Exploring the American WesT Parks & Places Through the National Parks and nearby ‘cool’ towns that continue to inspire artists
stayed there. In 1956, it was named one of the Top 10 Roadside Inns in the US. Each of the national parks surround- ing Kanab is worth the visit for the breathtaking views and experiences. The red rocks, towering cliffs and deep canyons inspire peace and exhilaration, but they’re also filled with rich history and countless stories. "Something I learned about Zion, is you can camp alongside The Narrows," Pellman said. "So, you can turn it into a backpacking overnight trip where you start at the top and go down. The su- perintendent said that was his favorite experience he’s had in Zion." Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks + Cody & Jackson, WY Two of the most emblematic nation- al parks of the West are Yellowstone and Grand Teton in Wyoming. Both have inspired countless artists, includ- ing American painter Thomas Moran (1837-1926) who captured many of the waterfalls and staggering scenery of Yellowstone during an expedition with Ferdinand Hayden in 1871. Due in large part to Moran’s stunning visual inter- pretation of the area, Yellowstone was established as the first national park in the US on March 1, 1872. It encompasses 2.2 million acres of breathtaking views, majestic waterfalls and wildlife galore including the iconic bison that roam freely throughout the park. Just don’t get in their way. Just east of Yellowstone is the town of Cody named after Buffalo Bill Cody (1846-1917). In addition to exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums under one roof), enjoy the friendly and creative energy of the small town while perusing art galleries or watching local makers handcraft saddles, custom boots, hats and belts. While there, check out the Irma Hotel and the Chamberlin Inn to enjoy true Old West hospitality in style. On the southwestern end of Yellow- stone, you’ll find the entrance to Grand Teton National Park with its breathtak- ing landscapes including the majestic Teton Range. The park is filled with
YELLOWSTONE - WY
BRYCE CANYON––UTAH
grand teton––WY
moose, bears, elk, wolves, foxes, and hundreds of other animals, flora and fauna next to pristine waterways. Check out the fabulous National Museum of Wildlife Art located between Grand Teton National Park and Jackson near the National Elk Refuge. The town of Jackson is just south of the park and promises an immer- sive experience with its famous antler arches around the town square and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. The town is filled with great art galleries and shops, but also offers opportunities for out- door experiences such as fly fishing and whitewater rafting. Rocky Mountain National Park + Estes Park, CO Cradled on three sides by Rocky Moun- tain National Park, the old frontier town of Estes Park is the perfect gateway in the Colorado Rockies. Big Thompson Avenue––named after the river that runs through this charming town–– is the main street. It is lined with art gal- leries, souvenir shops, artisanal brewer- ies, and delightful ice cream and candy stores. One such candy store is The Taffy Shop. It dates back to 1935 and today, you can watch taffy being made right before your eyes. Also be sure to stop in at the legendary Stanely Hotel, which
inspired Stephan King’s “The Shining”. This majestic, landmark hotel overlooks the town of Estes Park providing a stun- ning view, but the charm, history and ghost stories are reason enough to pay it a visit. As you walk through the town, don’t be surprised if you encounter an elk traffic jam. Indeed, they consider Estes Park as much their town as the resi- dents do (but give these locals their space). For a bird’s-eye view, take the bright red cars of the Estes Park Ae- rial Tram to the top of the summit of Prospect Mountain where you can see for miles. From there, make your way into Rocky Mountain National Park where you will find crystal clear alpine lakes, wild rivers, fragrant flora and fauna, and an abundance of wildlife including elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and rare Cana- dian lynx. American landscape painter Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) captured the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains in many paintings during a land survey excursion in 1859. It might be worth looking these up before your visit to see if you can spot some of his subjects. From the Rocky Mountains, drive across the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road (open Memorial Day through mid-October depending on weather) reaching more than 12,000 feet in altitude where you will pass the Continental Divide. Don’t
forget to snap a photo from the top of the world! Exploring the American West offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of nature and the charm of small towns that have inspired artists and adventurers alike. Whether it's the cinematic landscapes surrounding Kanab, Utah, the historic allure of Cody, Wyoming, or the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, each destination invites you to create last- ing memories. As you wander through these iconic parks and vibrant towns, you'll find yourself immersed in the stories and landscapes that define the spirit of the West. And these are just a few of the awe-inspiring natural won- ders of the American West. Get out and explore, and don’t be surprised if you start to look at Western art with a new appreciation. Pellman recommends doing as much research about the park or town before you go. “Similar to art, the more information we know ahead of time, the more we’ll appreciate it,” she said. “You’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t re- search the park ahead of time. So many of them have great preservation stories. Look past the top hikes, and dig into the history and stories of each park. These are national parks for a reason, so they're all worth checking out.”
"The SCout" ––CODY, WY
Photo credit: Tim Newton
T he American West is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s where history, art and adventure intertwine. And where iconic national parks and their neighboring towns offer a mesmerizing blend of rugged landscapes and charm. From the awe-inspiring rock formations of Zion and Bryce Canyon to the majes- tic vistas of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, each destination promises an unforgettable experience. To add to the experience, many of these stunning national parks are surrounded by cool towns that provide their own rich stories and history making them ideal bases for exploration. Whether you collect art that’s in- spired by the remarkable natural archi- tecture of this region or simply admire it from afar, experiencing it in person can bring a whole new appreciation and perspective to the art and artists who capture its energy and beauty. The following are just a few of our fa- vorite locales. We also spoke with Mad- die Pellman, host of the “Who Runs This Park?” podcast, a show that features interviews with national park superin- tendents, about her tips, suggestions and favorite places.
Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion + Kanab, UT The red rocks of Kanab, Utah are sur- rounded by some of the most stunning national parks in the country includ- ing Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon, and Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon in neighboring Arizona. These scenic vistas have inspired many artists including, premier artist of the West Maynard Dixon (1875-1946) and Arizo- na-native Ed Mell (1942-2024). Surrounded by all of these national parks, Kanab makes for a perfect home base. The small town has a retro West- ern flare in a laid-back setting. While there, check out the Parry Lodge in the heart of town. This historic property opened in 1931 and was once consid- ered the “Little Hollywood” of Utah. It was a home away from home for many of the cast and crew of the Golden Age of Hollywood including John Wayne, Gregory Peck, Clint Eastwood, Maureen O’Hara, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ronald Regan to name a few. More than 100 films were shot in and around the area inspiring the Parry Lodge owners to name the rooms after movie stars who
kanab, UTAH
Estes park, co
jackson, wy
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Issue 4 | Summer/Fall 2024
Issue 4 | Summer/Fall 2024
Page 15
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