Bryce Canyon National Park: The Navajo Loop Trail

I visited Bryce Canyon multiple times from November through April.  It is a beautiful park and it is in an excellent location to visit multiple parks within a couple hours drive time.  

Sunset Point is the center of the universe at Bryce Canyon National Park.  The panoramic view of the park is a photographer’s paradise.  If you head to your left, you can take the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point.  From there, you can continue to the Fairyland Loop Trail or the Queens Garden Trail which take you deep into Hoodoo country.  A shorter and easier trail which provides a healthy dose of Hoodoos is the Navajo Loop Trail.  This trail heads off to the right of Sunset Point and allows you an up close and personal experience that you can’t get from the pedestrian viewing areas next to the parking lots. 

Bearing to your right, the trail will allow you to stroll next to Hoodoos via a series of switchbacks down to the bottom.  The trail is flat and well-maintained but the decline of this trail measures 550 feet so it is not necessarily easy if you aren’t used to walking at 8000-foot elevation.  It is important that you are careful when traversing the switchbacks.  Although they are a smooth surface, there are no railings or barriers to prevent you from falling over the edge. 

The trail is 1.3 miles and offers an upward view of the landscape. Being below these structures and seeing the orange flavor of the sandstone against the blue sky and puffy white clouds offers a completely different perspective.  They are rightly perched on pedestals for us to pay homage.  The trail features boulders perched on high, trees growing in less than perfect locations and curious rock formations that have defied erosion. 

At the bottom, you are awed by the majesty and sheer will of these formations which have withstood the test of The Big 3: climate, weather and time.  They stand proudly as a reminder of the past and a stubbornness towards the future.  They are defying The Big 3 as long as possible.  Someday, they will all have crumbled and humans will have nothing but memories and pictures of their grandeur. 

The picture above has two stone structures that look like bridges, hence the name Two Bridges.  Can you see both of them linking the two walls of the trail?

When you visit Bryce Canyon, I encourage you to walk this trail.  Take your time and enjoy the unique views and characteristics of this park.  Be safe and feel the impressiveness of the history of this land.  Imagine if you were the first person to see it this way.  How would you feel?  What thoughts would you have?  

Have you visited Bryce Canyon National Park?  What was your experience like?  Please share your thoughts with us.

For more information about Bryce Canyon NP, click the link below.

Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Bryce Canyon National Park: Woohoo for Hoodoos

Mossy Cave

Before we get deep into the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, there is a small area down the road from Bryce Canyon proper called Mossy Cave.  If you drive about 3 miles east from the intersection of Routes 12 and 63, you will happen upon a small parking lot on the right.  Don’t skip past this quaint corner of Bryce Canyon.  This slice of the canyon is an easy way to get up close and personal with the Hoodoos that capture everyone’s fascination.  Hoodoos, pine trees and a small waterfall await your arrival.  This is an appetizer of what is to come. 

The next two pictures are of the surrounding area.

What is a Hoodoo?

Here is part of the description from the National Parks website:

https://www.nps.gov/brca/learn/nature/hoodoos.htm

General Description:

Hoodoos are tall skinny spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and "broken" lands.  At Bryce Canyon, hoodoos range in size from that of an average human to heights exceeding a 10-story building. Formed in sedimentary rock, hoodoo shapes are affected by the erosional patterns of alternating hard and softer rock layers. The name given to the rock layer that forms hoodoos at Bryce Canyon is the Claron Formation. This layer has several rock types including siltstones and mudstones but is predominantly limestone. Thirty to 40 million years ago this rock was "born" in an ancient lake that covered much of Western Utah. Minerals deposited within different rock types cause hoodoos to have different colors throughout their height.

Formational Process:

Hoodoos are formed by two weathering processes that continuously work together in eroding the edges of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The primary weathering force at Bryce Canyon is frost wedging. Here we experience over 200 freeze/thaw cycles each year. In the winter, melting snow, in the form of water, seeps into the cracks and freezes at night. When water freezes it expands by almost 10%, bit by bit prying open cracks, making them ever wider in the same way a pothole forms in a paved road.

Rain is also the chief source of erosion (the actual removal of the debris). In the summer, monsoon type rainstorms travel through the Bryce Canyon region bringing short duration high intensity rain.

Preservation Message:

Unfortunately, hoodoos don't last very long. The same processes that create hoodoos are equally aggressive and intent on their destruction. The average rate of erosion is calculated at 2-4 feet (.6-1.3 m) every 100 years. So, it is that Bryce Canyon, as we know it, will not always be here. As the canyon continues to erode to the west it will eventually capture (perhaps 3 million years from now) the watershed of the East Fork of the Sevier River. Once this river flows through the Bryce Amphitheater it will dominate the erosional pattern, replacing hoodoos with a "V" shaped canyon and steep cliff walls typical of the weathering and erosional patterns created by flowing water. Indeed, a foreshadowing of this fate can be observed in Water Canyon while hiking the Mossy Cave Trail. For over 100 years a diversion canal has been taking a portion of the East Fork of the Sevier River through this section of the park and already it's easy to see the changes the flowing water has created.

Hoodoo colors are more vibrant after a rainstorm. Viewing hoodoos in the winter is especially rewarding. Not only does melting snow enrich the colors but the blanket of white adds another dimension to the beauty under the crisp blue sky.

The elevation of Bryce Canyon ranges from around 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Taking a hike into the canyons can mean a drop of several hundred feet.  Well constructed paths make the hikes relatively easy but you must take your time if you are not used to walking or hiking at high elevations.  

I highly recommend Ruby's Inn for lodging and food.  During summer and fall months, they offer a buffet that will fill your belly for hours and give you plenty of fuel for those hikes through the Hoodoos.  Performances run Wednesday through Saturday at 7pm from late May through mid-August.  

I visited Bryce Canyon multiple times in the fall and winter.  There wasn't enough snow to make a huge difference in the view but I have seen other pictures which make the park seem magical in winter.

Have you been to Bryce Canyon NP?  What was your experience like?  What advice would you give to people who are planning to visit the park?  For more information about Bryce Canyon National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Big Bend National Park: A Vast and Beautiful Wonderland

Big Bend lives up to both words which make up its famous name.  It is bigger than big and features grand vistas and wide valleys.  There are stunning rock formations, an infamous river and adventures on land and in the water. If you want a more extreme adventure, I recommend driving a four-wheel drive/high center vehicle on some of the dirt roads or take a kayak down the Rio Grande River. 

This is not a barren desert.  The landscape has many different species of plants and cactus.  It is a thriving ecosystem in a place that doesn’t get a ton of precipitation.  In fact, this area averages about 14 inches of precipitation per year.  Obviously the Rio Grande river basin helps but some of these areas like Panther Junction and Chisos Basin produce vibrant foliage. 

Sunset watchers have some choices at Big Bend.  The patio at Chisos Mountain Lodge is pretty wonderful.  If you enjoy a more 360 degree view, Gano Springs Road or the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive give you ample opportunity to see shades of light and shadows against mountains, mesas and rolling hills. 

On a clear day, you can see mountains for miles and miles.  Main Park Road which takes you from Panther Junction to the Persimmon Gap visitor center is a long drive so be prepared.  The road features the Fossil Exhibit which I featured in another article and I highly recommend.  Big Bend is a big park, measuring over 800,000 acres, and this drive covers a huge chunk of land. 

Have you visited Big Bend National Park?  What was your experience like?  For more information on Big Bend, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Arches National Park: Balanced Rock

Balance:

1)      Noun--an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady

2)      Verb--an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady

Balanced Rock is one of the main attractions at Arches National Park.  It is a short, easy walk from the parking lot next to Arches Scenic Drive.  It appears that it is precariously perched atop an unstable pile of rocks.  The total height of Balanced Rock is 128 feet, 55 of them being the perched stone itself.  This pronouncement of rock is a photographer’s dream.  It can be captured from all sides (except from above) and the sun can radiate it or be eclipsed by it.  It is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week awaiting its demise.  Until that time, we can continue to marvel at it and appreciate its beauty from sunrise to sunset. 

