The Southwest of the USA have many sights to offer but you do not have infinite vacation plus not all of them are as good as the others. This is a short guide about the locations you should check out. I have been at all of them and must say, they are breathtaking :-). They made me an USA fan. Can’t wait to go there again :-).

Zion National Park includes one hundred fifty thousand acres of canyon country. It is located at the east side of St. George in Utah. It includes the narrow and vibrant Kolob Canyons along the north as well as the huge dense mountain. Most travelers tend to come to Zion National Park just to visit Zion Canyon.

With the numerous ecological marvels in Utah, Zion Canyon is the most magnificent with its red and white granite cliffs that soar up to two thousand five hundred feet from the North Fork in the Virgin River. You can enjoy visitor amenities and the best viewpoints. If you are into hiking, you can take pleasure in different hiking trails including ten-minute easy strolls and the more difficult trails for the trained hikers. Zion provides the most variety of hiking trails in all of the national parks. This includes the well-known Narrows Trail located at the upper part of the Virgin River. Many panoramic views along the canyons await the visitors.

You can reach the Zion main canyon by state highway 9 that continues to the east through a tunnel going to Mount Carmel Junction, to Bryce Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon and Yosemite are part of the Southwest National Parks. Starting the year 2000, Zion National Park introduced access to free shuttle tours from Springdale town.

Grand Canyon in the South Rim of Arizona is overcrowded and expensive and there can be problems with accommodation and parking spaces. However, thousands of tourists still flock to the Grand Canyon because of it is one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the United States of America.

Canyonlands National Park includes the large area of rock formations located in the Southeast of Utah, surrounded by the Green and the rivers of Colorado. Different astonishing rock formations with various colors are carved by millions of years of combined rivers and small streams. Canyons, spires, buttes, mesas, arches and countless stunning rock formations make up the five hundred square miles of the national park. Since 1964, the Canyonlands was selected to be a national park. Because some areas are inaccessible, the best way to explore Canyonlands is through overnight hikes and 4WD motor vehicle.

The mountains in the western Sierra Nevada in central California are the location of Yosemite National Park. The area consists of countless forests, meadows, lakes and granite peaks with the sceneries of Alpine. Through the Yosemite Valley runs the Merced River. You can easily access various picnic spits, trails and viewpoints.

I suggest that you explore other areas of the Yosemite National Park and enjoy the well-preserved wilderness with perfect sceneries. Other Sierra national parks are the Sequoia and the Kings Canyon.

In Yosemite National Park, you can see the three groves of huge sequoia trees and two groves around Crane Flat. In the southwest area near the Wawona private village, the most well-known Mariposa Grove of Big Trees are located. Around the protected hillsides of the national park, there are more than four hundred massive sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant, which is known to be the largest and is almost three thousand years old.

A good question, there are quite a few national parks. I have been in many of them and loved it. Still, it is not possible to see all national parks within 3 weeks (only if you hurry - but I would not do that). This guide will take you from California, to Utah and then to Arizona.

So, which parks to visit?

Yosemite is one of the most popular destinations among outdoor lovers because of its exceptional wilds and the diverse means to enjoy its surroundings. Yosemite has been converted into an adventure playground for river rafters, skiers, bikers, base-jumpers and rock climbers. Whatever activity you enjoy, I suggest that a good pair of boots is still the best gear you have to take when traveling to Yosemite.

Wawona Sequoias is the place to go if you want to stroll but if you enjoy an exciting climb, go to Tuolumne. However, if you want to discover and see the stunning nature of the place same as me, just take pleasure in walking to take in the serenity of nature.

Yosemite consists of more than eight hundred miles of trail hike. You can choose from the different itineraries and the first thing that you have to do is to make up your mind in where to go first.

