How About a Little Cactus With Your Campsite

On the second day of our trip, we went and explored Saguaro National Park. I hate to say it, but the park was a little bit of a disappointment considering the fact that we'd just visited Tonto and they had saguaro cacti there as well. When we rolled into camp, our entire opinion changed. It was absolutely incredible. We went on a bike ride to enjoy the scenery and climbed on top of the RV for some of these photos. Most of the cactus that you are seeing are over 100 years old. 

-Elise 

Tonto National Park

This past week, I've had an amazing opportunity and I've been able to see some of our nation's Southwestern National Parks. A buddy of mine recently returned from a three year stint in China and he's been planning a massive road trip around the country as a way to celebrate his return. After our Spartan race this weekend, he invited me to hit the road with him. Our first stop was in Arizona and we went to Tonto National Park. My friend had secured two Ranger Guide tour passes that are elusive to most people. The tours to the upper dwelling are only offered five months out of the year and once a week with only to 15 people. It was well worth the October reservation and the views made you feel insignificant. It was a bit of a hike to the top but it was worth every step! It's absolutely incredible to think that the people who lived in these ruins were alive in the 1300's. For a point of historical reference, that's the same time as the Italian Renaissance and the start of the Ming Dynasty in China. 

-Elise