I'm thinking of visiting a couple of National Parks this summer/fall. I really enjoy communing with nature and find serenity there. Two of my favorite places are Yellowstone and Yosemite. Any recommendations?

I haven't been to either of them, but both are on my to do list. I don't think I have been to any national park...

Edit: I've been to Sequoia!! That was cool.

I vote for Alaska

Glacier National park (Montana)
Zion National Park

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK........AL.......

*ahem*


Just saying......vineyard tastings, river trip, shopping for the wife in historical Jacksonville while we herf.

Grand Canyon is one of the best. Absolutely stunning and check out Sedona too.

Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone. And as long as you're in Yellowstone, exit through the south gate and hit Grand Teton NP. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful - I never get tired of looking at my Tetons. And, as long as you're in Teton, you may as well stop for the evening gunfight at Jackson Hole and grab dinner at Snake River Brewing. If you're not feeling the mountain vibe, Arches NP is completely surreal and absolutely beautiful. Zion is a nice cross between Grand Teton's beautiful mountains and streams and Arches' red sculpted sandstone landscape...and more camp-able than Arches.

Opelmanta: I was told pretty much the same by a lady who lives easy driving distance from Grand Canyon. Said it was just a big hole in the ground that you had to pay big $$$ to get close enough to see decently. I'd go with Arches or Yellowstone - the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is mindblowing and you can hike right up to the rim.

Personally, my next NP pilgrimage will be Arches and Mesa Verde. Been through one and past the other - want to spend more time and really explore both.

And at times snow.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park. South Unit is my favorite, but the North Unit is a little more rugged. Probably bore most people though. Grass, badlands, buffalo and the Little Missouri river. Oh, and horses too.

Was in Yellowstone three weeks ago. Not my kind of place. Too many trees, too many mountains. Some of the geothermal features were cool though. Got altitude sickness on my anniversary and spent the afternoon, evening and night puking my guts out. Couldn't get out of there quick enough the next day.





J

I feel very fortunate to live just 3.5 hours from Yosemite. My favorite place in the world, and I've been to quite a few countries.

Coincidentally, this Sunday I'll be driving from Vegas to Yosemite for a camping trip. I don't think I've been to any other national parks.

That's my idea.

Um,,,

have you EVER filled up a RV with fuel ?

each time it's a small house payment...


wheel,

I don't remember ever being thirsty or my wallet lightening to get past my thirst. I do remember being cold and warned about hypothermia at night. I also remember a dicy ride back from flagstaff to phx due to ice and snow.

I'm not sure how to enter from the bottom of the canyon or where that would be. When were you there? I've been there quite a few times but it's always just a day trip (or two) compared to the other parks. The wait period for hotel or camping at the bottom is prohibitive too. I'm not sure you could get it done this year.

A day or two in Sedona is nice too. I need to get back there. The whole area is beautiful and IMHO a must see at least once.

All that aside I still vote for Alaska.

dead middle of freaking summer I'm pretty sure... I was just a kid along for the ride with my folks... if you can't tell I'm still just a little bitter about the whole trip...

I remember we tried getting cups of water at the nearby McDonalds (pre-bottled water days), and it was more expensive than soda... that was nice cuz we got soda

In fairness to the beloved canyon, it probably offers a very different experience than how my experience went, and is probably pleasant at times of the year other than the middle of summer...

I'm still not going back and I still think it's just a really big hole in the ground...

Oh yea then there was my time in Hawaii when I wanted to hang on the beach but we drive something like 8 hours to see volcanic rock. Eff. Wasted two days really. Although seeing the volcano erupt was sort if cool. Not as cool as getting baked and laying on the beach at night though.

or a prison... probably a prison...

Or a boarded up porno theater

With a 500 mile retractable power cord.

Jack likes to eat carrots.

Poor flatlander...
Actually, if you had altitude sickness, getting out of Dodge was the best thing to do. Also water, Tylenol and no alcohol.

My National Parks Pass is one of my more cherished benefits of having served for 20+ years.
A few favorites not listed above: Crater Lake, Badlands, Sequoia, Smokies

Consider CO. Moved to a small town in the Rockies (about 6500 elevation) surrounded by National Forests and BLM land. Only need to drive a few miles to choose from a number of campsites, recreational areas including CO River access, lakes, bike trails, etc. Almost like living in a postcard.

OK, is this gonna get all 2Pac vs. Biggie up in here?

Seems like the only thing represent'in is WNP's and only two ENP's.

Hey, I tossed the Smokies out there. But, honestly....I live just a few miles from an ENP; but, no in way and in good conscience would I recommend the National Mall over Yellowstone. Acadia might be cool as hell, but I'll probably never find out because it's in Maine,...wth..

my dad just pulled the trigger on the lifetime pass... insanely cheap for the retired person...