Now that school is winding down, it is time for you moms out there to start thinking about summer vacation. Are you looking for something different? Something that will have the kids staring in amazement? Something affordable? The United States is full of beautiful places to visit. Many of them are located in our National Parks. My husband has been lucky enough to travel to most of them. Here are our top five list of must see National Parks.
Ranking at #5 is Sequoia-Kings Canyon, located in Three Rivers, California. Sequoia-Kings Canyon is not only home to majestic mountains and deep canyons, but it is also the home to the world’s largest trees. The giant sequoia named General Sherman, stands tall at a whopping 275 feet! According to my husband, a large branch that broke off from the General Sherman a few years back was larger than any standing tree east of the Mississippi.
Coming in at #4 is Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone is probably most recognized for its famous geyser, Old Faithful. Besides the many geysers and hot springs, there are great hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots. Just watch out for the bears, wolves, elk, and buffalo!
Bryce Canyon, located in Utah, brings us to the #3 spot. It is hard to explain the uniqueness of Bryce Canyon. So here is a short blurb from the National Park Service. “Words confound when no comparable exist. A cave without a ceiling? A forest of stone? Even 'canyon' is misleading since Bryce is carved by freeze-thaw cycles, not a river. Yet, 'world's largest pothole' is neither adequate nor flattering. Tour this Website, and you’ll be enticed to visit Bryce in person. Once here, perhaps you'll agree with those who say, ‘Bryce is a Bryce!’”
Yosemite National Park, located in California, comes in at #2. “Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.”
Finally that brings us to #1…….The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona. Since I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, I know that I can not do it justice. I’ve seen my husband’s pictures and they are amazing. The Grand Canyon is 18 miles wide and one mile deep. The Colorado River runs through the canyon for 277 miles. From the stories that I’ve heard, I suggest taking a lot of water if you are planning on hiking to the bottom!
Perhaps National Parks aren't your thing. No worries! Come back and read part two and three of Summer Vacations where we will explore the best Amusement Parks and Beaches to visit. What is your family's favorite summer vacation spot?
Grab a Latte, Put up Your Feet, and Join the Discusssion!
Written By: Kelly Malinowski
4 comments:
those look so beautiful! i would love to visit all of them some day, esp the grand canon, yosemite, and yellowstone... you up for a road trip kelly? haha :)
Sure, but we'll have to take Joel (since these are his favorite places on Earth). :)
we need a tour guide... ranger joel, ranger joel, he's the coolest guy i know, ranger joel... haha you have to make sure that the girls watch that on full house
Thanks! Now I'm going to be singing that song in my head all day! :-)
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