We are HUGE fans of the National Park System. The NPS operates 419 units covering more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, D.C., and US territories. For families with children, the Junior Ranger program is an awesome way to keep the kiddos engaged while learning about the site and enjoying nature. There are 62 designated National Parks and we’ve been to 15 of them— plenty left to see!
Of the National Parks we have visited, I had the family vote on which were their favorites. We will write about each in more detail in later blog posts. Here is the countdown:
10. Theodore Roosevelt
Located in western North Dakota, this park has colorful badlands, wild horses, herds of Buffalo and the Little Missouri River flowing through. If you just happen to be driving on Interstate 94 near Medora, there is an easy pull-off on the west-bound land to get a great overlook of the park. More detail on TRNP here.
9. Great Sand Dunes
The name says it all. There is a whole lotta sand in this Colorado park.
8. Glacier
Our family was all set to love Glacier National Park but our 2011 trip was marred by wildfires. Some of the major sites were closed and the fires in Oregon/Washington resulted in a smoky sky that limited visibility. Despite that, this park still ranks #8, which is pretty impressive. Perhaps someday we will return and discover those beautiful vistas.
7. Grand Teton
Combine this park with Yellowstone and it’s the perfect summer trip. We fondly remember staying in a lodge on Jenny Lake- perhaps part of that was we actually had a roof overhead in lieu of a tent.
6. Mesa Verde
Nomadic Paleo-Indians occupied this site starting in 7500 BC. It’s fascinating to climb around and peer into these ancient dwellings located in southwest Colorado
5. Badlands
These South Dakota Badlands are not to be confused with the North Dakota Badlands. Totally different.
4. Zion
Hiking in Zion was Roxanne’s choice for her 50th birthday. We need to go back to hike The Narrows someday!
3. Canyonlands
Utah has so many amazing national parks. The colorful landscapes in this park were carved by the Colorado River and feature canyons, mesas and buttes. You may have seen the movie 127 Hours, which is about a hiker in Canyonlands who amputates his own arm to extricate himself from a boulder that had fallen on him. Be careful out there!
2. Yellowstone
Our family’s top two parks were neck and neck. What’s not to love about a park where you can see a grizzly mama and her three bear cubs (who are eating a fallen elk) attacked by two wolves with coyotes circling? Yes, we really saw the whole thing play out! Afterward, the kids said, “Now we want to see a wolf attacking a moose!”. Ahh, the circle of life around every corner.
1. Arches
Spring break was the perfect time to visit this picturesque park. The red sandstone, brilliant blue skies and over 2000 arches, make this place a unique and memorable place to get out and hike.
National Park Bucket List:
1. Denali- With the family voting this #1, I may have to get serious about planning for a trip to Alaska.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes- Hell, yes!
3. Acadia- Maine another state we haven’t been to.
4. Yosemite- Looking forward to seeing the rock climbers on El Capitan.
5. Grand Canyon- I can’t believe we haven’t been there.
What are your favorite National Parks? What National Parks on your bucket list?
Leave a comment and let us know!
Damn, this vicarious "traveling" ain't cutting it. Barb (my wife) pointed out to me that we were on the road/camping 1/3 of last year. Gotta get her out to Arches and Canyonlands, as she's been to neither. Took some convincing to get her to visit the desert areas. Now she's hooked.
Yes- for the most part we’re in tents. And often Kevin is in his hammock.
So what is your M.O. for seeing the country? Tenting?