Best Things to do in Shenandoah National Park

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is your escape to rest, relaxation and recreation. Meander along Skyline Drive -- a 105-mile road that runs the entire length of the park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, generally along the ridge of the mountains. Hike to cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas and quiet wooded hollows. Or picnic with the family and enjoy the 200,000 acres of protected lands are haven to deer, songbirds, and an incredible night sky.

The park is long and narrow, with the broad Shenandoah River and Valley to the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont to the east. Although the scenic Skyline Drive is the most prominent feature of the park, almost 40% of the land area has been designated as wilderness and is protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 50 of our 61 National Parks — and I have explored many areas of the park — so I'm here to offer some suggestions! If this is your first time to the park, or you're returning after many years, check out some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park!

Experience Skyline Drive

As you travel along Skyline Drive you will notice mileposts on the west side of the road (right side if you are traveling south, left if you are heading north). These posts help you find your way through the park and help you locate areas of interest. The miles begin at 0 at Front Royal and continue to 105 at the southern end of the park. The largest developed area, Big Meadows, is near the center of the park, at mile 51. All park maps and information use these mileposts as a reference.

The speed limit is 35 mph, so you can roll down your windows, feel the breeze and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive. There are nearly 70 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling Piedmont to the east. Black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. Watch carefully for these animals who may dart across your path without warning.

Who Doesn't Love a waterfall?

Besides small cascades along streams, there are large and lovely waterfalls in each section of Shenandoah National Park. All are accessible from a parking place along Skyline Drive. But they all involve a hike downhill—and, of course, the harder hike back up! Check out the waterfalls -- each with its own beauty and personality. Here are some of the more popular falls…

• Overall Run Falls at mile 21.1


• Whiteoak Canyon Falls at mile 42.6


• Cedar Run Falls at mile 45.6


• Rose River Falls at mile 49.4


• Dark Hollow Falls at mile 50.7


• Lewis Falls at mile 51.4


• South River Falls at mile 62.8


• Jones Run Falls at mile 84.1

Get Out and Hike!

There's so much more to see than just waterfalls, and hiking is the best way to get out an explore the park. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. You can even hike part of the Appalachian Trail! When you are out on the trails, look for the concrete trail markers with directional information at trailheads and intersections. Here are some suggestions for hiking the North, Central and Southern Districts of the park.

North District Hikes in Shenandoah

From the tallest waterfall in the park, to the quiet historical Fox Hollow Trail, the North District of Shenandoah has something for everyone. Hikes in the North District of Shenandoah National Park include the quiet, historical Fox Hollow Trail, the scenic Overall Run Falls, and Compton Peak, with impressive columnar jointing geological features. While in the North District be sure to talk to a ranger at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.

Central District Hikes in Shenandoah

Whether you are looking for a short hike through the forest or a destination hike leading to peaks or waterfalls, the Central District of Shenandoah National Park offers many options for recreation and relaxation. Hiking options in the Central District include scenic waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon, sweeping summits like Stony Man Mountain and Marys Rock. The Central District also includes Big Meadows and Skyland, areas rich with history that currently are home to lodging, dining, and shopping options.

South District Hikes In Shenandoah

The South District is the most remote area of Shenandoah National Park. Whether you are looking to take a shorter hike to rugged talus slopes or a longer trip into the Wilderness, your adventure starts here. The South District offers plenty of hiking opportunities from the easier Blackrock Summit -- featuring a rocky talus slope and majestic views -- to the very strenuous Riprap Trail featuring cascades, and views of Shenandoah's Wilderness. While there is no visitor center in the South District, the Loft Mountain Wayside and Campground can offer some services.

Bicycling Through the Park

Another great way to see the park is on two wheels! Bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Bicycles (road and mountain bikes) are not permitted on trails, unpaved roads or in grassy areas. Because Skyline Drive is a two-lane road with steep hills and numerous blind curves, cyclists are urged to use extreme caution.

