Fodor's the Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West - 9780804142021

Majestic mountains, towering redwoods, and river-carved canyons---a visit to the national parks of the West is a rite of passage. This full-color guide is the planning tool for a perfect parks trip. It includes 36 of America’s best-loved parks, like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone; the nation’s newest park, Pinnacles, designated in January 2013; and coverage of Banff and Jasper, two draws in the Canadian Rockies.

NEW THIS EDITION: The National Parks of the West have drawn millions of visitors and captured the American imagination since the very first park, Yellowstone, was designated in 1872. The new edition of Fodor’s National Parks of the West will include a new chapter on the best of Pinnacles National Park, which President Obama designated in early 2013. It is the first new national park in over 8 years. Completely revised road trip itineraries will take the guesswork out of planning the perfect parks trip, with advice on how long to stay at each park, which parks to string together, and driving distances.
ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Rich full-color features help travelers make the most of top experiences, from white-water rafting on the Colorado River and understanding Yellowstone's geothermal features to choosing a historic lodge and stargazing. The illustrated field guides to wildlife and geology make identification a snap.
ESSENTIAL TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS: A must for summer travel, this book is not only indispensible on the ground; it also makes choosing a park simple. Thirty-six western U.S. national parks and two Canadian parks are divided by state in the What's Where section so it's easy to decide which parks to see together. The Best of the National Parks section breaks down the parks by themes, such as parks for day trippers, for spotting wildlife, and for inspiration. The Outdoor Adventures section lists the best parks for hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and camping. Everything needed to plan a visit is here, from information on discount park passes and what to pack to tips for families and photographers. Each park has a convenient overview with highlights and practical advice for getting around, plus information on activities, dining, and lodging in and around the park.
DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS: Fodor's National Park of the West offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help park visitors make the most of their trip. Fodor's Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to activities, while "Word of Mouth" quotes from fellow travelers provide valuable park insights.
ABOUT FODOR’S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts.