Category: National Treasures!

When visiting North Georgia, make sure you take in some gorgeous forest scenery on your way to a beautiful waterfall! One of our favorites is Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, just outside of Helen, Georgia. A gorgeous set of 150 foot falls awaits you at the end of a 0.4 mile, slightly inclined trail. A few spots are a little steeper, but the paved trail, on average, is a pretty easy undertaking for families hiking with children. Anna Ruby Falls is located beyond the entrance gates of Unicoi State Park, which offers additional recreational opportunities during your…

When your daughter is a very creative vegan chef, you are overwhelmingly fortunate to regularly enjoy such lovely meals! She prepared this gorgeous spread for our picnic in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests before we set off on our Anna Ruby Falls Trail Hike for the afternoon. Fresh Blueberries from Damn Good Dawg Farms in Watkinsville, Georgia. All the other items are from Three Rivers Market in Knoxville, Tennessee and Jae-Mor Farms in Alto, Georgia; and a few goodies from Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market, and ALDI. Blueberries, Apples, and Celery Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Gooseberries Cherries, Dates, Green Olives, Cashews, Sunflower…

Midnight Adventures can often be the best kind of adventures. But, let me tell you, It’s DARK in Death Valley! And you can’t see much of ANYTHING. So, we can certainly say we were here. But, it’s also HIGH on our list of things to get back to as soon as we can! Along with all of the other California National Parks. But driving through the park, not being able to see a THING… Fun, yes. But it will be that much more awesome when we can actually see and experience Death Valley in the daytime, with our feet on…

Heading North out of Las Vegas, Nevada, US Route 95 is an incredibly scenic highway! Through vast desert landscapes, you’ll be surrounded by geology that makes you feel like you’re on another planet! 20 miles North of Vegas, along the Eastern side of US95, lies the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. From there, you’ll have The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and then Mount Charleston and The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area along the Western Side. So much to see. So much to do! And the sunsets are brilliant!

You’re never too old for hands-on learning! Toddlers, teens, and everyone in between! National Parks are some of the greatest places for multi-generational learning! Heck, bring the Grandparents along on YOUR next National Park Adventure! If you’re passing through Boulder City, Nevada on your way to Hoover Dam, be sure to stop by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center to learn even more about the plants, animals, geology, and engineering technology behind the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Hoover Dam areas!

If you’re in the area to pay a visit to Hoover Dam, don’t forget to stop by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center in Boulder City, Nevada! Right along your path to the dam, pull into the Visitor Center to grab a Junior Ranger Booklet, Stamp Your National Park Cancellation Stamp Books, and check out the Indoor Exhibits and the Outdoor Desert Gardens! So many fun and interesting cactus species to experience up close and personal! And other types of sage brush, yucca, and more! Some of these things are MASSIVE! But, be careful! They ARE prickly!

Our final adventure for the day, a Grand Canyon Sunset. It was cold, it was quiet, it was surreal. But, sisters, together. Always. At the end of the day, That’s all that matters. Love.

And we made it to the Grand Canyon National Park! I rarely have words to describe the Grand Canyon. The views are simply stunning. Awe-inspiring. Glorious. Incredible.

As the road out of Sunset Crater descends into the Painted Desert of Arizona, the snow gives way to the red sands of the Ancient Native Cultures of Wupatki. The Wupatki National Monument preserves and protects a collection of ruins from the Ancient Puebloan societies of the Cohonina, Kayenta Anasazi, and Sinagua peoples. Many of the kiva structures are accessible to the public, and exploring them offers a wonderful first-hand view of what life would have been like in the desert. The rangers offer frequent interpretive hikes of the structures, and you can also reach many of them easily on…

Hiking the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Flagstaff, Arizona while it was covered in snow was an absolutely joyous adventure! Experiencing snow-covered lava is one of those things you don’t really PLAN on doing… So, when the magic of the moment is upon you, it’s an incredible opportunity… So, you hike; and take in the scenery; and enjoy the geology, the plant life, and the wildlife… And, you throw snow balls! See? Good, old-fashioned fun! In the middle of an ancient volcanic lava field!

