Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is full of surprises/NPS
You've checked off many of the crown jewels of the National Park System — Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Everglades — so where do you head next?
Do you continue on down the list of "national parks," or do you cast your gaze further, perhaps to national military parks and national battlefields, decide to check off the national seashores, or focus on national monuments (many of which have evolved into "national parks")?
I've discovered that many of the overlooked and bypassed park units of the National Park System really are gems in hiding. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in far south Arizona is fascinating for lovers of cactis and birding (during the "winter" months), Cape Lookout National Seashore wonderful for solitude and its undisturbed natural setting, and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site a gold mine for 19th century ranching kingdoms. And there are dozens of others definitely worth visiting.
So, what's on your checklist?
Comments
I've been wanting to revisit Fossil Butte NM in Wyoming and have a more thorough experience: hike a few trails, take in any ranger-guided programs, etc. The previous times I've visited have been rushed, and I only really saw the visitor center. The same goes for Florissant Fossil Beds NM in Colorado. I intend to hit both in September and give them the time they deserve.
I'd also love to revisit Great Basin NP, but I'll probably wait on it as it sounds like a lot is closed because of several construction projects this year.
Yesterday we saw Pu'ukohala Heiau NHS, today was Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, tomorrow is Pu'uhonu o Honaunau NHP, and within the next week we'll hit Hawaii Volcanoes NP. We enjoy finding the parks that "speak" to us, especially the ones that we didn't expect. On this trip, Kaloko-Honokohau with its fishponds, tide pools, gorgeous turquoise water, and excellent rangers has been a gem.
We are heading to Rocky Mountain this September and have been planning a trip for next Spring back to Utah to see the rest of the Mighty 5. We've been to Zion and Bryce but we're going back to Bryce again and want to do a loop including, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde and including some National Monuments and parks along the way. Kanab area and Valley of Fire near Vegas are also on our list. So much to see!
Back to Yellowstone for a winter visit! Next new park is Acadia.
Back to Yosemite National Park, this time for the Fall 2024 meeting of the National Park Friends Allicance!
Weir Farm and other NPS sites, stretching from Richmond, VA up through New Jersey into Connecticut and Rhode Island. We've visited every National park in the lower 48, plus some in AK, USVI, and PR. NPS sites will determine our route through these last remaining states we've not visited. What a great way to see the US and learn more about our history, culture, and natural environment!
My wife and I have a trip planned to Sequoia National Park for a week in September. We chose to wait until the summer is over and kids are back in school. We like to allow plenty of time to explore the park thoroughly, seeing the major sites, like The Sherman Tree and Moro Rock, while getting off the beaten path on hikes and even an overnight backcountry backpacking adventure.