November 21, 2003 - As we pointed out on Wednesday, as the temperature drops, so do the prices on rates for overnighting in our national parks. Today, we've got special rates in Zion and Death Valley, plus an educational package for the Grand Canyon.
At Zion Lodge in awesome Zion National Park, the Winter Package rates ($73.40 for a standard, $83.40 in a western cabin or $118.40 in a suite) run from December 1, 2003 through March 10, 2004, and give you breakfast for two on all stays, except during holiday periods around Christmas and Valentine's Day. Ask for the special by using the code WNTR. New Year's Eve, by the way, includes dinner and breakfast for two people, starting at $138.40. Thinking ahead, there's a Valentine Package, celebrated here on either February 13 or February 14, as you choose. The package, which starts at $138.40 per room, includes chocolates, dinner and breakfast for two persons, but does not include taxes and tips. Ask for this special by the code VALPK.
On a much shorter time frame (from now through November 24, 2003), you stay two nights and get the second one at 50% off the regular rate. If you stay four nights, you get your second and fourth night at 50% off. This applies to all room types. Ask for the special by the code BOGO. The regular rates are $120.40 for a standard room, $128.40 for a cabin and $143.40 for a suite.
To reach the lodge, phone 888/29 PARKS or 303/29 PARKS, fax 303/297-3175, e-mail reserve-zion@xanterra.com. The website is www.zionlodge.com.
California's Death Valley National Park boasts the lowest point in the western Hemisphere (Badwater lies 282 feet below sea level) and some of the hottest temperatures, but Furnace Creek Resort is its own little oasis smack dab in the middle of this vast desert. Right now, seniors (defined as 60 and over) can take 10% off a one-night stay and 30% off reservations for two or more days Sundays through Thursdays. Golf lovers can stay at package prices starting from $153 per person per night, double occupancy, with lodging, preferred tee time, green fees (which normally cost $55 this time of year) and club storage included. If you want to stay without hitting a little white ball around, prices start at $83 per person. Contact them at 760/786-2345 or fax 760/786-2514. Reservations should be made at the same phone number or 303/29 PARKS, e-mail info-fc@xanterra.com, website www.furnacecreekresort.com.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the Field Institute offers reduced winter rates for a Learning & Lodging Adventure, a two-day, two-night program that gives you a room at the Yavapai or Maswik Lodges. This project includes in-park transport, one dinner, two breakfasts and two box lunches. A guide gives you instructional and visitor materials, retail coupons and a course completion certificate. The group is limited to 14 persons, children aged ten and older being welcome to join when accompanied by an adult. This year-round outdoor interpretive program focuses on the formation of the canyon as well as its human history and environmental importance. The package is based on double occupancy and is priced at $482 from now through March 25, 2004. Each additional adult in the room (who also gets all the package extras) costs $218, and children are $168. After orientation you go for a day of hiking along and below the South Rim, with a second day of outing to various overlooks. The Grand Canyon Field Institute is a non-profit organization. More information about them can be had by phoning the reservations number below or by viewing www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute. To reserve, phone 928/638-2525 or fax 928/638-9810.
Xanterra, which manages the above properties, is helping the National Park Service sell a $50 Parks Pass that is valid for admission at all National Parks for a full 12 months. It's not valid for other charges such as camping, parking, tours or concessions. Where vehicle entrance fees are charges, the pass provides free admission to everyone in the car. For per person entrance fees, it admits the purchaser, the purchaser's spouse, parents and children. Most of the revenues generated from pass sales support National Park programs, protecting wildlife, rebuilding trails, and conducting research.
There are 388 National Parks in the 50 United States, ranging in size from just 0.02 acres to Wrangell in Alaska at 13, 200,000 acres. With over 265,000,000 visits each year, attendance rates surpass the total number of people who go to NFL games, Disney and Universal Studio combined, they say. You can purchase the pass online, at www.xanterra.com/success/parkpass.htm.
