River Rafting
Capitol Reef, Waterpocket Fold, Land of the Sleeping Rainbow—all are colorful names to describe a park with many striking characteristics.
Waterpocket Fold, the main feature of the park, is the name of a 100-mile-long fold in the earth's surface. This uplift contains innumerable eroded basins or pockets that hold thousands of gallons of rainwater. These pockets of water have affected the history of humanity within the park and the flora and fauna of the region.
Entering the park from the west gives the most impressive view of the 1,000-foot-high stone barrier into which erosive forces have sculpted fascinating canyons, mesas, buttes and mazes. Once in the park, other astonishing panoramas await you.
Within a short distance of the visitor center, you will see Capitol Dome, Chimney Rock, the Goosenecks and the Egyptian Temple. Hickman Bridge, the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge reward you after easy to moderate hikes. Prehistoric petroglyphs, the Fruita Schoolhouse, the Gifford Farmhouse and the Behunin Cabin speak of bygone eras and can be reached by car. The 20-mile round-trip Scenic Drive will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center and many of the park's features.
If you are seeking a remote wilderness experience, Capitol Reef has it. To the north of Route 24, dirt roads, which generally require high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles, lead into the park's north end through the heart of Cathedral Valley, an area of monolithic formations of Entrada and Curtis sandstones, some of which are 500 feet high. South of Route 24, graded roads, usually suitable for high-clearance vehicles, lead into some very fine hiking country. Besides good hiking opportunities, the southern part of the park also offers spectacular views of the folded strata of Capitol Reef and the Henry Mountains. Muley Twist Canyon is in the southern end of the park, as is Brimhall Bridge. Check with a park ranger before setting out for any of these more remote locations. Weather conditions may make the roads slick and impassable.
Visitation to Grand Teton National Park peaks during the summer but is also extremely popular during the transition to fall. After Labor Day, total visitation ebbs slightly; however, the type of visitor is drastically different. With kids back in school, you'll find that there are families and more DINKs (Dual Income No Kids), recent college graduates, empty nesters and baby boomers.
Teton Village is home to many fine properties and you shouldn't have a problem finding a room if you book in advance. We have a few favorites:
Hotel Terra is the first of a line of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole offers the exceptional amenities and services expected from boutique hotels, combined with environmentally sustainable building and operating practices. The property is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, placing it in an elite group of hotels in the United States. Hotel Terra pushes its efforts well beyond LEED criteria, however, has taken a leadership role in defining eco-friendly efforts to preserve and protect the environment in its operations while still offering an opulent hotel experience for guests. Learn more about Hotel Terra and its commitment to the environment at www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com.
Just around the corner from the Terra is the Snake River Lodge & Spa where you'll be warmly welcomed. The lodge, part of the Rock Resorts is rustically elegant and fits seamlessly with the Teton landscape. Recently renovated, Snake River Lodge & Spa boats beautifully appointed rooms and condomiums which will be a welcome retreat after a long day of hiking, skiing, golfing or exploring the Jackson Fall Arts Festival, which takes place from September 10-20 (www.jacksonholewy.com/events-fall-arts-festival.php). You'll look forward to relaxing in the property's indoor/outdoor heated pool, with cascading waterfalls, warmed walkways, a hot tub tucked into a steam-filled cave, and a sauna. Visit snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com for more information.
Don't rule out staying in the park–Jenny Lodge is located across the water from majestic Cascade Canyon and offers an exclusive environment with 37 rustically elegant log cabins. The main lodge, a recently renovated log structure, has inviting sitting areas with books and games for guests to enjoy. As the only 4-diamond eco-resort in the Park, Jenny Lake Lodge is ideal for those who seek the finest service and lodging, while still enjoying a National Park vacation. Each of the rustically elegant cabin rooms are well appointed with hand-made quilts, down comforters, and unique Western charm. The cabins are open from early June to early October. Breakfast and dinner, along with horseback and bicycle riding, are included in the room rate. To book a room, visit http://www.gtlc.com/lodging/jenny-lake-lodge-overview.aspx
"Provides entrance or access to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federally operated recreation sites across the country" and "Covers the pass holder and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. "
So, if you're entering a park that has a vehicle entrance fee, you can fill the car with people and get everyone in. However, if you're entering a park that has a "per person" fee, the pass will admit you, plus 3 people 16yrs or older (there's no entry fee for 15yrs and under).
Check out the National Park Service's page on the "America the Beautiful" annual pass.
Yes, you are in luck, there is indeed a train near the Smokies and white water rafting as well.
Train: Check out the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad out of Bryson City, NC. Here's the link - http://www.gsmr.com/ The train runs year round, with daily departures in the summer. The trips take 4 to 4 1/2 hours to complete. The cost to ride the train can range from $34 and $53 for adults, kids cost less. Check the website for exact times and prices.
As far as white water rafting goes, there are a number of different rivers and creeks capable of rafting. It is probably best to consult with a rafting guide before you head out on your own, as local knowledge can make the difference between having a great time and getting marooned on a log jam. For a list of guides in the area, try this link : http://www.greatsmokyrentals.com/rafting.html
Enjoy your trip, let us know how it went when you get back.
The Bryce Canyon Shuttle for 2009 only runs through September 13th. The route duration is about 50 minutes, not including the time spent at facilities and overlooks. For more details on shuttle stops and times, click here: http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/shuttle.htm
The Zion Canyon Shuttle Service, however, will be running through November. On weekends in November 2009, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle service will be available on a voluntary basis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The free shuttle service will also be able available on Thanksgiving Day. For more details on shuttle stops and times, click here: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm
I hope you have a great trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. Please be sure to check back in with us to post pictures and comments after your trip!
