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The national park system in the United States is full of beauty
and surprises. Still, you'll be wondering if they're worth it
when you run into the crowds of other visitors.
Road Side Viewing
Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year,
miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking
lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of
the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.
Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles
traffic jam with DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!
I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail
Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach
some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the
divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell
you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park
experience.
Do you think the national park experience is looking out the
window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most
popular scenic spots that are located within a stones throwing
distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have
missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical
experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots
get to see.
The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize
the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the
best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you
are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to
deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but
a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leave the hordes of arm chair
park goers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to
shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one
moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you're willing to
exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park
visitors.
Thanks goodness for the fast food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on
those boots and leave the crowds behind. It's worth it.
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