National Parks
Archive
If you’re willing to brave the cold, winter can be one of the best seasons to visit America’s best idea
Congress approves Sams as NPS director, Canadian cops raid indigenous protest, and Steamboat locals pray for snow
The $1.2 trillion plan doesn’t just include investments in roads and bridges; it’ll also focus on bike lanes, wildfire mitigation, and dam removal
Visit 12 of America’s best-loved national parks on this cross-country national-park train loop
As it turns out, the national parks just aren’t that great for some visitors (though we definitely disagree)
A recent ruling on an Endangered Species Act case may set a precedent for incorporating climate models into species protection
A warming planet, increased storms, and wildfires are creating a level of infrastructure collapse that’s expensive and devastating
Our experts sought out epic adventures in every landscape, from new desert outposts to off-the-grid wellness retreats, with plenty of trails, beaches, and base camps—all perfect to give or get
Technology has become an all-encompassing fixture of our lives, even when it comes to outdoor recreation. Here’s a snapshot of how it’s shaping our national parks—for better or for worse.
The National Park Service hasn’t had a director in four years. The Biden administration is trying to fix that but faces a host of major challenges.
Many major national parks implemented new reservation systems intended to give visitors a more positive experience by decreasing gridlock, parking issues, and long lines for public services. But are they actually helping or making it more difficult to visit a park?
Knowledgeable and friendly rangers aren’t just found in our national parks
Alaska’s Kobuk Valley National Park is an overlooked gem. It offers up the great caribou migration, stargazing and miles of solitude, and massive dunes you’d expect to find in the Sahara. This is the 40th stop on our 62 Parks Traveler's quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
Public lands have become more trodden and restrictive, but the pandemic-era craziness might not last
The nonprofit Native Skywatchers has spent more than a decade collecting and preserving Indigenous star knowledge. Now organizations like NASA and the NPS are joining the movement.
Gates of the Arctic in northern Alaska is one of the last truly wild national parks. There are no roads or trails, and the park boasts the stunning Brooks Range, six wild and scenic rivers, and gets fewer than 3,000 visitors a year. Our 62 Parks columnist was awestruck by her 39th stop on her quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
Crowds, lines, and permits. Here’s how to visit a park this summer without melting down.
Katmai, in southern Alaska, is one of the few places where you can safely get up close and personal with a brown bear while it’s feeding—a life-list event says our 62 Parks Traveler about the 38th stop on her quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
Here’s how President Biden plans to address climate change, pollution, and public lands in the greatest detail we’ve seen so far
We need more access to public lands. Reclaiming damaged landscapes like old mines and former nuclear sites can be a powerful part of the answer.
A wild place—and an American ideal—are heading for destruction. We can stop it now.
This is just the kickoff to a ten-year plan to protect more land, water, and wildlife
From miles of accessible trails to nearby boarding services to dog safety, these are the best (and worst) parks to visit with your best friend
Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge or a cozy canvas tent minutes from Lake Powell, there’s something for everyone at these newly opened stays
The new secretary of the interior shares her plans to listen to historically underrepresented communities and address deferred maintenance projects—plus, what makes a national park her favorite
Gage Lorentz was pulled over for speeding on a dirt road in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Minutes later he lay on the ground, dead from a point-blank shot to the heart. How did a trivial traffic stop lead to his death?
The upshot of only traveling domestically for the past year? We’ve gotten to know our 615 million acres of federal public lands better than ever. And with new parks and designations on the horizon, there will be even more ways to get off the beaten path for adventure.
Key beta on snagging a ticket to your favorite park this year
A recent incident involving a renowned wildlife photographer allegedly baiting foxes at Grand Teton sheds light on a larger issue
A visit to this northwestern Wyoming park, which is as thrilling for wildlife watchers as it is for climbers, hikers, and backcountry skiers, comes with a warning: it’ll be the beginning of a lifelong love affair
A new ruling calls into question previous regulations and norms around film and photography on these spaces
Investigators, family, and friends are still trying to close the case of Paul Fugate, a naturalist at Arizona’s Chiricahua National Monument who vanished without a trace in 1980. What keeps them motivated to stick with a mystery that may be unsolvable?
With cruise traffic set to be at an all-time low this summer, you’ll be able to have the 49th state all to yourself
Think you already know everything about our nation’s most iconic park? Think again. There’s so much beyond its famed Yosemite Valley, from seldom visited waterfalls to the underappreciated backcountry beyond Tuolumne Meadows.
Forget visiting the app store every time you visit a national park. This new, free release provides all kinds of maps, must-hike trails, food recommendations, and more for all of its 423 units.
Load up the car to see snow-covered volcanoes, cool desert landscapes, and empty beaches without any of summer's big crowds
From a glass-domed train to downhill skiing, these are some of our favorite adventures in our national parks. Bonus: they get you off the beaten path, too.
