beer 30
Footballguy
Absolutely not, it's purposeful. I don't get nearly the traction he does.
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National/State Parks Worth Seeing (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter GroveDiesel
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General Malaise
Footballguy
Most flattered I've been in years! Being compared to royalty in here!
On The Rocks
Evil Conservative
For anyone familiar with Yosemite....I'm wanting to make a trip there in May and I'm not sure if I should have begun planning this a year ago or start planning for next May instead of this May.
My primary interest is photography.
A few questions:
I would prefer to stay in the park, but my wife will only stay in a hotel, it looks like Ahwahnee is out of my price range and Yosemite Valley Lodge has no vacancy. The other options look too below market for the Mrs.
I've seen that the lines getting into the park can be long, but I'm wondering if I were to stay outside the park the first week of May, is that a timeline that I should still expect delays getting into and around the park?
Are there any recommendations for hotels close to the entrance of the park?
This hasn't even begun to address that I haven't made any park entry reservations as yet either and as I understand it, they are now required.
Sorry for the rambling. Just jotting down thoughts as I go.
TIA
My primary interest is photography.
A few questions:
I would prefer to stay in the park, but my wife will only stay in a hotel, it looks like Ahwahnee is out of my price range and Yosemite Valley Lodge has no vacancy. The other options look too below market for the Mrs.
I've seen that the lines getting into the park can be long, but I'm wondering if I were to stay outside the park the first week of May, is that a timeline that I should still expect delays getting into and around the park?
Are there any recommendations for hotels close to the entrance of the park?
This hasn't even begun to address that I haven't made any park entry reservations as yet either and as I understand it, they are now required.
Sorry for the rambling. Just jotting down thoughts as I go.
TIA
General Malaise
Footballguy
Pretty stoked for July - driving down to Lassen Volcano NP, tent camping at Manzanita Campground for two nights. From there, well drive down to Three Rivers, CA for a hotel stay, freshen up, grab some grub then hit Eshom Campground for 2 nights. Hoping to explore Sequoia/Kings' from there, but having never been, I'm certainly open to suggestions!
We will then drive down to Big Bear and stay at my cousin's house for 3 nights. I definitely want to hit Joshua Tree but know it'll be HOT as hell in July, so don't anticipate doing too much hiking or anything. Would love some ideas or suggestions on things to do and see from Big Bear as our base for 3 nights. Also happy to just relax and enjoy the lake. My cousin will have a ton of ideas for us too as they've owned this house for a while and rent it out as an ABnB.
Then off to Scottsdale for a week. In July. As you do. Other than making @Bob Sacamano come drink with me, I got nothing planned here. Just time with wife's family. I know the guys want to golf TPC Scottsdale, but I'm not good enough to consider that.
We'll probably just high tail it back to Oregon, but my kids desperately want to stay in Los Angeles for a night, so we'll do that. I've heard there's a great hotel called Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, so curious if anybody has thoughts there. Would also take suggestions on a fun place to stay in the Bay Area for another night.
We will then drive down to Big Bear and stay at my cousin's house for 3 nights. I definitely want to hit Joshua Tree but know it'll be HOT as hell in July, so don't anticipate doing too much hiking or anything. Would love some ideas or suggestions on things to do and see from Big Bear as our base for 3 nights. Also happy to just relax and enjoy the lake. My cousin will have a ton of ideas for us too as they've owned this house for a while and rent it out as an ABnB.
Then off to Scottsdale for a week. In July. As you do. Other than making @Bob Sacamano come drink with me, I got nothing planned here. Just time with wife's family. I know the guys want to golf TPC Scottsdale, but I'm not good enough to consider that.
We'll probably just high tail it back to Oregon, but my kids desperately want to stay in Los Angeles for a night, so we'll do that. I've heard there's a great hotel called Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, so curious if anybody has thoughts there. Would also take suggestions on a fun place to stay in the Bay Area for another night.
GroveDiesel
Footballguy
I may be becoming too crotchety for national parks. I have no patience for the selfishness and stupidity that runs rampant.
