Facts about Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is a national park located in Utah, near Zion Canyon and the Grand Canyon. It was named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer. It is not actually a canyon but a natural amphitheater created by erosion from headwater below the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce Canyon contains unique geological structures called hoodoos, formed from wind, water, and ice erosion.
Native Americans have lived in the Bryce Canyon area for about 10,000 years. Local native American tribes include the Anasazi and Paiute Indians. The Fremont Culture also lived there until the 12th century.
The first Caucasians to reach Bryce Canyon were Mormon scouts in the 1850s, who were interested in agricultural development and settlement. U.S. Army Major John Leslie Powell led the first scientific expedition there in 1872. The canyon became a national monument in 1923 and a national park in 1928.
The geology of Bryce Canyon is fascinating. The sedimentary rock features show deposition from the last part of the Cretacious Period, roughly 70 million years ago, to the first half of the Cenezoic Era, about 40 million years ago. Sedimentary rocks in the canyon include Dakota Sandstone and Tropical Shale.
Bryce Canyon contains a wide variety of animal and plant life. Mammals in the park include mule deer, bobcats, foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, marmots, and ground squirrels. The canyon also contains 160 species of birds, including swifts and swallows, which migrate away from the park in the winter and jays, ravens, nuthatches, eagles, and owls, which stay all year. The park also has a wide variety of trees, divided into three life zones, depending on their elevation.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Denali National Park
Denali National Park-Alaska's Number One Attraction
Most visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve limit their visit to the developed and congested Park entrance. The more adventurous travel to Kantishna at the end of one of the grandest drives on earth, the Denali Park Road. Winding through the Alaska Range, deep into the center of the Park, this exciting Denali backcountry adventure offers you the best chance to see the wildlife which makes the Denali area so unforgettable. Grizzlies, moose, caribou, sheep, wolves, fox, golden eagles, and a vast array of other bird life may all be sighted on the way to Kantishna. And, should the weather smile on you, above it all towers "The High One," Denali itself, the tallest mountain in North America.
While traveling the restricted Denali Park Road as part of a private lodge bus tour, it is not uncommon to witness astounding natural displays. During the trip, an experienced guide shares their knowledge of the Park and offers wildlife searching tips to help locate the Park's animals and birds. Whether through binoculars or with the naked eye one may be fortunate enough to see a grizzly sow nursing her first-year cubs, a band of bull caribou with huge antlers browsing along the tundra, or Dall sheep on the high mountain ridges, playing and frolicking as if they knew they were being observed.
Travel along the Denali Parks Road is a spirited and suspenseful event, loaded with anticipation. Although Denali National Park is a wilderness and wildlife events don't occur on a schedule the scenery is always superlative, and it's rare that a trip doesn't produce numerous wildlife sightings.
It's a leisurely journey of about six hours from the park entrance to reach the lodge but well worth it as guests are encouraged to explore the natural communities central to Denali to understand how this unique and fragile environment flourishes in spite of the harsh sub-arctic climate.
While a trip into Denali National Park is considered by most the highlight of any Alaska vacation, actually staying in Denali can be a problem if you're schedule is tight. That said, if you have time, a trip to the end of the Denali Park Road is a trip you won't soon forget.
Most visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve limit their visit to the developed and congested Park entrance. The more adventurous travel to Kantishna at the end of one of the grandest drives on earth, the Denali Park Road. Winding through the Alaska Range, deep into the center of the Park, this exciting Denali backcountry adventure offers you the best chance to see the wildlife which makes the Denali area so unforgettable. Grizzlies, moose, caribou, sheep, wolves, fox, golden eagles, and a vast array of other bird life may all be sighted on the way to Kantishna. And, should the weather smile on you, above it all towers "The High One," Denali itself, the tallest mountain in North America.
While traveling the restricted Denali Park Road as part of a private lodge bus tour, it is not uncommon to witness astounding natural displays. During the trip, an experienced guide shares their knowledge of the Park and offers wildlife searching tips to help locate the Park's animals and birds. Whether through binoculars or with the naked eye one may be fortunate enough to see a grizzly sow nursing her first-year cubs, a band of bull caribou with huge antlers browsing along the tundra, or Dall sheep on the high mountain ridges, playing and frolicking as if they knew they were being observed.
Travel along the Denali Parks Road is a spirited and suspenseful event, loaded with anticipation. Although Denali National Park is a wilderness and wildlife events don't occur on a schedule the scenery is always superlative, and it's rare that a trip doesn't produce numerous wildlife sightings.
