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Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the body and spirit.

Shenandoah National Park is a sanctuary for more than 100 varieties of trees, 200 species of birds, and 1,100 species of flowering plants.  Surrounded by such unbelievable beauty and tranquility it is hard to believe, when you are hiking or driving through Shenandoah National Park, that you are barely an hours drive from the hustle and bustle of our nations capital.

Shenandoah National Park lies in a picturesque setting high above the classic American panorama.  Consisting of 300 square miles stretched out along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a precious reminder of the great hardwood forest that once blanketed the northeastern United States. This area is full of trails for biking and hiking or even a nice drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Blue Ridge Mountains make up a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Range.  The Blue Ridge Mountains got their name from the hydrocarbons that are released into the atmosphere from the trees that cover the mountainsides.  These hydrocarbons when released into the air produce a distinctive bluish haze in the atmosphere.

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains stretch between two of Americas favorite national parks, connecting Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smokey Mountains.  One of America’s most beautiful stretches of highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway also runs through the area between Shenandoah Park and Great Smoky Mountains.

To learn more about Shenandoah National Park and discover what lodging and activity options await you there, visit National Park Reservations online at http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/shenandoah.htm or call one of the friendly and helpful agents at 1-866-875-8456.

If you are interested in other vacation travel destinations across America and around the world, visit the adventure travel blog at TravelingAdventure.net.

A vacation in Glacier National Park is an unforgettable treat for the heart, the mind and the soul.

Often called the ‘crown of the continent,’ Glacier Park is teaming with monolithic rocky mountain peaks that are unlike anything you will see anywhere else in the continental United States.

Glacier National Park is an amazing place to work, play, fish, explore, or just sit back and relax and breathe in nature’s beauty and majesty.

Glacier National Park is home to a decent population of wildlife including grizzly bears, marmots, mountain goats, big horn sheep, wolves, elk, deer, moose and more.  A vacation in Glacier National Park is an opportunity to see some amazing creatures that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Glacier is located at the northern tip of Montana along the border of Alberta Canada.  In fact the park actually crosses over into Canadian territory, although the Canadian portion of the park is called Waterton. The two parks together make up the Glacier/Waterton International Peace Park, a symbol of peace and friendship between these two nations.

A vacation in Glacier National Park is easy, as there are multiple ways to access the park both by ground and by air.  Glacier is just a short thirty minute drive from Montana’s picturesque Flathead Valley where there are several decent sized resort towns, including Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Bigfork. These towns provide a variety of dining and entertainment venues, as well as additional lodging options, and a major international airport.

If you have not yet considered a vacation in Glacier National Park for you and your family, I would strongly urge you to do your research and find out more information on this beautiful national park.  You can get more Glacier Park vacation information by visiting http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/glacier.htm

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is a Spanish phrase meaning “green table.”  It is easy to assume that the name was given by the Native American people who once inhabited this area and whose homes can still be found carved into the sandstone walls within the boundaries of Mesa Verde National Park, however that is not the case.  The name actually originated when Spanish explorers happened upon the region in the 1760’s and 1770’s while seeking a rout from Santa Fe to California.

Although these Spanish explorers are credited with naming the area and consequently the national park, they never did discover the ancient stone villages which are carved into the steep sandstone walls.  The remarkable stone villages would remain a secret for another century.

In the late 1800’s ranchers started moving into the area and as these ranchers started to discover the ruins they began to loot the area and destroy many of the structures.

In 1891 a Finnish/Swedish explorer named Gustaf Nordenskiold began to document and photograph the ruins.  He published a book called “The Cliff Dwellers of the Mesa Verde” which is largely responsible for getting the word out about the area, and eventually leading to it’s establishment as a national park.

Mesa Verde National Park was established as a national park on June 29, 1906 amidst growing concerns for the preservation and archeological well-being of the ruins for which the park is so well-known.

In addition to the cliff-dwellings, Mesa Verde boasts a number of mesa-top ruins such as the Far View complex, the Sun Temple, and the Badger House Community.  The park also contains many hiking trails, a campground and facilities for lodging, dining and fueling up your vehicles.

To learn more about Mesa Verde National Park and the Mesa Verde lodging options available, visit: http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/mesaverde.htm

Mesa Verde has long been known for it’s “hotels” or at least for it’s dwelling structures, and that idea rings true even today. Not much has changed inside the boundaries of the park over the last 200 years. Today, just like two centuries ago, you will be hard-pressed to find too many man-made structures inside the park other than the rock-carved ‘sandstone hotels’ for which the park is so well-known.

There is however one modern-style accommodation option that is worth making note of, and that is the impressive Far View Lodge.

