Highly combustible forests and rugged terrain in both Sequoia and Lassen Volcanic national parks in California gave firefighters on the ground little option but to watch as flames jumped across the two parks. While Lassen Volcanic has been closed to the public since early August, parts of Sequoia closed this week as a complex of fires was galloping across the landscape and forcing area evacuations.

Hot, dry weather caused by climate change is reshaping the landscape in many Western national parks, and bringing with it an uneasiness over how plants, animals and visitors will be impacted.

Boaters heading to Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado should know that low water levels in Blue Mesa Reservoir are creating some changes in how the boat ramp and marina are operating.

This summer's heat waves baked the Cascades and the glaciers in national parks there, but last winter's heavy snowpack might have been enough to shield the ice rivers from retreat.