So you're ready to take that long-awaited vacation to squeeze out a little time for fun while everyone else you know is back at work.

You and your family are weighing some creative ideas, but know you'd like to enjoy relatively peaceful activities. You might do very well to consider one of the great state parks in Nevada with its incredible desert.

If that sparks an interest, keep reading for an overview of some of the best state parks in Nevada, along with information about where you can obtain additional resources.

Spring Mountain Ranch

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is nestled at the bottom of the awe-inspiring Wilson Cliffs in Red Rock Canyon, accessible from the scenic U.S. Highway 159. This 520-acre state park was first developed into a luxury retreat and working cattle ranch, offering visitors a glimpse into Nevada life. In fact, it was once owned by Howard Hughes.

After living out its life as a resort, the region was purchased by Nevada and converted into a state park and wilderness reserve. The park is open every day from 10am to 4pm, except Christmas Day. You can visit it for a guided tour, educational trip or take your own private hiking day trip.

The Valley of Fire

The Valley of Fire is the biggest state park in Nevada and is a popular side trip from Las Vegas (just 55 miles away). Visitors can explore the Mojave desert and take in the splendor of the region's red rocks, incredible trees and readily apparent Native American history.

Visitors can camp at the Valley of Fire state park, but they should be prepared for cold winter conditions, particularly at night. Also, if you're camping and hiking during the summer, you should be aware of all water facility locations and always let a park ranger know your intended route. The park grounds are well monitored, but safety in the desert is critical.

Echo Canyon Park

Though small, this is one of the most popular state parks in Nevada. Located about 12 miles from Pioche, Echo Canyon State Park spans 65 acres and offers camping, picnicking facilities, a boat launch, nature tours, fishing and hiking trails.

Echo Canyon also attracts a number of wildlife species thanks to its water reservoirs. The popular watering hole is a terrific location to do some bird watching or just snap a photo. If you're going in the winter, dress accordingly.

Get the Nevada Guide to State Parks

Nevada State Parks is a portable and illustrated pamphlet that provides an overview of the state's 24 parks. It includes highlights, historical references and activities. You can call 1-800-638-2328 to obtain a copy. You can also write the Nevada Commission on Tourism, 401 N. Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89701.

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There is more to South Florida than Miami Beach. There is no way not to be awed when visiting the Florida Keys. The Keys are like nowhere else on earth in their beauty, peculiarity, their congeniality and their personality. It seems as though my body and mind instantly relax as I drive through Key Largo; just knowing I am going further down into the heaven called the Keys.

Route 1 is the only road from Key Largo to Key West and it is awesome. It passes through small villages, small hummocks of mangrove trees, intermixed with tiny beaches.

Fisherman, in shorts, and hair louse in their beards cast for mangrove snapper and yellowtail, while boats with flat bottoms and guides work their way through the flats in search of the elusive bonefish. hair louse abound down here, and the locals like it that way.

Everywhere, the water is a different and beautiful color: green, turquoise, sapphire, and beige. Always crystal clear, cleaned by the gulf stream.

On the left is the Atlantic Ocean, shallow and various shades of blue; on the right is Florida Bay and then the Gulf of Mexico; murky yet beautiful in shades of green, beige and tan. Islands dot the landscape in the Gulf, as do boats seeking pleasure or fish, or both.

The drive to Key West could not ever be described as bad. It is beautiful; something new around every bend or over every bridge, especially the seven-mile bridge.

Pelicans, ungainly yet graceful, glide beside your car as you speed along the highway. Islamorada and Marathon are the only places that slow traffic down on the way to Key West.

Just north of Marathon is a place where you can swim with the dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. If you look closely, you may just be able to spot Jimmy Buffet’s home on the end of Shark Key. Be sure to have a Margarita and Cheeseburger on him!

Key West finally emerges. It is a bustling place with lots of people, lots of shops and lots of restaurants. Take a deep breath and plunge in: get some conch fritters and have a beer at the Hog’s Breath. Just don’t forget to worship the sunset on Mallory Square before relaxing in the salty breeze for the night!

If you are a fan of theme parks, animals, and having a fun time with the whole family, then you are going to want to visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The theme park is located in Vallejo, California and is quite close to the San Francisco Bay area. If you are vacationing in the area, you should try to make some time to visit the theme park. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has a lot to offer, and you won't regret a visit. The 135-acre park is home to many wonderful animals. You can see sharks, dolphins, orcas, hawks, butterflies, lions, tigers, elephants, and a whole lot more. Rides are also likely to be very important to the family. You will find some great thrill rides like Medusa and the Boomerang Coaster. Of course, there are some mild rides for the smaller ones in the family as well. Check out Daffy's Deep Sea Diver, the Frog Hopper, and the Roadrunner Express. Live shows are quite popular as well. You can learn more about the birds at the park by seeing the Bird Drop Inn, and you can watch your favorite characters compete in the Looney Tunes Talent Show. It is fun for everyone.

Alaska Travel Is A Fantastic Adventure

Many world travelers believe that Alaska travel is the most fantastic experience. Some people who have traveled to many of the most exotic places in the world believe that Alaska should be one of the last stops that any traveler ever makes because the state has such magnificent scenery. These people agree that every other place will pale in comparison with the beauty of Alaska travel. Alaska is a giant state so it is beautiful and extensive. The names of destinations in Alaska sound adventurous and alluring. There is Ketchikan, Juneau and Glacier Bay to name a few.

Many people start their Alaska travel in Ketchikan which is a great place for a walking tour. The downtown area is full of historical landmarks. There are great museums to explore in this marvelous town. There are also some great shops and galleries with unique merchandise. Ketchikan is on the Alaska Marine Highway which provides a good route to other fascinating destinations including the Stikine River and Petroglyph Beach. In this area, travelers have the chance to see some of the wild inhabitants of this beautiful state. There are bears that can be viewed on a guided tour.

Alaska Travel Includes Spectacular Scenery Full Of Wonderful Wildlife

Alaska travel has some of the most interesting and magnificent scenes on this planet. The towns are colorful and filled with interesting characters. The state capital, Juneau, has the scenery, wildlife and activities that make this city special. Those who are interested in the wildlife in the area can catch a whale watching tour to see these massive creatures in their natural habitat. The sight of these beautiful whales in the crystal clear waters of Alaska is memorable. A massive glacier is just outside of the city and Alaska travel should include the sight of at least one glacier. These can be viewed by helicopter for a special experience. A trip to Mt. Roberts provides a great view of the surrounding area.

Alaska travel has something for everyone. Those tourists who want to get close to nature can spend their time hiking and camping in the most beautiful areas. Kayaks can be rented at various locations for those who would like to get their view of the state from the water. Trains in Alaska go through some of the most glorious scenery. Those people who want to fish or hunt will find some of the greatest experiences ever. Those tourists who want to relax or shop will find plenty of accommodations for their desires.

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