Visiting the Parks

52nd Annual Bat Flight Breakfast at Carlsbad Caverns National Park on July 18, 2009

A fascinating natural event will be combined with a tasty breakfast in a premier outdoor setting on Saturday, July 18. It's time for the 52nd annual Bat Flight Breakfast at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

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By Jim Burnett - July 16th, 2009 2:32pm

1 comment

Reader Participation Day: Are Park Entrance Fees Fair?

Earlier this summer Interior Secretary Ken Salazar designated three weekends as "entrance free" weekends in the National Park System. Anecdotally, the first of those three weekends attracted larger-than-normal turnouts to many parks. Which makes us wonder, do you mind paying entrance fees, or should they be eliminated?

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 3rd, 2009 1:36pm

31 comments

Let's Start a Tradition: "Thank a Ranger Day"

When was the last time you thanked a national park ranger?

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 10th, 2009 5:55pm

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How To Avoid A Bear Attack in the Great Outdoors, The Cartoon

Sometimes humor is the best approach, wouldn't you agree? That's the approach the folks at Howcast Studios took with their playful video, "How to Avoid a Bear Attack."

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 12th, 2009 11:21am

8 comments

Nearly 60 Percent of Mt. McKinley Climbers Reached the Summit This Summer

Nearly 60 percent of the climbers who set out to stand atop Mount McKinley in Denali National Park and Preserve succeeded this climbing season. However, that accomplishment was overshadowed by the deaths of four climbers.

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 13th, 2009 5:48pm

Upgrades Coming to Logan Pass Visitor Center in Glacier National Park

Ever been to the visitor center atop Logan Pass in Glacier National Park? Then you know it's not the Hilton, and that the restrooms long have needed improvements. Well, the work is being scheduled.

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 11th, 2009 7:50pm

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Of Death Marches, Rain, and Misdirected Envy in Death Valley National Park

The ranger wore a concerned look and a pair of latex gloves. When I tried to approach him he warned me not to come near him. This did not look good.

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By Bob Janiskee - July 10th, 2009 3:56pm

6 comments

Rough and Rocky Traveling As Construction Comes to Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

If you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, you might want to plan on entering from the eastern side, rather than enduring construction delays and bumpy travel on the western end of Trail Ridge Road.

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 12th, 2009 5:47pm

Traveler's Top 10 Rivers to Ride in the National Park System

Sure, the most iconic river in all the land is the Colorado that flows through Grand Canyon National Park. But that doesn't mean you can't find quality river trips elsewhere in the National Park System.

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By Kurt Repanshek - August 10th, 2009 4:55pm

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Night Sky Viewing Programs at Acadia National Park

In honor of the International Year of Astronomy, Acadia National Park will host two special series of night sky programs during the remainder of the summer. They're part of an impressive lineup of interpretive activities at Acadia this year.

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By Jim Burnett - July 9th, 2009 12:51pm

2 comments

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks