·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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Mesa Verde National Park is embraced by the stunning landscape of Southwest Colorado, near Four Corners. Here in the nation’s richest archeological preserve, amazing cliff dwellings and more than 4,000 ancient sites reveal the fascinating culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

 

Recently the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would enlarge Mesa Verde National Park. This will provide national park protection from commercial development as well as add a provision to aid in the construction of a new orientation center, not to mention years of enjoyment for visitors to this magnificent area.

 

To see more about Mesa Verde National Park and make lodging reservations go to http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/mesaverde.htm.

 

  

Officials in Yellowstone National Park will try to keep Sylvan Pass clear of avalanches this winter by using a helicopter and a 105-millimeter howitzer gun. 

Sylvan Pass is west of Yellowstone’s East Entrance near Cody.  This is good news for those who are planning snowmobiling vacations at Yellowstone this winter.  So keep your plans and have fun at Yellowstone this winter!

 

Just a reminder. Many national parks are still open and will be throughout the fall and winter.  In addition there are several parks in the western U.S. that offer warm temperatures and loads of activities.  These include Lake Powell, Mesa Verde, and Big Bend National Parks.

Also remember that you may be settling in for a long winter now, but should be preparing for your summer 2008 vacation! Making your reservations now for popular parks like Yosemite National Park is not only wise it is necessary in order to reserve the lodging that will work best for you.

To make your national park lodging reservations for now are a year from now log onto www.nationalparkreservations.com today!

 

Consider a houseboat vacation this fall! You can’t beat a houseboat vacation for the best views, greatest mobility and spectacular star gazing — in the comfort of your robe and slippers. 

At National Park Reservations we offer houseboat reservations at Lake Powell/Glen Canyon; Lake Havasu; Lake Mohave; Lake Mead; Lake Cumberland; Lake Trinity. If you do want a houseboat vacation remember that earlier is better. If you’re planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it’s best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand.

Log on today and make your houseboat reservations.

 

Buckskin Gulch - Zion National Park, Utah - This was a great hike but the sandy slog does become tedius after a while.  The photography is wonderful, but its dark so bringing a tripod is not a good idea.  This hike is best done in the spring and fall, it was a bit too hot to do the exit in the summer.  We opted to do it as a long one day hike so we were hiking out as the sun was setting. 

To make reservations for Zion National Park lodging log onto http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/zion.htm

Many hotels at national parks across the country either close for the winter season or they offer “off season” rates.  This is a great time to visit parks that are normally packed with tourists.  Parks like Yosemite National Park become suddenly available in the winter.  Experience the same magnificience, the same magic of the summer in the off-season with great rates and your own unique Yosemite experience.  

Tenaya Lodge $129

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls $113

Wawona Hotel $178 

 

 

Yosemite is so large and diverse that it might be thought to function as five parks in one. The four distinct seasons are complemented by five areas in the park: Yosemite Valley and Wawona (open all year), Hetch Hetchy, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the high country (open for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter).

As Autumn is here I’ve compiled a list of activities that are great for the cooler weather and spectacular colors of the season.

Bicycle Rentals
There are 12 miles of bikeways in Yosemite Valley. To join in the fun, rent a bike at Yosemite Lodge (year-round, weather permitting).

Go Climb a Rock®
Yosemite National Park offers some of the world’s best rock climbing on clean rock surfaces.

Hiking and Backpacking
Yosemite has trails for all abilities. Detailed guides and topographic maps are on sale in park stores, visitor centers and at the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley. Guided hikes and instructional guided backpack trips are available through the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service.

Trout Fishing
Fishing in Yosemite Valley has been a tradition for hundreds of years originating with the Ahwahneechee Indians. Today one type of trout, Rainbow, is still abunant here.

You’ll find more information on all these activities at the visitors center at Yosemite National Park.