Wonders of Sand and Stone:
​A History of Utah's National Parks and Monuments

From Delicate Arch to the Zion Narrows, Utah's five national parks and nine national monuments are home to some of America's most amazing scenic treasures. In my new book from the University of Utah Press, I tell the stories of far-sighted individuals from a variety of backgrounds who secured the lasting protection of these geologically unique and culturally significant landscapes.

From their remote and isolated past, Utah's iconic park lands have evolved into a tourism magnet of worldwide renown.  As part of the great expanse of wild lands known as "canyon country," these landscapes face multiple challenges from increased human use and from industrial development beyond their borders. Wonders of Sand and Stone is the first comprehensive look at how these parks were created, and offers a vision for how we might secure this heritage for our future.
 
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Order through University of Utah Press
or your favorite bookstore.
$34.95 softcover
ISBN 9978-1-60781-766-6
$59.95 hardcover
ISBN 9781-60781-765-9

“An engaging and finely written book that weaves together an impressive group of individuals and stories.”  —Jedediah S. Rogers, co-editor of Utah Historical Quarterly

"Fred Swanson knows Utah and its national parks intimately and in this important book digs deeply into the fascinating history of these magnificent public lands." --John Miles, author of Wilderness in National Parks: Playground or Preserve

"This book will make a splendid traveling companion for any visitor to Utah's national parks and monuments." --Brian Q. Cannon, Brigham Young University

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Previous Works:

WILD LANDS OF MONTANA AND IDAHO:

CANYONS AND DESERTS OF THE COLORADO PLATEAU:

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Recent essays: 
"On River Time" (National Parks Traveler)
"Species in Flight" (Weber: The Contemporary West)

Masthead Photo: George C. Fraser and G.C. Fraser, Jr., in Cathedral Valley, 1915. Photo by Dave Rust, courtesy Mrs. Eldon Rasmussen.