Sculpted into graceful contours by countless centuries of wind and water, the Great Sand Dunes sprawl along the eastern fringes of the vast San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. Covering an area of nearly thirty square miles, they are the tallest aeolian, or wind-produced, dunes in North America, towering 750 feet above the valley floor. With the addition of the enormous Baca Ranch and other adjacent lands, the dunes - originally designated as a National Monument in 1932 - attained official National Park status in 2004. In Sea of Sand, Michael M. Geary guides readers on a historical journey through this unique ecosystem, which includes an array of natural and cultural wonders, from the main dunefield and verdant wetlands to the summits of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Described by explorer Zebulon Pike as ""a sea in a storm"" and by frontier photographer William Henry Jackson as ""a curious and very singular phase of nature's freak,"" the Great Sand Dunes are a nexus of more than 10,000 years of human history, from Paleolithic big-game hunters to nomadic Native Americans, from Spanish conquistadores and transcontinental explorers to hard-rock miners and modern-day tourists in motor homes. Like these successive waves of visitors, Sea of Sand follows the water, analyzing its critical role in the settlement and development of the region. Geary also describes the profound impact that waves of human use and settlement have had on the land - which ultimately inspired the early grassroots efforts by San Luis Valley citizens to protect the dunes from further exploitation. He examines as well the more recent legislative effort led by an unprecedented coalition of local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service, to secure the Great Sand Dunes' national park designation. Amply illustrated, Sea of Sand is the definitive history of the natural, cultural, and political forces that helped shape this incomparable landscape.

This up-to-date guidebook is just the ticket for campers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, birdwatchers, nature photographers, and folks who just like to enjoy the outdoors. It offers all the details to every state and national park, recreation area, national forest, and historical park in Texas. Where appropriate, maps are provided to identify specific campsites within the larger parks, and "at a glance" charts provide a quick and easy way to determine the extent of such amenities as showers, flush toilets, electricity, etc. The unique features of each park or campground are described, as well as the recreation available, be it boating or bird watching. Whether it's for a Saturday getaway or a two-week vacation, this handy book is a great guide to outdoor fun in Texas.

Featuring key campground features, facilities, and activities, this guide's 130+ maps take you right where you want to go. This is the most complete, map-packed, best-organized camping guide you can own.

Better than dry matches on a rainy night, this new edition locates and describes hundreds of marvelous camping opportunities and recreational activities. Featuring key campground eatures, facilities, and activities, this guide's 160 + maps take you right where you want to go. This edition is packed with maps and information on 87 state and national parks, lakes, beaches, forests, and recreation areas.

After forming an intense bond with Natasha, a wolf cub she raised as part of her undergraduate research, Renee Askins was inspired to found the Wolf Fund. As head of this grassroots organization, she made it her goal to restore wolves to Yellowstone National Park, where they had been eradicated by man over seventy years before. Here, Askins" "recounts her courageous fifteen-year campaign, wrangling along the way with Western ranchers and their political allies in Washington, enduring death threats, and surviving the anguish of illegal wolf slayings to ensure that her dream of restoring Yellowstone's ecological balance would one day be realized. Told in powerful, first-person narrative, Shadow Mountain" "is the awe-inspiring story of her mission and her impassioned meditation on our connection to the wild.

A superb souvenir of this exotic terrain, Big Bend Vistas takes you on five journeys that begin at Panther Junction and travel to Study Butte; then on to the Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon, Boquillas Canyon, and finally to Persimmon Gap. Easy to read and understand, Big Bend Vistas describes how volcanoes millions of years ago created some of the most striking scenery in Texas. The author includes vivid photographs, maps, and diagrams that explain the landscape and geology of Big Bend National Park in layman's terms. This is the third edition of Big Bend Vistas in the acclaimed "Vista" series dedicated to making Texas geology interesting for everyone.

Beyond the bright lights of one of the city's fastest growing metropolitan areas is some of the most rugged, beautiful, and remote country around. Popular destinations such as Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, and Mt. Charles are covered, plus lesser-known areas such as Anniversary Narrows, Arrow Canyon, Bowl of Fire, and the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness. Each trip showcases the diversity of this region, from the geological wonders and rare life forms surviving in Mojave National Preserve to ancient petroglyphs. The hikes range from easy strolls to challenging treks and include distance, time, elevation change, difficulty, and trail-use notes. A custom map accompanies every description, and GPS waypoints are given for key locations.

Discover 50 of the state's best campgrounds for car campers with the guide that offers essential details and easy-to-read maps. The Centennial State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy or the best lakeside views? Monica Parpal Stockbridge traversed the state-from the historic Mesa Verde National Park to the bird watcher's paradise at Pawnee National Grassland-and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! Best Tent Camping: Colorado presents 50 campgrounds in national parks, state parks, and some of the most enchanting places in the state, organized into five distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal. Every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness-so you'll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Colorado. It's a keeper for all who wish to find those special locales that offer a true connection with nature.

