Park stories

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at these 9 lesser-known parks

The US national parks are far more than just hiking trails and snow-capped peaks. Celebrate America’s 250th at these epic deserts and historic sites, too.

Fall in Southwestern national parks: 7 hidden gems to visit this autumn

Discover seven hidden gem national parks and monuments in Arizona and New Mexico that are perfect for fall travel. Explore scenic hikes, fascinating history, colorful landscapes, and practical tips for planning your autumn adventure.

Timpanogos Cave Geology: How three stunning caves formed beneath Utah's Wasatch Mountains

Discover the fascinating geology of Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Learn how three caves formed, why Deseret Limestone is so important, and what makes this Utah cave system unlike any other.

Celebrate summer in national parks

Hike a trail. Connect with history. Celebrate in a national park–your way. Get inspired for your next adventure in this month’s edition of “American West Monthly.”

Best national park sites for summer water adventures and fall colors

Whether you're looking to cool off along a scenic shoreline, paddle across a reservoir, or witness the vibrant colors of autumn, national park sites across the West offer unforgettable experiences in every season. Explore our recommendations for...

Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and discover the vast history of Nebraska and beyond

By Emily Pennington//WNP Since 2026 marks the mammoth 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s the perfect year to turn your Midwestern road trip or travels through Omaha into a self-directed history lesson, including...

Your complete guide to hiking the King Canyon/Gould Mine Loop in Saguaro National Park

The King Canyon/Gould Mine Loop in Saguaro National Park’s West District provides a glimpse into the unique history, heritage, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Use this trail guide to prepare for your trip and learn more about what you’ll experience once you start your journey.

Sharing a passion for underground worlds: An interview with Gretchen Baker, 2025 Edward B. Danson Award winner

WNP had the opportunity to interview Gretchen Baker, 2025 Edward B. Danson Award winner, about her work, national parks, and what she is excited about in the future of cave preservation.

Summer starts in a national park

Longer days, open roads, historic commemorations, and canyon light—summer in the parks begins now. Find your park trip inspiration in this month’s edition of “American West Monthly.”

Battle of Little Bighorn: History, commemoration, and visiting the battlefield today

In the rolling grasslands of southeastern Montana, wind moves steadily across open prairie and low ridgelines. Today, this landscape is preserved as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where key ridgelines, ravines, and the broader battlefield setting remain recognizable even as the site has been managed and interpreted over time.