Super-fantastic Journeys

Arizona is a diverse state and it's National Park Sites are no exception.  Arizona plays host to a wide variety of National Park Sites from the ancestral homes of the Anasazi to the wide landscape views of the Grand Canyon. Arizona is a state with amazing rock features and the inspiring dessert plans that pull out every drop of moisture from the dessert they can to grow and bring life to a dry landscape.  I was fortunate to get to travel around Arizona a lot as a kid and went to a number of the National Parks sites as a youth.  I am only reporting as visited the sites that I have gone to since I started this project and have pictures of my own to share.  The sites are ranked by in my order of preference and of course I have my bucket list of sites I still need to visit. #1 Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is an amazing natural wonder and is something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience.  The challenge is the crowds of this...

Bandelier National Monument is located near Los Alamos, NM, and is on the eastern slope of the Jemez Mountains.  Once the home of ancient Pueblo people, the national monument is a great place to explore a diverse ecosystem and the cultures that have inhabited the area over the years.  The park only has 3 miles of road but has over 70 miles of trails on over 33,000 acres of land.  Created in 1916, the park is probably best known for its ruins of ancient people who lived amongst the cliffs and eventually developed a large village on the valley floor below. The Frijoles Canyon is a hub for the activities at Bandelier National Monument and the park's visitor center.  Located at the base of the canyon, the road winds down the side of the canyon to a small parking area.  Parking is very tight here, and in the summer months (May 16 - October 16), visitors must take a shuttle from the nearby town of White Rock which also hosts a new visitors center.  The shut...

National Park Sites in New Mexico New Mexico is called the land of enchantments for a reason.  The diversity of high mountains and deserts provide some great diversity to the activities available at the National Park Sites throughout the state.  While I have traveled to New Mexico for much of my life and have my favorite spots, there are still places I need to visit for the first time.  This is my ranking of the National Park sites located in New Mexico that I have visited and my bucket list to complete my exploration of all the National Park sites in the state. #1 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Explore the world that lies beneath the earth by going deep into Carlsbad Caverns.  You will stand in majestic great halls with mighty stalagmites and stalactites hanging tight to the ceiling.  Let your eyes adjust to the darkness and begin to see all the features of the cave while you listen to the water dripping into the cavern bring life fo the next form...