There are many different rock formations throughout Arches National Park.  Some are fin-like.  It almost appears to be a collection of sandstone sharks approaching.  Some are smooth and soft while others are jagged like the edge of a knife.  Some are thick as a mountain and others are thinner until they end with an edge like a razor.  Others are shaped like beer bottles, thin and round and teetering against each other.  Arches welcomes all kinds of rock formations into its garden of sandstone. 

Have you visited Arches National Park?  What were your impressions?  For more information about Arches National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

Arches National Park

Man-made arches have been used for centuries in construction.  Structures like the Roman aqueducts, the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris are recognizable uses of the arch over time.  But what about natural arches that form in the world?  Arches National Park provides around 2000 examples of arches that have formed naturally. Less than a mile and a half off Arches Scenic Drive are Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch.  Sand Dune Arch is appropriately named because the walk to the arch is short but it is through deep and very fine sand.  Here is a video of part of the walk. 

When you exit Sand Dune Arch, walk straight to Broken Arch.  Some of the trail has some tricky footing so be careful.  You will be rewarded with a gorgeous arch at the head of the trail.  This trail continues to Devils Garden Campground.  The trip to Broken Arch from the roadside parking lot (near Sand Dune Arch) is approximately 1.3 miles. 

The Devils Garden area provides many great views of multiple arches.  My favorite is Tunnel Arch.  I was lucky enough to be there near the end of the day when the sunlight was glowing directly through the arch.  Not sure is I like the picture in color or black and white better.  What do you think? 

Around the corner from Tunnel Arch is Pine Tree Arch.  This is, by far, the thickest arch I saw.  It looks like someone punched a parallelogram through it to create the arch.  Just outside of the arch provides a view of rock formations.

Delicate Arch is one of the premiere locations for photography in the park.  I did not have time to take the long trail to see the arch up close but I was able to snap a few pictures from the main viewing area. 

Skyline Arch lives up to its name, sitting atop a massive rock formation and peering down at us mere mortals.  It looks like an ice cold blue eye with the sky illuminating its opening. 

Finally, North Window, South Window and Turret Arches.  This is a fantastic location for sunset.  The three arches face the west and the La Sal Mountains are to the south. 

Have you visited Arches National Park?  What were your impressions?  For more information about Arches National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm 

Canyonlands National Park: Mineral Bottom, A Treacherous Trail

Top of the switchbacks

Starting the way down

Halfway to the bottom

Looking up to the top

Canyonlands is an eye-popping park.  Although there are some unique and striking vantage points peering down into the canyons, there are a limited number of paved roads that will allow the average visitor a comprehensive experience of what the park offers.  One unpaved road that is accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles is the Mineral Road.  Although it branches off from Route 313, the main road into Canyonlands, it doesn’t lead into Canyonlands National Park.  The journey down Mineral Road is rather unspectacular but the destination, Mineral Bottom, is a fascinating adventure.

The road ends with a perilous switchback and harrowing drive to the edge of the Green River. I have a near-paralyzing fear of heights which I am currently trying to deal with.  This experience was one that I will never forget.  In some areas of the road, there are concrete slabs which were placed on the mountain when part of the road washed out or collapsed.  There are other areas where the road is so narrow, there is only a foot between the edge of the cliff and the tire of the car.  In those cases, there is zero margin for error.

Click the link for additional pictures and details. 

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/791-mineral-bottom-usa.html

Video of someone driving on the road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfqsT1reUgU

The destination, called Mineral Bottom, is worth the treachery that one must endure.  At the base of the mountain, the road forks north and south.  I drove about a mile north and discovered a boat ramp.  Since it was late in the day I did not have time to drive the full length of the road so I drove south to see what else I could see.  About 2 miles south of the fork, I encountered some very soft sand.  When driving on these dirt roads, it is imperative that you use extreme caution.  Some roads are very desolate and there is no cell phone service.  If you get stuck, you could be there for hours before someone drives by.  Some trails not only have soft sand but quicksand as well.  Since I did not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle at my disposal, I chose to take what pictures I could and head for the exit. 

