One of the things that crossed my mind when I was first approached about taking the call in Pine Ridge is the proximity of so many National Parks. Now I love Rocky Mountain National Park and have been there many times. I have family in the area. But other than a quick visit to Zion and Bryce I had not been to many of the western National Parks.

Previous youth group trips had brought me out to the Black Hills and Badlands National Park is incredible. And very under rated. Wind Cave had underwhelmed me in previous visits but, my love for the park increased greatly once I started hiking the many trails. I need to mention that Custer State Park can hold its own against many national parks. Check it out some time.

You really should take the time to enjoy the variety of National Parks with which we are blessed. No, wait, don’t do that they are ugly and not worth visiting. I will go so you don’t have to. LOL

This past year we have been blessed to visit a wide range of parks and monuments in the park system. In addition, we have been able to explore some incredible state parks. I even took a back road out of a state park in Utah that ended up being a 3 hour off-road cross-country trip with awe inspiring views, water crossings, hill climbs and lots of quiet.

I love to visit the parks in shoulder season. You know spring and fall while you can still enjoy the parks without the crowds. Yes, at time some services are closed. But with proper preparation you can have a great time and not have to fight the crowds to see the views. And fall in particular can be spectacular. The Golden Aspens in Rocky contrast with the dark green of the pines. Driving through Grand Tetons with the many colors.

I do collect pins and magnets at each park. (My mom gave me the magnet idea.) Occasionally a coffee mug with make it to the checkout. I don’t need any more t-shirts. I do take pictures but that is secondary to enjoying the view.

I do not have a “bucket list” of things I want to do. But I do have some parks I want to see. The Grand Canyon, currently, tops the list. Glacier NP and the parks in northwest Washington State are on the list. And my son recommended “pretty much all the Parks in Northern California.

I have visited Denali in Alaska and was blessed with a complete view of the mountain. It will always remain a highlight. Yellowstone is as advertised and Grand Tetons made my jaw drop. Zion and Bryce rank up there as favorites. Canyonlands is much better than Arches. Dead Horse Point state park rivals Canyonlands. Craters of the moon in Idaho is worth the time. There are so many parks that I would happily revisit.

I am blessed to have 2 National Parks within an hour’s drive of home. I drive through the Badlands weekly and visit Wind Cave as often as I can. I recommend the Crazy Horse Mounument over Rushmore. I need to explore the cave at Jewel Cave. I can drive two hours to visit Scotts Bluff. Five hours to Rocky, 9 to Yellowstone.

There is beauty all around you. Take the time to slow down and enjoy.