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# System prepended metadata

title: American Parks
tags: [Tag(change me!)]

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# :national_park: US National Parks - May 12-25 :national_park:


![ITINERARY](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Byvo9oWf0.jpg)


The picture above is an approximate rendering of the tour we will complete. Below are the specific details for each day. This will include more detailed maps, hotel, stops, and suggested trails.

<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>


## Day 1 - Sunday, May 12:

![Screenshot 2024-01-15 at 12.00.02 PM](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1cbH1QFa.jpg)

- American group arrives in Denver at 10:10 AM :airplane:. Goes to Hertz counter.
- Italian group arrives in Denver at 02:20 PM :airplane:.
- Hopefully we depart by 04:00 PM toward Grand Junction, CO. Observe that Denver is at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level whereas Grand Junction is at an altitude of 1,400 meters. The trip is 268 miles by car :blue_car: and it should take approximately 4 hours.
- We stay at the Maverick Hotel https://www.thehotelmaverick.com/. 
- Dinner in the hotel. This is the link to the menu of Devil's Kitchen, a rooftop restaurant in the hotel https://www.devilskitchenrestaurant.com/.

## Day 2 - Monday, May 13:

![Screenshot 2024-01-15 at 12.03.24 PM](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HkEtS1mY6.png)


We have breakfast in the hotel. Each room has a $20 voucher. This is the menu at Betty's https://www.thehotelmaverick.com/drinks-dining/bettys-gourmet-coffee. We then departure by 7:30 AM toward Arches National Park. Overall, today we should drive for about 120 miles. The sea level altritude of Moab is about 1,200 meters.

This is the link about Arches National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/arches/arches-escursione-trekking/). Notice that [Arches National Park](https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm) has a size of 310 km<sup>2</sup> which is much larger than the size of the province of Trieste (212.5 km<sup>2</sup>). We need to purchase a 1-Day Personal Vehicle Timed Entry on February 1 using [this website](https://www.recreation.gov/). We should shoot for the 9-10 AM entry window. 



These are the recommendations from the park website: Drive all of the paved park roads, spending 10 minutes at each viewpoint. In particular, drive to The Windows Section and see some of the park's largest arches. Add a half hour to stroll beneath either North Window or Double Arch. Drive to Delicate Arch Viewpoint and see the world's most famous arch, a mile distant. Stop at Wolfe Ranch on your way back and imagine what it would have been like to homestead this relatively barren area in the late 1800s.

![Arches](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkyfR2Iqa.jpg)


These are the top 10 trails in [Arches National Park](https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm): 

- [x] [Delicate Arch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/delicate-arch-trail) Moderate, 3.2 mi, Est. 1h 35m
- [Devil's Garden Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/devils-garden-loop-trail-with-7-arches) Hard, 7.9 mi
- [Double O Arch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/double-o-arch-trail--2) Moderate, 4.1 mi, Est 1h 53m
- [Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/windows-loop-and-turret-arch-trail) Easy, 1.2 mi, Est. 30m
- [x] [Double Arch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/double-arch-trail) Easy, 0.6 mi, Est. 16m
- [x] [Landscape Arch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/landscape-arch-trail) Easy, 1.9 mi, Est. 49m
- [x] [Windows Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/windows-loop-trail--3) Easy, 0.7 mi, Est. 18m
- [x] [Wall Arch and Pine Tree Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/wall-arch-and-pine-tree-arch) Easy, 2.7 mi
- [Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/fiery-furnace-and-surprise-arch) Moderate, 2.1 mi
- [x] [Park Avenue Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/park-avenue) Easy, 1.8 mi, Est. 50m

We spend the night at the [Gravity Haus](https://gravityhaus.com/locations/gravity-haus-moab/) 🏨 in Moab. We could have dinner at [Thai Bella](http://www.thaibellamoab.com/) (#2 restaurant in Moab according to Tripadvisor) or [Moab Diner](https://www.moabdiner.com/) (#7 restaurant in Moab according to Tripadvisor) or [Antica Forma](http://www.anticaforma.com/) (#13 restaurant in Moab according to Tripadvisor) if you need a wood fired Neapolitan pizza. Notice that our Hotel is next to a grocery store [City Market](https://www.citymarket.com/) which belongs to Kroger. There is a gas station too.

![Moab](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1QnAfY9a.jpg)


## Day 3 - Tuesday, May 14:

By the end of Day 3 will have driven a total of about 240 miles to our destination of Tuba City, where we will stay 2 nights. The main event for today is a visit to Monument Valley :desert:. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 meters above sea level. We should gain one hour when crossing from Colorado to Arizona. This is the link about Monument Valley on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/monument-valley/monument-valley-cosa-vedere/).

![Day 3](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1Mp-z4Fp.png)

Notice that we should gain one hour when crossing between Utah and Arizona. However the Navajo Nation, including Monument Valley, will be on Utah time because they observe daylight savings time.

Before leaving Moab (it is a 40 minute drive) we could spend a couple of hours going to the [Dead Horse Point State Park](https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/). This spot offers a breathtaking overlook of the Colorado River: [East and West Rim Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/utah/dead-horse-point-state-park-short-loop-trail). More photos can be seen on [Tripadvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60724-d254961-Reviews-Dead_Horse_Point_State_Park-Moab_Utah.html). An alternative could be to visit for a few hours the area called Island in the Sky of the [Canyonland National Park](https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm) which is also next to Moab. Some people say that Dead Horse Point State Park might have the single best view. 

