Kids Activities
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.
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!
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 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.
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
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!
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!
