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The Unusual Story Behind Death Valley National Park's Popular Zabriskie Point

Death Valley National Park has plenty of colorful place names, including Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Last Chance Mountain and Devil's Golf Course, so modern-day visitors might be curious about the one given to a popular scenic overlook in the park: Zabriskie Point. The explanation may be a bit surprising, since the name is tied to an activity not usually associated with national parks, and the story of the overlook itself offers a fascinating glimpse into the park's history.

Special Tours At Fort Union National Monument Offer Rare Chance To Visit Site Of The First Fort Union

Fort Union National Monument is home to what was once the largest military post west of the Mississippi River, but only adobe and stone ruins now remain on the New Mexico prairie. These surviving walls are actually part of the third Fort Union, and September 20, 2014, you can join rangers for a special, once-a-year chance to visit to the site of the First Fort and Arsenal.

Essential Fall Guide '14: Sweating The Trail Details In National Parks, No. 1

Floods. Windstorms that down trees. Wildfires. Millions of feet. Hiking trails take a pounding from all these things. And while the paths are the responsibility of the National Park Service, the agency often lacks money and staff to tackle all but the most pressing needs. That’s where national park friends groups come into play with their financial resources and, at times, volunteers.

There Likely Is A National Park Fee Increase In Your Future...

It very likely will be a bit more costly to enter Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Acadia, Shenandoah and the other 126 units that charge entrance fees by the time the National Park Service's centennial arrives in 2016, and you also should brace for slightly higher fees to camp, shower, paddle, and participate in boat and cave tours.