It's a leisurely journey of about six hours from the park entrance to reach the lodge but well worth it as guests are encouraged to explore the natural communities central to Denali to understand how this unique and fragile environment flourishes in spite of the harsh sub-arctic climate.
While a trip into Denali National Park is considered by most the highlight of any Alaska vacation, actually staying in Denali can be a problem if you're schedule is tight. That said, if you have time, a trip to the end of the Denali Park Road is a trip you won't soon forget.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier National Park A Hikers Paradise
If you like to hike, Glacier National Park is the vacation destination for you. There are also over 730 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy within Glacier National Park. That's a lot of hiking. The park also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the west. I've been to both Yellowstone and Glacier and in my opinion; Glacier National Park has better scenery than Yellowstone. I realize that if you haven't been to Glacier you may think I'm crazy, but taking nothing away from Yellowstone, I personally think Glacier National Park offers even better scenery.
For those of you interested in viewing wildlife while hiking, Glacier won't disappoint in this area either. There is always the opportunity to see wildlife, some of which would include: Black bears, Grizzly bears, Foxes, Coyote's, Porcupines, Gophers, Squirrels, White tailed Deer, Mule Dear, Moose, Mountain goats, and Bighorn Sheep. For those hikers interested in seeing wildlife, Glacier National Park will not disappoint.
Glacier National Park is one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America. There are over fifty glaciers within the park, thus the name. There are also over 200 lakes and streams in Glacier National Park. The largest lake is Lake Macdonald, and the various streams and river hold nice populations of wild trout. With all of this water in the park, getting too hot won't be a problem. Just be careful, because the shocking cold of glacier water is sometimes quite a surprise.
For all of you hikers that like to catch fish while on a hike, Glacier National Park is the place for you as well. There are tons of lakes and streams within the park that wild trout call home. Native Rainbow, brook, and Cutthroat trout can all be found within the boundaries of Glacier National Park. The park has special regulations for anglers so make sure you inquire at a ranger station before wetting a line.
For hiking Glacier National Park is hard to beat. Whether it be a little day hike or you're looking to spend multiple days camping and hiking, Glacier National Park can accommodate everyone. For you next hiking vacation, give Glacier National Park the consideration it deserves. You'll be glad you did and have some of the best hiking there is to be had in the Rocky Mountains.
If you like to hike, Glacier National Park is the vacation destination for you. There are also over 730 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy within Glacier National Park. That's a lot of hiking. The park also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the west. I've been to both Yellowstone and Glacier and in my opinion; Glacier National Park has better scenery than Yellowstone. I realize that if you haven't been to Glacier you may think I'm crazy, but taking nothing away from Yellowstone, I personally think Glacier National Park offers even better scenery.
For those of you interested in viewing wildlife while hiking, Glacier won't disappoint in this area either. There is always the opportunity to see wildlife, some of which would include: Black bears, Grizzly bears, Foxes, Coyote's, Porcupines, Gophers, Squirrels, White tailed Deer, Mule Dear, Moose, Mountain goats, and Bighorn Sheep. For those hikers interested in seeing wildlife, Glacier National Park will not disappoint.
Glacier National Park is one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America. There are over fifty glaciers within the park, thus the name. There are also over 200 lakes and streams in Glacier National Park. The largest lake is Lake Macdonald, and the various streams and river hold nice populations of wild trout. With all of this water in the park, getting too hot won't be a problem. Just be careful, because the shocking cold of glacier water is sometimes quite a surprise.
For all of you hikers that like to catch fish while on a hike, Glacier National Park is the place for you as well. There are tons of lakes and streams within the park that wild trout call home. Native Rainbow, brook, and Cutthroat trout can all be found within the boundaries of Glacier National Park. The park has special regulations for anglers so make sure you inquire at a ranger station before wetting a line.
For hiking Glacier National Park is hard to beat. Whether it be a little day hike or you're looking to spend multiple days camping and hiking, Glacier National Park can accommodate everyone. For you next hiking vacation, give Glacier National Park the consideration it deserves. You'll be glad you did and have some of the best hiking there is to be had in the Rocky Mountains.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park as a Family Friendly Vacation
Montana has become more and more conscious in the public s eye mainly due to the fact that Montana has become home to quite a number of famous celebrities who have purchased ranches in the state. The beauty of the state and the density of the population makes it an attractive hang out for heavy hitters such as Harrison Ford who seem to enjoy their privacy, but prefer a privacy more normal than that of the privacy that is offered in such places as Malibu.
