Frommer's^? National Parks of the American West, 6th Edition

by Don Laine; Barbara Laine; With: Jack Olson; With: Eric Peterson; With: Shane Christensen

• ISBN13: 9780470185643
• ISBN10: 0470185643
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-05-01
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

More than 65 million people visit the national parks annually-and overcrowding has become a serious problem. So we sent our authors out to hit the trails and campsites to figure out how to beat the crowds and enjoy an unspoiled experience of nature. Our authors take you to the most spectacular landscapes in the western U.S. and provide advice for every kind of park visitor, from the day-tripper who wants to see the highlights quickly to the back-country camper to the families traveling with kids. This incredibly detailed, complete guide covers every kind of activity available in each park, from hiking to bird watching, with a range of sports for visitors of all ages and skill levels. "Frommer's National Parks of the American West also includes reviews of park lodges, camping, and nearby accommodations to help you plan all aspects of your trip. Exact prices are listed for every establishment and activity. No other guide offers such detailed, candid reviews...or such honest advice. Complete with maps of every park (including detailed maps of hiking trails in the major parks), plus a stunning 16-page full-color photo insert!

Author Biography

Residents of northern New Mexico since 1970, Don and Barbara Laine have traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, spending as much time as possible in the outdoors. They have written Frommer’s guides to Utah, Colorado, and Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. The Laines have also authored Little-Known Southwest and Best Short Hikes in Arizona for The Mountaineers; and The New Mexico Guide for Fulcrum Publishing.

A Denver-based freelance writer, Eric Peterson has contributed to numerous Frommer’s guides covering the American West, and written Frommer's Montana & Wyoming, Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Ramble: A Field Guide to the USA (www.speckpress.com). Peterson also writes about travel and other topics for such publications as ColoradoBiz, United Hemispheres, Delta Sky, and the New York Daily News. In his free time, he's an avid camper and hiker, a lifelong Broncos fan, and part-time rock star (at least in the eyes of his niece Olivia).

Jack Olson, a longtime resident of Denver, wanders the Rockies and the entire country as a freelance photographer and writer. He writes travel articles and supplies photographs for AAA magazines, and his photos can be seen in such publications as Backpacker, Audubon, Sierra, and National Geographic Books.

Shane Christensen, a California native, has written extensively about the United States, South America, and Western Europe for the Berkeley Guides, Fodor’s, and the Wall Street Journal. He is also a coauthor of Frommer’s South America and Frommer’s Argentina & Chile.

