U.S. National Parks

National Parks are the gems of America. Find tips, trails, and experiences from some of my most favorite places in the world below! :)

Bryce Canyon for Beginners

Bryce Canyon in the Winter

Bryce Canyon is a beautiful national monument located in southern Utah. There is something for everyone. Paved paths, long hikes, expansive vistas, and beautiful drives. Bryce Canyon can be visited any time of year. I have visited in the winter, spring, and fall. Last winter, a couple of college friends and myself made the drive from Cedar City, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park. For us it was about an hour and a half drive.

Passing through red rock arches and canyons at the arrival of the park we explored a few lookouts and then took the tail called Queen’s Garden. The trail was snow packed and slippery which made for an interesting adventure. Hiking in Bryce Canyon is not advised unless with the proper equipment and preparation. Here is a link for tips for hiking in Bryce in the winter.

https://www.radfamilytravel.com/home/zion-bryce-canyon-national-park-in-winter-things-to-do#:~:text=Hiking%20in%20Bryce%20Canyon%20in,lots%20of%20water%20and%20snacks.

Bryce Canyon in the Fall

Just this last weekend, my family and I ventured again into Bryce Canyon National Park. It is absolutely stunning in the fall. The weather was perfect for hiking, some trees began to turn their foliage, and the crowds were low. This trip we ventured to the Mossy Cave Trail. An easy one-mile hike round trip that was great for both kids and grandparents. My younger sisters and my grandmother enjoyed this trail along a small creek in a beautiful little red rock canyon. With wonderful picture opportunities along the entire hike, we captured many fun memories.

The next hike we went on was the Sunset to Sunrise Trail. This trail is mostly paved and covers about a mile along the rim of Bryce Canyon. We explored this area as the sun was setting behind us. With a bright orange canyon lit up by the setting sun it was absolutely beautiful. Along this semi paved trail are wooden benches that are great for just sitting and enjoying the views.

Bryce Canyon is an amazing national park and is a site that everyone should see at least once. For more information on this national park and all it has in store, please visit the national park website at https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Favorite Hikes

Sunset to Sunrise Trail

Mossy Cave

Queens Garden Trail

Navajo Loop- most popular

Yellowstone National Park Checklist

So you've decided to visit the nation's first national park. Here are 6 things to put on your checklist of "need to know" for your visit. I am a seasoned veteran of the park, going every summer for the past 22 years, and these are some of the tips or tricks from my travels! Happy list making! :)

#1 Drive Slow At Night

Its important to drive slow at night in and around the park. Many animals gross the road during the night and there can be very deadly accidents from people driving too fast.

#watchfordeer

#4 Bring Bear Spray

Yellowstone National Park is home to many bears. Add bear spray to your checklist for whenever you are out hiking in or around the park.

#2 Don't Approach the Wildlife

Never approach the wildlife. Many a tourist has been injured getting to close to an elk, buffalo, or even bear. These animals are wild. They are beautiful to admire but give them plenty of space. Adding this item to your checklist will ensure a safe trip.

#5 Don't Forget Food

For long days in the park its great to plan ahead and pack a lunch. There are many great picnic spots throughout the park. However, if it slips your mind, eat at Canyon Village in side the park. They have a great eatery with all sort of dietary options.

#3 Don't Forget About Mammoth Hot Springs

Places like Old Faithful and the famous Yellowstone waterfall are beautiful. But add to your Yellowstone Checklist, Mammoth Hot Springs. This area is at the northern ed of the park and is a very neat place to see. Perfect for all ages and a nice drive up there.

#6 Bring Binoculars and a Camera

Inside Yellowstone National Park you will get to see so much wildlife. Add to your checklist binoculars to see far away animals like bears or wolves, and make sure to bring a good camera to capture pictures of buffalo, birds, or yourselves in front of the magnificent view of the park.

The National Park Service (NPS) just announced the introduction of a large list of cities that are to be honored as World War II Heritage cities. As creators of national parks as well, the NPS has dubbed these cities honorable for stepping into the workforce to support the American war effort during WWII.

The list of each city is as follows:

East Hartford, Connecticut
Pensacola and Escambia counties, Florida
Savannah and Chatham counties, Georgia
Evansville, Indiana
Wichita, Kansas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Springfield, Massachusetts
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Lewistown, Montana
Paterson, New Jersey
Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Montgomery County (City of Dayton), Ohio
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
South Texas Bend area and Corpus Christi, Texas
Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland), Washington
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Casper and Natrona counties, Wyoming

This bit of news is very interesting and I think it is important as well. While honoring our spaces in nature, and preserving them, history is important to honor and preserve as well. I think that is is very cool to dedicate cities and towns around the country as Heritage Cities, and honor them for the work and sacrifice that they gave during war time. So in your travels to different national parks around the country, if you happen to drive through any of these lovely places, take a minute to remember the history, appreciate the sacrifice, and acknowledge the work.

Welcome to the national park family Heritage Cities!

New American World War II Heritage Cities!