Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
While hikes in and out of the canyon are pretty strenuous, there are several jaunts along the rim that kids as young as 4 can handle; families with kids 8 and up can raft down the Colorado River or tour the area on the back of a mule. The 1905 El Tovar, on the South Rim, is the perfect starting point, with newly renovated suites (which are large and comfortable, if not luxurious), close proximity to kid-appropriate trails (like the upper portion of Bright Angel), and incredible views. Try to wake up before sunrise once to watch the sky bloom over the canyon from the dining room's picture windows.
El Tovar, from $142 a night for a double, (888) 297-2757.
California
Yosemite National Park
With countless waterfalls, giant-sequoia groves, and imposing granite spikes, Yosemite is a richly varied 1,200-square-mile playground. Get a stunning view of the famous 3,000-foot El Capitan rock formation by taking a ¼-mile walk to Bridalveil Fall (it's easy enough for toddlers) or by lazily floating down the Merced River on a raft. Emulate several U.S. presidents and royalty and stay at the grand 1927 Ahwahnee, a registered national landmark whose rooms contain original Native American furniture and textiles. The staff will arrange plenty of group and family activities, including guided twilight strolls and storytelling hours by the fireplace. To secure a room, you need to plan ahead: Call at dawn 366 days before your trip.
The Ahwahnee, from $394 a night for a double, (559) 253-5676.
Montana
Glacier National Park
The 1,600 square miles of crags and alpine meadows can be explored by foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. And if the kids start to get tuckered out, hop in the car and drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road—just be sure to stop and get out for pictures at Logan Pass (6,646 feet) and the Continental Divide. Stay at the Glacier Park Lodge, which has soaring common areas—the lobby is supported by 40-foot-high Douglas-fir pillars—and simply decorated but serviceable rooms.
Glacier Park Lodge, open June to September; from $129 a night for a double; (406) 892-2525.
Oregon
Mount Hood National Forest
The old-growth forest is a place to play in all seasons: Families can snowshoe and ski through its fir-dotted landscape in winter, and hike or bike to its creeks and lakes in summer. The Old Salmon River Trail is flat enough for the little guys, with plenty of places to dip your feet in the water along the way. At the heart of it all is Timberline Lodge. Built in 1937 as part of FDR's Works Progress Administration, it is still a monument to one-of-a-kind artistry, with carvings, stonework, and weavings throughout. There are plenty of roomy accommodations for families, from a two-person suite with a fireplace to a 10-person chalet.
Timberline Lodge, from $135 a night for a double, (800) 547-1406.
Crater Lake National Park
Kids will love the dramatic history behind the deepest lake in the U.S., created 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed and formed a volcanic basin. Since most of the backcountry hikes are too tough for young kids, families should explore the lake on a guided boat tour or by taking a spin around the 33-mile Rim Drive, stopping to picnic at the Rim Visitor Center. At the elegant shoreside Crater Lake Lodge, the views of the lake seem endless: The intensely blue water, surrounded by starkly beautiful cliffs, is visible from the dining room, the Great Hall, and strategically placed claw-foot bathtubs in a few of the rooms (ask for 401, on the top floor).
Crater Lake Lodge, open May to October; from $138 a night for a ground-floor double; (888) 774-2728.
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