Best natural wonders to visit out west?

[Anonymous]

What have been your favorite spots to visit as a couples trip? We like anything water and park related.

[Anonymous]

Well, OP, I could go ON and ON, LOL but I'll be brief and then you can search the DCUM travel section for more.

Zion NP, independently, is every single person in our family's favorite place in the US. If you go in the fall, you can hike "The Narrows." Incredible!

Nearby is Bryce NP, a totally different kind of mind-blowing place. Easy to do on the same trip.

Yosemite NP is fabulous--but the whole world knows about it, so you have to be ready to deal with the Disneyland of National Parks. But once you start hiking up those cliffs, you get away from the crowds that linger at the bottom.

I've also been to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP which is beautiful but I'd put them after the three I mentioned above.

I'd also put The Grand Canyon lower on the list--seriously, I know it's hard to believe, but let me qualify: If you plan to stay at the Rim with more Disneyland-types, it's not "the best." IF, however; you do what only a very small percentage does…it's small, like 1-5%; I can't remember--and hike down INTO the Grand Canyon…an experience of a lifetime, OP. You can hike down to the bottom, set up camp or stay at Phantom Ranch (that takes advance planning so call now) and hike out. Put your stuff on a mule. (But hiking is better than taking the mules--they go head-to-tail and you breathe and see dust all day). Hike it and at one point the mule train with your stuff will pass you on your way up! At the moment you'll be jealous of your stuff, but really, it's a wonderful experience.

I never got to Yellowstone/Grand Teton NPs, so can't comment but hear they are exceptional. They are on our list but we moved to NoVa and it messed up our Yellowstone trip. When we move back, it goes back on the list!

[Anonymous]

DH and I loved Glacier National Park. We have traveled all over the world and it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Stunning waterfalls, lakes, etc. Great wildlife viewing opportunities- we saw moose, goats, bighorn sheep, and bears. I want to go back so badly!

[Anonymous]

Give me more OP. Do you want to see it from a bus window or hike/drive it yourself? You willing to camp and hike or -- what?

[Anonymous]

The first two posts covered most anything I could think of. I would add Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore. Although not "natural" it's pretty darn impressive.

[Anonymous]

Mesa Verde if you like ruins

[Anonymous]

No doubt the second post has the greatest hits list.

Other than those, DW and I really liked walking among the redwoods in wine country. That's doable without going up to Sequoia NP. There's a nice redwood SP in Guernville where we walked every morning before going wine tasting.

I also thought Canyonlands was pretty amazing, but it is an unconventional version of beauty--stark and barren. It's best accessed by a float trip on the Green River (you can either raft or canoe, guided or on your own). It's so remote I have no idea if you can get to it by land.

[Anonymous]

PCH roadtrip thru big sur, monterey, etc. gorgeous.

[Anonymous]

Grand Tetons and Yellowstone are a must-see at some point in your life, if you love the outdoors. Old Faithful is the least interesting thing about Yellowstone. If you hike for 10 minutes on a trail, most of the tourists will disappear and you will be treated to some spectacular country. Wildlife is abundant in both parks. Awe-inspiring places.

My husband and I fell in love with Hawaii, not just for the beautiful beaches and sunsets, but it's a great place if you love the outdoors. Snorkeling is spectacular and the hiking trails will blow your mind. I'm not a diver, but it's also supposed to be tops. Plus you have an active volcano on the Big Island. Be warned, after a trip to the islands, you will never be the same.

[Anonymous]

I loved Bryce and Zion, but my favorite is Olympic Natl. Park in WA. If you like water, spend time there and you can see both beautiful rocky coastlines and pristine mountain lakes. The rain forest is fantastic as well.

[Anonymous]

I have been to a TON of national parks and I have to say that Yellowstone is just miles above the others. So unique and amazing wildlife spotting opportunities. Can't beat it.

[Anonymous]

We're going rafting through the Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks and i cannot wait!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're going rafting through the Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks and i cannot wait!!

Did that once, it was life changing event. That is the way to see the Grand Canyon.

Or do Grand Canyon in winter when tourists are fewer

[Anonymous]

There are so many. Teton is my favorite place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're going rafting through the Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks and i cannot wait!!

This is one of my dream trips! Have a great time!!!