
Amazon.com
A park lover's must-have, the information provided in this behemoth of a book is almost as impressive as the redwoods that grace its cover. With a focus on helping visitors avoid the crowds, National Parks of the American West provides painstakingly researched details on more than 40 national parks, monuments, seashores, and preserves.
Frommer's explains their intent in the introduction: "Our authors have talked to the rangers, hiked the trails, and taken the tours, all the while asking, 'How can our readers avoid the crowds?' In each of following chapters you'll find a section giving you straightforward, practical advice on just how to do this.... We've searched for secluded trails that can be hiked by the average person, scenic drives where you won't get caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and points where, with only a minimum of effort, you'll be afforded spectacular views without feeling as if you're packed into Times Square on New Year's Eve."
There is probably not a question you have that this book doesn't answer: each park listing includes tips from park rangers, ideas especially for kids, excellent maps, entrance fee information, the best driving and walking tours, campground overviews, food and other lodging, contacts for activities and recreation, and interesting sidebars. --Kathryn True
Book Description
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!
From the Publisher
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 readers 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 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 sport for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
From the Back Cover
All the Details on 48 National Parks, Monuments, Preserves, and Seashores The best strategies for seeing the parksso you can make the most of your time and avoid the crowds Complete campground guides, from car-accessible campsites to backcountry spotsplus park lodges, gateway motels, and nearby B&Bs and inns Adventures for everyone: easy day hikes, backpacking trips, wildlife watching, guided mule and horseback rides, rafting trips, sea kayaking, and biking Where to eat and stock up on supplies, both in the parks and in gateway towns Everything you need to know to plan the perfect tripplus detailed maps, advice for families traveling with kids, and more Coverage of each and every park reviewed for accuracy by local National Park Service personnel.
About the Author
Expert authors: Each Frommer's guide is personally researched and thoroughly updated by a single author or a small teamunlike Fodors, which compiles their guides on an assembly line. Our approach gives our guides a fun, personal tone and a real persons judgments you can trust. Lead authors Don and Barbara Laine have written about and traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. They are the authors of Frommers guides to Utah, Colorado, and Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs, as well as Frommers Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks and Frommers Rocky Mountain National Park.