We’ve been in Smoky Mountains for the last week and I find myself getting angry just about everywhere we go.
On Sunday we stopped at one of the very few picnic areas to eat lunch as they strongly discourage eating anywhere else due to the bears. We get there and every picnic table is taken. Over half of them people had set up cabanas over them and clearly intended to spend the entire day there. Very frustrating with such limited picnic areas in the park
Tuesday we hiked Laurel Falls. Crowded trail which is what it is. I like to get away from the crowds but between my older parents, my wife with MS, and my young niece and nephew, our options are more limited. But got to the falls and people were climbing all over the falls despite the signage making it clear not to. Not only does it damage the rocks over time, but it was incredibly dangerous/stupid. It also meant it was impossible to get a photo of just the falls because people decided that it was more important for them to get their photo doing something “cool” than it was for anyone else to get a photo of the falls without some imbecile in their photo.
Yesterday we made our biggest mistake. We drive to Cade’s Cove in the late morning. Cade’s Cove is supposed to be this iconic area of the park to drive through where there is lots of animal viewing opportunity. The problem is twofold: it’s a one lane road with zero shoulder most of the way, and people are selfish. Despite the many signs saying not to stop in the road, there are selfish people that straight up parked their cars in the middle of the road anytime they saw a bear. Instead of pausing for a moment to get a look/picture and keep moving so that other people can see the bear, they’d park their car in the road and sit and watch the bear until it left. Many of them were dumb enough to get out of their cars to get a better look at the several hundred pound animal that could rip their face off.
So trying to drive around Cade’s Cove turned more into just sitting in a line of 30 parked cars, unable to see anything but the few trees around us so that two families at the very front of the line can sit and watch a bear for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and repeat. Just totally selfish and disrespectful. Unless you’re going to go off-season, really early in the morning, or in the evening, I absolutely advise not going to Cade’s Cove. Not worth it.
And get off my lawn.
We’ve been in Smoky Mountains for the last week and I find myself getting angry just about everywhere we go.
On Sunday we stopped at one of the very few picnic areas to eat lunch as they strongly discourage eating anywhere else due to the bears. We get there and every picnic table is taken. Over half of them people had set up cabanas over them and clearly intended to spend the entire day there. Very frustrating with such limited picnic areas in the park
Tuesday we hiked Laurel Falls. Crowded trail which is what it is. I like to get away from the crowds but between my older parents, my wife with MS, and my young niece and nephew, our options are more limited. But got to the falls and people were climbing all over the falls despite the signage making it clear not to. Not only does it damage the rocks over time, but it was incredibly dangerous/stupid. It also meant it was impossible to get a photo of just the falls because people decided that it was more important for them to get their photo doing something “cool” than it was for anyone else to get a photo of the falls without some imbecile in their photo.
Yesterday we made our biggest mistake. We drive to Cade’s Cove in the late morning. Cade’s Cove is supposed to be this iconic area of the park to drive through where there is lots of animal viewing opportunity. The problem is twofold: it’s a one lane road with zero shoulder most of the way, and people are selfish. Despite the many signs saying not to stop in the road, there are selfish people that straight up parked their cars in the middle of the road anytime they saw a bear. Instead of pausing for a moment to get a look/picture and keep moving so that other people can see the bear, they’d park their car in the road and sit and watch the bear until it left. Many of them were dumb enough to get out of their cars to get a better look at the several hundred pound animal that could rip their face off.
So trying to drive around Cade’s Cove turned more into just sitting in a line of 30 parked cars, unable to see anything but the few trees around us so that two families at the very front of the line can sit and watch a bear for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and repeat. Just totally selfish and disrespectful. Unless you’re going to go off-season, really early in the morning, or in the evening, I absolutely advise not going to Cade’s Cove. Not worth it.
And get off my lawn.
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
I really do hate people. The bears need to eat more.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
In general, people do suck. Especially during your vacation.
