Everglades en route from Ft Myers to Miami doable?
 

If I left Ft Myers by about 10:00 a.m. and planned to spend the night in Florida City would that leave enough time to see some of the Everglades National Park? This will be the last week in January.

I don't need to see 'everything' and have no interest in an airboat ride. I'd like to do the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo trails which I understand are only about half a mile long each. Shark Valley sounds interesting but maybe I don't have time for both? Also, I understand it's still closed from Hurricane Irma. Any sense of when it might re-open?

Thanks

Why are you waiting until 10 to <B>leave</B> FM?

I cannot overstate the incredible primordial ancient beauty of the Everglades (full of 1/2 mile trails). Whatever it takes make it happen1

So how many hours is a 'reasonable' minimum to walk those two trails - Anhinga and Gumbo? And if going in the entrance nearest those trails would it be redundant to also stop at the Shark Valley entrance?

Does anyone know when Shark Valley will re-open? The NP website just says that it's currently closed. I wondered if local newspapers or whatever might have stories that talked about when different areas of the everglades are expected to be open.

Thanks

I don't remember. We took my elderly father there 15 years ago after his wife died and were limited to the half-mile trails on boardwalk that my father could traverse. My husband and I also took a boat trip. I'm a California girl so I really don't know the park, but maybe another Fodorite could help more

Shark Valley is closed due to high water covering the trails, the after effects of Hurricane Irma, so it will reopen when the water level recedes. The main reason to visit Shark Valley is to either take the tram tour or ride bicycles along the trail. If you are not taking the tram tour or renting a bicycle to ride the trail, skip Shark Valley, which only accesssible from US 41. This entrance splits the mileage difference from Naples and Miami. So it is in the middle of nowhere

You will make better time if you take I-75 (alligator Alley) from the west coast to the east coast, but you might prefer to drive US 41 to get a better view of the area of the Everglades. You could stop at the Oasis Visitors Center of the Big Cypress Preserve, which has restroom facilities and a nice boardwalk area between the visitors center and the road. In my experience this is a good place to see alligators, turtles and wading birds.

At the Homestead entrance to Everglades NP, there is the Coe visitor center and then after the visitor center is the entrance where you pay the entrance fee. Anhinga trail is less than a mile and Gumbo Limbo is under 1/2 mile, so it depends on your walking speed and how long you want to linger.

Be aware there are mosquitoes, take insect repellent, and consider wearing clothing so that as much exposed skin as possible is covered. That means long pants, long sleeved shirt and hat. There are places where you may not be bothered by any mosquitoes and other places where you will be swarmed.

Donna is spot on about the Oasis Center. The Anhinga trail is very easy - be sure to take all of the branches. It is either pavement or boardwalk and wheelchair accessible. There are restrooms at the beginning of the trail. I did not find the Gumbo Limbo trail to be particularly interesting, but that is me. On the way to the park out of FL City, you will pass a large fruit stand called Roberto's. If it is open there will be a lot of cars parked outside stopping for their tropical milkshakes which are delicious.

If you qualify - over 62, pick up a Senior National Parks pass at a visitors center. Even at its recently raised fee of $80 for a lifetime, it is still a wonderful bargain and will admit everyone in your car regardless of age, so you only need one.

Thanks for the info.

I was planning on taking Rt 41 because I though it might be more interesting, but also since I'll only have the rental car for 1 to 2 days I'd really like to avoid the whole toll thing. Do you happen to know if 75 from Ft Myers to Rt 29 to Rt 41 is a toll road? Hard to tell from the Highway dept map, doesn't look like it is but can't tell for sure. I'd like to avoid driving through Naples if I could.

Are there mosquitoes there even in January?

Yes, there is a toll on I-75 once you pass Exit 101 (Naples). You could take I-75 to exit 101 (Collier Blvd.) Then go south on Collier Blvd. until you reach US 41, then go east on US 41. If you use Google maps you can determine if there are tolls on the specific route.

If you take this route, you will pass by the Oasis Visitor's Center for Big Cypress Preserve, this is a good place to stop for looking at wildlife at the boardwalk area and also or restrooms. Also look for Clyde Butcher's art gallery, if you want to take a look at his and other artists photos and artwork relating to the Everglades.

FYI, there is limited availability for gasoline on US 41 past route 29, actually I should say, no gasoline, except at the Seminole Indian Village area, so if you fill up with gasoline at the beginning of your day in Ft. Myers, you should be okay to get to the Miami area. Not many places to stop for food either, so if you want lunch or snacks take your own.

Mosquitoes, I have stopped in the Everglades in January, but I would err on the side of having mosquito repellent available.

That should have said "I have NOT stopped in the Everglades in January"

Thanks Donna - those directions are very helpful.