Photo Courtesy NPS/Neal Lewis

Cyclists should be prepared to operate their bicycles during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise. During periods of fog, reflectors will not provide the necessary safety for bicyclists. Lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle are required. Mountain areas can experience dramatically different weather than what is being experienced in the lowlands, so be prepared!

Camping & Sleeping Under the Stars

There's no better place to do it than Shenandoah! Beautiful campgrounds, each with unique features and access to nearly 200,000 acres of backcountry to explore are perfect for your next camping adventure!

 

Mathews Arm Campground

Mathews Arm, at mile 22.1 of Skyline Drive, is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away.

Big Meadows Campground

Located at mile 51.2 of Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Campground is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is close by.

Lewis Mountain Campground

Lewis Mountain Campground is located off mile 57.5 of Skyline Drive and is the smallest campground in the park.

Loft Mountain Campground

Located at mile 79.5 of Skyline Drive, Loft Mountain Campground is the largest campground in the park. The campground sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby.

Fishing in Mountain Streams

Photo courtesy NPS/Neal Lewis

Shenandoah National Park contains over 70 mountain streams that support diverse aquatic resources including brook trout populations. Fishing opportunities are abundant but are also regulated in order to preserve and protect fish resources. For current rules, license requirements, guidelines on ethical fishing techniques, and planning a fishing trip, make sure to review the park's fishing regulations.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a popular activity in Shenandoah National Park. Opportunities for all levels of climbers abound. Providing these opportunities are part of Shenandoah's mission as is protecting the resources. Responsible rock climbing practices will ensure that these opportunities will be enjoyed by future generations.

Ranger Programs

Ranger-guided programs give visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger. Programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall. Discover the many stories of Shenandoah's past, take a walk through the splendor of a unique mountain meadow, or learn about the many animals and plants that thrive in Shenandoah National Park.

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I've created a poster for Shenandoah National Park that features Dark Hollow Falls.

Click here to see the Shenandoah National Park poster.

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with a single passion for our National Parks! Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph each of our national parks and to create WPA-style posters to celebrate the amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history that embody America's Best Idea!

Click here to learn more about Rob & the National Park Poster Project!

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-shenandoah-national-park

National Park Service Free Admission Days for 2021

National Park Service Announces Free Admission Dates for 2021

National parks are America's best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities (many of which are operated by private vendors).

That includes some of the most well-attended and awe-inspiring natural reserves in the country — Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Denali, Zion and more. Many of them normally charge entry fees of up to $35 per vehicle.

For 2021, six fee-free dates have been announced:

• January 18: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.


• April 17: First day of National Park Week


• August 4: One-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act


• August 25: National Park Service's 105th Birthday
  


• September 25: National Public Lands Day


• November 11: Veterans Day

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired Americans to stick with domestic travel, prioritize social distancing and escape into the great outdoors. Our national parks became go-to destinations during 2020 — and that trend promises to continue into 2021.

Those who plan to visit several national parks or anticipate repeat visits over the course of a year should consider investing in an America the Beautiful annual pass. The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee.

There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens. Learn more about the variety of passes offered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series.

Click here to see Rob Decker's WPA-style poster of our national parks!

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/national-park-service-free-admission-days-for-2021

Giving Back to the Parks

When you purchase my national park artwork, you also help the organizations, trusts, conservancies and associations that support our National Parks. I donate 10% of annual profits to the organizations, conservancies and trusts who use them to raise funds for their ongoing work.

On December 1, 2020 we'll unite for a worldwide celebration of generosity. People around the globe will come together in unity and showing kindness and generosity in all its forms by giving their voice, time, money, goods, and advocacy to support communities and causes.

I'm trying to make a difference by giving back to these amazing organizations that support our National Parks. I feel that it's important to protect America's special places, and to connect people with nature. And it's up to all of us to pitch in. Perhaps more importantly, we need to inspire the next generation of park stewards.

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. And my hope is that, in some small way, I can contribute to that mission.

