Tara's Ranking of National Parks - Part 2

Part 2 of Tara's Rankings of the National Parks. The Top 15:

15. Big Bend

The diversity and beauty of this park is incredible! I loved soaking in the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande. We lucked out and had it to ourselves. We crossed the Rio Grande for my first time to Mexico. We had the most delicious goat tacos and chicken tamales in Boquillas. The people of Boquillas were very kind and helpful.

Santa Elena Canyon

 View from the Lost Mine Trail in the heart of the Chisos Mountains.

I still dream about these tacos and tamales! 

14. Grand Teton

While living in Soda Springs, the main water line to our apartment building broke, so we were going to be without water for a few days. We decided to head up to Grand Teton National Park instead of living without water. We planned on staying at Motel 6. Not the greatest, but at least it has running water. We did a little hiking and scenic driving. Paul then headed to Teton Village. I was whining, because I would have preferred to hike over walking around the ritzy Teton Village. Paul pulled into a parking spot at Hotel Terra and told me I needed to stop complaining and hurry up, or we were going to miss our appointment for a couple's massage. It was a great surprise! A night at Hotel Terra sure beats Motel 6!

In college, a date took me snowshoeing in Grand Teton. We went to Phelps Lake Overlook. We got lost a couple of times, and the weather turned bad on us. It was beautiful though!

Phelps Lake

13. Rocky Mountains

John Denver sure knows his stuff. There really are not words to describe this incredible place.

View from Trail Ridge Road

Bear Lake

12. Olympic

This park has everything: Waterfalls, mountains, lakes, rain forests, and beaches! I loved exploring all of the different beaches. We spent three days in Olympic, ae had beautiful weather until our last day. We visited Hurricane Ridge which is supposed to have phenomenal views, but we didn't see much of anything. We will definitely have to go back so we can experience Hurricane Ridge.

Three pronged Sol Duc Falls

Second Beach 

Hurricane Ridge

In 1991 we had a family reunion at my aunt's house on Whidbey Island. As part of the reunion, we went to Olympic National Park. I don't remember much from this trip. 

I think I enjoyed the park a lot more than my mom. 

Scott, Calvin (in the back), Me, Reed

11. Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is the only national park persevered for its archaeological significance, and that's what I love about his park. We took a tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America and Balcony House, nicknamed the Indian Jones Tour.

Cliff Palace

The Balcony House tour was intense! After walking along the trail for a little bit, we had to climb this 32 foot ladder up to the house. Climbing up the giant, wooden ladder is scary enough, but add 3-5 other people on the ladder with you.

 

After exploring some of the dwelling, we had to squeeze through a 12 foot long tunnel then clamber up an additional 60 feet of ladders and narrow walkways and steps to reach the top of the mesa. It was incredible to explore these dwellings.

10. Carlsbad Caverns

Words and pictures DO NOT do this wonder justice. Carlsbad Caverns is something every person should experience. Hiking down the natural entrance into the Big Room, was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. No other cave can compare! The Big Room is REALLY big (4,000 ft long, 625 ft wide, and 225 ft at its highest point) and full of incredible formations. We also took the Kings Palace tour. Around every corner are unique and interesting formations. The cave is so big there is an elevator to the visitors center, restrooms, and a restaurant in the cave.

Natural Entrance

At dusk we watched thousands of bats leave the cave. They do not allow photography, recordings, or any electronics during the bat flight. It was wonderful to see so many bats head off into the night. 

Lion's Tail

The Chandelier

One of my favorite formations: Rock of Ages

Temple of the Sun

9. Grand Canyon

Ooh Aah Point

As one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is truly spectacular! We hiked to Ooh Aah Point, and we oohed and aahed. The hike down was awesome, but the hike up was awful! We visited in late August, and it was HOT. Even though the hike was only a little over a mile each way, I didn't think I would be able to make it back to the top. I became dizzy, nauseated, and light headed. We found a sliver of shade and rested for about a half hour and drank water, and made our way up. This was the only time I've experienced heat exhaustion, and it was horrible. Drink water and wear a hat my friends!

8. Great Smoky Mountains

This is the most visited park in the US, but you wouldn’t know it thanks to the large park, dense trees, and the sound of rambling streams. All the people there were so nice and thoughtful. Thank you southern hospitality! The mountains were absolutely stunning, and all of the streams and waterfalls create such a sense of tranquility.

 I was disappointed we did not go on a carriage ride in Acadia, so Paul made sure we got a ride. 

We had a blast at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede!

Part of what made this park so memorable is its proximity to Gatlinburg and Pidgeon Forge. We enjoyed BBQ, catfish, an alpine coaster, a ride in a chair lift, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. We could have enjoyed ourselves for a full week without ever going into the park.

7. Glacier

This park is amazing! I loved Avalanche Lake, Going to the Sun Road, Logan Pass, and Two Medicine Region.

Avalanche Lake

Going to the Sun Road

Twin Falls

Logan Pass area

We got caught in a hailstorm on our hike to Hidden Lake Overlook. With no cover, we hurried back to the Logan Pass Visitors Center. As soon as we got back to the visitors center the rain and hail stopped, and the sun came out. We were soaked!

