Park stories

Plan your trip to Pecos National Historical Park

Connect with and explore centuries of history at Pecos National Historical Park, just a short drive away from Santa Fe. Read on to learn more about why Pecos National Historical Park is a must-visit, and get tips for planning your journey.

WNP Books: Explore the Wild Wonder of Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is one of the most storied and ecologically rich places in the national park system. Just off the southern California coast, five remote islands and their surrounding marine environment offer a rare glimpse into what the region looked like centuries ago—quiet, biodiverse, and largely untouched by modern development. In Channel Islands National Park, author Susan Lamb provides a thoughtful, well-researched guide to the park’s history, ecology, and visitor experience.

Wild and wonderful national parks for August

Watch incredible wildlife, marvel at the wonders of the night sky, and explore California's stunning coastline.

10 accessible national park trails everyone can enjoy

National parks are for everyone. From desert vistas to volcanic flows, these wild spaces are filled with stories, science, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or simply looking for a gentler path to explore...

Petroglyphs of the Southwest: A Puebloan Perspective by Conroy Chino

From the walls of deep canyons to windswept plateaus, the Southwest is home to hundreds of thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs—ancient images carved and painted onto stone by generations of Indigenous peoples. These symbols aren’t just evidence of the past—they’re a living part of ongoing Native culture, spirituality, and identity. In Petroglyphs of the Southwest, author and Acoma Pueblo journalist Conroy Chino offers an Indigenous perspective on these powerful images, sharing insights into their meaning, creation, and continued significance.

7 Must-See Urban National Parks

America’s national parks aren’t all in the remote wilderness. Here are a few of our favorite parks near large urban centers. Emily Pennington, WNP Visiting a mind-blowing national park doesn’t have to involve hiking up a mountain or shivering inside...

Perfect parks for July adventures

From a day at the beach and high-altitude hikes to historic trails and summertime celebrations, the long days and short nights make July a great time to enjoy all the national parks have to offer.

Find your perfect park for an Independence Day celebration

Looking for a national park to celebrate Independence Day, or want to learn more about the history of our nation? These national parks are perfect for visiting for the Fourth of July or connecting with the past.

Cool off in a national park this summer

Looking to cool off this summer? National parks offer more than epic views—they’re also great places to beat the heat. Whether you’re splashing in a lake, hiking in the high country, or exploring a shaded cave, these parks let you enjoy the season while staying refreshed.

Plan Your Trip along Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Hit the trail where travelers journeyed more than a thousand years ago between Missouri and New Mexico. From prairie crossings to mountain passes, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail weaves through five states, offering you a chance to walk, drive, bike, or horseback ride sections of this 1,200‑mile route steeped in history.