My goal is that by creating these iconic images, I can help to generate awareness — not only of the grandeur of these amazing places — but also for the need of continued protection and operation of the parks. I think that everyone — now and in the future — should have a chance to enjoy the often-fascinating and always awe-inspiring majesty of our National Parks.

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My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for our National Parks. I've been exploring and photographing them for more than 50 years! I, 1979, I had the rare opportunity to study under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when I was just 19 years old - an experience that solidified my love of photography and our national parks.

Click here to learn more about the artist, Robert B. Decker.

 

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In 2019, I made financial contributions to each of these organizations:

The National Parks Conservation Association
$2,500.00

The Western National Parks Association
$500.00

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
$250.00

The Glacier Conservancy
$250.00

Grand Canyon Conservancy
$250.00

Grand Teton Association
$250.00

Rocky Mountain Conservancy
$250.00

Yellowstone Forever
$250.00

Yosemite Conservancy
$250.00

Washington's National Park Fund
$250.00

Zion National Park Forever Project
$250.00

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In 2018, I made financial contributions to each of these organizations:

The National Park Foundation
$2,500.00

The Yosemite Conservancy
$250.00

Yellowstone Forever
$250.00

The Glacier Conservancy
$250.00

The Western National Parks Association
$250.00

Washington's National Park Fund
$250.00

Big Bend Conservancy
$250.00

Eastern National
$200.00

Save the Redwoods League
$250.00

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In 2017, I made financial contributions to each of these organizations:

Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park
$1500

The National Park Foundation
$1000

The Yosemite Conservancy
$250

Yellowstone Forever
$250

The Glacier Conservancy
$250

The Western National Parks Association
$250

Washington's National Park Fund
$250

Big Bend Conservancy
$250

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
$250

Everglades Association
$250

Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
$250

Eastern National
$200

Joshua Tree National Park Association
$100

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In 2016, I made financial contributions to each of these organizations:

The National Park Foundation
$1000

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
$250

The Yosemite Conservancy
$250

Yellowstone Forever
$250

The Glacier Conservancy
$250

The Western National Parks Association
$250

Eastern National
$250

Washington's National Park Fund
$250

Friends of Acadia
$250

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Click here to check out the entire collection of national park posters.

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/giving-back-to-the-parks

Best Things To Do in Zion National Park

At Zion National Park, you can follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion's unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 62 National Parks -- and Zion is an amazing place and well worth the visit. I have explored almost every area of the park — and if this is your first time to the park, or your returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Zion National Park!

Backpacking

The Zion Wilderness is a world-renowned destination that offers opportunities for solitude and adventure. With over 90 miles of trails, dozens of designated backpacking sites, multiple at-large camping areas, and 124,406 acres of designated wilderness, Zion National Park offers a variety of unique backpacking opportunities.

Bicycling

Bicycling is permitted on all park roadways and on the Pa'rus Trail. All other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel are closed to bikes. The Pa'rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are accessible to bicycles. The park shuttles also have bike racks.

Birding

Zion is home to 291 species of birds. What is great about visiting Zion National Park is that the park has always been an important part of this vital recovery effort. The peregrine falcon, the California condor, the Mexican spotted owl, and the bald eagle are all found here. This place of protection and sanctuary harbored these birds with a safe haven where their needs for food, nesting, and habitat never changed. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers.

Camping

Zion National Park has three campgrounds. South and Watchman Campgrounds are in Zion Canyon. The Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road. There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. Camping is permitted in designated campsites, but not in pullouts or parking lots. Camping is popular; all campgrounds are often full by mid-morning. From mid-March through late November the campgrounds are full almost every night. Reservations at South Campgroundand Watchman Campground (Call 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov) are recommended if you would like to guarantee a camping spot.

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is an outdoor activity that combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking. Zion National Park has become one of the premier places in the country to participate in this exciting activity. With dozens of different canyons to explore, some barely wide enough for a human to squeeze through, the park offers opportunities that range from trips for beginners to experiences requiring advanced technical skills.

