{"id":2573,"date":"2015-07-13T18:31:05","date_gmt":"2015-07-14T01:31:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/?p=2573"},"modified":"2017-06-06T11:55:48","modified_gmt":"2017-06-06T18:55:48","slug":"a-vacation-high-a-family-vacation-itinerary-around-the-grand-circle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/2015\/07\/13\/a-vacation-high-a-family-vacation-itinerary-around-the-grand-circle\/","title":{"rendered":"A Vacation High: A Family Vacation Itinerary around the Grand Circle of National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>So here I am\u201424 hours after coming home from our vacation and I am still on a high. Why am I so giddy? It could be the fact that my itinerary was executed without many problems. It could be that I was happy about getting some really great footage. But it definitely is because I got spend some real quality time with my dad and my family.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some facts from our trip:<\/p>\n<h3>National Parks Visited: <strong>12<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Navajo Nation Parks Visited: <strong>2<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Miles Driven: <strong>2,564<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Hotels Slept In: <strong>6<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Ice Cream Breaks: <strong>5<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Pictures Taken: <strong>382<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Minutes of Video Recorded: <strong>273<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"10\" src=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/gray_horizontal_breaker.gif\" alt=\"gray_horizontal_breaker\" style='width:100%;' class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2527\" \/><br \/>\nHere is the video I shot during our adventure!<\/p>\n<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }<\/style>\n<div class='embed-container'><iframe src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/\/qsfcl8gxekg' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>In case you are interested:<br \/>\nThis footage was shot using 3 video sources: My Nikon D7000 with Rokinon T1.5 35MM Cinelens, Rokinon 10MM Cinelens, GoPro Hero HD, and iPhone 6+<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"10\" src=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/gray_horizontal_breaker.gif\" alt=\"gray_horizontal_breaker\" style='width:100%;' class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2527\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now this blog post is crazy long because I am documenting our full 9 day itinerary. Many people have asked for it so this seems like the perfect place for it. A few things to note before we get started:<\/p>\n<h3>1. You could spend full days into weeks at each of these National Parks. <a href=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/2015\/05\/18\/why-my-family-is-crazy-about-national-parks\/\">See why my family is crazy about National Parks here.<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>2. My family is not a camping family but if that&#8217;s your deal, you could save a lot of money by doing that instead.<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>3. I like to detail out itineraries. It makes me happy. The process of planning out every detail makes me happy. That being said, I build in lots of slush time in case things take longer than planned (and they always do).<\/h3>\n<p>Ok. Onward!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"10\" src=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/gray_horizontal_breaker.gif\" alt=\"gray_horizontal_breaker\" style='width:100%;' class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2527\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/4sJhv-RQPZ\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">July 4th weekend kicking off in Sedona!<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-03T21:54:56+00:00\">Jul 3, 2015 at 2:54pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\nFriday July 3rd<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Depart from RDU early AM<br \/>\n&#8211; Arrive in Phoenix late AM<br \/>\n&#8211; Lunch near Phoenix airport<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 2 hours to Sedona http:\/\/visitsedona.com\/<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: Start at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/detail\/coconino\/about-forest\/offices\">Red Rock Visitor Center at Coconino National Forest<\/a>. You&#8217;ll get super great info, clean bathrooms, a great view, and ice cold water fountains!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Flagstaff<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in to Hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Flagstaff, AZ<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/4u4QKFxQOB\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Can&#39;t stop staring! #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-04T23:21:42+00:00\">Jul 4, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Saturday July 4th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast at hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Grand Canyon South Rim http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\/index.htm<br \/>\n&#8211; Visitor Center http:\/\/explorethecanyon.com\/grand-canyon-visitors-center\/<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: The National Geographic Visitor Center has a really awesome IMAX movie.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch (Food court at Visitor\u2019s Center)<br \/>\n&#8211; 12:30-2:30 Pink Jeep Tour http:\/\/explorethecanyon.com\/grand-canyon-bus-jeep-tours\/<br \/>\n&#8211; 3:00-5:00 Grand Canyon Visitor&#8217;s Center, Grand Canyon Village<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: During peak season, do not even try to park at the various locations. Park at the main visitor center and utilize the free shuttle buses. Otherwise you will waste precious time looking for parking spots that aren&#8217;t available.