Activity Corner | Outdoors

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  • 1.  National Park Adventures

    Posted 23 days ago
    Edited by Sierra Martinez 23 days ago



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    Sierra
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  • 2.  RE: National Park Adventures

    Posted 10 days ago
    Edited by Andrea Neighbors 10 days ago

    I had the privilege of backpacking in Denali National Park in Alaska this past September. I used to live in Fairbanks, Alaska, so Denali was always a go-to Park for a day hike or weekend camping trip. If you plan on visiting Alaska, Denali is a great place for backpacking / camping in the summer months (June-August) but my favorite time to go is September through early October, when the fall season/early winter is settling in. Just pack for cold temperatures! Backpacking in Denali involves a permit, some training, but once you're all set, you can go anywhere in the park, there isn't much of a trail system. Don't forget your bear spray -- I made this mistake earlier this year (smh). I remembered everything but that, and even saw a grizzly on my way to the spot I'd be starting my journey. Luckily, I didn't see bears during the backpacking portion of the trip! 



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    Andrea Neighbors
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: National Park Adventures

    Posted 10 days ago

    Those are such wonderful tips, Andrea. Thank you for sharing. That photo is beautiful; I bet it's even more incredible in person. Alaska is definitely on my list of places I'd like to visit. 



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    Sierra
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: National Park Adventures

    Posted 10 days ago

    Our favorite is Rocky Mountain National Park, especially in winter! Estes Park is a magical winter wonderland. The YMCA of the Rockies also has a fabulous military family weekend special, complete with meals! They have activities as well, like s'mores and campfires. We like to go and showshoe first thing in the morning; it's a great time to catch local wildlife. 



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    Sheila Rupp
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: National Park Adventures

    Posted 10 days ago

    Thanks for sharing, Sheila! I'm going to look into that YMCA of the Rockies deal. 



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    Sierra
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: National Park Adventures

    Posted 10 days ago

    We love finding National Parks on our PCS driving route and at our new duty stations! We've found so many we didn't even realize existed!

    Our son has been working through the Junior Ranger Program for many years, and his vest is full! We had to upsize to keep up with his badges and patches. I highly recommend the program for anyone visiting our parks - it's FREE and creates special memories. It also helps put the background information and history behind the park into terms that kids can understand. They often have different age levels for the booklets too!



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    Meghan Wieten-Scott
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    Original Message


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