National Parks
- Thread starter Cole
- Start date
Rented Mule
Active Member
Have you been to Yellowstone?
Cole
Well-Known Member
Where did you stay at glacier?
One of my best friends growing up here in NJ built house on beautiful property that butts up to National Forest 30 min from Glacier. We stayed there. Unfortunately not a rental, but it should be!!
There's really no way to capture the canyon in a single photograph as it changes with every step you take or throughout the day in the same spot.
I've been there 5 or so times now and while the top is pretty cool, it's absolutely amazing going down for a hike. I wouldn't suggest going all the way there if just doing the typical top stuff, only if you're passing by or visiting Sedona/Flagstaff.
Probably going back fall 2024 for a long weekend R2R2R.
Turbotrix
Well-Known Member
The GC is an amazing place and photos definitely don't do it justice. My wife and I did R2R2R a few years back for my birthday...(South Kaibab to the North Rim, and then back to finish at the top of Bright Angel). It was such a good time. We're planning to do it again next year.
These field equipment shots always entertain me. I imagine some farmer being like, "Fuck it, leave it here," then never going back for it.
BCurry
Well-Known Member
xc62701
Well-Known Member
Agreed with Mammoth. My family went there on a road trip 30 years ago and I still have awesome memories of it. It was way more exciting than what you'd expect. I also vividly remember my dad seeing the entrance hold and saying "F THAT!" He was a bit claustrophobic. He met us back at the camper when we returned lol.
We did Phantom Ranch. It's hard to get a cabin but we snagged it twice. Really just got to keep entering the lottery and hope. I think it's 18 months out?
It's nice because you can bring WAY less stuff. Plus food options.
An alternative is if you do a night you can mix it in with Cottonwood.
VanDbtRiver
Well-Known Member
Not sure if it’s been mentioned, but Sequoia/ Kings Canyon has always been awesome. You will get your “ green “ in the giant forest, and then step out onto the high sierra trail for views of Whitney and the Sierras. Backpacking to Hamilton Lakes is a must (2-4 day out n back).
We got our Angel's Landing permit email while cruising around Glacier Bay. That was a fun little coincidence....even got the coveted <9 am start time so we're very excited.
Steve and I have only done Phantom Ranch for overnight in the canyon. It's done thru a lottery system. They have cabins with linens and a toilet and sink inside... showers are separate building... plus air conditioning. Showers have soap and shampoo so all you would need are your personal clothes and items. Makes for a quicker hike without needing to deal with all the camping gear.
Campgrounds in the canyon need permits: South side has Havasupai Gardens Campground (Formerly Indian Gardens) on Bright Angel Trail. Bottom of the canyon has Bright Angel Campground (near the Phantom Ranch). North Side has Cottonwood Campground on North Kaibab Trail.
i know REI and some other places do the guided tour thing... but it's not always the same R2R2R type trip but could be nice in that there's less planning on your part.
(I've also written about our trips on my blog.)
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I just did a really awesome trip to Moab with my non-biking wife a few months ago, and it worked out great. She worked remotely Mon-Wed because she didn't want to use a full week of vacation, so I was basically free to do whatever those days. She worked east coast hours and was done by 3pm, so I'd ride and then come back for lunch and take her for a hike or scenic drive. Thursday and Friday she was off, but I still did a quick ride each morning. There's really only so many hours you can hike in the hot desert sun, especially if you're not super into hiking, so she was very happy with what we were able to get done. It was my third time to Moab, but my first time visiting Arches and Canyonlands. They were both totally amazing, though definitely not very green. She said she would love to go back and do it again next year, so that's winning in my book.