Climbing & Bouldering

Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs. Due to their difficulty, most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers. There are few top roping and sport climbing areas. There are two accessible bouldering areas in the main canyon. One is 40 yards west of the south entrance. This is a house sized boulder that poses a variety of options and problems. The other site is .5 mile north of the south entrance. Drilled Pocket Boulder is located on the west side of the road and is a slab with an obvious south facing crack

Hiking

Zion offers many trails ranging from short walks to strenuous adventures. Hiking in Zion, even short hikes, requires advance planning. The group size limit for all wilderness trails, including The Narrows beyond Orderville Canyon, is 12 people. Zion Canyon: Some of the most popular trails in the national park are located in Zion Canyon. Kolob Canyons: Several hiking options are located at Kolob Canyons, the northwest corner of Zion National Park. Wilderness: Much longer hikes are located in the Zion Wilderness. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit.

The Narrows

The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This gorge, with walls a thousand feet tall and the river sometimes just twenty to thirty feet wide, is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. You can see The Narrows by hiking along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava. If you wish to see more, you will be walking in the Virgin River. This can involve wading upstream for just a few minutes or it can be an all day hike.

Ranger-Led Activities

Enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Zion National Park by taking part in a ranger program. Limited programming may be offered throughout the year, but the full program schedule in Zion Canyon is from mid-April to mid-October. Topics include geology, plants, animals, human history, and more. All ranger-led programs are free and for all ages. Ranger led programs are required to earn a Junior Ranger Badge.

Sunset and Stargazing

 

Stay for sunset and epic views of Zion's cliffs glowing vivid neon orange in the late day sun. Stay later, or spend the night in one of Zion's campgrounds for an entirely different and memorable Zion experience: the dark night sky, filled with thousands of stars, above the jagged silhouette of cliffs. Zion is a great place to reconnect with the night sky, or maybe even get your first view of the Milky Way. Zion protects this dark sky resource for future generations by not lighting up the night. But this means that after sunset, the park is dark! Be prepared!

No matter what you decide to do, you can't go wrong in Zion National Park. With it's awe-inspiring views, water and wilderness, Zion has something for everyone!

I've created a poster for Zion National Park — called "The Narrows" — taken from the middle of the Virgin River.

Click here to see the Zion National Park "The Narrows" poster.

And this one, featuring a view of "The Watchman" from the banks of the Virgin River.

Click here to see the Zion National Park poster.

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all 61 of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore!

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-zion-national-park

National Take A Hike Day

November 17th is National Take a Hike Day so get out there and climb some mountains or take a walk on a trail. With over 60,000 miles of trails in the National Trail System across the 50 states, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take a hike. 

Considered to be a good way to exercise, hiking can have all the benefits associated with walking in nature - it can reduce stress, increase heart activity and reduce blood pressure. Whether you're going on a day hike or camping overnight, make sure you have the essential items before hitting the trail this National Take a Hike Day.

Here are ten essential items to bring with you before hitting the trails. With these survival items you will be able to handle most situations. 

1. Warm Clothing - It's a good idea to bring along a warm hat, gloves and an insulated jacket if you are hiking after the sun sets. The amount of extra clothing you bring with you will depend on where and when you'll be hiking.

2. Extra Food & Water - You never know when you may be delayed by bad weather, by getting lost or having emergencies, so bring enough food and water to last you a day.

3. Compass & Map - Carry a map and compass with you even if you know the area you will be hiking. A detailed map will provide you information like landmarks, trail contours, national parks and nearby amenities.

4. Sun Protection - Bring a hat, lip balm and some form of sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunglasses are also necessary to protect your eyes, particularly in winter on snow or on the water.

5. First-Aid - The simplest thing that you can do is purchase a small first-aid kit that has all the essential items you require inside - and always keep it with you when hiking.

6. Lights - You should have enough light that you can use during your hike after dark. A headlamp should always be part of your essential items list, as well as spare batteries.

