Park stories

See the Astonishing Dark Skies Protected in Saguaro National Park

For thousands of years, people have been gazing at the stars through the cactus-studded, mountain-crested landscape of what is now known today as Saguaro National Park. Visitors to Saguaro after dark are often astonished by how many stars can be seen...

10 national parks your dog will love

Can’t imagine leaving your best furry friend behind on your next national park adventure? We’ve got you covered! Many national parks are pet-friendly, though some may offer just a little bit more fun for your pet. With trails, waters, campgrounds, hills, and more to explore, we’ve put together a list of just a few of the best national parks your dogs will love.

Kayak, Swim, and More at Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area is a special place that offers recreation opportunities including swimming, hiking, boating, and so much more. Curecanti also provides critical water storage in the arid West. On February 11, 1965, under a...

Indigenous Artists Reflect on the Past and Invest in the Future

Indigenous voices are integral to the stories of national parks. When Indigenous artists demonstrate their craft in parks, they inspire a deep respect for the stories of these sacred landscapes. These stories are not simply of the past. They are part...

Six of the best national parks to visit this winter

Looking for your next park adventure? Read on to find your perfect Western winter park experience. Avoid the crowds, take the road less traveled, and discover all that national parks have to offer.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in a National Park

On the third Monday of January, we celebrate and honor the birth, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He fought tirelessly for equality, liberty, and peace, leading a life of...

Experience White Sands National Park by Video

Originally established as a national monument by President Hoover in 1933, White Sands National Park was redesignated as a national park on December 20, 2019. This glistening landscape preserves 275 square miles of gypsum dunes in the Chihuahuan...

Fossil Footprints at White Sands Tell Important Stories

Article written by David Bustos, Resource Program Manager, White Sands National Park Preserving the Stories of Time Immemorial In recent years, research on fossil human footprints found at White Sands National Park (White Sands) has pushed back the...

The seven best hikes for your fall getaway

Fall often evokes images of cuddling up by a cozy fire with your favorite fall-themed beverage. This year, enjoy that pumpkin-spiced latte or hot apple cider after a day of hiking in beautiful weather and striking autumn hues. In the spirit of the season, we wanted to share seven of our favorite fall getaways tucked away in some of the most beautiful national park sites in the West.

Six of the best kid-friendly trails in the West

If you're planning on hitting the trails with your loved ones, we've got you and the whole family covered. This list of kid-friendly trails will help you get started.