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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.

2 days ago
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October 16, 2009, 7:18 pm
Even though I’m a full-fledged adult (chronologically), Halloween still ranks number one on my list of top holidays. Its appeal remains strong for the same reasons that it did when I was a kid; when else do you get to go out after dark on a school night, dress up however you want and be rewarded for your creativity with treats? 
October 16, 2009, 6:56 pm
Stop by Yosemite National Park on Halloween weekend for spooky crafts, creepy critters, and hikes under the stars! 
October 16, 2009, 5:36 pm
Spend a spooky weekend in Salem, Massachusetts at the month-long Haunted Happenings, an annual Halloween festival in the bewitching seaport of Salem, Massachusetts! The month is chock-full of events, museums, attractions, shops, haunted houses and fantastic dining. 
October 16, 2009, 5:14 pm
Celebrate the delightful spookiness of Halloween this month with a visit to a national park that is full of dark caves and crawling with bats—Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef, the park contains more than 100 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave, the nation's deepest (1,567 feet) and third-longest limestone cave.
Renee Bow...
Can you suggest "stroller" or easy hiking trails in Yellowstone?
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Wildlife Watching, Fossils, Geology, Kids Activities, Photography
8 weeks ago
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Many of Yellowstone's most popular areas are easily accessible via paved trails and boardwalks -- this list includes the Old Faithful area as well as other geyser basins, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You should have no problems with strollers in those locations.  Please note, however, that the boardwalks can be slippery if near geothermal activity, so be extra careful!

One good hike I can suggest is the Back Basin Trail in the Norris Geyser Basin.  It's a 1.5-mile loop that passes Emerald Spring, Steamboat Geyser, Cistern Spring and Echinus Geyser. 

For more great walks and hikes click here:  (http://www.ohranger.com/yellowstone/walking-hiking)

Have a great trip!

7 weeks ago
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shawntain
Hi there, i am looking for a stroller-accessible trail on mount rainier.
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, Hiking, Kids Activities
8 weeks ago
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Here are a number of accessible trails in the park; broken down by region.

PARADISE
The Nisqually Vista Trail: Using a steep paved ramp leading from the main trailhead at the upper parking lot, users can reach the lower meadows. Upper trails are very steep. Use caution.

LONGMIRE
The Trail of the Shadows: With a round trip length of 0.7 mile, this trail begins across the park road from the National Park Inn. Approximately half of the trail is accessible. Signs along the trail describe the early homesteading and development of the mineral springs.

SUNRISE
Sourdough Ridge Trail:
Beginning at the north side of the parking area at Sunrise, this trail makes a 1 mile loop through the Sunrise Meadows. On clear days, a gentle climb to the top of the ridge offers breathtaking views. A booklet explains the fragile environment and some of the life forms found there. Although not accessible to wheelchairs, this trail is used by many families with strollers.

KAUTZ CREEK
Kautz Creek Trail: A very short, fully accessible trail leads from across the road from the Kautz Creek picnic area to an overlook of the 1947 debris flow. This trail is under snow in winter.

You can find out more about accessibility at Mount Rainier on the NPS website.
8 weeks ago
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MaryR
What is the average temperature in the middle of June in Acadia National Park
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9 weeks ago
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Since recording began, the average daily June temp. in Acadia is 62° F.  It can be considerably warmer and colder depending on the recent front, however.  June is a beautiful month to visit.  For more on weather trends in Acadia National park as well as the broader area see this link:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/overview/MENPAC

8 weeks ago
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MaryR
From Illinois will visit Acadia in June (with son family from Massachusetts). What should we be sure to do. We love nature and outdoors.
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Auto/Motorcycle, Backpacking, Civil War, Wildlife Watching, Bird Watching, Eco Tours, Native American History, Swimming, Deer, Elk, Ranger-led Programs, Marine Life, Moose, Mountain Lions, Historic Sites, Wildflowers, Wolves, Kids Activities, Park Passes and Fees, Horseback Riding, Photography
9 weeks ago
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Some of our favorite things to do in Acadia are exploring the historic Carriage Roads and enjoying tasty popovers at Jordan Pond House.

Also check out the recommendations on our Sights to See and Things to Do pages. Our Only ad Day and Just for Kids sections will also have some good tips!

Lastly, check out this list of 22 fun things to do with kids!

We hope you have a great trip! Be sure to come back and let us know how it goes!
9 weeks ago
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Park Love...
Where are the nearest parks to Chicago that feature caves and caverns?
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Illinois, Archaeology, Backpacking, Trail Running, Fossils, Geology, Flora & Fauna, Caving, History/Culture, Kids Activities
14 weeks ago
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The nearest parks to Chicago that feature caves and caverns are Illinois Caverns State Natural Area and Cave in Rock State Park. They're both over a five-hour drive from Chicago, however.

I hope you have an exciting time exploring Illinois' caves. Be sure to check back in at OhRanger.com after you trip to share you park experiences with us!

13 weeks ago
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