Surfing
Stinson Beach is a place to walk for miles on white sand, take a dip, have a barbecue, jog, or play games. Visitors can even borrow volleyball nets and balls from the main lifeguard tower in exchange for a driver’s license. Lifeguards are generally on duty from Memorial Day ...
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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.
While Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, the Lodge itself is only open from the end of May typically (it is scheduled to open 5/26 in 2010) through mid-October. The lodge is closed for this season
Crater Lake receives A LOT of snow up into the spring season and starting again in early fall. So, if your vehicle is prepared for it, snowy months can be beautiful times to explore the park. Just make sure to check ahead that the roads have been plowed. The "Rim Road" is usually in pretty good shape for most of the year.
There is no van or shuttle directly to the lodge. For reservations or more information call Xanterra at (888) 774-2728.
Have a great trip!
On the bottom of every page on OhRanger.com there is a square box that offers a link to ordering guides. The guides are not 100% free, but they are offered for less than $1/piece to cover handling.
If you want to find out where the guides are locally, you can send an email to [email protected]
Here's the link just in case:
Carlsbad State Beach is one of San Diego's most popular beaches. The Tamarack Avenue area is a favorite surf spot. The reef provides gentle waves, perfect for long and short board surfing. Certain areas are set aside for swimming only. A seawall promenade stretches from Pine Street to Tamarack ...
READ MORESurf's up dude! The NPS boasts both coastal and island parks, each providing a unique hunt for great waves. East meets west coast culture at Cape Hatteras and Fire Island National Seashores, where surfers dot the horizon offshore. If your board points west, visit Channel Islands in California for a gnarly adventure. Drop into the ultimate wave during your next park-filled vacation.
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