US National Parks
If you can only afford one trip, make it to a United States National Park. These are the absolute best value for any amount of money. Why? Because there is, quite simply, nothing like them. Each has been set aside for all to enjoy because they were deemed too precious not to share. And when I say all, I mean all. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, many features of most US National Parks are now accessible for those with disabilities.
These have often been called the "crown jewels" of America. Land so rare and beautiful, that it has been set aside in its mostly natural state for all to enjoy. You might think everyone is there visiting at the same time you are. But just remember, these special places are fragile. So, as you'll hear repeatedly, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing so that future generations can enjoy them.
Where to start depends on what you like. I've organized this section by what I think many will like.
This page contains a "snapshot" of just a few.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Above: Paved trails at the rim provide accessibility.
Why Go?
Beautiful canyon views; geological wonder
World class hiking on well-maintained trails
Free shuttle bus service within the park & to Tusayan
Over 20 miles of paved bike trails
Accessible for disabled persons
Accommodations and services to fit all budgets
Know before you go...
The south rim is where most of the services and accommodations are.
Maswik Lodge has now reopened for the 2022 summer season and has rooms available.
The elevation of the South rim is 6800 ft. The North rim is 8300 ft.
Distance from rim to rim is a 4 hr, 213 mi lunch-hurling drive, or
a spectacular, multi-day 24 mile rim-to-rim Backpacking trip
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Yellowstone National Park, WY
Above: Old Faithful, still erupting after all these years.
Why Go?
Immense, smoldering caldera with unique geothermal features (geysers, mud volcanoes, bubbling paint pots)
Beautiful canyon views
World class hiking on well-maintained trails
Abundant wildlife (bears, elk, deer, bison, moose, fox, beaver and more.)
Accessible for disabled persons
Accommodations and services to fit all budgets
swimming, boat rentals, fly fishing
Know before you go...
can be congested in summer
not a great place for biking
The park is enormous, so don't try to see too much in a day.
reservations are recommended
closest town is West Yellowstone, MT
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Grand Tetons National Park, WY
Above: The Teton Range
Why Go?
Jagged mountain peaks rising up from valley floor
paved bike trails make this a biker's paradise
Scenic hiking on well-maintained trails
Abundant wildlife (bears, moose, elk and more.)
Accessible for disabled persons
Accommodations and services to fit all budgets
swimming, boat rentals, fishing
usually much less congested than Yellowstone
Know before you go...
bring mosquito repellent in summer
campsites are first come, first served
Many services, restaurants and lodging in the town of Jackson, WY
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Above: A view of Bryce Canyon from the rim.
Why Go?
To wander among the world's largest collection of multi-colored hoodoos
No parking hassles! There's a free shuttle connecting Bryce Canyon City with viewpoints in the park.
To stroll the Rim Trail at sunset.
Accommodations and services to fit all budgets
At an elevation of 9,000 ft, this park is a welcome oasis from the summer heat.
Lodging and viewpoints are accessible,
Know before you go...
Rooms at Bryce Canyon Lodge book up a year in advance.
It's easier to get a campsite than a room at The Lodge.
Reservations are recommended for campsites.
The nearest town is Bryce Canyon City
There's food, restaurants, fuel and additional lodging directly outside the park at Bryce Canyon City.
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Above: A rare day at Never Summer Ranch, Rocky Mtn NP
Why Go?
Wonderful high elevation mountain scenery
60 mountain peaks over 12,000 ft.
355 mi of well-maintained hiking trails
abundant wildlife (elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain lions, etc.)
Accommodations and services (at Estes Park) to fit all budgets
boating (non-motorized), fishing
Know before you go:
Park elevation is 7,680- 14,259 ft.; check with your medical provider if you have respiratory and/or cardiovascular issues.
Go in summer (Jun-Sep) to avoid snow.
There are no lodgings inside the park
Reserve campsites up to 6 months in advance.
For the summer 2022 season, a Timed Entry Permit is required to enter the park between 9 AM and 3 PM.
The nearest town is Estes Park, eastern entrance to the park.
Book accommodations in Estes Park.
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
Above: Me dwarfed by a giant Sequoia.
Why Go?
To marvel at Giant Sequoias- found no where else on earth.
No parking hassles! There's a free shuttle within the park.
Park shuttles connect daily with buses to Visalia and Three Rivers.
Large variety of high sierra hiking & walking trails- easy to challenging.
Accommodations and services to fit all budgets
At an elevation of 6,000 ft, this park is a welcome oasis from the summer heat.
Above: Kings Canyon as seen from the valley floor.
Know before you go
Park shuttles do not service Kings Canyon
Gas up and stock up on groceries before entering the park.
Check your brakes before driving into Kings Canyon
Both parks have campgrounds; reservations can be made no more than 30 days in advance.
Kings Canyon does not tend to fill up daily until July/August.
Plan your visit by clicking here.
Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Above: Capitol Reef National Park unique geologic features.
Why Go?
Unique geologic formations in vivid colors
Scenic hiking on well-maintained trails
Uncrowded paved roads make this a bike-friendly park.
Accessible for disabled persons
Great star-gazing opportunities
Campsites are available at Fruita
Very quiet; a hidden gem
Know before you go...
The park is remote
There is no food, fuel, or lodging sold in the park.
The nearest town is Torrey, UT at the west entrance (10 miles from the visitor center.)
Hotels in Torrey start at $100/night, or Airbnb has an entire apartment for $150.
Campsites can be reserved from 01Mar-31Oct.
Plan your visit by clicking here.