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours back to Flagstaff<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Flagstaff, AZ<br \/>\n&#8211; Fireworks! http:\/\/www.flagstaffarizona.org\/fourth\/<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/4w6XEYxQBS\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Blue Mesa makes me wanna go home and create something beautiful. Such creative inspiration here! #FindYourPark #PetrifiedForest<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-05T18:18:36+00:00\">Jul 5, 2015 at 11:18am PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Sunday July 5th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast at hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Petrified National Forest http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pefo\/index.htm<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: Blue Mesa is worth the extra drive absolutely gorgeous and something truly unique.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch at Petrified Forest<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Walnut Canyon National Monument http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/waca\/index.htm<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 45 minutes to Sunset Crater Volcano National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sucr\/index.htm<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: Do the Lava Flow Trail. It&#8217;s an easy hike with great views of the volcano!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Dinner in Flagstaff, AZ<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/40Tm_PRQCs\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Cannot stop looking at my photos from today&#39;s visit to Antelope Canyon! Bucket List item \u2611\ufe0f P.S. It&#39;s a photographer&#39;s dream!<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-07T01:56:57+00:00\">Jul 6, 2015 at 6:56pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Monday July 6th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast at hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Check out from hotel by 7AM<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 2.5 Hours to Antelope Canyon<br \/>\n&#8211; Arrive by 10:00 AM to Tour Check-in Point http:\/\/www.antelopeslotcanyon.com<br \/>\n&#8211; Antelope Canyon Tour 10:30-12:00PM<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: You can tour Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Both are beautiful in their own right but if you are looking for the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antelope_Canyon#\/media\/File:USA_Antelope-Canyon.jpg\">famous shot with the single beam of sunlight hitting the canyon floor you want Upper Antelope Canyon<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch in Page, AZ<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 2:40 hours to Four Corners http:\/\/www.navajonationparks.org\/htm\/fourcorners.htm<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: There are long lines with no shade during peak times. Bring your water bottles!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Drive 1 hour to hotel in Farmington, NM<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in to hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Farmington<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/42nWrcxQM7\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Mesa Verde National Park: our 36th park! #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-07T23:27:58+00:00\">Jul 7, 2015 at 4:27pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Tuesday July 7th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast in Farmington<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Mesa Verde<br \/>\n&#8211; Mesa Verde National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/meve\/index.htm<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: You need tickets to visit Longview, Balcony House, and Cliff Palace. Tickets are $4 each and they sell out quickly. You cannot purchase tickets online. Also, it takes an hour to get from the visitor center to the tours so plan accordingly.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch (Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe: http:\/\/www.visitmesaverde.com\/dining\/spruce-tree-terrace-cafe.aspx)<br \/>\n&#8211; Mesa Verde National Park<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Farmington<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/44nJwHxQGC\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Easily the most amazing thing I have ever seen in this country. #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-08T18:04:41+00:00\">Jul 8, 2015 at 11:04am PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\nWednesday July 8th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast in Farmington<br \/>\n&#8211; Check out of hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 3.5 hours to Arches National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/arch\/<br \/>\n&#8211; Delicate Arch Hike<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: There are bathrooms but no water fountains at the trailhead. If you arrive after 10:00 AM you will not find parking. This hike is only 3 miles roundtrip but it is no joke. You need to be prepared to hike on inclines and on some narrow ledges and you WILL need a lot of water with you.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch in Moab, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 45 minutes to Canyonlands National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cany\/<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: Every lookout point on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cany\/planyourvisit\/islandinthesky.htm\">Island in the Sky<\/a> section is worth the trip. Hike out to Mesa Arch around sunset. You won&#8217;t be disappointed!