August 10, 2004 -- Chock full of throngs of visitors during the peak summer months, our national parks may offer better weather, but they also charge higher prices for accommodations. Consider these lodgings during the fall and winter -- you can save considerably on your stay, plus you'll feel like you have the whole place practically to yourself.
Sequoia National Park (888/252-5757, www.visitsequoia.com) California's gem of the Sierra, is celebrating the upcoming fall and winter seasons by offering up to 50% off its midweek peak rate at the deluxe Wuksachi Lodge, located in the heart of Sequoia National Park, east of Fresno and Visalia, California.
From October 1, standard room rates drop to $99 + tax per night, and from October 31 through March 17, room rates drop to $79 + tax for Sunday through Thursday nights over non-holiday periods.
During the fall, crowds are considerably smaller and visitors to Sequoia can enjoy crisp, cool temperatures and star-studded evening skies. Hundreds of hiking trails will ensure that you take in the best of this magnificent national park. The new Giant Forest Museum is open daily free of charge, as is the Lodgepole Visitors Center, Market and Cafe. Interpretive programs conducted by the National Park Service, are free and fun for all ages.
When the snow falls, Wuksachi Lodge guests can rent cross country skis or snowshoes and enjoy convenient ski-in/ski-out trail access from the lodge. Nearby Wolverton Ski Area is a popular destination for sledding, snow play and cross-country skiing on over 28 miles of scenic trails.
A little further north along the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park's (559/253-5636; www.yosemitenorth.com), Wawona Lodge is celebrating its 125th Anniversary with a special package which includes 1 night accommodation based on double occupancy, breakfast for two, a historical tour of the grounds and buildings, and a special commemorative gift as a keepsake of your visit during this historical celebration. Rates are $125 for rooms with bath and $97.15 for rooms without bath. Offer Valid from September 26 - November 23, 2004
For a tight budget option at Yosemite, Curry Village (www.yosemitepark.com), also located within the park, has a fall special with tent cabins starting from $39 + tax for midweek stays between Sundays and Thursdays from September 6 to November 23. From Sep 6 to October 10, the same rate applies for accommodation at the nearby Housekeeping Camp.
If your travels bring you to Arizona, then a visit to the Grand Canyon (888/297-2757; www.grandcanyonlodges.com) in fall or winter will be an unforgettable journey. Recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the sheer majesty and beauty of the Grand Canyon is unsurpassed. When you stay at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, you're not just close, you're actually located within the park itself. This is the perfect time to see the Grand Canyon in all its splendor, especially with the re-introduction of mule rides into the Canyon after extensive maintenance and expansion to tracks and trails.
The South Rim of the Canyon is open all year. Enjoy seasonal packages and lower rates this fall and winter, starting at $69 per night for accommodation at two of the Grand Canyon Lodge's six distinctively different properties located at the South Rim:
- Maswik South from $69 or Maswik North from $79 -- a property spread over several acres of ponderosa pine forest, located just 1/4 mile from the Canyon's edge
- Yavapai West from $69 or Yavapai East from $79 -- the largest hotel, surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, about 1/4 mile from the rim.
This low rate is based on single or double occupancy. Add $9 for each additional person in the room. Children 16 years and under stay free. Valid from November 28, 2004 to March 10, 2005 (excluding December 24, 2004 to January 1, 2005). Lodge subject to seasonal closures and availability. Tax and energy surcharge apply to all room rates.