Table of Contents

List of Maps	p. xii
Planning Your Trip to the National Parks of the American West	p. 1
Planning a Trip Online	p. 2
The Parks Without the Crowds: Some General Tips	p. 2
Information	p. 2
Planning a National Park Itinerary	p. 3
The Southwest Circle	p. 3
The Grand Circle	p. 4
Visitor Centers	p. 5
Fees & Permits	p. 5
North to Alaska!	p. 6
Getting a Campsite	p. 7
Maps	p. 7
Tips for RVers	p. 7
So You Like a Mystery?	p. 8
Tips for Traveling with Kids	p. 8
Tips for Travelers with Disabilities	p. 8
Special Tip for Pet Owners	p. 9
Tips for Travelers with Pets	p. 9
Health & Safety	p. 9
Hiking Tips	p. 10
Planning a Backcountry Trip	p. 10
Protecting the Environment	p. 10
Arches National Park	p. 11
Essentials	p. 11
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 12
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 14
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 14
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 15
Park Attractions	p. 15
Day Hikes	p. 15
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 17
Other Sports & Activities	p. 17
Camping	p. 18
Where to Stay	p. 19
Where to Dine	p. 22
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 23
Nearby Attractions	p. 23
Badlands National Park	p. 24
Essentials	p. 25
Tips from the Chief of Interpretation	p. 25
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 27
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 28
Day Hikes	p. 28
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 29
Other Sports & Activities	p. 30
Camping	p. 30
Where to Stay	p. 30
The Famous Wall Drug Store	p. 31
Where to Dine	p. 31
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 31
Nearby Attractions	p. 31
Big Bend National Park	p. 32
Essentials	p. 32
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 34
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 35
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 35
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 36
Park Attractions	p. 36
Keeping the Wild in Wildlife, or How to Avoid an Unpleasant Encounter	p. 37
Day Hikes	p. 38
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 39
Other Sports & Activities	p. 39
Camping	p. 41
Where to Stay	p. 42
Where to Dine	p. 43
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 44
Nearby Attractions	p. 44
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park	p. 46
Essentials	p. 46
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 48
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 48
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 48
Day Hikes	p. 48
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 49
Other Sports & Activities	p. 49
Camping	p. 50
Where to Stay	p. 50
Where to Dine	p. 51
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 51
The Black Hills: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument & Custer State Park	p. 52
Essentials	p. 53
Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial	p. 54
Tips from the Park Superintendent	p. 55
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 56
Visiting Custer State Park	p. 57
Crazy Horse Memorial	p. 57
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 58
Visiting Wind Cave National Park	p. 58
Tips from an Insider	p. 60
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 61
Deadwood: The Wildest & Woolliest Town in the West	p. 62
Visiting Jewel Cave National Monument	p. 63
Tips from the Chief of Interpretation	p. 63
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 64
Guided Tours	p. 65
Other Sports & Activities	p. 65
Camping	p. 66
Where to Stay	p. 69
Where to Dine	p. 70
Bryce Canyon National Park & Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument	p. 72
Essentials	p. 72
Tips from a Park Insider	p. 74
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 75
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 76
Exploring the Park by Shuttle	p. 76
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 77
Park Attractions	p. 77
Day Hikes	p. 77
The Best of Two Great Trails	p. 78
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 79
Other Sports & Activities	p. 79
Camping	p. 80
Where to Stay	p. 81
Where to Dine	p. 83
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 84
Nearby Attractions	p. 84
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument	p. 85
Canyonlands National Park	p. 88
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 90
Essentials	p. 90
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 91
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 92
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 92
Park Attractions	p. 92
Day Hikes	p. 92
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 94
Other Sports & Activities	p. 94
Camping	p. 97
Accommodations, Dining & Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 97
Capitol Reef National Park	p. 98
Essentials	p. 98
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 100
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 101
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 101
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 102
Park Attractions	p. 102
Day Hikes	p. 102
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 104
Other Sports & Activities	p. 104
Especially for Kids	p. 105
Camping	p. 105
Where to Stay	p. 105
Where to Dine	p. 107
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 108
Carlsbad Caverns National Park	p. 109
Tips from an Insider	p. 110
Essentials	p. 110
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 112
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 112
Park Attractions	p. 112
Cave Exploration	p. 112
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 113
Other Sports & Activities	p. 114
Especially for Kids	p. 115
Camping	p. 115
Where to Stay	p. 116
Where to Dine	p. 117
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 117
Nearby Attractions	p. 117
Channel Islands National Park	p. 118
Essentials	p. 119
