Publisher’s Note, No. 5
After printing the magazine for a year at a great personal expense, I vowed to keep going digitally in 2023. However, beyond this “Where in the West” special section, I think it’s going to be a wrap for American West.
Music, Musings & More
Artists of Yosemite National Park Leave Lasting Legacy
Many 19th century artists who documented the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park using paint brushes and cameras left a legacy still treasured today. Their work even fueled the expansion of the West.
Peering Into Yosemite, A “Repository of Sanity”
No one is more associated with Yosemite than John Muir – not even, alas, the Ahwahneechee people, who still live in the area. Yet there is no record of Muir’s reaction to seeing the valley for the first time, in the spring of 1868. Perhaps our great national wilderness prophet was struck speechless at the sight.
Michael Rosato – Muralist for the National Parks
Few places celebrate Mother Nature as uniquely as Bryce Canyon National Park. The spires and hoodoos, the pinks and crimsons, the Grand Staircase.
National Park Playlists
We’ve put together a couple of playlists – country and pop – that go along great with a drive through any national parks in the West. Whether heading through the forests of Olympic or Yellowstone, or the deserts of Big Bend or Death Valley, give these records a virtual spin.
How the Digital Age and Pandemic Have Reshaped National Park Trip Planning
For travelers who enjoy itinerary-less trips and technology-free adventures, these forms of spontaneity may be shrinking.
The Safe Way to Indulge in the Time-Honored Campfire
From the sticky-crunchy sweetness of biting into a s’more to the embers’ mesmerizing glow, not many experiences compare to sitting out under the stars around a crackling campfire.
Publisher’s Note, No. 4
Today, there are 63 national parks across the United States. Forty-six of them are in the West. This should be no surprise to anyone who knows and loves this region.
Road Trip Playlists
We’ve put together four 12-song playlists for you, totaling nearly three hours of music – perfect timing for trips from Reno to Napa Valley, Portland to Bend or Santa Fe to Gallup.
New Albums Perfect for a Western Road Trip
Have a listen to these 10 new albums perfect for a Western road trip. From Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt to releases from Kehlani and Warpaint.