Did you end up going to Yosemite? It has some of the most outstanding scenery anywhere. My coworker just returned from a trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Zion & Bryce, and she was most impressed with Yosemite. She was underwhelmed with GC, and liked DV more than expected. She and her husband did lots of hiking and photography. BTW, they stayed in a hotel outside Yosemite.
I went to Yosemite with a group of 10 family and friends 2 years ago on Memorial Day weekend. We had 2 tents in Curry Village (low 200s/nite), 1 room at Valley Lodge (~300/nite). We made the reservations for the Lodge in August of the year before.
For @GroveDiesel I was annoyed about the number of people climbing on the rocks of lower Yosemite falls. I'm surprised no staff prevented it. They're damaging the rocks, and are at risk of injury. Plus they reduced my enjoyment of the falls.
Dr_Zaius
Footballguy
Yeah, we were there maybe 10 years ago and got to witness both the idiots standing around on the rocks at Laurel Falls as well as the Cade's Cove madness. A woman actually knocked on our van window, and when I rolled it down asked if I could open the side door up for her so she could jump into our van if the bear she was trying to photograph attacked her!?! It's a shame because the park has lots of neat stuff, but it just gets too many visitors now, and I imagine it's only gotten worse over the last ten years. It reminded me a bit of Zion in that the only way to avoid huge crowds was to do more longish hikes to get to remote areas, which as you say depending on who you are with may not be an option.
GroveDiesel
Footballguy
And look, I get that some other cultures just do things differently than us, and I had no issues with the kids playing in the pool at the foot of the falls, but stripping your 2 year old completely nude and letting them play in the water is a bit rude. I want pictures of the falls and of my family at the falls that I can keep/display and share with others. A 2 year old’s dingaling puts the kibosh on that pretty quickly.
General Malaise
Footballguy
Yeah, we are not even going to bother with Utah on our return trip due to crowds and idiot behavior. I yelled at a couple on Hurricane Ridge who ignored the signs reading "STAY OFF" the grounds just so they could get a video for The Gram. Had a few folks nearby applaud my efforts.
Just selfish ****ing idiots and I would LOVE for bears and bison to eat more of them.
Just selfish ****ing idiots and I would LOVE for bears and bison to eat more of them.
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BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
Yes please
steelerfan1
Footballguy
Was in Banff years back and even though they had stay on the trail, saw 3 people off the trail in the woods with plastic grocery bags full of mushrooms they were picking. WTF. people do indeed suck.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
This is not possible.
Yosemite was 1st on her trip and it set a high standard for variety of great vistas, waterfalls, plus some flora and fauna. She saw a mama bear and her cub, wild flowers and butterflies in the valley. I'm just the messenger.
GroveDiesel
Footballguy
Saw 5 or 6 historic cabins that are all over 150 years old built by the settlers who persevered to do things like fell 30 acres of land to grow crops on, hunt the land to keep the family from starving, hand build their cabins, etc. Every single one of the cabins that have stood for well over a century were absolutely covered in hundreds of peoples names either carved or written in Sharpie all over the walls both inside and out.
Yeah, I came to the Great Smoky Mountains and was interested in seeing Ogle’s Cabin, but what really made it awesome was seeing that MacKenzeigh Loves Kaleb June 15 2024.
Yeah, I came to the Great Smoky Mountains and was interested in seeing Ogle’s Cabin, but what really made it awesome was seeing that MacKenzeigh Loves Kaleb June 15 2024.
That slut
On The Rocks
Evil Conservative
We did go! It was SPECTACULAR!
Only two negatives: We did a local tour bus which turned out to be a complete waste of a day due to what time we needed to arrive at the pick up location and places the tour bus stopped were places we were familiar with and had either already stopped at or had no interest in seeing.
The other negative was "Glacier Point" was still closed for another week while we were there and that was a huge downer.
With two days left I was already realizing I need to plan a return trip. We stayed at a hotel just 5 minutes outside the park, so it was super convenient!
If I knew how to share a couple of photos on this forum I would.