Exploring the Islands	p. 120
Which Island Should You Visit?	p. 121
The Extra Mile: Exploring the Coastline & Waters off the Channel Islands	p. 128
Where to Stay in Ventura	p. 129
Where to Dine in Ventura	p. 129
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 130
Crater Lake National Park	p. 131
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 132
Essentials	p. 133
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 134
Park Attractions	p. 134
Day Hikes	p. 134
The Crater Lake Rim Drive	p. 135
Other Summer Sports & Activities	p. 136
Winter Sports & Activities	p. 137
Camping	p. 137
Where to Stay & Dine	p. 138
Death Valley National Park & Mojave National Preserve	p. 140
Essentials	p. 142
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 143
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 144
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 144
Park Attractions	p. 145
Day Hikes	p. 145
Other Sports & Activities	p. 147
Camping	p. 147
Where to Stay	p. 148
Where to Dine	p. 149
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 150
A Nearby Desert Wonderland: Mojave National Preserve	p. 150
Especially for Kids	p. 154
Devils Tower National Monument	p. 155
Tips from a Park Insider	p. 157
Essentials	p. 157
Climbing the Tower	p. 157
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 158
Day Hikes	p. 158
Camping	p. 158
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 159
Where to Stay & Dine	p. 159
Glacier National Park & Waterton Lakes National Park	p. 160
Essentials	p. 160
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 162
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 163
Picnicking Tips	p. 163
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 164
Photo Tips	p. 165
Day Hikes	p. 165
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 166
Other Summer Sports & Activities	p. 168
Winter Sports & Activities	p. 168
Camping	p. 169
Where to Stay	p. 171
Where to Dine	p. 175
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 176
A Side Trip to Waterton Lakes National Park	p. 177
Grand Canyon National Park	p. 179
Essentials	p. 180
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 183
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 184
Exploring the Park by Shuttle	p. 186
Organized Tours & Ranger Program	p. 187
Protecting the Environment	p. 187
Park Attractions	p. 188
Day Hikes	p. 188
Other Sports & Activities	p. 191
Camping	p. 193
Where to Stay	p. 194
Where to Dine	p. 201
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 205
Grand Teton National Park	p. 206
Essentials	p. 207
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 210
Exploring the Park	p. 211
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 214
Day Hikes	p. 214
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 216
Other Summer Sports & Activities	p. 217
Winter Sports & Activities	p. 219
Camping	p. 219
Where to Stay	p. 220
Where to Dine	p. 224
Nearby Attractions	p. 227
Great Basin National Park	p. 228
Essentials	p. 228
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 230
Tips from a Park Insider	p. 230
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 231
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 231
Park Attractions	p. 231
Day Hikes	p. 231
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 233
Other Sports & Activities	p. 233
Especially for Kids	p. 233
Camping	p. 234
Where to Stay	p. 234
Where to Dine	p. 235
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 235
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve	p. 236
Essentials	p. 236
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 238
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 238
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 238
Day Hikes	p. 239
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 239
Other Sports & Activities	p. 239
Camping	p. 240
Where to Stay & Dine	p. 240
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 240
Guadalupe Mountains National Park	p. 241
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 242
Essentials	p. 242
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 244
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 244
Park Attractions	p. 244
Day Hikes	p. 245
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 247
Other Sports & Activities	p. 247
Camping	p. 247
Where to Stay & Dine	p. 248
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 248
Nearby Attractions	p. 248
Joshua Tree National Park	p. 249
Essentials	p. 251
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 252
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 253
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 253
Park Attractions	p. 254
Day Hikes	p. 254
Other Sports & Activities	p. 256
Especially for Kids	p. 257
Camping	p. 257
Where to Stay	p. 257
Where to Dine	p. 259
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 260
Lassen Volcanic National Park	p. 261
Essentials	p. 262
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 262
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 264
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 264
Day Hikes	p. 264
Other Sports & Activities	p. 265
Camping	p. 265
Where to Stay	p. 266
Where to Dine	p. 267
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 268
Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Chaco & Other Archaeological Sites of the Four Corners Region	p. 269
What's in a Name?	p. 270
Essentials	p. 270
Keeping Fido Safe & Happy	p. 271
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 272
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 272
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 272
Day Hikes	p. 273
Camping	p. 274
Where to Stay	p. 274
Where to Dine	p. 275
Kokopelli: Casanova or Traveling Salesman?	p. 276
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 276
Nearby National Monuments & Archaeological Sites	p. 277
Mount Rainier National Park	p. 281
Essentials	p. 284