The next National Park Unit on our agenda for the day was Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument! Sunset Crater was a volcano that erupted almost 1,000 years ago! Today, you can check out Geology and Wildlife exhibits in the Visitors’ Center, and then hike some trails to see and experience actual lava formations! When we first visited here years ago, I was absolutely astounded knowing I was “walking through ancient lava.” Who says homeschooling is only fun for the kids? Adults can learn SO much, too! And speaking of kids learning, of course, don’t forget to complete your Junior Ranger…

After checking out the indoor museum of Interpretive Exhibits, we enjoyed the Island Trail hike at Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff, Arizona. When we think of the American Southwest, we tend to think of hot, dry desert landscapes, so experiencing Walnut Canyon in the snow added to the depth of understanding what life was really like for Native Cliff-Dwellers in the area throughout the different eras of history. The Island Trail allows you to get deep into the heart of Walnut Canyon to take in the geology, plant life, wildlife, and Human History of this beautifully unique place!

Flagstaff, Arizona is one of my favorite locations for hitting National Parks, and getting to experience a multitude of geological wonders within a minimal radius. Of the 3 parks in the Flagstaff vicinity, you have Walnut Canyon National Monument, as well as Sunset Crater National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument. They all offer vastly different glimpses into geology, habitat, and cultural history. And they are all conveniently located along the route to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. So, if you find yourself considering a National Park experience in Arizona, be sure to allow yourself enough time…

Situated along the Arkansas River, the Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves an 80 year span of history in this Westernmost Arkansas settlement. As you explore the jail cells, courtroom, exhibits, artifacts, and outdoor trails, you can experience life as it was then on the edge of “Indian Territory” throughout the 1800’s. Engage with the touching stories of US Soldiers; Natives along the Trail of Tears; dangerous outlaws; and the brave, legendary lawmen who dedicated their lives to policing the Western Frontier. If your kids have ever expressed an interest in the “Wild Wild West” they will be intrigued with…

When you set out for a lovely trip with the family, you think blue skies and picturesque weather…. Not too many people are really going to hope for cool, dreary rain and overcast skies with a lingering fog… But, you know what? Along these winding mountain roads, in the midst of the gorgeous fall colors…. All that blustery blah, Was actually pretty stunning!

We celebrated a GREAT First Day of Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! We drove from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina on Newfound Gap Road, stopping to hike in a few spots such as Chimney Tops, Alum Cave, Newfound Gap, the Appalachian Trail, and Oconaluftee. But, for now, the road must go on! And next on the agenda is Cherokee, North Carolina! Happy Spring, Y’all!

Newfound Gap, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a mountain pass situated at the border where Tennessee gives way to North Carolina. The border sign is one of the more iconic GSMNP photos for the take-home. We also had a little photo fun on the Rockefeller Memorial. Newfound Gap is a quick and easy stop along Newfound Gap Road, about halfway between Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the area, and you’ll also find some signage about the CCC creating some of the park’s facilities. If you’re feeling adventurous, other phenomenal hikes are…

The First Day of Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an exquisite juxtaposition of warm sunshine, cool breezes, unfurling wildflowers, and dripping ice formations! Check out some of these super cool icicles as they take on a frozen representation of the geologic phenomenon of stalactites and stalagmites… Growing as they drip FROM the upper level, but also growing from the ground up, as the water droplets refreeze on their lower surface! Gorgeous! Fascinating!

Rivers and creeks are a beautiful part of the grand scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But they are even more integral as part of the ecosystem that provides life for so many species in this protected area. For us, experiencing a River has become a solemn experience, as we remember the life of our precious Ribby. I always thought I had a lifetime of silly “River in the River” posts, but life doesn’t always flow the way we assume it will. So, now, these quiet moments have become a sacred time for us to honor our beloved…

In November 2016, something horrific happened that changed our lives forever here in Tennessee. Fire. Now, our Tennessee House is about 3 hours from Gatlinburg, so we were NOT directly affected in any way by the fires themselves. However, in Tennessee, we are ALL family. It IS the Volunteer State. And we readily answered the call to help our friends and neighbors in their time of need. Fresh from the reality of our own loss of Ribby, and raw in our own devastating grief, we knew what we had to do… And we spent the next 4 months helping to…

What a stunning way to start the day with a sunrise over the Colorado River in the White River National Forest. Grizzly Creek meanders its way down until it meets up with the Colorado River at Glenwood Canyon. Such a gorgeous backdrop of cliff walls against blue skies, with the spirited creek bubbling over the rocks beneath your feet, just before its waters intertwine with those of the Colorado… Hiking in Colorado is other-worldly beautiful!

