Articles

Outdoor & Adventure

Article / Outdoor & Adventure

Putting a Little Bit of Wilderness Back in the Park System

Many of the most iconic units in the U.S. National Park System have no official wilderness designations, despite embracing thousands of acres of eligible acreage. Why not?

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Helping Out in Blue Ridge and Yosemite National Parks

No matter how wonderful you think the National Park Service is, the agency can always use a helping hand. And, thankfully, there are groups ready to extend that helping hand.

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Bringing Science Back to U.S. National Parks

The appointment of a National Park Service science advisor is a new role for the agency, and one that more than a few folks hope will broaden the Park Service's focus on science.

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Talking to Newly Appointed Park Service Head Jon Jarvis

Despite issues involving wildlife, employee morale, competing user demands, and insufficient funds, Jon Jarvis thinks the timing of his arrival in Washington, D.C. as director of the…

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Slope Specs: Two-Time Olympic Host Lake Placid Still Shines

In this Winter Olympic season, skiers' thoughts turn to previous venues. Lake Placid, N.Y. is the only North American two-time site, as well as the last real mountain village to host…

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North American Ski Report: Early-Season Packages

Get a free day of skiing and staying in Salt Lake, treat the family to bargains in Waterville Valley, get to Mont Tremblant faster, and more news and deals that'll make the powder even…

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Slope Specs: Glacial Challenges at Early Season Favorite Les Diablerets

Part of a ski region that includes the linked villages of Villars and Gryon in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Les Diablerets commands attention for in the early season, the…

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Slope Specs: In October, a Young Skier's Fancy Lightly Turns to Thoughts of Loveland

Savvy Colorado skiers and snowboarders of both genders and all ages start thinking about Loveland as soon as the days grow shorter and the aspens promise to turn golden.

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The National Park System Finally Gets a Leader

Last week the U.S. Senate confirmed Jon Javis as director of the National Park Service. Here's what we can expect from the system's new leader.

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How is Climate Change Affecting U.S. National Parks?

Tell-tale signs of climate change are visible across the National Park System if you look for their subtleties. Here's what the park service wants to do about it.

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4 Ways to Have a Mexican Adrenalin Adventure

For many travelers, a vacation to Mexico means lying on a white sand beach and doing next to nothing. But for a select few, heading south of the border is all about adrenalin-pumping…

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Park Notes: Harvest Time & the Call of the Elk

Find out where you can pick fall fruit in parks, and where you can hear the odd sound of 'bugling' elk.

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8 National Park Treasures for the Armchair Traveler

While many park travelers have a few park-related texts on hand, how might the park aficionado round out his or her library? Here are some suggestions, ranging from bear attacks to…

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Book Early for Fall Foliage in Parks from Washington to Virginia

Don't wait until the colors change: Now's the time to book your leaf-peeping getaway at one of the country's spectacular parks.

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Park Notes: Playing Politics & Preparing to Get Burns-ed

In the news this week: What's holding up the appointment of our next National Park Service director, and what's happening at the parks prior to the new Ken Burns mini-series.

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This Land Is Your Land: A Conversation with Ken Burns about "The National Parks: America's Best Idea"

Ken Burns discusses his forthcoming television mini-series 'The National Parks' and argues that it is essential to the survival of the country that people use the park system.

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Shoulder Season in Yellowstone Country: How to Make the Most of 3 Days

If you yearn for a quieter Yellowstone -- one with fewer RVs, tour buses, and minivans -- consider visiting during the sleepy yet still stunning shoulder season month of September.

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How Stimulus Money Is Being Spent in U.S. Parks

Remember the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? That measure contained roughly $750 million for the National Park Service. Here's where they're spending it.

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4 Ways to Hike National Parks Across the U.S.

What's the best trail for you and your family? That's a question only you can answer, but let me toss out some options that cover a wide range of abilities and landscapes.

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Park of the Week: Abraham Lincoln National Park

During this bicentennial celebration of Lincoln's birth, there are plenty of sites to which you can go to see some of his history, but of importance on any list is his birthplace in…

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3 Ways to Plan a National Park Vacation Online

Where can you turn these days for help in planning a national park vacation? Here are three websites that offer great content for planning a national park visit.

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Fish Story: 4 Deep-Sea Destinations off the Baja Peninsula

Squeezed as it is between the vast blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Baja California is a mecca for deep-sea fishermen in pursuit of a big catch.

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Park of the Week: Alcatraz, America's Favorite Prison

Just a short distance from San Francisco's Embarcadero waterfront, Alcatraz is the nation's most popular prison. Popular, of course, with visitors -- not with former residents.

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Summer in the Parks: From Camping Rough to Super-Comfy Inns

If the thought of bundling the whole family in the car or driving solo isn't exactly your speed, you can join like-minded adventurers from the U.S. and abroad on one of these…

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Want to Pack Your Pistol in a Park? You'll Have to Wait

Should visitors to the National Park System be allowed to carry weapons? President Bush gave the notion a green light, but judges have put a hold on park-goers wishing to pack their…