The United States boasts many scenic national parks, monuments, and forests. They can be visited with the “America The Beautiful” Year Pass. It is THE reason my hubby and I explore the United States. After we visited America’s (and the world’s) first national park since 1872, Yellowstone, Wyoming, in 2008, we became hooked on the experience!
We visited 28* national parks fifteen years later (2023). Each park has its unique character, energy, and vibe. For me, It is a spiritual experience to wander through the wilderness.
“Between every two pine trees, there is a door leading to a new way of life. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.”
— John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist
2008 – Yellowstone National Park, WY Badlands National Park, WY, Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD
Hiking Yosemite’s Cathedral Lakes Trail California Yosemite National Park – Day 1 A Legendary Path Through Granite Giants We spent a magnificent day conquering the Cathedral Lakes Trail in Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Meadows. The hike followed a section of the John Muir Trail, a legendary long-distance path that crosses the heart of the Sierra […]
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From Patrick’s Point to Sue-meg, A Trip 13 Years Later California Sue-meg State Park, A Visit Our last visit in the Trinidad area was to the Sue-meg State Park. We had camped here 13 years earlier, when it was still known as Patrick’s Point. The park was renamed Sue-meg to honor the original Yurok name,
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Humboldt Lagoons State Park California A Hike at Humboldt Lagoons State Park Humboldt Lagoons State Park is a fascinating collection of four distinct lagoons: Big Lagoon, Dry Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, and Freshwater Lagoon. The formation of these lagoons is a story of powerful forces working together. Waves tirelessly carve sandy bars, separating the lagoons from
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Hiking the Tall Trees Grove – Day 4 California Our Pre-Hike Adventure at Tall Trees Grove Hiking the Tall Trees Grove trail was a rewarding adventure that started before we even got to the trailhead. We had to get one of the high-in-demand reservations online because the park limits access to the grove to just
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Lady Bird Johnson Grove & The Big Tree Redwood National and State Parks – Day 3 California Lady Bird Johnson Grove We drove early to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trailhead on Bald Hills Road near Orick, California. Although parking can be full, we were fortunate to find a spot that had just opened up.
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James Irvine Trail, Redwood National and State Parks – Day 2 California The James Irvine Trail Gives A Captivating Journey Through A Green Wonderland. We were excited for a long day of hiking the James Irvine Trail, a 10.4-mile out-and-back trail in the Redwood National and State Parks. The path winds through forests with giant
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Our Redwood Adventure Begins at Orick, CA California An Intro to Redwood National and State Parks The first thing we did after a good night’s sleep was drive to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, CA, the southernmost visitor center in the park. The drive itself was spectacular; US 101 runs through the
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Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 3 California Sulphur Works & Ridge Lakes We couldn’t get enough and visited Lassen for a third time! Just one more post about this amazing park. On our last day in this magnificent park, we walked to Viewpoint Sulphur Works, an area with bubbling mud posts (smelling like rotten
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Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 2 California Cinder Cone Trail We were on our way early to the northeastern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. We wanted to hike the 4.7-mile Cinder Cone Trail, which was described as “challenging,” “hard,” “exposed,” and “only for the avid hiker.” We, therefore, came prepared with water, drinks,
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Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 1 California Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 1 We added a new national park to our bucket list: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is an off-the-beaten-path national park that has yet to be discovered. Thus, it is a perfect place for us to explore and see the wonders
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