![Dead Horse](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rklqhCAca.png)

Before we reach Mexican Hat, we can see:
- [x] [Valley of the Gods Road](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/valley-of-the-gods-road-trail) generally considered an easy 13.3 mile route. This is a very popular area for off-road driving and scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. To get here, 17 miles after Bluff, head northwest on Valley of the Gods Road, route 242.
- [x] [Goosenecks State Park](https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/) ($5 car, spend 20-30 min, Viewpoint 0.1 mi). Take 261 and then 316. This small park affords impressive views of one of the most striking examples of an entrenched river meander on the North American continent. The San Juan River twists and turns through the meander, flowing a distance of over six miles while advancing one and a half miles west on its way to Lake Powell. 
- [Mexican Hat Rock](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mexican-hat-rock) Hard, 0.7 mi. Vedi anche [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/utah/mexican-hat/).

Then we move on to:
- [x] Forrest Gump Point. 
- [x] [Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park](https://navajonationparks.org/navajo-tribal-parks/monument-valley/) opens during the summer from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Cost is $8 per person per day. The [Scenic Drive](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/monument-valley-scenic-drive--2) (about 2h to 3h) during the summer is between 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The last vehicle enters at 6:00 PM for the 17-mile loop road.  There is also the [Wildcat Trail around West and East Mitten Buttes](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/wildcat-trail) Moderate, 3.9 mi, Est. 1h 32m
- [Navajo National Monument](https://www.nps.gov/nava/index.htm) closes at 5 PM. The [Sandal Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sandal-trail) Easy, 1.3 mi,  Est. 27m. This is a paved trail that goes to the overlook of the Betatakin dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans. The Betatakin Cliff Dwellings can be seen from a 1/4 mile distance so bringing binoculars is recommended. This is the only point in the park where visitors can view the cliff dwelling.

We arrive in the evening at the [Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites](https://experiencehopi.com/) where we spend two nights. Breakfast is included in our rate. For dinner we could go to [Hogan Family Restaurant](https://www.navajolandtubacity.com/files/hogan-menus.pdf) which closes at 9 PM. There is also [Denny's](https://locations.dennys.com/AZ/TUBA-CITY/248695), Pizza Edge, McDonald's or KFC.

![Tuba City](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HkhqOmFq6.jpg)


Near Tuby City there are the [Dinosaur Tracks](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/dinosaur-tracks), an easy trail of 0.2 miles.
## Day 4 - Wednesday, May 15:

Today we go to Page for the day and we will visit Canyon X and the Horseshoe Bend among other things. On the way to Page we could stop at the Navajo National Monument in case we could not visit it the day before. Same for the Dinosaur Tracks. In the evening we drive back to Tuba City.

![Day 4](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJA0HoNFT.jpg)

This is the link about the city of Page and its surrounding area on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/arizona/page-arizona-cosa-vedere/). We plan to visit: 

- [x] [Lower Antelope Canyon](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/antelope-canyon) at noon. The tour is organized by [Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon Tours](https://www.lowerantelope.com/).
- [x] [Horseshoe Bend Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/horseshoe-bend-trail) Easy, 1.5 mi, Est. 34m

This is the site of the [Glen Canyon National Recreation Area](https://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htm). We could do this 26.1 mile drive with spectacular views of Lake Powell. Here are some [driving tips](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/driving-to-alstrom-point.htm).
- [x] [Alstrom Point](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/utah/alstrom-point)

Other trails in the area:

- [x] [Hanging Gardens Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/hanging-garden-trail) Easy, 1.4 mi, Est. 28m 
- [Beehive Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/beehive-trail) Easy, 1.9 mi
- [x] [The New Wave Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/the-new-wave-trail) Moderate, 1.4 mi, Est. 32m
- [Page Rimview Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/page-rimview-trail) Easy, 10.3 mi
- [Dam Overlook Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/dam-overlook-trail) Easy, 0.2 mi, Est. 7m
- [The Chains Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/the-chains-trail) Easy, 0.4 mi, Est. 9m
- [Spencer Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/colorado-river-via-lees-ferry) Easy, 2.6 mi, Est. 51m
- [Glen Canyon Bridge](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/glen-canyon-bridge) Moderate, 0.5 mi, Est. 1h 28m

We return to Tuba City for the night possibly through a different route.

## Day 5 - Thursday, May 16:

Today we visit the Grand Canyon. Notice that Grand Canyon National Park has a size of 4,926 km<sup>2</sup> which is slightly less than the size of the size of Liguria (5,416.15 km<sup>2</sup>).

It takes about 80 miles to drive from Tuba City to Grand Canyon Village (1h 40 m). In the evening we will drive to Page for the evening. It is a 133 mile drive (2h 20m). We stay at the [Courtyard Page by Lake Powell](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pgacy-courtyard-page-at-lake-powell/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtaOtBhCwARIsAN_x-3JqXDZRcfzEYOd_K4UQihGzSQQLGV1quaHZrnDnImWGDFnRuo7MdoQaAsvMEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA), which is next to Pepper's in the map. We could eat at [Fiesta Mexicana](https://fiestamexrest.com/dinner-menu/) (#4 in Page according to Tripadvisor). 

![Page](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkzhhQtq6.jpg)

Alternatively, if we want to stay to admire the sunset [sunrise/sunset times](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/sunrise_set_moon.htm) we could have an early dinner at the Grand Canyon Village. Here are some choices:
- [Yavapai Tavern](https://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/dining/yavapai-tavern/)
- [Harvey House Cafe](https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/dine/harvey-house-cafe/) - offers drinks and light meals in the evening.
- [Maswik Food Court](https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/dine/maswik-cafeteria/) - offers Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m Food court-style eatery. First-come, first-serve menu.
- [El Tovar Dining Room](https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/dine/el-tovar-dining-room-and-lounge/) - offers Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Phone 928-638-2631.