7. Matches or a Fire starter - A great tool to bring with is a fire starter. Small and light weight, but you should practice at home before hitting the trail.

8. Multi-Tool and Repair Kit - Another must have is a Swiss-Army knife or a multi tool. This single piece of gear has multiple uses for your needs.

9. Whistle - A plastic whistle is lightweight and incredibly shrill, and is the perfect tool for getting someone's attention. Find a plastic whistle that is pea-less -- as the pea inside metal whistles may freeze up if you are in the mountains.

10. Emergency Blanket - An emergency blanket is very useful if you get cold or wet or if you need to camp out.

#NationalTakeAHikeDay #NationalParkPosters @RobertBDecker

National Park Posters is the premiere source for original art of America's National Parks! Rob Decker is the creative spirit behind the National Park Poster Project and he donates 10% of annual profits to many organizations that support our National Parks.

Photographer and graphic artist, Rob Decker, had the amazing experience of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. An experience that solidified his love of photography and the national parks. Now Rob is on a journey to explore, photograph and create WPA-style posters for each of our national parks!

Click here to learn more about the National Park Poster Project.

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/national-take-a-hike-day

Arches National Park

A Red Rock Wonderland

Visit Arches National Park and discover an amazing landscape of landforms, textures and contrasting colors unlike any other place in the world. The park features more than 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. Discover this red rock wonderland and be amazed by its natural formations, beautiful colors and inspiring sunsets.

Arches National Park lies north of Moab in Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it's known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park.

The park lies above an underground evaporite layer or salt bed, which is the main cause of the formation of the arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast.

Except for isolated remnants, the major formations visible in the park today are the salmon-colored Entrada Sandstone, in which most of the arches form, and the buff-colored Navajo Sandstone. These are visible in layer cake fashion throughout most of the park. Over time, water seeped into the surface cracks, joints, and folds of these layers. Ice formed in the fissures, expanding and putting pressure on surrounding rock, breaking off bits and pieces. Winds later cleaned out the loose particles. A series of free-standing fins remained. Wind and water attacked these fins until, in some, the cementing material gave way and chunks of rock tumbled out. Many damaged fins collapsed. Others, with the right degree of hardness and balance, survived despite their missing sections. These became the famous arches.

Although the park's terrain may appear rugged and durable, it is extremely fragile. More than 1 million visitors each year threaten the fragile high desert ecosystem. The problem lies within the soil's crust which is composed of cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and lichens that grow in the dusty parts of the park.

Click here to see the Arches National Park poster.

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/arches-national-park

Best Things to do in Arches National Park

A visit to Arches National Park provides an opportunity to discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any other in the world. The park protects the largest proliferation of arches in the world -- more than 2,000 natural stone arches, fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, and balanced rocks. Landscape Arch, measuring 306 fragile feet, is the second-longest span in the world and it's a sight you will never forget. And, Delicate Arch is one of the most famous geologic features anywhere on earth!

My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's national parks! I've been to 51 of our 62 national parks — and Arches National Park is one of my personal favorites! I've been to Arches National Park many times — so I'm ready to help! Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, or if you have one hour or three days, you can always find something to do at Arches. Here are some of the best things to do in Arches National Park!

Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers

Courthouse Towers, Park Avenue, Photo: Robert B. Decker

After you leave the Arches Visitor Center, you'll drive up steep switchback roads, and the first major area of the park you'll see is Park Avenue and the Courthouse Towers. Walk among these massive monoliths and towering walls and see amazing views of the nearby La Sal Mountains. Beyond the viewpoint, the trail descends steeply into the spectacular canyon and continues one mile to Courthouse Towers.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch, Photo: Robert B. Decker

People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting the most delicately chiseled arch in the entire area should put Delicate Arch on the top of your must-see list. The light opening of the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. Delicate Arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah. 