Yosemite Valley has many popular trail sites. Expect some of the trails to be easy especially around the bottom of the valley, while some trails can be more demanding. These trails are those that have granite walls that shape the Valley. Spots such as Glacier Point, Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls have different switchbacks, steep landscapes, and sudden changes in weather situations. The difficulty of your hike will be completely forgotten when you reach the top of the valley with its magnificent view. I suggest that you bring plenty of food, warm clothes and water during the hike. Most of the areas around the valley can be accessed during daytime only. If you are planning to visit overnight, you must check out their camping guidelines for your safety and protection.

On the other hand, some of the best and the most vivid rock formations in the United States is the Bryce Canyon National Park. You can see the strange rock formation in its pink hues with the sunlight. You can take a driving tour to be able to have a closer view of the rock formations in the afternoon.

If you are into rafting, I recommend one of the utmost adventures in North America, the Colorado River, which can be visited through the Grand Canyon. When you hire a rafting outfitter, make sure to choose the best because the wet and wild experience is quite expensive. It is best to plan your vacation for at least a year ahead of time. Rafting trips in the Grand Canyon can be booked fast and the regulations of the National Park only let restricted number of boats every season. Watercraft has four types that include oar rafts wherein the guide will do all the necessary works, the paddle rafts in which you can paddle while the guide steers, the motorized rafts with an outboard motor and the traditional dories type that can have four persons, including the guide.

The America’s oldest National Park is the Zion National Park, which is located in the Southwest of Utah. Zion National Park can be visited by a trip to Bryce Canyon going to the northeast and the north rim of the Grand Canyon going to the south.

Your trip will take you from, Yosemite, to Zion, to Bryce and then to finally Grand Canyon. You could also start the trip the other way around :-). Keep in mind, it will take a while from Yosemite (California), to Zion (Utah). Hope I helped you guys a little :-). Don’t forget to let me know if you ever did the tour!

The USA do perhaps not have the oldest buildings on earth, but the most beautiful national parks. I have been there twice now and was stunned by the beauty and extremeness of the parks. This is a short article about the best national parks. Never forget, all of them are great, some of them just have the little extra, making them unique and a visit you will never forget. Always remember, those parks were formed in millions and millions of years. In 1000 years the Grand Canyon grows by 10 centimeters - calculate it and you will notice how long it must have taken to form such a beauty…

When traveling to Phoenix, you should not miss the Grand Canyon. Most people enjoy camping, air tours, mule tours and hiking as part of their vacation but I recommend that you try driving for a couple of days to see the beauty of the Grand Canyon before going back to Phoenix.

If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon, it is best to allot four to five hours before going back home. You have to leave early so that you can have more time in preparing for the tiring day. I think having two drivers is beneficial if you are going up and back in just one day.

From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, it usually takes four to four and a half hours, depending on the situation of traffic. From your location, you can find the shortest way to I-17 North. Just take I-17 North going to I-40. Then from I-40 West, take the Highway 64. Lastly, take Highway 64 North going to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon National Park has an entrance fee of twenty-five dollars for a private vehicle, which covers all the people in the car. The permit fee can be used for seven days so you must keep your receipt. If you have a National Parks Golden Eagle general pass, Golden Access for the blind and the disabled, Golden Age for sixty-two and older or Grand Canyon Park passes, you can get discounts or free of charge. You can save up to fifty percent on the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee to if you are in the categories of Golden Access or Golden Age.

Another great National Park that you should not miss is the Bryce Canyon. I think you will enjoy your stay even more if you bring your own mule or horse so that you can see the spectacular view of the mountains. Bryce Canyon allows the visitors to bring their private stock to use on the trail but certain rules and regulations should be followed for the protection and safety of the tourists as well as the park reserves.

If you are planning to take a trip to the Zion National Park, take the Scenic Byway 9, which is also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. The highway is open twenty-four hours a day. You can enter from the east or the west. You can use your own private vehicle or the Zion Canyon Shuttle going to Zion Canyon. Just drive to the Canyon Junction.