![Day 5](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HyvtHiVK6.png)

This is the link to the [South Rim Pocket Map](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/upload/sr-pocket-map.pdf). This is the link about the Grand Canyon on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/grand-canyon/south-rim-grand-canyon/). These are the top 20 trails in [Grand Canyon National Park](https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm):

- [x] [South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-trail-to-ooh-aah-point) Moderate, 1.8 mi, Est. 1h 14m
- [South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-trail) Moderate, 3.1 mi, Est. 2h 8m
- [Bright Angel Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/bright-angel-trail--11) Hard, 15.3 mi
- [South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-trail-to-skeleton-point) Hard, 5.8 mi
- [South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-phantom-ranch-and-bright-angel-trail-loop) Hard, 16.6 mi
- [1.5 Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/15-mile-resthouse-via-bright-angel-trail) Hard, 3.2 mi, Est. 2h 10m
- [3-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/three-mile-resthouse-via-bright-angel-trail) Hard, 6.1 mi
- [x] [Rim Trail: Mather Point to Bright Angel Head](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/grand-canyon-rim-mules-to-mather-point) Moderate, 6.0 mi, Est. 2h 8m
- [Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/plateau-point-trail-via-bright-angel-trail) Hard, 11.9 mi
- [South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-trail-to-phantom-ranch) Hard, 14.3 mi
- [Havasupai Gardens Campground via Bright Angel](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/havasupai-garden-campground-via-bright-angel-one-way) Moderate, 4.5 mi
- [x] [Yavapai Point via Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/yavapai-point-via-rim-trail) Easy, 1.7 mi, Est. 34m
- [x] [Shoshone Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/shoshone-point-trail) Easy, 2.1 mi, Est. 45m
- [Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/indian-garden-via-bright-angel-round-trip) Hard, 8.9 mi
- [x] [Grand Canyon Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/grand-canyon-rim-trail--3) Moderate, 12.7 mi, Est. 4h 29m
- [Maricopa Point, Powell Point and Hopi Point via West Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/maricopa-point-powell-point-and-hopi-point-via-bright-angel-trail) Moderate, 4.3 mi, Est. 1h 38m
- [x] [Rim Trail: Grand Canyon Village to Hermit's Rest](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/grand-canyon-rim-village-to-hermits-rest) Moderate, 8.2 mi, Est. 2h 57m
- [x] [Mather Point via Visitor Center](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/mather-point-via-visitor-center) Easy, 0.6 mi, Est. 11m
- [x] [Rim Trail: Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp's](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/rim-trail-yavapai-geology-museum-to-verkamp-s) Easy, 1.5 mi, Est. 32m
- [South Kaib Trail to Tip Off](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/south-kaibab-trail-to-tip-off-grand-canyon-south-rim) Hard, 8.9 mi

## Day 6 - Friday, May 17:

We now move back to Utah, so we will lose the hour that we have gained when we entered Arizona. We drive from Page to Bryce Canyon. This is the main attraction for the day. We have to drive for about 150 miles to get to Bryce Canyon. Notice that Bryce Canyon National Park has a size of 145 km<sup>2</sup> which is slightly smaller than the size of the Comune of Verona (198.91 km<sup>2</sup>).  We will drive in the evening to Springdale, AZ. This means that we dont get too much time to spend in Bryce Canyon. 

![Day 6](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SkrIhcBqa.png)

This is the link about Bryce Canyon National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/bryce-canyon/bryce-canyon-cosa-vedere/). 

This is the [Bryce Canyon Visitor Guide](https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/upload/Bryce_Canyon_Visitor_Guide_508.pdf). In particular, this is an enlarged map of Bryce Amphitheater:

![Bryce Amphitheater](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1nfoYL5p.jpg)

We hope we can drive to the Visitor Center and then use the park shuttles. Otherwise, if we leave the car at the Shuttle Station the pass admits the passholder and three adults so we have to pay $20 for each of the remaining two people (or we need two passes). After the Visitor Center, we ride two stops to visit Bryce Point, then reboard to visit Inspiration Point. From here it is a 1.2 mi (2.0 km) walk along the Rim Trail past Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. We then complete the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trails. Depending on the time we could do the Southern Scenic Drive along the Canyon to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. We could also go to Mossy Cave.

These are the top 10 trails in [Bryce Canyon National Park](https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm):

- [x] [Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/navajo-loop-and-queens-garden-trail) Moderate, 3.0 mi, Est. 1h 33m
- [x] [Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/wall-street-and-queens-garden-loop-trail) Moderate, 3.2 mi, Est. 1h 35m
- [Fairyland Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/fairyland-loop-trail) Moderate, 7.9 mi, Est 3h 54m
- [Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/wall-street-and-queens-garden-loop-to-peekaboo-loop-figure-eight-trail) Moderate, 6.3 mi, Est. 3h 23m
- [x] [Navajo Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/navajo-loop-trail) Moderate, 1.5 mi, Est. 58m
- [Peekaboo Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/peek-a-boo-loop-trail) Moderate, 5.2 mi, Est. 3h 7m
- [x] [Sunset Point to Sunrise Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/sunset-point-to-sunrise-point) Easy, 1.1 mi, Est 24m
- [Navajo Loop Trail to Peekaboo Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/navajo-loop-trail-to-peekaboo-loop) Moderate, 5.0 mi, 2h 55m
- [Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mossy-cave-turret-arch-and-little-windows-trail) Easy, 0.9 mi, Est. 23m
- [x] [Queen Victoria via Queen's Garden Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/queen-victoria-via-queens-garden-loop) Moderate, 2.1 mi, Est. 1h 5m

If we have time, on the way to Springdale we could complete Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. It is just before the [Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel](https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/the-zion-mount-carmel-tunnel.htm) ($15 fee) that takes us to Springdale.