I highly recommend a trip to this area but you need to have a very experienced driver, someone who will not have a fear of heights or treacherous roads.  You should drive through this area with a 4-wheel drive vehicle to complete the trip as safely as possible.  Always consult with park rangers or area guides who can advise you whether it is safe to explore this type of terrain.  It might not be safe to drive down the switchback when it is wet so definitely consult someone who is familiar with these roads.  I loved this area and will definitely visit it again when I return to Canyonlands.

Have you visited Mineral Bottom?  What was your experience like? 

Click the link for more information about Canyonlands National Park.

https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingman's Dome

The Smoky Mountains, rays of sunlight piercing the clouds and a fog bank overwhelming a ridge like you would see in San Francisco, that’s what a visit to Clingman’s Dome is like.  Clingman’s is: the third highest point east of the Mississippi; the tallest mountain in the Smoky Mountain Range; and peers down paternally on the rest of the Smokies.  It can’t be ignored or avoided, it is too impressive for that. 

The parking lot provides a carnival-like atmosphere.  There are families taking pictures, elderly waiting for the bathroom and hikers challenging themselves to take a brisk walk to the observation tower without stopping to catch their breath.  This mountain is over 6,600 feet above sea level and the walk from the parking area to the tower, although not far, is very steep which is challenging for those who live at much lower elevations. 

Unfortunately, the observation tower is currently closed due to renovations.  It is expected to open again in the spring of 2018.  Seven and a half miles of the Appalachian Trail crosses the mountain just north of the observation tower.  There are also many other trails of varying grades that can satisfy the appetite of any avid hiker. 

It was overcast during my visit but I definitely recommend spending some time here.  The observation tower is scheduled to re-open in April 2018.  I would schedule a visit after that date so you can enjoy the 360 degree view from the top of the mountain. 

Have you been to Clingman’s Dome?  What was your experience like there? 

For more information about the Clingman’s Dome area, click on the link.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

Shenandoah National Park: The Gem of the East Coast

Last night I was watching a repeat of a Seinfeld episode that I’ve probably seen at least a half dozen times.  Despite my familiarity with that particular episode it still brings a smile to my face whenever I watch it.  Driving along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is a similar experience.  You see view after view of the great expanse below and it never gets old. (These first five pictures are from just one overlook)

The word “WOW” is uttered by nearly everyone who exits their car at one of the dozens of scenic overlooks.  The Appalachian Mountains roll along in an unending wave of trees and leaves.  The slopes of green are peppered with rays of sunlight that poke through the clouds.  The contours of each ridge stand proud like contestants at a beauty contest. 

Skyline Drive meanders 105 miles from Front Royal, Virginia to Route 64 where it turns into The Blue Ridge Parkway.  Within the park, there are 75 designated areas where you can stop and enjoy its beauty.  Most of those turnoffs provide views like these. 

You can’t see forever from here but you can come really close.  The views from atop the mountain ridges are breathtaking.  Visitors spend their time sightseeing, camping, hiking, horseback riding and cycling.  These mountains are perfect if you want to have the Tour De France experience in America. 

There are over 500 miles of trails to hike.  Be aware that you need to have proper walking/hiking shoes and clothing.  I went on a hike to photograph a waterfall.  The mountains are steeply sloped which provides you with the great views of the valleys but they make for strenuous hikes.  Here is my report……..

The busiest time of the year is from summer through the end of October when the leaves change their colors.  There are three choices for lodging in the park with several campgrounds also available.  If you choose to stay outside the park, expect a 20-40 minute drive to one of the surrounding towns. 

Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem of the east coast.  When I mention it to people they either get a quizzical look on their face or they say, “Oh yeah, we went there years and years ago when I was a kid.  Beautiful place.”  It certainly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves so I encourage everyone to make the trip. 

Have you visited Shenandoah NP?  What was your experience like?  What did you do there?

For more information about Shanadoah National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a charming park which features waterfalls, bridges, wildlife, massive rock formations and a historic canal.  Cuyahoga is different from many other parks in that it was named a national park in 2000, therefore human intrusion left its imprint on the park prior to the designation. 

Brandywine Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park.  These pictures show a decent flow but it can be a much heavier flow at different times of the year or after significant rainfall. 