Waterton Lakes

We went to Waterton Lakes National Park for my first time to Canada, and it was amazing!



Our trip to Glacier will always stand out in my memory for three reasons. First, not long after getting on the road, Paul received a call offering him the position at the Cassia County Prosecutors Office. Second, I got Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. What adult gets Hand, Foot and Mouth!?! I noticed some red bumps on my hands our first night and thought I was having an allergic reaction to the hotel lotion. While hiking the next day, my feet were really sore, and when I took off my shoes that night me feet were covered in the same bumps.By the next morning, my hands and feet were covered in blisters! Hiking is a lot less enjoyable when your feet are covered in blisters. Third, our interesting stay in Browning, MT. There was a pack of dogs roaming the parking lot of the hotel. Shortly after checking into our room, another couple opens our door. The front desk had double booked the room. Subway was the only restaurant in town, and the sandwich artist ate a cookie as she made the sandwiches. No body blinked an eye! I was too hungry to care.

6. Arches


We got to the park super early and headed to Delicate Arch. If you want great lighting, visit Delicate Arch in the evening, but if you want the arch to yourself, go in the morning. We had this wonder basically to ourselves. It was truly a spiritual experience to sit in shadow of such a natural wonder alone.

Landscape Arch

Double Arch

Arches is a great family park! The relatively small area means little time in the car and you can see most of the park in one day. There are so many awesome formations and arches accessible with little to no hiking. As a kid, I loved running around and playing around some of the arches.

My awesome parents. I don't know how the managed five  kids and six national parks in one trip. 

5. Yosemite

One day was just enough time to wet our appetite! I can’t wait to go back and float the river and do some more hiking. 

View from Glacier Point

We hiked Taft point with great views of El Capian.


I loved exploring Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View

4. Zion

We headed to Zion for my birthday weekend. As a result, my 27th was probably been my all time favorite birthday. November turned out to be the perfect time to visit. The weather only required a light jacket in the morning, and there were not too many other visitors. Zion can be very crowded in the summer.

View of Angels Landing and the canyon from Observations Point. 

Along the Riverside Walk

Zion National Park has so much to offer. If the park only consisted of The Narrows, it would still safely land in my top five favorite parks. The Narrows is one of the most incredible hikes you'll experience in a national park.

We rented dry pants, canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, and walking sticks from a local outfitter for our hike.

Court of the Patriarchs

3. Acadia

Three reasons I loved Acadia: Lobster, lobster, and lobster! I think I had lobster at least twice a day while visiting Acadia, and it was SO good! What other park can you hike to the summit of two mountains, swim in the ocean, go for a stroll on quaint carriage roads, have lemonade and popovers with fresh raspberry jam for an afternoon snack, and take a boat ride to another island all in a day?

Beehive Mountain

Hiking Beehive Trail was one of the most rewarding hikes I have ever done. The views at the top are incredible, but this trail is not for the faint of heart. 

Narrow Cliff Edge

Being scared of heights (I can't even jump off of a high dive), I wasn't sure if I could do this hike. It is a one way climb straight up the mountain with assistance from ladders and metal rungs.

View from the top

First time in the Atlantic!

2. Mt. Rainier

This park is full of waterfalls, wild flowers, towering forests, and great vistas. We hiked Burroughs Mountain and Skyline Loop Trail. Skyline Loop Trail was tough, but one of the most incredible hikes I have ever done. It offers great views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and of course Mt. Rainier. At the top of the trail is Panorama Point, from there looking south, you can see Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood (in Oregon) all in one fantastic view. 

Overlook of Emmons Glacier along the Burroughs Trail

Myrtle Falls


I don't know what it is, but there is something special
about this park. 

Skyline Loop Trail

This was our first time staying the night inside park boundaries, and it was great! The rooms with private bathrooms were booked, so we had to use a community bathroom. It was better than I thought it would be. The food was incredible!








1. Yellowstone

It's only fitting that America's first national park is its best. I've seen more wildlife in Yellowstone than I have in any other park. The unique landscape and geology is something everyone needs to experience.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Yellowstone has been in my backyard my entire life; I've always lived within four hours of this place. I've visited annually most of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting Yellowstone with my family. In elementary school my family started going to Island Park every year, and trip to Yellowstone was almost always included. This park holds so many cherished memories!

It didn't matter if I visited with family or friends,
each visit was great.

Our Third Date

My favorite Yellowstone memory is when I visited the park for the first time with Paul. You could say it was our third date. We had been dating long distance for a couple of months while Paul studied for the bar. After taking the exam, my brother invited Paul to Island Park with us. We had only been on two actual dates before Paul came to spend the weekend with my family. We spent a day in Yellowstone, and went on a hike I had never been on before. We made it through all of the awkwardness of the weekend, and I was excited and nervous for the future.

First time seeing Beehive Geyser erupt. 

Even though I have visited Yellowstone almost two dozen times, there are still new things to be seen and discovered and paths to be taken.