The hub for all things National Park and Junior Ranger related in Anchorage is the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Park Rangers, exhibits, park films shown throughout the day, the National Park Bookstore, and enough Junior Ranger Programs to keep your gang busy while you explore the area!

Great River Road Visitor Center at Freedom Park – Prescott, Wisconsin Located at the confluence of the St. Croix River with the Mississippi River in Prescott, Wisconsin, this The Great River Road Visitor Center will tick, not one, but TWO National Parks off your list! Learn about the geography and human history of each river, as well as the wildlife that call this lush area home! Lots of Junior Ranger fun can be found here as well! Ask about (OR download via these handy links!) St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Junior Ranger ProgramLet’s Go Fishing! Junior Ranger Angler ProgramMississippi National…

Upper Landing Park – St. Paul, Minnesota If you are heading to the Science Museum of Minnesota, be sure to check out the sights and sounds of Downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River! The shoreline of the Mississippi River through St. Paul is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park System. CLICK HERE for the Locations Our Family Visited Within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! This NPS Site offers a list of ALL the Locations you can visit within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! CLICK HERE for…

Mississippi River Visitor Center – Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – St. Paul, Minnesota The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park System that encompasses over 72 miles of the Mississippi River throughout the Twin Cities of Minnesota and surrounding areas. There are at least 60 different parks, museums, visitor centers, and other areas you can visit that are considered to be within the boundaries of this National Park! This particular location, the Mississippi River Visitor Center, is located with the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. There are some great digital…

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

Bohemian Flats Park – Minneapolis, Minnesota The Bohemian Flats Park sits unassuming in its simple, yet lushly green beauty, along a bend of the West bank of the Mississippi River. However, the stories that this place could tell… Wow. Such an incredible history as an immigrant shanty town of the early industrial era of Minneapolis. The hardships of life, the beauty of community. But, for now, we lounge. Basking in the sun, reveling in the simplicity. The river traffic passes us by…. Feeling… Almost… As if these flats could talk. Listening… To their stories in the wind. Minneapolis Queen Paddlewheel…

The Historic Mill District of Minneapolis Many locations within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park Unit, offer fascinating highlights of the historic Minneapolis milling industry. Spend some time traversing both the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River to explore panoramic vistas of old mills, industrial ruins, historic bridges, natural falls, navigational structures, and protected National Landmarks, as they all give way to the modern amenities of today’s bustling Mill City. Area attractions showcasing some of the fascination history of this side of Twin Cities: Mill Ruins Park, Mill City Museum, Stone Arch Bridge, Father…

St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and Lock and Dam St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and Lock and Dam offers fabulous panoramic views of the St. Anthony Falls amongst the historic Minneapolis Mill District. Unfortunately, the falls were not accessible the day we were here, but definitely check this location out if you are in the Minneapolis area! This is a great place to learn about the Mississippi River’s navigational history, as well as the logging and milling industries from Northern Minnesota, down through Minneapolis. This location is within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, so be…

The Song of Hiawatha at Minnehaha Falls Regional Park Poet extraordinaire, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, gave us ‘The Song of Hiawatha’ in his legendary epic poem. Norwegian sculptor, Jacob Fjelde, captured the love of Hiawatha and Minnehaha in his renowned sculpture. Originally created for the Minnesota Building for the duration of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the statue of the couple is now situated in perpetuity atop Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Over wide and rushing riversIn his arms he bore the maiden;Light he thought her as a feather,As the plume upon his head-gear;Cleared the tangled pathway…

We’ve been through several areas of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore prior to this trip, but this marks the first chance we’ve had to get into this National Park Visitor Center. We added stamps to our books, grabbed our Junior Ranger Booklets, and enjoyed some of the birding and wildlife exhibits and activities. *As of February 2019, Indiana Dunes has officially graduated to a National Park from its previous National Lakeshore designation! National Park Collector’s Edition Stamp Book

The longer we stay in one place, the more likely we are to let the photos get creative! Just having a little fun at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

Start your vacation fun at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a visit to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, located in the town of Empire. Check out the National Park bookstore, grab your Junior Ranger Materials, and enjoy learning about the park. Once you are set, head on out to the dunes and enjoy a little fun in the sand! Be sure to download the FREE Happy Birthday Sleeping Bear Dunes 50th Anniversary Junior Ranger Program!

I think my phone ate some of my photos from our afternoon adventure into the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, but luckily the gators didn’t eat us! We’re working hard to collect our stamps for our National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program Stamp Book, and we ALWAYS love checking out the wildlife wherever we may be traveling! Here, you can see all kinds of swamp life, including alligators, snakes, fish, birds, and of course, the Sandhill Cranes! It’s a quick stop off of Interstate 10 if you are passing through Southern Mississippi, perhaps on your way to or…

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park consists of several buildings in Atlanta, Georgia that interpret the deeply moving history of this pivotal Civil Rights leader. You will find Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home; as well as the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized. He and his father, Martin Luther King Sr., both served as pastors at Ebenezer. Also in the 35 acre Sweet Auburn complex are: Fire Station No. 6 The National Park Visitor Center The Behold Monument The “I Have a Dream” International World Peace Rose Garden  The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change And a…

The Blue Heron Mining Community is a former coal town along the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in McCreary County, Kentucky. It is part of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Today, we joined the community in celebrating Decoration Day. On this day, park visitors, as well as the families that once lived and worked in the Stearns Coal Mining Communities, come together for an afternoon of fellowship and remembrance. History, live music, story-telling, demonstrations, food, and lots of kid-friendly activities help interpret the history of the folks that called this area home. We’ve earned Big…

A lovely day on the Lora Blevins Farmstead in the Bandy Creek region of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Click on any photo below to learn more about planning a trip to the Big South Fork Region! Located in Upper Middle Tennessee, the Big South Fork NRRA, a unit of the National Park Service, is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in all of the United States! Some of the most breath-taking scenery along hiking trails can be found here. Prettier than the Great Smoky Mountains, in my humble opinion, with none of the traffic!

Blevins Cemetery is located on the Lora Blevins Farmstead in the Bandy Creek area of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Ever want to feel the true power of history? Stand amongst the headstones. Feel their stories wash over you. History isn’t just words on the pages of dusty old books. History is the story.. Of lives, of love, of hardships, of strife… Struggle. Those that overcame. And, all too often, Those that didn’t. May they never be forgotten. Angels among us. We hear your stories. We are forever a part of you, And you, Forever a…

A beautiful Spring Day calls for a lovely hike in the woods! We hit up the Bandy Creek Loop in the Big South Fork NRRA between Jamestown and Oneida, Tennessee. Lots of unique birds and insects, as well as colorful wildflowers were also making their way out into the warm and pleasant sunlight! Check out this adorable grouse! And an even cuter tiny human!

Cave Tours are the big draw to Mammoth Cave National Park, in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. But, before or after you’ve done yours, make sure you spend some time relaxing, having fun, and letting the kids be kids! Working on a Junior Ranger Badge will have you exploring caves, trails, museum exhibits and the grounds… And in between making progress in their books, the kids were having a blast in the sunshine! These are the best moments in life. No rushing, no worries… Just the natural moments of joyful play, siblings loving one another, and LOADS of happy shenanigans! These ARE…

Hiking down the River Styx Spring Trail in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park makes for a lovely afternoon! Hiking back up, notsomuch! Ha! It was a little rough in spots on the up hill for our gang, but it was definitely worth it! Are you planning a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park? Click on any image for Resources to Help Maximize YOUR Family’s Fun Efficiency!

