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Yellowstone National Park- WY,MT,ID
Older is definitely better when it comes to National Parks. Actually, they’re all amazing; however, the oldest park, Yellowstone, is an absolute wonderland. A vast and varied collection of fascinating geologic features, it is like no other place on Earth. In fact, it resembles an inhospitable and inhabitable planet in places; one with steaming vents and boiling baths. However, it is also a place of great diversity; stark beauty tempered with lush wetlands, raging rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Add the architecturally outstanding Old Faithful Inn, and it might just be the perfect park. Whatever amount of time you plan to spend at the park will not be enough. To really…
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Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Coast to Coast, America has an incredible number of scenic drives. From dusty desert byways to rugged coastline highways, they make getting to your destination secondary, and certainly a lot more fun. Some drives, such as those located in National Parks, are destinations unto themselves. For those who don’t have the time or energy to actually explore a park, these roads offer an excellent overview of the area. Consisting of sinuous curves and scenic overlooks, the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is without a doubt one of the most stunning park drives in the country. Many of these roads, such as Trail Ridge, have their origins in…
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Big Bend National Park- Big Bend, TX
For all of you National Park junkies that love the isolation and solitude of the desert, head to Big Bend. It is by far one of the least visited National Parks in the United States, so chances are you will practically have the place to yourself. Although some might consider it desolate, the park is far from a barren wasteland; it is home to stunning geology, the Rio Grande, diverse wildlife, and some of the darkest skies in the world. Big Bend is not the easiest place to get to, which probably accounts for the low visitation numbers. Only 300,000 people a year visit this park, which is probably the…
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Red Rock Canyon NCA, Las Vegas, NV
I’ve already touched on the amazing geology found over at Valley of Fire, but if you need a nature fix a bit closer to Sin City, you’re in luck. A very short drive from The Strip is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and you definitely should not miss it when in Vegas. For hikers, there are a wide variety of trails; for those who were over served the night before, there is a scenic driving loop. The dramatic red outcroppings can be seen from almost every window in town, but to truly appreciate the dramatic rock formations you must visit the park. Red Rock Canyon is located only 20…
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Watkins Glen State Park- Watkins Glen, NY
I am conflicted about Watkins Glen. Without question, it is absolutely stunning. It is an absolute embarrassment of natural beauty; the geology and hydrology is fascinating. It is also obscenely crowded. Quite possibly the most crowded park I have ever visited, including the big national parks that everyone complains about being overcrowded. We arrived at opening, which did not help much. A crushing river of people, working their way up and down slippery steps, through dark tunnels. It was a very slow moving mass of humanity. That said, the park has 19 waterfalls, and is a geologic wonder, so you should absolutely still visit. The gorge trail is by far…
