Why bother with National Parks?
We're new to RVing and have just bought an older Class C. My wife wants to take a trip touring many of the western United States' National Parks. I've been doing some research and this is what I'm f...
Forum Discussion
In the original post, you state that you've "been doing some research", but what does that entail? Are your comments based upon actual experiences at different parks, or just something you've read somewhere? If based on actual experiences, what parks? How many different parks? What are your expectations? If a park doesn't meet your expectations, what do you consider acceptable alternatives?
A lot of generalizations without much anecdotal information. No, the National Parks are not for everyone. And each National Park has something different to offer. Here in Colorado, there's a vast difference between Mesa Verde, Black Canyon, Great Sand Dunes, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. But each has a unique perspective to offer a visitor.
Keep in mind that the National Parks are also operating with budget constraints, and have done so for years. But, as an example, RMNP has excellent roads -- the road to Bear Lake has been reconstructed and repaved to "acceptable" standards. Fall River Rd, washed out by floods 2 years ago, has been restored, although it wouldn't have met your standard for "acceptable", since it's a dirt road. Trail Ridge Road has been repaved and reconstructed in various places and, given that they only have a few months per year to get things done, they've accomplished a lot. And that's only in this one National Park. It is certainly not crappy.
A lot of generalizations without much anecdotal information. No, the National Parks are not for everyone. And each National Park has something different to offer. Here in Colorado, there's a vast difference between Mesa Verde, Black Canyon, Great Sand Dunes, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. But each has a unique perspective to offer a visitor.
Keep in mind that the National Parks are also operating with budget constraints, and have done so for years. But, as an example, RMNP has excellent roads -- the road to Bear Lake has been reconstructed and repaved to "acceptable" standards. Fall River Rd, washed out by floods 2 years ago, has been restored, although it wouldn't have met your standard for "acceptable", since it's a dirt road. Trail Ridge Road has been repaved and reconstructed in various places and, given that they only have a few months per year to get things done, they've accomplished a lot. And that's only in this one National Park. It is certainly not crappy.
