Dinosaur National Monument can be a bit out of the way and tough to get to but, wow, if you are willing to make the effort to go, you will be rewarded. Originally declared a National Monument in 1915, dinosaur fossil beds were discovered in 1909 and since that time, it has become one of the highest densities of well-preserved dinosaur fossils on earth.
Moraine Park Campground, at 8,160 feet, is the largest campground in Rocky Mountain National Park but it doesn't feel that way. It conceals its size by situating itself over many rolling hills on the northern slope of Moraine Park, which isolates sections of the campground from one another. It offers incredible views of Moraine Park below it and the mountain peaks that surround it, including Long's Peak, the tallest mountain in the park at 14, 258 feet.
Jenny Lake Campground is the toughest campground to get into at Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason. It is tent-only - no large vehicles, RVs, or loud generators are allowed in the campground, which makes for an incredibly peaceful and serene camping experience. It just feels "old-school" and quaint; it's not a sprawling campground with new, wide roads that accommodate large vehicles. Furthermore, its location next to Jenny Lake is perfect for getting to many great destinations in the park.
Lake Solitude is a popular hike in Grand Teton National Park that offers incredible views of Grand Teton, Cascade Canyon, and the surrounding peaks. It can be accessed via the Jenny Lake Trailhead or you can take a boat shuttle to the beginning of the Cascade Canyon Trail on the west side of Jenny Lake. Taking the shuttle will shave 2 miles off the hike each way. We opted for an early shuttle ride and found the trail relatively empty, and the hike to be truly remarkable.
“The Narrows” is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park. Its walls can reach up to 1000 feet high and can sometimes be only 20 or 30 feet apart – it’s an amazing visual experience and is one of the most popular destinations in the park.
The Highline Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Glacier National Park. Starting at Logan Pass Visitor Center, the trail immediately impresses (or frightens) hikers with a quarter-mile long six-foot-wide exposed section of rocky trail that looms a hundred feet above the Going to the Sun Road.
Grinnell Glacier Trail, located in the Many Glacier area, is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park, and for good reason. Its vistas are incredible (and well documented online) and the trail is well maintained and can be hiked if you are in reasonable shape.
A black bear sow and three cubs entered our campsite in Many Glacier Campground early one morning. To say we were a bit surprised would be an understatement. Fortunately, neither the bears our family were hurt and all turned out well. What an experience!
Many Glacier is the best campground we have ever stayed at. I now fully understand why it is one of the most difficult campsites to get a reservation at in the entire National Park Service.
Avalanche Lake Trail is located 5.5 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge, next to Avalanche Campground, along the Going to the Sun Road. As its namesake implies, it leads to Avalanche Lake and it is accessed via the Trail of Cedars trailhead/trail.
