Part one consisted of the very best National Parks that I’ve visited in the last year. There are others that are equally amazing - I just haven’t been to them lately, or yet.
The rest are not by any means not amazing or gorgeous. In fact, if I hadn’t been to the first four, I’m sure these would be that top of my list. As it stands, they are incredible.
Badlands
I think it might be impossible to really convey the beauty of the badlands with words. 12 years ago, my husband and our one baby took the same trip we took last year, and I had no interest in seeing the Badlands. That was a mistake. We stopped there this time, and I am so glad we did. It’s breathtaking. We took the time to have a picnic while we were there.
Mesa Verde
I had always wanted to visit this one. Fourth grade was the year I learned about it. At the time, I had no idea that my grandma grew up less than twenty miles from these amazing cliff dwellings. When we started planning our first trip out west, I knew it was a place I had to see. And when we went back last year, I could not wait to take my kids there. My oldest had already learned about it, and my second just learned about it this year, but she had already seen it. I love that. If you are ever near Cortez, Colorado, you must visit.
Rocky Mountain
I have a hard time with this one. It’s gorgeous, don’t get me wrong - but I cannot handle the altitude. You must see this park at least once in your life.
Everglades
The real draw of the Everglades is the wildlife. We saw our first crocodile here and about a hundred gators. The kids loved it. The Cypress trees are incredible.
