In the last couple of years we have traveled all over America and visited many of the great National Parks. It is always exciting to explore a new National Park with expectations of seeing something unique and awe-inspiring. So far we have never been disappointed. I’ve taken two photos from a dozen parks we visited and put together a blog post I call National Parks Snapshot Memories.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Home of North America’s largest cactus, the size of them blew me away. Inside the park we had a great time hiking among them. One evening we hiked to capture the sunset but the scene looking the other way at the Saguaro on the hillside with the soft evening light on them and the moon captured my attention. The Saguaro take on human qualities due to their arm like branches. These two seem to be in an embrace.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
I loved the Hoodoos at Bryce, especially in the soft glow of the morning light. Driving along the rim there are many spots to pull over and view the canyon. Looking down at the amphitheatre of hoodoos and seeing for miles was breathtaking.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Two memories of Joshua Tree are the sunsets with the silhouetted trees and driving through the park with an absolute forest of these unique cactus on either side.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Pelicans and sunsets. We took a canoe trip in the bay and were able to paddle up to the pelicans perched in the mangrove trees and at the end of the day were treated to amazing sunsets.
Arches National Park, Utah
I loved the giant arches, that’s me to give the photo scale. Balanced Rock and prehistoric looking landscape. I expected to see a T-Rex at any moment.
Zion National Park, Utah
Anne and to other photographers waiting for the right light on The Watchman. Strolling through the Virgin River valley on a warm spring day doesn’t get much better.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Hundreds of petrified logs strewn across the desert landscape and the amazing colors of the exposed earth in the painted desert area.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Big transport rig steams by with the magnificent El Capitan in the background and we stop and get out to admire the effect of a brief passing snow storm on the mountains.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Two memorable hikes. First to an overlook of the Rio Grande splitting the US and Mexico. Second through the Grapevine Hills at dusk at the end of a warm day.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
The setting sun lights up the rock formation known as the Castle. We take in the sheer enormity of the sand stone cliff faces during a stop along the scenic drive.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Viewing the vast area of Badlands and getting ready for a sunset walk through some Badlands terrain.
Yosemite National Park, California
Two favorite places in Yosemite. Valley View beside the Merced River looking down in to the Yosemite valley. Up at Glacier Point with a great view of Half Dome.
I’m hoping to add to my National Parks Snapshot Memories soon with a planned spring 2013 visit for the first time to Death Valley NP. Anne and I are pumped!
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My goodness, looks like we still have a lot of parks to checkout. On your list It is only Yosemite that we had been to. And oh, I think you had been to White Sands National Monument or is it a park?
Death Valley is fascinating, spend as much time as you can. I have two post about the place.
Yes, White sands is a monument. Some of the monuments are pretty impressive and a few of the national seashores. I didn’t include several other parks or the post would get too long. We also have visited Acadia, Shenandoah, Giant Sequoia Kings Canyon, Crater Lake, Glacier, Olympic, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Canyon. Still have to get to Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton.
You guys had been around! On your second list we had been to Crater Lake (RV) and Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons. Definitely all NPs are great parks to be explored.
Dont forget Denali National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park, these two alone is worth a trip to Alaska.
We want to get to Alaska someday, always seem to save it for later. There are many Canadian NP’s on our list too. We did manage to make it to Newfoundland in 2011 and saw Gros Morne NP. Amazing!