Enjoy The Wide Variety Of Nature Found in Natural Parks

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The United States has literally millions of acres set aside and designated as National Parks. These offer a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy the natural setting and people are able to commune with nature. Since they are located all over the United States there are many different terrains and natural features for visitors to enjoy.

Many of the National Parks have designated swimming. It may be a lake or a river that runs through the park. Many of them have natural springs. Besides swimming, many have ample room for other water sports like boating, canoeing and water skiing. They are usually stocked well for the fisherman.

Designated hiking trails are a common feature in our natural park system. They have mile markers and resting areas. Maps are usually supplied so that you can easily choose your route and enjoy the hike without losing your way. Depending on the location of the park there may be rock climbing or areas for rappelling.

Some parks close for the evening. But others have ample space designated for camping. Most have rugged areas for setting up a tent. Some also have more modern hookups for the use of travel trailers. And a few have areas with various sizes of cabins that are available to rent. These will be useful for you if you plan to have a safe time, instead of being out in the open.

Whether you enjoy the beach, mountains or forest there is probably a National Forest to meet your need for adventure.  There are military parks and some which contain nature centers. These are useful educational tools for your family to enjoy when you are out in the open.

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Exploring America’s National Parks

February 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Wildfire in Yellowstone National Park produces...

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There are over 84 million acres in America that are devoted to our national parks. Yellowstone is perhaps one of the most popular. It should be since it was the first one to be called a “national park” way back in 1872. Now they are scattered all across the United States just waiting on us to discover and explore them.

There are lakeshores, mountainous regions, forests and wilderness areas that are national parks. There are also several military parks and even former battlefields. What a perfect blend of nature and learning!

It will really depend on what type of outing you want to plan. Most have organized and very well maintained trails of varied lengths. It is very convenient for a simple day out and a picnic for the family. However, if you are up for a good day hike many trails can accommodate. There are longer trails for the more adventurous hikers to explore. Some of the rivers offer great escapes and excursions that can last days and even weeks. Floating down the river by day and camping by night can be an exciting way to explore nature in America’s national parks.

For the family with small children who are not yet old enough to tackle the rivers and more strenuous trails, there are many national parks that are simply beautiful and educational. One can take the family out for a day of adventure and discover many of the wonders of nature. This is a great way to introduce the smaller family members to the great outdoors!

There are many ways to explore our national park system. And there are many benefits. It is a relatively inexpensive outing for the family or group of friends, nature is there for pure enjoyment, and activity levels are increased. The most difficult part will be deciding which one to visit first. Go explore nature at its best in one of the many American national parks. This is the best method of learning all about America and the many natural treasures that are present in the country.

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Educational Benefits Of Our National Parks

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

America has thousands of acres that are designated as national parks. These parks are maintained by the National Park Service. This ensures that they are safe places to take a family for a nice camping trip or simply a day out. Parks can be a wonderful educational benefit.

Most of our national parks are preserved in their natural settings. This allows visitors to experience nature first hand. Plants growing in each park are native to the area. Visiting in all four seasons is a great idea so that the seasonal changes can be noted. Different plants respond to each season in a unique way. This display is a very beneficial, enlightening experience.

Some of our parks are in preserves and some are situated in the middle of forests, or wilderness areas. These are homes to a wide variety of furry friends. Being able to observe animals in their natural setting can be a wonderful learning experience for children and adults alike. Many of the parks contain what is called a “nature center.” These usually have plenty of pamphlets and other information about the area available. Many have unique animals, such as snakes, that have been injured and can no longer live in the wild. This is an opportunity to see animals and features that might be missed along the trail. Most of these also have learning tools such as bird houses, bee hives or other housing projects for animals or insects.

On the less natural side of things, there are many battlefields or military type parks that have been set aside as national parks. These can be learning tools for every student. Each battlefield has information about the battles that were fought on the site. This is a piece of our history that can be taught in hands on way and will never be forgotten.

National parks are a wonderful, inexpensive educational tool. They are easily accessed and available for teaching science, nature and even history. It’s better than a book! So, there should be as many national parks as possible for people to visit and enjoy.

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The Grand Valley: A Plethora of Hiking Options in Grand Junction, CO

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Situated about halfway between Salt Lake City and Denver, the Grand Valley in western Colorado is an outdoor gem filled with numerous hiking possibilities. From end to end, the Grand Valley encompasses four towns in total: Grand Junction, Clifton, Fruita, and Palisade. You can set up your base in any one of these cities, but Grand Junction, as the largest of the towns in the Grand Valley, is your best bet for a springboard to any of the awesome hiking areas that surround it.

One of the best hiking getaways near the Grand Valley is the Colorado National Monument. The Monument has been a national park since 1911 after John Otto, a local canyon enthusiast, campaigned to have the area designated as such. Overlooking the Grand Valley, the Monument is filled with canyons plunging to depths of 500 feet. It also boasts soaring monoliths of rock, going up to 450 feet in height.