- [x] [Zion Canyon Overlook Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/canyon-overlook-trail) Moderate, 1.0 mi, Est. 29m

It takes a 90 mile drive from Bryce Canyon to the beautiful town of Springdale where we will spend the night at the [Springhill Suites](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sguzi-springhill-suites-springdale-zion-national-park/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0) by Marriott. We could eat at [Oscar's cafe](https://oscarscafe.com/) (#1 restaurant in Springdale according to Tripadvisor) or [Bit and Spur](https://bitandspur.com/) (#5 restaurant in Springdale according to Tripadvisor) or [Spotted Dog](https://flanigans.com/dine/dinner-menu/) (#3 restaurant in Springdale according to Tripadvisor).

![Springdale](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkE5vQKqa.png)

## Day 7 - Saturday, May 18:

The goal for today is a visit to Zion National Park. The elevation of Springdale is about 1,200 meters above sea level. Notice that Zion National Park has a size of 590 km<sup>2</sup> which is slightly bigger than the size of the province of Gorizia (475.40 km<sup>2</sup>). It is 24 km long and up to 800m deep.

We swapped the itinerary of Day 6 and Day 7 so we could have an early start in Zion. In the evening we will drive about 172 miles on Interstate US 15 to spend the night in Richfield. 

We should get up quite early to be able to park inside of the Park. Parking is available in the park, but it's limited and lots usually fill up by between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. After that, cars are prohibited. There are lots at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Zion Human History Museum, and near the Zion Nature Center. Otherwise, the pass admits the passholder and three adults so we have to pay $20 for each of the remaining two people (or we need two passes).

Here is the [Park brochure with a map](https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/ZionUnigrid.pdf). Inside the park we need to use the shuttle system. 

![Zion_Shuttle](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJK9CdU9T.jpg)

Allow about 45 minutes to get to the upper most stop (Temple of Sinawava) from the park entrance facility. The Riverside Walk is the park's most popular hike, ending at the Zion Narrows. From the shuttle stop to the river and beginning of a Narrows hike is about a mile. 

We could then go back with the shuttle to The Grotto and complete the Cayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools and Zion Lodge. From The Grotto we could also consider taking the West Rim Trail to the Scout Lookout. It seems hard.

Finally we could go back toward the Museum and the Visitor Center. If we have the energy we could do the Watchman Trail.

This is the link about Zion National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/zion/zion-guida-viaggio/). These are the top 10 trails in [Zion National Park](https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm):

- [Angels Landing Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/angels-landing-trail) Hard, 4.3 miles
- [Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/scout-lookout-trail) Hard, 3.6 miles, Est. 2h 13m
- [x] [The Watchman Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/the-watchman-trail) Moderate, 3.1 mi, Est. 1h 33m
- [x] [Emerald Pools Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/emerald-pools-trail) Moderate, 3.0 mi, Est. 1h 30m
- [x] [The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/the-zion-narrows-riverside-walk) Easy, 1.9 mi, Est. 44m
- [x] [Zion Canyon Overlook Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/canyon-overlook-trail) Moderate, 1.0 mi, Est. 29m
- [Zion Narrows Bottom Up to Big Springs](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/zion-narrows-trail-to-imlay-temple-and-big-spring) Hard, 8.9 mi
- [x] [Lower Emerald Pool Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/lower-emerald-pool-trail) Easy, 1.4 mi, Est. 32m
- [Observation Point via East Mesa Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/east-mesa-trail-to-observation-point) Moderate, 7.0 mi, Est. 2h 44m
- [x] [Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools and Zion Lodge](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/kayenta-trail-to-the-emerald-pools-and-zion-lodge) Moderate, 2.2 mi, Est. 1h 9m

![Day 7](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1_v0qrc6.png)

After leaving Springdale on our way to interstate US 15, we could eat at the [Red Fort Cuisine of India](https://redfortcuisine.com/) located at 150 N State Street, La Verkin (next to the Hotel Zion Inn). It has great reviews. We spend the night at the [Holiday Inn Express & Suites Richfield](https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/richfield/rifut/hoteldetail?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sAV&qIta=99618083&icdv=99618083&glat=MEDI_TABA-website_mdpr_TripAdvisorUS_BLwebsiteD_RIFUT_us_en_ba&qSlH=RIFUT&qRms=1&qAdlt=2&qChld=0&qCiD=18&qCiMy=042024&qCoD=19&qCoMy=042024&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=EX&qDest=20%2520West%25201400%2520North%252C%2520Richfield%252C%2520UT%252C%2520US&cm_mmc=TABA-website_mdpr_TripAdvisorUS_BLwebsiteD_RIFUT_us_en_ba&srb_u=1) in Richfield.

## Day 8 - Sunday, May 19:

We drive North. We will reach Jackson, Wyoming, where we will spend two nights at the [Mountain Modern Hotel](https://mountainmodernmotel.com/). The elevation of Jackson is about 1,99 metri above sea level. If we need to do some good grocery shopping, there is a [Whole Foods](https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/jacksonwyoming) store in Jackson.

