Magical Journeys to the USA

Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Mt San Jacinto Wilderness State Park - Palm Springs, California

The Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park is dominated by 10,834-foot (3,250-meter) Mount San Jacinto, Southern California’s second-highest mountain.


In summer, miles of hiking tracks wind through the state park wilderness of sub-alpine forests, ferny mountain meadows and granite peaks. Snow falls here in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoe fun.

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Monday, May 2, 2016

Seward Highway, Alaska

Extending 125 miles (201 kilometers) from Seward to Anchorage, the Seward Highway runs through scenic areas like the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm and Kenai Mountains.


In fact, in 1989 the Seward Highway was declared a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Forest Service, meaning it’s a destination all on its own.

What’s really fascinating about the drive is that as you continue along the road the landscape completely changes. While at one point you might be immersed in rugged peaks and alpine meadows at another you may find yourself enjoying views of majestic fjords, retreating glaciers and mirror lakes.

One could easily do the drive in a few hours; however, it’s recommended to spend at least three days exploring the route as there are a range of experiences to have along the way.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Apache Trail - Phoenix, Ariona

Apache Trail is a 120 mile (193km) historic road that connects Apache Junction (the east edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area) to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Although the trail’s official name today is “State Route 88”, it adopted the name “Apache Trail” in reference to the Apache Indians who originally inhabited the Superstition Mountains.


The road was initially built as a way to open copper trade between the city of Globe and the Phoenix area. Today, however, it has become a very popular tourist destination. Winding through the Superstition Mountains, this circular road provides some of the most beautiful scenic views in central Arizona. It guides you up and down the steep desert mountains, past cliff dwellings, lake shores, eroded canyons, and old mining towns.

In addition to simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, many travelers choose to stop and explore the various historic treasures along the way.

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Saturday, October 31, 2015

Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon is a network of impressive canyons and surreal rock formations inside the Red Rock National Conservation Area. If you're looking for opportunities to hike, bike or rock climb within easy striking distance of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is just what you're looking for.


One of the more popular destinations for climbers here is Keystone Thrust, made up of towering red sandstone peaks and walls that reach as high as 3,000 ft (910 meters). Then there’s La Madre Mountain (8,154 ft / 2,485 m), a moderate climb and an optimal spot for mountain biking.

Other highlights include Icebox Canyon (to get here, you start hiking an easy trail through the canyon and then boulder-hop and climb to reach the top) and the Pine Creek Canyon oasis (a running creek surrounded by pine trees).

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Hudson Valley, New York

There’s a reason why the Hudson Valley has inspired scores of artists, writers and visionaries: Its breathtaking landscape, picturesque river views and sleepy towns are some of the most scenic in all of New York state. Visitors to this historic region, which includes New Patlz, Nyack Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Beacon and several other counties, can experience some of the best culture, art and outdoor wonder the state has to offer.


Travelers who want to step back in time can stay at the medieval Castle-on-Hudson, an 1800s luxury hotel that sits atop a scenic hillside in Tarrytown, while art lovers can tour the quaint town of New Rochelle, which inspired Norman Rockwell to create some of his most memorable illustrations.

Canoeing, kayaking and sailing prove popular outdoor activities, given the number of rivers that wind through the Hudson Valley, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail means visitors can get their fill of the great outdoors.

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Greater Niagara, New York

Voted one of the top 10 most beautiful places in America, the Greater Niagara area is home to incredible sports fishing, a killer casino, the Niagara wine trail and of course, Niagara Falls State Park.


And while a trip to this region in western New York isn’t complete without a stop at the roaring falls, there’s certainly more to do, see and experience than just the rushing waters.

Visitors can take a relaxing cruise along the historic Erie Canal, visit the Anchor Bar where the famous buffalo wings were invented, hike the awe-inspiring gorge of scenic Letchworth State Park or tour one of the impressive art museums in the heart of Buffalo.

While the region is certainly home to plenty of outdoor adventure and iconic New York state scenery, history buffs and art lovers will find plenty of reasons to visit, too.

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Yosemite Valley


As the hub and undisputed gem of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities: granite precipices and cliffs create sharp contrasts against the lush and fertile land of the valley floor. All of the big names are here: El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls…it's just a matter of deciding which waterfall to explore first or which hike to attempt next.


Saturday, October 17, 2015

Zion National Park - Las Vegas, Nevada

The true majesty of Zion National Park is unveiled in spectacular fashion as you explore the land where the Virgin River has sculpted a profound landscape masterpiece. Incredible as it may seem, the river was primarily responsible for slowly paring through layers of ageless rock to sculpt Zion Canyon.


High plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls make up this park. Be sure to bring your camera on your day trip to Zion from Las Vegas.

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Waipi'o Valley - Big Island, Hawaii


Forming a deep natural amphitheater, washed by the sea and waterfalls, the Big Island’s Waipi'o Valley is a natural wonderland of flowering rainforest and hiking trails. Cliffs thousands of feet high line the famously steep valley, and waterfalls course their way down to the valley floor.

Columbia River Gorge


About 16 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge stretches from Troutdale to Biggs on the Oregon side, and from Vancouver to Maryhill on the Washington side. An 80-mile canyon ranging from sea level to 4,000 feet, this National Scenic Area separates the two states in a wide, rocky and leafy ribbon which runs between the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains.