Visiting the Parks

Free Shuttle Buses Will Make It Easier To Visit The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Negotiating the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park during the busy summer season can be a nightmare if you're trying to find a parking spot or crossing the road. With hopes of making it a bit easier this year, the National Park Service is implementing a free shuttle service from Tusayan to the South Rim.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 20th, 2008 11:53am

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Facilities at Mount Rainier National Park Slow to Open Due to Heavy Snowpack

You can add Mount Rainier National Park to the growing list of Western parks where this past winter's heavy snowfall is pushing back the openings of campgrounds and even some roads.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 19th, 2008 7:35pm

Glacier National Park Slowly Opening For the Summer Season

As summer slowly approaches, more and more of Glacier National Park's landscape is becoming snow-free and accessible. Still, not all of the park's campgrounds will be open for the coming Memorial Day weekend.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 19th, 2008 11:08am

Is Your Backcountry Safety Net A Personal Locator Beacon or Cell Phone?

Do you skimp on backcountry preparations, figuring you've got your trusty personal locator beacon or cell phone to summon help at a moment's notice? It's tempting, no? Why prepare yourself equipment-wise and possibly skill-wise when help is just a push button away?

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 16th, 2008 8:14pm

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Too Much Snow Delays Opening Of Yellowstone National Park's Norris Campground

When it snows in the Rockies, it really snows. The most snow in a decade this past winter has resulted in too much snow to open the Norris Campground in Yellowstone National Park on schedule.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 14th, 2008 1:16pm

Returning to Paradise At Mount Rainier National Park

After a two-year hiatus, you can now return to Paradise. Mount Rainier National Park's Paradise Inn, that is. Following much-needed structural repairs, the beautiful inn will open for business on Friday.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 12th, 2008 5:32pm

Bigger Boat Tours Coming to Voyageurs National Park

Here's an update to the Voyageurs National Park boat tours story. There currently are boat tours available, but not on the scale that will be possible thanks to the $1.4 million a congressman from Minnesota has directed to the National Park Service so it can build a 49-seat boat.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 8th, 2008 3:48pm

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Where Are the Best Sunrises in the National Park System?

Where do you find the best view of sunrise in the National Park System? Would it be on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, or, perhaps more logically, at Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park?

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 3rd, 2008 7:08pm

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Traveler’s Delightful Dozen: Windshield Touring Trips in the National Park System

We love our cars, we love our parks, and we love to drive our cars in the parks. Well, at least when the traffic isn’t too bad, and we really don’t mind just going along for the ride. The windshield touring season is nearly here, so it’s time to start thinking about park trips. All of the national parkways are recommended. Here are a dozen other traverses, loops, and shuttles that belong on your short list.

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By Bob Janiskee - May 7th, 2008 8:38pm

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Opening For Spring is a Struggle at Olympic National Park

Last fall's storms and this past winter's snows are slowing the opening of Olympic National Park this spring. But little by little the park's various areas are opening. That said, before you head out you might want to call the park to check on conditions.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 29th, 2008 5:29pm

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