The area between Cleveland and Akron was very rural in the early 1800’s when the Ohio and Erie Canal was established.  This canal spurred economic development and trade that transformed one of the poorest areas of Ohio into one of the wealthiest areas of the state.

The Great Falls is located at Viaduct Park in the northeast corner of the park.  As you can see from the pictures, the trip to this area is definitely worth it. The journey starts above the falls and flows to the tunnel where the water disappears. 

Cuyahoga is a desirable destination during the fall when the leaves are changing colors.  The forest not only allows just the right amount of sunlight to warm the earth, but it also shrouds many roads with limbs that reach across the pavement. 

The Ledges area is a zoo for enormous rock formations.  Many of these rocks are larger than houses and weigh hundreds of tons. 

This tree had one root that traveled along the rock and ended in the dirt.  This is what I call survival mode.

Our last stop is at the Everett Covered Bridge.  This is a bridge that was rebuilt in 1986 to reflect what the original bridge might have looked like in the 1800's. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a very nice park.  It would not make my top 10 list of best national parks due to some issues.  First, two major highways run through the middle of the park (I-271 and I-80).  Secondly, there is an active rail line running through the park.  There are also many residential roads that cut through the park.  In addition, there are private residences within the borders of the park.  Maybe I am being too nitpicky but I believe that a National Park should have that eye-popping WOW effect.  I didn’t get that feeling at CVNP.  It felt more like a state park or National Forest.  I’m not saying that you shouldn’t go or it’s not worthwhile, but I wouldn’t prioritize it over many other parks in the NP system. 

Have you been to Cuyahoga Valley National Park?  How would you compare it to other parks in the national park system?

For more information about Cuyahoga Valley National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm

Congaree National Park: Silence is Golden

Hello darkness, my old friend,

I've come to talk with you again.

Because a vision softly creeping,

Left its seeds while I was sleeping.

And the vision that was planted in my brain,

Still remains,

Within the sound of silence.

The Sound of Silence—Simon and Garfunkel

Wandering through Congaree National Park will not elicit feelings of angst or depression that the lyrics of The Sound of Silence might evoke but the overwhelming feeling that you are experiencing a sacred ritual is prevalent.  Although you’ve walked thousands of times through all different types of terrain (cities, suburbs, stores, beaches, etc), one element of this experience has been lacking—silence.  Congaree is amazingly silent and even encountering other hikers means that a courteous hello will be met with hushed tones.  Congaree commands respect without ever uttering a word.

A small park (only 26,000 acres) it boasts 25 miles of hiking trails, camping, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.  I hiked approximately 3 miles between the Boardwalk and Sims Trails, spending time at Weston Lake and Wise Lake. 

A turtle (directly below the 4 x 4 post) makes his way towards the shore in Lake Weston.

The mud between these trails can measure eight feet thick in spots and helps to cleanse the environment of pollution and toxins that would threaten the ecosystem.  My advice is to stay on the trails as much as possible because there are some huge spiders to be found between limbs, leaves, stumps and trees. 

The thick mud seen here helps to maintain a healthy balance in this special forest.

If you look closely just above the center of this picture, you can see a rather large spider resting in its web.

Congaree is (according to the National Park website) home to “the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.”

Congaree, located about 20 miles southeast of Columbia, SC, is unique in that it is open to the public 24 hours/day, does not charge a fee for entry or use of the park and has a Boardwalk trail that allows disabled visitors (especially in wheelchairs) to enjoy the surroundings.  If you want a secluded place where peace and quiet is your goal (and your phone will be inoperable) Congaree is a destination that you will want to experience. 

A colorful black butterfly travels along the brush.

The roots of the many trees in the forest intertwine like a web of wood.

Have you explored Congaree National Park?  If so, what are your thoughts about this park? 

For more information about Congaree National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm

Sequoia National Park: The Humbling of a Human

Over time, we build more and more confidence and, at times, we might get a bit full of ourselves.  It could be due to conquering responsibilities with work, family, relationships or friendships but we tend to feel a sense of importance that might not be warranted.  Typically, there are inflection points in life where we are brought back to reality and realize that we aren’t necessarily as important as we thought we were.  Sequoia National Park should be prescribed for those who feel they are excessively relevant when, in fact, they really aren’t.  The humbling effect that the Giant Sequoias can impose can bring even the loftiest ego back down to earth.

Imagine standing next to a tree that is one of the oldest living organisms in the world, quite possibly 2000-3000 years old.  How do you relate to that?  If life expectancy is 85 years in the USA, 3000 years equals 35 consecutive lifetimes.  It takes hundreds of years for a Sequoia to reach its full height.  So, imagine planting a tree today and your great, great, great grandchildren might live long enough to see it when it’s fully grown.

More importantly is how unique these trees are.  Their bark is very thick (it can grow to as much as 3 feet thick) and protects the Sequoia’s against fire, extreme elements and temperatures.  Sequoia’s have shallow roots so they are susceptible to falling over.  If their thick, protective bark is still intact when they are toppled, it could take hundreds of years for the tree to decay.  This is clearly demonstrated by the Tunnel tree.  It fell 80 years ago and it is still largely intact. 

The most prominent Sequoia’s were named after military officers due to Union soldiers guarding the groves shortly after the Civil War while the first national parks were being designated.  The National Park Service did not exist back then and loggers would try to cut down the trees if no one was guarding them.

The General Sherman tree is considered the biggest tree on earth based on the sheer volume of wood it contains.  It is in the Giant Forest which is the largest grove of Sequoias in the park.  Sequoias only grow at an elevation between 5000-8000 feet.  They tend to grow on the southern side of mountains and have few large branches because they need lots of sunlight to reach maturity.

Prescribed burns conducted by the National Park Service are used to strengthen the trees.  When Sequoia’s start to burn, they secrete a sap-like substance that acts like medicine to help heal and strengthen the trees.  Here you can see the black area of the wood which was burnt during a prescribed burn.  Taking a tour with one of the knowledgeable Park Rangers is a must to fully understand how unique these trees and this environment is. 

When hiking at this elevation, it is important to wear appropriate clothing, drinking enough fluids and resting when becoming short of breath.  It doesn’t take long to get yourself into a medical emergency in the wild. 

Moro Rock is a massive boulder on top of a mountain.  I have a fear of heights so it was a struggle for me to reach the top.  There are a few railings but, in other spots, there is just a foot-high ledge along the walkway that separates you from a 500-1000 foot fall over the edge.  At the top, there is an aluminum railing where you can walk across the center of the rock.  It provides a nearly 360-degree view of the area.  You can see cars hugging the curves of the mountain on their way to the park.  And the sunsets are absolutely brilliant. 

Route 198 out of Sequoia National Park is a long and winding one.  You have no idea what you will encounter around every corner.  In one of my visits, I came upon some wild boar feeding along the side of the road.  If you are leaving the park at night, I recommend that you take Route 180 back toward Fresno as it is much less treacherous.  Sequoia National Park is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience.  It is a place and experience for explorers of all ages.

Have you been to Sequoia National Park?  What is your favorite part of the park and why?

For more information about Sequoia National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Kings Canyon National Park: The Kings River

Please be patient, it may take a minute for the videos to load.

No:

Swimming

Wading

Boating

Rafting

or Fishing.

In essence, stay out of the water.  It is too rough.  Too fast.  Too violent.  It’s not this dangerous on the whole river, but in many parts of Kings Canyon National Park, it is.

I am convinced that if you fell into the Kings River in most areas of Kings Canyon National Park, you would be dead within minutes.  There are too many boulders that you would strike and the water is too fast that you could never stand up or drag yourself to safety.

Don’t get me wrong, it is a gorgeous flow of water to see in contrast with the mountains and valleys.  But in this case, Mother Nature is not to be tested.

The Kings River provides irrigation to over a million acres of farmland in California's central valley.  The river also provides fresh drinking water to central valley residents.  In some areas, white water rafting is permitted.  It is a level 3 river.

I made acrylic prints of this waterfall.  They are as breathtaking as the waterfall is itself.

Have you seen the Kings River in person?  What were your impressions?