The Far View Lodge is one of the only hotels inside Mesa Verde National Park. This impressive lodging facility is set high atop a shoulder overlooking the mesa. It is easy to see where the Far View Lodge got it’s name when you are gazing out over the high-dessert countryside that stretches out over three different states.

You will be happy that you made the choice you did when you opt to spend your vacation at the only hotel inside Mesa Verde National Park - the Far View Lodge. This rare lodging option inside the park provides you with quick and easy access to all the parks features, attractions and guided tours.

The lodge includes a delicious dining option with a wonderful range of casual dining choices and a wide variety of menu items.

There are 150 rooms at Far View Lodge and each of them is equipped with a patio or balcony offering magnificent views of the surrounding mesa and unsurpassed star gazing opportunities.

Each of the hotel rooms at the Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde are free from the distractions of telephones and televisions to keep with the solitude and ambiance of the natural setting.

To learn more about Mesa Verde National Park and Mesa Verde Hotels and accommodations, visit http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/mesaverde.htm

Looking to take a vacation to Yosemite National Park, but don’t want to leave the four-legged kiddos behind? Don’t worry many of the hotels and lodges both inside and surrounding the park will welcome your pets with arms wide open.

Take a look at this extensive list of fine hotels and lodges which all accept pets and learn what their pet policy is.

Yosemite In-Park Pet Friendly Lodging

Yosemite Vacation Homes

Yosemite Vacation Homes are privately owned properties that include all the comforts of your regular home. Not all of these vacation homes will allow pets, but some will. One nice option with these homes is that there are hiking trails in the area where you can walk with your leased pet without the fear of getting in trouble with a park ranger.

Pet Friendly Lodging just outside Yosemite Park

Tenaya Lodge

The Tenaya Lodge is a modern lodging facility with natural décor and splendid hospitality. The Tenaya provides the perfect mix of modern conveniences and old fashion charm. Tenaya welcomes your pets but charges a one-time fee and you cannot have more than three pets per room. Pets cannot be left alone in your room under any circumstances; however the Tenaya Lodge is one of the few lodging options in the area that does offer in-house pet sitting.

Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite view lodge is a wonderful choice of accommodations whether you are traveling with pets or without. It is located very near the park right alongside the Merced River and they have no room restrictions for guests traveling with pets. Their fees are very reasonable as well. Definitely worth your consideration if you are going to be visiting Yosemite Park with your pet.

The Apple Tree Inn

The Apple Tree Inn is a beautiful lodging complex located just south of Yosemite Park in the town of Fish Camp. Although the Apple Tree Inn does place some room restrictions on guests with pets, it is still a great option. One thing that will make your pet especially happy is that the Apple Tree Inn complex offers lots of room for you to get out and walk and exercise your pet during your stay.

Narrow Gauge

The Narrow Gauge goes that extra step toward making your pet feel at home. This beautifully landscaped property offers lots of room for you and your pet to get out and stretch your legs, the friendly staff also treats your pet like a little VIP by furnishing him with complimentary doggie treats.

Best Western Gateway Inn at Oakhurst

The Best Western Gateway Inn offers a park like setting, a waterfall and room for your pet to roam. This, and the fact that they do not charge any extra fees for pets or impose any room restrictions makes this one of the most pet friendly options in the Yosemite area.

This is just a small list of the pet friendly lodging properties at Yosemite Park. For a complete list of all Yosemite pet friendly hotels and lodging options both in and around the park, visit: http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/yosemite_pets.htm

Yosemite National Park is truly a park for all seasons. Lodging inside Yosemite Park gives you the unique opportunity to experience the park up close and ensures that you will not miss a moment of the scenic wonder and natural attractions that have made this park such a popular and inviting destination.

Many fine hotels and lodging options are available throughout several different areas of Yosemite Park, including the Main Valley Floor, the Wowona Valley, the Hetch Hetcy area, Tuolumne Meadows and others. However, the majority of Yosemite’s 3.5 million yearly visitors tend to focus their vacation on the most popular area of the park, which is the area roughly seven miles long and one mile in diameter which makes up the Yosemite Valley.

Lodging inside Yosemite

The lodging options inside Yosemite Park come in many different shapes, sizes, and price ranges and offer an equally divers range of features and accommodations.

Perhaps the best thing about lodging inside Yosemite park is that you are quite literally within walking distance to all of Yosemite’s most popular attractions including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, El Capitan and others. And if you are not in the mood to walk, Yosemite’s free shuttle service would be happy to pick you up right outside the door of your in-park lodge and take you around to all of the most beloved spots on the valley floor.