Devils Garden

Devils Garden, Photo: Robert B. Decker

Devils Garden offers breathtaking views, camping, backpacking, stargazing, and hiking of all skill levels. Devils Garden is one of the premier locations in the park and here you'll find arches, spires, and a large concentration of narrow rock walls called “fins.” Fins eventually erode and give way to the formation of arches like Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America with a light opening of 306 feet. This awe-inspiring expanse is only 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter at its narrowest point.

Landscape Arch, Photo: Robert B. Decker

Balanced Rock

Balance Rock, Photo: Robert B. Decker

Balanced Rock, one of the most iconic features in the park, and stands a staggering 128 feet tall. Balanced Rock defies gravity but this won't always be the case. Eventually, the 3,600 ton boulder will come tumbling down as the erosional process continues to shape the landscape.

Windows Section

The Windows Section contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you'll find in just over two square miles. Other named features in this area include Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, and Parade of Elephants.

Exploring the Park by Car

If your time at Arches is limited, the easiest way to see many of the park's outstanding natural features is to drive the 18-mile scenic road. Parking is limited at all destinations, and popular trailheads like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden may fill for hours at a time, especially on weekends and holidays. If you have an hour or two, drive to The Windows Section and see some of the park's largest arches. Add a half hour to stroll beneath either North Window or Double Arch. Or, drive to Delicate Arch Viewpoint and see the world's most famous arch, a mile distant. Stop at Wolfe Ranch on your way back and imagine what it would have been like to homestead this relatively barren area in the late 1800s.

Get Out and Hike

To really experience some of the park's best features, you need to get out and hike! The trip to Delicate Arch is particularly rewarding, and if you can time it at sunset, it will be a memory to cherish forever. Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, many of which are considered easy to moderate. Trails provide access to outstanding viewpoints and arches not visible from the road. In some cases, trails travel under arches, affording quite a unique perspective on the park's namesake features. Sandstone basins called ephemeral pools or potholes are home to a variety of life. Tiny organisms depend on the water in these shallow pools. Also, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park.

Fin Canyon, Photo: Robert B. Decker 

Backpack the Backcountry

There are a few options for backpacking at Arches. The park's backcountry is mostly rough terrain, inaccessible by established trails with very limited water sources, so plan to carry all you need. While Arches National Park is known for its outstanding geologic features, it also contains irreplaceable cultural resources and sensitive high desert ecosystems.

Enjoy Rock Climbing & Canyoneering

The rock at Arches offers excellent climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration.

Bike through the Park

Inside the Park

You can ride your bike on all paved and unpaved roads in the park. But you may not ride your bike on trails or anywhere off a road. The Salt Valley and Willow Springs dirt roads are less traveled than the paved roads, but they are more suited to mountain bikes due to washboards, deep sand, and other obstacles.

Outside the Park

There are many options for riding bikes outside the park. Moab is surrounded by mountain biking trails of every difficulty level. Popular road rides abound, as well. A paved bike path connects Moab with the entrance to Arches, and continues along US 191 to UT 313, which leads to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Camp Under the Stars

The campground at Devils Garden affords phenomenal views and is the only campground at Arches National Park. You can reserve campsites for nights between March 1 and October 31. During this busy season, the campground is usually full every night. If you're arriving at Arches without a reservation, you'll probably have to look for a campsite outside the park. Between November and February, campsites are first-come, first-served.

Check out the Ranger-led Programs

Programs are offered spring through fall and rangers and volunteers offer a variety of programs every day. Program types, times, and locations vary throughout the year and may change due to weather or other factors. Here's a short list of programs you might consider:

Short Interactive Program (May-September)

These programs are usually 5-15 minutes, are free and all ages are welcome. No advance reservation is needed and times and locations vary, so check at the visitor center.

Guided Walks (June-August)

Walks are usually about 60 minutes and a moderately easy one mile walk (although some are on uneven surfaces). Walks are free, open to all ages, and no advance reservation is required. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat!

Evening Programs (May-September)

Evening programs run 45-60 minutes and are free and all ages are welcome. Programs are held at the Devils Garden Campground amphitheater. No advance reservations are needed, but check for start times at the visitor center or the campground. Campground evening programs are not conducted during stargazing events.

