A serene lake with clear blue water reflecting lush green trees and distant snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky; evokes tranquility. Bear Lake is a scenic trailhead and destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting at 9,450 feet. It’s an alpine lake beneath Hallett Peakand the Continental Divide . Bear Lake Road is approximately 10 miles (16 km) long and starts close to the Beaver Meadows Entrance station of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake was formed during the ice age by a big chunk of ice. Several moraines can be found downhill of Bear Lake.

Staying at the Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park gave me anytime access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor w/o needing a separate timed entry reservation. The views were breathtaking!! #nationalparks #parkchat #RMNP #roadtrip #findjoy #NatParkGeek (more info in Alt Text).

A cholla cactus with clusters of yellow flowers and dense spines stands under the sun in the Cholla Cactus Garden at Joshua Tree National Park’s Pinto Basin, with rocky hills in the distance.

Cholla Cactus Garden Joshua Tree NP. A flat loop trail through 10 acres of teddybear cholla in the Pinto Basin. A symbol of endurance, resilience, purification & protection from negative energy. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #JoshuaTreeNP #saveourparks #protectpublicland

Solitary white egret standing in shallow turquoise waters near a sandbar, with a distant Miami skyline on the horizon under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. #photography #artyear #protectpublicland #resist #istandwithparkrangers #Biscaynenationalpark #AtlanticOcean #Biscayne #Florida

The Miami skyline from the shore of Boca Chita Key - part of the Biscayne National Park marine sanctuary. Accessible only by boat. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #BiscayneNP #BocaChitaKey #saveourparks

Twisted Sierra juniper tree at Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park, California, surrounded by granite boulders and alpine vegetation. The gnarled trunk and windswept branches of the juniper contrast against the rugged granite slope and sparse conifer trees in the background, characteristic of Yosemite’s high-elevation subalpine terrain. #photography #artyear #protectpublicland #resist #istandwithparkrangers #YosemiteNP #Juniper

The magnificent Sierra Juniper. Twisted & gnarled, growing out of cracks in rocks. Their seeds have the best chance to germinate if they’re first digested by birds! Mother Nature never ceases to amaze. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #YosemiteNP #OlmsteadPoint #saveourparks

Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park stands tall beneath overcast skies, framed by lush green pines and aspen trees in the foreground and rugged, rocky ridges in the distance. #photography #artyear #protectpublicland #resist #istandwithparkrangers #Nevada #NationalPark #WheelerPeak #mountains

It was a rainy/overcast morning but seeing Wheeler Peak at Great Basin National Park was still terrific. The scenic drive spans 12 miles and climbs to over 10,000ft - full of trails, creeks, desert & valley views. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #GreatBasinNP #saveourparks

A pair of large Joshua trees with spiky green leaves stand tall in a sunlit desert landscape under a clear blue sky, with picnic tables and distant rocky hills in the background. #joshuatree #mojave #yucca #desert #photography #artyear #protectpublicland #resist #istandwithparkrangers

Joshua Trees (yucca plant) are native to SW U.S. and grow mainly in the Mojave Desert or within a few miles of its boundaries - nowhere else in the world! They live avg 150yrs. There’s 850,000 in the National Park. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #JoshuaTreeNP #saveourparks

Scenic view of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, California, showcasing crystal-clear blue water reflecting rugged granite cliffs and lush evergreen trees under a bright blue sky; the landscape features dramatic rock formations, forested ridgelines, and a tranquil atmosphere, #HetchHetchy #Yosemite #dam #California #saveourparks

Pack mule train crossing O'Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, California, led by a cowboy in a checkered shirt and hat; the mules are loaded with supplies and walking along the curved concrete dam structure, surrounded by rugged granite cliffs and densely forested mountains under a clear blue sky, #OShaughnessyDam #PackMule #YosemiteNP #protectpublicland #YosemiteNationalPark #getoutside

Only 1% of Yosemite National Park visitors spend time at Hetch Hetchy. No entry reservations, fewer cars, lush greenery, gorgeous dam / reservoir views, a tunnel walk, and easy hikes. Plus pack mule Park Rangers - if you’re lucky! #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #YosemiteNP

Infographic titled “High Five for Our Parks” Suggestions include 1 Make 5 Phone Calls 2. Send 5 emails to Leaders 3. Send 5 Postcards to Park Rangers 4. Create 5 Social Media Posts 5. Become a Natl Park Jr Ranger. Take the pledge to do 1 thing 5 days per week

Thank you @natlparkpatchlady.bsky.social for a wonderful #ParkChat last night and for this super helpful National Park resource! #nationalparks #saveourparks #protectpublicland #NatParkGeek

Curving highway bordered by a tall rocky cliff on one side and a steep canyon on the other, with layers of tree-covered mountains and bright midday sunlight. #saveourparks #KingsCanyonNationalPark #KingsCanyonScenicByway #scenicdrives #NPS #NPCA

A tall waterfall cascades down a rugged rock face surrounded by lush greenery, with water streaming over boulders into a pool at the base. #waterfall #Wednesdaywaterfalls #KingsCanyonNationalPark #artyear #photography #protectpublicland #GrizzlyFalls

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a must! Hume Lake to Cedar Grove. 50 miles of deep canyons, high peaks, hairpin turns, & elevation changes from 2k - 8k ft. Many stops along the way w/ easy trails + great views like Grizzly Falls. #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #roadtrip #ParkChat #KingsCanyonNP

El Capitan (a 3,000 foot tall granite monolith) taken from the view at the waters edge, is surrounded by a variety of green trees. The rocky bank of the Merced River in the forefront on a bright, blue sky day. #ElCapitan #MercedRiver #yosemite #nationalparks #protectpublicland

Half Dome, a granite dome sliced down the middle that rises 8,800 feet above Yosemite Valley. Seen here from Glacier Point. Granite with green vegetation in places. Other granite formations in the foreground as far as the eye can see. #HalfDome #YosemiteNationalPark #GlacierPoint #YosemiteValley #NPCA #NPS

Wow, just WOW. Yosemite National
Park. Beauty everywhere you turn! I was struck by the many diverse ecosystems in this park. Even without being a serious hiker, 3 days didn’t seem like long enough! + Info in Alt Text #NatParkGeek #roadtrip #ParkChat #NationalParks #saveourparks #findjoy #YosemiteNP

Entrance sign to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Wooden sign with mountains and the National Park emblem, on top of a stack of rocks. #NPS #NPCA #NationalParks#saveourparks #findjoy #ParkChat #LassenVolcanicNP

I recently shortened my 3-night trip to Lassen Volcanic NP. VERY cold rain at camp, snow-closed roads in June & few dog friendly areas to explore. For those who love this park, I’m very interested in your perspective. What did I miss? #NatParkGeek #NationalParks #findjoy #ParkChat #LassenVolcanicNP

Photo showing wingspan of California Condors as compared to eagles, turkey vultures, falcons. They are by far the largest. From a distance, Condors and Turkey Vultures look similar but you can see the difference in the white markings on their under feathers. #condors #California

The stone entrance sign welcoming you to Pinnacles National Park #protectpublicland

I took the steep trail to Condor Gulch Overlook, at Pinnacles NP, hoping to see the Condors. My binoculars caught 2 black dots high in the sky. But I did see LOTS of Turkey Vultures & wild turkeys at the campground! #NatParkGeek #NPS #NPCA #findjoy #NationalParks #saveourparks #ParkChat #PinnaclesNP

Crooked trees, bending over the trail, moss on the trunks and draped over the limbs. Several shades of green from the various trees and ferns on the forest floor. #forestbathing #protectpublicland #olympicnationalpark

I wish I could escape to The Hall of Mosses, in the Hoh Rain Forest, at Olympic National Park. Wandering the 8-mile trail and feeling sheltered by the old growth trees draped in moss sounds perfect right about now. #NatParkGeek #NPS #NPCA #findjoy #NationalParks #saveourparks #ParkChat #OlympicNP

Waterfall cascading into the Crater Lake with rocks and lots of green scale on either side. The water is bright blue. ASI blue sky and rock formations in the background. #waterfall #NPCA #waterfalls

Crater Lake is 100% snowmelt - no streams/creeks/rivers. If you want to swim or take a boat tour to see the waterfalls, be sure to get there this summer. The Lake will be closed to both from 2026-2028 for construction. #NatParkGeek #NPS #findjoy #NationalParks #saveourparks #ParkChat #CraterLake

From the Diablo Lake lookout, the turquoise water shimmers with trees in the forefront of varying sizes, shapes, and shades of green. Surrounding the lake are dark blue hued mountain peaks and a small amount of snow on the very highest peak. #mountains #photography #artyear #protectpublicland

Diablo Lake’s color is like no other I’ve seen. It’s Glacier-fed and the turquoise water is from “Glacier Flour” (fancy rock particles). The pass to North Cascades National Park is open. Let’s Go! #NatParkGeek #NPS #NationalParks #findjoy #saveourparks #NPCA #ParkChat #DiabloLake #NorthCascadesNP

Teton Mt Range with some snow near the peak at the glaciers Bright green forest in the valley in the forefront. #mountains #protectpublicland #glaciers

I’m grateful to finally be at the stage in my life where I can see all of these magnificent views in person. Standing in Grand Teton NP feels like living inside a magnificent painting. #NatParkGeek #Findjoy #NationalParks #NPS #saveourparks #artyear #photography #NPCA #GrandTetonNP #roadtrip

A vibrant orange sky with the sunset hidden behind the two story building and the dock to the Isle Royale Queen tour boat. The water in the harbor reflects the sun, building, and boat.

A perfect end to a perfect trip. Sunset over the Isle Royale Queen boat in Rock Harbor, MI after my return from the #NationalPark and the welcome home waves/dancing from the folks at Harbor Haus restaurant. #Stunday #sunset #findjoy #NatParkGeek #NPS #saveourparks #artyear #IsleRoyaleNP #photography

A pile of driftwood in the forefront with gentle waves, blue water, and sea stacks in the distance up the coastline.

The Ozette Triangle in Olympic National Park includes 2 wooded boardwalks + a coastal trail. A moderate 9.4 mile loop that’s easy to navigate - as long you follow the tide chart! #CapeAlava #Ozette #NatParkGeek #NPS #NationalParks #findjoy #saveourparks #Ozette #OlympicNP #NPCA #protectpublicland

From the crest of a hill, in the side of the road. The sun set view over Brothers Peaks framed by trees in hues of purple, pink, orange, and yellow.

I love an early evening walk & the color of the setting sun & sky this time of year in western WA. Another shot of Brothers Peaks in Olympic National Park. Always stunning! #NatParkGeek #findjoy #NPS #NationalParks #saveourparks #artyear #Stunday #OlympicNP #Sunset #photography #protectpublicland

The sunrise turns the mountain range a bright orange. Photo of Mount Grinnell and the sub peak Grinell Point reflecting in Swiftcurrent Lake with small rocks in the foreground. View from the lake side of Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park, Montana. #grinnelpoint #MtGrinnell #swiftcurrentlake #manyglacier #Montana #glaciernationalpark

Early morning drive in the dark, down a rough road to get to the Many Glacier entrance before sunrise. A near encounter with a grizzly sent me to the hotel instead of the trail but the view was breathtaking! #Stunday #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #sunrise #NationalParkWeek #GlacierNP

A photo of 4 beer samplers lined up on a wood board with a view of the green trees outside. Their beer is made with hot springs water!#SuperiorBathHouseBrewery #HotSprings #Arkansas #drinkbeer #craftbrewery

At the Gulpha Gorge Campground inside Hot Springs National Park, large rock formations, flattened over time, make an excellent surface for submerging in the thermal spring for a soak. With shade trees on the far side. This photo was taken from my campsite.

Last post for National
Park Week is Hot Springs NP in Arkansas. Soaking in thermal springs without leaving my campsite and beer tasting at the only brewery inside a Natl Park. So much fun! #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #findyourpark #NationalParkWeek #protectpublicland #HotSpringsNP

Several stories high rock formations with crossbedding in the rocks called Sharon Conglomerate with honeycomb weathering and moss at the Ritchie Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Surrounded by tall shade trees. #protectpublicland #findyourpark #saveourparks #parkchat #CuyahogaValleyNP #NPCA

Cuyahoga Valley National Park surprised me in so many ways! Brandywine Falls, a Scenic Train Ride, but the best part was walking around the Ice Box Cave and on top of Ritchie Ledges. It was peaceful, quiet, and a welcome temp drop on a hot day. #NatParkGeek #findjoy #roadtrip #NPS #NationalParkWeek

Rock Harbor Lodge on Isle Royale- one of the islands of the Great Lakes inside Isle Royale NP on Lake Superior in Michigan. A two story lodge nestle in the trees just up from the water’s edge. #nationalparks #isleroyale #nationalpark

View of Lake Superior from the back of the Isle Royale Queen IV boat from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale. The Lake is massive, it feels like you’re looking out at the ocean’s horizon!

A wooded trail on Isle Royale leading to a small cabin. Dassler Cabin is filled art pieces by the artists in residence in the island.

Standing at the shore just below the lodge on Isle Royale. Blue water, large rocks and trees

Isle Royale - another remote National Park. A 3.5hr boat ride across Lake Superior (SO BIG no shore in sight). I was lucky enough to stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge! Lots of easy trails and shorelines to walk. #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #findyourpark #NationalParkWeek #IsleRoyaleNP

The historic I.W Stevens cabin stands on Stevens Island, Namakan Lake. A modest 1 bedroom dark brown cabin with white windows all around to see the ferns and tall trees of the forest

A black and white photo of Ingvald Walter Steven’s, known as Steve, outside on the island canning food.

The view of Namakan Lake from just below the cabin. A rustic wood bench invites guests to sit on the waters edge and enjoy the peaceful, quiet surroundings of tall trees, birds, and calm water.

Voyageurs National Park. I took a boat tour to I.W. Stevens’ remote island resort. He lived self-sufficiently there for 50 years. His Pine Cove Resort 1932-1959 then in joyful solitude. He lived to be 104! #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #NationalParkWeek #VoyageursNP #humansofbluesky

Painter in a red dress, sitting in the sand with an easel and paints, painting the lake scene with rocks and water and sky.

Sat on a bench, listened to the Sacred Sands audio tour, & watched this painter as I learned about Indiana Dunes National Park. 15k acres of trails & 15 miles of sandy beach on Lake Michigan. #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #findyourpark #NationalParkWeek #IndianaDunesNP
#LakeMichigan

Red door ajar with the Big Red Bus emblem, contrasted with the background of mountain peaks, lush green trees, bright blue sky, and the rock wall of the parking lot at Glacier National Park Going to the Sun road. #photography #nature #mountains

A unique pic from the Big Red Bus tour on the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park. Majestic! The memories of that day still make me smile. #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #findyourpark #NationalParkWeek#protectpublicland#nationalparks #GlacierNP #BigRedBus #GoingtotheSun

A lone bison stands on a hill with a rock formation behind him in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Kicking of my contributions to #NationalParkWeek with this majestic bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Don’t worry, I was safely in my van while zooming in for this pic! #wildlife #TheodoreRooseveltNP #DontPettheFluffyCows #roadtrip #findjoy #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #protectpublicland

A photo collage: Alligator, boardwalk w palm tree, National Park emblem, and swamp buggy in Everglades National Park.

Photo Collage: The Shark Valley Tram, an Airboat, an open tour boat on the water, and the Everglades welcome sign built in a large rock.

By foot, tour boat, tram, swamp buggy, and airboat - in each of the 4 visitor centers, I saw as much of the 1.5 million acres of the Everglades National Park as I could over 4 days! #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #roadtrip #getoutside #protectpublicland #EvergladesNP #Florida #nationalparks

Found a quiet spot on the beach to set up our spot for the day. Some shade, some sun, and only feet away from terrific snorkeling with no one else around. Sandy beach, clear blue sky, gorgeous turquoise water.

The National Park sign greets you as you come ashore at Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park. The fort sits on 16 acres and is built from 16 million bricks!

Boat sitting in the sun, seen through the brick window of Fort Jefferson. A peek at the Yankee Freedom boat that brings day passengers and campers to Dry Tortugas just once per day. It’s a 2.25 hr ride from Key West, Fl.

I’m grateful to have visited Dry Tortugas NP this month. With approx 225 visitors per day, it’s the 8th least visited National Park. A fun day of exploring the fort and snorkeling #NatParkGeek #saveourparks #findjoy #protectpublicland #DryTortugasNP #FloridaKeys #KeyWest #GulfofMexico #nationalparks

Sun setting to the left as the Sunset Cruise boat floats by with “Key West” on its sail. As people wave and watch the sunset together.

Just arrived home from a trip to visit the 3 National Parks in Florida. Spent a few days in Key West. Including this one at the Sunset Celebration held every night in Mallory Square. I can still hear the music playing in the background… #Stunday #sunset #KeyWest #findjoy #NatParkGeek #photography