#4 Glacier

#4 Glacier Location: West Glacier, MTNPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm


Major Attractions:
Going-to-the-Sun Road
St. Mary Overlook
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Lake McDonald

Number of Attractions: 18+
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Apgar/Lake McDonald: Fishing Creek, Sprague Creek, Camas Creek Entrance Overlook, Huckleberry Mtn., McDonald Falls, Johns Lake, Avalanche Creek

St. Mary: St. Mary Lake Overlook, Baring Falls, Virginia Falls, Jackson Glacier Overlook

Two Medicine: Hwy 49, Running Eagle Falls, Two Medicine Lake, Triple Divide Peak

Many Glacier: Swiftcurrent Trail, Grinnell Lake


Accessibility:
Approximately 50% of the attractions listed above are accessible by road, short trails, or tram. 90% of all attractions, including the glaciers, are only accessible by backpacking during the late summer months when the snow melt is lowest (August & September). The vast majority of the park is wilderness and most trails are maintained sparingly as limited resources provides.

Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass due to an enormous avalanche, thus it takes approximately 3 hours traverse the two most popular areas of Glacier Park: McDonald and St. Mary. Snowfall, snowmelt, and impending weather dictate which trails and sights are accessible each day.
(http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/MTGLAC:13)

Amenities:
There are 13 campgrounds that are accessible by road and many more sites for backpackers. Bring plenty of water and food rations if staying anywhere besides St. Mary, Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, Fish Creek, or Apgar as the sheer distance prevents access to gas, food, and supplies.

Conclusion:
Glacier's magnificence is unmatched the United States. There are countless snow-capped peaks, glaciers, creeks, and some of the clearest lakes in the world (can see up to 50' below the water surface). Majestic views from the Going-to-the-Sun road make it the most scenic in the U.S. hands down. Wildlife such as elk, deer, bear, salmon, and eagles are common. Make sure to plan on staying longer than a few days to get the Glacier experience, before they recede completely.

#5 Zion

#5 ZionLocation: Springdale, UT
NPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm


Major Attractions:
The Narrows
Panorama Point
Angels Landing
Emerald Pools
Watchman

Number of Attractions: 13
The Narrows, Panorama Point, Weeping Rock, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, Court of the Patriarchs, Watchman, Virgin River & Pa'rus Trail, Kolob Reservoir, Kolob Canyons, Kolob Arch, Lava Point, Zion Tunnel

Accessibility:
Approximately 80% of the attractions listed above are accessible by paved road, dirt road, short trail, or tram. The tram circulates between the first 8 attractions listed above, the campground, the Visitor's Center, and Springdale. The Narrows is subject to flooding from the Virgin River and special no-slip shoes are required.

Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
Main roads, overlooks, and trails are very well maintained despite catastrophic wash-out events in the past. Hwy 9 can be congested throughout the day waiting to enter the South Entrance to the park. Trails to Weeping Rock and Panorama Point are very well maintained. Accessibility to the Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons section of the park is by car or backpacking only, so allow for at least 3 hr travel time from Springdale. Summer is the best time to visit, but the park also sees 3,000+ visitors a day in the Summer.
(http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/UTNPZION:13)

Amenities:
There are 3 campgrounds that are accessible by road. Bring plenty of water and food rations if staying in Lava Point camp on Kolob Terrace. The Zion Lodge, South camp, and Watchman campgrounds are all accessible to supplies in Springdale by tram.

Conclusion:
There is no other valley in the United States that is more colorful than Zion Canyon. Red, orange, and white rock faces surround the valley. Light blue green waters of the Virgin River rush through the valley. A wide variety of plants such as cottonwoods, black mold, and cacti are spread throughout the landscape. Wildlife, including deer, make a very photogenic experience in Zion. The ease of travel using the tram really makes everything accessible in a short amount of time, but you'll want to stay permanently. Zion is as good as it gets in Utah.