No matter which of the US national parks you choose to visit, you will discover intriguing wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
There are a handful of parks, however, that offer things that you won’t find anywhere else.
From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the stunning gorges of northern New York, the United states offers some spectacular natural scenery. Enjoy this brief journey through those parks.
Everything about California’s Yosemite National Park is big. The park itself is roughly the size of Rhode Island. The Sequoia trees are absolutely humongous, while the El Capitan is the world’s largest granite monolith, standing 3,593 feet tall.
If you really want to see Yosemite in all of its glory, make your way to Glacier Point. You will see the incredible Half Dome, as well as the grand Yosemite Valley. Everything about the park makes it one of our national treasures, a gem of our US national parks system.
Yellowstone National Park was the very first US national parks and the prototype of many future parks. Home to nearly 300 geysers including the infamous Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone sits atop an active volcano bed centered over Yellowstone Lake which has been theorized to erupt only a few times over the past two million years.
Hot springs, steam vents, and waterfalls heated by the lava flows just beneath the surface provide extraordinary scenery for any visitor of the US national park. Life still teems in every corner of this hostile environment.
From the colorful micro-organisms found at Mammoth Hot Springs to the bald eagles soaring overhead, Yellowstone proves that life can propagate anywhere.
Upon first glance, the Grand Canyon National Park seems to be the ripped off of an alien planet and dropped in northern Arizona. The canyon itself is a wonder to behold unmatched by anything else in the national parks system.
Carved out by the winding Colorado River, some parts of the canyon are a mile deep and eighteen miles wide creating multi-colored vistas revealing the Earth’s prehistoric past.
The south rim is where most of the more popular scenery can be found because it is the most easily accessible. The north rim is a much longer drive but has been touted by many explorers to have the best views of the canyon inside this beauty of US national parks.
The canyon is the main event for this park but there are plenty of side shows to explore: ride the rapids down the Colorado River, explore the Hermits Rest history landmark, or hike in the backcountry to discover your own secret part of the Grand Canyon. Whatever you do here, you will leave with new respect of the grandeur of nature.
These US national parks are but a select few from the national parks system that defy the definition of what is a national park and treads into a territory of wonder.
There are many spectacular parks to visit, each with its own beauty and wonder. Exploring nature and parks around the country is a wonderful way to learn of history and respect for the environment.
About the Author
National Parks can be an intriguing and beautiful experience for anyone. Learn more about the US national parks at Mike Selvon portal. While you are there leave is a comment at our National Park blog, and receive your FREE gift.
Vail lodging and accommodations are separated into four distinct villages. These include Vail Village, Lionshead Village, East and West Villages. These areas of the Vail Valley all offer unique lodging options for those looking for everything from luxury vacation rentals to cozy condominiums. Below is some information to help guide you to your ideal Vail lodging.
Vail Village Lodging
A vacation to Vail Village is what Colorado mountain getaways are all about. Vail luxury hotels and lodges offer a level of refinement not found in other resorts. Many lodging accommodations in the Vail Village serve up ski in / ski out access to North America’s largest ski resort. Some choose this area for it’s direct access to slopeside lodging at the Vista Bahn Lift. Looking for some nightlife? In the Vail Village, you are surrounded by a long list of clubs, restaurants and bars.
Lionshead at Vail
Nestled at the base of the Vail Ski & Mountain Resort, the Lionshead Village offers unmatched location to Vail’s only gondola. Just steps from the Lionshead Vail Gondola, this unique alpine village affords sophisticated hotels, lodges and luxury condo rentals. Grab your skis or snowboard and let the spacious Vail gondola whisk you to the top of Eagle’s Nest where you will experience jaw-dropping scenery of the Colorado Rockies. Descend North America’s largest mountain resort and relax in the comfort of your own Lionshead Village lodging in Vail.