General Malaise
Footballguy
Lassen Volcano NP here we come! Can't wait.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
I made a brief stop there several years ago. Interesting place with the bubbling pots as well as the mix of snow + flowers.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
Cade’s Cove has been a conga line of cars every time I’ve been there. Every time, the plan is to to get there early to see wildlife, and every year, without fail, we’d get there around lunch time and sit in the sweltering heat sucking on exhaust fumes.
If Laurel Falls is the short (mile or two) trail accessible from the scenic driving loop right in the middle of Gatlinburg, then yeah, I remember that one being more of a parade than a hike. We got there fairly early and based on our return leg, it was only getting more crowded from there.
You gotta be hitting the trails while everybody else is at one of the 97 pancake houses getting breakfast.
I’d love to actually backpack or organize a trip to the summit of Mt.Leconte there to get away from the masses a little.
GroveDiesel
Footballguy
2 hikers seriously injured at Cataract Falls at GSMNP.
They had to be life flighted out on Wednesday. They fell after climbing up the the side of the falls to get to the top and then slipping and falling. Saw dumb people doing this at this waterfall when I was there too.
A young woman also died within the last couple of weeks at Glacier after she walked out where she shouldn’t have been , slipped, when over St Mary falls and drowned when the waterfall held her under at the bottom.
Ok, enough grumbling and fear mongering from me.
Anyone been to Isla Royale? Sounds beautiful and maybe less likely to turn me into a grumpy old man.
Osaurus
Footballguy
Always wanted to go there, but haven’t to date
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Love that place. Kings Creek Falls Trail was a family favorite.
PlayaHata
Footballguy
Just back from our first trip to Zion National Park. Wife had a work meeting in St. George the first two days, so one day I drove to Zion on my own and did Scouts Lookout Trail followed by the Emerald Pools trail. I had looked into doing Angels Landing but I am scared of heights and after looking at pics online, I didn't register for the Angels Landing permit lottery. Scouts Lookout was definitely challenging getting up there, but I started early and luckily was in the shade almost the entire way up and most of the way down. The view up top was fantastic. Emerald Pools was decent but Scouts Lookout is certainly the better of the two hikes if you're up to the climb. I was a little frustrated that the visitor parking lot was already completely full by 9 AM, so I ended up having to exit the park and right outside the gate in Springdale instead which cost me $40 for the day.
The next day my wife's conference ended and we spent our last 2 nights in Springdale, staying at The Lodge at Zion Canyon (which is NOT the Zion Lodge actually in the park BTW). The Lodge was decent and located by one of the Springdale shuttle stops, which was nice. Our first afternoon, we drove through the tunnel and did the Canyon Overlook trail. It was a pretty easy hike and the views were great. The only challenge there was once again parking, which is almost non-existent. We ended up parking quite a ways away from the trailhead, but still enjoyed the hike.
Our final day we did the Narrows. It was incredible to say the least. We rented Narrows gear (neoprene socks, shoes, and walking stick) from Zion Outfitter, which is right outside the park gate, and it was pretty much mandatory in my mind. The water level was pretty low for the most part, but there was one section right near the beginning that it was deepest, a little past my waist. We took our time and went all the way to Wall Street before turning around and heading back. From start to finish, I think we took about 6 hours.
Even apart from the hikes, the views are just spectacular. And it is really cool just watching the canyon wall colors change throughout the day. One last thing - we had dinner our last night at Kings Landing Bistro in Springdale. It was an incredible meal and if you can manage to get a table outside and watch the sunset, it is truly magical.
The next day my wife's conference ended and we spent our last 2 nights in Springdale, staying at The Lodge at Zion Canyon (which is NOT the Zion Lodge actually in the park BTW). The Lodge was decent and located by one of the Springdale shuttle stops, which was nice. Our first afternoon, we drove through the tunnel and did the Canyon Overlook trail. It was a pretty easy hike and the views were great. The only challenge there was once again parking, which is almost non-existent. We ended up parking quite a ways away from the trailhead, but still enjoyed the hike.