Private cars are permitted in the Zion Canyon from the first day of November to late March. You need to take the shuttle ride if you are traveling on during late March to October. You can use the bicycles provided by the shuttle. I advise that you bring enough lunch, snack and lots of water during the trails. I bought a light backpack and water bottles on trails because the car was parked far from the location.

I must say that the Weeping Rock is one of the points that you should experience. Many people travel to Weeping Rock because of its beauty and the short length of time needed. Just be careful of the slippery moss as well as the water on the trail.

Finishing my article I must say that I can not wait to check out those amazing parks once again. I have been there around 4 months ago but when seeing the pictures I almost feel like being there again. I have never seen something as stunning and beautiful before. You must see those parks. It is expensive, yes, but it is something you will never forget. You will experience the creme de la creme of our nature.

Leaving Lake Powell and Page behind I am traveling to my final national park – the Grand Canyon. I would like to give you a review of Grand Canyon and will write down all experiences I have on my way through Grand Canyon.

Here a Grand Canyon picture (click to enlarge):

To get more information about historic and geographic aspects of Grand Canyon national park, please check this and this link. I am just writing a review and will not focus on the park background.

My hotel is located in Tusayan and named Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. I am heading there right now. To get there I have to drive through Grand Canyon. I am giving you a review of everything I checked out here in Grand Canyon.

Desert view point was my first stop. It is a relatively large viewpoint with shops and rest rooms. I parked my car and followed other people to a tower from where you have a good view over Grand Canyon. You should stop at Desert View point and check out the amazing view over Grand Canyon.

My next stop is the Lipan point. You have a pretty good view over Grand Canyon, as you are on 2300 meters. You can see the Hance rapid. It is around a mile long and Major and was terrific for early Grand Canyon expeditions.

Moran point is the next point on the way to Tusayan. It’s named after a spanish expedition who were the first Europeans to see Grand Canyon. I saw several tourists next to me, climbing on rocks with the Canyon going a mile down right next to them. A biker with several Harley Davidson tattoos stood right next to me and told me with Texanian accent: „Mister, tellin’ you somethin’ – some people aint no’ havin’ a god damn brain in there head.“ Really, if you do not suicide in Grand Canyon, don’t climb on the cliffs.

Leaving Moran point behind I am stopping at Buggeln point. It’s a nice looking picnick area in Grand Canyon where I will now take some minutes off and eat something. Probably a good idea for you too :). Here are only a few benches and I had to choose another location and am now sitting on a tree. Be careful, I was just bitten by an ant. I have never see that large ants before. It hurts a little.

Next point is Grand view point. As the name says it offers a wide view over Grand Canyon. As a reason an hotel as once been there. If you are interested in walking you can take a 2 day trail from here down to Colorado river.

I am exiting Grand Canyon now and heading to my Best Western. Hope you enjoyed my Grand Canyon review. My rating is 10/10 points. You will be amazed. I will be writing a short conclusion tomorrow of all my national park experiences. Anyways, I am a bit fed up with national parks now and happy to see something different very soon. I am going over Flagstaff to Phoenix in two days, to then head back to San Diego and Los Angeles. Anyways, thanks for reading my recommendations, tips and review of Grand Canyon national park.

When you are in Page you will probably want to check out Antelope Canyon. Lake Powell is directly attached to Antelope Canyon. This is a short Antelope Canyon review.

Here an Antelope Canyon picture (click to enlarge):

Check this link to read more about Antelope Canyon.

I got a coupon for Antelope Canyon but enjoying my day around Lake Powell I did not make any use of it. I drove to the park by car. Entrance fee is 20$ unless you have a national park pass.

Antelope Canyon dissappointed me as I saw no real Canyon. Only some ciffs around Lake Powell, but really, you can already see them from Page. I recommend you not to check out Antelope Canyon. However, I have to say, I have only been at Antelope very short.

Hope you enjoyed my Antelope Canyon review. My rating for Antelope Canyon is 3/10.