[Canonman]

My DW and I enjoy traveling the National parks A LOT! That said, they are more popular than ever and more crowded. We are fortunate that we can schedule our trips either before or after the normal school dates. That helps a lot with crowds. Also, time of day plays a big role.
We also look at locations close to the parks but maybe not quite as well known. For example the area around Bryce Canyon includes places like Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin. The Ute Tribal Park practically surrounds Mesa Verde and is relatively unknown but with many more ruins. I'm sure other examples exist for most parks. This might be a good Forum Topic where members could ask about and exchange ideas and options for places to visit away from the madding crowds.
Absolutely visit our spectacular National Parks but spending a day or two to "decompress" in areas just as beautiful and a lot less crowded would be good as well, if folks only knew where they were.
Thoughts??