While Trillian was working with Ranger Mary on her Scavenger Hunt Activity, Ribby decided to do a little Deep Woods Taste Testing of the Big South Fork! Yummm! Definitely Ribby approved! See? Babies LOVE National Parks, too! My Littlest Junior Ranger, forever! So beautiful, so happy… Ribby loved her NPS….

After a morning of Owl Pellet Dissection, we still hadn’t had enough National Park fun! Ranger Mary gave Trillian a Scavenger Hunt, and we set out to gather the goods! There is a reason we have so many Junior Ranger Badges from the Big South Fork!

Ranger Mary with the Big South Fork NRRA in the Jamestown / Oneida, Tennessee districts is SUCH a valuable asset to the community with her fabulous educational programs and interactive learning opportunities! On this particular day, she taught us about the different owls that can be found living in the Big South Fork. She let us meet and interact with several “permanent residents” of the park, including Eastern Screech Owls and Barred Owls. Afterwards, we culminated the activity with an Owl Pellet Dissection Project! We carefully loosened the bits of undigested material, and identified the specimens with a handy chart!…

Throughout Cumberland County, and the city of Crossville, Tennessee, you can “hunt for otters” by being on the lookout for these fun, spirited art pieces located at various businesses and organizations! These three guys can be found at the Big South Fork NRRA Crossville Visitor Center! Have you found any “otters”? Hint: One of our favorites in this collection can be found at the Crossville Depot! Crossville! You otter be here!

The American Eagle Foundation out of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is an education, advocacy, and support group that works tirelessly to protect Bald Eagles and other Birds of Prey. They maintain a permanent exhibit of majestic, but unreleasable birds at Dollywood Theme Park, also located in Pigeon Forge. Any day you are at Dollywood, you can visit these stunning birds at Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. From March to October, AEF host an informative and interactive performance at Dollywood known as the Wings of America Birds of Prey Show. On this particular day, these passionate avian heroes descended upon the Big South Fork…

Fall is in the air! Gorgeous fall colors all around! Even a drive through the winding roads of the Smokies will envelop you in brilliance! But, definitely, get out and enjoy it!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an intriguing human history that has left its mark on the beautiful land. In addition to being preserved as a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the area of Cades Cove is also designated as a United Nations World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve. There is no better place to immerse yourself into this significantly historic scenery than by driving the 11 mile one-way auto loop through Cades Cove, on the western side of the park, just outside of Townsend, Tennessee. Here, amongst the stunning natural features of the…

Such a lovely Fall Day for a hike along the Little River at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

If you are looking for a unique, and absolutely unforgettable way to experience Zion National Park, consider doing so on horseback! Canyon Trail Rides takes you on a sightseeing excursion like no other!

We are frequently asked which National Park is our favorite. Out of the larger NPS Units, Zion, is, by far, my personal favorite. It is stunning. My heart is happiest amongst the Red Rocks… As the person who is always driving on our journeys, I especially enjoy being able to take advantage of the Shuttle Bus through Zion Canyon, so I can sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery, and snap some fun photos!

In Zion National Park, the Riverside Walk offers a pleasant stroll along the Virgin River, as it meanders through jaw-dropping red sandstone cliffs… You can walk along easy, well-maintained paths; and at any point, the kids can play in the shallow, bubbling river that parallels the trail. The trail starts at the Temple of Sinawava, which is the last Shuttle Bus Stop at the end of the road into Zion Canyon. For about 2 miles, things remain easily accessible. If you want to continue farther into the Narrows, make sure you do your homework on that, and come prepared with…

Weeping Rock is a lovely trail, with a magnificent destination! It is definitely a trail that I highly recommend to families visiting Zion National Park with kids of any age. It is uphill on the way to Weeping Rock, but it’s not unbearable. And then, it’s all downhill on the way back! But, the unique rock formation; the hanging gardens of moss and greenery; and the wildlife and wildflowers along the way, are well worth the time and effort! I also highly recommend the Emerald Pools Trail, and any length of distance you are up for on the Virgin River…

From Springdale, along Utah 9, east into the Western Entrance of Zion National Park. It’s Independence Day! No better way to celebrate freedom, then inside such a breathtakingly majestic National Park! America, the beautiful, indeed!