You can hike on any one or all of the Monument’s 14 hiking trails, but the Serpent’s Tail is a popular choice. It covers about 2.5 miles, and was the original dirt road used to access the Monument. If you happen to enjoy biking in addition to hiking, try tackling the winding road up along the face of the Monument as a challenging bike path.

Once you have had a taste of the Monument’s hiking delights, check out two of the Grand Valley’s other excellent hiking possibilities: the Mesa and the Book Cliffs. The Mesa offers many hiking trails, lakes for fishing and boating, and camping sites. The Book Cliffs run along the north side of the Grand Valley and offer more of a desert hiking environment. In the Book Cliffs, you may even catch a glimpse of some wild horses if you are lucky.

Regardless of which destination you choose, the Grand Valley can offer many great panoramas and sites for memories. Try it out on your next outdoor adventure.

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Hiking Wrangell – St. Elias National Park in Alaska: One of the Best Kept Secrets in the Hiking World

December 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

There are many wonderful hiking trails around the world, but the challenge is that many of the better known places tend to be heavily traveled. If you are one of those people that prefers a more private and secluded hiking adventure, then I suggest hiking at Wrangell – St. Elias National Park in Alaska.

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is one of the lesser known national parks in the country, and its location in Alaska makes it harder to access for mass numbers of travelers. The amazing thing is that, despite its lack of notoriety, Wrangell – St. Elias is actually by far the largest national park in America. At more than 20,000 square miles, this massive piece of land is almost 6 times larger than Yellowstone.

With all the space in this park, there are miles and miles of hiking trails. Also, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park has less than half the number of visitors as most other national parks, making it the ideal place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a hike in the secluded beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

If you do plan to hike Wrangell – St. Elias, come in the summer when the temps are relatively warm and the sun goes down at midnight. Wrangell – St. Elias is a day drive from Anchorage, so access is not exactly easy. Make sure you have adequate time for your adventure-at least a week would be best.

A word of caution if you decide to hike in the Alaskan wilderness. Because this national park is so large and has so many miles of hiking trails, some of them are poorly maintained or not maintained at all. This can mean fallen trees, falling rocks and many other natural challenges. But, this is the price you pay for privacy and seclusion. Still, if that is what you’re looking for, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park might be your best bet.

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Short and Sweet in Zion National Park

December 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Hiking The West Rim Of Zion National Park from...
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If any of you have been to Zion National Park in Utah you will understand why it draws such a crowd. The park is absolutely gorgeous, displaying Nature’s grand beauty in a way that often takes the breath away. The sandstone that dominates the park, in hues from white to fire red, shows itself off in intricate slot canyons, sheer cliff faces, and petrified sand dunes. Much of the beauty of the park can be seen simply by driving through it, but there are so many great hikes in the park that putting on your hiking boots and getting out of the car is definitely worth it. If you are short on time however, there are several great hikes that are short and sweet.

If you are looking for a fun, technical, yet brief hike, Keyhole is one of the best. You need a backcountry permit for this hike, but it usually isn’t too difficult to obtain. This short hike is full of adventure and will only take you an hour or two depending on the size and level of your group. After a quick ascent up a sandstone formation, you will come to the slot canyon, appropriately named the Keyhole. You need a rope and harness to make the first drop which will put you right into the water. While not deep, be prepared to get wet. Several other drops are required in the canyon, although none of them are very long. There is a section at the end of the hike where swimming is usually required through a narrow stretch of canyon. This water never sees sunlight and so it is extremely cold, but you will be out of the canyon and back into the sunlight soon after. This is a great hike to do along with a longer, less technical hike, or great for those who are just passing through and yet want to really experience some canyoneering in Zion.

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Hiking Pine Creek in Zion National Park

December 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Canyon Overlook at Night, Zion National Park
Image by andrew mace— via Flickr

Zion National Park, located in Southern Utah, is one of the most beautiful hiking spots I have ever explored. The winding canyons of red hued sandstone, the trickling streams, the towering cliffs, and the breathtaking views make Zion a true hikers paradise. With trails designed for the novice hiker to the advanced, you can find a hike that will fit everybody in your party. For those who enjoy a hike with some difficulty and variety, Pine Creek is a perfect day hike.

Many of the canyons and trails in Zion require a hiking permit in order to limit the amount of traffic in the area. Pine Creek is one of these trails. You can often apply online, enter a lottery, or try your luck at the visitor center office. If your party is large, I suggest securing a permit far in advance. If you want to try your luck, get in line outside the office around five or six in the morning.

Pine Creek is a great hike for those who love variety. This hike does require ropes and repelling gear. The last drop is about 100 feet, so you need to be prepared with enough rope. There are also sections where you must swim. Depending on the time of year, you may have more or less swimming to do. The water in slot canyons is almost always cold, even when it is near 100 degrees outside. If you are sensitive to cold water it is a good idea to bring a wet suit, however, it can be done without one.

