Last year, the National Park Service reported over 300 million visits to their parks, monuments and various other sites around the United States. With the peak of Summer upon us, 2018 is almost guaranteed to surpass or match last year’s remarkable records. So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re loading up the ol’ family station wagon (mini-van for those modern aficionados) or gearing up the 4x4 for some serious off-road traction, the National Park System offers a wide array of flavors assured to sizzle the taste buds of all nature enthusiasts.
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting not one, but two of the Wild West’s adventurous wonders: Zion Canyon and Yosemite. Zion Canyon is located in southwest Utah, just a hop away from Las Vegas and a short drive north of the Arizona border. Remarkably, Utah happens to sport five National Parks and Zion is the perfect place to ease yourself into the awe inspiring beauty. With an efficient shuttle system operating throughout the park, visitors can absorb the sweeping canyon walls and fiery landscape with ease. For those with a little more grit, lace up your waterproof shoes and venture into The Narrows: a slightly strenuous hike through a river canyon. A trip to Zion wouldn’t be complete without climbing the incline to Angel’s Landing, an overlook surely to mesmerize camera lens and instagrammer alike. Tread cautiously however, the last part of the trail entails a dangerously narrow path with chains to help keep your balance. Don’t worry, the view is worth it… just don’t look down!
Although sunny beaches, Hollywood Stars or Silicon Valley may be the first items that come to mind when thinking of California, Yosemite National Park truly is an oasis worth diving head first into. Yosemite Valley is perhaps best known for the granite structure Half Dome, named well quite frankly for its shape… a half dome. While the Valley from the ground up is a remarkable view, it’s worth a trek up to either Glacier Point or Yosemite Falls to breathe in beauty of the granite mountains, sequoias and pines. The same panoramas were enjoyed by President Teddy Roosevelt, who after a visit to Yosemite was inspired to preserve natural wonders for future generations. Roosevelt became a great patron of the National Parks System and added five during his tenure as President, including Yosemite and Yellowstone (the first National Park).
If neither Utah nor California are in the cards for your summer travel plans, fret not. We lucky enough to live in Colorado Springs need only look up at Pike’s Peak… America’s Mountain. Having lived in Los Angeles for eleven years, London for one and done my fair bit of world traveling, I can honestly say that gazing upon Colorado’s most famous mountain never gets old. On a daily basis, my father and I are inspired by this scenic view and strive to put a little bit of natural wonder into all of our landscaping projects.
What inspires you on a daily basis? Comment below to let us know!
About: Peloquin Sprinklers & Landscaping has been providing high-quality lawn sprinkler and landscaping services to the good people in the Colorado Springs area with pride, honor, and integrity for over thirty years. Peloquin Landscaping is family owned, insured and brings four generations worth of experience to the table. Our professionals specialize in every aspect of lawn sprinkler systems, sprinkler installation, sprinkler repair, landscape design, landscaping installation, and outdoor living spaces.
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