National Parks

Read more about the article Joshua Tree National Park – Summer 2019

Joshua Tree National Park – Summer 2019

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and encompasses over 790,000 acres of desert landscape. The park was designated as a national monument in 1936 and was later upgraded to a national park in 1994.The region has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. The first inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Serrano. These tribes relied on the region's natural resources, including the Joshua trees, for food, shelter, and medicine.In the late 1800s, homesteaders and ranchers began to settle in the area, and mining operations were established. However, the harsh…

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Read more about the article Yosemite National Park – Glacier Point

Yosemite National Park – Glacier Point

We arrived Glacier Point about one hour before sunset.  It was a perfect time to watch the colors of the sky start to turn black.Glacier Point is a prominent viewpoint in Yosemite National Park, California, known for its breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and other iconic features of the park. Here's a brief history of Glacier Point:In the late 19th century, the area around Yosemite Valley began to attract tourists and adventurers from around the world. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill that created Yosemite National Park, making it the first national park in the…

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Read more about the article Yosemite National Park – Mariposa Grove

Yosemite National Park – Mariposa Grove

Our flight arrived in Fresno California.  We entered Yosemite National Park and our first stop upon arriving was Mariposa Grove.  It was a quick stop but well worth it.  Nice break in the drive from Fresno on the way to Glacier Point. Mariposa Grove is a grove of giant sequoia trees located in Yosemite National Park in California, United States. It is one of the largest and most famous groves of its kind, with over 500 mature giant sequoias. The grove is named after Mariposa County, where it is located, and is a popular tourist destination and hiking area.The history…

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Read more about the article Death Valley National Park – Artist Drive

Death Valley National Park – Artist Drive

Artist Drive is a scenic drive located in Death Valley National Park, California, known for its stunning and colorful landscapes. The drive winds through a narrow canyon and offers incredible views of the mountains and the surrounding desert.The colorful rocks and formations that make up the Artist Drive were formed through a series of geological processes that took place millions of years ago. The rocks in the area were once sedimentary and volcanic in nature, but over time, intense heat and pressure caused them to transform into the colorful metamorphic rocks that we see today.The Artist Drive is named after…

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Read more about the article Death Valley National Park – Golden Canyon

Death Valley National Park – Golden Canyon

Hiking From Golden Canyon During my drive through Death Valley I had the opportunity to do two trail runs.  One starting from the Badwater Basin at Golden Canyon to Gower Gulch and back.  The other from Zabriskie Point Badlands Loop.   The Golden Canyon Loop is a 4.0 mile loop and the Badlands loop is around 2.7 miles. Golden Canyon / Gower Gulch Loop Trail

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Read more about the article Death Valley National Park – California

Death Valley National Park – California

My car journey took me from Las Vegas, NV to Trona, CA.  There was only time for some quick stops for photos along the way.  Death Valley National Park is definitely a place to visit again during the winter for further exploration.  Scenic drives, hiking, OHV exploration, and camping  are great ways to plan your visit to Death Valley National Park.  Recommended Time: 2 - 3 Days Things To Bring With You: Backpack Bottled Water - 1 Gallon Minimum Cool Drinks Sun Screen Comfortable Shoes Snacks that won't melt Food for the day or days HIKING INFORMATION VISITOR INFORMATION WEATHER INFORMATION…

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Read more about the article Red Rock Canyon – Las Vegas, NV

Red Rock Canyon – Las Vegas, NV

Millions of people travel to Las Vegas every year to experience the bright lights, nightlife, gambling, entertainment and  excellent food but most don't know about the opportunities for outdoor adventure about 40 minutes away from the strip.  Red Rock Canyon is a great place to experience the  a scenic drive, hike, trail run, or rock climb within minutes of downtown Las Vegas.   As with most of my business trips I arrived into Las Vegas about two hours before sunset so it was a rush to get to Red Rock Canyon for a quick drive around the scenic loop drive.   I…

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Read more about the article 2017 Appalachian Trail Trail – New Found Gap to Charlie’s Bunion

2017 Appalachian Trail Trail – New Found Gap to Charlie’s Bunion

On a drive from our summer vacation to a customer visit in Greenville, SC I took advantage of the opportunity to take a hike on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion.  For those who hike on the Appalachian Trail they follow this white blaze for the entire 2179 miles.Newfound Gap is a mountain pass in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile footpath that runs from Georgia to Maine. The pass is located at an elevation of 5,046 feet (1,538 meters) and is…

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Read more about the article 2018 Banff National Park
View of Banff From Gondola

2018 Banff National Park

Banff is one of the most beautiful places I have had the pleasure of visiting several times over the last twenty years.  This time was was able to import my my wife with me for a few days.  This is what we saw. Banff National Park is about 1.5 hours north of Calgary Alberta, Canada.  Banff National Park joins three other spectacular National Parks, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper.  Glacier National Park of Canada is also close by. With only two and a half days we had to move fast.  Can't wait for the opportunity for another visit to mozy our…

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