Alligators of Loop Trail in Florida's Everglades

January 17, 2009

This travellog covers the day we toured Loop Trail in Everglades National Park while camping in Monument Lake National Park Campground.

We were camping in Monument Lake National Park Campground $8 with my NP "geezer-pass". The campground features a gravel road and grass sites with NO utilities, not even water or a central dump. It is nothing more than a camping spot in paradise.

Today we are taking a scenic drive on Loop Road in Everglades National Park. Loop Road. Loop Road is located on the south side of US 41 less than one-mile east of Monument Lake National Park Campground. Look for SR 94 or CR 94 that turns south off US 41 at Monroe Station.

Use good judgment when on Loop Road. It is not well maintained. Sometimes it is months between grading. If you find it getting BAD turn around and return to US 41. Do not think that it will get better.............it won't. Not only will it not get better it is a LONG way to get back to US 41 on Loop Road if you are only doing around 5-mph. During the wet season (Summer) water flows across Loop Road but it is generally dry during the winter.

Great egret trying hard to get this fish down while watching an approaching alligator

This great egret was in a hurry to get this fish swallowed because a large alligator was sneaking up on him in attempt to get a two-for-one lunch.

Alligator on Loop Trail in the Florida Everglades looking for an easy meal

This alligator was trying to sneak up on the egret and steal his fish.

Trying is all that this alligator accomplished.

The egret was keeping a sharp eye on the gator and staying out of reach. We watched thinking that we would see some excitement but it did not happen.

Large alligator near Loop Road Scenic Drive in Florida's Everglades

Joyce took these alligator pictures from the window of our Saturn. These monsters were sunning next to Loop Road a major scenic drive through Everglades National Park.

Large alligator laying beside Loop Road in Everglades National Park

It is thrilling to drive up beside alligators this size.

Loop Road alligator in Everglades National Park Florida

Alligators like this one are a dime a dozen on Loop Road scenic drive.

Sunning alligator along Loop Road in Everglades National Park Florida

This is another alligator picture that Joyce took out the Saturn window.

Large alligators of Everglades National Park Florida

These bad boys seem to be getting along just fine and that is a good thing.

We have been taking a scenic drive on Loop Road in Everglades National Park. Loop Road is located on the south side of US 41 less than one-mile east of Monument Lake National Park Campground. Look for SR 94 or CR 94 that turns south off US 41 at Monroe Station. Use good judgment when on Loop Road. It is not well maintained. Sometimes it is months between grading. If you find it getting BAD turn around and return to US 41. Do not think that it will get better.............it won't. Not only will it not get better it is a LONG way to get back to US 41 on Loop Road if you are only doing around 5-mph. During the wet season (Summer) water flows across Loop Road but it is generally dry during the winter.