East Vail, Colorado
The East Vail lodging area rests at the base of the Gore Range. Here, Vail recreation is literally out your front door. From many of the East Vail vacation rentals and condominiums, you can hear the roar of the nearby cascading waterfalls. In the winter, East Vail is well known for challenging ice climbing. Many vacation goers fill their day with skiing at the resort and then relax in the comfort of their own secluded mountain home or condo rental. East Vail also provides Vail luxury rentals for those looking for sophisticated lodging. Explore hidden snowshoe trails and endless hiking. The summer months in East Vail provide sensational biking trails for those looking for a little exercise. This area is just 5 miles from the Vail Village and Lionshead. Enjoy the free transportation which runs from East Vail to all other areas in the Vail Valley.
West Vail, Colorado
The ideally situated West Vail lodging area lies directly adjacent to the ski resort. Here, the excitement of Vail is a stone’s throw away while still providing solitude and convenience. West Vail provides affordable lodging, luxury condominiums, shops, restaurants and supermarkets. West Vail has everything from hotels, vacation rentals, Vail lodges, homes and several hotels. West Vail caters to recreation enthusiasts looking for direct access to hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and even ice skating. An interesting afternoon can also be spent visiting Vail’s historic ski museum.
About the Author
Choosing your Vail lodging should be fun and easy. To book a Vail CO hotel and plan your Vail vacations, contact the Colorado Travel Company at 970.372.4628.
The holidays are a time for family and friends, a time to be surrounded by the ones you love.
But, this abundance of love also brings about an abundance of chaos: the holidays are a time for screaming babies, sloppy kisses on the lips from your Aunt Shirley, endless requests from three year old nephews for shoulder rides, and accidentally walking in on your Grandpa George sitting on the toilet, a spot he has been for over three hours. Because of this, when someone is asked what they are doing for the holidays, they often reply, “I’ll be with family. So, in other words, I’ll be drinking.”
Nonetheless, the holidays are a time that come but once a year, and leave before you even know it. After they are over – the presents have been unwrapped, the VCR you received from your grandmother has been exchanged for an IPOD, and your in-laws have finally decided, three weeks later, that they’ve worn out their welcome – you may find yourself desperately wanting to take a vacation.
For the person who loves to ski – who prefers to strap their children to the luggage rack of their SUV so that their new alpine skis can ride shotgun, where it’s nice and warm – a ski trip is an excellent vacation getaway. Even for those who don’t particularly enjoy skiing, sitting inside a ski lodge, drinking peppermint schnapps and hot cocoa, can be a welcomed release to the hustle and bustle of the past few months.
There are a variety of places to take a ski trip. Some people prefer to go close to home, others prefer to travel abroad, and still others simply enjoy skiing through the forest behind their house, getting lost in the woods and their imagination. While people can ski in all sorts of places, a few resorts routinely remain a snow bunny’s haven.
Aspen, Colorado
“How’s your Aspen?” may be a question asked any skier who routinely crashes, falling to the ground butt first. Known for its steep hills, there is rarely a better place to fall than Aspen, Colorado; falling here may even provide the rare opportunity to have celebrities laugh at you. While it can be a bit expensive, many skiers, particularly those who are well seasoned, find that the challenge of Aspen often warrants the price.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the non-skiing life of Aspen is as magical as the slopes. With restaurants, five star lodging, and entertainment unlike most mountain towns, a ski trip to Aspen is really hard to surpass.
Whistler, British Columbia
Huge mountains make up the arguably best place to go for skiing in North America. With some of the biggest drops, this resort provides certain skiers with chills and others with thrills. Many skiers believe that they haven’t truly skied until they have conquered the slopes of Whistler. Soaring down the mountain with the wind in your face, and snow underfoot, the skiing at this location serves as the epitome of the sport.
The village surrounding the mountain adds to Whistler’s charm. Well known for offering after skiing food and drink, it contains everything from Chinese food to French food, from Mexican food to the food of the Greeks. Very much a melting pot of interests, it is almost impossible to find something here that you wouldn’t thoroughly enjoy.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
“Wee wee,” is a term you will surely shout as you coast through the white powder of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The location that hosted the first Winter Games in 1924, this resort has cemented itself in history, continually vying to be the most famous ski resort in the world. This resort includes the highest peak in the Alps and one of the longest runs in the world.