Now, one does not have to be a celebrity or purchase a ranch to enjoy the wonders of the state of Montana. All one has to do is head on down to Montana s Glacier Nation Park and soak in all the beauty and atmosphere that this wonderful tourist spot offers. Glacier National Park is hardly a fly by night destination as an untold number of tourists and their families descend upon the park to enjoy a friendly get away.
Keep in mind Glacier National Park is a family friendly getaway. Being family friendly is a mantle that many tourist spots can not claim, but Glacier National Park can. This is an unfortunate fact, but the truth of the matter is many vacations simply are not anywhere close to what would be considered the type of environment that one would want to take to kids to. Those types of vacations have a tendency to be loaded with all sorts of unfriendly surprises.
Horse trails, rafting, golfing are all activities that Glacier National Park offers. These are all safe, sane and friendly activities that the whole family can participate and enjoy. And, furthermore, these are all activities that are relatively inexpensive and will not cost the robbery prices that other vacations spots will attempt to extract. So, what are you waiting for? Book that Glacier National Park vacation now!
Montana has become more and more conscious in the public s eye mainly due to the fact that Montana has become home to quite a number of famous celebrities who have purchased ranches in the state. The beauty of the state and the density of the population makes it an attractive hang out for heavy hitters such as Harrison Ford who seem to enjoy their privacy, but prefer a privacy more normal than that of the privacy that is offered in such places as Malibu.
Now, one does not have to be a celebrity or purchase a ranch to enjoy the wonders of the state of Montana. All one has to do is head on down to Montana s Glacier Nation Park and soak in all the beauty and atmosphere that this wonderful tourist spot offers. Glacier National Park is hardly a fly by night destination as an untold number of tourists and their families descend upon the park to enjoy a friendly get away.
Keep in mind Glacier National Park is a family friendly getaway. Being family friendly is a mantle that many tourist spots can not claim, but Glacier National Park can. This is an unfortunate fact, but the truth of the matter is many vacations simply are not anywhere close to what would be considered the type of environment that one would want to take to kids to. Those types of vacations have a tendency to be loaded with all sorts of unfriendly surprises.
Horse trails, rafting, golfing are all activities that Glacier National Park offers. These are all safe, sane and friendly activities that the whole family can participate and enjoy. And, furthermore, these are all activities that are relatively inexpensive and will not cost the robbery prices that other vacations spots will attempt to extract. So, what are you waiting for? Book that Glacier National Park vacation now!
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone Area: The Best Family Vacation!
Yellowstone National Park is the home of so many natural wonders and wildlife. Practically everyone has heard of Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world. There are actually thousands of geysers, paint pots and other thermal attractions.
Spending time in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best vacations you could take. Old Faithful is great; it seems to be synonymous with Yellowstone. But there's more!
While you re there, plan to visit some of the most beautiful, out of the way places just outside the Park as well as inside the park. Most of these spots are within an hour s drive from the park. They are also much less crowded! This could be the beginning of your perfect family vacation getaway!
The Yellowstone area is very popular during the summer months, but don't let that stop you from visiting in the winter. There are great winter activities in the area including snow skiing at Jackson Hole and Big Sky; snowmobiling in the snowmobile capital of the world, Island Park and West Yellowstone; cross country skiing throughout the area; and many other winter activities.
The Yellowstone area that I refer to includes Grand Teton National Park directly to the South; Jackson Hole, Wyoming, even further south than Grand Teton Park; West Yellowstone, Island Park and Henry's Lake, directly west of the park in Idaho; and the Montana area just to the North.
So what is our favorite sight/activity? Perhaps it s Big Spring, where a whole river comes up out of the ground. Or Sawtelle Peak and Rendevous Mountain at 10,000 feet, where you can see for miles and miles. Maybe it s the fantastic view of the Tetons as seen from Grand Teton National Park. It could be the Bar J Wranglers dinner and show near Jackson Hole, or the entertainment at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone.
What is your idea of a good camping experience? Is it in a sleeping bag under the stars? Or is a 5 star hotel more your style? Perhaps it s gourmet meals or pan fried trout over a campfire?
Do you like to hike and bike into the secluded backwoods? The Yellowstone area is for you. Do you like to stay close to the main roads, yet still see panoramic vistas and unparalleled views? The Yellowstone area is for you.
We live about 3 hours from West Yellowstone. I have been to the Yellowstone area dozens of times with my family. The Turner family had already been going to Henry s Lake long before I was born (not all that long ago! Really!). It has been a yearly tradition since the 50 s.
I would recommend the Yellowstone area because there is something for everyone. The sight-seer, the hiker, the biker, the rafter, the canoer, the camper, the young and the old.
