Based on the 506-page full guide to the great American national parks, how to avoid the crowds, walking tours, facilities and how to get there, this edition focuses on the major parks of the Southwest: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah & Nevada. It includes information on accommodations and dining, camping and tours. Included are Arches, Bandelier, Big bend, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bryce Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Carlsbad Caverns, Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Great Basin, Great Sand Dunes, Lake Mead, Mesa Verde, Petrified Forest, Rocky Mountain National park, Saguaro, White Sands, & Zion National Park. Unlike other guides, this explains in detail how to tour the parks: how much time to allow, how to avoid the crowds, what each place is really like, what you can safely skip and what you must not miss. It offers advice on planning if you have only a few hours, or if you have a few days to explore. Complete directions on getting to and from the parks are included, as well as how to get around once you're there, whether you want to tour independently or prefer to join a group excursion. It also profiles places to stay and eat in and near each park, with options to suit all budgets. Maps show each park's features, along with all surrounding access routes. Are you wondering when to visit? The author tells all about the climate and the crowds (or lack of them) in all seasons and recommends the ideal times to explore our nation's treasures. A unique section, Suggested Trips, contains customized itineraries, describing ways to combine visits to one or more parks with tours of nearby attractions. These routes are designed to last from four to 10 days and include complete directions and recommended places to stay each night. Describes the parks in depth, giving advice on planning your time - vital when it comes to setting priorities. Invaluable. -- Physician's Travel & Meeting Guide Maps are shown for every park. The print edition of the full book is 506 pages. This is a straight-talking author who reminds me of a smart, blunt friend... no pussyfooting around. -- The Armchair Traveler, Daily Herald Although it does not include every site administered by the NPS, this book is very thorough in its treatment of the parks it covers. The author also describes 13 suggested driving trips of five to 12 days each, incorporating nearby attractions. Includes detailed information on accommodations/campgrounds, activities available in each park, handy tips and tidbits, maps and photos. A great travel reference book! -- Amazon customer Touring America's national parks has become a pastime for me. I've been from Acadia to the North Cascades to the Grand Canyon and this book is an excellent reference. With an emphasis on traveling via automobile, it also has several suggested hiking trips in each park as well as other points of interest. They say that most people never get more than 100 feet from their cars in parks. Well, this is the book to help get you there, and point out the best routes outside of your car. It covers more territory than anyone could possibly see in a lifetime...but it's sure fun to try. -- Amazon customer
