National Parks are not just pretty places to visit but temples of natural world and practical windows to learning our ecosystem. Its just as much about science as it is about social media pictures. We hope our pictures will invigorate you to learn more about history, economic impact of climate change and human invasion of balanced ecology even while you enjoy our journey from a perspective of a casual reader.
Yosemite
The crown jewel of US National Park(NP) system and my first love among all natural landscapes of unbridled beauty.
These are series of pictures of our ascent up to the summit of Half Dome, a climb I believe should be on must do list of every avid amateur adventurist.
Fun fact: Although Yellowstone is the first NP, Yosemite is the first land set aside for preservation by US Federal government and paved the way for the idea of National Park system not only in US but around the world. In that sense, Yosemite is the cradle of NP system. Formation of Yosemite is a story of activism, a drama of politics that everyone should read further.
The crown jewel of US National Park(NP) system and my first love among all natural landscapes of unbridled beauty.
These are series of pictures of our ascent up to the summit of Half Dome, a climb I believe should be on must do list of every avid amateur adventurist.
Fun fact: Although Yellowstone is the first NP, Yosemite is the first land set aside for preservation by US Federal government and paved the way for the idea of National Park system not only in US but around the world. In that sense, Yosemite is the cradle of NP system. Formation of Yosemite is a story of activism, a drama of politics that everyone should read further.
Yellowstone
To experience something close to African Savannah, take unending drives as far as eye can see, be amazed at the sheer number of large animals roaming in the wild amid vast plains and rolling hills, visit to Yellowstone is must. If this diversity was not enough, it’s also a paradise for watching unique colorful hot springs.
Historical fact: Yellowstone NP is world's first National Park.
To experience something close to African Savannah, take unending drives as far as eye can see, be amazed at the sheer number of large animals roaming in the wild amid vast plains and rolling hills, visit to Yellowstone is must. If this diversity was not enough, it’s also a paradise for watching unique colorful hot springs.
Historical fact: Yellowstone NP is world's first National Park.
Bryce Canyon
To experience the surreal, the mystical, be sure to hike from sunrise to sunset point swamped by hoodoos.
To experience the surreal, the mystical, be sure to hike from sunrise to sunset point swamped by hoodoos.
Channel Islands
Very few Los Angelians venture out to the deserted, warm and breathtaking Channel islands National Park. This is the closest one can get to feel like in the Caribbeans or Galapagos islands. Its a poetic experience to watch literally 100s of Dolphins skipping in the undulating waves of the crisp blue pacific.
Biological tidbit: Dolphins are at top of the food chain and their healthy numbers are good indicator of environmental health.
Very few Los Angelians venture out to the deserted, warm and breathtaking Channel islands National Park. This is the closest one can get to feel like in the Caribbeans or Galapagos islands. Its a poetic experience to watch literally 100s of Dolphins skipping in the undulating waves of the crisp blue pacific.
Biological tidbit: Dolphins are at top of the food chain and their healthy numbers are good indicator of environmental health.
Kenai Fjords, Alaska: Experience the natural world as depicted in Lord of the Rings. Few places in the world will offer up close and personal experience with crackling sound of a calving glacier. Go, feel, listen to nature in evolution.
Dramatic experience: Receding glacier lines have to be seen first hand to internalize the damage of rampant human consumerism leading to ecological degradation.
Related movie experience: Orcas can be seen in Kenai Fords and I recommend readers watch 'BlackFish', an award winning documentary on effect of human hunt or capture of killer whales.
Dramatic experience: Receding glacier lines have to be seen first hand to internalize the damage of rampant human consumerism leading to ecological degradation.
Related movie experience: Orcas can be seen in Kenai Fords and I recommend readers watch 'BlackFish', an award winning documentary on effect of human hunt or capture of killer whales.
Grand Canyon (North Rim)
There are few spots in the world where one singular unique view is worthy of a dusty, neck bending 5 hour drive.
There are few spots in the world where one singular unique view is worthy of a dusty, neck bending 5 hour drive.
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Arches
The quickest geology lesson for a child and an adult alike can be learned right here. The arches are in various stages of formation ageing between 100s of years to 10s of 1000s giving us a glimpse into entire geological life cycle in one small region. Travel recommendation: Please take the time to visit visitor centers in all NPs. There is wealth of knowledge than changes your perception no matter your level of previous learning. |
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Catalina Island
There are few better snorkel friendly habitats in the world so close to a large urban sprawl like Los Angeles. This is not a NP but included for its rich bio diversity and outdoor adventure. Downhill biking along sheer cliffs overlooking the beautiful marina is a surreal experience. Fun fact: There is some steep uphill biking before downhill biking:) |
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