National Parks Traveler

Living in the Rocky Mountains is a great asset when it comes to visiting national parks, for there are so many in just about any direction you head. The past year took me north and south through the region to a diverse collection parks, and I also ventured to Virginia to explore the National Park System.

Read more about A Year In The Parks: From Arches National Park To Theodore Roosevelt National Park

By Kurt Repanshek - December 26th, 2012 2:47am

Trails We Hiked in 2012 That We Think You'll Like

Few national park visits are complete without a hike of some distance and duration. We made the following hikes in the parks the past year, and think you'll find them interesting possibilities for 2013.

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By NPT Staff - December 26th, 2012 2:31am

Guest Column: Of Wolves And Science

This fall has been a tough one for those who love the wolves of Yellowstone National Park, as more than a few of the predators have been killed outside the park by hunters. Wolf hunting and trapping also is an issue in the Midwest, and the controversy around that issue prompted writer Greg Breining to take a close look at how wolves and science intertwine. It's not always as neat as you might think

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By Greg Breining - December 26th, 2012 2:19am

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Florida National Scenic Trail To Turn 30 In 2013

The Florida National Scenic Trail will mark its 30th anniversary during 2013, and a special event is scheduled for January 4 to dedicate the trail's Southern Terminus with a monument at the Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve.

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By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2012 2:39am

Check Out The National Parks We Explored In 2012

Part of the fun of the National Park System is exploring the various units to see what they have to offer. Here's a look at parks the Traveler "explored" in 2012.

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By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2012 2:24am

Yosemite Steve Goes Snorkeling In Virgin Islands National Park

Steven Bumgardner, aka Yosemite Steve, typically restricts his videography to Yosemite National Park, but he recently visited Virgin Islands National Park and came away with a great video on snorkeling in the park.

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By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2012 2:20am

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Photography In The National Parks: Capturing The Moods Of Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is known for its subalpine meadows filled with bright, colorful wildflowers in late July to mid-September, depending on the year, but photographing the mountain in its many moods requires spending time on it throughout the year.

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By Deby Dixon - December 25th, 2012 2:16am

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Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Friends Of The Smokies Team Up To Hang Bear Wires In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A joint effort by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Friends of the Smokies has made it a wee bit safer for backcountry travelers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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By NPT Staff - December 24th, 2012 2:38am

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Wind Cave National Park Programs Will Lead Kids Into The Backcountry

Programs for exploring nature with children and discovering the park’s backcountry will be offered this winter and spring at Wind Cave National Park.

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By NPT Staff - December 24th, 2012 2:24am

National Park Lodging: Who's Taking Care Of These Buildings? Part II

While many national park lodges are on the National Register of Historic Places, not all lodges reflect the preservation and well-maintained appearance you might expect for such properties. In this, the second of our two-part series, the Traveler looks at why some properties are not as well-maintained as you might expect.