From Delicate Arch to the Zion Narrows, Utah's five national parks and eight national monuments are home to some of America's most amazing scenic treasures, created over long expanses of geologic time. In Wonders of Sand and Stone, Frederick H. Swanson traces the recent human story behind the creation of these places as part of a protected mini-empire of public lands. Drawing on extensive historical research, Swanson presents little-known accounts of people who saw in these sculptured landscapes something worth protecting. Readers are introduced to the region's early explorers, scientists, artists, and travelers as well as the local residents and tourism promoters who worked with the National Park Service to build the system of parks and monuments we know today, when Utah's national parks and monuments face multiple challenges from increased human use and from development outside their borders. As scientists continue to uncover the astonishing diversity of life in these desert and mountain landscapes, and archaeologists and Native Americans document their rich cultural resources, the management of these federal lands remains critically important. Swanson provides us with a detailed and timely background to advance and inform discussions about what form that management should take.

Traversing six national parks, a national recreation area, a national monument, and various wilderness study areas, the Hayduke Trail is a challenging, 800-mile backcountry route on the Colorado Plateau. This guide book is designed for experienced desert trekkers seeking a thorough-hiking experience on a well-tested route.

The seven most amazing national parks within the Southwest United States are covered in full within these pages; from what to do, where to stay, and dining options, both inside the parks and nearby. All surrounding national monuments and state parks are also described in detail. This book is packed with maps, pictures, tips, stories, and fun!

An essential field guide to wildflowers of the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah. This book contains color photographs with the common and scientific names of 209 plants. Line drawings of 83 of these plants aid in identification.

Takes the reader on a journey back in time to discover the Green River as it once was

**A New York Times Bestseller!** Based on the wildly popular Instagram account, Subpar Parks features both the greatest hits and brand-new content, all celebrating the incredible beauty and variety of America’s national parks juxtaposed with the clueless and hilarious one-star reviews posted by visitors. Subpar Parks, both on the popular Instagram page and in this humorous, informative, and collectible book, combines two things that seem like they might not work together yet somehow harmonize perfectly: beautiful illustrations and informative, amusing text celebrating each national park paired with the one-star reviews disappointed tourists have left online. Millions of visitors each year enjoy Glacier National Park, but for one visitor, it was simply "Too cold for me!" Another saw the mind-boggling vistas of Bryce Canyon as "Too spiky!" Never mind the person who visited the thermal pools at Yellowstone National Park and left thinking, “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home.” Featuring more than 50 percent new material, the book will include more depth and insight into the most popular parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia National Parks; anecdotes and tips from rangers; and much more about author Amber Share's personal love and connection to the outdoors. Equal parts humor and love for the national parks and the great outdoors, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves to spend time outside as well as have a good read (and laugh) once they come indoors.

From the powdery peaks of Mount Ogden to the dramatic formations of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, from the striking Red Mountains and the austere San Rafael Desert to the cool waters of Glen Canyon Recreation Area, photographers Mulligan and Trimble present beautifully the diverse landscapes and cityscapes of Utah in all seasons.