Spacious Skies and Mountain Majesties

SPACIOUS SKIES AND MOUNTAIN MAJESTIES

Many grandparents have told me – we want to take the family to see the best parts of the U.S.A. rather than going overseas and of course, there are some great trips in the West. America’s national parks are utopias of sun-kissed terrain, with hypnotic rock formations and far reaching landscapes. While these outdoor playgrounds have been holiday favorites for decades, amazing new perspectives of these sites keep them distinguished destinations on our travel list. I've pulled together a selection of distinctive ways to experience the shining grandeur of our nation’s parks from sunrise to sunset.

Travel makes a great gift if you are looking for an idea this year.

Utah’s diversity abounds, boasting both arid deserts and thriving forests. Located in the state’s eastern region, Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 sandstone archways carved out naturally by the Colorado River flowing through Arches 76,359 acres. From the park’s historical Wolfe Ranch cabin, set out at dawn for world famous red rock formation, Delicate Arch, its distinctive freestanding shape rising 52 feet into the air. A sunrise hike allows for a peaceful moment to admire this park centerpiece, frequented by many visitors later in the day. Summer temperatures can be high, so its best to do the hiking when it is cool, in the early morning.

Southwest of Arches, you will find Zion National Park, covering 230 square miles. Zion is made green by the 160 miles Virgin River. Photography lovers will find the light over Canyon Overlook Trail wonderful.

Lower Emerald Pools is another excellent trail for photo buffs and families alike, it’s a gentle stroll for children and those carrying equipment.

For animal encounters, Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are wonderlands, each with 60 species of mammal and 300 types of bird. I’ve seen everything from Grey Wolves, to Moose, to Black Bears while on a visit. Grand Teton’s large bison is plentiful, along with antelope.

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of my favorites. After a day of gentle rafting along the Colorado River, or a mule ride down the canyon, visit the park’s museum collection for a cool respite. Admire tools dating 12,000 years ago, ancestral pottery, Havasupai baskets and woven Navajo rugs. I need more Navajo turquoise jewelry like I need a wooden leg but I always see something I can’t resist.

You can take a half day horseback ride, and I’ve visited this park many times in the winter when you can go snow shoeing.

Yosemite national park has four million visitors a year, far more than the other parks. At night, stop at Mariposa Grove to see the mule deer sauntering between the 500 giant sequoias.

I would take a packaged tour. Casual, good value, stress free, and let someone else do the driving. There is a five night trip visiting Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon where you get your accommodation, most meals, daily biking and hiking with trip leaders, van support and a choice of multiple activities. There is a seven night tour of America’s Canyonlands. Go behind the scenes with filmed narratives by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, creators of “The National Parks, America’s Best Idea” who share personal stories of the people who shaped the three national parks, Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion. Trip includes accommodation, many meals, private dinner cruise on Lake Powell, flight to see Rainbow Bridge, float trip on the Colorado River, along with expert guides. The thirteen day Scenic Parks Explorer trip covers Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon National Parks.

This is a wonderful holiday for all ages. Go on our website www.froschvacations.com and dream.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 Direct

www.froschvacations.com