·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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At National Park Reservations we know that being informed is one way to get the best value out of your vacation budget.  In the interest of keeping our valued customers and visitors up-to-date on changes and specials in the national parks lodging industry when they happen we are happy to announce that the concessionaire for the Grand Canyon North Rim has changed. 

This means that North Rim Lodge at Grand Canyon, which includes Frontier Cabins, Western Cabins, Pioneer Cabins, and Motel Rooms are now available to book for your Grand Canyon National Park.  Keep in mind that spring is the perfect time to vacation in this region. 

Log onto http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/grandcanyon.htm and call our helpful reservations agents toll free at 1-866-875-8456 to reserve your Grand Canyon vacation lodging.

This week many areas of the country are experiencing record cold temperatures. This may be a great time to visit a national park near you.  Many lodges in and around these parks have a great sitting areas often with fireplace where guests can congregate after a long day of playing the snow to read, play games or chat. 

Here are some ideas for you and your family when vacationing at a national park during chilly winter months:

1. Visit the library: Read a book.  Before you go on vacation check book lists at your local library and either check out or buy a good book for yourself and a few for the children.
2. Shopping: It may seem odd to go shopping when you visit a national park but many parks have great gift/memorabilia shops. This is a great opportunity to get a little something for friends and family back home.
3. Park Programs: Various parks have winter park tours and programs. Check with the visitors center of the park you are visiting.  Some we know about are:

Yellowstone National Park –
Has a snowcoach drop you off for a day of skiing Yellowstone’s backcountry.

Full and half-day interpretive tours in heated over-the-snow vehicles. Serving Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, and Flagg Ranch.

Glacier National Park –
At various times offers a two-hour snowshoe exploration of winter environments with a park guide. Suitable for all ages. 

Again make sure you check to see exact dates. Some activities may cost a nominal fee.
 
4. Movie Theaters: Lots of G rated movies are out right now. Most national parks are near towns that have cinemas.  This might be a fun activity with kids or a romantic date for 2.

5. Play in the snow: Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are all wonderful options for national park winter activities.  Build a snowman, have a snowball fight and come back for hot chocolate and rest!

Call National Park Reservations toll free to book your winter vacation today! 1-866-875-8456

If you’re planning a Sequoia National Park visit this spring (April – June) there are something that will help you make the most of your trip. 

Most people will wish to visit the General Sherman Tree. On your way here take time to stop at Hospital Rock to see the Native American pictographs and grinding stones. Also if you are able to hike into Redwood Canyon (just south of Grant Grove Village), home to the world’s largest grove of sequoias. If it’s early spring bring cross country skis to make traveling easier!

Remember to stay out of the dangerous, cold and swift waters of the high running rivers.  Also it’s good to know that two of the main roads, Cedar Grove and Mineral King road  usually open in mid-April and by  Memorial Day respectively.

by Astrid Sieger

If you’re planning a vacation at Glacier National Park this summer here are some options that you might consider.

Activities

Hidden Lake HikeLunch at Lake McDonald Lodge

There are several rafting companies that offer both guided and non-guided rafting trips with breathtaking views of the mountains of Glacier National Park.

Winter and spring are ideal times to visit many national parks in warmer climates.  Whereas summer is still the most popular time of year to vacation in the country’s national parks the winter means less crowds and cooler weather – a plus for those who don’t tolerate extreme heat.

Parks like Lake Powell National Park, Big Bend National Park and Escalante National Monument are open to visitors year round.  Lake Powell is a quintessential water recreation destination while Escalante and Big Bend offer amazing sight seeing and hiking opportunities.