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Altitude sign
Elevation -- 3 feet
The Everglades National Park is barely above sea level. In fact, the highest point in Florida is less than 400 feet in elevation.

Mangrove trees    Mangrove tree roots
Mangrove Trees
Along the waterways of the Everglades are lush growths of mangrove trees. These trees thrive in the brackish water, even when partly submerged. In order to get oxygen, air roots spring up in dense clusters.

Sunset on Florida Bay    Sunset on Florida Bay
On Florida Bay
Florida Bay surrounds the southern tip of Florida and is filled with hundreds of small islands, or keys. The waters here are shallow and rich with marine life. Florida Bay is part of the Everglades National Park.

Alligator at water's edge
Alligator at Water's Edge
Alligators can lay motionless for hours, soaking in the warm rays of the sun. Nonetheless, they are ever vigilant for a mid-day snack.

   
    
 Closeup of an alligator    Pair of alligatorsBird calling   

Shark Valley
Shark Valley is the northern entrance to the Everglades National Park. A  paved path goes in a loop to an observation tower 8 miles away. From the tower, you can see miles of saw grass. When the wind ripples the saw grass, it is truly a sea of grass. You can rent a bicycle to get to the tower (highly recommended).

Along the road to the observation tower, you will pass hundreds of birds and dozens of alligators. Sometimes the alligators are actually on the path itself. There are numerous posted warnings to stay 15 feet away from them, but it is hard to resist walking up close to them and photographing these amazing prehistoric-like creatures.


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