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