Our final day we did the Narrows. It was incredible to say the least. We rented Narrows gear (neoprene socks, shoes, and walking stick) from Zion Outfitter, which is right outside the park gate, and it was pretty much mandatory in my mind. The water level was pretty low for the most part, but there was one section right near the beginning that it was deepest, a little past my waist. We took our time and went all the way to Wall Street before turning around and heading back. From start to finish, I think we took about 6 hours.
Even apart from the hikes, the views are just spectacular. And it is really cool just watching the canyon wall colors change throughout the day. One last thing - we had dinner our last night at Kings Landing Bistro in Springdale. It was an incredible meal and if you can manage to get a table outside and watch the sunset, it is truly magical.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
Super late and thsi is prbabjy too far, but Capulin Volcano had signage advertising dark sky viewing. Looks like it’s about 3 hours away from Asante are though.
Side-tripped there this summer when staying with family nearby in Trinidad, Co. Was a nice little stop.
General Malaise
Footballguy
Lassen Volcano NP is an absolute gem of a park with very little traffic that has become a problem at parks like Yellowstone and Glacier to name a couple. We had an incredible camping spot with tons of elbow room, fresh water lakes, giant trees. This spot is a treasure.
Went to the Black Hills area in August and it was great, mostly. First the not so great: Deadwood is today likely what the founders envisioned and by that I mean it's a tourist trap with a casino in every business, bar and watering hole. Their claim to fame is it's the town where Wild Bill Hickock was assassinated which apparently happened in six different locations within the town based on the plaques and pictures in the establishments. Hickock is buried at the local cemetery alongside his paramour Calamity Jane. Glad to have visited, never need to go again,
Mt Rushmore is cool and I say a must do just to gawk at the scope of the monument. And it does inspire when you see the four chosen ones and realize how great this country is thanks to those who came before. Worth the few hours and the admission, would recommend.
Crazy Horse monument, on the other hand, is a total waste of time and money. It was suggested by some locals to just pull off at the side of the road and take pics from there and be on our way and I gotta they were right. The cultural exhibit is awful with no theme or flow while the gift shop and restaurant are more than glad to take your money. And whatever you do, Do Not pay for or take the bus to the foot of the monument just to take home a souvenir rock from the sculpting. It's just a rock and ain't worth the cost. At the current rate of progress the monument will be complete by the year 2150. Total tourist trap. Blah!
Went through Sturgis a week after Bike Week and frankly it's like Arbutus, MD grew legs and landed in South Dakota. A nondescript, blue collar town that hosts a big rally every year that closes down the entire region for the week as it's claim to fame. Place to drive through to say you've seen it but no reason to stop.
Now the good stuff-Devils Tower was awesome!! It juts 800+' from the ground straight up and there's a path encircling the entire base of the plateau. At about 1/2 way round you can see the plains and it's easy to picture herds of buffalo and tribes of Native Americans living a pretty good life. Wonderful experience and top site for me so far. It is a climbable structure with about 6,000 climbs a year but unfortunately a few weeks ago someone did fall and die on their way down. I just don't understand wall climbing, my minds not built that way.
Next was the Badlands. All I can say is...Wow! Stunning! Saw some buffalo, goats and deer and took in some gorgeous views. Got there prior to the official opening so wasn't crowded which was great. By the time we left it was getting touristy real quick. Highly recommend.
If you're out that way be sure to put in some time to see Spearfish Creek Falls. There are multiple observation areas with multiple water falls and none of the walks/hikes are too arduous so it's an ok excursion for even little ones. Again, beautiful and still more native American cultural ties for the area. Spent a good four-five hours just enjoying the walks and the views.
Finally, we hit Custer State Park and drove Needles highway which has some pretty damn cool natural rock structures along with gorgeous western pine forest landscapes. Climbed a ranger tower for some elevated views a pretty cool pano pics. led into the nature preserve where the furry cows come right to your car. DON'T LOOK THEM IN THE EYE! They don't like that! Oh yeah, and has been stated previously in this thread, don't be a touron and try and get closer for your glam shot selfie, my money is on the big thing with the horns.
