If you're planning to mountain bike the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park in July, know that a short stretch of the road will be closed for a few days to all travelers.

The Niobrara River flows eastward 535 miles from the high plains of Wyoming to its confluence with the Missouri River in northeastern Nebraska. Over its course the river cuts through nearly the entire width of northern Nebraska, much of which is in the state’s scenic Sandhills region. Unlike most rivers that are fed by rainwater runoff, nearly three-quarters of the Niobrara’s flow is the result of groundwater from the vast Ogallala Aquifer.

Roughing it isn't always as difficult as it once was, and with two pieces of camp furniture from Big Agnes it gets even more comfortable.

Throughout the National Park System, and other public lands across the nation, arguably the most popular facilities are also the most utilitarian: comfort stations. They come in a variety of styles, from modern to rustic, but one good rule applies to them all—please keep the outside door closed. Failing to do so can lead to some classic examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences.