White Sands National Monument

Deep in the heart of New Mexico, White Sands National Monument features 275 square miles of white sand dunes in the middle of the desert. Similar to the sand you would find on Florida beaches, this sand has no ocean nearby.

If you prefer to view the park from your car, the Dunes Drive provides you with an 8-mile scenic drive. A picnic area allows you to enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of this unusual desert. However, you must bring in your own water. There are pit toilets available, but no running water. Parking areas and wayside pull-outs appear all along the road. When you do stop, you are free to walk over the sand dunes.

Those who prefer to view the park on foot can take advantage of several trails. Because this is the desert, though, be sure to take along plenty of water and snacks to prevent dehydration. In addition to using the marked trails, those who are feeling a little more adventurous can walk anywhere in the park. The only requirement is that you use designated parking areas for your vehicle. If you hike off the trails, you must use caution. Many of the sand dunes look alike and it is easy to get lost.

The white sand dunes are a truly impressive site to see. One of the things that I enjoyed the most when I visited these dunes is viewing animal tracks. Even small tracks from insects create an interesting pattern in the sands.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is truly a magnificent sight to see. Many visitors get their first glimpse of the monument as they drive through the Black Hills. At some points along the road, you can see the mountain framed in the tunnel ahead of you on the road. As you travle the road and make your way around the twists and turns, each sighting brings you closer to the monument.

In contrast to some of the other National Parks, Mount Rushmore doesn't provide a lot for visitors to do, but it is still a must-see if you are in the area. The large gift shop features windows that look out over the memorial. As you leave the gift shop, you walk down a wide pathway flanked by flags from all 50 states. Near the base of the memorial, an ampitheater provides a place for gatherings and speakers to discuss the monument and its presidents.

Nighttime at Mount Rushmore is a great experience. As the sun sets, the faces of the presidents go dark. However, the darkness doesn't last long. Little by little, the spotlights trained on the presidents' faces begin to lighten. When all is said and done, the faces of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt glow out from the surrounding darkness.

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Park is located in the southern portion of Idaho. As its name implies, this national park looks as though it is located on the surface of the moon rather than here on Earth. The area is home to dormant volcanoes that have left the area covered in craters, ash and volcanic rocks that give the park its unique look.

The park can be accessed with a 7-mile loop road that winds its way through the moon-like landscape. Visitors can stop at specific points to explore the surrounding area through hiking trails and viewpoints. One word of caution to visitors...make sure you have enough water before leaving on the 7-mile loop because the park offers no running water.

Craters of the Moon National Park features trails for all experience levels, allowing everyone to experience the different craters in the park. Some of the trails are less than a mile long, which is perfect for the beginning hiker. If you want to take a longer hike, some of the moderate trails measure 4 and 8 miles long. Some of the cones visitors can enjoy viewing include North Crater, Inferno Cone, Broken Top, the Snow Cone (a volcano that has snow in its crater) and the Spatter Cones.

More adventurous visitors can purchase a cave permit to explore the caves on the property. A screening for white-nose syndrome, a disease that has negatively impacted the bat population in the caves, is also required. As you explore the caves, it is important to remember that the terrain is fragile and you must legally leave things as you found them. The caves in the park include Boy Scout Cave, Indian Tunnel Cave and Dew Drop Cave. Indian Tunnel Cave is the only one you can explore without a source of light.

Yellowstone National Park Overview

Yellowstone National Park is known as the first national park in the world, not just the United States. In 1872, Theodore Roosevelt decided that the area was too precious to allow man to destroy it. He named the area a protected area and eventually created the beginnings of the National Park system. 

Yellowstone is home to various features that make it an attractive destination for nature lovers from all over the world. The forests that stand throughout the park are majestic. These same forests have been burned several times in wildfires, but always seem to bounce back as beautiful as ever. The park is also home to mountains, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and a large canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The park gets its name from the yellow rock that can be found throughout the park.

Because of the different features available in the parks, visitors may want to set aside several days to fully explore the park. Each of the areas can easily keep you busy for at least an entire day. Hiking trails and fishing is available in the parks. If you want to stay close to the action, you can rent a campsite or a room in the Yellowstone Lodge.

Visitors to Yellowstone can also experience various types of wildlife. Both black bears and grizzlies make their homes in the park. These animals generally don't bother people, but in recent years, bear attacks have increased. Other animals that call Yellowstone home include elk, moose, buffalo, coyotes and wolves. It is important to remember when you are visiting Yellowstone that the animals live in the park and we are just visitors. Therefore, it is best to leave them alone.