Meggie - Parks Family Travel

This isn't your typical park... While the scenery of the Colorado Plateau is quite beautiful at Mesa Verde, that's not the biggest draw. The ancient cliff dwellings are like nothing else I've ever seen! ➡️ Make sure to SAVE THIS POST for your next Mesa Verde adventure! 🛏️Cities to stay: - Cortez (15 min to Visitor Center) - Mancos (10 min to VC) - Durango (40 min to VC) *Remember that the main sites at the park are an additional hour or more of driving from the Visitor Center* ✈️Getting There: - Nearest regional airport: Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) - Nearest international airport: Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) with flights to Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston 💲Fees and reservations: - Entry fee: $30 per vehicle - Reservations required for most, if not all ranger-led tours. Find tickets at recreation.gov and have an additional cost. 🏛️ Visitor Center: Begin your journey here, where informative exhibits set the stage for your Mesa Verde exploration. 🏰 Cliff Palace: Marvel at the ancient cliff dwellings, accessible via ranger-guided tours, offering insights into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. 🏠 Step House: Embark on a moderate hike to this well-preserved cliff dwelling, where you can explore kivas, pit houses, and more. No tour required. CLOSED IN 2024. 😭 🌄 Far View Sites: Wander among the ancient villages atop Chapin Mesa, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into life long ago. No tour required. ➡️ Like this post? There's more where that came from! Follow @parksfamilytravel for all things National Parks and family travel! ⁉️What questions do you have about Mesa Verde? Drop them in the comments! #MesaVerde #nationalparkweek #AncientCivilizations #CliffDwellings #ExploreNature #AdventureTravel #VisitColorado #durangocolorado #familytravelplanning

2,000. Yes, there are over TWO THOUSAND documented arches in Arches National Park. Beyond Utah's landmark Delicate Arch, there are so many other treasures to explore, so plan for ample time if you can! ➡️Save this post for your next trip to Arches 🫶🏼 🛏️Cities to stay: Moab, Utah (small) or Green River, UT (very small) ✈️How to get there: Nearest regional airport: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) - 15 minutes away, with daily nonstop service to Phoenix via Contour Airlines Nearest international airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - 4 hours 💲Fees and reservations: Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle Reservations: Time-entry is required between April 1st and October 31st. Reserve at recreation.gov up to 3 months early. Spots to See: 🪨 The Windows: Marvel at the massive sandstone arches with easy trails suitable for all ages. 🏛️ Courthouse Towers: Explore towering rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the park. ⚖️ Balanced Rock: Witness the iconic rock formation defying gravity, accessible via a short, easy trail. 🏞️ Park Avenue: Immerse yourself in the canyon scenery with towering walls resembling skyscrapers. 🏖️ Sand Dune Arch: Discover a hidden sandbox amidst the desert landscape with a short hike leading to a secluded arch. ❗Genni @travelingfranklins saved money on her hotel in Moab with points and miles. She can teach you how to do the same with her FREE budget travel course. Simply comment BUDGET below to learn more! ➡️And make sure to follow @parksfamilytravel and @travelingfranklins for all your travel planning tips and inspiration! #archesnationalpark #moab #delicatearch #nationalparksweek #sanddunearch #visitutah #grandcounty

Explore the OG National Park! Yellowstone National Park is a natural marvel that promises breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. *Make sure to SAVE THIS POST for your next Yellowstone adventure!* 🛏️Cities to Stay: Bozeman, Jackson, West Yellowstone ✈️Airports: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). If looks for a road trip, you can also consider Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) which is about a 5 hours drive. 💲Entry Fees: $35 per vehicle, reservations required during peak seasons Must See Spots: ⛲ Old Faithful: Witness nature's spectacle with regular eruptions of this iconic geyser. Easy access with paved pathways. 🏞️ Keppler Cascade: Hike through lush forests to discover this serene waterfall. Moderate difficulty with rewarding views. 💧 Sapphire Pools: Marvel at the vibrant blue hues of these thermal pools. Easy stroll from the parking area. 🌅 Storm Point: Experience the tranquility of Yellowstone's shores and maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife. Moderate difficulty coastal hike. 🗨️Comment READY for more in-depth tips and guides to make your Yellowstone adventure unforgettable! ➡️And make sure to follow @maximizingmypto and @parksfamilytravel for all your travel inspiration and tips #yellowstone #oldfaithful #Travelplanning #VisitWyoming #JacksonHole

