From the editor

Sunset, Jan, 2008 by Katie Tamony

JANUARY IS THE MONTH when I like to clean out the garage--not just the literal one, but the one in my mind, where last year's plans are kept. It's time to make those new plans: trips to take, things to learn, habits to start.

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Last year, I went on an eight-day Alaska kayaking adventure that changed my life. I became stronger and more courageous because of it, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone physically and mentally. That trip inspired me to think about travel not just in terms of destinations I want to visit to relax, but also what I want to learn about myself and the West.

As the new year begins, I don't know yet what my "Alaska" trip for 2008 will be. There's something about the Southwest that's calling--a trip to Santa Fe, maybe, or an extended trip to Bryce and Zion. No matter what, I'll be on a quest for a new experience.

If your New Year's resolution calls for travel too, you'll want to check out our Top 10 Places You've Gotta Go in 2008 (page 26). The West is brimming with so many choices, it would be easy for us to do a Top 100, so associate travel editor Rachel Levin selected the 10 destinations with the most exciting new stories to tell in 2008. She sent writers in every direction to come up with a list full of surprises, whether your interests lean toward the city, the slopes, or the beach.

Our other big travel story in this issue is a look at one of our best-loved parks, Yosemite, during its quieter off-season. Though I thought I knew the park well, editor-at-large Peter Fish's story makes me yearn to discover it all over again in winter. Now is the best time to visit other parks as well: Yellowstone, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon. You get all the unspoiled natural splendor without the clog of warm-weather tourists. I hope Peter's article (page 82) inspires you to think about your old favorites with a fresh eye. And, as always, I'd love to hear about it (see "Get in Touch," page 16).

Happy New Year!

Katie Tamony, Editor-in-chief