{"id":3801,"date":"2017-06-07T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T16:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/?p=3801"},"modified":"2017-06-07T10:06:21","modified_gmt":"2017-06-07T17:06:21","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-to-start-planning-your-trip-to-the-grand-circle-of-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/followgreg.com\/gregoryng\/2017\/06\/07\/everything-you-need-to-know-to-start-planning-your-trip-to-the-grand-circle-of-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning Your Trip to the Grand Circle of National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nOne of the most common questions I get asked typically goes something like this: \u201cWe are planning a trip to Arizona and Utah and want to hit up some National Parks. Where do we start?\u201d Getting these types of questions is no surprise. Some of the most iconic sites in the National Park system center around that area of the country. And while you can spend a full week at each and every one of these parks, you may want to get a sampler plate for your first go around.<\/p>\n

So I decided to write a series of posts to keep all the important info in one place. In this first part of the series I am going to talk about the area and sprinkle in some tips along the process. <\/p>\n

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Understanding the Names of the Region<\/h1>\n

You may hear people talking about this area of the United States in a variety of ways. Basically, they all mean the same thing. <\/p>\n

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“Grand Circle of National Parks”<\/h3>\n

Many people call this area the Grand Circle of National Parks. This is due to the clustering of some of the most iconic sites of the National Park Service. This includes 12 National Park units including:
\n\u2022 Arches<\/a>
\n\u2022 Black Canyon of Gunnison<\/a>
\n\u2022 Bryce Canyon<\/a>
\n\u2022 Canyonlands<\/a>
\n\u2022 Capitol Reef<\/a>
\n\u2022 Chaco Culture<\/a>
\n\u2022 Grand Canyon<\/a>
\n\u2022 Great Basin<\/a>
\n\u2022 Mesa Verde<\/a>
\n\u2022 Pecos<\/a>
\n\u2022 Petrified Forest<\/a>
\n\u2022 Zion<\/a><\/p>\n

These are parks that are found in 5 different states (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada) but there are other National Park units in those states that are not part of the Grand Circle. Which brings us to the next term\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201dThe Colorado Plateau”<\/h3>\n

The Colorado Plateau<\/a> is the geological term for this area and why the Grand Circle of Parks are grouped together. The Colorado Plateau spans the across 130,000 square miles roughly centered around the four corner states. While most people will not say they wish to visit the Colorado Plateau, it should be noted that seeing multiple National Parks within this region gives you a great experience to see the diversity in wildlife, vegetation, and landscapes within this common region. <\/p>\n

“The Four Corner States”<\/h3>\n

Many people refer to this are as the \u201cFour Corner States\u201d. This is a mostly correct term. The majority of these National Parks center around four U.S. States that each have a corner that matches up: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. But technically, this area also includes areas of Nevada AND when people think of Colorado, they typically think of the Rocky Mountains which are equally majestic but not part of this region. I feel it important to note that even though the Four Corners Monument<\/a>, a place where you can literally touch all four states at the same time, is worth visiting, it is not part of the National Park system. It is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, and, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, isn\u2019t really actually at the point where the 4 states meet. That is really (technically) 1,807 feet East of the location.<\/p>\n

\u201dGrand Canyon Area\u201d<\/h3>\n

For most people, The Grand Canyon is the keystone to their trip itinerary and there is very little debate why. The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is truly awe-inspiring and breathtaking<\/a>. Any trip to the area, whether you\u2019ve visited before or not, should include a trip to the Grand Canyon. Because of this, I tend to ask specific questions about what people hope to achieve there and then build out an itinerary around that. For example: If you would like to see a few things and take some pictures you could do it in one full day on the South Rim but probably should dedicate 2 full days. But if you wish to take a mule ride to the canyon floor<\/a>, or watch the sunset from Havasu Falls<\/a> you\u2019ll want a few extra days (and time to obtain the hiking trail permit). The Grand Canyon National Park has land, Visitor Centers, and areas of interest on both the South and North Rims of the canyon. The North Rim is closed during Winter months but when visiting during the Summer, understanding which or both rims you\u2019d like to experience will greatly influence your trip planning as well.<\/p>\n

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The Unique Geological Features of the Grand Circle<\/h1>\n

There are many unique geological features of this area of the country.<\/p>\n

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