For more information about Kings Canyon National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Kings Canyon National Park: The Dual Legacy of Water

I leisurely drove down Route 180 from my hotel in Fresno to the fork in the road where you can either choose to turn right to visit Sequoia National Park or bear left to enter Kings Canyon National Park.  I was extremely excited to visit Sequoia NP because it has a grove of trees which are some of the largest and longest living organisms in the world.  But Kings Canyon?  I had never heard of the place.  Sequoias would have to wait while my curiosity won out. 

As I entered the visitor center a park ranger exclaimed, “Welcome to Kings Canyon National Park!”. 

I responded, “Um, to be honest, I’ve never heard of this place”. 

She smiled and said, “Yeah, we like it like that.  The other parks get big crowds.  We are happy with being off the radar.”

The Kings River carves its way through the valley.

She explained that Kings Canyon is unique in that it has two valleys.  One is a V-shaped valley which was formed primarily by water erosion and a U-shaped valley which was formed when a glacier receded and pulled much of the rocks and sediment away.  So melted snow and ice turned into water and formed the V valley and frozen water formed the U valley.  Interesting.  I decided to investigate both valleys.

The roads curve around a dangerous landscape of rocks and boulders.

The V valley was amazing.  Sharp slopes had been carved into the mountains leaving them with jagged ravines for the water to flow.  Even from a couple thousand feet above, I could hear the roar of the Kings River below. 

The base of the mountains in the U valley were littered with massive granite boulders larger than cars and houses.  This left the U valley with wide gorges where grass and ferns grew waist-high and covered the valley floor. 

I'm 6 feet tall and about 275lbs in this picture.  This is a massive hunk of granite.  

Although I knew nothing about Kings Canyon National Park until I walked into the visitor center that day, I am forever grateful that I explored this national park.  I now believe that Kings Canyon NP is one of the most underrated places in the entire country.  I highly recommend this park for a day or week-long visit. 

Have you visited Kings Canyon NP?  Did you like it?  Would you agree that it is an underrated park?

For more information about Kings Canyon National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Yosemite National Park: Water

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Whenever someone asks me where they should stay when visiting Yosemite National Park, I never hesitate.  There’s a small town down Route 140 about 40 miles from Yosemite Valley called Mariposa.  It has about 2000 residents who make their livelihoods from park visitors with several lodging choices and a couple of taverns.  The drive up Route 140 sets the tone for what you are about to experience in the park.  The road hugs the Merced River and provides a relaxing view of mountains, water and vegetation.  In one section, you must take a one-lane bridge across the river because part of the eastern road was destroyed after a rock slide (see pictures below). 

The rockslide destroyed the road on the right side of the river.

As you get closer to the park, the rapids get more treacherous.  In many areas, swimming, boating, wading and fishing are prohibited.  The water is so rough, fast and unforgiving that you would suffer serious injury or death if you fell. 

The upper Merced River in many parts of Yosemite National Park is much calmer and slow moving.  The water is so clean and clear from the snow melt that you can see the color of the stones at the bottom. 

The first major waterfall you encounter when entering the park is Bridalveil Falls.  It is on your right as you drive into Yosemite Valley and is a short walk from the parking area.  You can walk right up to the falls and be sprayed with its mist which can be refreshing on a hot summer day. 

Tenaya Lake is a very popular locale to rest and relax.  The surrounding mountains feed the lake and provide a peaceful space for humans and wildlife. 

Yosemite Falls is the crown jewel of waterfalls in the park.  At 2,425 feet, it drops in three sections, the bottom of which can be accessed by foot.  The roar of the falls can be heard in the surrounding meadows when the flow is strong.  The flow can dwindle in the late summer and into the fall season. 

Water can appear out of anywhere in the park, especially in the later spring and early summer.  As the snow rapidly melts, waterfalls form and may run for months before drying up just before winter visits again.  Such is the case with Ribbon Falls, which is a couple of miles down the road from Yosemite Falls.  It is longer than the upper Yosemite Falls drop but has a much narrower flow of water. 

The beauty of the larger waterfalls cannot be matched but the simplicity of some of the smaller roadside waterfalls and lake tributaries beautify all areas of the park.  Keeping your eyes peeled is a necessity to capture the full scope of how water cleanses and breathes life into Yosemite National Park. 

