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Denali National Park
Hiking Denali National Park

Hiking Denali National Park

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MY EXPERIENCE AT THE DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

The Denali National Park and Preserve is a 60 acres wildlife reserve located in the Mountain ranges of Alaska. It is home to a diverse variety of plant and animal species including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and deer etc. The undulating lands and peaks surrounding the Denali mountain makes for a great hiking challenge – the reason why it is a must visit for hiking enthusiast across America.

To make the experience at the park more intriguing, the park is maintained as a trail-less National Park; allowing you to fully explore the small peaks, rivers, and valleys surrounding the Denali Mountain and the Mountain itself in utter cluelessness which is exciting as it is intimidating.

Seeing the Denali National Park and Preserve for the first time is usually a surreal experience. The park is a favorite vacation hiking location for a lot of people in the United States and Canada and is almost always full during the peak season of summer.

The Denali National Park and Preserve is divided into four campgrounds which have a strict camp maximum holding capacity at all times. The largest of the campgrounds is the Wonder Lake campground, closely followed by Tek and then we have the smaller campgrounds of Igloo and Sanctuary.

The Denali National Park and Preserves holds a special place in my heart. It is one place I go to find solitude and a little fitness. At my age (I am in my early forties), keeping fit and exploring places have become one of my life goals and my visit to the Denali National Park and Preserves is fulfilling on all fronts.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

I have been to the park twice, first with a group of hiking buddies and the next was by myself, to explore the serenity I felt on my first visit.

Although the Denali National Park and Preserve is a trail-less park, there are topography maps of the area to guide you on your sojourn.

On the first day I arrived, I was able to secure a great camp spot at the Wonder Lake campground. Unlike the last time when we stayed at Savage outside the campgrounds and had to commute daily for the 3 days we hiked in the park, I was close to the hiking areas and was able to set out early, traveling “outbound” when most people are traveling “inbound”, allowing me to reach great day hikes easily. My prime purpose of staying inside the campgrounds was to get as much of the Parks’ experience as I could in the time that I was going to be there.

I would have loved a campsite allocation at any of the smaller campgrounds of Igloo or Sanctuary but as reservations are only made on site, at the time of my arrival, the campgrounds were filled up and there was no available space for me. Leaving me to resort to the Wonder Lake campground and boy! I was glad of the eventuality of my choice.

I had a fun time at the Wonder Lake campground of the Denali National Parks and Preserve. I had some time to myself to reflect on my life and times, and I also met some great people in the course of my hike, who made the experience even more memorable.

My camp spot had a great view of the surrounding Mt. McKinley and was easily reachable to great hiking sites particularly those of Polychrome and Stony Dome. I hiked through Primrose Ridge and Mt. Elison and was able to conquer the peaks of Polychrome and Stony Dome.

My experience at the park was great and I am sure yours would too. But if you are considering going on a trip to the Denali National Park and Preserve, I would suggest you take my advice below seriously.

ADVICE

When looking to go on the trip, plan to go during the summer times as the weather is often more pleasant and nicer as summer can get and also, the weather is more predictable at this time of the year (you don’t want to be hiking in snowy weather). There are also a few must-have items when hiking through the mountain ranges of the Denali National Park and Preserve. You should always have a compass (I learned the hard way), a Denali topography map, a hiking bag packed with supplies for at least 1 full day, a water purifier, stove, and camping tent should the need arise for you.

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Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park

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The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an American/Canadian conservation area located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau. The area is comprised of 3,223,384 acres of wildlife conservatory and wilderness. Designated a binational UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is home to a diverse species of plants and animals.

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a beautiful sight to behold. The expanse of land, rivers, and lakes are a natural bio-diverse wonder. The landscape is breath-taking… imagine an endless sight of glaciers, windy lakes, and streams. Undulating lands, home to some of the most exquisite species. In the park you could find whales swimming gracefully, seals laying lazy on floating ice, moose grazing leisurely, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines.

This area is home to Native American Indians and I was told that early explorers, tried without success to conquer the land. Although the area is designated a conservation paradise, sport hunting is allowed in some parts of the park and at certain times of the year.

My Experience at the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Although I have always wanted to see the park, going away for 7-days wasn’t a part of my plans at the time the opportunity presented itself. Never the less, I took reins of the chance and decided to go with the flow. I was a guest of a dear friend and the offer wasn’t something I could pass.

I was going on a cruise boat that is expected to pass through the park with special highlights and events in Alaska proper. Princess Cruise offers one of the best cruise service through Alaska with a view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

I was told that the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise is one of the best ways to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I have heard a lot of stories about this magnificent wonder of the world and was looking forward to seeing and experiencing it in all of its beauty and splendor.

I had made prior bookings on the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise and when the moment came, I took a flight out to Seattle from Las Vegas to get started on the journey with great anticipation.

The experience was more fascinating in real life than it was in any of my imaginations. I was picked up from the airport by the Princess cruise’s airport transfer service and ferried straight to the ship. I made all the necessary registrations and was settled comfortably in my cabin.

To the ship, I could live here for a long time and this is no exaggeration. I loved the energy, décor and the food. The staff were courteous and the crowd was simply wonderful.

There was so much to see and do on the trip but the major highlight wonder of the whole Alaska cruise itinerary, in my estimation, is the Glacier Bay National Park.

In confirmation of the advice, I had received, the cruise ship in addition to all the fun activities lined up for your entertainment, is the best way to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I was thrilled by the activities son board and marveled by the sights along the way, particularly the view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. On my trip, I was lucky to have caught the sighting of a rock or mountain formation (don’t know the one exactly) break off and dump into the sea – the white thunder as they call it was phenomenal.

I was told that behind those towering peaks was a large network of caves. The thought of which excited me and spiked the explorer instincts in me.

