Home ›

National Park Quiz 15: Ring of Fire

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on August 13, 2008 - 4:00am
This week’s quiz tests your knowledge of geologic features and processes in the national parks that lie within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that rings the Pacific Basin. Answers are at the end. If we catch you peeking, we'll make you write "convergent boundary" 100 times on the whiteboard.

Traveler's Picks for Where to Get Wet in the National Park System

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on August 12, 2008 - 4:13am
We definitely are in the dog days of summer. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park the temperature's been well into the 90s, and with the high humidity, well, you really do need to find a place to cool off. With that understood, here are Traveler's Top Picks for where to get wet in the National Park System.*

Telegraph Fire Closing in On Yosemite National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on July 30, 2008 - 10:22am
Firefighters are continuing to struggle with the so-called Telegraph Fire that's burning to the west of Yosemite National Park. While on Monday the fire was estimated to be burning 25-30 miles west of the park, it now is reported to be about 15 miles from the park's western boundary.

"Telegraph Fire" Having Minimal Impacts on Yosemite National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on July 27, 2008 - 1:52pm
A wildfire burning west of Yosemite National Park has forced operations in the Yosemite Valley to run off of generators, and smoke is cutting visibility in some areas of the park. However, everything remains open in the park and all roads leading to it remain open.

There’s a New National Park Service Website for Visitors with Disabilities or Special Needs

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on July 22, 2008 - 12:33pm
The National Park Service has launched a website for visitors with disabilities or other special needs. It’s a great new way to find information about accessible trails, vistas, programs, activities, and educational opportunities at the national parks.

Florine and Hirayama Regain the Nose Route Speed-Climb Record at Yosemite National Park

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on July 3, 2008 - 5:16am
Two fiercely competitive speed-climbers have regained the Nose Route record the Huber brothers wrested from them on El Capitan last October. The new record for the Nose, a big-wall climb that normally takes three or more days to complete, is two hours, 43 minutes, and 33 seconds. While admirers rave, critics grumble.

“10 Best National Parks”? National Geographic, You Have Got to be Kidding!

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on June 28, 2008 - 3:15am
National Geographic might be considered a gold standard authority on national parks. Why, then, is a hilariously flawed “10 Best National Parks” list included in a recently published National Geographic book? Is NG testing us to see if we’re paying attention?

National Park Quiz 8: Firsts

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on June 25, 2008 - 3:21am
There is a first time for everything -- every innovation, every event, every development, every activity, every you-name-it. The storied history of the National Park System is loaded with firsts. Take this week's quiz and see if you can be the first to answer all the questions correctly. Answers are at the end. No peeking!

New Movie “To the Limit” Shows Record Speed-Climb of El Capitan Nose Route at Yosemite National Park

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on June 21, 2008 - 4:27am
On October 8, 2007, the Huber brothers set a new speed-climbing record of two hours, 45 minutes, and 45 seconds for El Capitan’s Nose route, one of the world’s most difficult big wall climbs. The event was captured on film, and you won’t believe your eyes.

Park History: Director Hartzog and the Automobile

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on June 19, 2008 - 6:28am
How's that saying go, the more things change, the more they stay the same? That certainly seems to be the truth in the case of national parks jammed with automobiles.