Do you have a favorite waterfall, lake, body of water?  Where is it located?  Why is it your favorite?

For more information about Yosemite National Park, click on the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Yosemite National Park: Boulders, Olmsted Point, Snow, Safety and Camping

This is a broad-based article.  I wanted to point out some interesting topics that didn’t have enough content for a blog article on their own. 

Boulders can be found all over Yosemite: in river beds; at the side of a road; next to a campground; or at the base of a mountain.  Whether exposed by erosion, drawn to another area due to a receding glacier or is a protrusion of granite emerging from below the earth’s surface, boulders are a prominent feature in the park.  Some are bigger than your house or car.  Others can be bigger than an apartment building.  I always wonder if a boulder fell from a mountain, the incredible sound it must have made when it came crashing down (no comments about whether someone was there to hear it fall). 

Olmsted Point is a scenic overlook on the Tioga Road.  FYI, Tioga Road is only open during the summer and I recommend that you drive it when given the opportunity.  Frederick Law Olmsted was an architect and conservationist who designed several municipal parks around the country including Central Park and Prospect Park in New York City.  He was instrumental in preserving land for our national parks.  This location was dedicated in his honor. 

Snow can be found almost year-round in the park.  I have been to Yosemite in July and seen snow even at low elevations, especially in shady areas.  In years where there has been significant snowfall, the waterfalls will have a strong flow of water from May through mid-July as the snow melts.  During the years of the California drought, even large waterfalls like Yosemite Falls would run dry in the late summer.

Safety is of immense importance when spending time in our national parks.  Keeping a safe distance from wild animals, making sure you have enough food and water while camping and hiking and keeping your eyes on the road while driving is extremely important.  For example, the picture below shows a road where there is no guardrail and a drop of several hundred feet.  Distracted driving could lead you over the edge and once you’re falling there is nothing but the bottom to stop you.

Camping is a very popular activity in the parks.  Campers come with all different strategies to try to conquer the wilderness.  Some will “camp” at one of the lodges/hotels, others will drive their big RV’s, some will tow popup campers and the true modern pioneers will pitch a tent and rough it.  The tents in the picture can be rented and include a stove. 

Have you camped in the parks?  Have you been to Olmsted Point or taken a picture next to a massive boulder?  Tell us about your experiences in the park.

For more information about Yosemite National Park, click on the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Joshua Tree National Park: Converging Environments

“Be very careful if you are hiking.  Take plenty of water with you because you can become dehydrated quickly.”--Park Ranger

June in Joshua Tree National Park will not be confused with February in Buffalo.  It’s hot and dry and the sun is extremely strong.  You might not notice it if you are driving in an air-conditioned car or just spend a few minutes standing in the heat.  Walking a trail in this environment can be fatal if not taking the proper precautions. 

Keys View offers an incredible view of the Coachella Valley.  The peaks of the mountains on the opposite side of the valley are the tallest peaks in southern California. 

Joshua Tree is a unique place.  Some of the rocks have been dated to 1.7 billion years old.  These precarious rock formations owe their architecture to erosion. 

Check out the rock balancing on the top left portion of the pile.

This rock was teetering on edge. It was also in the shape of a pork chop--it's always about food

From the National Park Service Joshua Tree Website:

Joshua Tree’s nearly 800,000 acres were set aside to protect the unique assembly of natural resources brought together by the junction of three of California’s ecosystems:

•The Colorado Desert, a western extension of the vast Sonoran Desert, occupies the southern and eastern parts of the park. It is characterized by stands of spike-like ocotillo plants and “jumping” cholla cactus.

•The southern boundary of the Mojave Desert reaches across the northern part of the park. It is the habitat of the park’s namesake: the Joshua tree. Extensive stands of this peculiar looking plant are found in the western half of the park.

•Joshua Tree’s third ecosystem is located in the westernmost part of the park above 4,000 feet (1,219 m). The Little San Bernardino Mountains provide habitat for a community of California juniper and pinyon pine.

Have you been to Joshua Tree National Park?  What is your favorite part of the park and why?

For more information about Joshua Tree National Park, click the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm