Everglades National Park - Shark Valley

We drove from Everglades City, FL on the western side of Everglades National Park on 41 through Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park over to the east side of the park in Homestead, FL.

We stopped at the Big Cypress Oasis visitor center and a quick stop at the HP Williams Roadside Park. The canal along the road passed right in front of the visitors center and had a boardwalk along it. It was full of wildlife.

Next we stopped at the Shark Valley Visitor Center in Everglades. We had brought our bikes, so were able to ride the 15-mile Shark Valley tram/bike path. The bike trail has a canal on the west side when going south, so the morning light is better for photography here, and there is lots of wildlife. The trail coming north is through the prairie, so the wildlife is more spread out.

The trail is paved, and about 10 ft wide. There are trams that run clockwise on the loop trail, you bike counterclockwise.

You do need to watch out along the trail. You might not want to get close to enjoy this swamp lily. This alligator was snoozing about four feet from the path.

Alligators spend time with and protect their young.

Look at the great big feet on the Purple Galinule, perfect for running around on lily pads.

There is an observation tower at the midpoint of the trip, you can look out over the wetland prairie and hammocks of the Everglades.

We got to Homestead with enough time to go into the eastern entrance to Everglades National Park and walk the Anhinga Trail.