Teams of scientists have headed into the Utah desert in years past to better understand life on other planets, so why not go underground to do the same? A recent workshop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park was intended to help scientists envision exploring caves on other worlds.

Dramatic rescues employing helicopters and highly-trained crews have become almost commonplace from high mountains, deep canyons and other challenging terrain in parks across the country, but sometimes the solution to an emergency requires a return to the basics, including a trio of hardy park employees…and a mule.

Running with the big dogs means something in Denali National Park and Preserve, where Ranger Jess Toubman has been training her sled dogs in a park campground for the coming winter.