Visiting National Monuments
 

I would like to compile a list of the most interesting National Monuments to visit. <BR>By definition, I mean those units of the National Park System that are designated National Monuments -- not National Parks. <BR>For example, White Sands and Bandelier in New Mexico and Cedar Breaks and Natural Bridges in Utah are all National Monuments, not National Parks. So if you have visited a National Monument and consider it particularly outstanding, tell me about it. <BR>(I think Death Valley would be a member of the monument class, even though I hear it has been recently upgraded to park status.)

Of the 24 national monuments I've visited, amongst my favorites are Canyon de Chelly, Cedar Breaks, Colorado, Devil's Tower, and White Sands.

Have you checked . . . nps.gov . . . for links to the entire list? The other question: What part of the country? We've been to many of them and find that each one is very worthy of a visit.

In response, let me say that the part of the country is not a consideration. <BR>I have a list of the National Monuments, but what I am after is descriptions by the very well informed audience that uses this forum. Hence, qualitative statements that give me an idea of the <BR>attractiveness of the site is what I would very much like to see. I have visited a majority of the Parks, but to date have caught a few National Monuments only in passing. I know that many of them must offer something of attraction, or they would not be so designated. But just what is it that they offer that makes them an attraction?? <BR> <BR>

Hey Bob! <BR> <BR>Ever been to Pinnacles Natl. Monument outside of Hollister, CA? <BR> <BR>I can't say that it is the *best* monument out there. Not nearly so interesting as Bandelier etc. Its small and off the beaten track. <BR> <BR>However, it has these odd towers, (columnar basalt I think) pinnacles for which the place is named. They are sort of eerie looking and there is good hiking there in the early spring and late fall. <BR> <BR>Raptors nest there and raise their young. Oh yeah, mass tarantula migrations too.

Certainly Canyon de Chelly and, if it is a national monument, Monument Valley should definitely be on your A list!

Bob- I understand that you have been to many of the parks, but why are you looking only at "national monuments"? <BR>Other choices might include <BR> <BR>1. a "national seashore," such as cape haterras. <BR>2. The civil war locations in the dc/va area, although i don't know what specific designation they have. <BR>3. the major national parkes tend to be surrouned by "buffer" areas that have some designation such as National Forest (I think that's usda land) that allow activities not allowed on parklan. there are also other desigantions. In this category the wind river in wyoming comes to mind. <BR>4. what about state parks? in this category you might consider Baxter state park in maine, the northern end of the AT. <BR> <BR>Will you be camping or looking for a hotel? will you be hiking or looking for some other activity? <BR> <BR>In response to the specific question you asked, one of the newes NMs is Escalante in So. Utah. There is a tremendous amount to explore and we only touched the tip of it with a short ride to devils den, which was neat. We camped at a park (usda land) that I forget the name of about an hour west of bryce that had great camping and an awsome waterfall. Not too much in the way of hotels in this area. <BR>

I visited both Bandalier and Gettysburg this summer. Bandalier WAS the highlite of my vacation in the southwest. It's simply amazing and beautiful. I was just in Gettysburg for the weekend--I'm not a Civil War buff so I wasnt all that excited about it, but it is a MUST SEE if you are interested in the Civil War. <BR>Hope this helps!

I guess perhaps that I was too restrictive on the Nationl Monuments. <BR>It just hit me as being a good starting point. <BR>There is a very good book published by National Georgraphic on state parks complete with pictures. <BR>Being retired, with my wife scheduled to retire in two months, we will have more time to travel. So I thought I would start compiling a list of interesting places in the USA that we have not yet had the opportunity to visit. (This is a great land in many ways; and my recent trip overseas reminds me of that, big time.) <BR>I have been to many National Parks, but I know that many of the National Monuments are also highly interesting. <BR>So I was working on a new list of things to see and places to go from that angle. I don't rule out state parks, however. I perhaps should have described my needs in greater detail.

Bob--this may be of help. A had a copy of this when i signed up, but looks like they sell it also (see the national geo page). I will check at home for the title of another book I can't recall the name of right now: <BR> <BR>"America's Hidden Corners" <BR>This guidebook reveals quiet coastal regions and quaint colonial towns...remote deserts, mountains, and valleys...and other American getaways you didn't even know existed. [...]75 intriguing places—at least one in every state [ ...]. <BR>

That book mentioned above sounds good. <BR>I will see if the library has it; it not I will see if I can buy it. Sounds good. Thanks. <BR>

Bob-there are two more books in my library you may find useful. Once again, I forget the name of the other since I looked at it last night. In all events,this one is more user- friendly. Both of these are centered on camping, (is that what you want??). The other book is a list of all BLM lands. Even if you don't camp, the list is a great starting place. I pulled the description from adventuroustravelerbookstrore.com. I have the books for more or less the same purpose as you, although you are at least 20 years ahead of my schedule!! Enjoy!! <BR>"THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO WILDERNESS CAMPING AND BACKPACKING IN THE UNITED STATES is the first and only book which has a complete listing of National and State parks, forests, BLM lands, and wilderness areas throughout the country where camping is permitted. All camping regulations and permit requirements are included. A resource section appears in each state chapter for local information, maps, and a list of guidebooks published on that area. ...."

Bob-the last source I can suggest is below. The book is huge and I have a copy from adventouroustravelerbookstore.com. That's also where the description is from. As I mentioned, you are about 20 years ahead of me, so I have not had a chance to check out all but a few of these places. Also, the book is a little less user friendly than the last two. Enjoy: <BR> <BR>America's Secret Recreation Areas <BR>by: Michael Hodgson, 558 pages; Photos, Illus. & Maps <BR> <BR> Nearly 272 million acres of wild Bureau of Land Management-administered land lie waiting to be explored- including soaring mountain peaks, roaring <BR>whitewater, saguaro cactus deserts, sage brush prairie and hillside meadows! Whether you seek a solitary fishing respite, a white-knuckled mountain bike ride, rip-roaring rapids or serene wildlife exploration, America's Secret Recreation Areas has your secret getaway!