Students from Ida B. Wells Middle School visit Carderock Recreation Area, just outside Washington, D.C., to rock-climb for the first time
Welcome to Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes and home to the Boundary Waters. Our 62 Parks Traveler found her own private island at her 28th stop on her quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
From day one, the new administration has showed itself to be in favor of protecting the wild spaces and species we love
Don't let cold weather stop you from exploring. These eight trails in some of our favorite national parks may be even better in the winter.
There's no better way to celebrate these holidays than by exploring our public lands
In an extended interview for the ϳԹ Podcast, the CEO talks about the ways technology can help us lead healthier lives and the benefits we get from ignoring our screens
Stay warm and get outside more during these colder months with smart gear picks
With a key list of Land and Water Conservation Fund projects missing, political subterfuge threatens the bipartisan legislative achievement
From a cult-favorite publisher launching a national-parks series to a Kevin Costner–narrated app, these five new releases are reinventing the traditional field guide
Finding a bit of quiet is harder than ever
Two years ago, Latria Graham wrote an essay about the challenges of being Black in the outdoors. Countless readers reached out to her, asking for advice on how to stay safe in places where nonwhite people aren’t always welcome. She didn't write back, because she had no idea what to say. In the aftermath of a revolutionary spring and summer, she responds.
We asked our travel experts to reveal what's on their bucket lists, and their answers will surprise and inspire you. The destinations, insight, and data here will help you plan trips for months and years to come—when we hope we'll all be getting back out there.
You can make backyard-style meals wherever your adventure itch takes you
On September 4, the queer outdoorsman will begin his Run Across Minnesota, promoting diversity in outdoor culture and his ϳԹ Safe Space initiative
There are hundreds of scenic trails for you and your BFF to explore together
We can see right through your hunting selfies
In an excerpt from his forthcoming book 'Leave It As It Is,' nature writer David Gessner examines the iconic conservation legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and unpacks the perception that the national parks and monuments he created were previously untouched and empty
Mountain-bike world-famous slickrock at our 62 Parks Traveler's 14th stop on her journey to visit every U.S. national park in a year
The National Park Service has abdicated responsibility for visitor safety, compromising local mandates and leaving staff and vendors to fend for themselves
Hit the road for a memorable summer road trip with these extra precautions
View the park's stunning sandstone sculptures. It's our 62 Parks Traveler's 13th stop on her journey to visit every U.S. national park in a year.
To mark the start of his sixties, Will Turner swam, biked, and ran 14,765 miles, many of which took place through iconic national parks and public lands. Here are the most stunning photos from his "races."
Our lands and waters are fundamental to our heritage, health, and culture. We must invest in them.
Enjoy the natural beauty with the aid of educational resources, knowledgeable rangers, actual bathrooms, catered food, and the infrastructure necessary to make your experience safe and comfortable
If signed into law, the bill will permanently finance the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address maintenance backlogs on federal public lands
Years of underfunding and climate change are increasingly threatening the national park system. From the Everglades in Florida to Glacier in Montana, here are the ones we stand to lose.
With states across the country experimenting with phased reopenings, here's what the rest of the summer could mean for outdoor adventure
Emily B. Martin's new novel, 'Sunshield,' is inspired by American landscapes and explores how individuals can impact their environment
Thirty-nine out of 62 park units have begun phased reopening. Several others never closed for the pandemic. Here's how to stay safe if you visit them.
National parks will likely resume operations in coming weeks, but there's more to consider than merely opening the gates
More than 50 national parks host visual artists every year. These three artists used their residencies to draw attention to climate change, species loss, and pollution.
From outdoor games to travel-inspired activities, there's a world of adventure waiting for young ones right in your backyard
Electric vehicles are becoming popular among the environmentally conscious, but are they realistic for road trips to more remote destinations? I took my Tesla to Utah to find out.
Seven employees have tested positive for the virus, even while the parks have no entrance fees, are short on staff, and are overwhelmed by visitors. Sound familiar?
Social distancing is a prime opportunity to discover the nature in our own backyards and redefine our idea of what's wild
With the public distracted, Secretary Bernhardt is advancing environmental harm
You can visit parks for free right now, but you still need to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
As wilderness hubs like Bishop and Moab shutter their gates to visitors, what's an outdoor lover to do during a pandemic? We're here to help.
Although the coronavirus has shuttered schools and events across the country, outdoor spaces can be a healthy outlet for families—but it's important to stay informed and cautious
Despite warnings about crowds and the spread of the coronavirus, the National Park Service is keeping most of its units open for now, but a number of parks are starting to close certain facilities
Go to this massive California destination for the hiking, but stay for its spectacularly colorful early mornings. It's our 62 Parks Traveler's third stop on her journey to visit every U.S. national park in a year.