re: Favorite National Park?

Before opening the thread I knew PNW and Roger would post pics of their local NPs. to you guys for living in/near such amazing places.

Out of the NPs I have visited (Carlsbad Caverns, Grand Canyon, Guadalupe, Joshua Tree, and Saguaro) I have to say Grand Canyon.

First trip was a typical tourist drive by, stop at south rim for a few hours, take some pictures, hike down a few hundred yards, get something to eat, buy a souvenir, then bounce.

Second trip was a rim to rim 3 night backpacking trip. My first backpack experience and first trip deep into the canyon.

I highly recommend a rim to rim trip for anyone new to backpacking. Logistics are very easy. Water sources the entire way, privies at all campgrounds, Phantom Ranch at halfway point for snacks, beers, games, socializing. Backcountry permits must be obtained 3 months in advance. Phantom ranch cabins a year in advance.

Four days and 25-ish miles is a perfect distance for rookies. The diversity from the rims to the Colorado river is awesome. Lots of traffic on the trails (r2r hkers, day hikers, Phantom tourists, mule ride groups, trail runners).

I look forward to doing a r2r trail run, backpacking on non-corridor trails, and a trip to Havasupai Falls at some point in the future.

Not my pics, but from the same hike (North Kaibab>Bright Angel):

North Kaibab trail:


Ribbon Falls 1:


Ribbon Falls 2:


Phantom Ranch:


Colorado River bridge:


Plateau Point: