| resources. The numerous National Parks that | | | | the park. |
| dot the countryside are proof of the | | | | |
| endeavor. The Southwest portion of the | | | | The Arches National Park is home to the |
| United States has some of the most memorable | | | | largest collection of natural bridges in the |
| National Parks in the country and even around | | | | world. The largest of these formations is |
| the world. | | | | Landscape Arch which is about 306 feet from |
| | | | base to base. Summers can get extremely hot, |
| The Lassen Volcanic National Park in | | | | so visits in the fall and spring are the most |
| California is best known for the numerous | | | | popular. |
| wilderness lakes that fill the park. There | | | | |
| are over 50 within the 160 square miles. The | | | | The Petrified Forest National Park can be |
| main feature of the park is Lassen Peak. | | | | found in Arizona. As the name suggests, you |
| It's a 10,000 ft volcano that was last active | | | | will find plenty petrified wood, but you will |
| in 1914. | | | | also discover prehistoric animal fossils, |
| | | | Indian ruins and amazing rock formations and |
| Another National Park in the state of | | | | desert landscapes (including the Painted |
| California is the Redwood National Park. | | | | Desert). |
| Here the giant Redwood trees are protected | | | | |
| from timber companies. The seasons are mild, | | | | Mesa Verde National Park is the site of |
| but the winters can be extremely wet. | | | | prehistoric Indian ruins. The cliff |
| | | | dwellings are thought to be the largest in |
| Bryce National Park is found in Utah. It is | | | | North America. These spectacular structures |
| known for the amazing columns and spires that | | | | were built within caves and outcroppings in |
| have been formed over millions of years. The | | | | the cliffs and are only accessible by |
| Native Americans used a name for the park | | | | climbing up the steep rock walls of the |
| that is roughly translated to "rocks standing | | | | surrounding cliffs. Some of the structures |
| like men in a bowl-shaped canyon." It offers | | | | are up to four stories tall. |
| some amazing hiking opportunities. | | | | |
| | | | The countryside of the Southwestern portion |
| Zion National Park is another park in and is | | | | of the United States holds many natural and |
| probably best known for the deep canyons and | | | | man-made wonders. Take some time to visit |
| towering cliffs. A hike up the Virgin River | | | | some of these treasures that are housed right |
| is one of the best ways to see the wonders of | | | | in your own back yard. |