National Parks Traveler

Sunday May 20, 2012 will offer a Celestial Super Bowl—a near-total solar eclipse—and parks in parts of the western U.S. will offer some prime viewing locations. If you want to make travel plans for special eclipse-related activities or purchase equipment for safe viewing, just don't wait too long to do so.

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By Jim Burnett - February 29th, 2012 2:13am

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Harbor Seal Pupping Season Leads To Access Restrictions At Point Reyes National Seashore

With harbor seals descending on Point Reyes National Seashore on the California coast for pupping season, restrictions on public access to various parts of the seashore take effect Thursday and run through the end of June.

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By NPT Staff - February 29th, 2012 2:07am

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PEER, National Park Foundation At Odds Over Foundation's Spending Habits

A watchdog group on Tuesday raised questions about how the National Park Foundation spends its charitable dollars, saying the organization lacks transparency and is top heavy. Foundation CEO Neil Mulholland adamantly rebutted those charges, saying they were "factually incorrect."

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By Kurt Repanshek - February 28th, 2012 1:18pm

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore Implements ORV Rules, Fees, Fines

A hotly debated off-road-vehicle management plan has been put in place at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you need to obtain a permit to drive on the beaches as park managers strive to protect threatened and endangered species.

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By NPT Staff - February 28th, 2012 2:19am

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Birding in the National Parks: Spotting Birds In Canada's Fundy National Park

Birds don’t seem to recognize political borders. Some might call that uncivilized, but I find it endearing that a migrating bird doesn’t know – or care – if it’s about to land in Utah, Ohio, Mexico, or Canada. As long as the habitat is suitable and the time is right, the bird will land, and hopefully be spotted by an observant birder.

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By Kirby Adams - February 28th, 2012 2:17am

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Winter Trails: Not A Bad Time To Consider A Hike Up Stony Man In Shenandoah National Park

Winter can be a great time to hike up Little Stony Man and to the summit of Stony Man in Shenandoah National Park.

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By NPT Staff - February 28th, 2012 2:04am

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Hiker Killed By 300-Foot Fall in Grand Canyon National Park

A 24-year-old Arizona woman was killed in a 300-foot fall while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park, officials said Monday.

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By NPT Staff - February 27th, 2012 3:41pm

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New Online Travel Itinerary for 25 Historic Western Water Projects

A new online Discover Our Shared Heritage travel itinerary provides easy access to essays, images, maps, site information, and travel- and visit-related information for 25 historic water projects in 11 western states.

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By Bob Janiskee - February 27th, 2012 3:58am

National Parks, A Kid's Guide To America's Parks, Monuments And Landmarks

This is a good idea for a book, but its many weaknesses undercut its promise.

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By Kurt Repanshek - February 27th, 2012 2:54am

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Traveler's View: Republican Presidential Contenders' Dim View of Federal Lands Is Short-Sighted

Though national parks, per se, haven't come up during any of the debates among the Republican presidential candidates, their statements on federal lands in general look down upon the public landscape.