Visit another planet, less than 3 hours from LA. Joshua Tree, with its unique vegetation and geological formations, is not your typical national park. Hike along towering boulders, look at (but don't touch!) unique cacti and plant life, and capture the other-worldy beauty of the Joshua Tree itself. ➡️ SAVE THIS POST for your next trip to Joshua Tree + Southern California. 📍Visiting Joshua Tree National Park: 🛏️Cities to Stay: Palm Springs, Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree. It can also be a day trip from several other Southern California cities, but we don't recommend staying more than 90 minutes away. ✈️How to Get There: Closest airports include Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). Driving from Los Angeles or Las Vegas is also popular. 💲Fees and Reservations: Entrance fee required per vehicle ($30) Reservations may be required for camping during peak seasons (holidays, weekends, and Spring) Favorite Locations: 💚Arch Rock: Easy hike with stunning rock formations, perfect for photography. 💛Hidden Valley: Moderate difficulty trail surrounded by towering rock walls. 💚Cholla Cactus Gardens: Easy stroll through a dense concentration of unique cholla cacti, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. 💛Skull Rock: Easy access from the road with a short walk, featuring a rock formation resembling a skull, ideal for a quick photo op. 🗨️Ready to explore Joshua Tree? Drop a comment below and share your favorite spot or ask us anything if you're planning your visit! ➡️Make sure to follow @pattonswithpassports and @parksfamilytravel for incredible itineraies and family travel inspirations! #NationalParksWeek #FindYourPark #JoshuaTree #FamilyTravelPlanning #SkullRock #visitpalmsprings #visitsoutherncalifornia

For views that take your breath away over and over, get to Great Smoky Mountains ASAP *Make sure to SAVE THIS POST to help with your next trip to GSM* 📍 Overview 🛏️Cities to Stay: Gatlinburg, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN and Cherokee, NC offer convenient access to the park. ✈️Airports Nearby: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, TN or Nashville, TN (BNA) for international flights, and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, NC for regional flights. 💲Fees: Entrance to the park is free, but you do need to pay for a parking pass. Some areas may require reservations or additional fees for camping and activities. 📸 Favorite Locations: 🩵Clingman's Dome: Trek up to the highest peak in the Smokies for panoramic views of misty mountains. (Moderate difficulty) 💙Monte Le Conte: Embark on a challenging hike to be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a cozy lodge at the top. (Difficult) 🩵Juney Whank Falls: Follow a tranquil trail to this serene waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. (Easy) 💙Tom Branch Falls: Marvel at the beauty of this picturesque waterfall, easily accessible from the Deep Creek area. Easy to add on Juney Whank and Indian Creek Falls as well! (Easy) 🩵Look Rock Tower:Climb to the top of this historic tower for stunning views of the Smokies. (Moderate difficulty) ➡️Make sure to follow @_familyonthego_ and @parksfamilytravel for all things family travel planning! #GreatSmokyMountains #NationalParksWeek #FamilyTravelPlanning #Gatlinburg #VisitTennessee

Rainforests, tide pools, waterfalls, and more? Yes, please! Olympic National Park stands out as one of the most diverse parks out there, and is a perfect destination for all nature enthusiasts. Make sure to SAVE THIS POST for your next trip to Washington! Olympic Planning Basics: 📍Where to stay: Port Angeles, Forks, Sequim ✈️How to get there: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Victoria International Airport (YYJ). 💲Fees and reservations: Entrance fees are $30 for a private vehicle and your pass is good for 7 days from purchase. Reservations may be required for camping and accommodations, especially during peak season. Favorite locations: 🏞️Madison Creek Falls: Easy access, short hike, stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. 🚣🏼‍♀️Lake Crescent: Scenic drive, crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking and swimming, hiking trails around the lake. 💚Hoh Rainforest: Easy to moderate hikes, moss-draped trees, diverse plant life, Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail. 🐚Tide Pools at Second Beach: Moderate hike, tide pools teeming with marine life like sea stars and anemones, stunning coastal views. 🌲Marymere Falls: Moderate hike, picturesque waterfall nestled in the forest, wooden bridge viewpoint. 🗨️ Comment "MORE" for a 2 day itinerary for Olympic National Park! And follow @postcard_narrative and @parksfamilytravel for all things family travel! #OlympicNationalPark #familytravelplanning #VisitOlympic #TidepoolsWashington #HohRainforest #nationalparksweek

Not only is it kid friendly, it's grandparent friendly and everyone in between! ➡️ SAVE THIS REEL FOR A FUTURE TRIP TO THE TETONS Whether you want an all day hike into the rugged Teton peaks, or simply need a beautiful lookout to leisurely explore, Grand Teton has it all. My favorite stop for families of all interests and abilities: 📍Jenny Lake Take the shuttle boat (💲) and hike less than a mile to Hidden Falls. It's the perfect blend of a small challenge, great end point, and exciting boat ride. Our whole family from 3-70 years completed the hike, but we're grateful to have the shuttle instead of hiking back to the parking lot. Want to add a challenge? Continue on to Inspiration Point! A bit of a climb, but short and the views are 🤩 Not up for a hike or shirt in time? Enjoy the shirt nature trial from the parking lot to beautiful views of Jenny Lake and the Tetons towering behind. 🗨️ Want more info all about Grand Teton National Park? Comment MORE for links to things to do in the park and a quick start guide to jump start your planning! #grandteton #familytravel #nationalparkstravel #grandtetonnationalpark #familyhikes #jennylake

