Exploring 30 National Parks: My Journey So Far
(25 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Dora Liu
Torrance, CA
Certified Active & Adventure Vacation Designer
Have you ever been on a tour bus seeing the sights? The tour guide points to the scenery, as the bus keeps moving along, and exclaims, “Look at the mountain over there!” Did you want to just look or did you want to get out and hike
Have you ever been on a tour bus seeing the sights? The tour guide points to the scenery, as the bus keeps moving along, and exclaims, “Look at the mountain over there!” Did you want to just look or did you want to get out and hike that mountain? I want to hike that mountain. I know you do, too. That’s what an active and adventurous vacation is all about. It is getting out and exploring under your own power. Whether it’s hiking up a mountain or kayaking a river, you will be immersed in the destination.
I am a Certified Active and Adventure Vacation Designer. I specialize in custom designed vacations that get you out of the tour bus so you can get up close to the scenery in an active way. I know your life is busy. The dizzying amount of internet search results can be daunting. I’ll work with you to design a trip itinerary to your liking saving you time and no head spinning. Let’s make your next trip the best it can be. I’m ready to custom design your next active vacation.
Can Be Reached At
1-310-699-7298
Grand Canyon National Park
I turned 30 this year — not by the calendar, but according to my National Park map. Having visited 30 National Parks, I’m halfway toward my goal of exploring all 63 National Parks in the United States. My National Park journey began at Haleakala National Park on Maui when I was in high school. Back then, I thought of it as just a local tourist spot. My travel dreams were focused on exploring international cities. The Grand Canyon was the only National Park on my radar — until I saw it in person.
Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time opened my eyes to the importance of National Parks. They preserve not only the stunning landscapes but also the rich history and geology of these incredible places. That moment made me want to experience as many National Parks as possible.
I’ve visited most Parks only once, but I’ve returned to a few, including Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon. These two are easy to reach, offer spectacular views, and have fascinating geological stories. At Yosemite, wildlife roams free in its natural habitat — unlike the enclosures at a zoo. The stunning sights, combined with outdoor activities, make these Parks ideal vacation spots. I never get tired of Half Dome at Yosemite. Whether viewing it from Glacier Point, Columbia Rock, or Sentinel Bridge, it’s always amazing to see how nature can form such unique structures.
My first visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim left me awestruck. The massive canyon, with its layered geological formations, stretched wide and deep before me. A few years later, I visited the North Rim, and the lush, green landscape was a surprising contrast to the desert red of the South Rim.
Another unforgettable stop was Arches National Park in Utah. I’ve only been there once, but I’d love to return. The natural stone arches and formations — created by erosion — are like nothing else. It’s incredible that so many arches exist in one small area.
My journey through the National Parks continues, and I know Park #31 will be another memorable adventure.