There was an eye full of attractions on our trip, crossing the park and at Alaska. I was privileged to visit the Alaska Sled Dogs shed at the Musher’s park, and the Alaska College Fjord – home to five tidewater glaciers (those that terminate in water), five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones, that created a crisscross of cascading water that starts to resemble frozen waterfalls resembling mountain snow draping the granite landscapes.

All 16 glaciers were named after Ivy League schools by the explorers who first navigated this area. There were several other activities such as whale fishing, dances, and competitions to further spice up the trip. In all, I wasn’t quick to disembark on our return to settle.

I will be making this trip again and I hope I would see you on board.

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Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

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While Utah is home to some incredible outdoor space and National Parks, I encourage travelers to consider making the trip up to Montana to visit Glacier National Park.  I recently did this sojourn myself and was well rewarded by some awe-inspiring scenery and amazing hikes.

In particular, I recommend Glacier as this is a very easy trip for residents of Salt Lake and introduces some remarkable scenery apart from the red rock and sandstone we are accustomed to with many of the National Parks here in southern Utah. There are several direct flight options from Salt Lake International to Glacier Airport in Kalispell, Montana. From there it is easy to rent a vehicle and head to the parks West Entrance to begin your adventures.

In particular, I suggest the many hikes and lookout points of the popular Going to the Sun Road and strongly recommend the eastern side of the park and the Many Glacier areas. Stay at the Many Glacier Hotel and awake the following morning to hikes that you can embark on directly from your hotel. Prepare yourself for jaw dropping snow melt waterfalls and crystal clear lakes.

I especially suggest staying at a few different lodges in various parts of the park to get a sense for unique scenery in each area and also to gain access to the different trails and hiking options. They are well managed, reasonably priced and offer evening lectures from park rangers as well as high-quality dining.

While there were once a recorded 150 glaciers at the park there are now only 25 and it is estimated that by the year 2030 even those will be gone. Therefore, don’t delay, I highly recommend taking the time to make the visit to enjoy the majesty of Glacier National Park.  I have included some pictures I took that provides a visual sense of the breathtaking scenery.

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Botanical Garden by Avid Amiri
Riverview Walkway Trail, Ogden Botanical Gardens, and Dinosaur Park, Ogden, Utah.

Riverview Walkway Trail, Ogden Botanical Gardens, and Dinosaur Park, Ogden, Utah.

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There are some great outdoor hikes and activities directly in Ogden, Utah that offer quite a bit of family fun.  In particular, these include the Riverview Walkway Trail, the Ogden Botanical Garden and Dinosaur Park.  Due to the fact that these are all within direct walking distance of one another, it is easy to enjoy all of these attractions in a single morning or afternoon.  My suggestions would be to park in the parking lot for the Ogden Botanical Gardens (there is always plenty of parking and it is free).

Botanical Garden by Avid Amiri
Photograph Taken by Avid Amiri

This is accessible by heading south off of 12th Street onto Monroe for a couple blocks. From there, one can walk through the gardens and enjoy the many flower species and varieties that are on display and fastidiously attended to.  I would also suggest strolling through the various tree varieties as well.

These are labeled with genus species and common name information. This is a great place to teach children about horticulture and for them to learn firsthand about the many indigenous tree and flower varieties in the area.  The Ogden Botanical Garden is easy to explore and opens up the Riverview Walking Trail which is a biking, running or walking trail that is a double lane asphalt path.  Dogs are welcome on the trail and the trail runs alongside the Ogden River.  Therefore, dogs have a source of water and one can enjoy the pleasant sounds of running water.

Riverview Walkway Trail by Avid Amiri
Photograph Taken by Avid Amiri

The trail is largely shaded and is open to the public at no cost.  As you reach the east side of the trail there is an elaborate outdoor play area for kids with swings, climbing bars, slides etc. There is also covered picnic and outdoor bbq areas. If one continues east along Park Blvd (an easy short walk from the playground) you will reach the George Eccles Dinosaur Park which offers life sized prehistoric giant displays and is great fun and education for kids. This is an incredible offering in Ogden with over 100 dinosaur sculptures on display. Many are robotic and brought to life with state of the art sound. For more information on park I suggest visiting: http://www.dinosaurpark.org/.

dinosaur park, utah by avid amiri
Photograph Taken by Avid Amiri

August 2017 Picture Update

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Off Road Adventure In Moab, Utah

Off Road Adventure In Moab, Utah

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If you have not yet been to Moab, Utah, I would strongly urge you to put it on the top of your list for a visit. There is a great deal to see and do in Moab, Utah, including the biking, hiking, climbing, rafting and off road adventure.

First, I would strongly caution against visiting in the summer months given the extreme heat.  The best time of the year to make the trip is in the Spring or Fall. Given the profusion of activities I would suggest allocating at least a few days for your trip.  However, if you are making it a short visit the activity I would recommend that one put on the top of their list is a side by side tour.  These may be rented from the various outfits in Moab and will run a few hundred dollars for the day and these tours are self-guided.  Most trails are very well marked so a self-guided tour should not pose an issue and most outfits will both recommend trails as well as drop the side by side off for you directly at the trailhead.  While I am not generally much for motorized sport, I do think that the 4 wheel drive Razr’s can be a great way to cover substantial ground and therefore see more of the amazing landscape.

There is also technical skill involved in navigating up and through the various rock formations. One of my favorites is Poison Spider which will provide a good mix of challenging climbs as well as breathtaking scenery.

This trail will require the better portion of the day and will get you some elevation as you make the snakelike climb to the top of the plateau.  Keep an eye out for white stripes painted on the rock that will guide you along the trail.  I would also suggest bringing plenty of water and snacks and a can of tire repair or Fix-It-Flat in the event that you catch a sharp rock and have a puncture.