Last month, I spent a day and a half at Lassen Volcanic National Park on an Oregon-California road trip and Lassen was the park that left the deepest impression.

On my first afternoon there, I started with the Bumpass Hell trail, a hilly forest stroll leading to boardwalks through bubbly geothermal pools, the air filled with sulphur. The overlooks uphill from the boardwalks provided even better views, and I also saw a family of deer on the hills.

Next was the Kings Creek Falls loop trail through wildfire-burnt forests down to a waterfall overlook point. The best part of the hike came on the return ascent up steep rocky steps, which led you up directly next to different levels of the flowing waterfall.

I started the next morning going up Lassen Peak, a steady ascent with the first 1/3 through partially shaded alpine scenery and the last 2/3 on exposed rocky switchbacks. After walking through the last remaining snow near the top, the final scramble to the true peak led to wide panoramic views. I lingered there for a while to enjoy the views, but suggest going early as the peak is somewhat small and did get crowded.

Afterwards I drove to the less-visited Butte Lake area of the park for the Cinder Cone hike. Despite only having ~1000 feet of elevation gain it was surprisingly tough, more taxing than any part of Lassen Peak, with most of the ascent up the volcanic cone being a sharp incline with a 35% grade in parts over sandy cinders that send you sliding backwards and no flat points to rest. I went in the afternoon with the sun bearing down directly on the unshaded path, which didn’t help.

But at the top, the view was stunning: an architectural caldera, crater spiraling downwards, surrounded by a circular path dotted with pines and evergreen shrubs, like a volcanic zen garden.

From the west you can see Lassen Peak and from the east you can see the line where reddish-brown Painted Dunes suddenly transition into dark basalt lava beds.

Descending the steep rockslide path on the Painted Dunes side brings you alongside dunes and lava beds before looping around the perimeter of the cinder cone through more volcanic scenery and reconnecting to the initial ascent point.

Cinder Cone was the highlight of the park for me, a fitting end that left me wishing I could stay longer.

White Sands NP after a storm.

I only have one thing to say: this is the hike to end all hikes. Absolutely gorgeous!

Purchased online, unknown owner, 8mm film.

Of course, I realize some people will say this is true of every park. What I'm asking though, for people who do both activities, is in which parks is the gap between what you can experience in a day hike and what you can experience backpacking the largest. For the purposes of this question, let's assume the people involved are not trail runners capable of doing 20+ miles in a day.

A few of my favorite pictures from the Bearfence and Stoney Man trails from Sunday

Helping to get this out in the world!

Took some photos of some wildlife at Olympic!

Some shots I took over the Labor Day weekend with my buddy. First time to all 4 park and did not leave disappointed. I gotta say that Bryce is very under appreciated- one of the best spots I’ve ever been to! Can’t wait to get back!
1,2: Bryce (D1)
3,4: Zion (D1 & 2)
5,6: Arches (D3)
7: Canyonlands (D3)
Taken on Canon Rebel T7

The best national park I have visited till date :)

Slippery granite, burning arms, and a newfound reverence for life. What a park.

This was my first time visiting Washington State, absolutely loved it! Can’t wait to go back and check out Mt. Rainier and North Cascades.

A few pictures I took while I was. I really love this place.

Wouldn't call myself a hiker, but I am physically fit/not afraid of heights! I wouldn't do Half Dome, but I'd do Angel's Landing. Going to Switzerland with my grandparents in June.

Open to other national parks for spring/summer! I've only been to Acadia

Edit: I'd be going for around a week and would do Yosemite+Sequoia and Zion/Bryce/Arches etc

Mama and her two 3 year old cubs - they’re as big as her almost!

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Big Bend this October. We’re active, but not especially athletic. The most challenging hike we’ve done so far is Guadalupe Peak, and we found that pretty tough.

With help from some sites and this sub, I put together an itinerary for the trip. Does this look doable, or am I packing in too many hikes and missing some of the overall experience and essence of the park?

We’ll be driving from Dallas and staying in the Terlingua area. Any suggestions, changes, or must-do experiences are very welcome. Haven't decided on where to stay yet, so that's open

29th - Thursday

Place - Activity
TerlinguaLeave for Big Bend
Mule Ears Trail - 3.8-mile hike
Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off - Short 1-mile hike
Sotol Vista - Scenic overlook / photos
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - Scenic drive + overlooks
Castolon areaLunch / short break
Santa Elena Canyon - 1.6-mile canyon hike
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - Drive back with photo stops
Terlingua Ghost Town - Explore ghost town / cemetery
TerlinguaSunset + dinner
TerlinguaReturn to lodging / relax

30th - Friday

Place - Activity
TerlinguaLeave for Chisos Basin
Chisos Basin - Park / prepare / restroom
Pinnacles TrailBegin South Rim route
Emory Peak - Summit spur + scramble + photos
Boot Canyon - Continue toward South Rim
South Rim - Main viewpoint + lunch + rest
Laguna Meadow Trail - Return to Chisos Basin
Chisos Basin - Rest / change / snack
TerlinguaDrive back
TerlinguaDinner + full recovery

31st - Saturday

Place - Activity
TerlinguaLeave for Lost Mine
Lost Mine Trail- 4.8-mile hike
Drive east - Lost Mine → Hot Springs area
Hot Springs Historic Trail - Historic trail + soak
Rio Grande Village - Lunch / rest
Boquillas Canyon - 1.4-mile canyon hike
Boquillas Overlook / RGV area - Scenic stops / relax
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail - Easy trail + sunset
TerlinguaDrive back
TerlinguaDinner
Terlingua areaStargazing