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
City of Rocks National Reserve Idaho Sculpted by Nature Our day was filled with a scenic drive and adventurous hike at the City of Rocks National Reserve, just north of the Utah border. We parked near the trailhead, leaving our car behind, as the dirt road ahead seemed only suited for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The short […]
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Boise Highlights: Greenbelt & Former Penitentiary Idaho April 2021 A Return to Boise, ID Two years ago, while driving back to San Antonio from the solar eclipse, we bypassed downtown Boise, only seeing Idaho’s state capitol building. Finding ourselves just an hour away, we decided to explore two of the city’s highlights: the Boise River
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Craters of the Moon National Monument Idaho April 2021 Craters of the Moon: The Devil’s Landscape We found a portal to another world: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, within the Snake River Plain of central Idaho. Formed by volcanic eruptions that began 15,000 years ago and continued until relatively recently, the landscape
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Balanced Rock, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and Malad Gorge State Park Idaho March 2021 This scenic day trip took us to three impressive natural wonders in the area: Balanced Rock, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and Malad Gorge State Park. First stop: The Balancing Act of Balanced Rock Our first stop was Balanced Rock,
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The Bruneau Dunes and Bruneau Canyons Idaho March 2021 Being Lost in The Highest Dunes in Idaho, the Bruneau Dunes! The highest dunes! We paid our $7 parking fee, grabbed a map, and started to hike the Sand Dunes Hiking Trail, following the marked path. After a few miles, the markers and our map disappeared!
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Olympic NP – Hoh River Forest Washington February 2021 An Enchanting Escape to the Hoh Rain Forest A visit to the Olympic National Park is a worthwhile endeavor. We had the pleasure of exploring the Hoh Rain Forest with our sons back in August 2009. The Hoh Rain Forest trail is short yet enchanting, decorated
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Olympic National Park – Hurricane Ridge Area Washington State September 2020 The Dry Side of Olympic NP It was the third time we visited Olympic National Park. Over the years, we’ve been to the Hoh River area with its huge trees twice. This was the first time we saw the rainshadow side of the park.
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Whenever we visit our sons in Seattle, we drive by Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River. We never planned to visit, but after after reading an article in the AAA magazine, our curiosity was piqued. Surprisingly, Vancouver started in 1824, it is the oldest city in Washington State, and is therefore steeped with history!
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Driving Back Home Again Road Trip 2008 – Day 13 . Driving Back Home! Again we had a long day of driving ahead. We left the Beaver Lake Campground in Custer, SD, at 8 am, and almost two hours later, we entered Badlands National Park, a 244,000-acre park. We drove the Sage Creek Rim Road
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Road Trip 2008 – Day 12 . Driving Back Home! After a good night’s rest, we drove to “Mount Rushmore National Memorial.” We arrived early before the large groups and enjoyed the impressive statues! We learned about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum and why he carved George Washington (1st), Thomas Jefferson (3rd),
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