60 Days. 11,000 Miles. 23 Parks. Over 700,000 steps.

What a hell of damned thing we just did.

We couldn’t wrap our blog without a few final thoughts and rankings of the parks we’ve visited! And of course, we answer the great burger-off question that we know you’ve all been waiting for.

It seems fitting that our final park would be in an iconic location like Arches and the nearby adventure-town of Moab, Utah. It was a spectacular finish to one hell of an adventure.

Sandwiched between its more well known neighbors, Capitol Reef may not have the wow factor of Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, or Arches, but it does have excellent pie.

The first thing you should know about Bryce Canyon, is that it’s not a canyon. It’s actually several natural amphitheaters along the side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Southern Utah. Truth in advertising issues aside, the “canyon” is stunning with its colors and iconic natural spires.

At least we got the stamp…

Have you ever wanted to see the largest tree on earth? If so, you’re in luck. All it will take is a quick trip over (and up, and up) to Sequoia National Park. As an added bonus, you can then pop next door to Kings Canyon National Park and see the second largest tree in the world.

You can’t help but fall in love with the Channel Islands. Whether it’s the scenic cliffs, mysterious sea caves, oceanside hikes, and of course the iconic island Scrub Jay, there is really something for everyone here.

Pinnacles likely won’t make it to the top of anyone’s National Park rankings, but if you want to disconnect and try out some truly challenging and breathtaking hikes (literally at times), Pinnacles has you covered. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll see a California Condor.

If you love scenic desert terrain, rock scrambles, and unique flora, you’ll love Joshua Tree National Park.

We come at last to In-N-Out Burger, the chain most often mentioned along side Culvers in the competition for best regional burger joint. And it is a worthy competitor indeed.

We had a great plan…

Imagine a cactus.

Chances are you’re picturing a Saguaro.

Guadalupe Mountains is one of the best National Parks you’ve probably never heard of. Nestled in a remote region near the Texas/New Mexico border, the park boasts the highest peak in Texas along with the worlds largest Permian fossil reef.

National Park #4

Big Bend is one one of those places you need to experience to believe. Pictures simply can’t capture the grand scale of the park or the unique landscapes, canyons, trails, and vistas it contains.

After leaving the keys we made or way (slowly) up around the gulf coast stopping to see family, beaches, state parks, and wildlife areas. Some great spots along this route that we highly recommend.

National Park #3

When people talk about National Parks in Florida, Biscayne is often overlooked compared to the flashier Everglades or Dry Tortugas. It shouldn’t be. There’s an incredible amount of history and wildlife here, and any place where you need a boat to get to will rank highly on our list.

National Park #2

The Everglades are an experience. Birds, gators, fish, turtles, swamps, insects, it has them all.