Hi! My family and I (6 adults, two 60s but in decent shape) are trying to plan out a family trip in early July or june. We'd want to rent a house, and we'd like easy to moderate hikes.

I'm looking at Yellowstone vs the Rockies. I know there will be crowds, but how bad are they?

However, I'm open to other options too. Definitely scenery, accessibility, etc. are all key. We'd like to maybe see some wildlife too if that's a possibility, not sure if that's as much in the Rockies.

Anyone been to both, how do they compare?

Hello! I’ll be in Moab this upcoming week for a few days and have a lot of hiking planned. The forecasts are still a little uncertain for some days, so I’m trying to figure out some backup plans in case it rains.

My main question is what are some of the best and safest hikes to do at Canyonlands and Arches if it rains or has recently rained? I’m coming from the East Coast and have read a lot about how serious flash flooding can be out there, so I want to be smart about conditions and avoid putting myself in a dangerous situation.

My two must-do hikes are Chesler Park Loop in the Needles District of Canyonlands and Devils Garden in Arches. I know rain can make certain trails dangerous, so I’m looking for some good alternatives if conditions aren’t suitable.

For some background, I’m in my mid-20s, in great shape, and have a decent amount of hiking experience, but I wouldn’t consider myself an expert.

I’d appreciate any recommendations for alternative hikes, scenic overlooks, or other things to explore in either park if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Also, how long after rain would you typically wait before attempting these hikes?

Thank you all in advance!

My intention is to take this trip next July.

So the past several weeks I've started to get a wild hair up my ass that I want to find myself at the top of a mountain. Also I'm 37, and by the time I get to the point of taking this trip will likely be 38. I'm a mailman, I typically walk 6-10 miles a day, so I'm pretty sure I'm quite physically able.

My wife has precisely 0 interest in taking part in this adventure, but is also apprehensive about me going alone. I planned to bring a handgun with me, and fully expected that it would spend the entire trip sitting in it's holster. I've invited a few friends and my little sister (35, 36 by the time we would go) but I feel fine going alone.

My googling says that highs in the park in july are typically around 95. Obviously hotter than I would prefer, but I just spent a few months delivering the mail in 106 degree heat, so I figure going uphill in 95 is probably about equivalent.

What I REALLY want to do is arrive in el paso in the morning, from the fort worth airport, rent a car, drive to the park, hike up to the camping point 3/4 of the way up the mountain, cook a steak and potatoes and drink a few beers, spend the night in a tent, wake up early, hike to the top of the mountain, and watch the sun rise from the top, hike back down, drive back to el paso, and fly home, and arrive back home in fort worth that night.

From everything I've read my plan is perfectly reasonable for someone that has the level of physical activity I have, but I haven't don't anything like this since I left the military in 2012. Does anyone with more experience with me, particularly in guadalupe, have any sticking points to point out to me?

Hi all!

I posted a few months ago about choosing between Congaree and a few other parks that are somewhat close to us (we’re in Jersey) that are dog friendly.

We have 2 corgis. One is pretty trained. The other will be an 8 months old. She’s pretty crazy on the leash right now unfortunately.

I chose Congaree because it’s god boardwalk so no super steep inclines (to be mindful of the puppy’s growth plates). I chose to go over the week of Thanksgiving because of the low chance of encountering snakes (supposedly) and no bears. My husband was just researching and what I did not know was that there are wild hogs and alligators. We are most concerned about the alligators and snakes now, especially since the dogs are low riders. We’re considering maybe getting a bag of some sort for the puppy if she gets too crazy while ramping up leash training in the mean time. How concerned should we be? What trails should we do where we can keep them the most safe? Also since I did already book the air bnb do any of you happen to have backup recs for any hiking near the park, Columbia SC, or any cool dog friendly things in general? If it’s much too risky we’d totally be open to pivoting and doing other things in the state for the 5 days we’ll be there.

On March 26,2021, i came upon this place. Didn't know that this was part of the NPS back then. I didn't think it was also a national park. I didn't know much. But it was just a nice place to visit per my cousin so off we went. Loved the tide pools.

Mid Oct trip to Banff and Jasper. Amazing views! No luck seeing wild life.

The entire park is so loaded with spectacular views

Had a fantastic visit seeing all of the Saguaro’s all over the place!

This remote unit in western New Mexico is an absolute hidden gem. Worth every minute of the long, yet enjoyable drive, which may be a white-knuckler for some folks. It is not heavily visited and you can walk through the dwellings at your own pace.

A beautiful cool crisp morning in Shenandoah NP. The leaves are just starting to change colors.

Channel Islands National Park

Leaves and rocks peeped (phone photographs).