Let's just say they hit the nail on the head when they called this park GRAND. With its pristine lakes and rugged mountain peaks, Grand Teton is a park to remember. 📍Favorite Locations: 🚣🏼‍♀️Taggart Lake: A tranquil gem nestled within the Teton Range, offering stunning reflections of the peaks. ⛰️Cascade Canyon: Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of this canyon with its cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. 🏞️Schwabacher's Landing: Capture the iconic mirrored reflections of the Tetons in the calm waters of the Snake River. 🏠Moulton Barn: A symbol of the American West, this historic barn against the backdrop of the Tetons is a photographer's paradise. 📷Jenny Lake: Explore the crystal-clear waters and take in breathtaking views of the Tetons from the trails around the lake. When visiting consider the following: 🛏️Cities to Stay: Jackson, Wyoming, offers plenty of lodging options ranging from cozy cabins to luxury resorts. ✈️How to Get There: The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), offering domestic flights. Alternatively, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and drive about 4.5 hours to the park. 💲Fees and Reservations: Entry fees are $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Reservations are required for certain campgrounds and backcountry permits. 🗨️ Comment "GRAND" below for more insider tips on exploring Grand Teton National Park! 🌲✨ ➡️ And follow @chasingviewswithyou and @parksfamilytravel for more national parks and travel tips! Have you had the chance to visit Grand Teton yet?

Let's be honest - traveling can be rough. We've dealt with sickness, bad weather, grumpy kids, grumpy parents. grumpy passport control agents...lots of grumpy. But during my most recent trip with my family I had the realization that when we are out of our comfort zone, we grow and stretch. And that is one of the biggest benefits of travel. How has travel made you better or changed your perspective? Share below ❤️ ➡️ And if you're reading to make travel planning a little easier (don't worry - you'll still have plenty of growing experiences 😉), comment FIVE to get five travel tips in five days. Get started on my best travel planning tricks to feel more confident when planning travel. And make sure to follow @parksfamilytravel for all things family travel planning! #travelishard #traveltips #youcandohardthings #familytravel #travelplanning

One of the best hiking outings we've ever had! 📍Moses Spring Trail to the Bear Gulch reservoir in Pinnacles National Park. You know when everything just aligns and you have that perfect day? It doesn't happen often but I'm so glad it did! We loved this hike: steady, but manageable incline, challenging (in a mostly fun way) scrambles over a stream, hiking around and on rocks, and a beautiful view at the end. Moses Spring Trail to the reservoir gives you two options: through the Bear Gulch talus cave or around. We went around on the way up as a whole family and then on the way down I went through with my two oldest. My five year old could have done just fine with some help but didn't want to, so she went the other way with Dad. It took us just under 90 minutes to do the whole thing, with few stops (they were so interested the whole time) and only a little exploration at the top. I'd budget 2 hours if you like a more leisurely experience. What questions do you have about the trail or Pinnacles National Park? Blog post to come! And follow @parksfamilytravel for all things National Parks and family travel! #pinnaclesnationalpark #familyhikes #getoutdoors #everybodyoutdoors

Taking the kids back to my old stomping grounds. Grew up cheering for the Angels. Love watching them have fun doing the same! #repthehalo

Are you team leave with a clean house or team life is bananas so you're just glad you remembered to bring all your kids on the airplane? I tend to be the latter, but in an effort to save my home from gross smells and moldy dishes, I have focused my home prep on these three areas: 🗑️ Garbage - Clear out the kitchen and bathroom garbage right before leaving. Bonus points if you get the bedroom and office trash too. No one likes a stinky house, especially when you've been gone. 🍽️ Dishes - Again, these can smell. And grow things. Gross. 🧺 Laundry - You're probably going to have to do laundry right when you get home, so have yourself the mountains of folding and putting away and be caught up before you leave. If that's possible. I did four loads and by the end of the day, another load was ready to be washed. Three kids, man. ➡️ There's always a ton to-do to prep for a trip, even if it's a quick getaway. I can assure the work is worth it! Comment LIST in the comments and I will send you a link to access my free Travel Prep To-Do List template. Use it as is or customize it to your needs! And follow @parksfamilytravel for all things family travel planning #getthingsdone #travelprep #Traveltodo #familytravel #todolist #cleanhouse