Along the way we will drive through Provo, Park City, Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls. 

![Day 8](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJM0uB3qT.png)

In Orem we exit Hwy 15 to connect to Hwy 52 and then Hwy 189 toward Park City. We then connect to Hwy 80 due west until we are back in Salt Lake City and take again Hwy 15 due north. We do not stop to see the Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City because it is wrapped in scaffolding until 2026. Instead we exit Hwy 15 in Clearfield and take the causeway to [Antelope Island](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/utah/antelope-island-state-park) where we can see the Great Salt Lake. We then return to Hwy 15. 

We can read about some of these places along this route in this [itinerary of the northwest USA parks from myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/itinerari-viaggio/parchi-usa-nord-ovest/). 

![Jackson](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJ8fg7t9T.jpg)

Note that breakfast is not included in our room rate. We could have some light breakfast at the hotel (see [AM menu](https://mountainmodernmotel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AM.MENU_WINTER_2024.pdf)); they also have a [PM menu](https://mountainmodernmotel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PM.MENU_WINTER_2024.pdf). We could also eat [breakfast](https://www.bubbasjh.com/menus/#breakfast) and/or [dinner](https://www.bubbasjh.com/menus/#lunch-and-dinner) at [Bubba's Bar-B-Que](https://www.bubbasjh.com/). Another interesting place for dinner is the [Million Dollar Cowboy Bar](https://www.milliondollarcowboybar.com/) - see their [drinks](https://www.milliondollarcowboybar.com/drink), their [bar menu](https://www.milliondollarcowboybar.com/bar-food) and their expensive [stakehouse menu](https://milliondollarcowboysteakhouse.com/dinner/). We can also read the following article from Food & Wine Magazine on [48 hours in Jackson Hole](https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/48-hours-in-jackson-hole-everything-you-need-eat-and-drink).

## Day 9 - Monday, May 20:

We visit the Grand Teton National Park. Notice that Grand Teton National Park has a size of 1,300 km<sup>2</sup> which is comparable to the size of the province of Novara (1,340.25 km<sup>2</sup>).

One of the first stops could be [Mormon Row's Moulton Barn](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/mormon-rows-moulton-barn). It is a 0.2-mile loop trail near Moose, Wyoming. This [scenic float trip](https://signalmountainlodge.app.resmarksystems.com/public/product/5a78970e544862289d7fa9e7/66Mn6D) on the Snake River would also be cool, but it costs about $80 per person. Also, south of Grand Teton National Park there is the [National Elk Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-elk), part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

![Grand_Teton](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1j-SJ3Yp.jpg)

This is the link about Grand Teton National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/grand-teton/grand-teton-guida-viaggio/). These are the top 10 trails in [Gran Teton National Park](https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm):

- [x] [Cascade Canyon Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/cascade-canyon-trail) Moderate, 9.1 mi, Est. 3h 45m
- [Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Access](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/delta-lake-via-lupine-meadows-access) Hard, 7.4 mi
- [x] [Taggart Lake Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/taggart-lake-loop--2) Easy, 3.8 mi, Est. 1h 32m
- [x] [Jenny Lake Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/jenny-lake-trail) Moderate, 7.2 mi, Est. 2h 31m
- [Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/taggart-lake-and-bradley-lake) Moderate, 6.0 mi, Est. 2h 30m
- [Hidden Falls via Jenny Lake Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/hidden-falls-trail) Moderate, 4.9 mi, Est. 2h 1m
- [x] [Inspiration Point via Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/inspiration-point-via-jenny-lake-boat-shuttle) Moderate, 1.8 mi, Est. 57m. The [boat shuttle](https://jennylakeboating.com/boat-trips/shuttle-service/) :speedboat: costs $12 for a one way trip or $20 for a round trip. Once could do it on foot at least for one direction. **Comments from my friends:** "we got there about 8:30 AM. Plenty of parking and not many others on the trail. By the time we left, people were parked up and down the road and there was a long line to enter the park. The hike was getting packed after noon and I heard the ferry waits are long."
- [Bradley Lake Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/bradley-lake-trail) Moderate, 5.2 mi, Est. 2h 10m
- [Phelps Lake, Lake Creek, and Woodland Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/phelps-lake-lake-creek-and-woodland-loop) Moderate, 7.0 mi, Est. 2h 45m
- [Hidden Falls via String Lake Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/hidden-falls-via-string-lake-trail) Moderate, 4.6 mi, Est. 1h 48m

## Day 10 & 11 - Tuesday & Wednesday, May 21 & 22

Today we leave Jackson and we go to Yellowstone National Park, where we will spend two nights at the [Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins](https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/cabin/lake-yellowstone-hotel-cabins/). Notice that Yellowstone has a size of 8,991 km<sup>2</sup> which is slightly bigger than the size of Umbria (8,464.22 km<sup>2</sup>). The park sits on the Yellowstone Plateau, at an average elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level. The plateau is bounded on nearly all sides by mountain ranges of the Middle Rocky Mountains, which range from 2,700 to 3,400 meters in elevation.


![Yellowstone-2](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJ7aQ1hY6.jpg)

This is the link about Yellowstone National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/yellowstone/yellowstone-cosa-vedere/). Here is a suggested [2-day itinerary](https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/park-itineraries/weekend-itinerary/) and here is [another](https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/plan/itineraries/yellowstone-in-2-days/). 

