The book opens with a foundational essay on the appreciation of scenery, arguing that true enjoyment requires understanding the geological forces of creation rather than merely marveling at surface beauty. Yard explains the fundamental rock divisions—sedimentary, granitic, and volcanic—that form the architecture of the American landscape, establishing a framework for reading the history of the earth in cliffs, canyons, and valleys. The central chapters examine individual national parks, beginning with Yosemite and its incomparable valley, towering monoliths, and plunging waterfalls. The narrative details the glacial and river-cutting forces that carved the valley from solid granite, while also describing the adjacent High Ridge and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
Subsequent sections cover the proposed Roosevelt National Park and the Sierra crest, highlighting the exultant wilderness, deep canyons, and towering peaks surrounding Mount Whitney. The text then transitions to the Rocky Mountain National Park, detailing its continental divide, ancient moraines, and accessible alpine terrain. The volume continues with an analysis of Mount McKinley in Alaska, emphasizing its extreme height, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
A dedicated section on Lafayette National Park highlights its unique combination of ancient coastal mountains and rich eastern deciduous forests. The final chapters examine volcanic monuments and parks, including Lassen Peak, Crater Lake with its bowl of indigo water, and the complex hydrothermal phenomena of Yellowstone. The narrative concludes by exploring the three monster volcanoes of the Hawaii National Park, offering a comprehensive view of the diverse landscapes that constitute the American national park system.
