I Have a Dream: Visiting All of Our National Parks

I Have a Dream: Visiting All of Our National Parks

I have a dream. In my lifetime I want to visit all 59 National Parks in the United States. Why you may ask? Well, because I love the outdoors. 

Since I was young I have always had a fiery passion for the outdoors. My parents have taken our family camping for some of our vacations all my life and it has created in me an infatuation for Mother Nature and all she has to offer. Because of that I have become an explorer, adventurer and outdoorsman who desires to experience our natural world. I yearn to opt outside. When I am outdoors I am at peace and some of my happiest. It does not matter if I find myself in the middle of a water carved canyon in the Utah desert or the highest point in the lower 48 on the summit of Mt. Whitney. So I have decided on the goal of visiting all 59 of our nation's National Parks.

Southeast Entrance - Mt. Rainier National Park, WA

Some might say this is a lofty ambition, while others might say it is simple. Some of you reading this may have already done this yourselves or have the objective to do it as well. I've read of people taking a year off and visiting all 59 parks in what is essentially one shot. Others spread it out literally over their lifetime. For me I just plan to take it slow and easy as I enjoy every moment, adventure and experience along the way. I think we all need goals in life and something to work for and toward that fulfills us and that we can enjoy. That is something we should all have and experience in our lives. 

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive with Wheeler Peak in back - Great Basin National Park, NV

While I have already begun, I still have a long way to go. Though I have several trips planned and in the planning stages for the months to come and year or two down the line. I eagerly look forward to those adventures and being able to experience the natural beauty that is such a gift to us as Americans and residents of the United States. I believe our National Parks are a true gift given to us by wise men that have come before us.They had the precedence setting forethought to preserve these natural areas and wonders so that people like you and me could enjoy them for centuries to come. I plan to take full advantage of that gift by visiting our National Parks because of how thankful I am to have them. How much I truly treasure them. And because of how amazingly special and beautiful they are. And who knows, in the time it takes me to visit them all we might have a few more natural areas that earn the National Park designation.

Zion Canyon - Zion National Park, UT

Being able to accomplish something like this is not the measure of a man, or a woman. Nor is it the measure of a life and whether or not it was worth living or well lived. To me being able to accomplish a goal like this spanning the better part of a lifetime reminds me of the words of Adlai Stevenson who said, "It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts." To me nature makes me most happy, it means more to me than I can express. The sights, sounds, experiences and more are truly inspiring, awesome and special in my eyes. Being able to accomplish this would in essence fill my cup and be food for my soul. It would mean something truly special to me. 

With that said I better grab my gear, it's adventure time.