By Victoria Boster –
We have just returned from 3 incredible weeks of hiking and touring some of the most beautiful places on earth- the great National Parks of the western United States. Our National Parks are a remarkable treasure possessed by every citizen of this country. These wondrous places aren’t just the great outdoors- they are the Greatest outdoors— the keepers of mountains and desert, canyons and caves.
Being a part of the vast wilderness that makes up our National Park system has been an awe inspiring experience. Hiking among mountains that make men look like ants, visiting ancient ruins that date back to the earliest days of man, and gazing upon rock formations that began their birth long before there ever was man- these experiences have made me realize how very small I am AND how powerful is that great force we call — nature.
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For 19 days we hiked among ancient lands that were created by volcanoes, glaciers, and the mighty force of rushing, roaring water. We have photographed towering waterfalls, geysers whose plumes of water conquered the air, and vistas – miles and miles of canyon lands and natures artistry unlike anywhere else on this earth.
This trip was beyond incredible and we spent a great deal of time planning and preparing for this experience. My gift to you all is this detailed itinerary– where we went- where we stayed- and where we ate!!! For those of you who might someday wish to make a similar trip- this is a priceless gift!
Our Itinerary:
We started our tour in Las Vegas, Nevada where we picked up our rental car.
Day 1- Vegas to Zion National Park
Overnight Best Western Zion Park Inn, Springdale Utah (2 nights). Favorite Restaurant – the Switchback Restaurant at the hotel.
Day 2- Zion National Park
Day 3- Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Overnight Austyns Chuckwagon Motel, Torrey Utah. (2 nights)
Day 4- Capitol Reef National Park
Favorite Restaurant – Cafe Diablo – Torrey Utah.
Day 5- Travel to North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Overnight Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge (cabins) (2 nights). Favorite Restaurant – Grand Canyon Lodge Restaurant.
Day 6- North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
Day 7- Travel to Monument Valley, Mexican Hat Utah
Overnight at San Juan Inn (2 nights)
Day 8- Hovenweep National Monument and drove through Valley of the Gods
Day 9- Drive to Moab, Utah
Overnight at BestWestern Greenwall, (3 nights) Natural Bridges Monument, Mule Run Anasazi Indian Ruins, Butler Wash Indian Ruins, Newspaper Rock.
Day 10- Arches National Park
Day 11- Canyonlands National Park
Day 12- Salt Lake City, Utah – day of rest
Day 13- Drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Overnight at Antler Motel (2 nights). Favorite Restaurant- Sweetwater Grill.
Day 14- Grand Tetons National Park
Day 15- Grand Tetons – Teton Village
Day 16- Drive to Yellowstone National Park
Overnight at Snow Lodge inside park (2 nights)
Day 17- Yellowstone National Park
Favorite Restaurant – Old Faithful Dining Room (need to make reservations 3 months in advance).
Day 18- Yellowstone National Park
Favorite Restaurant – Lake Yellowstone Hotel Restaurant – (need to make reservations 3 months in advance).
Day 19- Drive to Salt Lake city – Turn in rental car
Day 20- Fly home from Salt Lake City
You are invited to visit my blog – Vicki-2BagsFull.blogspot.com for detailed information regarding the trails that we hiked and photo essays of our adventures in the National Parks.
An empty nester who now spends many hours crafting knitted artisan “nests”~~Vicki is passionate about her hobbies, her travels and her busy life. Vicki states that she loves to travel and that she and her husband are always either just getting back or just getting ready to go- someplace.“Our journeys have enriched our lives and made us appreciate our wonderful home, our family, and our friends.”
1 thought on “The Greatest Outdoors- Our National Parks Adventure”
Love your articles, but when I saw your first photo here, I had to stop and ask about your SHOES. They look wonderful for hiking/long walks, which is something my hubby and I love to do whenever we can. But, I have ‘bad’ feet and sometimes it either slows us down or shortens the walk before either of us is really ready. I know you do a lot of walking with your ‘other writing’ job, so, if you could share about your shoes, I’d be mighty happy!
~Cindy Lee