A quick side trip we made that was worthwhile was Belle Fourche which boasts of being the Geographic Center of the US. Also has some neat cowboy and rodeo history with a smallish museum that is curated very well and is a much better experience than Crazy Horse stuff.
Great experience with some wonderful natural vistas and worth a 3/4 day stay, imo.
PS- Also saw the worlds largest Bigfoot carving as well as a giant Jack-a-lope carving all done by a set of brothers who started a chainsaw carving business and have multiple locations throughout the area. Worth the side trip.
Mt Rushmore is cool and I say a must do just to gawk at the scope of the monument. And it does inspire when you see the four chosen ones and realize how great this country is thanks to those who came before. Worth the few hours and the admission, would recommend.
Crazy Horse monument, on the other hand, is a total waste of time and money. It was suggested by some locals to just pull off at the side of the road and take pics from there and be on our way and I gotta they were right. The cultural exhibit is awful with no theme or flow while the gift shop and restaurant are more than glad to take your money. And whatever you do, Do Not pay for or take the bus to the foot of the monument just to take home a souvenir rock from the sculpting. It's just a rock and ain't worth the cost. At the current rate of progress the monument will be complete by the year 2150. Total tourist trap. Blah!
Went through Sturgis a week after Bike Week and frankly it's like Arbutus, MD grew legs and landed in South Dakota. A nondescript, blue collar town that hosts a big rally every year that closes down the entire region for the week as it's claim to fame. Place to drive through to say you've seen it but no reason to stop.
Now the good stuff-Devils Tower was awesome!! It juts 800+' from the ground straight up and there's a path encircling the entire base of the plateau. At about 1/2 way round you can see the plains and it's easy to picture herds of buffalo and tribes of Native Americans living a pretty good life. Wonderful experience and top site for me so far. It is a climbable structure with about 6,000 climbs a year but unfortunately a few weeks ago someone did fall and die on their way down. I just don't understand wall climbing, my minds not built that way.
Next was the Badlands. All I can say is...Wow! Stunning! Saw some buffalo, goats and deer and took in some gorgeous views. Got there prior to the official opening so wasn't crowded which was great. By the time we left it was getting touristy real quick. Highly recommend.
If you're out that way be sure to put in some time to see Spearfish Creek Falls. There are multiple observation areas with multiple water falls and none of the walks/hikes are too arduous so it's an ok excursion for even little ones. Again, beautiful and still more native American cultural ties for the area. Spent a good four-five hours just enjoying the walks and the views.
Finally, we hit Custer State Park and drove Needles highway which has some pretty damn cool natural rock structures along with gorgeous western pine forest landscapes. Climbed a ranger tower for some elevated views a pretty cool pano pics. led into the nature preserve where the furry cows come right to your car. DON'T LOOK THEM IN THE EYE! They don't like that! Oh yeah, and has been stated previously in this thread, don't be a touron and try and get closer for your glam shot selfie, my money is on the big thing with the horns.
A quick side trip we made that was worthwhile was Belle Fourche which boasts of being the Geographic Center of the US. Also has some neat cowboy and rodeo history with a smallish museum that is curated very well and is a much better experience than Crazy Horse stuff.
Great experience with some wonderful natural vistas and worth a 3/4 day stay, imo.
PS- Also saw the worlds largest Bigfoot carving as well as a giant Jack-a-lope carving all done by a set of brothers who started a chainsaw carving business and have multiple locations throughout the area. Worth the side trip.
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
Our first trip to Zion was 3 days. We did the Narrows on the 1st day. My wife enjoyed it so much that on the 3rd day we canceled our original plans and did the Narrows again.
I've probably done it 5 or 6 times now. It's so good, especially if you get an early start before the crowds stir up the water (or go far enough to where the crowds thin out).
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General Malaise
Footballguy
Great stuff here, Joe. Thanks for sharing.
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