Whichever in-park lodging option you choose for your vacation to Yosemite Park, be sure to book your reservations as early as possible. You can book your reservations at all of Yosemite’s in-park lodging options up to 366 days in advance, and these premium in-park lodges tend to sell out fast, so the sooner you can make your reservations the better.

It is a good idea to do your diligent research when making your plans for lodging in Yosemite Park. A great place to start is by researching your lodging options at http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/yosemite.htm

Ask anyone who has visited and they will tell you that Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful national parks in the western United States. Boasting an incredible array of awe-inspiring geography, unforgettable scenery, amazing wildlife, and exhilarating adventure, Glacier National Park is impossible not to fall in love with.

If you like to hike, bike or cross-country ski, then you will fall in love with Glacier National Parks 700 plus miles of back country trails which range from short easy day hikes to multi-day back country excursions. Glacier’s multitude of trails offer a variety of terrain, scenery, and elevation gains. With all of Glacier’s diversity and various offerings, there is a perfect option available for every adventurer, regardless of physical ability and personal desire.

Glacier Park is traversed east to west by the world-renown Going-to-the-Sun-Road. This fifty-plus mile trip is one of the most spectacular drives in the western United States. The Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins at Lake McDonald on the west side of the park and winds it’s way up the rugged mountainous terrain that makes up the heart of Glacier National Park to the spectacular Logan Pass visitors center. The road continues from there back down the east side to picturesque Saint Mary Lake, and the tiny village which rests along the eastern shore of the lake and shares the name.

A great way to enjoy Going-to-the-Sun-Road without the stress and hassle of driving, or even spending any money on gas, is to take advantage of Glacier’s new public transit system which provides free shuttle trips across the entirety of the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. The shuttles run approximately every half-hour and make several stops at popular scenic spots and destinations along the way. This is the perfect option for those who want to sit back, relax, and leave the driving to someone else.

It is easy to see why Glacier National Park has become such a beloved and popular destination amongst nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. No matter what sort of natural adventure you are seeking, you owe it to yourself to spend some time exploring the scenic beauty, flora and fauna that makes up Glaciers spectacular ecosystem. For more details on all that Glacier National Park has to offer, visit http://www.NationalParkReservations.com/glacier.htm

From the diverse environs of Olympic National Park you’ll find Lake Quinault Lodge. Lake Quinault Lodge is located at the edge of the temperate rain forest of the park. Here you will enjoy some of natures great beauties; Douglas fir trees tower 250 feet overhead, their tree trunks virtually covered in mossy fur, as well as ferns that sprout from the forest floor, spongy with fir needles.

Many activities that are available at the Lodge include, boating, fishing, bird watching and hiking. There are also 16 hiking trails around the lake for your recreation and enjoyment.

For reservations at Lake Quinault Lodge contact National Park Reservations online at www.nationalparkreservations.com/olympic.htm or call us at 1-866-875-8456 for friendly assistance.

Rescue crews in helicopters evacuated about 170 people Sunday after water poured through Redland Dam, sending water down two canyons and threatening several hundred tourists and residents. They plan to resume the search Monday for “less than 20″ people who were in the affected area and whose whereabouts are not yet known to authorities. Most of the 170 people evacuated Sunday were campers, tourists and paddlers.

For reasons such this flood demonstrates it is important to follow safety precautions no matter where you are vacationing, but especially in wild areas known for unpredictable circumstances. The most important thing you might do happens before you even embark on your adventure that is to let someone know where you will be. It might be just leaving a message with the front desk at your lodging location about where you will be during the day and when you expect to be back. This way if there is an occurrence they will be able to let rescue workers know where to locate you and anyone you’re traveling with.

Additionally, letting family or friends back home know of your plans is also advisable. Always remember to follow posted signs along trails, at ranger stations and on rivers. These are simple things that take only a few moments to accomplish but could be the difference between a fun adventure and catastrophe.

For more national park information and lodging reservations contact National Park Reservations at www.nationalparkreservations.com or call toll free 1-866-875-8456 today!

Of all the national park in the U.S. Big Bend may be the most overlooked. This 800,000-acre national park contains three basic habitats: river, desert, and mountains. It encompasses the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River forms the parks southern boundary, and it’s the only park in the United States that contains a complete mountain range - the Chisos. Big Bend National Park is one of the United States’ biggest outdoor parks but relative to its size has a small annual visitation. If your looking for solitude, peace and a quiety natual surrounding, than Big Bend should be your next vacation destination.

For in park lodging at Chisos Lodge contact National Park Reservations either online at http://nationalparkreservations.com/bigbend.htm or call our toll free number at 1-866-875-8456 for friendly lodginf assistance.