In 2009, we took the kids on a road trip from San Francisco to Utah and Arizona and back to LA via San Diego. The kids were 10, 8 and 6 and visiting the National Parks was one of the highlights. I was so impressed with their Junior Ranger program, which allowed the kids to learn more about the places we were visiting. We visited in the off-season, so in some of the parks, the activities were self-directed, but the ranger-led programs were still running at Yosemite and Bryce Canyon. So, to celebrate the National Park Service (which I read has had a lot of employees sacked), here’s a list of where we went:
- San Francisco Maritime. This was where we found out about the Junior Ranger program.
2. Yosemite: We had such a good time at Yosemite. It is so beautiful, and there is so much to do.
3. Death Valley It was hot. I think 40C+ from memory. In the photos the kids all have bright red faces from running around in the heat. We stayed overnight and got up early to go to Badwater Basin before driving to Las Vegas.
4. Zion. We did some nice hikes here. The kids love hiking where they can climb on rocks and rock hop across creeks.
5. Bryce Canyon. This place is otherworldly. We hiked the Navajo Loop Trail. I do not like heights, and the kids had a great time driving me nuts by hanging out over the steep slope. G was useless because he couldn’t handle the altitude, so I was left wrangling three kids who suddenly had an abundance of energy. We went to a Ranger walk/talk. I learnt a lot so did the kids. Afterwards, they ran around sniffing the butterscotch-smelling pine trees they’d learnt about in the talk.
6. Grand Canyon.
On our way between Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon we also visited Monument Valley which was stunning (but not a NP).
Have you visited these parks? If you visit National Parks do you take advantage of the Ranger activities and information?
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