American National Parks

By: Kaz

   Have you ever heard about the Grand Circle? The Grand Circle is the imaginary circle, which diameter is 1400 miles. Why the circle is famous for travelers? Because there are many American national parks, monuments and historic byways in the circle, I guess. Before I came to Riverside I went to some places in the circle, so I'd like to introduce several parks visiting before: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley.
   First, if you want to go one of most popular places in the U.S, Grand Canyon is the best place because most of travelers visiting American national parks go there. This park was established as an American national park in 1919; in addition, it was registered as one of the world heritages in 1979. Although Grand Canyon is very popular, there are various activities, hiking, rafting, camping and Skywalk (refer to page 2 in the textbook in our reading class), in the park. Furthermore, you can go there by a plane from Los Angeles.
   Next, Zion and Bryce Canyon are very wonderful spots when you want to go hiking or see strange scenes. Especially, Zion has the famous hiking trail named “The narrow”. Many American hikers want to go there, but that road is very severe for the beginner hikers because they have to walk into the cold water for a while. I tried to walk toward “the narrow” when I visited there, but I couldn’t reach there because I had no time then. Also, Bryce Canyon has some hiking trails too. But at first, you will be able to see a lot of strange rocks you haven’t ever seen, and probably most people visiting there will be surprised after looking at them.
   Moreover, if you want to meet Native American people, I recommend you to visit Monument Valley. The place is a holy site and a reservation for Native American, Navajo. Some people sell souvenirs to visitors, other people works as a guide. Maybe you have seen it because the area often is used in many advertisements and movies. For example, some scenes in “Back to The Future Part 3” and “Forrest Gump” took the landscape of Monument Valley. In addition, you can try to eat some local foods. I ate only two dishes, but I remember their tastes were good.
   Finally, if you can stay near an American national park, you should go to see sunset or sunrise. They are incredible, and you will have a really good time. But be careful! You have to make a reservation in advance staying there, or you will stay in your car because there are a few inns except for Grand Canyon.
   This time, I explained some American national parks before I visited. I think they are valuable for us, foreign students. Of course, American cities are important to learn American culture. But, if you are interested in American nature and visit, you will be able to totally understand what America is, I think.