After skiing, there’s nothing quite like unwinding with a nice bottle of wine, a product for which the French are famous. With an atmosphere unlike many most experience, this ski trip offers more than just fresh powder: it also offers those not from France a fresh outlook on a different culture.
Jackson’s Hole, Wyoming
Wyoming isn’t exactly known as a hot spot when it comes to vacation; it’s not its heat but its snow that lends itself to our list. Possessing the mantra, “Like nothing you have seen before,” Jackson’s Hole is one of the most unique ski resorts in existence. From unparalleled back country to the potential for serious weather conditions, Jackson’s Hole is a ski resort that can be dangerous for the person who doesn’t take precautions. However, for those who ski safely, Jackson’s Hole will prove to be a whole lot of fun.
For anyone who grows tired of skiing, Jackson’s Hole offers experiences not likely to be found anywhere else. These include taking a sleigh ride through a National Elk Refuge, snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park, and snowshoeing with the Wyoming wildlife.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Where New England skiing was born, the Stowe Mountain Resort captures the appeal of a small, northeastern town. Over 200 years old, this town possesses dining, lodging, pubs, and skiing unlike any other. Once known as the “Ski capital of the East” this resort is nothing if not varied: from slopes intended to serve the brave to those intended to serve the novices, this resort is sure to appeal to skiers from all over the world.
Stowe Mountain Resort makes itself known as a resort laden with originality, stating that no two trails at this resort are the same. There are trails specifically designed for cross country skiing, trails designed for snowshoeing, and even night skiing on Saturdays, an experience that allows skiers to ski down Mount Mansfield over the snow, and under the stars.
So, there you have it. Some of the best places to ski in the world. These resorts are just what you need to give your post-holidays recovery a real lift.
About the Author
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.milleniumlimo.com/. Having been to five continents and over 40 countries, her travel column can be found at the Millenium limo website.
The Bavarian influenced resort of Beaver Creek, Colorado is home to three base villages and the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. All of these villages are nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with convenient access from both the Vail / Eagle Airport & Denver International Airport. With the Beaver Creek Village as the centerpiece, Bachelor Gulch & Arrowhead provide a unique European style, interconnected, village-to-village experience like that found in the Alps.
The moment you drive through the gates of the Beaver Creek Resort you will witness the grandeur of luxury living in Colorado’s magical mountains. Maybe its the award winning visitor services that make you feel right at home while in Beaver Creek. Or, maybe it’s the distinguished lodging sprinkled throughout Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. Not only will you indulge in luxury living, your taste buds will thank you for experiencing culinary excellence at one or all of Beaver Creek’s restaurants.
Here are some tips for the ultimate Beaver Creek Luxury vacation.
1) Say Ahhhhhhhhh…In one of Beaver Creek’s Spas.
A Colorado ski vacation or a summer getaway isn’t complete without kicking back and being pampered. Beaver Creek has gained quite the reputation for its spa services. Whether you’re looking for a deep tissue massage or a facial before your Beaver Creek wedding, spending an afternoon at a Beaver Creek spa is a must.
2) Cozy Up In A Beaver Creek Luxury Vacation Rental.
There is absolutely nothing more comforting than sitting by the fire with your partner while you reminisce about the days mountain activities. Enjoy sipping on a glass of wine while you relax in the comfort of your own Beaver Creek vacation rental or condo. Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek Village and Arrowhead all contain some of Colorado’s finest luxury lodging.
3) Endless Adventures Abound in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek, with its grandeur and sophistication, encompasses more than just a world-class ski resort. An unrivaled list of year-round adventures keep visitors coming back time & time again to explore Beaver Creek’s endless activities. Summer, Winter, Spring & Fall all bring unique opportunities to explore Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley. Turquoise lakes filled with native Colorado Cutthroat Trout are in an abundance in the Beaver Creek Valley which are all accessible via a beautiful hiking trail.
4) Skiing and Snowboarding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort
The Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a snow lovers playground. There’s a reason why every year the Beaver Creek Resort hosts the annual FIS Men’s World Cub Downhill. Come experience the steeps of the Bird’s of Prey terrain and see first hand the thrill of making slalom turns on Colorado’s best terrain.