Fiery Furnace Hikes (May-September)

The only way to enter the Fiery Furnace is with a ranger or with an individual permit. Rangers offer Fiery Furnace hikes spring through fall. Tickets for these hikes are in high demand, and reservations are required. These physically demanding hikes are for ages 5 and up only. You must purchase tickets in advance.

Gaze Up at the Stars

Rangers lead stargazing programs and events at Arches National Park, which has some of the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous 48 United States. The darkness of a moonless night at Arches surprises many visitors. As few as one in ten Americans lives in an area where they can see the estimated 2,500 stars that should be visible under normal conditions. At Arches, the naked eye is sufficient to witness a wealth of stars. Under the right conditions, common binoculars may even reveal the rings of Saturn. Check the calendar at the visitor center to see if there are any special events taking place when you'll be in the park!

A Few Photography Tips

Delicate Arch at sunset might be the most famous image to photograph in the park, but it's certainly not the only one, nor is it necessarily "the best." In this land of wondrous rock shapes, timeless vistas, and piercing contrasts, you are surrounded by compelling subjects for photographs. The best light occurs early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as the lower angle of light gives your subject depth and a greater sense of reality. The warmth of the light deepens the redness of the rock into amazing hues -- the very reason this land is often called "color country."

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I've created a poster for Arches National Park that features the iconic Delicate Arch.

Click here to see the Arches National Park poster.

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with a single passion for our national parks! Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph each of our national parks and to create WPA-style posters to celebrate the amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history that embody America's Best Idea!

Click here to learn more about Rob and the National Park Poster Project

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-arches-national-park

Best Things To Do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that Theodore Roosevelt experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

You can explore the park day and night, any time of year. Visitor center hours vary by season. In winter, there are occasional road closures for snow and ice. Campgrounds are open year-round.

My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 62 National Parks — and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers three distinct units to explore! So if this is your first time to the park, or you're returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

South Unit

Conveniently located along Interstate 94, the South Unit is the park's most visited area. Two visitor centers, a scenic drive, hiking trails, and plenty of watchable wildlife entice visitors to stay a while. The South Unit's small but bustling gateway town, Medora, is an attraction in its own right.

36 Mile Scenic Drive

Plan at least 1.5 hours to make it around the South Unit's stunning scenic loop drive. The road winds across the rolling, jumbled badlands with fantastic scenery in all directions. Along the way are numerous scenic overlooks and trailheads. The two-way paved loop is open to motor vehicles and cyclists.

Hiking

View from the Wind Canyon Trail. Photo: Robert B. Decker (and yes, that's me!)

Hiking trails in the South Unit include two self-guided nature trails, Ridgeline Nature Trail (0.6 mile) and Coal Vein Trail (0.8 mile) and Wind Canyon Trail (0.4 mile).

View from Buck Hill. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Other favorite short trails include Buck Hill (0.1 mile), and history buffs may enjoy a 0.8 mile round-trip hike to the park's old East Entrance Station. Longer backcountry trails span the entire South Unit and are suitable for day or overnight hikes.

Camping

View from Cottonwood Campground. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Half the sites in the South Unit's Cottonwood Campground are by reservation, the other half are on a first come, first served basis. Cottonwood is a primitive campground (no RV hookups) and is open year-round. It fills to capacity every night in summer. Roundup Group Horse Campground (reservation only) is a separate campground open to groups camping with horses. Backcountry camping requires a free permit.

Wildlife Watching

Bison, South Unit. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Bison, mule deer, prairie dogs, and wild horses are readily visible along the South Unit's scenic drive. Driving is often the best way to view wildlife, as you can cover more ground this way than on foot.

Prairie Dog Town, South Unit. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Also be on the lookout for coyotes, pronghorn, bald and golden eagles, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and elk. Remember to keep a safe distance from all animals you encounter.

South Unit Visitor Center

Located in the town of Medora at the beginning of the scenic drive, the South Unit Visitor Center is a good place to stop before embarking on your adventure. Rangers are available to help with trip planning and answer questions. A 17-minute park film can help you get acquainted with the park and its history. The museum and Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin are open during visitor center operating hours.

Painted Canyon Visitor Center

Painted Canyon. Photo: Robert B. Decker

For travelers on Interstate 94, the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and rest area is their first (and sometimes only) glimpse into the park. Just out back, a sidewalk traces the rim of the badlands with fantastic views of the South Unit all along the way. A nature trail and picnic pavilion offer travelers a break from the highway. Keep a safe distance from bison, which are frequent visitors to this part of the park. Note that Painted Canyon is not a park entrance. The South Unit's Scenic Drive begins 7 miles west in Medora.

North Unit

The North Unit is a bit off the beaten-path alongside ND Highway 85. Its ruggedness and beauty, and the solitude you'll find in this less-visited unit of the park are well worth the 50 mile drive from Interstate 94.

14 Mile Scenic Drive

River Bend Overlook. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Plan at least 1 hour and 15 minutes for the North Unit's out-and-back Scenic Drive (28 miles roundtrip). The first half of the road traces the bottom of the badlands. Midway through, it crawls up out of the canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. From there, it's an easy drive along the rim of the badlands to Oxbow Overlook at the road's end. The road is almost entirely paved with only one stretch of gravel and is open to motor vehicles and cyclists.

Cannon Ball Concretion, North Unit. Photo: Robert B. Decker

Hiking

Nature Trails in the North Unit are perfect for casual hikers and nature enthusiasts, but the backcountry trails really steal the show! The Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and famed Achenbach Trails traverse the park's vast wilderness areas. Be sure to pick up a backcountry permit for overnight hiking.

Wildlife Watching

Bison are often visible from the scenic drive at all hours of the day, while mule deer usually make appearances around dawn and dusk. Careful observers may spot bighorn sheep on or near steep cliff edges. Driving is often the best way to view wildlife, as you can cover more ground this way than on foot. However, to see prairie dogs in the North Unit, you'll have to take a hike! Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife you encounter.

Camping

Sites in the North Unit's Juniper Campground are on a first come, first served basis, except for the group campsite which is by reservation only. Juniper only occasionally fills to capacity on weekends in summer. Sites are primitive (no RV hookups). Camping in the backcountry requires a free permit.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the place Roosevelt selected to be his "home ranch" after the deaths of his wife and mother. This unit of the park has a special, solemn character. There are no visitor centers, facilities, or scenic roads, but driving to the unit is quite scenic!

A 0.7 mile mowed pathway leads from the parking area to the cabin site. Exhibits feature passages written by Roosevelt about his experiences at the ranch. Only the cabin's foundation stones remain, but there, beneath rustling cottonwood leaves, visitors can sense the peace and solace Roosevelt found at this special place in the badlands.

 

Click here to see the Theodore Roosevelt National Park poster.

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore!

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-at-theodore-roosevelt-national-park

National Park Posters Calendar for 2021

The 2021 National Park Poster Calendar is an original work by Robert Decker and features 12 of his iconic WPA-style posters of some of America's most picturesque national parks. Order the 2021 National Park Posters Calendar for your home, office or home office today.

Click Here to Order Yours Today!

Features

• 12-month spiral-bound wall calendar includes 12 WPA-style National Park Posters by Robert B. Decker


• Features the anniversaries for all 62 national parks


• Each calendar day provides ample writing space for important reminders, tasks and appointments to stay organized


• Size: 9" x 12.5" (9" x 25" opened)


• Printed in full color on “Conservation: a 100% recycled paper stock


• Ideal for Home, Office...or Home Office


• The perfect inspirational gift for every National Park enthusiast!

The poster images in the 2021 calendar were selected by more than 1,100 National Park Posters fans. 

Click Here to Order Yours Today!

Source: https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/national-park-posters-2021-calendar