Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land. People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these nations, sharing what they've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others.
Zion National Park —
Located in the very southwest corner of Utah, Zion is small in scale
but grand in scenic vistas. From the mighty granite towers,
to the cleansing of the rushing Virgin River, Zion is sure to excite
one and all. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs,
or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone
cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. The Internet Brothers
stayed 3 days in April 1998, and loved every minute.
Bryce Canyon National Park — A short two hour drive northeast from Zion, Bryce claims the highest elevation of all Utah's parks. Hovering near 9000 feet, most views are from above, on the canyon rim. Famous for amphitheatrical panoramas, geological erosion creates the marvelous spires, known as hoodoos. Because Bryce transcends 2000 feet of elevation, the park exists in three distinct climatic zones; spruce / fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest, and Pinyon Pine / juniper forest.
Canyonlands National Park — Canyonlands preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Four parks in one, Utah's largest entices visitors with the Islands in the Sky, the Maze, and the Needles districts, as well as a small non-adjacent extension called Horseshoe Canyon. Experience nearly 3000 feet of elevation change as you 4-wheel it from area to area. Each district retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration.
Capitol Reef National Park — The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust known to geologists as a monocline, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River. A monocline is a regional fold with one very steep side in an area of otherwise nearly horizontal layers. This national park was established to protect the colorful geologic feature, as well as the historical and cultural history that abounds in the area.
Arches National Park — One of the largest concentrations of natural sandstone arches in the world, the park preserves over 2,000 of them, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. The arches and numerous other extraordinary geologic features, such as spires, pinnacles, pedestals and balanced rocks, are highlighted in striking foreground and background views created by contrasting colors, landforms and textures. Conveniently located in southeastern Utah.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in this wondrous national park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park. Elevations in the park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet. Enjoy the Great Smokies 75th Anniversary in 2009.
National Parks Conservation
Association — The gradual, accelerated warming of our planet will have
disastrous consequences for America's national parks. But all is not lost. Although
the situation seems dire, NPCA's report,
Unnatural
Disaster, says we can still halt the most severe effects of climate change
if we take action now. The national parks offer a unique opportunity to draw
attention to America’s priceless resources at risk, and to showcase
opportunities to act to protect them.