Don't put it off any longer; visit Yellowstone and make some memories.
Yellowstone National Park is the home of so many natural wonders and wildlife. Practically everyone has heard of Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world. There are actually thousands of geysers, paint pots and other thermal attractions.
Spending time in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best vacations you could take. Old Faithful is great; it seems to be synonymous with Yellowstone. But there's more!
While you re there, plan to visit some of the most beautiful, out of the way places just outside the Park as well as inside the park. Most of these spots are within an hour s drive from the park. They are also much less crowded! This could be the beginning of your perfect family vacation getaway!
The Yellowstone area is very popular during the summer months, but don't let that stop you from visiting in the winter. There are great winter activities in the area including snow skiing at Jackson Hole and Big Sky; snowmobiling in the snowmobile capital of the world, Island Park and West Yellowstone; cross country skiing throughout the area; and many other winter activities.
The Yellowstone area that I refer to includes Grand Teton National Park directly to the South; Jackson Hole, Wyoming, even further south than Grand Teton Park; West Yellowstone, Island Park and Henry's Lake, directly west of the park in Idaho; and the Montana area just to the North.
So what is our favorite sight/activity? Perhaps it s Big Spring, where a whole river comes up out of the ground. Or Sawtelle Peak and Rendevous Mountain at 10,000 feet, where you can see for miles and miles. Maybe it s the fantastic view of the Tetons as seen from Grand Teton National Park. It could be the Bar J Wranglers dinner and show near Jackson Hole, or the entertainment at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone.
What is your idea of a good camping experience? Is it in a sleeping bag under the stars? Or is a 5 star hotel more your style? Perhaps it s gourmet meals or pan fried trout over a campfire?
Do you like to hike and bike into the secluded backwoods? The Yellowstone area is for you. Do you like to stay close to the main roads, yet still see panoramic vistas and unparalleled views? The Yellowstone area is for you.
We live about 3 hours from West Yellowstone. I have been to the Yellowstone area dozens of times with my family. The Turner family had already been going to Henry s Lake long before I was born (not all that long ago! Really!). It has been a yearly tradition since the 50 s.
I would recommend the Yellowstone area because there is something for everyone. The sight-seer, the hiker, the biker, the rafter, the canoer, the camper, the young and the old.
Don't put it off any longer; visit Yellowstone and make some memories.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A Guide to Great Smoky Mountain Vacations
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the biggest tourist draws in the southern United States. This majestic area is considered to be a part of the Appalachian Mountains, which run from central Alabama all the way to Canada. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains are conveniently located within a day s drive for the approximately half of the country s population that lives east of the Mississippi River.
There are a multitude of attractions in this region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a staggering range of activities. The historic and beautiful cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide excellent lodging options for people who want to get a feel for the area.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best-known tourist attractions in the country. The park features camping, RV hookups, and cabins for lodging. Visitors can hike on the numerous footpaths, including parts of the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail. Travelers can also visit the old growth forests contained within the park. The most visited part of the park is Cades Cove, which is a valley that is fully surrounded by mountains. Within the cove, visitors can marvel at the natural foliage and wildlife, go hiking, or ride the trails on a mountain bike.
Many tourists stay in the historic cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge while on their Great Smoky Mountain vacation. These cabins range from being simple one-bedroom houses perfect for a romantic vacation, to ten bedroom dwellings made for large families or corporate events. The cabins have all of the modern amenities that travelers want, including hot tubs, cable TV, and swimming pools, all within miles of the Great Smoky Mountains.
A Great Smoky Mountain vacation is a great idea for anyone looking to escape the stressful fast pace of city life. The mountains provide a great setting for the adventures that are possible in this exciting place.
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the biggest tourist draws in the southern United States. This majestic area is considered to be a part of the Appalachian Mountains, which run from central Alabama all the way to Canada. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains are conveniently located within a day s drive for the approximately half of the country s population that lives east of the Mississippi River.
There are a multitude of attractions in this region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a staggering range of activities. The historic and beautiful cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide excellent lodging options for people who want to get a feel for the area.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best-known tourist attractions in the country. The park features camping, RV hookups, and cabins for lodging. Visitors can hike on the numerous footpaths, including parts of the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail. Travelers can also visit the old growth forests contained within the park. The most visited part of the park is Cades Cove, which is a valley that is fully surrounded by mountains. Within the cove, visitors can marvel at the natural foliage and wildlife, go hiking, or ride the trails on a mountain bike.
Many tourists stay in the historic cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge while on their Great Smoky Mountain vacation. These cabins range from being simple one-bedroom houses perfect for a romantic vacation, to ten bedroom dwellings made for large families or corporate events. The cabins have all of the modern amenities that travelers want, including hot tubs, cable TV, and swimming pools, all within miles of the Great Smoky Mountains.
A Great Smoky Mountain vacation is a great idea for anyone looking to escape the stressful fast pace of city life. The mountains provide a great setting for the adventures that are possible in this exciting place.
Katmai National Park
Places to Stay When Exploring Alaska in Your RV
Alaska is so huge that the exploring it in an RV is really one of the best ways to take in the sites. On your explorations, you will need plenty of places to stay the night.
Places to Stay When Exploring Alaska in Your RV
For those families (or couples!) that love adventure, Alaska offers it in abundance. From the snow capped mountains and glaciers, to the interesting lighting options (six months of darkness, anyone?) - Alaska has something to entertain any vacationer. While travel to Alaska in an RV may seem difficult to some because of it's distance from the continental United States recreational vehicles are actually a great way to see this state.
One of the largest cities in Alaska is Fairbanks, and the area around this spot (known as the Interior) is a great place to start your Alaskan vacation. Here is where you can find places like Mount McKinley, the North American continent's highest peak, as well as large areas of tundra that are home to different sorts of wildlife and terrain. One of the Alaska RV facilities available here is the Chena Marina RV Park and Resort, located directly in Fairbanks. This resort offers campers 67 sites for their RV needs, with 40 sites accommodating pull-throughs. 23 sites have full hookups, meaning water, electric and cable is available. The park operates from March 1 through September 15 each year.
If you prefer to do some ocean sporting (or fishing), then staying in the Southwest portion of Alaska is for you. No large cities are located here, and this is very much an area of wilderness and a haven for naturalists. Over 240 species of birds make their homes here, as well as types of bears and other wildlife. The Aleutian Islands extend towards Asia for over 1000 miles in this area as well. There are also volcanoes to see in the Southwest section of Alaska, with Katmai National Park being the focal point (this was created in the 1912 eruption of the volcano known as Novarupta).
RV facilities are hard to find in this area of the state, however, so you might be best off leaving your RV further inland (or driving it to one of the various lodges available for your stay). Some of the aspects of this area can only be fully explored via fly-ins where you are flown to a lodge for accommodations and then returned at the end of your stay. This is an interesting as well as unique way to explore spots like the Katmai National Park.
Finding spots to take your RV that are different and exciting may seem like a challenge in today's world, but the many different spots to explore in Alaska make it an excellent destination for your next RV trip.
Alaska is so huge that the exploring it in an RV is really one of the best ways to take in the sites. On your explorations, you will need plenty of places to stay the night.
Places to Stay When Exploring Alaska in Your RV
For those families (or couples!) that love adventure, Alaska offers it in abundance. From the snow capped mountains and glaciers, to the interesting lighting options (six months of darkness, anyone?) - Alaska has something to entertain any vacationer. While travel to Alaska in an RV may seem difficult to some because of it's distance from the continental United States recreational vehicles are actually a great way to see this state.
One of the largest cities in Alaska is Fairbanks, and the area around this spot (known as the Interior) is a great place to start your Alaskan vacation. Here is where you can find places like Mount McKinley, the North American continent's highest peak, as well as large areas of tundra that are home to different sorts of wildlife and terrain. One of the Alaska RV facilities available here is the Chena Marina RV Park and Resort, located directly in Fairbanks. This resort offers campers 67 sites for their RV needs, with 40 sites accommodating pull-throughs. 23 sites have full hookups, meaning water, electric and cable is available. The park operates from March 1 through September 15 each year.
If you prefer to do some ocean sporting (or fishing), then staying in the Southwest portion of Alaska is for you. No large cities are located here, and this is very much an area of wilderness and a haven for naturalists. Over 240 species of birds make their homes here, as well as types of bears and other wildlife. The Aleutian Islands extend towards Asia for over 1000 miles in this area as well. There are also volcanoes to see in the Southwest section of Alaska, with Katmai National Park being the focal point (this was created in the 1912 eruption of the volcano known as Novarupta).
RV facilities are hard to find in this area of the state, however, so you might be best off leaving your RV further inland (or driving it to one of the various lodges available for your stay). Some of the aspects of this area can only be fully explored via fly-ins where you are flown to a lodge for accommodations and then returned at the end of your stay. This is an interesting as well as unique way to explore spots like the Katmai National Park.
Finding spots to take your RV that are different and exciting may seem like a challenge in today's world, but the many different spots to explore in Alaska make it an excellent destination for your next RV trip.
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