluded with scenic views or meals at the local spots, like the Skyland restaurant, bringing a blend of adventure and relaxation to our visit.
Shenandoah National Park posts:
15. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we experienced a variety of activities and beautiful scenery. On our first day, we arrived after a leisurely drive, noting the dramatic contrast in crowds compared to other parks like Shenandoah. We set up camp at Smokemont, where we were fortunate to find a reservation late in the season, as it was a busy time for the park with many visitors attracted by the changing leaves. We also explored the town of Cherokee, observing the bilingual signs that reflect the heritage of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.
On the second day, we navigated through the park’s new parking pass system as we headed to Mingus Mill, an operational water-powered grist mill that was historically significant in the region. We hiked through lush landscapes filled with native plants. On our third day, we explored the Thomas Ridge Trail, enjoying the solitude of the trail and its rich plant diversity. However, the main routes became quite congested, which limited our hiking options. Despite the crowds, we took in the stunning views and wildlife, including a male elk that temporarily halted traffic on our drive. Our adventures continued with short nature walks in campgrounds, helping us appreciate the natural beauty of the Smokies even amidst busy tourist activity.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park posts:
16. Saguaro National Park
During our visits to Saguaro National Park, we explored both the west and east areas of the park, rich in iconic saguaro cacti and diverse hiking trails. One highlight was the Signal Hill trail, celebrated for its views of ancient petroglyphs, followed by a more strenuous hike up the Hugh Norris Trail, where we appreciated the unique flora and breathtaking views from the ridge.
On another visit, we ventured to the Douglas Spring trailhead on the east side, aiming for Bridal Wreath Falls. Although we didn’t reach the falls due to the challenging elevation, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the diversity of plant life along the trails. The park’s structures, such as crested saguaros and cholla cacti along the way, added to the allure of our hiking experiences. Overall, Saguaro National Park offered a mix of gentle strolls and demanding hikes, making it a memorable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Saguaro National Park posts:
17. Joshua Tree National Park
During our visit to Joshua Tree National Park, we explored both the Mojave and Colorado desert regions, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.
Our initial days were spent at the Cottonwood Campground in the Colorado Desert, where we enjoyed hiking to notable attractions like Arch Rock and Heart Rock. The scenery was striking, but navigating the rocky paths tested our endurance. As our adventure continued, we discovered less frequented areas like Black Rock Canyon, which offered a tranquil environment and a more intimate connection with nature. Throughout, we encountered historical remnants and natural wonders, making our journey both a physical and a visual delight.
On the third day, we ventured into the Mojave Desert, where the towering Joshua Trees were abundant and impressive, showcasing a stark contrast to the smaller varieties found in the Colorado Desert. The park featured varied hiking opportunities, with trails like Ryan Mountain providing beautiful panoramic views, although the steep terrain proved challenging.
Finally, our concluding day included a challenging hike on the Hi-View Trail, which provided breathtaking views but also tested our limits. Each day was marked by a blend of exploration, discovery, and a unique appreciation for the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological formations.
Joshua Tree National Park posts:
18. Grand Canyon National Park
We visited the Grand Canyon National Park for the second time, this time during a warmer season compared to our initial trip in June 2017. Our latest adventure took place as a spontaneous detour from Flagstaff, where we took advantage of the lovely weather to hike the Bright Angel Trail again. Back in 2017, temperatures soared to 97 degrees at the rim and 115 in the canyon. In contrast, our recent visit enjoyed a comfortable start in the 60s, which made our hike down to the 3.0-mile rest house feel more manageable.
The hike starts at a high elevation of 6,860 feet and descends to 4,700 feet, which can be tough on the knees during the climb back up. Despite being Midwest prairie dwellers, we managed the elevation change well and appreciated the experience. After completing our six-mile round trip, we enjoyed a brief stop at one of the gift shops before embarking on the 90-minute drive back to Flagstaff. It was a rewarding day filled with beautiful scenery and memories, including capturing a photo by the trailhead sign upon finishing our hike.
Grand Canyon National Park posts:
19. Petrified Forest National Park
During our visit to Petrified Forest National Park, we enjoyed exploring various features of the park, including its iconic petrified wood. We embarked on a driving tour starting from the southern end and made our way to the Painted Desert, experiencing beautiful badlands, archaeological findings, and indigenous history along the way. In addition to marveling at the unique geological formations, we took accessible hikes, stopping for lunch at an overlook and enjoying treats like ice cream at the Painted Desert Inn.
Petrified Forest National Park posts:
Note: WordPress AI assisted in part with the above summaries generated from our personal blogs posts.
