Rising before the sun, I was out the cabin door not long after its rays started cascading on the Continental Divide. The early departure was necessary to catch the gentle morning light warming the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. I also wanted to snag a parking spot at Bear Lake and head up the trail.

One incident of vandalism in the National Park System has been resolved, agents continue to investigate a more high-profile, and wide-spread case in which a woman used acrylic paint to create images in parks across the West.

Modern technology, including cell phones and helicopters, can be a mixed blessing when emergencies occur in remote locations in parks. The downside is some people will expect quick results when things go awry, and due to weather, terrain or other factors, cell phones don't always work, and helicopters aren't always available. When everything comes together, however, those modern devices can make a big difference for rescuers and victims alike.

It's going to cost you a little bit more to head into the backcountry of Rocky Mountain Nationa Park for overnight stays beginning this summer, when the permit fee climbs from $20 to $26 per trip.