Lonliest Planet Travel Guide to National Parks in the Midwest

This is Living


Whether you are into rafting the wild waters of the Colorado, riding a Harley Davidson on rugged mountain roads, or fly-fishing remote streams where the trout run wild, this tit for tat guide will provide you with first hand secret spots that natives don't even know about. From the Red Rocks in Arizona to Glacier National park in Montana this guide is for you.




Getting There

I suggest you fly, or if you are truly a warrior than get on your hog and ride from your home. My trips have been based out of Las Vegas. I suggest you take three trips form here. One trip north, one west, and one south. The trip north through Jellystone, I mean Yellowstone is one of my favorites. Make sure you stop in Jackson Hole and most definitley check out Jenny Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons, on the Montana/Wyoming border. It is truly a magnificent secret little spot with world class fishing, and nightclubs. Joking aside it is a great ride. From there you should head up the Beartooth Highway for gorgeous scenery and a lonely ride. Stay off of Highway 15 as much as you can and take all of the roads through the mountain passes until you get to Glacier National Park.



Off the Beaten Path, Get off your bike and do this:

The vintage red tram ride around the park is a must. As some of the roads in the park are closed to the public this vintage, environmentally friendly bus will take you to must see places in the park. It is also commentated by a ranger that is very familiar with the park and hits history. For some of the best fly-fishing in the world you should check out http://www.riverwild.com/fishing.html This family run outfit will bring you to remote eddies, and fishing holes other fish couldn't find. What is unique about wild River Adventures is that they offer a four day horseback/rafting ride down the Flathead River, if fishing is not your fortay. Some of the guided fishing tours are a little pricy but well worth the campfire trout you will be feasting on later that night. Be sure to hide the bones and skins far away from the bears and other unwelcome visitors! If rafting, hiking, horseback riding and fly-fishing aren't enough to satisfy your needs, then you should bring some cards and play solitaire while everyone else has the time of thier lives.


Dangers and Annoyances

When you are out here one thing you must respect is mother nature,. You are in God's Country and there are not hospitals around the corner. Pack a real first-aid kit and tread with caution. Heed the warnings the park system has posted. For example, if there are bear boxes provided, dont be a fool and store your food in your tent, put it in the box. Also wear appropriate hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Many of the hikes here are through bear country and the weather can change in a heartbeat. Do not bite off more than you can chew and alot yourself an extra hour or two on your hikes in case you get hurt. You dont wan to get stranded out here over night. Hypothermia can set in over night and the risk of bear, wolf , or mountain lion attacks are eminent.