National Parks Traveler

Spring. It's a fresh, vibrant season in the National Park System, one of renewal, for the parks’ wildlife, vegetation, and even for human visitors. After long, dark months of cold and snow across much of the system, the arrival of March, April, and May provide greater warmth, daylight, and access in the parks.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 17th, 2014 10:16am

Lots Of Activities To Keep You Busy During National Park Week

With 401 units of the National Park System, how do you decide what to do during National Park Week? The folks at the National Park Service and National Park Foundation have some suggestions for you.

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By NPT Staff - April 17th, 2014 3:49am

Some Yellowstone National Park Roads To Open Friday

Barring a freak spring snowstorm, some roads into Yellowstone National Park will open to wheeled vehicles on Friday morning.

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By NPT Staff - April 17th, 2014 2:48am

Fish In National Parks From Alaska To Colorado Have Unhealthy Mercury Levels

Timing often is happenstance, but with Earth Day arriving next week, word of high mercury levels in fish in national parks from Alaska to Colorado is particularly sobering. In some cases, the levels exceed limits OKed for human consumption.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 17th, 2014 2:41am

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Construction To Close Graveyard Fields Parking Area/Trailhead On Blue Ridge Parkway For Nearly Three Months

A makeover of the parking area at the Graveyard Fields Trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway will require the area to be closed for about 11 weeks, beginning April 22.

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By NPT Staff - April 16th, 2014 2:52am

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Epic 1920 Trek Across Craters Of The Moon National Monument Is Being Retraced This Week

Nearly a century ago, the dramatic landscape now included in Craters of the Moon National Monument was virtually unknown to all but a few hardy adventurers. One of them, Robert Limbert, hiked across the area in 1920, and his photos and articles are credited with spurring creation of the Monument in 1924. This week, a small group of hikers is recreating Limbert's historic trek, and sharing their progress via social media.

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By Jim Burnett - April 16th, 2014 2:50am

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The Best Of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, at 2.2 million acres, is a huge, sprawling expanse of wilderness and wonders. If you're making a once-in-a-lifetime visit there, where do you start?

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 16th, 2014 2:49am

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Essential Paddling Guide: Prime Paddling Spots, Rocky Mountains

Rivers run fast and tumbling throughout the National Park System, there are streams with lazy meanders, and placid lakes perfect for dipping a paddle. This diversity poses a delightful dilemma when you have the urge to float and paddle. What follows is just a sampling of the experiences that await you, whether you have hundreds of watery miles under your paddle, or are looking for calm waters to take your youngsters