Lace up your boots and sample more than 450 miles of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Veteran hiker Kent Dannen introduces you to memorable trails highlighting the natural splendor of the Rockies. Each hike description includes detailed information on trail access, best times for hiking, and points of interest along the way. This new edition is fully updated and revised, with special sections on what to wear, carry, and eat and invaluable advice on wilderness ethics and safety. Its smaller size and package, complete with illustrations, makes this guide an indispensable companion to hiking and backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

From the chic pools of Palm Springs to the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, soak up the California sunshine with Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs. Inside you'll find: * Flexible itineraries, like relaxing weekends in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley and the week-long best of Joshua Tree National Park, including day trips to the Salton Sea and Idyllwild * Strategic advice for outdoor adventurers, spa-seekers, poolside loungers, and more * The best hikes in Joshua Tree and the Palm Springs area marked with mileage, duration, difficulty level, and elevation gain, plus trailheads and detailed directions * Top activities and unique experiences: Discover hidden waterfalls, fan palm oases, and stunning canyons on a hike through Joshua Tree, or trek part of the Pacific Crest Trail on a day trip to the Sand to Snow National Monument. Try a rejuvenating sound bath or soak in serene hot springs. Admire mid-century architecture and sip retro-chic cocktails in Rat-Pack-era hangouts and sample the best of the party scene, from poolside resorts to wild west saloons * Insider advice from SoCal local Jenna Blough on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around, including how to get to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs from Los Angeles * Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs * Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout * Background information on the landscape, history, and culture, plus tips for families, seniors, LGBTQ travelers, and visitors with disabilities Experience the best of the desert with Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs. Exploring California's national parks? Check out Moon Death Valley National Park or Moon Sequoia & Kings Canyon. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell-and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Called "America in Miniature" by National Geographic editor Gilbert Grosvenor, Maryland packs an extraordinary amount of natural diversity into a relatively small area. With the Atlantic Ocean in the east, Allegheny Mountains in the west, and the country's largest estuary--the Chesapeake Bay--splitting the state down the middle, any outdoors enthusiast finds a happy home in Maryland. Splitting the state into three distinct geographical regions--Western Maryland, Central Maryland, and Southern Maryland/Eastern Shore--Best Tent Camping: Maryland, by Evan Balkan, will guide campers to 50 of the best campgrounds the state has to offer. Within these 50 profiles are campgrounds with every imaginable facility, as well as primitive campsites far from population centers and everything in between. For camping in Maryland, this is an indispensable guide.

The classic guide to Montana's gorgeous campgrounds, now completely updated and revised! Camping Montana details nearly 300 public campgrounds accessible by vehicle--from Kalispell to Miles City and everywhere in between. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find the perfect spot in which to kick back and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of Montana.

Looking for the ideal spot to pitch your tent or park your RV? Camping Georgia will take you there. This comprehensive guidebook gives detailed descriptions of more than 100 public campgrounds throughout Georgia - from the mountains to the plains to the coastal areas. The listings include campsites managed by national, state, city, and county parks, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Easy-to-use maps and charts will simplify your search for the perfect campground. You'll also find vital information on camp locations, fees and reservations, facilities and hookups, recreational activities, weather and geography, and local attractions.

Fully updated and revised, this edition includes trail descriptions and maps of the author's favorite short hikes in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. All hikes included in this bookare on well-defined, easy-to-follow trails, and take hikers into some of the most scenic sections of the park.

From wild camping to curling up in a cabin, discover 200 amazing places to sleep under the stars in Europe. Lonely Planet's experts have scoured the continent to recommend the best campsites, wild camping spots, huts, cabins and refuges in regions across 20 countries, providing practical advice about how to plan your trip, when to go, how to get there, and what to take. In each country profile we provide an introduction to the destination and an overview of rules and regulations around camping, accompanied by a curated list of our favourite regions with reviews of the best campsites, cabins, huts and wild camping locations. Discover everything you need to know with essential information including location details, the number of camping pitches, availability of cabins, and electricity and water facilities. After a night under the stars, make the most of your day with comprehensive coverage of the best outdoor activities to experience in the vicinity, from hiking and biking to climbing, canoeing and wildlife watching. Whether you're an experienced camper, or a first-timer wanting to escape the crowded city for a wilderness cabin, Under the Stars can guide you to the best places in Europe to pitch your tent. Featured destinations include: England, Scotland, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Germany, Austria and many more. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.

Perfect Camping for You in Ohio! The Buckeye State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Robert Loewendick traversed the entire state-from Lake Erie and its fantastic fishing to the rich Native American culture of southwestern Ohio-and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! Best Tent Camping: Ohio presents 50 private, state park, and state forest campgrounds, organized into six distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness-so you'll always know what to expect. The updated full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Ohio. It's an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper.

Perfect Camping for You in Michigan! The Great Lakes State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Matt Forster traversed the entire state-from the grassy dunes overlooking Lake Michigan to a quiet lake that serves as a portal to the Sylvania Wilderness-and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! Best Tent Camping: Michigan presents 50 national park, state park, national forest, and state forest campgrounds, organized into five distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness-so you'll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Michigan. It's an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper.