Moon Zion and Bryce (Moon Handbooks) [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

W. C. McRae (Author), Judy Jewell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Moon Handbooks | Publication Date: January 24, 2008

Seasoned travel writers W.C. McRae and Judy Jewell offer an in-depth look at the National Parks of southeastern Utah, from the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs of Zion to the otherworldly rock formations of Arches. The authors provide suggestions for great trips such as the Best of Southern Utah’s National Parks and Standing High: The Best Vistas. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Zion and Bryce has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many area, regional, and city-centered maps. With advice on hiking the remote corners of Canyonlands, mountain biking in Slickrock Canyon, and finding the best brewpub in Moab, Moon Zion and Bryce gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. With expert writers, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon guidebooks are the cure for the common trip.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill is the coauthor of several travel guides, including Moon Utah and Moon Montana (both with Judy Jewell). He has also edited books for National Geographic and Mobil Guides and has written for websites like GORP.com and Expedia.com. In his spare time he earns money by writing polemics for a high-tech PR company. He makes his home in Portland, OR. Judy Jewell graduated from Reed College and worked at Portland's renowned Powell's Books. Judy worked there, as a book buyer and manager, for 14 years then decided to write travel books. Judy is the author of several guidebooks, including Moon Utah and Moon Montana (also with Bill McRae). When she is not writing about the outdoors and travel, she is the lead technical writer at Camp Dusty Technical Services. She lives with her husband and dog in Portland, OR.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 3rd edition (January 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598800094
• ASIN: B002N2XED8
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,615,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Comprehensive than the Title Implies, March 8, 2008

By 

Fritz R. Ward "dayhiker" (Crestline, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon Zion and Bryce (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

Beauty is an interesting, abstract concept that is very tough for young children to grasp. I recall as a young child hiking on a "sky island," a forested mountain above the desert floor, and realizing that beauty was in the trees around me which I contrasted with the desert floor. I don't recall where I was or my age. I do, however, recall where I first found beauty in the desert. I was 8 years old and visiting Zion National Park. I was utterly infatuated with the towering cliffs, the hike to Angel's Landing (not generally recommended for 8 year olds and their 6 year old sister) and absolutely devastated when I discovered that a visitor center relief map of the park was sold out by the time I got my allowance. Drat. But I have remained a fan of the the southern Utah Parks ever since. If you want to explore these parks, be sure to pick up this guide, which covers far more than just Zion and Bryce Canyons.

Like many other Moon guidebooks, this one offers a glimpse into all forms of recreation. You will benefit from the book whether you plan a quick few day auto tour or a week long hiking excursion. Each location includes a list of scenic highlights, trails to take (the emphasis is on short walks to half day treks, though a few longer excursions are included), other recreational opportunities (cliff climbing, off road vehicle use) and where to stay and eat, depending on your budget. Side bars within the text discuss everything from natural history to how one can order beer, wine, and coffee with minimal inconvenience. I was happy to discover a few hostels where one can actually make an extended stay at a reasonable price.

The best part of this book, however, is that it covers a variety of parks you might not otherwise think to visit along the "Grand Tour." Yes, Zion, Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef are all spectacular. But Cedar Breaks National Monument will simply take your breath away (especially if you do any hiking there--it is well above 10,000 feet) and most people drive right by. State Parks like Snow Canyon (a near rival to Zion minus the crowds and annoying tour bus) and other recreational areas (Red Canyon near Bryce) are also covered in this book. Indeed, if you like your visits on the slightly less regulated side, these are fabulous destinations, as is nearby Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. In all, this is a fine book for planning your southern Utah vacation. And by all means, take the kids. Part of growing up is experiencing beauty firsthand in all its myriad shapes.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Short version of Moon's Utah, April 28, 2008

By 

G. Myers (North Port, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Moon Zion and Bryce (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

I already purchased Moon's Utah and thought I'd get this book, believing it would go into much further detail on the national parks. WRONG! This book is basically a short version of the Utah book, leaving out areas north of the park and duplicating most of the info about the parks that you can find in the larger book. I wish I would have known that so I could have saved my money.