In
the middle of the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park presents a
magnificent display of giant sequoias. Example: General Grant (1700 years old, 270
feet high, 108 feet of periphery, 0.8 cubic miles).
About 25 miles from there, you will
be able to see the world’s largest living being: the General Sherman Tree (2700 years
old, 275 feet high, 101 feet of periphery, 0.92 cubic miles), king of
the Giant
Forest.
Entry fees are about 10$.
Death
Valley is in fact a dried up lake stuck between two mountains and it is
also the hottest region of the US with an averge temperature of
45°C (113°F) in the summer.
Its name was given to it during the
19th centuary by someone who got lost in its canyons, hills and sand
dunes...
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to take some water with you ;)
The
Lake Powell was created in 1963 when the Glen
Canyon dam was built. This huge stretch of water (108 billion
cubic feet) is the second biggest water reserve to supply the desertic
regions of the souther-western states
Don’t miss the Rainbow Bridge, a 290 feet high
stone archway formed by the river Bridge
Creek.
coming soon.
Monument
Valley ows its fame mostly to westerns. It’s situated between
Arizona and Utah and belongs to the Navajos indians. A track allows you
to visit the valley and discover its hills.
What you need to know :
-
-alcoholic drinks are not permitted.
-
-don’t take pictures of the Native Americans without asking for their permission first (they will ask you for a contribution in return).
-
-you are not allowed to wonder off the track that has been set up for tourists.
Entrances fees are about 5$
The
Bryce Canyon Park was created in 1928 to protect its forest of hoodoos
and conifers.
Its cliffs were formed by the
Colorado Plateau’s rising and the activity of the north-south
fault. After that, the Paria
river sculpted Bryce Canyon, giving it the aspect of an amphiteatre
filled with columns and peaks.
There are many scenic points (Sunrise
Point, Bryce Point, Yovimpa Point...) that will offer you an amazing
view on this canyon
Entry fees : 20$ per vehicule
It was the Mormons who discovered Zion in 1860 in Utah.
Its
name was given to it in memory of Sion,
for its landscapes of red and white
hills of sandstone scattered with ash trees and poplars, sculpted by the
Virgin river, who began its work of art 50 milion
years ago.
Officially a National Park since 1909, Zion covers 368 square miles, with hills over 1968 feet high and plenty of foot paths.
Situated
in Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park was created in 1909 to
preserve 16 177 square feet of virgin territory.
The cliffs of the Grand Canyon were
sculpted by the powerful Colorado
river for 5 million years. Its deep 278 mile long furrow goes from Lees
Ferry to Mead lake, its two shores 10 miles apart.
Sadly, we weren’t able to
visit the site where the glass footbridge is, offering an impressive
view on the canyon.
Entry fees : 20$ par vehicle.