**Day 1:** Timetable - we are driving north from Jackson and we enter Yellowstone through the South Entrance. It should take approximately 1h and 50m to drive 80 miles to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. We will explore most of the geyser activities in Yellowstone. The plan is to arrive by 10 AM at West Thumb. We spend about 1/2 hour walking either the inner or outer boardwalk loop. We then drive for 35 minutes to Old Faithful (20 miles). We should be there by 11 AM. We budget about 2 hours for the visit. We could grab a quick sandwhich in the cafeteria. By 2 PM we should be on the move to the Midway Geyser Basin to see the Grand Prismatics Spring. The loop is about 20 minutes long so, including the drive, we should plan to be done by 3 PM. We then drive by the Great Fountain Geyser and then go to Fountain Paint Pot in the Lower Geyser Basin. It should take another hour. So say by 4 PM we are done and we can drive to the Norris Geyser Basin. We should be there say by 4:45 PM. We need one hour to complete the Norris Geyser Basin Loop. If we leave by 6:30 PM we should be at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel by 7:30 PM.

* <b>West Thumb Geyser Basin</b>: this geyser basin features some interesting thermal features, including several which are in Yellowstone Lake itself. It also offers a good view of the Lake. Several hiking trails begin at the basin, and bison, elk and bears frequent the area. We should spend no more than 30 minutes. We take a restroom break and stretch our legs by touring the 1/4-mile inner boardwalk loop or the 1/2-mile outer loop on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.

     ![West Thumb](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJbz9fVsT.jpg) 

* <b>The Geyser Basin</b>: as the map below show it has three parts (upper, midway and lower).

  
   ![Geyser_Basin](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HkueiWEoa.png)

  * <b>Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin</b> - The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest numbers of this fragile feature found in the park. Within one square mile there are at least 150 of these hydrothermal wonders. Of this remarkable number, only five major geysers are predicted regularly by the naturalist staff. They are Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and Old Faithful. The map below shows the main geothermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin. It is 1.4 miles from the Visitor's Center to Morning Glory Pool. The paths are paved or are boardwalks, though the climb up to Observation Point is on dirt. This is a 2 hour [Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/upper-geyser-basin-and-old-faithful-observation-point-loop). 
   
     ![Upper_Basin](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Sk--nZNoa.jpg)

  * Just north of Old Faithful are two smaller basins that are worth a visit: Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin. **Black Sand Basin** is northwest of Old Faithful and has several enjoyable hydrothermal features, from the rather active Cliff Geyser to the chromatic Rainbow Pool and Sunset Lake. Further north of Old Faithful is **Biscuit Basin**, named after the biscuit-shaped geyserite formations that can still be seen around parts of the majestic Sapphire Pool. There are also some enjoyable surprises along the boardwalk like Jewel Geyser, as well as the start of the <b>Mystic Falls Trail</b> at the far end of the boardwalk loop. The hike to Mystic Falls can range from 2.4-miles roundtrip if you plan to do an out-and-back just to see the falls, or 3.4-miles roundtrip if you choose to do a loop and see the Upper Geyser Basin overlook. 

  * <b>Midway Geyser Basin</b>: walk along the boardwalk to see one of the world’s largest, deepest hot springs, **Grand Prismatic Spring**.

     ![Midway_Basin](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJ-PpbVip.png)

  * <b>Lower Geyser Basin</b>: it is the largest geyser basin in area, in Yellowstone National Park. It covers approximately 11 square miles. By comparison, the Upper Geyser Basin only covers about one square mile. Because of its large size, the thermal features in the Lower Geyser Basin tend to be clumped in widely spaced groups. The easiest grouping to get to and probably the most interesting to explore is the **Fountain Paint Pot area**. It takes about 1/2 hour to get around this area. The parking lot is small and it can be hard to find a parking space but the sights along the trail are well worth the hassle. Also located in the Lower Geyser Basin is **Great Fountain Geyser**. Great Fountain is the only predicted geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin and the only predicted geyser in Yellowstone that you can drive to.

       ![Lower_Basin](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJfmCbVja.png)

* <b>Norris Geyser Basin</b>: it is the the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. The basin is comprised of two distinct sections: The **Back Basin** is in a forest setting (at least it was before the 1988 fires, now its more of a regenerating forest setting). It contains geysers and hot springs tucked among the trees. The **Porcelain Basin** is characterized by a lack of vegetation. No plants can live in the hot, acidic, water emitted from the numerous thermal features in the basin. Porcelain Basin presents a beautiful but desolate visage which is unlike any of the other geyser basins in Yellowstone.  Norris is home to Steamboat (the world’s tallest geyser). In addition, there are several miles of boardwalks from which you can explore dozens of multi-colored thermal features. Finally, elk and the occasional bison can sometimes be spotted in the area.

     ![Norris](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ByMANfViT.jpg)


* <b>Hayden Valley</b>: this valley, centrally located in Yellowstone National Park, is the first place to go to see wildlife in Yellowstone. As you drive along this beautiful, broad valley you are likely to see herds of bison, scattered elk (and the occasional herd), and the occasional grizzly bear. You are also likely to see waterfowl, including ducks, Canada geese and pelicans, swimming in or lounging near the Yellowstone River.

     ![Hayden_Valley](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SyvZXMNoa.jpg)

* Spend the evening at the Hotel overlooking the lake.
   
