National Parks

[TJDave]

Originally Posted by _______

and Platte National Park in Oklahoma (now Chickasaw National Recreation Area).

As a native Oklahoman I had to look that up. Turns out that most Okies call it by a different name, Sulphur Springs. Don't blink when you go or you'll miss it.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

Originally Posted by cj

I have yet to go to one but plan on starting next year. Redwood National Park is first on my list.

There are no bad national parks. Of those I've visited, the 10 I'd put highest on the list of parks not to miss are Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Everglades, Denali, Grand Teton, Mesa Verde, Redwoods, and Hawaii Volcanoes.

[barn32]

Originally Posted by HalvOnHorseracing

There are no bad national parks. Of those I've visited, the 10 I'd put highest on the list of parks not to miss are Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Everglades, Denali, Grand Teton, Mesa Verde, Redwoods, and Hawaii Volcanoes.

Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular places on earth.

[kingfin66]

Did you take the Road to the Sun tour to Logan Pass? It is incredible that the road was even built much less maintained for all these years. Simply amazing. Those old cars they take you in are pretty neat too.

[schweitz]

Glacier is one of my favorites also. If you are ever there spend a night at The Many Glacier Hotel and hike the Many Glacier trail (part boat trip and part hike) Simply spectacular. And if you have gone that far into the park you should also cross into Canada and visit Waterton Park. While there check out or stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel. There are many great trails to explore and the little town of Waterton is interesting.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

Originally Posted by barn32

Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular places on earth.

I don't disagree. I've been there - actually had a semi-close encounter with a bear. No one would be disappointed with a trip to Glacier.

[barn32]

25 Stunning National Park Vistas

[HalvOnHorseracing]

I remember when I first got to go to Joshua Tree I was really excited that I was going to see THE Joshua Tree. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was many Joshua Trees. The obvious question? Why don't they call it Joshua Trees National Park.

[sandpit]

Originally Posted by HalvOnHorseracing

I remember when I first got to go to Joshua Tree I was really excited that I was going to see THE Joshua Tree. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was many Joshua Trees. The obvious question? Why don't they call it Joshua Trees National Park.

Funny, my kids thought the same thing when I took them there. To answer your question, I guess the same reason it's not Sequoias, Rocky Mountains or Glaciers???

[Valuist]

Gonna be on I-40 heading east in northern Arizona so probably a little hike but not far from the Grand Canyon. Only problem is I will have a 14 year old dog traveling with me. Can one park their car and see the GC? Or can it only be seen within a national park with an entrance (and expensive fee)?

[barn32]

Originally Posted by Valuist

Gonna be on I-40 heading east in northern Arizona so probably a little hike but not far from the Grand Canyon. Only problem is I will have a 14 year old dog traveling with me. Can one park their car and see the GC? Or can it only be seen within a national park with an entrance (and expensive fee)?

If you're a senior citizen (62+) you can get a lifetime National Park pass for $10. A great deal.

Well, scratch that. While looking up the age requirement I found out that in August of last year they raised the price to $80 for a life time pass, or $20 for a yearly senior pass. Still not a bad deal really, just don't lose it.

They are good for the following:

Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies:
National Park Service
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
US Forest Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

The passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.

Traveling companions can also enter for free. The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Also, at many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

[Valuist]

Thanks for the info. I'm about 7 years away from qualifying for that pass. But something to keep in mind.

[Actor]

Originally Posted by barn32

If you're a senior citizen (62+) you can get a lifetime National Park pass for $10. A great deal.

When my wife and I visited Glacier National Park in 2008 there was a very long line at the entrance. As we were waiting a ranger came walking down the line of cars. He must have been looking for people with gray hair.

"Excuse me, sir, do you have a senior pass?"

"Yes, I do," I said, showing him the pass.

"Get in the other lane and go right in."


I just checked my wallet. Yeah, I still got it.