Weighing in at over a pound and just shy of 500 pages, the eighth addition of National Geographic’s Guide to the National Parks of the United States is now available.
I love the books National Geographic publishes. This one is no exception – filled with 220 inspiring colour images, 80 full colour maps and enough practical information that you can plan your trip from home. It’s been completely redesigned and updated since the last version. Over 1.25 million copies of the book have been sold since the first version came out in 1989.
The book is broken into sections based on geography: East, Midwest, South Central, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, Pacific Southwest, Pacific Northwest and Alaska. A two page colour spread provides a visual introduction to every region.
Each of the 59 national parks, including the newest one – Pinnacles National Park – comes with the following information: date the park was established, size of the park in acres, synopsis of the park, how to visit (and engaging suggestions if you have only one day or two days…) specific highlights within each park, hikes and activities, information on how to get there, the best time to go, dates the visitor centres are open and camping and lodging options. Each park is thoroughly covered so the only decision you’ll have to make is which park you’d like to visit – a very tough decision if you can only pick one!
It’s great to have all the information in book form; flipping between national parks and dreaming about where you want to go is easier than on a computer screen – at least in my humble opinion. This is a book you’ll return to again and again as its truly an impressive resource.
You can purchase a copy of the book for $US28 or $Cdn 36 here OR you can enter my giveaway.
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States Giveaway
If you’d like to be win a copy of this book, please leave a comment and tell me what national park in the United States you’d most like to visit. The contest is open until 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 16th, 2016. I’ll randomly choose a winner on Thursday morning and notify via email.
***Vicki is the winner of the book. Thanks to all who entered.***
Leigh McAdam
Author of Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures
HikeBikeTravel
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I believe I have been to every US National Park in the lower 48, except Glacier. That is the one park I still want to go to–and then tackle the Alaska ones.
I’d love to go back to Yosemite! I visited last April for a few days but we had a spring snowstorm while we were there and weren’t able to see as much of the park as I would have liked. I want to go back in late summer or early fall to go backpacking (and maybe even to hike Half Dome!)
@Taryn I’ve been there – also in an early December snowstorm. Would also love to do that Half Dome hike.
I’d love to visit Yosemite… And so many others. My favorites are the Utah parks, but I was surprised by and enjoyed Mesa Verde last year. Wasn’t on my original list, but glad I went. :)
There are so many parks that I want to visit but especially I have always wanted to visit Yellowstone.
My favourites so far have been where there is that colorful red slick rock in Utah such as Bryce, Arches, Zion, Canyonlands. I have seen photos of Capitol Reef but have not set foot there yet, so that’s where I would pick to go.
Channel Islands, California OR Pinnacles
Would be awesome!
Channel Islands, California OR pinnacles
@Margaret John and I were just talking about the Channel Islands and I was saying how much we’d like to visit – but as an overnight camping trip.
Really, only $28 US for a book with so much good info?! That’s a pretty good deal for a travel book of any sort, let alone one so comprehensive. I Still, it’s be nice to win one. . . . I’ve been to a lot of the national parks, but there are more I’d like to get to and I’d like to return to most of the ones I’ve already seen! Still, there is on at the top of my life list, and that is Dry Totugas — because it is tropical, because it has historic structures, because it looks beautiful, and because it is pretty inaccessible! The perfect visit would be via sailboat so we could overnight there! Now I just need to convince some of my sailing friends that this would be a great vacation for them too.
@Cindy As I went through the book I kicked myself for missing my opportunity to visit Dry Tortuga when I was in Key West a year ago. It’s a book that gets you thinking about where you want to go – and have to say Guadalupe NP in Texas is now on my radar in the fall.
I agree with some of the above commentors… Yosemite would be amazing. I’m going to strike the Grand Canyon off my list in 2 weeks! So excited! Can’t wait to see the stars over the vast expanse.
@Josh I love the Grand Canyon – and can highly recommend the Rim to Rim to Rim hike – especially with a stay at Phantom Ranch.
Acadia National Park
My husband & I went and had a picnic (provided by a lovely place in Bar Harbour) on the rocks alongside the ocean while watching a whale spout in the distance… That was almost 24 years ago and would love to go back for our 25th anniversary :)
Great contest! I yearn to visit Glacier NP.
By the way, the Auto Club (AAA) issued a new commemorative map of Yosemite in February.
@Vicki You will love Glacier NP!
I’ve been told Arches National Park is great for families, so I’d love to visit there with mine.
@Summer It’s one of my favourite parks – and a great place to spend a night camping under the stars.
My favourite is Acadia Nat’l Park in Maine – great hiking and cycling on the carriage roads. I look forward to my yearly visit!
@Diane It’s one of the national parks I’ve never visited – though I’m sure I’d love it.
I especially love the national parks of the American West, and I love to travel vicariously while reading books about our parks.
@Dona And this book is filled with great ideas!
I would like to visit Arches National Park.
@Lauren Great choice.
I’m thrilled-Thank you so much!
I would so love a copy…exploring National Parks so high on my priority list….