**Day 2:** Timetable - we leave by 7:30 AM the hotel and at around 8 AM we should arrive at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. To visit both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we need at least 4 to 5 hours. This gives us enough time to drive to the overlooks on the North Rim, hike to Brink of the Lower Falls, visit Brink of the Upper Falls, and visit the viewpoints on the South Rim. We can grab a quick lunch at the Canyon Lodge Eatery. We should plan to leave by 1 PM and we drive for 17 miles toward the Tower Fall. If we have time we visit the water fall (30 minutes) but we could also skip it. We should be done by 2 PM. We then drive for 16 miles in the Lamar Valley. Between driving, an hour visit we should be here until 3:30 PM. It is now going to take 1 hour to drive to the Mammoth District (33 miles). So we should be there at about 4:30 PM. We spend 1h and 30m touring the Mammoth Hot Spring. At 6:00 PM we should be done. It is 50 miles back to Lake Yellowstone Hotel. We could be there at 7:30 PM.

* <b>The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone</b>: the powerful Yellowstone River formed the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone which is home to three incredible waterfalls: Upper, Lower and Crystal falls. Seeing the waterfalls in the late afternoon or early evening light is breathtaking. The Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon, at 308 feet high, is one of the most photographed features in all of Yellowstone. There are numerous vantage points on both the North and South sides of the Canyon, and we recommend that you take the time to view the Canyon from both sides. Also, be certain to take the 3/8 mile (one way) hike down to the edge of the Lower Falls. The experience at the lip of the falls is breathtaking. Here is a suggestion on [how to visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone/).

     ![Grand_Canyon_Yellowstone_2](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJOC-bBi6.jpg)
 
* <b>Tower Fall</b>: this is the most popular waterfall in Yellowstone other than the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon. Tower Fall is two miles south of Roosevelt or 17 miles north of Canyon. The waterfall is located behind the General Store. A short walk will take you to an overlook, but we also recommend you take the short-but-steep hike down to the base of the waterfall. 
* <b>Lamar Valley</b>: this wide, expansive valley is home to bison, elk, coyote, grizzly and wolf, and is must-visit area for serious wildlife watchers. Bison and elk are readily visible, and coyotes can oftentimes be spotted. Visitors who are willing to rise early in the morning or wait up until dusk also may have the opportunity to see bears and wolves. In fact, Lamar Valley is the #1 destination for viewing wolves. There are also abundant fishing opportunities in the Lamar Valley. The valley is rather remotely located in the northeast corner of the Park. 
* <b>Mammoth District</b>: Mammoth Hot Springs are the main attraction of the Mammoth District. These features are quite different from thermal areas elsewhere in the park. Travertine formations grow much more rapidly than sinter formations due to the softer nature of limestone. As hot water rises through limestone, large quantities of rock are dissolved by the hot water, and a white chalky mineral is deposited on the surface.

These are the top 20 trails in [Yellowstone National Park](https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm):

- [x] [Grand Prismatic Hot Spring](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/grand-prismatic-hot-spring) Easy, 1.5 mi, Est 38m
- [x] [Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/upper-geyser-basin-and-old-faithful-observation-point-loop) Moderate, 4.9 mi, Est 1h 46m
- [Fairy Falls Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fairy-falls--4) Easy, 4.8 mi, Est. 1h 32m
- [Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/mystic-falls-fairy-creek-and-little-firehole-loop) Moderate, 3.5 mi, Est. 1h 38m
- [x] [Upper Geyser Basin](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/upper-geyser-basin) Easy, 3.5 mi, Est. 1h 7m
- [x] [West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/west-thumb-geyser-basin) Easy, 1.0 mi, Est. 21m
- [Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/upper-falls-lower-falls-and-crystal-falls-trail) Moderate, 4.1 mi, Est. 1h 39m
- [x] [Midway Geyser Basin Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/midway-geyser-basin-trail) Easy, 0.7 mi, Est. 15m
- [x] [Brink of the Lower Falls Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/brink-of-the-lower-falls) Moderate, 0.7 mi, Est. 30m
- [Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/dunraven-pass-to-mt-washburn-trail) Moderate, 6.8 mi, Est. 3h 24m
- [Mystic Falls](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/mystic-falls--2) Easy, 2.4 mi, Est. 50m
- [x] [Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/canyon-rim-south-trail-to-artist-point) Easy, 2.5 mi, Est. 1h 0m
- [x] [Norris Geyser Basin Complete Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/norris-geyser-basin-complete-loop-trail) Easy, 2.9 mi, Est. 1h 1m
- [Clear Lake Artist Point Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/clear-lake-artists-point-loop-trail) Moderate, 3.9 mi, Est. 1h 33m
- [x] [Mammoth Terraces](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/mammoth-terraces) Easy, 2.5 mi, Est 1h 7m
- [Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls and Inspiration Point via North Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/yellowstone-falls-crystal-falls-and-inspiration-point-via-north-rim-trail) Moderate, 6.4 mi, Est. 2h 32m
- [Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake and South Rim Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/wapiti-clear-lake-ribbon-lake-and-south-rim-trail) Moderate, 4.7 mi, Est. 1h 54m
- [Fairy Creek Trail to Imperial Geyser](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fairy-creek-trail-to-imperial-geyser) Easy, 6.7 mi, Est. 2h 17m
- [Beaver Ponds Loop Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/beaver-ponds-loop) Moderate, 5.5 mi, Est. 2h 22m
- [x] [Artist Point](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/artist-point-trail) Easy, 0.2 mi, Est 5m
- [x] [Fountain Paint Pot Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fountain-paint-pot-trail) Easy, 0.6 mi.

## Day 12 - Thursday, May 23:

Today we leave Yellowstone National Park and we will reach Rapid City in South Dakota. Rapid City is at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level.

![Day 12](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Byy88oH9a.png)


Along the way we will pass through Cody (the city of Buffalo Bill) and we will stop at Devils Tower. This is the link about the Devils Tower on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/devils-tower-cosa-vedere/).


- [Devils Tower](https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm)

By the end of the day we will reach the [Best Western Plus Rapid City](https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.42054.html?iata=00170260&ssob=PSPBM0304G&cid=PSPBM0304G:google:Conversion_National_X_US_Google_BW_BW-Plus_BR_PO_Exact_En_United-States_South-Dakota:best%20western%20plus%20rapid%20city%20rushmore&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhomtBhDgARIsABcaYylH81-jtNc1G3lMxWik__KQRrF1Qz4W65FPJa0erP9NXeR16iU2FPMaAlZzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) where we will spend the last two nights.

## Day 13 - Friday, May 24:


Today we visit Mount Rushmore National Monument and Badlands National Park. Notice that Badlands National Park has a size of 982 km<sup>2</sup> which is comparable to the size of the Comune of Rimini (1,340.25 km<sup>2</sup>). 


Drive the Iron Mountain Road to cruise the pigtail bridges and view Mount Rushmore National Memorial framed through Peter Norbeck's famous single lane tunnels. Drive carefully, take turns, and give a honk as you drive through the tunnels to alert others you are on your way. We should also check the park newspaper or at the Visitor’s Center help desk for the start time of a night program at Mt. Rushmore. Typically it’s about 30 minutes before sunset and it starts in late May.

This is the link about Mount Rushmore National Monument on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/south-dakota/mount-rushmore-cosa-vedere/). This is the link about Badlands National Park on the site [myUSA.it](https://www.myusa.it/parchi-usa/badlands-cosa-vedere/).

![Mt_Rushmore](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1rc_TIcp.jpg)


These are the top 4 trails in [Mount Rushmore National Memorial](https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm):

- [x] [Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/mount-rushmore-and-presidential-trail-loop) Moderate, 0.9 mi, Est. 23m <br> On this trail it is recommended that we take the trail starting at the west and then go east. The trail starts out smooth and there is less stairs and incline. Starting the trail from the east, we hit most of the stairs going up and it is a lot harder. 
- [Horse Thief Lake from Mount Rushmore via Blackberry and Centennial Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/horse-thief-lake-from-mount-rushmore-via-blackberry-and-centennial-trails) Moderate, 4.0 mi, Est. 2h 1m
- [Old Badly Mountain Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/old-baldy-mountain-trail) Moderate, 2.1 mi
- [Presidential Trail (Stair-Free Route)](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/presidential-trail-accessible) Easy, 0.7 mi, Est 14m

![Badlands](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJYSD685a.jpg)

Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles but does include several steep passes and sections with reduced speed limits. Drive carefully, as wildlife is common along the Loop Road.  From east to west, the overlooks on Badlands Loop Road are:
- Big Badlands Overlook
- White River Valley Overlook
- Bigfoot Pass Overlook (includes a picnic area)
- Panorama Point
- Prairie Wind Overlook
- Burns Basin Overlook
- Homestead Overlook
- Conata Basin Overlook
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Conata Picnic Area
- Ancient Hunters Overlook
- Pinnacles Overlook

These are the top 10 trails in the [Badlands National Park](https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm):

- [x] [Notch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/notch-trail) Moderate, 1.5 mi
- [x] [The Door Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/the-door-trail) Easy, 0.9 mi, Est. 17m
- [x] [Medicine Root and Castle Trail Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/medicine-root-and-castle-trail-loop) Easy, 4.0 mi, Est. 1h 15m
- [The Window Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/the-window-trail) Easy, 0.3 mi, Est. 6m
- [Castle Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/castle-trail--4) Moderate, 10.3 mi, Est. 3h 14m
- [Saddle Pass Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/saddle-pass-trail) Moderate, 0.7 mi, Est. 26m
- [Cliff Shell Nature Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/cliff-shelf-nature-trail) Easy, 0.5 mi, Est. 12m
- [Castle Trail to Medicine Root Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/castle-trail-to-medicine-root-loop) Moderate, 7.9 mi, Est. 2h 28m
- [Fossil Exhibit Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/fossil-exhibit-trail) Easy, 0.4 mi, Est. 7m
- [Pinnacles Overlook](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/pinnacles-overlook) Easy, 0.3 mi, Est. 8m

These are the top 6 trails in the [Black Hills National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills) / [Custer State Park](https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/):

- [Black Elk Peak and Little Devil's Tower Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/black-elk-peak-and-little-devils-tower-loop) Moderate, 7.7 mi
- [Cathedral Spires Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/cathedral-spires-trail) Moderate, 1.6 mi
- [Crazy Horse Volksmarch to Thunderhead Mountain](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/crazy-horse-volksmarch-to-thunderhead-mountain) Moderate, 4.6 mi, 2h 50m 
- [Roughlock Falls Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/roughlock-falls-trail) Easy, 2.1 mi, Est 51m
- [Devil's Bathtub](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/devils-bathtub) Moderate, 1.6 mi
- [Buzzards Roost](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/buzzards-roost) Easy, 2.8 mi, Est. 1h 17m



## Day 14 - Saturday, May 25:

On our way back to Denver, Colorado. It is a 400 mile trip that takes about 6h 30m. It would be nice to have a late lunch in Boulder, Colorado.

![Day 14](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/B1Wj08oHq6.png)


