| National Parks Traveler

Zion Canyon In Zion National Park Reopens, But With Some Restrictions

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 23, 2010 - 1:54pm

Two days after torrential rains forced the closure of Zion National Park, officials on Thursday reopened Zion Canyon, but with some restrictions.

Rising Water, Flood Potential, Lead to Closure of Zion National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 21, 2010 - 12:43pm

Zion National Park was closed shortly before noon Tuesday as rising flows in the Virgin River posed a threat to the park's infrastructure in Zion Canyon. Both the Zion Lodge and the Watchman Campground were being evacuated, park officials said.

Washout Closes Section of Zion-Mt Carmel Highway Inside Zion National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 20, 2010 - 2:24pm

While heavy snows are falling in Utah's snow country, in the southwestern corner of the state heavy rains have been soaking the region. In Zion National Park, those rains led to a washout that has closed the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway inside the park for an undetermined period.

Traveler's Checklist: Bryce Canyon National Park, Winter Edition

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 13, 2010 - 2:37am

Though summer draws the bulk of Bryce Canyon National Park's 1.2 million annual visitors, a strong argument can be made that winter is a more fascinating time to visit this red-rock icon. The sharp contrasts between fresh-fallen snow, cerulean skies, and the park's red-hued amphitheaters are spectacular. If you can manage a winter escape, here are some tips for touring Bryce Canyon.

Creature Feature: The Desert Tarantula Looks Big, Hairy, and Scary

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on December 3, 2010 - 4:13am

The tarantula's fearsome appearance belies the fact that this docile, reclusive creature is nearly harmless.

Missing From the System? Tule Springs Harbors Ice Age Fossils In An Urban Setting

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 3, 2010 - 2:15am

Not far from the bright lights and card tables of Las Vegas there's a stretch of desert so relished by developers that street names were attached to blueprints of suburbia. Now, though, that landscape and its unique collection of Ice Age fossils is being promoted as the country's next national monument.

Finding Winter Bliss in a National Park Lodge

Submitted by David and Kay Scott on November 8, 2010 - 1:16am

Winter can be a blissful time to visit the national parks. You can head south, and enjoy the warm weather and simply pitch your tent, or you can head to the snow belt and explore the parks on skis or snowshoes. But where should you stay? We asked our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, for their recommendations.