National Park Vacations

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Badlands National Park Badlands NP in South Dakota is a side trip not to be missed when traveling on I-90 from coast to coast. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and does require a small fee to be paid, but it is well worth it. The road through the park runs from one highway exit to another, so you do not have to backtrack. Gift shops are available at both entry points	Devil's Tower Featured in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' this volcanic core dates back millions of years. There is a path surrounding the tower and it takes about 35 minutes to walk it. There are benches at the beginning of the path, and many photo spots along the way. The path is paved and reasonably flat, except for one area that requires a short downhill, uphill walk.	Golden Spike Railroad This is where the East meets West and the nation's rail system expanded the country. The park is located north of Salt Lake City and there is a small entry fee, but it is great for the historian and the children alike.	Mount Rushmore When in the Black Hills this is the 'must' place to visit, the rock carvings overlook the valley and are the pride of the nation. While in the Black Hills of South Dakota, also visit Custer State Park, the many caves, and the Chief CrazyHorse mountain monument. See the buffalo, and take a ride to Spearfish Canyon, you will be glad you did.	Muir Woods Muir Woods is north of San Francisco off of Highway # 1 and is one of the few places where a person can still walk among the mighty Redwoods. There is a small entry fee, and parking is a mess, but the trip is one that you and your family or friends will never forget.
Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone NP the home of Yoggi Bear, well there are bear and buffalo, and birds and other animals to see, but the main attractions are the Yellowstone river and its waterfalls, the ponds of multicolor muds and waters, and the fountains that spout superheated steam from the bowls of the earth.	Yosemite National Park Located west of San Francisco Bay Area and between the California and Nevada border is Yosemite NP, one of the most beautiful in the nation. Visit in the late spring or early summer as the many waterfalls tend to decrease in size or dry up in the fall and winter. Plan to spend a day hiking and taking pictures. There is a small entry fee, but well worth it.	Golden Gate Bridge NP Under the San Francisco end of the Golden Gate Bridge is an old fort and this park is open to the public. There also are several walking trails that give good vistas of the bay and the bridge. There is much to do in San Francisco and if you are going there, then plan at least two or more days stay.	Iwo Jima - Washington, D.C. This is but one of the hundreds of monuments to be found in the Nation's capitol. The road to the monument can be confusing, so consult accurate maps. The Washington, D.C. area consist of National and State parks along with museums, vistas, and much to do; thus plan to spend at least two days to two weeks.	Grand Teton Mountain NP As you exit the south end of Yellowstone your travel will take you through the Grand Teton Mountains where you will be hard pressed to obtain a photograph as the trees line both sides of the route. But, there are several ranger stations where you can take a break, view the mountains, and visit the museums, etc.
Grand Canyon NP The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited spots on earth, but few have seen it from the lodge on the North Rim as shown here. The ride from the South Rim to the North Rim will take a few hours, but the vistas are well worth it. There is a lodge with food and drink, and there are rental cabins, and trailheads on the North Rim. From the various vistas you can see the Painted Desert, and the Colorado River as well as the South Rim.	Mesa Verde N.P. This canyon in Colorado is one of the finest for viewing ancient Native American Ruins that date back about 800 or more years. The canyon has hundreds of dwelling along and under the cliff edges, of which the visitor can view, take pictures, and in one location venture down a steep ladder and trail and into the Pueblos. There is a charge for entry to the park, and there is an additional charge and reservation needed to venture down to the main Pueblo area shown. Plan on spending at least 4 to 6 hours exploring all that is there to see.	Arches N.P. Arches National Park is probably one of the more interesting and beautiful parks as most of the trails allow the visitor to venture up to and under the arches. Wear good walking shoes, bring plenty of film and water, and be prepared to spend at least 4 hours to see the closest arches, up to 8 hours to see all that are within walking distance of the many parking areas. The entry to the park is off the main highway and is easy to miss; and the first half-mile is a steep curving drive on a two-lane road that climbs up the side of what once was a major earthquake fault.	Canyon de Chelly (Shay) National Monument This canyon of the ancients is not yet a National Park, it is a National Monument and is well worth the out of the way drive from Gallop, New Mexico or elsewhere. The canyon contains the ruins of ancient Native American tribes that date back over 800 years. The red rock canyons offer spectactular vistas, and there is some folklore history behind most.	Canyonlands N.P. This park is located near Arches N.P. and most people who visit Arches will spend the extra day at Moab or Monticello, Utah The park has two entries off of Rt 191, and most people use the northern entry, thus missing some very spectacular views of the southern park area. Four-wheel drivers and others may venture in some of the parks more rugged roads, with permission of the rangers. The Colorado and the Green Rivers converge in the park, but it is near impossible to view the 'U' bend without hiring a guide or other local transport.

 

More parks are listed on the USA - NPS Sites and Websites page, and the links to the National Park Service are also provided.

 

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