Commentary, news, and life in America's Parks

Photos of the Week

02/05/2012 | Wonderment in Wales | Randy Johnson
02/05/2012 | Rainforest Wander | Randy Johnson
Halemaumau Trail Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
01/31/2012 | Halemaumau Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Randy Johnson
01/31/2012 | Calling All Birders | Randy Johnson
01/31/2012 | Steadfast Greene | Randy Johnson
01/31/2012 | Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse | Michael Rickard

Features

'Tis the Season for Scenic Drives and Easy Hikes at Saguaro National Park

Winter and spring are popular seasons for visiting Saguaro National Park, and for good reason. It's a great time of the year to enjoy the Arizona desert, and two "roads less traveled" and a variety of trails offer access to fine desert scenery.

Sale of Plastic Water Bottles Banned At Grand Canyon National Park

​ Grand Canyon National Park will eliminate the in-park sale of water packaged in individual disposable containers within 30 days under a plan approved today by National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels.

Summit On The Parks: Where To Now?

It's been a week since the conclusion of America's Summit on National Parks, but in truth the work is just beginning.

Faraway Ranch Tour at Chiricahua National Monument Gets Five Stars

Here's one recipe for an outstanding tour of a historic ranch: take a century's worth of Old West history, add generous measures of compelling personal stories and classic southern Arizona scenery, and stir well by a talented interpreter. The result, at Chiricahua National Monument's Faraway Ranch, earned five stars during my recent visit to the park.

Birding in The National Parks: Bald Eagles No Longer A Ghost Bird in the National Parks

I lowered my binoculars and muttered, “Oh, it’s just another eagle.” With that statement I recognized a few years ago that I officially had started taking Bald Eagles for granted.

Puzzles, Mysteries, and Reviews

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012