The 2006 Flood	p. 284
Exploring the Park	p. 285
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 285
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 286
Day Hikes	p. 286
Other Summer Sports & Activities	p. 290
Winter Sports & Activities	p. 291
Camping	p. 292
Where to Stay	p. 293
Where to Dine	p. 295
North Cascades National Park	p. 297
Essentials	p. 297
10 Essential Items	p. 300
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 301
Exploring the Park	p. 301
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 302
Day Hikes	p. 303
Other Sports & Activities	p. 305
Camping	p. 307
Where to Stay	p. 308
Where to Dine	p. 309
Olympic National Park	p. 311
Essentials	p. 314
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 315
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 316
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 317
Park Attractions	p. 317
Day Hikes	p. 317
Other Sports & Activities	p. 321
Camping	p. 321
Where to Stay	p. 323
Where to Dine	p. 325
Petrified Forest National Park	p. 327
Essentials	p. 327
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 328
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 330
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 331
Park Attractions	p. 331
Day Hikes	p. 331
Camping	p. 332
Where to Stay	p. 332
Where to Dine	p. 333
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 333
Point Reyes National Seashore	p. 334
Essentials	p. 334
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 336
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 337
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 337
Park Attractions	p. 337
Day Hikes	p. 338
Beaches	p. 338
Other Sports & Activities	p. 339
Camping	p. 339
Where to Stay	p. 340
Where to Dine	p. 341
Redwood National & State Parks	p. 342
Essentials	p. 342
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 343
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 345
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 346
Day Hikes	p. 346
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 347
Other Sports & Activities	p. 347
Camping	p. 348
Where to Stay	p. 349
Where to Dine	p. 350
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 350
Rocky Mountain National Park	p. 351
Essentials	p. 351
Tips from a Park Insider	p. 352
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 355
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 355
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 356
Park Attractions	p. 356
Day Hikes	p. 356
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 358
Other Sports & Activities	p. 358
Especially for Kids	p. 359
Camping	p. 360
Where to Stay	p. 362
Where to Dine	p. 365
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 366
Saguaro National Park	p. 367
Essentials	p. 367
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 368
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 370
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 370
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 371
Park Attractions	p. 371
Day Hikes	p. 371
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 372
Other Sports & Activities	p. 372
Especially for Kids	p. 373
Camping	p. 373
Where to Stay	p. 374
Where to Dine	p. 375
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 376
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	p. 377
Essentials	p. 377
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 380
Exploring the Park	p. 381
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 383
Day Hikes	p. 383
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 387
Especially for Kids	p. 388
Other Sports & Activities	p. 388
A Nearby National Monument	p. 389
Camping	p. 389
Where to Stay	p. 392
Where to Dine	p. 395
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 397
Theodore Roosevelt National Park	p. 398
Tips from the Chief of Interpretation	p. 398
Essentials	p. 400
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 401
Exploring the Park by Car	p. 401
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 403
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 403
Park Attractions	p. 403
Day Hikes	p. 404
Horseback Riding	p. 404
Camping	p. 405
Where to Stay & Dine	p. 405
Yellowstone National Park & Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument	p. 407
Essentials	p. 410
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 412
Exploring the Park	p. 412
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 418
Day Hikes	p. 419
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 421
Other Summer Sports & Activities	p. 423
Winter Sports & Activities	p. 424
Camping	p. 425
Where to Stay	p. 425
Where to Dine	p. 431
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 434
A Side Trip: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument	p. 434
Yosemite National Park	p. 437
Essentials	p. 437
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 440
Exploring the Park	p. 441
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs	p. 445
Day Hikes	p. 446
Overnight Hikes	p. 450
Other Sports & Activities	p. 450
Camping	p. 451
Where to Stay	p. 455
Where to Dine	p. 460
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 463
Zion National Park & Cedar Breaks National Monument	p. 465
Essentials	p. 468
Tips from a Park Ranger	p. 469
If You Have Only 1 Day	p. 470
Exploring the Park	p. 470
Ranger Programs	p. 471
Park Attractions	p. 472
Day Hikes	p. 472
Exploring the Backcountry	p. 473
Other Sports & Activities	p. 474
Camping	p. 475
Where to Stay	p. 475
Where to Dine	p. 478
Picnic & Camping Supplies	p. 480
Nearby Entertainment	p. 480
Cedar Breaks National Monument	p. 480
The Summer Wildflowers of Cedar Breaks	p. 482
A Field Guide	p. 483
Canyon Country	p. 483
The Rockies	p. 484
The Sierra Nevada	p. 486
Olympic & Sequoia National Parks	p. 487
Useful Toll-Free Numbers & Websites	p. 490
Index	p. 493
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.