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Dinner in Moab<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in to hotel in Moab<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/47lRbhRQMq\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Wow, this place is a sight to behold! #BryceCanyon #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-09T21:45:58+00:00\">Jul 9, 2015 at 2:45pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Thursday July 9th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast at hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-out<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 2.5 Hours to Capitol Reef National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/care\/index.htm<br \/>\n&#8211; Lunch in Torrey, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 2.5 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/brca\/index.htm<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: The Natural Bridge is worth the drive and you can see it very close from the lookout point. Bryce Point is the place to be for the famous shots of Bryce Canyon&#8217;s Hoodoos.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Drive 45 minutes to Cedar Breaks National Monument http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cebr\/index.htm<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 30 minutes to Hotel in Brian Head, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Brian Head, UT<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/4-NV40xQIA\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">OMG. Zion National Park. #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-10T22:14:35+00:00\">Jul 10, 2015 at 3:14pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Friday July 10th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Checkout by 7:00 AM<br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast in Cedar City, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1.5 hours to Zion National Park http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/zion\/index.htm<br \/>\n&#8211; Zion National Park Kolob Canyon <\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a nice little hike with great panorama views. The parking lot has bathrooms but no water.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Zion National Park<br \/>\n     &#8211; Emerald Pool Trail<br \/>\n     &#8211; Riverside Walk Trail<br \/>\n     &#8211; The Narrows (you will need water shoes and walking sticks. Walking sticks can be purchased at the Visitor Center)<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: Like Arches, this park is very popular and if you arrive past 10:00 AM you will have a tough time finding parking. Try parking at the Nature Center. It opens later than the Visitor&#8217;s Center so it won&#8217;t fill up as quickly and you can take a short hike on the Pa&#8217;rus Trail back to the Visitor Center where you can then catch the Shuttle Bus.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch at Zion<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 1 hour to hotel in St George, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in St George, UT<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/5AZD0hRQEC\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Daaaaaaam! #byefelicia at Hoover Dam<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-11T18:35:28+00:00\">Jul 11, 2015 at 11:35am PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Saturday July 11th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Checkout<br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast in St George, UT<br \/>\n&#8211; 7:00 AM Drive 2.5 hours to Lake Mead\/Hoover Dam<br \/>\n&#8211; Hoover Dam<\/p>\n<p><em>Notes: If you don&#8217;t have time for the full Hoover Dam tour, try viewing it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mike_O%27Callaghan%E2%80%93Pat_Tillman_Memorial_Bridge\">FREE Mike O&#8217;Callaghan\u2013Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge<\/a>! The view is spectacular!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lunch in Kingman, AZ<br \/>\n&#8211; Drive 3 hours to Phoenix<br \/>\n&#8211; Check-in<br \/>\n&#8211; Dinner in Phoenix, AZ<br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\nSunday July 12th<\/strong><br \/>\n&#8211; Breakfast at hotel<br \/>\n&#8211; Checkout<br \/>\n&#8211; Turn in Rental Car<br \/>\n&#8211; Depart Phoenix Late AM<br \/>\n&#8211; Arrive RDU Late evening<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"10\" src=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/gray_horizontal_breaker.gif\" alt=\"gray_horizontal_breaker\" style='width:100%;' class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2527\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What&#8217;s Next?<\/h2>\n<p>Now that we tackled a great portion of the Grand Circle we have our sights on our next cluster of National parks to visit <a href=\"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/2015\/05\/18\/why-my-family-is-crazy-about-national-parks\/\">towards our goal of 100<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Most notably we are planning trips to the following parks:<br \/>\n&#8211; Mammoth Cave<br \/>\n&#8211; Yellowstone<br \/>\n&#8211; Mount Rushmore<br \/>\n&#8211; Statue of Liberty<br \/>\n&#8211; Badlands<br \/>\n&#8211; Glacier National Park<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for our next National Park adventure!<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/4_wrayRQPc\/\" style=\" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;\" target=\"_top\">Boom! 12 National Parks in 9 days. This is how the Ngs vacation! Grand Canyon NP, Petrified Forest NP, Walnut Canyon NM, Sunset Crater Volcano NM, Mesa Verde NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Cedar Breaks NM, Zion NP, Lake Mead NRA #FindYourPark<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\">A photo posted by Gregory Ng (@gregoryng) on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2015-07-11T12:42:36+00:00\">Jul 11, 2015 at 5:42am PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So here I am\u201424 hours after coming home from our vacation and I am still on a high. Why am I so giddy? It could be the fact that my itinerary was executed without many problems. It could be that I was happy about getting some really great footage. But it definitely is because I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2591,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[87,82],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2573"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3635,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573\/revisions\/3635"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}