U.S. National Parks

The U.S. National Park System preserves over 400 natural, cultural, and historical sites across the country. Managed by the National Park Service, it includes iconic parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. The system promotes conservation, recreation, and education, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse landscapes across the United States.

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Mexico
New Mexico’s Ancient National Park Site Could Open To Oil Drilling Under Trump Administration Proposal

Chaco Culture National Historical Park's buffer zone against oil drilling may disappear under a new Trump Administration proposal.

Log footbridge over the Nisqually River on the Carter Falls Trail in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park Implements New Ban Following Severe Infrastructure Damage

Mount Rainier National Park closes popular trail following infrastructure damage. Visitors will have to wait for the return of trail crews in spring.

Olympic marmots, parent and youngster
Olympic National Park’s Cutest Animals Could Soon Vanish, Leading Nonprofit To Sue Trump Administration

Olympic National Park is now home to only a few thousand specimens of this adorable animal. Nonprofit sues Trump Administration for lack of action.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Delivered A "Fantastic October" To Its Gateway Town Despite The Continued Government Shutdown

While the government shutdown greatly affected the national parks' operations, local businesses were still "business as usual."

San Luis Obispo's Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, California
Scientists Rejoice Over New Species Discovery In California’s State Park System And Popular Coastal Destinations

Even in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., there are surprises to be found, including this tiny but significant new species.

National Park Service Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance sign in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, TN, USA
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stays Open At $80,000 A Week, But Services Are Limited And Rangers Skeptical

State and local entities' funds keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open until January, but rangers are concerned about the long-term.

National Park Service ranger at the Old Faithful Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Former NPS Employees Accuse U.S. Government Of Violating Two Major Acts And Demand Urgent National Park Closures

Ex-National Park Service employees accuse the Trump Administration of violating two key acts.

Aerial view of Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park To Reopen Campgrounds Despite Concerns Over U.S. Shutdown

Grand Canyon National Park will open two campgrounds on November 1, attracting more tourists. Ex-rangers continue to ask for park closures.

El Capitan rock close-up in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Rescues Injured Climber With Precision Technique Invented By Its Team

Yosemite National Park Search and Rescue team employs a specialized cross-across technique invented in the early 2000s. 

Author in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
I've Visited Utah's Big National Parks, But I'd Recommend This Little-Known Alternative Any Day

I've been to Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah. I love them all, but this underrated small town totally blew me away.

Woman in a blue jacket sitting on an orange rock looking out at a dramatic canyon between red cliffs
Conservation Groups Warn Against New Mining Leases Threatening Utah's National Parks

As federally owned lands near Utah's national parks are opened to drilling and mining operations, advocacy groups are pushing back against the plan.

U.S. National Park Service logo and sign
U.S. National Park Closures During The Government Shutdown

With the National Park Service website left unattended, TheTravel has created a list of national park closures due to the U.S. government shutdown.

Zion National Park
U.S. Department Of The Interior Confirms Helicopter Aid Over Tragic Death At Zion National Park

A man has died at Zion National Park while rappelling in one of its most dangerous locations.

National Park Service Sign in Zion National Park, Utah
U.S. National Park Officials And Visitors Are Concerned About "Loser" Parks' That Could Lose NPS Status

There are more than 400 national park sites in the U.S., but according to Secretary Doug Burgum, some "loser" sites may not be worth keeping.

Yellowstone National Park Sign
Yellowstone National Park Already Announces Road Closures Over Early Snow Concerns

The snow is already falling at Yellowstone National Park.

Old-fashioned wood and stone shops with parked cars on main street in Wall, South Dakota
South Dakota's Most Charming Small Town Has A Top National Park On Its Doorstep

If you're looking for a small town experience next to a major national park, you need to check out this South Dakota destination.

View at Merced River and El Capital in Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite BASE Jumper Faces Stiffer Penalties After Cowardly Decision Backfires

Three BASE jumpers at Yosemite have recently been convicted. Yet, one of them faces stiffer penalties due to a cowardly decision.

Author at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
I Visited Bryce Canyon National Park During The Government Shutdown And Found Crowds, Confusion, And Enduring Beauty

Visiting national parks during the government shutdown is a hot topic. I found plenty of rangers, but there were big crowds and a few missing pieces.

Tourist on the granite cliffs at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, USA
The Most Underrated National Parks In The United States

The USA's national parks capture the best natural wonders across the country. Here are some of the most underrated you should add to your travel list.

Fall In The Chinook Pass Area of Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park Implements New Ban Nobody Was Expecting

Washington's Mount Rainier National Park has implemented temporary access bans in two areas for the winter season.

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