As you begin the descent from the highest elevations of Alpine Tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park, back to the lower level altitudes, lush green valleys will once again appear before you. Or, if you are coming in from Estes Park, this is where you begin your journey! Make sure you keep an eye out for Elk in the Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park areas! Such huge, majestic animals! But, be careful! They are beautiful, but can be deadly! Respect their space, and always follow ALL National Park rules on keeping a safe distance!

Looking for snow in June? The Rocky Mountains have you covered! If you make it all the way up to the Alpine Levels of Rocky Mountain National Park, you can enjoy the Tundra Snowfield Hike! Or, basically, just spend an afternoon playing in the snow! Snow isn’t just for summer when you’re over 11,000 feet above sea level! And check out the little Pika! He’s so adorable!

Wow! 11,796 feet above sea level! It’s a whole different world in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park! Gone are the tall trees, lush grasses, and thick patches of flowers; and instead you have rocks, ice, moss, lichens, and other smaller, more fragile vegetation. Four miles East of the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest elevation of a National Park Visitor Facility! Even in the middle of Summer, you can be frolicking in your tank tops, shorts, and flip flops in the lower altitudes; but as you climb, you’ll see snow everywhere!…

Coming through Grand Lake, and into the Rocky Mountain National Park, your first Visitor Center is at Kawuneeche. Continuing along Trail Ridge Road, there are a variety of lower altitude trails through gorgeous lakes and rivers. In the summer season, you can see thick carpets of lush grass; endless forests of tall, stately trees; stunning bursts of colorful wildflowers; and, hopefully, you’ll luck out with the occasional wildlife encounter! As you begin your ascent in altitude, you’ll negotiate some crazy curves and hairpin turns; and the ecosystems will shift before your very eyes! The lower lying valleys are vastly different…

It is glorious up here, at 11,300 feet of elevation! The trees, the wildlife, the rocks, the plants… The hiking is well worth the effort! But, hiking in such thin air is most definitely harder to do! We were quite winded, quite frequently. If you’re hiking with littles, my recommendation is definitely to take it slow. Hike a bit, but then take a rest. Explore the details. The bark of a tree… The leaf on a flower… But, most importantly, stay hydrated, rest frequently, and be aware that the return trip IS a challenge! Enjoy! But, be safe!

Deep in the Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide passes through, effectively separating which rivers ultimately drain to the Atlantic in the East, or the Pacific in the West. Along this Divide, at 11,314 in elevation, the Berthoud Pass was the travelway of Pioneers from the early 1860’s onward. Today, an easily accessible parking area leads you to a sign marking the historical, geological, and hydrological significance of the area. If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike along the Berthoud Pass Trail! But, let me be the first to warn you, hiking at 11,300 feet in elevation is no simple…

Hopefully you saw the post on Berthoud Falls itself! It truly is stunning! If and when you check out the Falls, be sure to enjoy some of the trails in that area! Here we are, just wandering through the forest, right around Sub-Alpine Level altitude! Rich in flora and fauna, the Rocky Mountains are just incredible!

Located along Highway 40, just north-ish of Empire, Colorado, and only about 8 miles off of Interstate 70, Berthoud Falls in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests is INCREDIBLE! An absolutely beautiful set of cascades, rolling down the rocky mountainside, and so easily accessible by all ages and abilities! Parking is just beneath the falls, and you really could spend some time hiking, scrambling, enjoying the flowers and leaves, and just taking in the absolute awe of Rocky Mountain Life at 9,800 feet elevation! Even if you are just passing through on Interstate 70, do yourself this favor! Take Exit 232, and…

Earning a Junior Ranger Badge in the Dry Tortugas was not only an honor because of its uniquely remote location, but it was an incredible experience to be hanging out in such a gorgeous National Park all by ourselves, long after the boat leaves with everyone else. But, most importantly, Ranger Riley was an absolute joy to work with while we were here. He was most attentive to the kids; and he engaged them in so many details of the fort and the island that we would not have realized by ourselves. Ranger Riley really was the cherry on top…