Lauren Danner

Really a fun #ParkChat—I couldn’t keep up! Thank you! Have a great night, all.

A11. Always ask #ParkChat people first, is my rule. Essays like those by @adamsowards.net often contain good info that I’ll use in planning, too. And books about a given park, because they include places important in the park’s history and I like to visit those if I can.

A10. All of the above, but I usually have good luck when I decide the recommended trail is too crowded and just pick a nearby one instead. #ParkChat

A9. Guadalupe Mountains has a lot of human history tucked into plenty of places if you’re willing to hike a bit. Indigenous, Spanish, early settler, ranching, sometimes right on top of each other. #ParkChat

A8. A ranger suggested we hike the South Mountain trail at Valles Caldera to the snow line. The trail was clear, and on the way down we startled two bear cubs in a Pondy pine—and heard a loud huff from the mother, who we never saw. Instant adrenaline. #ParkChat

I agree! Also near sunset, less chance of meeting mountain bikers on the trail. #ParkChat

A6. From the summit of Capulin Volcano, the geology of where the Rockies meet the Great Plains is visible and stunning. So many volcanic features everywhere. #ParkChat

I almost answered with Chaco for that reason! #ParkChat

A5. Mesa Verde is stunning, but if you want fewer people and tons of ancient architecture, try Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients national monuments nearby. #ParkChat

Anything beyond the Frijoles Canyon paved trail is definitely way less crowded. The backcountry there is huge and full of archaeological sites. Such a great place. #ParkChat

A4. People rightfully go to Bandelier to see the amazing cavates and pueblo structures, but the Frey Trail, which follows the old road to the rim, is well worth the hike. I have never met anyone on that trail. #ParkChat

Someday… #ParkChat

YES. Fascinating place. #ParkChat

A3. Part of me selfishly doesn’t want lesser-known parks to get more attention, because then they get more people. But since you asked, how about Cedar Breaks, which my family infamously skipped on the way from Zion to Bryce Canyon, to my everlasting chagrin. I still haven’t made it there. #ParkChat

I feel like it needs to be part of a longer loop road trip, don’t you? #ParkChat

A2. Underrated, hmmm. That’s a tough one. I don’t think it’s underrated, just not as crowded, and I’d really like to see Great Basin NP. #ParkChat

A1. On the way to Rio Grande del Norte NM, we stopped at La Cueva in Taos and had the best tortilla soup ever. Eight years later, we went back and it was just as good. Amazing. In the parks, Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room in Yellowstone. Hello from rainy Vancouver, #ParkChat!

Tom, you’re the best. Thank you for this very fun #ParkChat.

Oh, now, hold on a second, Zombie History Buff! #ParkChat

Naturally! #ParkChat

And now you have an excellent new nickname. Like a trail name but for national parks. #ParkChat

Oh my goodness, I’m a moody yellow-bellied marmot. Which is right on the money. Because I actually am one. #ParkChat

A10. Fort Vancouver does a living history day a few times a year, including cooking demonstrations and talks in the dining room about what would have been served and when. Really interesting. #ParkChat

Wait, what is this? And how can I get some? #ParkChat

That’s a good one. #ParkChat

I bet mine looked exactly the same! #ParkChat

A9. On a hike to Ranger Falls at Mount Rainier I had a strong sense of being watched and knew there’d been mountain lion sightings in the area. And (repeat story) I heard one scream as I was driving on the Mather Parkway at Rainier. Absolutely chilling. #ParkChat

Oh, no. No no no no no. Absolutely not. #ParkChat

A8. Nope. Not me. I’m good, thanks. #ParkChat

A7. We’ve been to Carlsbad Caverns, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave. Only one was open, and we did get to see the bats! Does Ape Cave at Mt. St. Helens count, @mtmagog.bsky.social? #ParkChat