4 Places To Visit Out West This National Park Week
April 18, 2014
So it’s Earth Week, eh? It’s a time to focus on how we strive to better our planet and a reason to celebrate our Earth’s natural beauty. From desert to forest, we are spoiled with breathtaking landscapes. We don’t think there’s much of a coincidence between our celebration of Earth Week, and the National Park Service bringing focus to their outstanding parks. Tomorrow it’s time to get up, get outside, and Celebrate National Park Week! Check out some tips on where to go if you’re out west!
From April 19th to 27th, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite everyone to celebrate “National Park Week: Go Wild!”
With over 400 parks nationwide, there’s something for everyone from diverse wildlife and landscapes, to rich culture and history. Since 1916, the National Park Service has had one mission: to care for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
On April 19th and 20th you can get a FREE pass to any of the National Parks! Even if you’ve been to all those on your bucket list, there’s always more to explore. Not sure where to go first? Here’s a couple of ideas from people right here at the Woodchuck Cidery. We thought we would take a step out of New England, and find some of our travelers that have been out west. They even gave us some of their photos from their trips to share with you all. Check it out!
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4 Places to Visit this National Park Week
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in Southern Utah. Explore the enchanting canyon of pink and red sandstone cliffs, by wading along the river or hiking up the trails! Want a full view of the canyon? Hike to the top of Angel’s Landing (seen below) for an exhilarating trek.
Yellowstone National Park
The world’s largest collection of geysers, Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, on the borders of Idaho and Montana. As Old Faithful often takes the spotlight of this active volcano, you’ll find a plethora of wildlife and breathtaking falls throughout the park. Make sure to hit Artist’s Point for this view of the Lower Falls.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. Located near the Four Corners in Colorado, the park has preserved numerous ruins of homes and villages built by the Ancient Pueblo peoples. With many structures built within caves and under outcroppings in cliffs, the Cliff Palace (seen below) is thought to be the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
Crater Lake National Park
Located in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park encompasses a caldera that formed from the now inactive volcano, Mount Mazama, and it’s surrounding hills and forests. At 1,943 feet (592 m), the lake is the deepest in the states, and the ninth deepest in the world! Enjoy the park on the various hiking trails, or from the Crater Lake Lodge overlooking the glass-like water.
Get out there this week, and Find a Park Near You!