National Parks Traveler

What do the CCC, YCC, SCA and Junior Ranger programs have in common? They all provide great opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience in national parks. In the process, some of them will develop a life-long appreciation of parks—and the values that make them special. An ambitious project by the Yosemite Fund will help make those experiences possible.

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By Jim Burnett - March 12th, 2010 4:45am

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Cost Savings Mean the National Park Service Can Fund More Projects In the Parks

Favorable contracts on some of the major construction projects the National Park Service has funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment dollars means the agency will be able to afford more projects this year.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 12th, 2010 4:44am

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Zion National Park Developing Soundscape Management Plan

Shhhhhh! What would you hear in Zion National Park if there were no mechanical sounds? That should be an interesting question to discuss as park officials develop a soundscape management plan to protect natural sound in the park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 12th, 2010 4:43am

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Traveler's Gear Box: When It Comes To Base Layers, Do You Opt for Wool or Poly?

For years it's been hammered into us to dress in layers when we head outdoors for extended periods. But should your base layer be wool, or polypropylene when you set off into a national park's backcountry?

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 12th, 2010 4:42am

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Dining At The Parks: Roasted Acorn Squash With Scallops From Lake Quinault Lodge

While scallops can taste great by themselves with a little salt and pepper, this recipe from Lake Quinault Lodge on the southern border of Olympic National Park complements them with the nuttiness of acorn squash. Thanks to Executive Chef Patrick Norris for sharing this recipe.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 12th, 2010 4:40am

National Park Mystery Spot 9 Revealed: A Street Runs Through It

The mystery spot is the building housing the headquarters of Redwood National and State Parks in Crescent City, California. Its unconventional design allows it to straddle a city street, with vehicular traffic passing right through it. This structure was built that way because one of nature’s most awesome forces might send angry torrents of water gushing through instead.