Sunday, August 5, 2012

Book Review: Your Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Quite some time ago, I had the opportunity to check out a True North book.  That one was a Grand Canyon guide, and I found it fascinating.  When I was asked about reviewing Your Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, I didn't have to think about it at all.  I've visited both parks numerous times, and I simply love them both. A young earth guide to these two parks, oh yeah, now that is something I want.

We were hoping to make a trip that direction this summer, and to be able to talk about the guide in terms of how we used it on an actual trip.  That won't be happening, but maybe next summer.

However, I still have a review to write now, not next summer. And what I can tell you is that with this guide in my hands, I feel completely capable of fully planning a trip to these two magnificent parks, even though it has been a lot of years since I've been there.

The guide is well-organized, starting off with some introductory information before moving into the bulk of the book.  Roughly a hundred pages are devoted to information that is fabulous for trip-planning.  Most of these pages fold out, and they include gorgeous photos and tons of information.

I took a trip, alone, to Grand Teton and Yellowstone after I graduated from college.  It was a great trip.  But this guide would have made it better.  Flipping through the pages would have helped me to choose how to spend my time.  There are suggested itineraries for each park, with recommended options for a half day visit up to one of four days or more.  And those recommendations are solid.  Personally, I wouldn't make Old Faithful a must visit for a half day in Yellowstone if it was just me, but if we were whipping through the park with my family that is the one place they'd probably want to see.

Not only is there the "what to do" aspect, but this book also contains so much well put together historical and geological information.  And it is bound in a hardcover/spiral format, which means it has the durability of a hardcover, yet it lays nice and flat.  Love that feature!

If I ever have the chance to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon, I will be looking for the True North guide for them.  And I hope there are more coming. 


Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from New Leaf Publishing Group.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.   

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I want to go to Yellowstone, we went there on our honeymoon. A 4,800 mile loop from So Ca and back. Now, that our 4 boys are all older, my husband and I have been talking about going again. This time we would pull a trailer with 2 dual sport motorcycles and take a tour of the western United States, this place included. I say, "Yes!"

Diane Estrella said...

This sounds like a useful and interesting book. Thanks for your review. Hope you have a lovely weekend! :O)