▪ The Pony Express, a brand-new roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., leaps to 38 mph in under three seconds, then gallops into banked turns that'll have you yelling
"Yee-haw!" (714) 220-5200, knotts.com.

▪ What exactly is a doozy? Were all Model T's painted black? You'll amble out of the National Automobile Museum in Reno spouting lingo like a true auto aficionado after taking the latest audio tour. (775) 333- 9300, automuseum.org.

▪ Get inside San Francisco's vibrant cultures—African American, Asian, gay, and Latino—with the Diverse San Francisco guide that was recently added to the city's Web site. Go to onlyinsanfrancisco.com and click on "Diverse SF ."

▪ Hiking from Here to Wow: Utah Canyon Country covers 90 trails in the wilds of southern Utah. Whether you're an avid trekker or more of a saunterer, it will lead you to ancient ruins, sandstone arches, and red rock cliffs. $30. wildernesspress.com.

▪ Luminous photos of the American West's myth inspiring prairies are on view from September 5 to January 10, 2009, in the exhibit The Wide Open at Montana's Missoula Art Museum. (406) 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org.

▪ The Cody, an intimate luxury hotel 45 minutes from Yellowstone's east gate, is luring Cody, Wyo., visitors with its indoor pool, outdoor fireplace, and whirlpool baths. From $159. (307) 587-5915, thecody.com.

▪ The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center opens October 1 on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska. Stop off here to get help with trip planning, watch Alaskan films, and see Athabascan artisans at work. (907) 459-3880, morristhompsoncenter.org.

▪ Charlie's Safari, in Lacey, Wash., invites kids to play Serengeti style with Big Game Hunt laser tag, Pride Rock miniature golf, and a "pounce" pit. Parents can type away in peace in a Wi-Fi lounge. (360) 292-1600, charliessafari.com.

▪ Take a guided bicycle tour of Victoria, B.C., with Cycle Treks. Pedal through stately neighborhoods, along the waterfront, and over trestle bridges. Through October. $100 (includes lunch). (877) 733-6722, cycletreks.com.

▪ The Nines hotel opens September 25 in the classic Meier & Frank building in downtown Portland. Check out its library of 3,000 books created with help from Powell's. From $279. (877) 229-9995, starwoodhotels.com.