Visitation to the National Park System continued to rebound in 2022, with the head count reaching 312 million, the highest tally since the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to the National Park Service. While 27 parks —2 percent of the 424 units in the National Park System— accounted for half of the 2022 visitation, year-over-year increases largely were seen across the system, the agency said.
Public reaction to Glacier National Park's decision to move its backcountry permit system to Recreation.gov brought praise and criticism, highlighted some of the flaws with the reservation system, and underscored the National Park Service's struggle with managing the rush to the outdoors.
To celebrate International Polar Bear Day on Feb. 27, Parks Canada has launched a polar bear “selfie” gallery of “sweet and silly poses” caught by remote cameras in Wapusk National Park.
Geological mapping requires a high level of skill in Earth science, willingness to go into remote wilderness areas and endure rugged conditions, patience, perseverance, and curiosity. Today, mapping is aided by satellite and airborne data, and an ability to drive close to most areas of geological interest. But imagine being a geological mapper in the 1870s!
When the waterline breaks — as happens almost monthly on the South Rim and canyon floor of Grand Canyon National Park — the canteen at Phantom Ranch and other park restaurants break out disposable plates and plastic utensils instead of dishware requiring water to wash.
When the campgrounds open in Glacier National Park in Montana later this year, the Avalanche Campground will again be available, while the Avalance, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier campgrounds will be available via advance reservation only through Recreation.gov.
If you're planning to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year you're going to need a "parking tag" if you plan to stop for longer than 15 minutes as you explore the park.