Don't forget the National Monuments etc as well. While the National Parks are a worthy focus, while you are in the area or on the way, check out the small National Monuments, National Historic Sites etc. In addition, the BLM administers some areas as well. I have found some really delightful places that I'd never heard of. Two of my favorites are El Moro NM and Pecos National Historic Site both in New Mexico. We hit 10 NP type sites on that trip including Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NM (BLM). Most were pleasant surprises that I had never heard of before researching what was around and on the way to Santa Fe.
The easiest way to see what is around is to check the nps.gov website and search for parks by state. It will list all your options of all types. Then go to the BLM site
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands and select the state under the Program tab and explore.
Then there are the National Monuments administered by the National Forest, like Mt St Helens in WA. You could spend decades seeing everything. I used to have a list that I was working my way through and then realized I was better off to focus on an area and see as much as possible in that area. That has served me well.
So on your way to Mesa Verde NP, make sure to check out Canyons of the Ancients NM (BLM) or if heading to Mt Rainier NP, make sure to include a stop at Mt St Helens NM (NF). There is a lot to see in this beautiful country.
Sue