Pine Creek is a day hike, and while you will want to get an early start, don’t rush through the beautiful canyon. Enjoy the mystery and adventure of exploring a slot canyon, carved out of the rock by centuries of patient water. Look for signs of local wildlife and take a break in the shade of an overhang for some lunch. Pine Creek is an exhilarating hike and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys canyoneering.

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Finding the Outdoors Doesn’t Require Lots of Money

October 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
1995-1998 Ford Explorer photographed in USA. C...
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In all of the SUV commercials, they act as if you have to have a high-powered corporate job, in order to be able to afford to get outside and do something fun and physical with your time away from work. But this is absolute silliness. You do not have to be rich, or even necessarily middle class to be able to get outside; fresh air is one of the last free things on Earth. And maybe you have to cut out a little bit of expense here and there, to be able to take a little time off for yourself. In the end, the dividends you’ll get out of it will be huge.

Some people think that you have to save like a miser or live like the Unabomber, in order to be able to take a weekend and go for a long hike or mountain bike ride. But you know that isn’t the case at all. If all else fails, seek out some discount car insurance, pack your lunch and give it a few weeks. A lot of people would be amazed at how much they can save, to say nothing about how quickly they can save it, with just a few little changes to their lifestyles. And seriously, how much does it really take to get out there, anyway?

Getting out in the fresh, clean air and taking in the outdoors is, well, dirt cheap, pardon the pun. All you need is some time, enough gas to get there and back, and everything else is according to your own tastes. If you don’t eat too much, you may only need to bring a few meals. If you don’t feel like camping out overnight, you may not even need a sleeping bag. You should never let a lack of funds prevent you from taking a trip into a park. It’s a nice, cheap vacation.

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Glacier National Park, a destination for experienced or inexperienced hikers

October 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

One place that can aesthetically satisfy you is Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is located in Montana, bordered by Canada’s British Columbia and Alberta. Not many people head to the backcountry, so here are some suggestions if you are headed along the roads.

Glacier National Park can be tremendous for backpackers, but a lot of visitors don’t get out on the trail. While the sights from the roads are incredible, it only scratches the surface of Glacier. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to get out of your car and simply walk around a bit. There are a bunch of simple, short distance walks to experience more dramatic views and some isolation. Walking through the forest for just several minutes will be refreshing.

If you are going by car, try a one-way entrance. It is calm and silent with aesthetically beautiful views to take in.

Go at night if you cant. No lights around. It’s just you and the stars. When it’s clear, the park may have a telescope available for viewing the distant stars in the sky. It can take a while for your eyes to adjust, so make sure to dress accordingly as you wait outside.

If you have the time, take a tour. Park rangers will bring on a journey through many trails and give insight into the historical value and science of the wildlife, rocks, and glaciers in the park. Your appreciation and understanding will be taken to a new level.

While Glacier National park is the main attraction, there is so much more to do outside the park. Make your way down to the Jewel Basin. You can see the whole mountain range and have access to plenty of lakes in a small alpine location.

Also in the area is Flathead Lake, which is the biggest freshwater lake in the Western part of the US. Take out a kayak or boat there and have a relaxing middle of the day.

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Mammoth Cave, a southern National Park treasure

October 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Colossal Cavern Entrance, Mammoth Cave Nationa...
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If you’re looking for a National Park to visit down south, you will not want to miss checking out Mammoth Cave National Park in Edmonson County, Kentucky. It also stretches into Hart and Barren County.

Mammoth Cave National Park is the largest cave in the Unites States as well as the longest cave as it has been explored for over 350 milers. The cave system has many spacious rooms that hold over a hundred people. Mammoth Cave National Park is part of the Green River Valley of south central Kentucky, a couple miles off Interstate 65. It is located about 90 miles from Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky.

Mammoth Cave was recognized as a National Park in 1941. However, there are signs that point to Native Americans using the cave up to 6,000 years ago. It was discovered near the close of the 18th century by European travelers. Over the last 200 years, Mammoth Cave National Park was the site of saltpeter mine and for a short time was used as a sanitarium for tuberculosis. Stephen Bishop, an African American slave, named the passageways of the cave.

It was recognized as a World Heritage Site 29 years ago as well as an international Biosphere Reserve 20 years ago. Presently, 15 various guided tours of the cave are offered. There are short tours that span about two hours or long ones that take you through most nooks and crannies of the cave for five to six hours. Visitors must duck and squirm their way though natural formations. It’s pretty cool downstairs at about 56 degrees the whole year, so be sure to dress accordingly. There are even trails to hike on outside the cave.

If you want to stay on the local grounds, there is a Mammoth Cave Hotel lodge in the area.

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