Since our first issue in 1898, Sunset has loved the American West’s national parks. Here, in no particular order, are our favorite ways to experience them
A 140-mile drive from the North Rim, but you won’t care. Toroweap Overlook’s view—3,000 feet straight down to the Colorado River—will stay with you for years to come.
A one-hour boat ride from the SoCal mainland and you’re in a world of unspoiled beaches and unbroken Pacific views.
Super-size Alaska scenery, caribou, musk ox, and bears—and solitude.
Our favorite Glacier route? Take the Going-to-the-Sun Road’s 50 miles of high Rocky Mountain amazement.
The spectacular South Rim Road is only 7 miles long—but what spectacular miles.
This Nevada park gets 3 percent of the visitors Yosemite does—more room for you to take in ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and starry night skies.
We venerate dependable Old Faithful, but Beehive and Clepsydra (pictured) get geyser gold medals with their effervescent steam sprays.
Beautifully brooding in winter, stunning in summer; if you have an ounce of poetry in you, Second Beach will bring it out.
Five miles round-trip, a 2,000-foot elevation gain, and you’re on top of a volcano with a view of half of California, thanks to the Lassen Peak Trail.
After a day of hiking, you deserve a good cocktail. One of our favorite cantinas is within the iconic park itself: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Bar, a rustic but aristocratic spot.