Public input is being sought on a draft backcountry management plan for Wupatki National Monument, which protects ruins from an ancient civilization that cultivated a living from a site in present-day northern Arizona that evolved into a regional trading center of sorts before being abandoned after about 300 years.

Work soon will begin to remove invasive Australian pine trees along the shoreline of Florida Bay in Everglades National Park.

There is no doubt that the park system has issues that must be tackled, from crowds and air-tour noise to cracked concrete, eroding trails, and not enough interpretive rangers to explain the wonders. But take the time to explore these places -- truly explore, not simply count coup with a selfie -- and it's hard not to come away in awe.

It's no secret, it's constantly getting a bit more expensive to stay in a lodge inside a national park. But is the experience also rising, or is it not keeping track with the cost?