We just love this video. Just as beautiful as the places which have been preserved, is the idea which ultimately became law.

"In order to ensure that... Expanding Settlement, and Growing Mechanization does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States, for this purpose there is established Wilderness Areas... where man himself is a visitor who does not remain, where the land retains its primeval character and influence."
                                         -Wilderness Act of 1964

What do you think. Is the primeval character of the land worth protecting?

Here's a diagram we created a little while ago which illustrates a perhaps less thought of contrast between our modern world and the Wild Spaces we love so much. Angels Landing is one of our favorite hikes, and not a trail to take for granted, but for those of you who haven't hiked Angels Landing yet, perhaps you've been to the top of one of these other structures. 

We've been to the top of three of the four (One World Trade Center the exception), and Angels Landing is our pick for the best. Just a side note. Angels Landing though imposing, is far from the tallest structure in Zion National Park.

It's been raining a lot in our neck of the woods, and we couldn't be more excited about it. In addition to the aroma of clean air and the re-invigorated vegetation, the new rainfall is mixing with winter's runoff and waterfalls are entering their peak season. 

And even though you can find waterfalls almost anywhere, there are a few Wild Spaces that really stand out. Yosemite National Park is perhaps North America's King, but Mt. Rainier National Park may very well be the Queen. Her offering of both thunderous cascades and melodious falls is staggering. Where other Wild Spaces may have cascades numbering in the hundreds, Mt. Rainier offers thousands, and they are never more plentiful then from May through July.

It's been said that if there is one destination every American should visit in their lifetime, it's the Grand Canyon. Honestly, when there are so many amazing Wild Spaces to visit, it's impossible to narrow our priorities to a single location. But, any list of must see Wild Spaces simply has to include the natural masterpiece that is  the Grand Canyon.

It's beyond description, and any lover of Wild Spaces will be struck to the core by it's presence. And here's a friendly tip: Schedule in some time to watch the sunset. You'll be glad you did. And if you're lucky, you may even be fortunate enough to experience a Condor Sunset. One of the rarest animals in the world, and there may be no better place to view them, then at the Grand Canyon.