DRIVING GUIDE FOR CANYON COUNTRY
The Canyonlands Natural History Association in Moab published a 48-page driving guide highlighting scenic stops from Moab south to Monument Valley. The book, called "Grand Views of Canyon Country: A Driving Guide," sells for $9.95 and is available at the Moab Information Center in downtown Moab, at the visitors center of sponsor parks or by calling the Canyonlands Natural History Association at 1-800-840-8978, ext. 17. The book's mission is to outline driving routes that you can do in the family sedan. Many of the suggested itineraries may be enjoyed through the windshield of your car. Some require a few short, easy walks. Twenty stops are featured along and near U.S. 191 as far south as Bluff and then U.S. 163 into Monument Valley. The book lists mileage from Moab and the approximate driving time. The upper portion includes stops in Arches National Park, the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, the La Sal Mountains and River Road to Fisher Towers. The portion from Moab to Monument Valley includes stops at Wilson Arch, Needles Overlook, Newspaper Rock, Natural Bridges National Monument and Goosenecks of the San Juan State Park.
Photographs by George J.J. Huey stunningly illustrate the book. Author David Williams weaves geological insights into his narrative.
WILD HORSE SELF-GUIDED TOUR
The Rock Springs, Wyo., Chamber of Commerce has put together a booklet that outlines a 35-mile driving loop north of town that takes you across the Red Desert on what is known as the tri-territorial road. The area is frequented by what is known as the White Mountain herd of wild horses. The area is also known for its Indian petroglyphs. For a free copy of the brochure, call the chamber at 1-307-362-3771 or send an e-mail to rockspringschamber@wyoming">rockspringschamber@wyoming .
NATIONAL PARK PASSES
A National Park Pass allows you unlimited use for one year (from the time of purchase) at 379 National Park Service managed parks, monuments, memorials, historic sites, battlefields, preserves and recreation areas. The pass includes a map detailing locations of all national park areas in the country and a free National Park Foundation GoParks newsletter. More than 80 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the pass benefit national park programs and improvements. Order a pass through an Amfac Parks & Resorts reservation agent by calling 1-307-297-2757, 1-307-433-7311, or visit the Web at www.amfac.com or www.travelyellowstone.com. Other outlets for the passes include AAA, L.L. Bean, Rand McNally and REI.
GIANT PANDAS
Forget the San Diego Zoo or Washington D.C.'s National Zoo. See giant pandas in their natural habitat at the Giant Panda Reserve Research Base in southern China. Japan & Orient Tours is offering 10-day, seven-night independent programs to China that includes stops at Guangzhou, Chendu, Leshan, Emei Shan and Kunming. The cost is $2,098 per person. Fax 1-619-283-3131 or e-mail news@jot.com.
VACATION IN YOUR BACKYARD
Well, not exactly. But if you want to spend time in the Ogden/Weber area, you'll find visitors information on the Web at www.officialtravelinfo.com. This is the official site of the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and it links sites of convention and visitor bureaus and tourist boards around the world. To encourage your visit, the area, a k a the Golden Spike Empire, is sponsoring a contest throughout May for a prize drawing to be held June 2. Entry forms and drawing boxes will be at participating attractions, which include Lagoon, Hill Aerospace Museum, Millstream Classic Car Museum, Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden Nature Center, Treehouse Children's Museum, Union Station Museums, the Eccles Community Art Center, Roy Historical Museum, The Ice Sheet and Weber County DUP Museum & Miles Goodyear Cabin.
HISTORICAL GUIDEBOOKS
Historical guidebooks from the National Park Service are low cost, and you don't have to pay tax. They are available from the online bookstore of the Superintendent of Documents at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/. Among the choices: "Antietam National Battlefield," $4.50; "Boston and the American Revolution," $6; Clara Barton National Historic Site, $7.50; Craters of the Moon National Monument, $3.50; Denali (poster) $7.50; Everglades Wildguide, $8; Gettysburg National Military Park, $5; Grand Teton (poster) $5.50; National Wildlife Refuges, A Visitors Guide, $1.50.
HIGH-TECH CAMPING GEAR
Forget the Flintstones. Some of America's high-tech companies are making camping gear worthy of the Jetsons. For example, the Panasonic "Road Show" is a portable combination TV/VCR/FM radio that can be taken virtually anywhere in the world, including on a camping trip. A remote-control Coleman lantern turns on at the flip of a switch. The eight D-cell battery-powered lantern lasts up to 100 hours. The Vector Wristop Navigator has an altimeter, which calculates ascent and descent rates, a barometer that will warn you of changing weather conditions, and a digital compass. The unit also has a clock. The piece de resistance is the Power Chill TE Thermoelectric Cooler. Its 110-volt AC adapter powers a 40-quart electric cooler. You can also use the cooler as a heater to keep your food at a temperature of up to 125 degrees.
FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE TO PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORT
Request a free copy by calling 1-800-41-RELAX. The booklet includes information about children's programs and activities available at the area's resorts and hotels.
ARIZONARESORT GETS A FACE LIFT
The Ranch On Camelback Mountain, high on the north slope of Camelback Mountain, in Paradise Valley, is closing until Dec. 1 for a dramatic transformation of style, structures and service. All of the existing guest rooms and casitas have been redesigned. Casitas include a wood-burning fireplace and patio balcony with expansive views.
You can reach Kathryn Clayton by e-mail at kclayton@desnews.com