I visited the Grand Canyon in late February 1994. We stayed at a very nice Best Western in Tusayan that is conveniently located at the entrance to the south rim of the park. They even had a small bowling alley and a number of pool tables. We visited several view sights along the south rim that afternoon. It was overrun with busloads of tourists which surprised me at this time of year. Grand Canyon is pretty much a year round attraction. I awoke the next morning to find that the ground was covered with about 6-inches of newly fallen snow. We were fortunate that our current vehicle was a 4-wheel drive capable Toyota Tercel Wagon. I again drove to the south rim after checking out from our accommodations planning to exit the park to the east ... read more

Pinnacles National Park is a U.S. National Park protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about 5 miles east of Soledad. Pinnacles is most popular in the cooler months. During the spring, when the grasses are green and a variety of wildflowers can be seen along any trail. I visited the park several times when I was stationed at Ft. Ord near Monterey. It was a National Monument at that time and became a National Park in 2013. The park has more than 30 miles of trails that showcase the beauty of the park. Hikes range from flat stretches of grasslands to uphill climbs through talus caves onward to the rocky spires that Pinnacles is famous for. My favorite is the moderately rated Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop, 2.2 ... read more

Established in 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park lies in the vast Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas. Though few people outside of Texas visit, it is 113 miles by road east of El Paso or only 40 miles southwest of Carlsbad Caverns. The park contains the southernmost, highest part of the 40-mile-long Guadalupe range. It’s known for its dramatic canyons, bright-white gypsum Salt Basin Dunes, wildlife-rich grassland and fossilized reef mountains. One of the most colorful displays of autumn color in the nation occurs in the Guadalupe Mountains. Over 80 miles of trails offer easy nature walks through desert flora. The more moderate hikes follow canyons and reach oases. The more energetic can climb a 8.5 mile roundtrip trail to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet That and other trails lead to mountaintops ... read more

As you approach the memorial from Highway 244 out of Hill City, you enter past a turnout that displays a profile of George Washington. When Gutzon Borglum started carving Mount Rushmore, he originally planned to put Thomas Jefferson on the right side of Washington. After the workers started blocking out his face, it was discovered there was not enough good quality rock for carving, so they blew up what they hard started. As a result, it left a good profile of Washington. Mountain goats were introduced to the Black Hills in the 1920’s, and have adapted quite well to the area.... read more

Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Western Colorado exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. It was carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River. Gorgeous scenic routes are available along the rims and down to the river. The South Rim Drive is 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point, and has 12 overlooks.The North Rim Road is a gravel road that provides access to 6 overlooks. Those wishing to drive to the Gunnison River may do so by taking the East Portal Road. The road is extremely steep (16% grades) with hairpin curves. Hiking trails for all abilities are available on both South and North Rims. There are no maintained or marked trails into the inner canyon. Routes are difficult to follow, and only individuals ... read more